Last checked at 16 Jul 2015 07:00
16 July 2015
Ten Alps plc
("Ten Alps" or the "Company")
Ten Alps TV programme chosen to launch new channel on Japan's biggest video platform
The Company is pleased to announce that a new Ten Alps television documentary on Japanese-Korean relations was selected as the first programme to be screened by a new current affairs and history channel launched by Niconico, Japan's biggest digital video streaming service.
Japan and Korea: Ties That Bind, a two-part documentary on the fractious relationship between the Asian neighbours, was made by Ten Alps' Blakeway TV programming unit. The first part was released as the first programme aired by Niconico Documentary, a new channel launched on Niconico's streaming and on-demand video platform. Niconico, owned by Japanese media and telecommunications firm Dwango, has 47 million signed-up members and is Japan's leading video streaming platform.
Japan and Korea: Ties That Bind is a two-hour documentary, made by British producer Ben Ryder, and focusses on one of the most sensitive and controversial areas of Japan's recent history, with relations still scarred by Japanese treatment of Koreans in World War Two. During a panel debate, to broadcast following the documentary, Japanese viewers were also invited to join the discussion and there is expected to be intense interest in the programme. A second major Ten Alps documentary made for the Japanese market, Hiroshima, will be broadcast on Japan's national network, NHK, on 6 August 2015. Hiroshima, recounting the world's first nuclear strike, features previously unseen footage of the after-effects of the devastating attack on the city. It will air on the 70th anniversary of the day the bomb fell.
Mark Wood, Ten Alps Chief Executive, said:
"The choice of a Ten Alps programme to launch this important new channel in Japan speaks volumes about the global reputation of our TV brands and creative talent. As we grow our television business we are focussing on international opportunities for our programmes and series, in order to build on our global brand strength.
"The Niconico programming deal also reflects our focus on working with the new digital on-demand TV programming platforms which are changing the shape of the media market worldwide."
Ten Alps has announced a growth strategy based on building its television production and digital communications businesses. It recently completed a refinancing and the acquisition of Reef TV, a specialist in daytime TV programming. Other recent successes in Asia included the commissioning of an 8-part series on global brands by China's national broadcaster CCTV.
For further information please contact:
Ten Alps plc +44 (0) 20 7878 2311
Mark Wood, CEO
c/o Emer Donohoe
www.tenalps.com
N+1 Singer (NOMAD to Ten Alps) +44 (0) 20 7496 3000
Shaun Dobson / Lauren Kettle