Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Nick Jr. UK's "Peppa Pig" Voted As One Of The Greatest Children’s TV Shows

Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's preschool channel, Nick Jr. UK and Ireland, has announced in a Tweet (post) on their official Twitter profile page (@NickJrUK) that Nick Jr. UK and Eire megastar and popular cartoon character "Peppa Pig", who has starred in over 200 five-minute TV episodes, has been voted as one of the greatest children's television shows by staff and readers of the popular British weekly television and radio programme listings magazine, Radio Times! Congratulations, Peppa!!
Nick Jr.'s Peppa Pig has been voted as one of the greatest children’s TV show by @RadioTimes. Well done Peppa! - Tuesday 30th July 2013.
In a separate Tweet, Tina McCann, the Managing Director of Nickelodeon UK and Ireland, has announced the fantastic Nick Jr. UK news in a Tweet on her official Twitter feed (@TinaMcCannTV) that "Peppa Pig" has had 8.1m viewers on Nick Jr. UK year to date!:
8.1m viewers on Nick Jr. year to date can’t be wrong - Peppa Pig is on the Radio Times shortlist for the greatest kids TV show ever! - Tuesday 30th July 2013.
Below is the longlist of all the shows nominated (in alphabetical order), from the British national morning newspaper The Independent:

Bill And Ben (Flower Pot Men)
Blue Peter
Bob The builder
Clangers
Grange Hill
Horrible Histories
In The Night Garden
Jackanory
The Magic Roundabout
Mr Benn
Multi-Coloured Swap Shop
Peppa Pig
Play School
Record Breakers
The Sarah Jane Adventures
The Story Of Tracy Beaker
Teletubbies
Thunderbirds
Tiswas
Wallace & Gromit

Australian TV Operator Foxtel Debuts "Foxtel Play"; Includes Nickelodeon Australia

The Australian pay television company Foxtel has announced in the following press release, from their official website, foxtel.com.au, that the cable and satellite television provider's brand new IPTV (Internet Protocol television) service called Foxtel Play went live on Tuesday 30th July 2013, ahead of its official launch on Sunday 11th August 2013.

The Internet TV service, which is offering even more Australians access to Foxtel's extensive programme library, is being delivered over the internet initially to eligible Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox 360 and PC and Mac computers, enabling customers with a broadband connection to watch programs from Foxtel's amazing range of kids, sports, drama, entertainment, documentary and movie channels, including Nickelodeon Australia, live or on catch-up with no lock-in contract and no installation costs.

Foxtel has also announced that its highly acclaimed Foxtel Go service will be available to Foxtel Play subscribers as part of their subscription. Customers can access Foxtel Go on up to two registered devices including iPads and selected iPhones and selected Samsung smartphones and tablets.

Original Foxtel Press Release:

Foxtel Play Goes Live

Offers greater freedom of access to more households plus Foxtel Go

Foxtel announced that Foxtel Play has gone live today ahead of its official launch on Sunday August 11.

Foxtel Play is a new internet TV service, offering even more Australians access to Foxtel’s unbeatable programming. Delivered over the internet initially to eligible Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox 360 and PC and Mac computers, Foxtel Play enables customers with a broadband connection to watch programs from Foxtel’s amazing range of sports, drama, entertainment, documentary and movie channels live or on catch-up with no lock-in contract and no installation costs.

Foxtel Play offers customers access to content as soon as they sign up and enables them to subscribe by the month and pay as they go, with prices starting at $25 per month. With no lock-in contract, subscribers can stop and start their subscription month-to-month, to suit their circumstances or viewing choices.

A new flexible package structure will allow customers to choose from four basic genre-based packages priced at $25 for one, $35 for two, $45 for three and $50 for four. Sport and Premium Drama and Movies can be purchased for a further $25 each. This means that a sports or movies enthusiast can now get Foxtel’s comprehensive offering in one of those genres plus a range of additional channels of their choosing in one basic genre-based package for $50 per month or less than $12 per week.

Foxtel Play packages will feature over 40 live channels including Fox Sports 1, 2 and 3, Foxtel Movie channels, Showcase, FOX8, Arena, Lifestyle, History, Discovery, A&E, National Geographic, UKTV, FX, SoHo, MTV, Universal Channel, ESPN, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon and Disney Channel and hundreds of catch up video on-demand titles.

Foxtel also announced that its highly acclaimed Foxtel Go service will be available to Foxtel Play subscribers as part of their subscription. Customers can access Foxtel Go on up to two registered devices including iPads and selected iPhones and selected Samsung smartphones and tablets.

Richard Freudenstein, Foxtel Chief Executive said, “We’re thrilled to offer Foxtel Play as a new way to introduce more people to our unparalleled programming. Our core set-top box subscribers are already experiencing great features, including Foxtel Go and On Demand. Now, Foxtel Play gives even more Australians who might not be able to access the core service the freedom and flexibility to enjoy Foxtel across multiple connected devices and at price points to suit different budgets and tastes.”

Jim Rudder, Foxtel Executive Director of Product added, “Foxtel Play broadens our internet TV service and gives customers a Foxtel internet TV offering across a host of devices. We’ve also had fantastic feedback to Foxtel Go since its launch and have responded by upping the number and type of devices customers can use to access it.”

Foxtel Play will be offered with a 7 day free trial for new subscribers and is available with no commitment, no installation and no upfront costs.

Foxtel Play is available today on eligible Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox 360 and PC/ Mac computers and is coming soon to eligible LG smart TVs.

Foxtel Play is available over Ethernet and WiFi internet connections for Xbox 360 and eligible Samsung Smart TVs while Foxtel Go is available over 3G/4G networks and WiFi for tablets and smartphones. See full list of compatible devices here: www.foxtel.com.au/foxtelplay/howitworks. Not all channels/content are available on all devices with Foxtel Play and Foxtel Go. Recommended Internet speeds apply. Internet connection with minimum speed of at least 3Mbps required to view Foxtel Play and Foxtel Go. ISP and data charges may apply. Video quality may vary according to connection type. Only available for use in Australia. Foxtel Go available on compatible smartphones and tablet devices running an eligible operating system. You must subscribe to the relevant channel/tier in your Foxtel Play pack to access corresponding content on Foxtel Go. Not all channels available on Foxtel Go. Foxtel and some services not available to all homes. Xbox LIVE Gold subscription required for use on Xbox 360 (charges apply). Free first 7 days of Live TV and Catch Up offering for new Australian residential users. Additional charges apply for Foxtel pay-per view titles. Credit card details are required at time of sign up for any ongoing direct debit subscription payments if you do not cancel your subscription during the first 7 days. A refundable $10 pre-authorisation fee is required upon registration. Ongoing subscription fees reflective of your package apply unless you cancel your subscription. Offer ends 31 October 2013. Full terms and conditions available at: www.foxtelplay.com.au. Apple, iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

foxtelplay.com.au
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Viacom Names Karim Mawji Senior Vice President, Digital Platform, Music & Entertainment Ad Sales

Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), the parent company of the Nickelodeon brand, has announced today (Wednesday 31st July 2013) in the following press release, from PRNewswire, the promotion of Karim Mawji to the newly created position of Senior Vice President (SVP) of Digital Platform for its Music & Entertainment Ad Sales group. Most recently, Karim served as Vice President (VP) of Digital Ad Sales for the Nickelodeon Group. Based in Los Angeles, Mawji will report directly to Jeff Lucas, Head of Sales for Music and Entertainment at Viacom.

Original Viacom Press Release:

Viacom Names Karim Mawji Senior Vice President, Digital Platform, Music & Entertainment Ad Sales

NEW YORK, July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) today announced the promotion of Karim Mawji to the newly created position of Senior Vice President of Digital Platform for its Music & Entertainment Ad Sales group. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Digital Ad Sales for the Nickelodeon Group. Based in Los Angeles, Mawji will report directly to Jeff Lucas, Head of Sales for Music and Entertainment at Viacom.



(Download Image - Photo of Karim Mawji, SVP Digital Platform, Music & Entertainment Ad Sales, Viacom. (PRNewsFoto/Viacom Inc.): http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130731/NY56244 )


In his new role, Mawji will provide the critical strategic connection between Viacom's Music and Entertainment Ad Sales group and the digital portfolio it supports, which includes the web, app, mobile and social properties of CMT, COMEDY CENTRAL, MTV, MTV2, mtvU, SPIKE, TV Land, VH1, VH1 Classic and Palladia. Mawji will work closely with digital leadership to drive sales strategy that aligns with digital product and editorial initiatives at each brand. Viacom's U.S. web portfolio attracted 72.4 million unique visitors in May* and the company's brands are among the most social in entertainment.

"The power of Viacom's portfolio increasingly extends further and further beyond the TV screen, across the our rich interactive experiences on the web, mobile and apps, and our millions of fans and followers on social," said Lucas. "Karim will run point on ensuring that our client solutions draw on our digital scale, product development, and targeting capabilities to make strong connections with consumers."

Mawji will foster collaboration among Ad Sales, Integrated Marketing, Digital – as well as specialized units including Viacom's Digital Fusion ad product R&D team and its Data Management Platform – to leverage the company's digital capabilities and scale for clients. He'll also work to develop and leverage the company's strategic sales alliances with Twitter, zeebox and other partners.

Mawji is a Viacom veteran with extensive experience in sales and digital media. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Digital Ad Sales for Viacom's Nickelodeon Group, where he oversaw Studio, Gaming and other West Coast client relationships. He joined Nickelodeon in 2001 as an Account Executive. Mawji has also held business development roles at Phase2Media and NetZero, as well as sales positions at Turner Broadcasting and ESPN.

*comScore Media Metrix May 2013

About Viacom

Viacom is home to the world's premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in over 160 countries and territories. With media networks reaching approximately 700 million global subscribers, Viacom's leading brands include MTV, VH1, CMT, Logo, BET, CENTRIC, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., TeenNick, Nicktoons, Nick at Nite, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV Land, SPIKE, Tr3s, Paramount Channel and VIVA. Paramount Pictures, America's oldest film studio and creator of many of the most beloved motion pictures, continues today as a major global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. Viacom operates a large portfolio of branded digital media experiences, including many of the world's most popular properties for entertainment, community and casual online gaming.

For more information about Viacom and its businesses, visit www.viacom.com. Keep up with Viacom news by following Viacom's blog at blog.viacom.com and Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/Viacom.

SOURCE Viacom Inc.

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Nickelodeon Star Kendall Schmidt Announces Some Of His Plans For The Future

The PR Company Big Machine Agency has announced in the following press release, from PRNewswire, some of the exciting plans Nickelodeon Star Kendall Schmidt, the lead singer of Nick's hit boy band Big Time Rush, America's most well-known boy band, has for the future!

The news release mentions that Kendall's focus will be moving more into music, which could confirm the Nick News that Nickelodeon's hit original musical television series "Big Time Rush" has come to an end. The news release does mention Kendall is planning to focus a limited amount of television specials and movies, which could be a hint that Nickelodeon and Big Time Rush are planning to make a brand new "Big Time Rush" movie/television special in the future! Kendall recently hinted in a interview with the teen-entertainment magazine Popstar! that although the series has wrapped, there may be more BTR movies/TV specials in the pipeline!

Big Machine Agency has also announced the news that although "Big Time Rush" the TV series has come to an end, Kendall Schmidt is planning to continue touring with "Big Time Rush"!

BMA also mentions in the press release that, when Kendall visits Down Under to perform with Big Time Rush and Heffron Drive, which consists of Big Time Rusher Kendall Schmidt and Big Time Rush's current guitarist, Dustin Belt, at Nickelodeon Australia's Slimefest 2013, Kendall is planning to spend quite a bit of time there and hit hard the studios of both Australia and New Zealand.

Original Big Machine Agency Press Release:

Big Time Rush's Kendall Schmidt to Headline Global Tour and Keep Fans First as He Focuses on Writing and Recording

Tour announcement and new music coming soon

NEW YORK, July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As lead singer of Big Time Rush, America's most well-known boy band via Nickelodeon's hit television series plus his active role in Heffron Drive, Kendall Schmidt is one busy guy. Though he will spend the summer continuing the Big Time Rush world tour, fall brings even more activity and plenty of world travel for the teen heartthrob.

With his focus moving into music and a limited amount of television specials and movies, Kendall will have more free time to continue touring with both bands as well as log some serious studio time, which is so important to the longtime songwriter that, at any given time, he has over 50 unreleased songs to his name. Long a believer in constant interaction with fans, Kendall will keep up the dizzying pace of press tours, personal appearances and meet and greets, both here at home and abroad. In fact, come September, Kendall will be performing with both bands at Nickelodeon Australia's Slimefest, always a fan favorite. Kendall plans to spend quite a while Down Under and hit hard the studios of both Australia and New Zealand, a place he came to know and love while penning a song with Logan Henderson for New Zealand's biggest pop group Titanium whose debut #1 single "come on home" achieved double platinum status.

Heffron Drive, actually founded by Kendall prior to his joining Big Time Rush, was born of a chance meeting. After chatting at an industry event one night in Los Angeles in 2008, Kendall and Dustin Belt realized there was a lot more in common than meets the eye – both had been born in Wichita, Kansas, and when they went to make their way home, they realized they lived on the same street – Heffron Drive. Aside from becoming instant friends, the duo formed a band – what to call it was obvious – and thousands began streaming uploaded tunes via MySpace. The internet was soon buzzing about this new band, but shortly thereafter the Big Time Rush opportunity came along. Kendall joined up and eventually, Dustin was tapped as the touring guitarist for the group. The two never forgot about Heffron Drive, though, stealing spare moments to write and plan.

Big Time Rush's force, however, was undeniable. Now in its fourth season, Big Time Rush averaged just under 4 million viewers per episode. The series, which boasts the highest-rated and most-watched Nickelodeon live action premier among kids, tweens and total viewers at a whopping 6.8 million, is as much of an overseas sensation as it is here at home. Big Time Rush is seen in 78 territories and in 17 languages via Nickelodeon channels and syndication. Equally impressive, Big Time Rush has sold 4.33 million singles and more than 1.35 million albums to date. The band also holds the record for fastest sell-out time at Radio City Music Hall – ten minutes!

For more information and to stream, please visit:

http://www.reverbnation.com/heffrondrive
Facebook - www.facebook.com/heffrondrivemusic
Twitter – www.twitter.com/heffrondrive

Press Contacts:

Brad Taylor
Big Machine Agency
(646) 395-2600
brad@bigmachineagency.com

Lauren Sachs
Big Machine Agency
(646) 395-2600
lauren@bigmachineagency.com

SOURCE Big Machine Agency

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