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Tag: Turner

  • Turner commissions documentary on Singapore Botanic Gardens

    Turner commissions documentary on Singapore Botanic Gardens

    MUMBAI: Turner has commissioned a documentary called A World Icon: Singapore Botanic Gardens. The program will premiere on the recently launched World Heritage Channel in Asia. The documentary is expected to air in late 2015 or early 2016.

     

    The documentary is produced in 4K by Beach House Pictures and uses the state of the art drone technology to film an inspiring aerial cinematography. It also features epic time lapses coupled with slow motion sequences to paint a mesmerizing and unforgettable picture of this botanic masterpiece.

     

    The documentary will also feature expert historians, botanists and taxonomists who will be seen telling the story of the revered garden from its historical and cultural heritage to the oldest tree, largest orchid collection in the world, colonial buildings and new scientific breakthroughs, whilst shedding light on what future lies in store for this national treasure.

     

    “The Botanic Gardens of Singapore is not just a green oasis in the heart of one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan metropolis. This is a garden like no other with fascinating stories of history, heritage, culture and science, hidden in each petal, leaf and brick. The project is perfect for World Heritage Channel, which is home to some of the most awe-inspiring history, culture, travel and nature programming. And I cannot think of a more exciting start to the first in a series of original productions for our newest brand, World Heritage Channel, as well as a more fitting way to commemorate Singapore’s golden jubilee anniversary,” said Turner Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow.

     

    The 150-year-old Singapore botanic garden was inscribed in July 2015 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 39 session of the World Heritage committee in Germany, Bonn. It is the first tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List and is the first in Asia. The 74 hectare garden holds a unique and significant place in the history of Singapore and the region.

  • Cartoon Network, Turner, Disney, ABC acquire Portfolio’s ‘Freaktown’

    Cartoon Network, Turner, Disney, ABC acquire Portfolio’s ‘Freaktown’

    MUMBAI: Portfolio Entertainment has signed its first set of international sales deals for the series Freaktown (52 x 11’) with leading kids’ networks – Cartoon Network in Asia Pacific, Turner’s Kids Networks in EMEA, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia and ABC Australia.

     

    Freaktown is the first series to be wholly created and produced inside Portfolio’s new animation studio. The series was commissioned by TELETOON Canada and will debut in 2016. 

     

    The series will premiere on Cartoon Network in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand. Turner France has taken the series for Boing in France and in its French-speaking territories in Europe and Africa. It has also been sold to The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia and ABC Australia.

     

    “While still in production, Freaktown has grabbed the attention of buyers globally and we are thrilled to land international deals with world-renowned broadcasters right out of the gate. This series is crammed with laugh-out-loud moments and unpredictable twists that will perfectly complement the highly-entertaining programming available on these major kids’ networks,” said Portfolio Entertainment CEO and co-founder Joy Rosen.

     

    Freaktown, a kids 6-11 animated series, follows the adventures of skeleton Ben Bones and his freaky friends as they protect their town from takeover by Princess Boo Boo the Bouncy of Sweetlandia.

  • Turner to use Rentrak’s advanced data to fuel ad products for select brands

    Turner to use Rentrak’s advanced data to fuel ad products for select brands

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting has inked an agreement with Rentrak around its Advanced Demographics that will power data for select advertisers around Turner’s suite of advanced advertising products.

    As was earlier reported by Indiantelevision.com, Rentrak has entered into a merger agreement with comScore, which measures online viewing patterns.

    This agreement, an expansion to an ongoing relationship between the two companies, includes Turner Targeting NOW and Audience NOW, advanced advertising products designed to optimise audience delivery to an advertiser’s specific marketing targets, moving away from traditional age and gender-based guarantees.

    “We are motivated to continue our investment in advanced measurement solutions for our advertising partners. As we power those relationships with data agnostic product offerings, this agreement with Rentrak complements those efforts and is our first non-age and gender guaranteed media campaign,” said Turner Ad Sales SVP – client and consumer insights Dan Aversano.

    “We look forward to expanding our partnership with Turner Broadcasting and powering its cutting edge audience services. Rentrak has emerged as integral currency in buying and selling media,” added Rentrak SVP – national television sales Carol Hinnant.

  • Viacom appoints Turner’s Pete Flamman as SVP – brands

    Viacom appoints Turner’s Pete Flamman as SVP – brands

    MUMBAI: Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Northern Europe has appointed Pete Flamman as senior vice president (SVP) brands effective September 2015. 
     

    Flamman assumes the responsibility for the holistic brand strategy and the operational management of the entire brand portfolio of Viacom International Media Networks, including the core brands MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, VIVA, Spike and Paramount.

     

    His responsibilities include acquisitions & content operations, programming & creative and brand development. He reports to Viacom International Media Networks Northern Europe executive vice president (EVP) and managing director Magnus Kastner. 

    “VIMN has with its broad portfolio of brands and diverse exciting entertainment formats the key elements for a successful brand development across all media platforms. I am very pleased to be able to leave my previous experience in the Northern European market incorporated in new exciting tasks at VIMN. Also, I am very curious get to know it, to be part of the team and my new VIMN talented colleagues in Northern Europe,” said Flamman. 

    Kastner added, “I am delighted to welcome Pete as part of the North Senior management As a real fire specialist and with his many years of expertise – particularly in business development – he is the perfect fit for this position I am looking forward to.. working with Pete and I am sure that we will advance our VIMN brands on all platforms together.” 
     

    Prior to joining VIMN, Flamman worked for 14 years at Turner Broadcasting. He started there as vice president business development and later was largely responsible in various management roles in the development of Turner Broadcasting portfolios in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

     

    Last Flamman served as SVP and COO for the EMEA area and also held the position of managing director of the kids brands Turner.

  • Turner to license Warner consumer products in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Sri Lanka

    Turner to license Warner consumer products in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Sri Lanka

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific’s Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) will now be the consumer products licensing representative for Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the licensing agent for Bangladesh being Enroute International Limited.

     

    WBCP’s portfolio in these markets will be represented by CNE, consisting of films, television series, animated programs, and more. This includes iconic brands such as DC Comics Super Heroes Batman, Superman and The Flash, as well as Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry, Scooby-Doo, Harry Potter and The Hobbit trilogy amongst others.

     

    “Turner has always been our close partner as we support their broadcasting and marketing of animation programs in the region. This extension of our relationship will now include representation of our consumer products licensing business in the region, which is a strategic collaboration that will be mutually beneficial,” said Warner Bros. Consumer Products Greater China, Southeast Asia and India managing director Bianca Lee.

     

    The wide spectrum of WBCP’s licensing categories includes apparel, accessories, publishing, stationery, toys, gifts, novelties, as well as branded foods, personal care products and licensed advertising promotions as key categories in the region.

     

    Turner Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow said, “This association embodies the spirit of collaboration within Time Warner and leverages our combined organisation’s strengths. We already operate some of the most loved leading brands in South Asia and this collaboration will benefit from our proven success and the future investments we will make in the region. We are delighted to add WBCP to our portfolio and are very bullish on its growth opportunities.”

     

    CNE’s licensing portfolio in South Asia comprises 76 partners across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka across traditional retail, modern trade and e-commerce platforms.

  • Q2-2015: Warner Bros revenue growth boosts Time Warner revenues by 8.2%

    Q2-2015: Warner Bros revenue growth boosts Time Warner revenues by 8.2%

    BENGALURU: A 14.9 per cent revenue growth in its Warner Bros segment at $3298 million in the quarter ended 30 June, 2015 (Q2-2015) as compared to the $2870 million in Q2-2014 helped boost Time Warner Inc by 8.2 per cent. 

     

    The other two segments – Turner and Home Box Office (HBO) also reported revenue growth to the extent of 2.8 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively. Time Warner’s revenue in Q2-2015 was $7348 million as compared to the $6788 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Adjusted Operating Income grew 15 per cent to $1862 million due to increases at Turner and Warner Bros., partially offset by a decline at HBO. Operating Income increased 19 per cent to $1859 million.

     

    Company speak

     

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “We had a very strong second quarter, with revenues up 8 per cent and Adjusted Operating Income growing 15 per cent to a quarterly record of $1.9 billion. Our results were led by Turner and Warner Bros and were achieved at a time when we’re investing aggressively to position the company for continued growth, including the successful launch of HBO NOW, our standalone domestic streaming service. HBO and its sister service Cinemax recently received a combined 131 Primetime Emmy nominations, with a record 126 for HBO – the 15th year in a row that HBO has led in nominations. In addition to being nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, Game of Thrones‘ fifth season set a new record for viewers of an HBO series.”

     

    Bewkes continued, “At Turner, TNT and TBS ranked as the #1 and #2 ad-supported cable networks, respectively, in primetime among adults 18-49, and together with Adult Swim claimed the top 3 spots in primetime among adults 18-34. Cartoon Network was again the only top 3 kids network to grow its 6-11 audience during the quarter and claimed the #2 spot for the first time. And CNN grew primetime viewership in its key 25-54 demo 25 per cent with the help of its award-winning original programming. Warner Bros concluded a very successful upfront, with 62 programs slated for the upcoming television season, including 29 on broadcast networks. That includes a record 20 returning shows and makes Warner Bros. the top supplier of broadcast series again this year. In the quarter, Warner Bros games business also shined with releases of Batman: Arkham Knight and Mortal Kombat X helping make it the top videogame publisher for the first half of the year. Reflecting our commitment to provide direct returns to shareholders, we have returned more than $2.6 billion in dividends and share repurchases year-to-date.”

     

    Segment performance

     

    Turner

     

    Revenues increased 2.8 per cent ($77 million) to $2827 million, benefiting from growth of 48 per cent ($69 million) in Content and other revenues and two per cent ($20 million) in Subscription revenues, partially offset by a decline of one per cent ($12 million) in Advertising revenues. The increase in Content and other revenues was due to the licensing of select Turner original programming to Hulu. Subscription revenues grew due to higher domestic rates and local currency growth at Turner’s international networks, partially offset by the impact of foreign exchange rates. Advertising revenues declined due to the impact of foreign exchange rates, partially offset by growth at Turner’s domestic businesses and local currency growth at Turner’s international networks. The increase in domestic advertising was due to growth at Turner’s domestic news businesses and the 2015 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship tournament, partially offset by lower delivery at certain domestic networks and the absence of NASCAR programming. Advertising revenue growth was also adversely impacted by fewer NBA playoff games in the quarter.

     

    Adjusted Operating Income increased 20 per cent ($190 million) to $1130 million, due to the increase in revenues and lower expenses, including lower programming costs. Programming costs decreased nine per cent primarily due to the absence of NASCAR programming as well as lower syndicated programming expenses as a result of the abandonment of certain programming in 2014. Operating Income increased 22 per cent ($201 million) to $1130 million.

     

    Home Box Office

     

    HBO revenue increased one per cent ($21 million) to $1438 million, due to an increase of four per cent ($40 million) in subscription revenues, partially offset by a decline of seven per cent ($19 million) in Content and other revenues. Subscription revenues grew due to higher domestic rates, partially offset by lower international revenue, which included the impact of the transfer to Turner of the operation of HBO’s basic cable network in India. The decrease in Content and other revenues reflected lower home entertainment revenues.

     

    Adjusted Operating Income decreased eight per cent ($44 million) to $508 million, as the increase in revenues was more than offset by higher marketing and technology costs, primarily related to the launch of HBO NOW, HBO’s stand-alone streaming service. Operating Income decreased seven per cent ($40 million) to $508 million.

     

    Warner Bros

     

    The revenue increase mentioned above reflects higher videogames and television licensing revenues, partially offset by lower theatrical revenues and the impact of foreign exchange rates. The increase in videogames revenues was primarily due to the releases of Batman: Arkham Knight and Mortal Kombat X. Television licensing revenues benefited from the second-cycle syndication of The Big Bang Theory and the subscription video-on-demand licensing ofSeinfeld. Theatrical revenues decreased primarily due to lower worldwide television licensing revenues of theatrical product and a decline in home entertainment revenues due to the comparison against the release of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug in the prior year quarter.

     

    Adjusted Operating Income increased 46 per cent ($108 million) to $344 million, due to the increase in revenues, partially offset by associated film and print and advertising costs, as well as higher theatrical valuation adjustments. Operating Income increased 46 per cent ($107 million) to $341 million.

  • Kids’ genre is highly dependent on library content: Turner’s Ravindranath

    Kids’ genre is highly dependent on library content: Turner’s Ravindranath

    MUMBAI: The kids’ genre is the third largest genre in the country in terms of viewership. Turner commanded 36.3 per cent Relative Share in 2014 with Cartoon Network at No. 1 and POGO No. 2.

     

    Turner International India vice president ad sales South Asia Juhi Ravindranath spoke to Indiantelevision.com at length about the changes in scope of advertising on kids’ channels and changes that the industry has seen over the last decade.

     

    While a large chunk of advertisers on kids channels are traditionally kids’ brands, the genre has recently witnessed a spurt in non-traditional brands that have come on board to tap the potential that kids offer as audiences. Kids today play a key role as influencers in the family’s decision making.

     

    Ravindranath said, “If you see the total television viewership pie, the kids’ genre commands about seven per cent of the ratings. However, it is highly under monetized as the revenue it rakes in is only three per cent. But with growing influence of children in household decisions and increase in co-viewing, advertisers are beginning to understand the importance of the kids’ genre. Thus, there has been a surge in unconventional categories that come on the channel to engage kids and parents.”

     

    She added, “Since kids’ brands form only five to six per cent of all brands, the growth for this genre is also being driven by non-kids brand categories. Till now largely driven by FMCGs targeting mothers through co viewing in the household, of late we have seen unconventional categories such as automobiles, e- commerce, insurance, etc. Last year, non- traditional advertisers formed about fifty to sixty per cent of all the advertisers on our channels.”

     

    Turner via its kids’ channels – Cartoon Network and POGO, has been driving innovation in terms of ad sales solutions provided to its clients.

     

    Talking about the innovations with brands, Ravindranath said, “Over the years, we have done many innovations on Cartoon Network and POGO. For instance, with Honda we not only did customized spots in which Chhota Bheem promoted road safety but also developed a meet and greet opportunity with Chhota Bheem across the country to gratify winners. Last year, Kellogg’s Chocos partnered with POGO to create a four-part series featuring the Kellogg’s mascot Coco and Chhota Bheem. This not only made for compelling content but also integrated the brand messaging in a subtle and unusual manner. We also partnered with clients like Perfetti and Jungle Magic on Adventures of Sholay.  Going forward, we will continue to focus on offering our clients such unique opportunities to interact with our characters.”

     

    On-ground activities are also a part of Turner’s strategy to entertain and engage its audience and provide a platform to brands to advertise. Turner has been conducting School Contact Programs for Cartoon Network and POGO since the past decade. Every year, through unique concepts, they reach over a million kids across 1000 school throughout India. The annual quarter four events undertaken in November/December also provide brands an opportunity to engage with thousands of kids and parents.

     

    On the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) order on ad cap, Ravindranath said, “The TRAI inventory cap has definitely helped channels grow rates and balance inventory across dayparts and months in a more planned manner.

  • Time Warner reports y-o-y increase in Q3-2014

    Time Warner reports y-o-y increase in Q3-2014

    BENGALURU: Time Warner Inc (Time Warner) posted 34 per cent higher adjusted EPS for Q3-2014 (quarter ended 30 September 2014) at US$ 1.22 (on a lower adjust outstanding share base) and better than last quarter’s US$ 0.98.

     

    Diluted income per share in Q3-2014 was US$1.11 (average 870.2 million diluted shares outstanding) versus the US$ 1.25 (average 938.8 million diluted shares outstanding) in Q3-2013 and US$ 0.98 (average 894.2 million diluted shares outstanding) in Q2-2014.

     

    For Q3-2014, Time Warner reported total revenue (TIO) of US$  6243 million, which was 3.3 per cent more y-o-y at US$ 6042 million, but 8 per cent less that the US$ 6788 million in Q2-2014. Total adjusted operating income at US$ 993 million in Q3-2014 was 37.5 per cent less than the US$ 1589 million in Q3-2013 and 38.6 per cent lower than the US$ 1618 million in Q2-2014.

     

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes said, “We had another good quarter, featuring solid revenue growth as well as strong growth in Adjusted EPS. As we discussed at our Investor Event last month, we’ve refocused the company over the past few years to aggressively pursue the huge global opportunities we see in video content. And once again, we are seeing the benefits of our increased investments in great content and storytelling. In the quarter, both Turner and HBO had double-digit increases in subscription revenues, reflecting the growing strength and appeal of their programming. HBO received 19 Primetime Emmy Awards, the most of any network for the 13th straight year, including five Emmys for newcomer True Detective. At Turner, TNT ranked as ad-supported cable’s #1 primetime network for the second consecutive quarter, TBS was the #2 ad-supported cable network in primetime among adults 18-49 and 25-54, and Adult Swim again shined as ad-supported cable’s #1 total day network among its key adult demos. Turner’s extension last month of its longstanding relationship with the NBA through the 2024-25 season is another great example of investing in distinctive programming that will serve us well for years to come. This fall, Warner Bros. is once again the number one producer for broadcast television, including a strong slate of new shows. Season-to-date, Gotham ranked as broadcast’s #2 new show among adults 18-49, while The Flash had the most-watched telecast ever on The CW. These shows are among five series featuring DC characters that will air this season. DC is also a key component of the ambitious film slate that Warner Bros. recently unveiled. Further demonstrating our continuing commitment to shareholder returns, so far this year we’ve returned over $5.7 billion to our shareholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends.”

     

    Time Warner has three segments that contribute to its numbers – Turner, Home Box Office (HBO) and Warner Bros (WB). Turner, which contributes about 40 per cent of TIO, disappointed with a drop in its share of adjusted operating income to 35.2 per cent versus the approximately 60 per cent during Q2-2013, Q3-2013 and Q2-2014. All of Time Warner’s segments reported y-o-y reduction of adjusted operating income in Q3-2014.

     

    Let us look at the numbers reported by the segments of Time Warner for Q3-2014

     

    Turner

     

    Turner reported revenue of US$ 2556 million (39.2 per cent of TIO), which was 4.6 per cent more than the US$  2338 million (38.7 per cent of TIO), but 11.1 per cent lower than the US$  2750 million (40.5 per cent of TIO) in the immediate trailing quarter ended June 30, 2014.

     

    Adjusted operating income from this segment fell a massive 64 per cent to US$ 350 million (35.2 per cent of total adjusted operating income) from US$ 971 million (61.1 per cent of total  operating income) and was 62.8 per cent lower than the US$ 940 million (35.2 per cent of total adjusted operating income)in Q2-2014.

     

    Here is what the company has to say about its Turner segment results:

     

    Revenues rose 5 per cent (US$ 108 million) to US$ 2.4 billion, mainly due to growth of 10 per cent (US$ 117 million) in subscription revenues and 17 per cent (US$ 12 million) in content revenues, offset in part by a decline of 2 per cent (US$ 18 million) in advertising revenues. The increase in subscription revenues was primarily due to higher domestic rates and international growth. Advertising revenues decreased due to declines at Turner’s international networks. Advertising revenues at Turner’s domestic networks were essentially flat.

     

    Adjusted Operating Income declined 64 per cent (US$ 621 million) to US$ 350 million, as higher revenues were more than offset by higher programming costs and increased restructuring and severance costs. Programming costs grew 84 per cent due to the current year quarter’s US$ 482 million of charges related to Turner’s decision to no longer air certain programming. Excluding these charges, programming costs increased in the low double digits due to higher costs associated with increased volume of original programming and the first year of Turner’s new agreement with Major League Baseball. The current year quarter included US$ 199 million of restructuring and severance costs compared to US$ 30 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding the programming and restructuring and severance charges, Adjusted Operating Income would have been US$ 1.0 billion.

     

    HBO segment

    HBO reported 9.9 per cent increase in revenue in Q3-2014 at US$   1304 million (20.9 per cent of TIO) from US$   1186 million in Q3-2013, but was 8 per cent less than the US$   1417 million (20.9 per cent if TIO) in Q2-2014.

     

    HBO’s adjusted operating income at US$   380 million (38.3 per cent of total adjusted operating income) was 4.3 per cent lower than the US$   397 million (25 per cent of total adjusted operating income) in Q3-2013 and 31.2 per cent lower than the US$   552 million (34.1 per cent of total adjusted operating income) in Q2-2014.

     

    Here is what the company has to say about its HBO segment results:

     

    Revenues grew 10 per cent (US$ 118 million) to US$ 1.3 billion, reflecting increases of 10 per cent (US$ 106 million) in subscription revenues and 7 per cent (US$ 10 million) in content revenues. The increase in subscription revenues resulted from higher domestic rates and subscribers as well as the consolidation of HBO Asia and HBO South Asia (collectively, HBO Asi”). The growth in content revenues was primarily due to increased home video revenues.

     

    Adjusted Operating Income decreased 4 per cent (US$ 17 million) to US$ 380 million, as higher revenues were more than offset by increased expenses due to higher programming and distribution costs as well as increased restructuring and severance costs. Programming costs grew 16 per cent due to increased expenses for original and acquired programming as well as the consolidation of HBO Asia. Distribution costs increased primarily due to higher participation expenses. The current year quarter included US$ 48 million of restructuring and severance costs compared to US$ 24 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding the restructuring and severance charges, Adjusted Operating Income would have been US$ 428 million.

     

    Operating Income declined 24 per cent (US$ 122 million) to US$ 380 million. The prior year quarter included a US$ 105 million gain related to Home Box Office’s acquisition of its former partner’s interests in HBO Asia in September 2013.

     

    Warner Bros (WB)

    WB reported 3 per cent growth in revenue in Q3-2014 to from US$   2775 million (44.4 per cent of TIO) from US$   2694 million (44.6 per cent of TIO) in Q3-2014, but was 3.3 per cent lower than the US$   2870 million (42.3 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2014.

     

    WB’s adjusted operating income at US$   241 million (24.3 per cent of total adjusted operating income) was 20.2 per cent lower than the US$   302 million (19 per cent of total adjusted operating income) in Q3-2014, but 2.1 per cent higher than the US$   236 million (14.6 per cent of total adjusted operating income) in Q2-2014.

     

    Here is what the company has to say about its WB segment results:

    Revenues increased 3 per cent (US$ 81 million) to US$ 2.8 billion, mainly due to growth in subscription video-on-demand revenues for television product, higher licensing of theatrical product, growth in television production, including from the acquisition of Eyeworks Group’s operations outside the U.S., and revenues from a patent license and settlement agreement. These increases were partly offset by softer performance of current year quarter theatrical releases compared to the prior year’s slate, which included Pacific Rim, The Conjuring and We’re the Millers, and lower domestic off-network television license fees.

     

    Adjusted Operating Income decreased 20 per cent (US$ 61 million) to US$ 241 million, as higher revenues were more than offset by increased restructuring and severance costs, higher film costs for television product and a value added tax accrual. The current year quarter included US$ 45 million of restructuring and severance costs compared to US$ 2 million in the prior year quarter. Excluding the restructuring and severance charges, Adjusted Operating Income would have been US$ 286 million.

     

    Operating Income declined 23 per cent (US$ 70 million) to US$ 237 million.

     

    Through 2 November, Annabelle grossed over US$ 230 million at the worldwide box office. Season-to-date, Gotham ranked as broadcast’s #2 new drama series among adults18-49. The premiere of The Flash had a total of 6.8 million total viewers in final live +7 ratings, making it The CW network’s most-watched telecast ever.

     

  • Turner rebrands Boomerang globally

    Turner rebrands Boomerang globally

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting has declared that its second leading kids brand, Boomerang, will be re-launched worldwide. The channel will be repositioned as an all-animation and youth-centric network with a list of all-time, modern cartoons suitable for family co-viewing. The official rollout began in Latin America on 29 September 2014 and it will be launched in Australia on 3 November 2014. As for Southeast Asia, the US and EMEA, the launch will take place in early 2015.

     

    The announcement was mutually made today by Turner Broadcasting System International president Gerhard Zeiler and Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Boomerang (US) president and GM Christina Miller.

     

    In association to the above, Zeiler commented, “The re-launch of Boomerang as a second flagship channel is a testament to its global appeal.”

     

    “We are extremely proud to see this channel move into its next incarnation – with a look and feel that conveys its quality and contemporary position. This represents a further step in our strategy to build on the success of our international kids network”, he added.

     

    Boomerang’s on-air schedule in Australia will boast of timeless favourites such as Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes and Scooby-Doo. The channel will also showcase a line up of newly-acquired modern series’ including Mr Bean. It will also feature vast resources of the world’s largest animation library consisting of Warner Bros, Hanna-Barbera, Cartoon Network and MGM Studios television and theatrical shorts, series and specials.

     

    “Boomerang has always been a timeless favourite with multi-generational appeal,” said Miller.

     

    She added, “We see this as a unique opportunity to not only redefine the family co-viewing experience, but to grow and leverage our overall global kids’ portfolio and position it across all platforms in conjunction with Cartoon Network.”

     

    Adding a brand new on-air feel, Boomerang, for the very first time, will offer exclusive original content across its 13 international feeds.

     

    Beyond its on-air presence, Boomerang will be supported with refreshed digital and mobile platforms, including a newly refaced website that features exclusive activities, free games and content to provide a full immersion experience for all visitors.

     

  • Turner launches OH!K channel in Southeast Asia

    Turner launches OH!K channel in Southeast Asia

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific today signed a volume deal with Korea’s broadcaster MBC, locking in content for Oh!K, a new general entertainment channel.

    Commenting on the occasion Turner Asia Pacific president Ricky Ow said, “Oh!K combines the best in content with Turner’s proven history in curating some of the most successful channels in Asia Pacific. We are thrilled to partner with MBC and we are looking forward to introducing it to the region in the coming months.”
    Oh!K will have first pick of MBC content, including first-runs and exclusives soon after their initial transmission debut in Korea, with some shows airing within a week.

    MBC produces 1400 hours of quality content each year distributed in more than 100 countries. Current shows include drama series Diary of a Night Watchman, You Are My Destiny, Triangle and the long-running variety show Infinite Challenge and reality show Dad, Where Are We Going?

    MBC media business executive managing director Jung Woo Oh added, “We are very proud to be partnering with Turner to give viewers unparalleled access to some of the most engaging Korean TV content. The launch of Oh!K will allow an even bigger audience to enjoy MBC’s unique brand of storytelling, and we can’t wait to share our best shows with fans in Southeast Asia.”

    The launch of Oh!K launch follows Turner’s April announcement that it will assume full operational and programming control of WarnerTV, the English-language entertainment channel in Singapore.