24-Hour Localised Mtv And Nickelodeon in NZ

Mtv Networks Asia Pacific To Launch 24-Hour Localised Mtv And Nickelodeon Channels On Sky Television In New Zealand

AUCKLAND/SYDNEY/SINGAPORE, 18 May 2006 – MTV Networks Asia Pacific president Nigel Robbins today announced launch plans for a wholly-owned and operated localised MTV and the re-launch of Nickelodeon as a fully-customised channel for audiences in New Zealand. Both channels will be carried by SKY Television and made available to more than 650,000 homes, representing 43% of all television homes nationwide. The channels will benefit from local productions, locally-tailored programming, scheduling, on-air promos and feature New Zealand presenters.

“Young people in New Zealand enjoy a lifestyle, sensibility and appetite for pop culture and entertainment that is totally unique, so it is particularly exciting to bring them dedicated MTV and Nickelodeon channels that reflect these nuances,” said Robbins. “Whether you are a school kid who loves SpongeBob SquarePants or a university-aged fan of Savage or Scribe, the Nickelodeon and MTV services provide new entertainment options that are relevant to the Kiwi way of life.”

MTV New Zealand (SKY digital channel 35) will launch as a 24-hour network, with localised and signature MTV programming available beginning 19th August 2006. The launch of MTV New Zealand will provide an unrivalled platform for music artists in their all-important home market and allow MTV to work closely with the record labels to devise tailored ways to promote and support these acts. The channel will be able to focus more heavily on New Zealand artists and will deliver shows that MTV viewers love alongside presenters who can fully engage with the unique and vibrant entertainment scene in New Zealand.

“To finally introduce the world’s leading youth network to the SKY platform is both a coup and a cause for celebration,” said SKY’s Director of Programming – Entertainment, Travis Dunbar. “To combine the cut-through of MTV’s global series with unique local productions that focus on New Zealand youth culture and music should make MTV the appointment channel in its demographic,” added Mr. Dunbar.

Nickelodeon, the world’s most widely distributed network for kids, will re-launch in New Zealand on August 1 as a fully-customised channel, reflecting the lifestyle and playful attitude of kids aged 2 to 14 years old. Nickelodeon New Zealand (SKY digital channel 42) will showcase a diverse range of programming genres, including animation, live-action, comedy, game shows and pre-school programming in the Nick Jr. block, all aimed at kids in New Zealand.

“Kids in New Zealand will now have a Nickelodeon to call their own and celebrate the fun, kid-centric world of our channel,” said Catherine Nebauer, Sr. Vice President and Managing Director, Nickelodeon Networks Asia. “Our early forays into the market allowed kids to explore and discover Nick, so to take it to the next level and offer them a localised channel is a perfect next step in our growth.”

“The addition of a local dedicated Nickelodeon channel means SKY now has the most compelling line-up of youth television in New Zealand,” Mr. Dunbar added.

Both the launch of MTV and the re-launch of Nickelodeon in New Zealand represent a significant opportunity for MTV Networks Asia Pacific’s business partners including advertisers, record labels, the talent community and multi-platform distributors in the digital marketplace.

Working closely with its distribution partner, SKY Television, local advertisers for MTV and Nickelodeon will benefit from being able to buy spots purely for their local audience, increasing relevance and maximising efficiency, and packages will also be available to those clients who wish to purchase international, Australasia, pan-regional or New Zealand slots.

MTV and Nickelodeon’s New Zealand headquarters will be based in Auckland, with a full staff of personnel attending to the channels’ daily operations. Key management appointments for the services will be announced soon, with MTV Networks Asia Pacific’s Director of Business Development Chris Keely leading set-up efforts for the businesses.

About MTV Networks Asia Pacific
MTV Networks Asia Pacific comprises three distinctly branded channels in the region reaching more than 300 million households: MTV, the world’s largest television network and the leading multimedia brand for youth; Nickelodeon, the leading entertainment brand dedicated exclusively to kids; and VH1, the music video network that keeps adult viewers connected to the music they love. In Asia Pacific, MTV and Nickelodeon’s businesses also include branded consumer products, programme sales and digital media comprising of eight websites and mobile platforms. MTV Networks Asia Pacific has a total of 19 channels which are seen via 24-hour and programming blocks.

About SKY Television
SKY Television (SKY), broadcasting via both UHF and DTH is New Zealand’s pre-eminent Pay TV operator, offering a wide range of sports, movies, music, on-demand and general content across more than 80 channels. SKY’s channel line-up includes 6 sports channels, 5 movie channels, 5 general entertainment channels, 4 documentary channels, 3 news channels, 4 children’s channels, as well as other niche channels. (At 06 April 2006, SKY had 650,522 subscribers).

SKY launched as a three-channel UHF service in 1990, with two further channels added four years later. SKY’s UHF signal reaches more than 83% of the country’s 1.5 million households. In December 1998 it launched a digital satellite service, extending its reach to the whole country. SKY also offers pay-per-view movies, live events and interactive services including Skybet, the Weather Channel, and games channels Mind Games and Playin’ TV.

With the establishment of a new on line DVD rental service and in December 2005, the launch of MY SKY, a new set top box incorporating a personal video recorder, SKY is positioned to bring New Zealand viewers even more entertainment options.

On 8 February 2006, SKY completed the purchase of the New Zealand television business of Prime Television Ltd. The acquisition of a free-to-air channel gives SKY the opportunity to showcase its channels and programmes whilst ensuring that New Zealand consumers can view delayed free-to-air sports programmes such as rugby, rugby league and cricket in primetime.

For further information, please visit SKY’s web site at www.skytv.co.nz

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