9 July 2015
Following a capital increase of €35m, Media Globe Networks, a company controlled by the Sawiris Family, becomes the majority shareholder of Euronews
Euronews announced that Media Globe Networks, a company owned by the Sawiris Family and managed by Naguib Sawiris, now holds 53% of shares of the international news media based in Lyon. The majority stake has been purchased through a capital increase of €35m. The remaining 47% of shares stay with Euronews’ traditional shareholders; 21 public television channels and 3 local authorities. The purchase of Media Globe Networks of Euronews’ capital comes after several months of exclusive negotiations, validated by an Extraordinary General Assembly on June 19th.
Since then, a dedicated Shareholders Agreement has been signed by the vast majority of the public shareholders, giving final validation to the entrance of Media Globe Networks to the capital.
Euronews will be governed by three distinctive bodies: The Supervisory Board, the Editorial Board and the Executive Board. The 10 members of the Editorial Board will be journalists or have a strong experience in the media area. Seven out of the 10 members of this Editorial Board, including the Chairman, will be directly appointed by the public shareholders of Euronews. The creation of the Editorial Board will allow an active permanent control of the independence and diversity of Euronews editorial line. This new governance, validated by all stakeholders, will ensure the preservation of the mission of general interest of the international news media as well as its editorial independence.
The Supervisory Board also renewed the directorship of Mr. Michael Peters as CEO of Euronews for a term of 4 years.
“I am grateful for the consistent support that the Euronews’ Shareholders demonstrated over the preceding months throughout this project, which will definitely put Euronews in a new dimension”, commented CEO Michael Peters. “The process of capital increase started one year ago. We chose to enter exclusive negotiations with Media Globe Networks, because of its clear commitment and guarantees to respect Euronews diversity and editorial independence. We are delighted to work alongside our new investor to expand our reach and service lines in order to reinforce Euronews’ position as a key-player in the media industry.”
“Euronews is a strong, global, independent and highly professional news media,” commented Naguib Sawiris, the Chairman and CEO of Media Globe Networks. “I believe that Euronews, with its unique expertise, has a huge potential for future growth and do fully support Michael Peters and his team in their aim of raising Euronews to the next level.”
“The public shareholders welcome the investment of Media Globe Networks and look forward to working alongside Naguib Sawiris to support the future growth and development of Euronews”, said Paolo Garimberti, current Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Euronews. “The new governance provides all the guarantees regarding the editorial independence of Euronews. The public shareholders will remain closely involved alongside the new investor for the success of this unique media.”
Founded in 1993, Euronews is producing international news and magazines 24/24 in 13 language editions available to 425 million households in 158 countries.
Euronews extends its agreement with CTH in Thailand
The international news channel is now available on mobile and IPTV, in addition to cable and satellite broadcasting.
(Lyon, 7 July) Euronews reinforces its position on the Thai audiovisual market, thanks to an important extension of its distribution agreement with one of the major operators in the country, CTH.
Broadcast since last year via cable and satellite, the agreement includes the availability of Euronews on the CTH mobile app, on iOS and Android. The recently launched app counts more than 65,000 downloads.
Moreover, CTH subscribers can have a 24/7 access to the English service of Euronews on both ZIPtv (IPTV) and CTH Everywhere (mobile application).
Arnaud Verlhac, Worldwide Distribution Director of Euronews said: “Thanks to our agreement in 2014, we immediately reached one million new households. It was a strong success for Euronews in Thailand. I’m thrilled that a couple months later, CTH chose the channel again and makes it available on its wide range of offers (cable, DTH, IPTV and mobile)”.
Sabrina Mimouni, Regional Distribution Manager Asia-Pacific added: “In Thailand, more people watch TV on their mobile devices than on TV screens. It was crucial to join the CTH mobile app. We are proud to announce that Euronews’ launch on the app has been a great success with more than 65,000 downloads”.
(Source: Euronews press release)
9 July 2015
· HD+ and TechniSat’s first UHD TV with integrated HD+ decryption system (no CI+
module for HD+ required) premiered at the IFA Innovation Briefings
· HD+ to launch UHD demo channel in September
German HD platform HD+, a subsidiary of SES S.A. (NYSE Euronext
Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), and German TV and satellite technology
manufacturer TechniSat unveiled the first Ultra High-Definition (UHD) TV with integrated HD+
decryption system (no CI+ module for HD+ required) today at the IFA Innovations Media
Briefing. HD+ also announced the launch of its UHD demo channel in September.
With this new TechniMedia UHD+, consumers will have easy access to more than 50 HD
channels via the HD+ platform as long as they have a valid HD+ card. They will also be able to
access HD+’s new UHD demo channel. Currently, HD+ customers access HD+ channels by
connecting their TV with an HD+ set-top-box or with a CI+ module.
The TechniMedia UHD+ will be available in the fourth quarter of 2015 in three sizes: 43 inches
(109 cm), 49 inches (123 cm) and 55 inches (140 cm). The TechniMedia UHD+ will also boast
extensive premium features as well as multi-media integration into the home network and can
be controlled through an app.
When launched in September, the HD+ UHD demo channel will broadcast an attractive mix of
sports, culture, lifestyle and nature content. Professional industry partners who are keen to test
out their Ultra HD content can also contribute to the demo channel.
“With more Ultra HD content being produced, it’s a matter of time before Ultra HD channels are
offered in the market. At the same time, consumer electronics must be easy to use and intuitive,
hence the reason why we partnered with TechniSat to offer HD+ on a new Ultra HD TV,” said
Georges Agnes, Managing Director of Product Development at HD PLUS. “In September, the
new HD+ Ultra HD demo channel will broadcast content of our professional partners and also
provide producers with the opportunity to broadcast their user-generated content on linear TV.”
2 July 2015
Globecast today announced that it has supplied distribution services for ten broadcasters covering the recent SEA (South East Asian) Games. Globecast was contracted by HBS, the Production Partner of MediaCorp, official media partner and host broadcaster to provide distribution.
The 28th occurrence of the Games saw this major sporting event return to Singapore after a 22-year gap. 36 sports and 402 events featured in the eleven-day spectacle including more unusual sports like wushu, sepak takraw and wakeboarding.
Globecast facilitated the distribution of ten channels to regional host broadcasters across Asia, creating two multiplexes onsite at the International Broadcasting Centre (IBC), one with six channels (in 36 MHz) and one with four (in 24 MHz). These were then uplinked via a 4.5m dish at the IBC dish farm using NS3 modulation.
HBS Project Director Daniel Wlochovski, said, “Since the start of the project, it has been a pleasure to work with an experienced team who are always responsive and solution-oriented. We initiated the discussions with Globecast with a very open scope, due to our lack of reference in the requirements for this type of event. But we managed, during the development of the project, to design with them an operation that meets the technical and operational constraints while offering sufficient flexibility to cater for latecomers. The satellite set-up put in place offers, for the first time at the SEA Games, full HD transmissions through a cost-effective approach.”
Liz McParland, Commercial Director Contribution at Globecast, says, “As well as the highly effective distribution technology, we also supplied an onsite technical team, a mix of engineers from the UK and from Asia as well as a coordinator. We are very pleased to have been chosen by HBS for this venture as events on this scale require a level of technical and logistical expertise that we have honed over many years. We are glad that has been recognised.”
2 July 2015
- Bringing a wealth of media experience with him, Rob Fox joins arvato Systems’ New York office as VP, Media
- Rob Fox worked previously for the global news giant CNN and Rohde & Schwarz, handling Broadcast Markets for their DVS Server & Storage products
- arvato Systems will strengthen their presence in North America
arvato Systems is pleased to welcome Rob Fox to arvato Systems North America. He joins the New York office as VP, Media where he reports to Frank Zimmermann, CEO at arvato Systems North America.
With a career history spanning some of North America’s most prestigious suppliers and broadcast companies, from Avid to CNN, Rob Fox is expected to make a significant contribution to arvato Systems North America. His tasks will include working with the existing team to strengthen arvato Systems position in the USA with particular focus on Digital Media Management products including arvato Systems flagship MAM product, VPMS. Being a market leader in Germany for many years, arvato Systems solutions are increasingly used in North America. Hence, Rob is going to build a sales, delivery, and service unit to serve the growing demand for professional broadcast and media software in the US. His recruitment is another demonstration of arvato Systems continuing commitment to and engagement with the North American market.
In his most recent position, Fox handled Broadcast Markets for DVS Server and Storage products at Rohde & Schwarz. Previously, he had his own video consulting and project services company, Fox Rox Productions.
For over 10 years Rob worked at CNN in New York City where his roles included Director of Operations for their financial network CNNfn and Director of Media Operations at the New York Broadcast Studios in the Time Warner Center. Fox also spent 3 years at Avid as the Manager of Network Operations for their broadcast clients in NY and LA.
“I’m looking forward immensely to the new role. I hope to use my broadcast knowledge and extensive network to support the arvato Systems team as they expand and grow. Digital transformation is at the heart of arvato Systems and the time is right for products such as VPMS to find their place in North American markets,” says Fox.
“We are pleased to have recruited such an enthusiastic and dynamic player in the world of broadcast technology,” comments Holger Noske, VP Digital Media Management at arvato Systems S4M GmbH. “We expect Rob’s experience and expertise to play a significant role in taking arvato Systems to the next level in the USA and Canada”.
About arvato Systems
As global next generation IT systems integrator arvato Systems focuses on “Digital Transformation Solutions”. We use the technology talent and expertise of over 3,000 people at more than 25 sites throughout the world. Being a part of the arvato network and belonging to Bertelsmann, we have the unique capability to create entire value chains. Our team creates integrated, future-proof business infrastructures that help make our customers more agile and competitive, and enable them to deliver new standards of service to their customers. We create streamlined digital processes that support innovative business models. Moreover we provide operation and support services.
Customers from the world of media, one of our core areas of expertise, can also benefit from these solutions. Custom-tailored arvato Systems solutions for broadcast management, media asset management, and publishing, enhanced by marketing and enterprise solutions are in use today in more than 30 countries.
arvato Systems offers an exceptional combination of international IT engineering excellence, the open mindset of a global player, and the dedication of employees. We also ensure that all our customer relationships are as personally rewarding and long-lasting as they are successful. www.arvato-systems.com
2 July 2015
Intelsat EpicNG will enable Axesat to meet diverse range of customers’ needs while consolidating operations previously spread across multiple satellite platforms
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I), the world’s leading provider of satellite services, today announced that Axesat S.A. has signed a multi-year agreement for satellite services on the high-performance Intelsat EpicNG platform. Axesat, the largest provider of satellite-based corporate networks in Colombia, selected the Intelsat 29e satellite as the best choice to support the growing needs of its corporate enterprise customers as well as its cellular backhaul customers throughout Latin America.
Under the agreement, Axesat will consolidate services spread across multiple satellites and operators, including Intelsat 805 and Intelsat 14, onto Intelsat 907 at 332.5°E and Intelsat 29e at 310°E. This will enable Axesat to deliver services to a diverse group of customers and, with the flexibility of Intelsat’s satellite services, to tailor unique solutions for each.
Intelsat 29e, scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2016, features the most advanced digital payload in the commercial satellite market, bringing unprecedented power, efficiency and accessibility to the marketplace. Its combination of high-power Ku-band spot beams, wide beams, open architecture design and backward compatibility will enable Axesat to easily integrate Intelsat EpicNG into its existing network with minimal upfront capital expenditures. This will result in increased efficiencies and allow Axesat to focus on growing its business and expanding into new geographic areas.
“We reviewed many high throughput satellite (HTS) options and committed to Intelsat EpicNG because it provides the improved efficiency and hardware independence that we considered vital to our plans,” said Mauricio Segovia, President of Axesat. “Intelsat will allow us to seamlessly integrate HTS into our existing network, deliver more bandwidth and cost-efficient commercial solutions to our corporate and cellular backhaul customers, as well as support our growth strategies in the countries where we operate.”
“We designed Intelsat EpicNG to bring more power, better economics and make satellite more accessible to existing and potential customers. This enables companies such as Axesat to easily scale their existing infrastructure and take full advantage of HTS to meet the burgeoning demands for broadband connectivity in the region,” said Kurt Riegelman, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Intelsat. “With 3G networks on the rise in Latin America and the need for rural connectivity never greater, the Intelsat EpicNG platform will allow Axesat to capture growth in existing markets, expand their services into new locations and, importantly, improve broadband connectivity in the areas they wish to serve.”
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2 July 2015
This week, RFE/RL marked its 20th anniversary in the Czech Republic in an event convened under the auspices of Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka and attended by dignitaries from over 22 countries.
In his keynote remarks, Prime Minister Sobotka recalled listening to RFE/RL as a student in Czechoslovakia.
“I want to thank RFE/RL not only for the last 20 years, but…for the indispensable help in difficult times of oppression, for being a fixed point in space of objectivity in a universe of disinformation, for providing a sense of direction for so many listeners, and for disseminating the voices of freedom,” he said.
Sobotka announced the award of two Karel Kramar medals for national service to former RFE/RL Czechoslovak Service Director Pavel Pechacek and former RFE/RL President Kevin Klose. Pechacek was the only independent journalist to report to audiences in their native Czech language directly from Wenceslas Square during the 1989 Velvet Revolution. Klose led RFE/RL during the move to Prague in 1995. The medals will be presented to the recipients during the Prime Minister’s visit to the U.S. this fall.
Representing the Broadcasting Board of Governors at the event, Ambassador Ryan Crocker paid tribute to the importance of informed media in conflict zones, and the courage of RFE/RL journalists working on the front lines in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.
U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Andrew Schapiro expressed the United States’ deep appreciation for the U.S.-Czech bilateral relationship and their partnership in supporting RFE/RL.
RFE/RL began broadcasting from Munich to the former Soviet Union and eastern and central Europe in 1950, moving its operations to Prague in 1995 at the invitation of then Czech President Vaclav Havel. Sixty-five years after its first broadcast, RFE/RL is a leading innovator in international media, reaching an audience of 23.3 million people in 24 countries and 28 languages on TV, web, social networks, and mobile platforms.
About RFE/RL
RFE/RL is a private, independent international news organization whose programs — radio, Internet, television, and mobile — reach influential audiences in 21 countries, including Russia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus. It is funded by the U.S. Congress through the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG).
