Australian Consulate-General
Hong Kong, China
Address: 23/F Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong - Tel: +852 2827 8881 - Fax: +852 2585 4457

6 May 2009

(Issued on behalf of Australia Network)

Australia Network to remain free on NOW TV

Further to the email of 27 April 2009 from Australia Network to the members of the Australian Chamber of Commerce, Australia Network would like to clarify that the Australia Network and NOW TV have a well founded relationship that goes back to 2003 and the launch of Hong Kong's most successful IPTV platform. In recent discussions, Australia Network acknowledged that NOW TV is operating in a highly competitive market and incurs significant operational costs in maintaining and operating its IPTV network and in its distribution of Australia Network.

NOW TV, for its part has acknowledged that Australia Network - and particularly its exclusive sports coverage - brings significant value to its platform offering.  With a commitment to provide the widest variety of quality entertainment to the viewers of HK, Australia Network and Now TV have made joint efforts and contribution to maintain the Australia Network channel a free-to-air channel on the now TV platform.  

"Australia Network has had a very positive and beneficial relationship with NOW TV in the past and in fact we were one of the first international channels to sign up with NOW TV for its launch in September, 2003. Over this period of time, the fundamentals of the pay television business in Hong Kong have changed dramatically creating a highly competitive environment for NOW TV." the Australia Network Chief Executive Bruce Dover said.

"NOW TV and Australia Network have agreed on a joint promotional and marketing strategy which will allow for the recovery of shared costs and resources to convert the Australia Network from a pay channel as previously agreed, to a free-to-air channel on NOW TV, so that it can be made available to as many Hong Kong viewers as possible.  I am glad that both teams are able to work out a solution to achieve mutually beneficial objectives.  Undoubtedly, our aim is to maintain and extend the relationship with NOW TV as we build and extend the Australia Network brand in Hong Kong."

Australia Network is funded by the Australian Government with the goal of supporting Australia's global role by providing trusted and impartial news and information, as well as showcasing the best of Australian culture, talent and innovation to Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region. The channel also provides viewers with exclusive access to international rugby union, Australian Rules and rugby league football telecasts across the year.

About Australia Network
Australia Network is Australia’s international television and online service, broadcasting 24/7 across 44 countries in Asia, the Pacific and the Indian sub-continent. Brought to you by Australia’s largest and most trusted broadcaster, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Australia Network brings a uniquely Australian perspective to living rooms and desktops around the region.
Australia Network boasts an independent news and current affairs service that goes beyond the headlines. Viewers can see the best in Australian drama, documentary, entertainment, lifestyle, sporting and children’s programming. These exclusive shows are complimented by English language learning programs, meaning there’s no other channel offering such an unparalleled array of thought provoking, quality programming.

For more information visit australianetwork.com

CONSULATE-GENERAL MEDIA CONTACT:
Mr Gavin McDougall Tel: +852 2585 4418 or 6473 8885
Ms Simmy Lam Tel: +852 2585 4482 or 9211 8937

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