Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Nickelodeon UK And The "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Wish The London Underground A Happy 150th Anniversary With A Special TMNT Photo!

To wish the world's oldest underground passenger railway, the London Underground (also known as "The Tube") a Happy 150th anniversary on Wednesday 9th January 2013, and to help celebrate and to join-in with the special celebrations to mark the occasion, the Nickelodeon UK Press Office has shared a special photograph in Tweet (post) on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUKPR) which features Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo from Nickelodeon's brand new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" television series themselves posing beside a London Underground Tube train carriage, which was taken when Nick's newest superheroes visited the London Transport Museum in London's historic Covent Garden as part of Nickelodeon UK's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" press tour of the capital city of England and the United Kingdom:
Happy 150th Anniversary London Underground, from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #nickturtlesuk pic.twitter.com/jgvhWziA

Happy 150th Anniversary, London Underground!


Google has also celebrated the 150th anniversary of the London Underground by displaying a special London Underground Google Doodle based on the iconic London Underground Tube map which was designed by the English engineering draftsman Harry Beck on the Google UK homepage, google.co.uk:

Television Channels In The Asia Pacific Pick Up Rights To A Raft Of Nickelodeon Shows

The entertainment news website C21Media is reporting the Nickelodeon News that Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has announced a range of deals with Asian Pacific television broadcasters for a raft of popular animated Nickelodeon shows, including the hit animated Nickelodeon shows (Nicktoons) "Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness", "Back at the Barnyard" and "Robot and Monster" and the popular animated Nickelodeon Preschool (Nick Jr.) animated series "Dora the Explorer" "Bubble Guppies" "Team Umizoomi", "Go, Diego Go!":
Nick takes Dora to Asia Pacific

Broadcasters in Taiwan, China and the Philippines have acquired episodes of Nickelodeon’s preschool series Dora the Explorer from Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN).

Dora The Explorer

ABS-CBN has signed a deal that brings seasons one-to-six of Dora, seasons one and two of Bubble Guppies and seasons one-to-three of Team Umizoomi to the Philippines.

This deal with VIMN also includes episodes of Back at the Barnyard, Robot and Monster and Go, Diego Go!

Meanwhile, Eastern Broadcasting Asia in Taiwan has picked up season two of Team Umizoomi, Go, Diego Go! as well as episodes of Dora.

Finally, China’s Zhong Shi Jun Hui has signed up Bubble Guppies, seasons one and two of Kung Fu Panda and a number of Dora specials.

Nico Franks
09-01-2013
©C21Media

TAGS: International sales
GENRES: Animation, Children's
SHOWS: Bubble Guppies, Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go
COMPANIES: Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks
SECTIONS: C21Kids
COUNTRIES: China, Philippines, Taiwan

Nickelodeon UK To Hold A Exclusive Press Screening Of Their Brand New Show "Dance Academy" On Friday 11th January 2013!

The Nickelodeon UK Press Office has announced in a Tweet (post) on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUKPR) the exciting Nickelodeon UK News that, to celebrate Nickelodeon UK starting to premiere and show the brand new Australian teen-oriented television drama "Dance Academy" soon on Nickelodeon UK & Ireland and Nickelodeon HD UK as part of Nick UK's 2013 highlights, Nickelodeon UK's Press team will be holding a exclusive press screening of their new show, "Dance Academy", on Friday 11th January 2013 in London! As part of their Tweet, Nickelodeon UK's Press Office are also offering everyone the chance to attend Nick UK's special "Dance Academy" screening!:
We're having an exclusive press screening of our new show Dance Academy this Friday. Contact us if you would like to attend!
If you would like an invite to attend Nickelodeon UK's advanced preview screening event for Nick UK's brand new drama series called "Dance Academy", you can apply and find out if your eligible to attend by contacting the Nickelodeon UK Press Office through their official Twitter account, @NickelodeonUKPR!

Nickelodeon UK's brand new show "Dance Academy" is a Australian drama series that follows small-town girl Tara Webster (portrayed by Australian actress and dancer Xenia Goodwin) as she pursues her dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer at the fictitious National Academy of Dance. After 15-year-old Tara spins her way into the best school in the country, she is positive her life will be spectacular. But unfortunately, while she's lucky to have been born with an athleticism almost perfectly suited for ballet, she's far behind in her training.

In addition to the intense work out schedules and her troubles on the dance floor, Tara soon realizes it takes a lot more to survive than just dancing at this school - a spiteful roommate, first-time heartbreak and homesickness blend together to make this dream more difficult to achieve than she initially thought.

Throughout the series, while learning ballet, Tara Webster also learns contemporary and hip-hop dance, alongside fellow students Katrina Karamakov (played by Alicia Banit), Ethan Karamakov (Tim Pocock), Samuel "Sammy" Lieberman (Tom Green), Abigail Armstrong (Dena Kaplan) and Christian Reed (Jordan Rodrigues).

"Dance Academy" is produced by Werner Films Productions in association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Screen Australia, Film Victoria, Film New South Wales and ZDF for Germany. Series (season) one of "Dance Academy" debuted on the Australian public television channel ABC1 on 31st May 2010. Series two premiered on Australian Broadcasting Corporation's children's public television channel ABC3 on 12th March 2012, and a brand new third season (series 3) is currently in production and is expected to premiere on Australian TV during mid-2013. Nickelodeon USA's TeenNick Network also picked up the broadcast rights to the series in February 2012.

Viacom International Media Networks UK Partners With BT To Bring Nickelodeon, MTV And Comedy Central To BT Vision

The British multinational telecommunications services company BT Group plc, also known as BT (British Telecom), has announced in the following press release, from from the official BT plc website, btplc.com, the Nickelodeon UK News that their subscription digital TV service, BT Vision has partnered with Viacom International Media Networks to bring VIMN's leading TV entertainment channels Nickelodeon UK, MTV UK and Comedy Central UK and Nickelodeon to BT Vision’s fast-growing line-up of linear channels. Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and MTV will be streamed, with some programs available on-demand from early 2013. BT have also announced that Nick UK's popular preschool channel, Nick Jr. UK, will also be joining BT Vision's channel line-up later this year!:
Viacom International Media Networks deal brings MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon channels to BT Vision

BT Vision has signed a contract with Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), to bring leading TV entertainment channels, MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon, to BT Vision’s fast-growing line-up of linear channels. MTV is the world’s premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, it is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative and relevant programming for a youth audience.

MTV UK, which reaches more than 22.5 million households and is currently the Broadcast Digital Entertainment channel of the year, is home to ratings-busting local shows like Geordie Shore and The Valleys, top US imports like Jersey Shore and Teen Mom and events like the MTV EMAs, VMAs and Movie Awards.

Comedy Central is the UK’s most popular comedy brand and is currently the number one pay TV general entertainment channel for 16-34-year-olds, available in more than 13 million homes.

Comedy Central broadcasts some of the funniest shows around - from award-winning UK commissions like Threesome and the upcoming Big Bad World starring Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners), which debuts in 2013, to the biggest and best shows from the US including, The Daily Show, South Park, 30 Rock, Friends, Two and a Half Men and Charlie Sheen’s new hit comedy Anger Management.

Nickelodeon joins the BT Vision line-up, bringing the best in animated and live-action kids’ content to family audiences. Nickelodeon is the number one commercial kids’ network in the UK and is available in 14 million cable and satellite homes. Home of the internationally loved and award-winning SpongeBob SquarePants as well as the hit UK-produced mystery series, House of Anubis, Nickelodeon also airs brand new episodes of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Nick Jr. is also set to join BT Vision’s line-up this year.

The new channels join BT Vision's growing list of linear channels, which already includes Universal Channel, Syfy, E!, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Real Time, British Eurosport 1 and 2, FX, National Geographic, National Geographic WILD and UKTV’s Gold, Watch and Alibi.

Marc Watson, BT’s chief executive of TV, said: “We're really excited about these channels coming to BT Vision - we're certain our viewers will love them. MTV is the pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people, with the best in music, celebrity news and reality TV, Comedy Central is cutting edge comedy overflowing with provocative, original programming and Nickelodeon is the number one brand in the world for kids.”

David Lynn, managing director and executive vice president, UK, Australia & Eastern Europe & International Content Distribution, VIMN, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring three of the world's top entertainment channels to BT Vision viewers. Across kids, youth and adults, VIMN brands showcase some of the most popular content – from Geordie Shore, Two and a Half Men and SpongeBob SquarePants - to our audience, however they want to view it. Being part of BT Vision represents the natural next step in delivering that content.”

MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon channels will be streamed on BT Vision, with some programmes available on-demand from early 2013.

Images are available on request

Notes to editors

About Viacom International Media Networks UK & Ireland

Viacom International Media Networks UK & Ireland represent 23 channels that offer the very best in music, comedy and kids programming through its MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon brands. The brands have been market leaders across the three primary genre groups for more than 10 years, reaching 22.9 million homes through SKY, cable and Freeview.

Our ten branded music and entertainment channels comprise of MTV, MTV Music, MTV +1, MTV Rocks, MTV Classic, MTV Hits, MTV Dance, MTV Base, VH1 and VIVA. They feature the best in music alongside popular shows such as Geordie Shore, The Valleys, Jersey Shore and Teen Mom. Comedy Central and Nickelodeon in the UK are part of the VIMN portfolio of channels through joint ventures with BSkyB.
Also, from Cable.co.uk:
Comedy Central, MTV and Nickelodeon to launch on BT Vision

South Park and a host of other Comedy Central shows are coming to BT Vision

Another three linear channels are set to launch on the BT Vision platform.

BT Vision has sealed an agreement with Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) to add MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon to its line-up of linear television channels.

Comedy Central is the number one pay TV general entertainment channel among 16 to 34-year-olds in the UK. Available in more than 13 million homes, it boasts an array of US and homegrown comedy such as Friends, South Park and Threesome.

MTV UK, which has a reach of more than 22.5 million households, is the current Broadcast Digital Entertainment channel of the year and home to shows like Geordie Shore and The Valleys.

Nickelodeon carries the award-winning SpongeBob SquarePants and is the top commercial children's network in Britain, with 14 million satellite and cable homes able to receive the channel. In addition, Nick Jr. is set to launch on the BT Vision platform later this year.

Chief executive of TV at BT Marc Watson said: "We're really excited about these channels coming to BT Vision - we're certain our viewers will love them."

David Lynn, VIMN's managing director and executive vice president for the UK, Australia and eastern Europe and international content distribution, added: "We are delighted to be able to bring three of the world's top entertainment channels to BT Vision viewers."
Also, from imediamonkey:
MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon coming to BT Vision

© Comedy Central / MTV / Nickelodeon

MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon will be streamed on BT Vision platform, with some programmes available on-demand from early 2013, it has been announced.

The news comes as BT Vision and Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) agree a deal to bring the three leading entertainment channels to the platform’s fast-growing line-up of linear channels.
"We are delighted to be able to bring three of the world’s top entertainment channels to BT Vision viewers."

David Lynn, Managing Directior, VIMN
BT’s Chief Executive of TV, Marc Watson, said: “We’re really excited about these channels coming to BT Vision – we’re certain our viewers will love them. MTV is the pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people, with the best in music, celebrity news and reality TV, Comedy Central is cutting edge comedy overflowing with provocative, original programming and Nickelodeon is the number one brand in the world for kids.”

Managing Director and Executive Vice President for UK, Australia & Eastern Europe & International Content Distribution at VIMN, David Lynn, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring three of the world’s top entertainment channels to BT Vision viewers. Across kids, youth and adults, VIMN brands showcase some of the most popular content – from Geordie Shore, Two and a Half Men and SpongeBob SquarePants - to our audience, however they want to view it. Being part of BT Vision represents the natural next step in delivering that content.”

Watch a series one recap of Comedy Central’s Threesome [here on the official imediamonkey website, imediamonkey.com].
Also, from Variety's TV News column on the official Variety website, Variety.com:
Viacom inks pact with U.K. telco BT

MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon added to lineup

LONDON

Viacom has pacted with U.K. telco BT to add MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon to the lineup of channels on its pay TV platform, BT Vision.

The trio will be streamed, with some programs available on-demand from early this year.

Viacom's U.K. content includes "Geordie Shore" and "The Valleys" on MTV, "Threesome" and "Big Bad World," which stars Blake Harrison from "The Inbetweeners," on Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon's mystery series "House of Anubis."

BT Vision, which reported 750,000 subscribers in November, already carries Universal Channel, Syfy, E!, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, FX and National Geographic.

Deal was inked by David Lynn, managing director and exec VP, U.K., Australia and Eastern Europe, and international content distribution, at Viacom Intl. Media Networks, and Marc Watson, BT's chief exec of TV.
Also, from The Hollywood Reporter:
Viacom, U.K.'s BT Strike TV Network Carriage Deal

The arrangement will bring MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon to the BT Vision pay TV service in Britain, which competes with the likes of BSkyB.

LONDON - U.K. telecom giant BT Vision has signed a carriage deal with Viacom's Viacom International Media Networks to bring the MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon channels to its BT Vision pay TV service.

Financial terms weren't disclosed. The agreement is BT's latest carriage arrangement with a Hollywood conglomerate.

"MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon channels will be streamed on BT Vision, with some programs available on-demand from early 2013," BT said.

The new channels join BT Vision’s growing list of linear channels, which include NBCUniversal's Universal Channel, Syfy, E!, Discovery Communications' Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, as well as News Corp.'s FX, National Geographic and National Geographic Wild.

David Lynn, managing director and executive vp, UK, Australia & Eastern Europe & international content distribution at VIMN, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring three of the world’s top entertainment channels to BT Vision viewers. Across kids, youth and adults, VIMN brands showcase some of the most popular content - from Geordie Shore, Two and a Half Men and SpongeBob SquarePants - to our audience, however they want to view it. Being part of BT Vision represents the natural next step in delivering that content."

“We’re really excited about these channels coming to BT Vision," said BT's CEO of TV Marc Watson. "MTV is the pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people, with the best in music, celebrity news and reality TV, Comedy Central is cutting edge comedy overflowing with provocative, original programming and Nickelodeon is the number one brand in the world for kids.”

Comedy Central is the U.K.’s most popular comedy TV brand and is currently the number one pay TV general entertainment channel for 16-34-year-olds, available in more than 13 million homes, the companies said.

Comedy Central airs U.K. shows such as Threesome and such U.S. hits as The Daily Show, South Park, 30 Rock, Friends, Two and a Half Men and Charlie Sheen’s Anger Management.
Also, from Rapid tv news:
BT Vision adds MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon to content portfolio

In the latest of a series of strategic moves to bolster the IPTV service, BT Vision has signed a contract with Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) to bring more entertainment channels to its linear channel bouquet.

This means that BT Vision will now be able to offer the iconic MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon brands. The new channels will join BT Vision's roster which already includes Universal Channel, Syfy, E!, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Real Time, British Eurosport 1 and 2, FX, National Geographic, National Geographic WILD and UKTV's Gold, Watch and Alibi.

To put the deal into context, MTV UK reaches more than 22.5 million households and is currently the Broadcast Digital Entertainment channel of the year. It shows locally product content such as Geordie Shore and The Valleys as well as US imports like Jersey Shore and Teen Mom, and hosts and broadcasts events like the MTV EMAs, VMAs and Movie Awards.

For its part, Comedy Central is said to be the UK's most popular comedy brand and is currently the No 1 pay-TV general entertainment channel for 16-34-year-olds, available in over 13 million homes.

Commenting on the deal, Marc Watson, BT's chief executive of TV, said: "We're really excited about these channels coming to BT Vision – we're certain our viewers will love them. MTV is the pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people, with the best in music, celebrity news and reality TV; Comedy Central is cutting-edge comedy overflowing with provocative, original programming; and Nickelodeon is the No 1 brand in the world for kids."

For his part, David Lynn, managing director and executive vice president, UK, Australia & Eastern Europe & international content distribution, VIMN, added: "Across kids, youth and adults, VIMN brands showcase some of the most popular content – from Geordie Shore, Two and a Half Men and SpongeBob SquarePants – to our audience, however they want to view it. Being part of BT Vision represents the natural next step in delivering that content."

Tags: united kingdomm, tv, comedy, central, nickelodeon, bt vision, iptv, viacom international media networks, uk & ireland, vimm, universal channel, syfy, e!, discovery channel, animal planet, real time, british eurosport 1 and 2, fx, national geographic, national geographic wild, uktv's gold, watch, alibi
Also, from C21Media:
BT adds Viacom networks

NEWS BRIEF: UK telco BT is adding MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon to its BT Vision IPTV service following a deal with Viacom International Media Networks.

The pact further boosts BT’s linear TV offering, with the entertainment channels joining the likes of Universal Channel, Syfy and E! Entertainment, which it added last month; and Discovery Channel, Real Time and Animal Planet, added in November.

C21 reporter
10-01-2013
©C21Media

TAGS: Channel distribution
GENRES: Children's, Comedy, Entertainment
SHOWS: Geordie Shore, SpongeBob SquarePants, Two and a Half Men
PEOPLE: David Lynn
COMPANIES: BT, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks
SECTIONS: FutureMedia
COUNTRIES: UK
Also, from Digital Spy's Media news column:
BT Vision adds MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon channels

BT has agreed a deal with Viacom International Media Networks to bring the MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon channels to BT Vision.

The telecoms giant has also signed a separate deal with the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) for hundreds of hours of live tennis for its new BT Sport operation.

[...]


[South Park] © Paramount [and Comedy Central]

Under the agreement with Viacom, BT Vision customers will now be able to watch the MTV UK channel, home of shows such as Geordie Shore, The Valleys, Jersey Shore and Teen Mom.

They can also enjoy Comedy Central, broadcaster of The Daily Show, South Park, 30 Rock and Friends; as well as Nickelodeon, the children's network that airs SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Nick Jr is set to join BT Vision's lineup this year.

BT's chief executive of TV, Marc Watson, said that he was "really excited" to add the channels to BT Vision.

"MTV is the pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people, with the best in music, celebrity news and reality TV; Comedy Central is cutting edge comedy overflowing with provocative, original programming; and Nickelodeon is the number one brand in the world for kids," he said.

MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon channels will be streamed on BT Vision, with some on-demand programmes added from early 2013.

BT has been quietly expanding its channel lineup for BT Vision over the past few months, including deals to networks from Eurosport, National Geographic, Universal and UKTV.

The telecoms giant has also been busy signing sports rights deal to go with Premier League football and Aviva Premiership Rugby on its BT Sport network, which will launch in the summer.

Today, the firm said that it has agreed a deal with the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) to show as much as 800 hours per year of live tennis from events featuring the best female tennis players in the world.

BT Sport will air live matches from the 21 WTA tournaments, as World No.1 Victoria Azarenka fends off the challenge from the likes of Maria Sharapova and the Williams sisters, along with resurgent British players Laura Robson and Heather Watson.

In a statement, BT said that it has chosen to invest in women's tennis in order to "widen the appeal of its new sports channels".

Simon Green, head of BT Sport, said: "This is our first women's sport for the channels and we see a genuine opportunity to really develop the exposure for women's sport with our new channels.

"We are focusing on several more women's sports and we hope to be able to announce more rights soon.

"Women's tennis is the highest-profile women's sport, attracting a global audience of 185 million viewers. It's a good moment for the British women, with Laura and Heather starting to challenge for honours.

"We want to follow their story over the next few years, as well as showcasing the world's best players in the tournaments that help determine their world rankings."
Also, from IP&TV News:
BT Vision inks Viacom deal to bring MTV and Comedy Central

UK telco BT has signed a contract with Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) to bring leading TV entertainment channels MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon to the growing line-up of linear channels which the telco delivers via IPTV on its hybrid TV service ‘BT Vision’.

MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon channels will be streamed on BT Vision, with some programmes available on-demand from early 2013.

They join a growing list of channels available on BT Vision from outside the ‘Freeview’ DTT platform, such as Universal Channel, Syfy, E!, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Real Time, British Eurosport 1 and 2, FX, National Geographic, National Geographic WILD and UKTV’s Gold, Watch and Alibi.

David Lynn, managing director and executive vice president, UK, Australia & Eastern Europe & International Content Distribution, VIMN, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring three of the world’s top entertainment channels to BT Vision viewers.

“Across kids, youth and adults, VIMN brands showcase some of the most popular content – from Geordie Shore, Two and a Half Men and SpongeBob SquarePants – to our audience, however they want to view it. Being part of BT Vision represents the natural next step in delivering that content.”

BT recently revealed that it has passed three-quarters of a million subscribers for its IPTV service ‘BT Vision’ after adding 21,000 customers in the third quarter of this year, and confirmed that it is accelerating its rollout of fibre broadband.

To read our recent interview with VIMN’s David Lynn, in which he discusses how Viacom brands are leveraging social media tools to engage with more effectively with audiences, please click here.

Tags: BT, BT Vision, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks, VIMN
Also, from IPTV News:
BT Vision inks Viacom deal to bring MTV and Comedy Central

UK telco BT has signed a contract with Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) to bring leading TV entertainment channels MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon to the growing line-up of linear channels which the telco delivers via IPTV on its hybrid TV service ‘BT Vision’.

MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon channels will be streamed on BT Vision, with some programmes available on-demand from early 2013.

They join a growing list of channels available on BT Vision from outside the ‘Freeview’ DTT platform, such as Universal Channel, Syfy, E!, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Real Time, British Eurosport 1 and 2, FX, National Geographic, National Geographic WILD and UKTV’s Gold, Watch and Alibi.

David Lynn, managing director and executive vice president, UK, Australia & Eastern Europe & International Content Distribution, VIMN, said: “We are delighted to be able to bring three of the world’s top entertainment channels to BT Vision viewers.

“Across kids, youth and adults, VIMN brands showcase some of the most popular content – from Geordie Shore, Two and a Half Men and SpongeBob SquarePants – to our audience, however they want to view it. Being part of BT Vision represents the natural next step in delivering that content.”

BT recently revealed that it has passed three-quarters of a million subscribers for its IPTV service ‘BT Vision’ after adding 21,000 customers in the third quarter of this year, and confirmed that it is accelerating its rollout of fibre broadband.

To read our recent interview with VIMN’s David Lynn, in which he discusses how Viacom brands are leveraging social media tools to engage with more effectively with audiences, please click here.

Tags: BT, BT Vision, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Viacom International Media Networks, VIMN
Also, from the Scotsman:
Market watch: Analysts anxious over cost of BT’s television battle with BSkyB

FIGURES this week will shed further light upon the extent of the inroads being made by the beefed-up BT Vision into Sky’s dominance of UK market for paid television.

BSkyB’s half-year results on Thursday will be followed by third-quarter numbers from BT on Friday. Both will reveal how many customers they signed up for their TV services in the past three months.

BT has been investing heavily to boost its presence in the so-called “triple play” market for combined packages of tele­phone, TV and internet services, starting with last year’s £738 million splurge on 38 live English Premier League matches from 2013. The group also has rights to club rugby, and this month sealed a four-year deal with the Women’s Tennis Association.

BT has been bringing other programmes on to its platform too, having recently signed a deal with Viacom to add Comedy Central, MTV and Nickel­odeon to its line-up of entertainment channels.

One analyst noted that BT’s interest payments were now costing more than its dividend pay-out, while free cash flow fell into negative territory last year. He said: “It’s a huge investment that could yield substantial rewards, but if they get it wrong they’ll be crushed by debt.”

BT added 21,000 customers to its TV service in the second quarter, trumping rivals Virgin Media and BskyB. The latter added 20,000 customers during the same period.

BSkyB remains the dominant player in the market with a TV subscription base of more than 10.5 million households. BT Vision, by contrast, has about 750,000 TV customers.

“There would have to be something huge in next week’s figures before you could say there has been any dramatic shift, and I don’t expect anything on that sort of scale,” the analyst added. “This is more of a long-term story.”

High oil prices are expected to narrow falls in profits at oil giant Shell on Thursday.

The City predict fourth-quarter profits will be 3 per cent lower at $6.3 billion (£4bn), down from $6.5bn in the same period last year. Profits had fallen by 15 per cent in the previous quarter due to “volatile” energy markets.
Also, from uSwitch.com (Tech):
BT adds new channels to pay-TV service

Three new channels and women's tennis for BT Vision subscribers

BT Vision is continuing to bring new channels and content to its UK television subscribers.

The pay-TV vendor has signed a contract with Viacom International Media Networks to bring a number of popular entertainment channels to its platform.

MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon have all launched on BT Vision this month, increasing the range of options for viewers.

Marc Watson, BT’s Chief Executive of TV, said the firm is "really excited" about these channels coming to BT Vision.

"MTV is the pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people, with the best in music, celebrity news and reality TV," he noted.

"Comedy Central is cutting edge comedy overflowing with provocative, original programming and Nickelodeon is the number one brand in the world for kids."

The new channels join BT Vision’s growing portfolio - which already includes Universal Channel, Syfy, E!, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Real Time, British Eurosport 1 and 2, FX, National Geographic, National Geographic WILD and UKTV’s Gold, Watch and Alibi.

Meanwhile, BT Sport has signed a deal with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to show up to 800 hours per year of live action from the ladies' tour.

The TV provider will show live matches from 21 WTA tournaments across the globe, including the season-ending showpiece TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships.

The announcement coincides with an upturn in fortunes for British women’s tennis, with two British players ranked in the WTA Top-50 for the first time since July 1987.

Both Laura Robson and Heather Watson will be hoping to make an impression at the four Grand Slam events in 2013 - with Wimbledon a key target for the two rising stars.

The BT Sport deal is for four years and includes the five elite WTA tournaments – Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing and Istanbul.

During the 2013 season, the rights will be held jointly with Eurosport, but from 2014 will be exclusively owned by BT Sport.

Simon Green, Head of BT Sport, said there is a "genuine opportunity" to develop the exposure for women’s sport with the broadcaster's new channels.

"We are focusing on several more women’s sports and we hope to be able to announce more rights soon," he stated.

BT Sport has already secured live top flight football and rugby union rights from the 2013-14 season.

Tags: BT, Broadband and TV packages, Broadband and IPTV

Nickelodeon UK Announces Plans To Release The Brand New "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise Of The Turtles" DVD On Monday 25th March 2013!

According to Amazon.co.uk, Nickelodeon And Viacom Consumer Products UK and Paramount Home Entertainment will release Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution's first brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" DVD, called "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles", in the UK and Ireland (Region 2/PAL format) on Monday 25th March 2013!

You can currently pre-order Nickelodeon's new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles" DVD on Amazon UK for £7.49 and on Play.com for £7.99 (both online shops offer free delivery options in the UK).

Not much more information is currently known about NVCP and PHE's first DVD release of Nickelodeon's brand new action-packed CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" television series, "Rise of the Turtles", apart from it'll be in English, feature one disc, have a running time of 132 minutes (approximately 5 23 minute long episodes), will be presented using the Aspect Ratio 16:9 - 1.78, will feature English subtitles for the hearing impaired, and has been given the ASIN code B00AJZSJUE. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) age rating for Nickelodeon & Paramount's first TMNT DVD, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles", has yet to be announced, but it is expected "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" will be rated either U (Universal - Suitable for all) or PG (Parental Guidance recommended). Although unconfirmed, Nickelodeon And Viacom Consumer Products UK and Paramount Home Entertainment's brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles" DVD is expected to feature the first five episodes of Nick's brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" animated TV show - "Rise of the Turtles" (Double-Length Episode), "Turtle Temper", "New Friend, Old Enemy", "I Think His Name Is Baxter Stockman" and "Metalhead". It is currently unknown whether the UK version of Nick and Paramount's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles" DVD will feature the same special bonus features as the TMNT DVD's North American release - six "making of animatics" and a karaoke music video to the show's tubular theme song - and if the DVD will be sold with a exclusive limited edition "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" poster for a limited time, but a special featured called "The Mutation of a Scene: Rise of the Turtles, Part 1" has been announced for the UK release of TMNT's "Rise of the Turtles" DVD.

Below are the product details for Nickelodeon's upcoming brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles" DVD from the DVD's product pages on Amazon UK and Play.com:
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - Rise of the Turtles [DVD]
Rated: To Be Announced | Format: DVD

Price: £7.49 & this item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery.

This title will be released on March 25, 2013.

Product details
Format: PAL
Language: English
Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired: English
Region: Region 2; Will only play on European Region 2 or multi-region DVD players.
Aspect Ratio (Screen): 16:9 Anamorphic - 1.78:1
Number of discs: 1
Classification: To be announced
Studio: Paramount Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: 25 Mar 2013
Run Time (Duration): 132 minutes (2 hours and 12 minutes (approx))
ASIN: B00AJZSJUE
Director Michael Chang
Year: 2012
Languages: English - Dolby Digital (5.1)
Subtitles: English for the hearing impaired

Product Description
Emerging from their hidden lair in the sewers for the very first time, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are ready to explore the hostile streets of NYC. Join these four super dudes--Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo--as they face enemies more dangerous (and taste pizza more delicious) than anything they could have imagined.

Special Features:
The Mutation of a Scene: Rise of the Turtles, Part 1

Actors: Sean Astin, Jason Biggs, Greg Cipes, Rob Paulsen, Mae Whitman, Hoon Lee, Nolan North, Brian Bloom, Scott Menville & Keith Silverstein

Nickelodeon And Paramount Announce Plans To Release Their New "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise Of The Turtles" DVD In The USA On Tuesday 26th February 2013!

Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution has announced in the following Nickelodeon Press Release, from the animation news website ToonZone, the Nickelodeon News that Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Media Distribution will start to release Nickelodeon's brand new CGI-animated action-packed series "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" on DVD, starting with TMNT's first brand new TMNT DVD, called "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles", which will be released in North America (Region 1) on Tuesday 26th February 2013! NHE & PHMD's first brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" DVD, "Rise of the Turtles", which will have the suggested retail price (SRP) of $14.99, will feature the first five episodes of Nick's brand new "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" animated TV show - "Rise of the Turtles" (Double-Length Episode), "Turtle Temper", "New Friend, Old Enemy", "I Think His Name Is Baxter Stockman" and "Metalhead" - plus a selection of great bonus features (extras) - six awesome "making of animatics" and a karaoke music video to the Nickelodeon's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" tubular theme song. Plus, as an added special bonus, each DVD will include an exclusive "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" poster for a limited time only!:
PR: “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Rise of the Turtles” on DVD February 26, 2013

BRING HOME AN ALL-NEW GENERATION OF HEROES FOR THE FIRST TIME!

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: RISE OF THE TURTLES

Available on DVD on February 26, 2013




NEW YORKJanuary 7, 2012 – Nickelodeon’s all-new, CGI-animated hit series debuts on DVD with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles. Join these four ninja brothers - Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo – in this action-packed adventure as they emerge from their hidden lair in the sewers of New York City for the very first time. In addition, enjoy six awesome “making of animatics” and a karaoke music video to the show’s tubular theme song. And as an added bonus, each DVD will include an exclusive Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles poster for a limited time only. Created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment, and distributed by Paramount Home Media Distribution, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles is available on DVD on February 26, 2013, for the suggested retail price of $14.99.

The series stars Jason Biggs (American Pie) as “Leonardo,” Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings) as “Raphael,” Rob Paulsen (Planet Sheen) as “Donatello” and Greg Cipes (Teen Titans) as “Michelangelo.” Additional cast members rounding out this iconic hit franchise include Mae Whitman (Parenthood) as “April O’Neil,” Hoon Lee (Royal Pains) as “Master Splinter” and Kevin Michael Richardson (Penguins of Madagascar) as “Shredder.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles Episode Synopses:

Rise of the Turtles (Double-Length Episode)
Four sewer-dwelling turtles go above ground for the first time and rescue a teenage girl, April O’Neil, and her father from a near abduction. Before long, they’re caught up in a complicated conspiracy.

Turtle Temper
When a video surfaces showing the Turtles topside, Master Splinter worries that their secrecy will be compromised. Meanwhile, Raphael struggles to keep his anger problems in check.

New Friend, Old Enemy
Michelangelo accidentally befriends Chris Bradford via social media, a henchman who’s secretly working for Shredder!

I Think His Name Is Baxter Stockman
When the Turtles sneak out against Splinter’s wishes to spend time with April, they battle Baxter Stockman, a deranged inventor in mechanical battle armor.

Metalhead
Donatello invents a remote-controlled robot to stand in for him during a battle with Kraang.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Rise of the Turtles Fast Facts:

Street Date: February 26, 2013
DVD SRP: $14.99
Catalogue: 880484
Running Time: 145 Minutes
Audio: Dolby Digital – English 5.1 Surround
Special Features:
* 6 “making of” Animatics
* Theme Song: Karaoke Music Video

Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles premiered on Sept. 29 to 3.9 million viewers and has since grown in its audience double-digits. Funnier and with more ninjutsu than ever before, the show explores the companionship of four teenage brothers learning to rely on themselves and one another as they unravel the mystery of their existence and grow to become the heroes in a half-shell that they are destined to be. The premiere episode was executive produced by Ciro Nieli, Joshua Sternin & J.R. Ventimilia and Peter Hastings.

Considered one of the most popular kids’ television programs of the 1980s, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a classic, global property created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird. It first debuted as a successful comic book series and then became a hit animated TV show, a live-action television series and later spawned four blockbuster theatrical releases. The property also has translated into a significant consumer products business—with DVDs, video games, toys and more–that has generated billions of dollars at retail.

About Nickelodeon:
Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

About Paramount Home Media Distribution:
Paramount Home Media Distribution (PHMD) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. The PHMD division oversees PPC’s home entertainment, digital and television distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, CBS and PBS and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment. PHMD additionally manages global licensing of studio content and distribution across worldwide digital and television distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.