ITV

Tag: Eurosport

  • Discovery Networks APAC acquires Setanta Sports Asia

    Discovery Networks APAC acquires Setanta Sports Asia

    MUMBAI: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP), a division of the pay-TV programmer Discovery Communications, has acquired Setanta Sports Asia Limited, a premium sports channel specialising in rugby.

     

    Discovery Networks International president JB Perrette said, “The acquisition of Setanta Sports Asia is an important investment for Discovery as we further build scale and expand our business in Asia. Just over a year ago, Discovery gained a controlling interest in Eurosport – a bold play that took our company into the exciting arena of sports, Similar to the strategy we have adopted for Eurosport, we will look to build on the strengths of Setanta and fortify its leadership as a must-have sports channel across Asia.”

     

    Perrette further added, “We will continue our steady investment in premium sports for Asia. The recent investments in the exclusive media rights for Champions League in Singapore on Eurosport, and now Setanta Sports Asia, demonstrate our commitment to building our portfolio and presence in the region. We are also very pleased to have Peter Hutton, who joined us a few months ago as CEO of Eurosport, leading the strategy of our newest global brand. Peter has excelled in the sports media business and his extensive international experience in multiple markets, including Asia, will boost our momentum.”

     

    Reaching more than 42 million homes across 16 countries, Setanta Sports Asia is one of the fastest-growing sports channels in Asia. It super serves passionate fans with some of the best rugby league and union events from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The acquisition is bolstered by Setanta’s five-year renewal of SANZAR (South African, New Zealand and Australian Rugby) rights, including all home international matches, plus Super Rugby – both of which represent some of the most sought-after rugby union properties. In addition to the SANZAR rights, key programming includes European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, National Rugby League, Aviva Premiership and Guinness Pro 12.

     

    In total, Setanta Sports Asia airs more than 500 rugby matches per season on HD and SD feeds across the region. The channel’s multi-device player, Setanta Sports Plus, is accessible through online, tablets and smartphones.=

  • 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.

     

  • 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 to acquire TF1 Group’s controlling interest in Eurosport

    Discovery to acquire TF1 Group’s controlling interest in Eurosport

    (Silver Spring, Maryland and Paris, France):  Discovery Communications and TF1 Group today announced that the former  would acquire a controlling interest in Eurosport International through an extension of their larger strategic partnership first announced in December 2012. The deal will increase Discovery’s interest from 20 to 51 per cent,  accelerating what was in the original agreement by nearly one year.

     

    “Eurosport is one of the strongest, most dynamic sports platforms in the world.  Over the past year, as we have been working directly with our partners from TF1, it became clear that combining the power of Eurosport’s brands and audience reach with Discovery’s network portfolio, boots on the ground, and country-specific expertise creates an unrivaled and powerful offering for viewers, advertisers and affiliates,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. 

     

    “Today’s announcement underscores Discovery’s strategy to support already strong organic growth with targeted acquisitions and partnerships. This deal will enable our industry-leading International team and its new leader, JB Perrette, to create new value for our business partners by developing and sharing programming across channel brands, and building a stronger and more diversified network portfolio. We are privileged to continue our successful relationship with TF1 Group and look forward to growing Eurosport for many years to come.”

     

     

    The flagship Eurosport network reaches 133 million homes across 54 countries in 20 languages. Eurosport’s brands and platforms also include: Eurosport 2 reaching 69 million households across 51 countries; Eurosport HD, the high definition simulcast of Eurosport, available in 32 million homes in 48 countries; Eurosport Asia-Pacific reaching 16 countries; and Eurosportnews, a 24-hour news channel and online hub, providing an up-to-the-minute sports news feed available in 48 countries.

     

     

    “With its successful track record of investing in quality content and building global brands, Discovery Communications is perfectly positioned to further expand and increase the value of Eurosport,” said Nonce Paolini, Chairman and CEO of TF1. “Eurosport’s vast sports platform coupled with Discovery’s extensive network portfolio will entertain and engage audiences and generate additional revenue streams for our business associates and distribution partners globally.”

     

    Discovery was one of the first U.S. media companies to launch channels in Europe in 1989 and has invested steadily and significantly in its international business for 25 years. The combined reach of Discovery Communications, Eurosport and the 2013 acquisition of SBS Nordics, will be 2.7 billion cumulative subscribers across nearly 200 networks spanning more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Discovery Communications will strengthen its leadership as the #1 pay-TV programmer in the world. 

     

     

    Today’s agreement 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% interest in Eurosport France until at least January 1, 2015. Also, today’s announcement does not impact the other two elements of the original deal – the 20% interest Discovery acquired in TV Breizh, Histoire, Ushua?a TV and Stylía channels, and a production alliance with TF1 Group. TF1 will retain the ability to exercise a put option over the remaining 49%, which would potentially increase Discovery’s ownership to 100%.

     

    The closing of the deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to occur in the coming months.  

     

    Rothschild acted as financial advisor to Discovery Communications on this transaction, and DLA Piper served as its legal advisors. Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier served as legal advisors to TF1 on this transaction.

     

    About TF1

     

    TF1 (NYSE Euronext Paris: FR0000054900 / TFI) is an integrated media group with a range of businesses in high-growth segments. Its corporate mission is to inform and entertain. In freeview television, the Group’s channels are TF1 (the major events channel, no. 1 in France), TMC (no. 5 in France, and no.1 digital terrestrial channel), NT1, and HD1. The TF1 Group is also present in pay TV with Eurosport (the leading pan-European sports broadcasting platform, received by 133 million households in Europe), TV Breizh (France’s no 1 cable/satellite channel), Ushua?a TV, Histoire, Stylía and LCI. The TF1 group’s activities span the entire value chain in the broadcasting industry. TF1 has also created a broad range of merchandising spin-offs from its main channel. Harnessing the growth of the Internet and new technologies, TF1 produces, develops and publishes new interactive content and services for the Web, smartphones, tablet computers and connected TV. For more information please visit www.groupe-tf1.fr.

     

    About Discovery Communications

     

    Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching 2.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 220 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through more than 190 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and the Hub Network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com. 

     

    MEDIA CONTACTS

     

    For Discovery Communications:

     

    Corporate Communications

    Michelle Russo, +1 240-678-6375, Michelle_Russo@discovery.com 

     

    Elizabeth Hillman, +1 240-461-3053, Elizabeth_Hillman@discovery.com 

     

    Investor Relations

     

    Craig Felenstein, +1 212-548-5109, Craig_Felenstein@discovery.com

     

    For TF1:

     

    Corporate Communications

     

    Virginie Duval, +33 1 41 41 29 59, vduval@tf1.fr

     

    Investor Relations

     

    Christine Bellin, +33 1 41 41 27 32, comfi@tf1.fr

  • Archery sees a surge in TV viewership

    Archery sees a surge in TV viewership

    MUMBAI: The International Archery Federation (FITA) has announced that due to the Meteksan Archery World Cup and the Field World Championships an estimated 900 million people watched Archery on television in 2006.

    Fita has produced and distributed through the EBU newscast and 26 or 52 minutes highlights on each event, i.e. the four World Cup stages, the World Cup Final at the Mayapan pyramids and the Field World Championships in Göteborg. The Final was also broadcast live.

    The main TV channels that showed archery include ESPN Star Asia, Eurosport, Fox International, Sport+, Zee Sport, RAI, RTR Russia, TRT or CCTV.

    The global cumulative audience is calculated so far in 2006:
    – With news coverage : 565 million viewers
    – With live, highlights or features : 324 million viewers
    – Total :889 million viewers

    With the year-end programming, the audience should reach 900 million.

    This has been a successful come-back for Archery on television with the success of the new World Cup. Fita has set up its own Fita TV with the company HTR in Geneva for the live, the highlights and the newscast, which have reached about 100 territories. Moreover, Gillette World Sport, Sports Unlimited and Trans World Sport have broadcast feature stories on each event. The archery TV images were most watched in Asia and Europe, especially in India, China, Russia, Italy, Turkey and France, says Fita.

  • ESS to air European Athletics Championships

    ESS to air European Athletics Championships

    MUMBAI: Three weeks before the start of the 19th European Athletics Championships, 52 television channels have expressed their intention to broadcast the event.

    One of the channels is ESPN Star Sports. Broadcast intentions received to date by the European Athletic Association indicate that there will be at least 940 hours of coverage by the 52 channels over the seven days of the Championships, which take place in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 7-13 August 2006. There will be over 100 hours of live coverage each day.

    Host broadcaster SVT will show between five and eight hours of action each day, covering almost all of the competition live. Intentions for extensive live coverage have also been received from France Télévisions, ARD/ZDF in Germany, RAI in Italy, BBC in Great Britain, CT in the Czech Republic, YLE in Finland, ERT in Greece and RTR in Russia.

    In addition, there will be coverage of the Championships on Eurosport across its 54 territories. Eurosport will also broadcast the opening ceremony live, which takes place outside the stadium for the first time at the European Athletics Championships, at Götaplatsen in the centre of Gothenburg on 6 August.