October 22, 2012
Foxtel signs new HBO® deal
Foxtel has signed a landmark new agreement which will provide its customers with exclusive first run HBO® content as well as access to HBO library content including premium drama series. The deal is an output agreement that gives Foxtel exclusive access to new HBO series, miniseries, comedy specials and documentaries.
HBO has developed an outstanding reputation for critically–acclaimed original programming and is responsible for producing some of the most–watched and talked about series on television. Series titles include the multi–award winning Boardwalk EmpireSM and Game of ThronesSM, as well as GirlsSM, True BloodSM, TremeSM, VeepSM and Eastbound & DownSM, among others.
Richard Freudenstein, Foxtel CEO said, "This deal will ensure our customers will always see these compelling HBO shows exclusively first–run, with many of the key dramas broadcast express from the US as soon as the day after their original air–date."
"HBO content will premiere on Foxtel's premium drama channel, Showcase, which will become Australia's 'home of HBO'. In addition, subscribers will be able to rediscover a library of classic HBO shows like The SopranosSM and Six Feet UnderSM on our newest channel, SoHo which successfully launched to all subscribers in August with the premiere of HBO's latest hit series, The NewsroomSM."
"I can also announce that one of the first of the new offerings that we will bring to customers will be HBO's forthcoming police drama True Detective℠, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson," added Freudenstein.
"We believe Foxtel will be a terrific partner and we look forward to working with them to bring the latest and greatest HBO entertainment to audiences in Australia," said Simon Sutton, President, HBO International and Content Distribution.
Customers will be able to watch HBO shows in stunning High Definition. The deal includes the right to deliver HBO content via linear channels and on demand on Foxtel's iQ set–top–box and IP delivered services such as Foxtel on Xbox 360.
About Foxtel
Foxtel is one of Australia's most progressive and dynamic media companies, directly employing around 2,500 people, and delivering a diverse subscription television service to both regional and metropolitan areas over cable, satellite and broadband distribution. We offer a better entertainment experience every day to each one of our 2.3 million subscribing homes through delivery of exclusive and inspiring programming across all genres, the world's most popular channel brands, and investment in high quality local content. As constant champions of innovation we have brought customers the latest personal digital recording technology, Australia's largest HD offering, Foxtel 3D, and this year, the most comprehensive Olympic Games coverage Australia has ever seen. Foxtel is owned by Telstra Corporation Limited ACN 051 775 556 (50%), The News Corporation Ltd (25%), and Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd (25%). foxtel.com.au
For more information:
Bruce Meagher, Director Corporate Affairs
(02) 9813 7439
0412 254 690
bruce.meagher@foxtel.com.au