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Tag: WarnerMedia

  • WarnerMedia chooses AsiaSat as strategic partner for HD channels distribution in Asia Pacific

    WarnerMedia chooses AsiaSat as strategic partner for HD channels distribution in Asia Pacific

    MUMBAI: Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), Asia’s leading satellite operator has been selected by WarnerMedia as a strategic partner for distributing regional HD services of CNN International, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Warner TV, as well as HBO HD in South Asia, via AsiaSat 7 in the Asia-Pacific.

    AsiaSat has been distributing a total of five WarnerMedia SD channels on AsiaSat 7 (previously on AsiaSat 3S) since 1999. Since transmission, these channels have gained access to hundreds of rebroadcast networks and hotel networks across the region.

    To allow a smooth migration to HD service for its rebroadcast affiliates including pay TV platforms and hotel  networks  across  Asia  Pacific,  and  for  audiences  to  enjoy  a  more  compelling  viewing experience, WarnerMedia will migrate its HD services and consolidate them into its existing SD platform on AsiaSat 7.

    “The migration allows us to upgrade and streamline our services at the same time. Working together with AsiaSat, the new arrangement also allows us to offer our regional broadcast partners the chance for their viewers to enjoy our channels in HD,” said James Crossland, Senior Vice President of International Operations for Turner, a WarnerMedia company.

    From September, AsiaSat 7 will carry a total of eight HD and three SD channels of content from news, entertainment, to children, movies and drama. With migration of service to HD completed in the next few months, viewers across the region will be able to enjoy high-quality TV benefiting from the high penetration of AsiaSat 7 at 105.5°E, the world’s most watched orbital slot.

    “The media brands under WarnerMedia are some of the world’s most famous and most popular broadcast networks. We are very proud of our long-time partnership with WarnerMedia, which is one of the most valuable assets we have built over time. We look forward to continuing to support WarnerMedia in their service migration to HD on our high performance AsiaSat 7, and through our leading-edge broadcast solutions to serve audiences with ever better TV viewing experience,” said Ina Lui, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Business Development & Strategy of AsiaSat.

  • Warner Bros chief Kevin Tsujhara to step down

    Warner Bros chief Kevin Tsujhara to step down

    MUMBAI: The WarnerMedia group has announced that Warner Bros studios chairman and CEO Kevin Tsujhara is stepping down after allegations of having an affair with a young British actress and helping her secure roles surfaced, according to reports.

    WarnerMedia chief executive John Stankey said, "It is in the best interest of WarnerMedia, Warner Bros., our employees and our partners for Kevin to step down as chairman and CEO of Warner Bros."

    He further added, without explicitly referring to media reports, that the married 54-year-old studio head had an affair with 26-year-old actress Charlotte Kirk in 2013. "Kevin acknowledges that his mistakes are inconsistent with the company's leadership expectations and could impact the company's ability to execute going forward."

    According to the Hollywood press, Tsujihara tried to use his clout to get the young actress roles, although without much apparent success, since she only had minor parts in two Warner movies.

    Tsujihara's lawyers have denied that he intervened in casting decisions for the films. His replacement has not yet been named to take over additional responsibilities after sweeping reorganisation of the company previously known as Time-Warner following its takeover by telecom giant AT&T.

  • Disney eyes 10% stake in Hulu

    Disney eyes 10% stake in Hulu

    MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company wants to have a grip on the US streaming service Hulu. According to reports, Disney is in active discussions with AT&T to acquire the 10 per cent stake that WarnerMedia owns in the streaming platform.

    Disney holds 30 per cent stake in the WarnerMedia Company, combined with another 30 per cent deal with Fox which is finalied and if it succeeds in convincing AT&T, Disney will own 70 per cent of Hulu.

    According to the reports that originated in Variety, Disney’s intentions are to keep Hulu as an adult-oriented, general entertainment hub, while its forthcoming Disney+ SVoD service will complement it as a family-friendly platform. Disney would also likely seek to expand Hulu into international markets.

    NBCUniversal's CEO Steve Burke revealed back in January that Disney also wanted to buy the 30 percent stake the media conglomerate owns, but the company wasn't looking to sell. Disney's offer for AT&T's portion won't fall on deaf ears, though: AT&T has been thinking of selling WarnerMedia's portion to prepare for its own streaming service's launch later this year.