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Tag: Discovery Communications

  • Discovery to acquire full control of Eurosport for €491 million from TF1

    Discovery to acquire full control of Eurosport for €491 million from TF1

    NEW DELHI: Discovery Communications, which had earlier acquired a controlling stake in sports broadcaster Eurosport France by increasing its share to 51 per cent, is now acquiring full ownership for €491 million from TF1 Group.

     

    The TF1 Group will exercise a put option on its 49 per cent ownership stake as part of the companies’ previous 2012 agreement.

     

    “Discovery Communications is excited to expand and deepen our investment in Eurosport as we continue to strengthen our newest global brand with locally relevant sports rights that create value for fans, advertisers and distributors,” said Discovery Communications president and CEO David Zaslav.

     

    “In 2012, we began our investment with a 20 per cent stake in Eurosport and increased that investment to 51 per cent. Taking full control of Eurosport is the culmination of our commitment to strengthening Eurosport as a premier sports brand and fully integrating this business within Discovery’s unmatched global portfolio. I would like to thank TF1 for being great partners to us on this journey for the past few years,” he added.

     

    “We are delighted by the excellent relationship between Discovery and TF1 since we began our partnership in 2012. After an initial phase of creating value via acquisitions of equity stakes, which accelerated the development of Eurosport and the theme channels, we intend to continue our collaboration in the years ahead,” added TF1 chairman and CEO Nonce Paolini.

     

    The agreement also includes a provision for TF1 to buy back Discovery’s 20 per cent interest in TV Breizh, Histoire, and Ushua?a TV for €15 million. Both transactions are expected to close at the beginning of the fourth quarter.

     

    Since May 2014, Discovery and Eurosport have acquired more than 7,500 hours of coverage – with more than 3,300 of that live – per year across more than 50 properties signed. From UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Major League Soccer, expanding on Bundesliga soccer, Spanish cycling, Winter Ski Jumping, Wimbledon in Belgium, and FIFA Women’s World Cup across Europe, to Moto GP in Germany, Belgium and Netherlands, these new rights strengthen the Eurosport channels and bring the most compelling sporting events to local fans everywhere.

     

    In June, Discovery/Eurosport won the TV and multiplatform rights for the Olympic Games from 2018 to 2024, reinforcing Eurosport as the home of Olympic sports all year long. The agreement allows for more European sports fans to access the games on more platforms and screens than ever before. With almost half of Eurosport’s existing programming being Olympic sports, Discovery and Eurosport say they will now engage passionate fans around these key sports 365 days a year. Discovery and Eurosport will have access to the Olympic emblems and the rich Olympic video library and archive, which will further solidify Eurosport’s position as the pan-European home of Olympic sports.

  • Comcast & Discovery Communications renew long-term distribution deal

    Comcast & Discovery Communications renew long-term distribution deal

    MUMBAI: Comcast Corporation and Discovery Communications have renewed their long-term distribution agreement that will deliver Discovery’s 12 US networks to Comcast’s Xfinity TV customers across the US.

     

    The renewal also includes TV Everywhere rights, ensuring Xfinity TV customers have access to Discovery brands and programs on multiple platforms, both in and out of the home.

     

    “Comcast is a dynamic and innovative company and has been a great partner of Discovery’s for over two decades. We look forward to continuing our relationship and unlocking the value of Discovery’s content in even greater ways for Xfinity viewers,” said Discovery Communications president and CEO David Zaslav.

     

    “We’re pleased to extend our relationship with Discovery and its family of networks under this long-term renewal agreement. This renewal will enable our Xfinity TV customers to experience Discovery’s content in more ways and on more platforms than ever before,” added Comcast Cable president and CEO Neil Smit.

  • Discovery gets controlling stake in Eurosport France

    Discovery gets controlling stake in Eurosport France

    NEW DELHI: Discovery Communications has completed the acquisition of a controlling interest in Eurosport France to consolidate further Europe’s leading sports entertainment group. 

     

    Discovery increased its interest in Eurosport France to 51 per cent from 20 per cent as part of a larger strategic partnership with TF1 Group that began in December 2012.

     

    Discovery took a controlling interest in Eurosport International to build scale across Europe and Asia, and add valuable sports content to its global media assets spanning more than 220 countries and territories.

     

    The closing price in 2014 for Eurosport International was based on an average enterprise valuation for the Eurosport Group of approximately €900 million, partly corresponding to the initial valuation and partly to a higher valuation linked to the control of the company. At that time, the value of Eurosport France (€85 million) was deducted. TF1 retains the ability to exercise a put option over the remaining 49 per cent in the now combined Eurosport Group, which, if exercised, would increase Discovery’s ownership to 100 cent.

     

    “I am more excited than ever about Eurosport. Bringing the French business and its talented employees back into the larger organisation illustrates Discovery’s commitment to building on the success of this great brand. Since acquiring a controlling interest last May, Discovery has made a series of strategic investments to enhance Eurosport’s offerings with affiliates, advertisers and audiences. We are ambitiously strengthening Eurosport by bringing exciting sporting events to local fans across Europe and Asia. I would like to thank TF1 for its great stewardship and continued partnership,” said Discovery Communications president and CEO David Zasla. 

     

    “We are pleased with the consolidation of Eurosport France under Discovery Communications’ leadership. Eurosport Group is performing well and will continue to benefit from Discovery’s strategic investments and expertise around the world,” added TF1 Group chairman and CEO Nonce Paolini.

     

    Over the last 10 months, Discovery and Eurosport have signed numerous sports rights deals – from Major League Soccer, Spanish cycling, winter sports and FIFA Women’s World Cup across Europe, to Moto GP in Germany, Belgium and Netherlands – to strengthen the Eurosport channels with compelling sporting events.

     

    “Eurosport France is a cornerstone of the Eurosport Group and will continue to be an important business for us, with dedicated teams and resources in the key French market, where Eurosport is headquartered. Furthermore, Eurosport France and its employees will benefit from rejoining the larger organisation and Discovery’s 30 years as a global media company. We can now truly operate as one team and I am thrilled with the progress we are making. We are really just getting started,” said Eurosport CEO Peter Hutton.

  • 21st Century Fox denies talks for tie-up with Discovery Communications

    21st Century Fox denies talks for tie-up with Discovery Communications

    NEW DELHI: 21st Century Fox has denied as “categorically untrue” that senior executives from 21st Century Fox and Discovery Communications had met to discuss a tie-up that could create a $100 billion movie, entertainment and sports giant.

     

    The story had appeared in the Australian Financial Review.

     

    Rupert Murdoch of Fox and John Malone, a major shareholder in Discovery (and a director) and chairman and CEO of Discovery Holdings, have a long history in media, sometimes fighting one another and other times co-operating.

     

    Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald on 23 February reminded readers that News Corp-backed Foxtel is already working on a 50/50 deal with Discovery to buy Australia’s Ten Network.

     

    A few months ago billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a shareholder in News Corp/21st Century Fox, following the ending of 21st Century’s bid for Time-Warner had said, “Combining both companies would have been a dream proposal because the amount of content the combined company would have had would have been tremendous.”

     

    “Knowing Mr Murdoch, I think the idea is still in his mind. But I think the time is not right now because the management of Time Warner are against it, and the shareholders of Fox were also not for it,” he had told CNN in September. 

  • Discovery Communications strengthens global sports strategy with two new appointments

    Discovery Communications strengthens global sports strategy with two new appointments

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications has made two new executive appointments that will further strengthen the company’s global sports expertise and strategy. While Jean-Thierry Augustin has been named president, sports strategy & development in a newly created position at Discovery Networks International, Peter Hutton has been appointed Eurosport chief executive officer.

     

    Augustin, who previously held the position of CEO at Eurosport, will report directly to Discovery Networks International president JB Perrette and continue to be based in Paris. Augustin will work closely with Discovery’s international leadership team and Peter Hutton will create a compelling sports business development strategy that utilises sports as a game-changing asset and drives new growth globally.

     

    Hutton joins Eurosport from MP & Silva Group, where he held the post of co-chief executive officer. As CEO of Eurosport, Hutton will oversee the negotiation of sports rights and lead Eurosport’s content strategy to bring renewed focus to programming, production, promotion and platforms. Hutton will take advantage of Discovery’s local infrastructure and global platforms to maximise Eurosport’s value across more than 70 countries and in 20 languages. He will also report to Perrette and will be based in Paris, with a start date of 1 March, 2015.

     

    Perrette said, “As we approach the one year anniversary of Discovery’s acquisition of Eurosport in May, our focus is now on unlocking the full value of our must-have sports content for the entire Discovery Communications portfolio to benefit our advertisers, affiliates, audiences and shareholders around the world.”

     

    “Jean-Thierry has been at the helm of Eurosport for a number of years during, which he has proved to be a tremendous commercial leader and this new role will harness his expertise to build Discovery’s global sports strategy and expertise. Similarly, Peter has excelled in the sports media business. With extensive experience in Europe, Asia and Middle East, and strong relationships with broadcasters and rights holders, he is the perfect executive to strengthen Eurosport’s position as a global leader in sports. I am excited to work with both Jean-Thierry and Peter as we take our business to an exciting new level,” he added.

     

    Augustin joined Eurosport in 2001 as regional distribution director and following various promotions was named chief executive officer, Eurosport Group in June 2013. During this period, Augustin played a key role in the launch of Eurosport 2, which is available in 74 million homes in 51 countries and broadcasts 2,300 hours of live action every year. He also oversaw development of Europe’s number-one online sports destination, Eurosport.com which comprises 15 websites in 11 languages, and Eurosport Player, which provides live streaming of Eurosport and Eurosport 2 channels as well as catch-up TV around selected events in 35 markets.

     

    “It has been a privilege to lead Eurosport over the past several years. I look forward to applying my experience and working with JB and Peter to help utilise sports content to drive growth, and create long-term relationships with key partners throughout Discovery’s global business,” said Augustin.

     

    Hutton on the other hand, during his time at MP & Silva Group, oversaw a portfolio of rights that included the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championships, Formula 1, Grand Slam tennis and Series A football. He helped launch joint venture channels with Be In Sports in Asia, and took the business into the sponsorship market and key local rights, such as Belgian and Polish football. Before joining MP & Silva Group, Hutton’s previous roles included managing director ESPN Star Sports, senior vice president Fox International Channels Sport, as well as COO and one of the founders of Middle East and Asian broadcaster Ten Sports.

     

    “After over 30 years in sports media, I can’t think of a better brand to lead than Eurosport,” said Hutton. “I look forward to building on the great work of Jean-Thierry Augustin and his team to ensure that we further improve our line-up of world class sports relevant to our audiences throughout Europe and Asia. With the support of the Discovery teams around the world, we will deliver the best possible global and local events to our viewers and to our commercial partners.”

     

    In May 2014, Discovery increased its interest in Eurosport International to 51 per cent from 20 per cent as part of a larger strategic partnership with TF1 Group that began in December 2012. TF1 Group continues to be the majority shareholder of Eurosport France, in which Discovery holds a 20 per cent equity stake.

     

  • Amazon’s cloud service, the preferred choice by media industry, says Amit Sharma

    Amazon’s cloud service, the preferred choice by media industry, says Amit Sharma

    MUMBAI: Striving to be Earth’s most consumer-centric company, Amazon.com is a place where customers can virtually discover anything they want to buy online. To prove their consumer-centeredness, the online retail giant in 2006 launched Amazon Web Services (AWS) exposing key infrastructure services to businesses in the form of web services, more commonly known as cloud computing.

    Even as a web service, Amazon is as well received and popular as its e-tailer form with clients ranging from MNCs to online agencies and news broadcasters.

    Talking about the base strategy of the company at Broadcast India conference, Amazon Internet Services’ solution architect Amit Sharma said “Focus on content development, leave the infrastructure management to us.”

    The company’s global clientele includes; Netflix, IMDB, Discovery Communications, Samsung, NASA while Hungama, NDTV, DigiCable, India Today Group, Sony among others joined them from India.

    According to Sharma, the company has around 8000 customers in India. “AWS Cloud is a preferred choice by the media industry,” he adds.

    With the rise of the online medium, everything from music to movies and TV shows have shifted online. The old hardware storage has been replaced almost completely by internet, tapes have been replaced by servers and the companies have gone digital. With these paradigm changes happening in the online world, AWS provides a platform for better web services to the company, Sharma opines.

    The company mainly handles issues getting all the content online to provide easy access.

    “Netflix runs almost 100 per cent of its online videos on AWS. In order to transfer the entire library of Netflix to AWS, we used around 1200 servers,” Sharma reveals.

    Similarly AWS provides solutions to problems including; reducing IT cost for new applications, for user profiling, websites and website hosting, business applications, backup and recovery, disaster recovery, data archive, high performance computing, mobile services, digital marketing, game development and digital media.

    Book My Show, uses AWS to analyse users that visit the site while Hungama was looking to reduced 33 per cent monthly costs using AWS.

    The company provides a highly reliable, scalable, low-cost infrastructure platform in the cloud that has helped a number of enterprises, government and startup customers businesses in 190 countries around the world. AWS offers over 30 different services, including Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) and Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS).

    Available to customers from data center locations in the US, Brazil, Europe, Japan, Singapore and Australia, the company is planning to expand further and open a data centre in India.

    Recently, software giant Microsoft had said it will set up three data centres in India, offering commercial cloud services, to tap what it estimates is a $2 trillion opportunity. These data centres are expected to be set up by the end of 2015.

     

  • Discovery Communications bags two Apollo Award

    Discovery Communications bags two Apollo Award

    NEW DELHI: Three entries from India including two from Discovery Communications India featured in the award-winners list of the 2014 Apollo Awards organised by Asia Image.

     

    Discovery Communications India bagged two awards for the same programme – ‘Himalayan Tsunami’ produced by Beach House Pictures. It received the awards for Colour Grading by Karen Ng and Sound Design category- Long Form by Jerry Teo.

     

    The third Indian award went to Merzin Tavaria and Alex Pejic for Visual Effects/ CGI – Long Form for two films ‘White House Down’ by Prime Focus.

     

    The awards were given away last night at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, alongside BroadcastAsia at the 19th International Digital Multimedia & Entertainment Technology Exhibition & Conference. 

     

    Out of 165 submissions received, 42 entries made the final cut after being judged by a panel of judges that combines extensive technical knowledge, critically acclaimed creativity, and years of experience in the media and entertainment industry. The results are tabulated and audited by international auditing firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers. 

     

    Seven Indian entries had been shortlisted. While ‘Kai Po Che!’ had been shortlisted for Colour Grading for Merzin Tavaria and Paresh Acharya of Prime Focus, Discovery Communications India made it to the list for Cinematography – Long Form for Sanjay Agarwal filming ‘Everest: India Army Women’s Expedition’ produced by Robin Roy Films. The other Indian entries were: Sandeep Shelar & Ashok in Art Direction for ‘Ixigo’ by Studio Eeksaurus Productions Pvt. Ltd; and Merzin Tavaria for Visual Effects/ CGI – Long Form for ‘The Great Gatsby’ by Prime Focus. 

    “We will continue to evolve and remain relevant to provide industry players with a driving force that truly celebrates excellent performance. All our winners have made major contributions towards their respective fields, and we are proud to honour their achievements,” said Apollo Awards organiser Raymond Wong.

    “Also, we thank our sponsors and partners for your generosity and contributions. The Awards wouldn’t have been so momentous without your kind support, endorsement and presence,” added Wong.

    The ceremony brought together around 150 industry professionals, who celebrated the joyous occasion with all the award winners. First launched in 2005, the Asia Image Apollo Awards is an initiative aimed at honouring the best in production and post-production across Asia Pacific, with a strong focus on the creative and technical mastery behind the scenes.

  • Seven entries from India including one feature film make it to Apollo Award final list

    Seven entries from India including one feature film make it to Apollo Award final list

    NEW DELHI: Seven entries from India including the feature ‘Kai Po Che!’ and three from Discovery Communications India feature in the finalists for the 2014 Apollo Awards organised by Asia Image.

     

    The awards function is taking place on 18 June at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, alongside BroadcastAsia – the 19th International Digital Multimedia & Entertainment Technology Exhibition & Conference. 

     

    Out of 165 submissions received, 42 entries made the final cut after being judged by a panel of judges that combines extensive technical knowledge, critically acclaimed creativity, and years of experience in the media and entertainment industry. The results are tabulated and audited by international auditing firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers. 

     

    While ‘Kai Po Che!’ has been shortlisted for Colour Grading for Merzin Tavaria and Paresh Acharya of Prime Focus, Discovery Communications India makes it to the list for Cinematography – Long Form for Sanjay Agarwal filming ‘Everest: India Army Women’s Expedition’ produced by Robin Roy Films, the Sound Design category- Long Form for Jerry Teo in ‘Himalayan Tsunami’ produced by Beach House Pictures, which also gets a nomination for Colour Grading by Karen Ng.

     

    The other Indian entries are: Sandeep Shelar & Ashok in Art Direction for ‘Ixigo’ by Studio Eeksaurus Productions; and Merzin Tavaria for Visual Effects/ CGI – Long Form for two films ‘White House Down’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’ by Prime Focus. 

    Leading the pack, with multiple nominations across several categories, are VHQ Post and MediaCorp.

  • Discovery Communications acquires controlling interest in Eurosport International

    Discovery Communications acquires controlling interest in Eurosport International

    NEW DELHI: Discovery Communications today announced the completion of its acquisition of the controlling interest in Eurosport International, Europe’s leading sports entertainment group.

     According to an announcement made in France, Discovery increased its interest in Eurosport to 51 per cent from 20 per cent as part of a larger strategic partnership with TF1 Group that began in December 2012.

     

    Discovery was one of the first American media companies to launch channels in Europe in 1989 and has invested steadily and significantly in its international business for 25 years.

     

    With the addition of Eurosport’s six pay-TV brands, Eurosport, Eurosport HD, Eurosport 2, Eurosport 2 HD, Eurosport Asia-Pacific and Eurosportnews, Discovery Communications now operates more than 210 worldwide TV networks reaching 2.7 billion cumulative subscribers.

     

    The closing price for Eurosport International was based on an average enterprise valuation for the Eurosport Group of €902 million (approximately $1.2 billion), partly corresponding to the initial valuation and partly to a higher valuation linked to the control of the company.

     

    From this group valuation, the value of Eurosport France (€85 million, approximately $115 million) has been deducted. TF1 expects to retain its 80 per cent interest in Eurosport France until at least 1 January 2015. Also, today’s closing does not impact the other two elements of the original deal – the 20 per cent interest Discovery acquired in TV Breizh, Histoire, Ushuaia TV and Stylia channels, and a production alliance with TF1 Group.

     

    TF1 will retain the ability to exercise a put option over the remaining 49 per cent in Eurosport International, which would potentially increase Discovery’s ownership to 100 per cent.

     

    “Today is an exciting day for Discovery Communications and our leadership as the number one pay-TV programmer in the world. Eurosport is a perfect strategic fit for growing market share, strengthening relationships with advertisers and affiliates, and bringing ‘must have’ content to passionate viewers across the globe,” said Discovery Communications President and CEO David Zaslav. “By combining Eurosport’s popular sports programming with Discovery’s global brands and local expertise, we will continue to capitalise on the international growth of pay-TV and create long-term value for our shareholders.”

     

    Discovery intends to make long-term strategic decisions and targeted investments to strengthen and expand Eurosport’s sports programming and services to nourish and maximize Eurosport’s audience and reach. As part of that effort, Discovery will be working with Eurosport management and employees on a long-term business plan that fully optimizes Eurosport’s channels as part of Discovery’s suite of global networks.

     

    “Together, Discovery and Eurosport are undoubtedly stronger. Discovery has built the most successful international pay-TV business in all of media and we are excited to utilize that expertise to further strengthen Eurosport’s programming and platforms,” said Discovery Networks International president Jean-Briac Perrette. “We would like to thank TF1 for its leadership of Eurosport International and for giving us such a wonderful opportunity to expand our partnership.”

     

    “Eurosport is perfectly poised for its next phase of growth and I can think of no better partner than Discovery to make this vision a reality,” said TF1chairman and CEO Nonce Paolini. “Discovery has a proven track record of a long-term investment strategy that creates value for advertisers, affiliates and audiences around the world.”

     

    Eurosport, marking its silver jubilee of leadership in live sports broadcasting and digital innovation, is Europe’s leading sports entertainment group. Eurosport, the number one pan-European TV channel, broadcasts in 20 languages and reaches 135 million homes across 54 countries. Eurosport HD is the high definition simulcast of Eurosport. Eurosport 2 broadcasts to 72 million households in 18 languages across 51 countries. Eurosport 2 HD was launched in August 2009. Eurosport Asia-Pacific reaches 16 countries in the region and launched an HD channel in September 2011. Eurosport News is the sports news channel transmitted worldwide.

     

    Eurosport.com has up to 23 million unique users per month (comScore) across an international network of sports websites in 11 languages, including Yahoo! co-branded sites in Germany, Spain, Italy and the UK. The Eurosport.com free mobile applications are available in 10 languages. Eurosport Player, Eurosport’s online TV service, provides live and on-demand sports to fans’ PCs in 53 countries and the Player application is available for mobile, tablet and connected TV in up to 40 countries. Eurosport Events is the group’s expert division in the management and promotion of international sporting events.

  • Discovery Communications reports first quarter 2014 results

    Discovery Communications reports first quarter 2014 results

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications has reported its financial results for the first quarter ended 31 March 2014.

     

    Discovery president and chief executive officer David Zaslav said, “Discovery’s strong organic growth continued during the first quarter as our unparalleled global reach and sustained investment in diverse and engaging content allowed us to capitalize on the growing demand for pay-tv programming worldwide. The larger audiences and consistent market share gains we are delivering are driving sustained financial results, even as we further invest in our platforms and integrate strategic acquisitions that will enhance our long-term growth prospects. As we look to the remainder of 2014, leveraging the significant opportunities across our existing asset portfolio remains our priority so we can maintain our financial momentum while further building long-term shareholder value.”

     

    Click here to read the full report