MIPCOM – Cannes, France/New York, NY – 3 October 2011 – Breaking new ground in Asia, Sundance Channel Global has secured carriage in Malaysia on Astro, the country’s leading multimedia broadcaster and a key pay TV operator in Southeast Asia.
Sundance Channel was established by Robert Redford and offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of independent films, documentaries and original programs. In addition to Malaysia, Sundance Channel Global is also distributed in Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and in countries throughout Europe and Canada.
“Astro has made remarkable strides in leading Malaysia’s adoption of high-definition TV and other technologies with Astro B.yond and we are excited to work with such a high-caliber operator in bringing our channel to this new territory,” said Ed Palluth, SVP Global Distribution, AMC/Sundance Channel Global. “Astro is a great partner for introducing Malaysian viewers to Sundance Channel’s high-quality programming,” he added.
Henry Tan, Astro’s Chief Operating Officer said “With outstanding programming and a growing international footprint, Sundance Channel is an excellent addition to Astro’s lineup of high-definition channels.”
Sundance Channel HD is available on Astro (Channel 438) as a 24/7 linear channel.
About Sundance Channel Global
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, imaginative and uncompromising, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of independent films, documentaries and original programs. Sundance Channel Global is available throughout Europe and Asia. Owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., Sundance Channel is a highly recognizable and magnetic brand that is available in HD and on demand.
About Astro
Astro Malaysia Holdings Sdn Bhd is Malaysia’s leading integrated cross-media group with operations in 4 key businesses: Pay TV, Radio, Content and Digital. Launched in 1996, Astro today has a 50% penetration of TV homes in Malaysia or 3 million customers, making it a key pay TV operator in Southeast Asia. Astro broadcasts over 152 channels, of which 15 are in HD, is a leading edge innovator with its introduction of HD, 3D and PVR – a first in Malaysia, and also Video On Demand and IPTV service. It is the leading aggregator, creator and distributor of original multi-language content of various genres across multi-channels. Its radio network both terrestrial and digital covers all key languages cumulatively reaching 11.5 million listeners a week and ranked among the top 10 stations in the country. Its digital arm involved in digital publishing, applications and platforms as well as publication of entertainment and lifestyle magazines locally.
About AMC Networks Inc.
Dedicated to producing quality programming and movie content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates AMC/Sundance Channel Global, an international programming business, and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, a full-service network programming feed origination and distribution company.