Foxtel's blog

FOXTEL notes the statement made by AUSTAR today regarding a proposal by FOXTEL to acquire AUSTAR at a price of $1.52 per share.

FOXTEL confirms it has put a conditional proposal to AUSTAR, which, if implemented,would result in FOXTEL acquiring 100% of the shares in AUSTAR and the merger of the FOXTEL and AUSTAR businesses.

A successful transaction would bring together two of Australia’s major subscription TV service providers, creating one of Australia’s largest media businesses with over 2,500 full-time equivalent employees and anticipated revenues of over $2.8 billion with a combined investment in original Australian content of more than $500 million per annum.

FOXTEL believes a merger of FOXTEL and AUSTAR would bring significant benefits to consumers, in particular:

- a merged FOXTEL/AUSTAR will be able to roll out new digital products and services even faster to existing and new customers;

- Australian consumers in regional areas will be able to enjoy access to new digital subscription channels as well as new flexible packages and pricing through products such as FOXTEL on Xbox 360 and FOXTEL on T-Box®

- consumers in regional Australia will also get access to the same quality digital services at the same time as their metropolitan counter parts; and

- the continuation of the long history over the last fifteen years of FOXTEL investing in and being one of Australia’s great innovators in media delivery.

It is FOXTEL’s intention to maintain the world class AUSTAR facility in Robina, Gold Coast, which would be an important part of the combined group.

“This is a logical transaction with significant consumer and industrial upside for all stakeholders. The two companies are a complementary fit,” said FOXTEL CEO Mr Kim Williams AM. “If the merger were to go ahead, it is a win-win transaction that delivers value to AUSTAR shareholders, synergies and growth opportunities for FOXTEL and increased services and choice for all consumers.”

FOXTEL’s proposal to AUSTAR is indicative, non-binding and subject to a number of conditions and there can be no certainty that any transaction will eventuate.

Conditions to the finalisation of any transaction include the Board of AUSTAR recommending the transaction to AUSTAR shareholders, the completion of due diligence by FOXTEL and entry into definitive transaction documents once approved by the Boards of FOXTEL and its Partners. Any transaction will be subject to regulatory approvals, including from FIRB and the ACCC.

The transaction would be funded by a combination of FOXTEL bank debt and shareholder capital contributions.

FOXTEL is being advised by AquAsia, UBS AG and Allens.

FOXTEL today announced the highly anticipated third season of Project Runway Australia, hosted by Megan Gale, will premiere Monday, July 4 at 8.30pm on Arena.

The exciting new season boasts some of the toughest competition the series has ever seen and a brand new panel of industry experts.

Australia’s most glamorous fashion designer, Alex Perry, will help guide the search for the next big name in fashion in his role as designer mentor, while Kirrily Johnston and Jarrad Clark join Megan Gale on the judging panel.

New designer mentor, Alex Perry, is best known for his show-stopping gowns and sensational red carpet evening wear and has been making women all over the world look and feel glamorous for over 17 years.

The Alex Perry brand is synonymous with luxury, prestige and quality. His celebrity following and ‘Perry Girls’ include; Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Nelly Furtado, Rihanna, Natalie Portman, Miranda Kerr, Elle Macpherson, Megan Gale and Sarah Murdoch.

New judge, Kirrily Johnston, is regarded as one of Australia’s most cutting-edge fashion designers, with clothing that blends elegance with innovation. Her internationally renowned label, focuses on luxurious fabrics and quality craftsmanship, with clothes that are detailed and tailored yet maintain a sexy modern edge.

As a judge on Project Runway Australia, Johnston will cast her commercial eye over the contestants’ designs alongside industry expert Jarrad Clark.

Clark’s experience spans working with the major creative heads in fashion, Australia and worldwide, as the Global Event Production Director of IMG Fashion.

Clark produces fashion events that draw together the world’s top designers, models, photographers, art directors and stylists, and brings to Project Runway Australia a thorough understanding of the fashion industry from the ground up. With expertise in directing events that attract VIP buyers locally and internationally, he knows how to get your brand recognised on a global scale.

This season has unearthed some of the most talented fashion designers Project Runway Australia has ever seen. Five designers from New South Wales; Anthony Allars, Dylan Cooper, Johnny Schembri, Nerida Bourne and Rachael Perks, four designers from Victoria; Claire Hocking, Craig Braybrook, Gabrielle Stephens and Matcho Suba and three designers from Western Australia; Anna McEachran, Amanda McKenna and Timothy Godbold will battle it out in the workroom and on the runway.

Leading fashion names such as Collette Dinnigan, Camilla Franks, Dannii Minogue and Australian fashion royalty, Carla Zampatti, will also appear as guest judges, adding to the new series’ already impressive lineup.

Project Runway Australia is produced by FremantleMedia Australia, exclusively for FOXTEL.

The hotly anticipated finale of AMERICAN IDOL will be broadcast live and direct off the satellite on Thursday, May 26 at 10.00am AEST, exclusive to FOX8.

But first, in a season full of surprises, this week’s final performance show (Wednesday May 25 at 7.30pm on FOX8) promises to be a night to remember as 16-year-old Lauren Alaina and 17-year-old Scotty McCreery – the youngest contestants ever to battle it out in the finale – go head to head one last time.

Tune in the following day for the biggest television event of the season and the momentous conclusion of the celebrated 10th season that featured new judges, a new musical coach and some of the best young, undiscovered talent in the country. 

The two-hour season finale, which is being broadcast on FOX8 LIVE from LA’s Nokia Theatre on Thursday May 26 at 10am AEST, will feature special performances, surprise guests and a Top 13 reunion before the winner is revealed.

Join host Ryan Seacrest and judges Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson this Wednesday night as Lauren and Scotty battle it out one last time, before they face their fate in the finale on Thursday – and one of them is crowned the AMERICAN IDOL for 2011.

AMERICAN IDOL PERFORMANCE SHOW

Wednesday, May 25 at 7.30pm AEST

AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 10 FINALE

Broadcast LIVE FROM THE US on Thursday, May 26 at 10.00am AEST

Repeated Thursday, May 26 at 7.30pm AEST

The fresh crop of Arena’s Real Housewives live the champagne wishes and caviar dreams lifestyle like no one else on television, so be there when the cameras move in to 90210 for the Australian premiere of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, on Tuesday, May 24 at 8.30pm.

This series, the happy homemakers hail from one of the most talked about and affluent cities in the world, Beverly Hills, and these ladies truly are the dripping-in-diamonds, best-boob-job-in-town, botoxed, mega-mansion, filthy-rich.

The much-hyped series features six new housewives who enjoy the lavish, pampered and plastic lifestyle that only Beverly Hills can provide. They own basketball teams, casinos in Las Vegas, fine dining restaurants and are married to movie stars and plastic surgeons.

Camille Grammer, a former dancer and the now ex-wife of Kelsey Grammer, is using this opportunity to step out of her husband’s shadow. Often showing off her dance moves and flirting outrageously with her gorgeous male friends while her husband works in New York, she owns a TV production company and raises her two children with the help of four nannies.

Adrienne Maloof is a member of the mega-rich Maloof family, which owns the Sacramento Kings as well as the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Adrienne is an expert in business and martial arts. The mother of three young boys is married to a famous plastic surgeon, making her a great friend with benefits for the other housewives.

Lisa VanderPump, a British mother of two, has two restaurants, owns a skincare brand and writes a skincare column in a well known Beverly Hills magazine. Living in an enormous French chateau style home with husband Ken, she serves her pintsize pooches, Giggy, Picachu and Lollypop, breakfast in bed every day.

Taylor Armstrong is married to venture capitalist Russell but owns her own business, volunteers and takes care of her ‘little princess’ daughter, Kennedy. It’s Taylor’s plastic surgery and enormous top lip that makes the biggest impression of the series, with Adrienne’s husband injecting her face with fillers in the first episode.

Kim and Kyle Richards are the sisters of Kathy Hilton, the mother of notorious socialites Paris and Nicky. Both Kim and Kyle are former child actresses who found fame as Disney girls. Kyle, married to high-end realtor Mauricio, has four children and Kim is a single mother of four who is looking to expand her brood, but needs to find a man first.

Following the 8.30pm series’ premiere of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Arena launches The Real Housewives of D.C. at 9.30pm.

In the US capital of Washington D.C., five new Real Housewives explore politics, high society, and racial issues, as well as how the proximity to political power dictates where one fits in society.

Meet these connected D.C. power players who are there for all the most important cultural events, political galas, gallery opening and fundraisers in Washington society; Mary Schmidt Amons,  the true Washingtonian and granddaughter of a well-known radio and TV personality; Lynda Erkiletian, the mother hen and owner of D.C.’s top modeling agency; feisty Brit Catherine Ommanney, married to a White House photographer; Michaele Salahi, the model and founder of D.C.’s America’s Polo Cup who became the focus of media attention after crashing President Obama’s White House state dinner; and Stacie Scott Turner, a Harvard grad, active political fund-raiser and philanthropist.

The second season of the romantic and escapist Australian drama series Spirited will premiere on July 20, Wednesdays at 7.30pm AEST, exclusive to FOXTEL’s W channel.

Stars Claudia Karvan, Matt King and Rodger Corser reunited for the 14-week shoot, which wraps in Sydney this week.

Karvan produces Spirited with Jacquelin Perske, who also heads the writing department.

“We loved making series two,” Karvan and Perske said.”It has allowed us to expand our world and work with an amazing cast to create a wild and wonderful ride.”

The first season of Spirited launched last August and became FOXTEL’s highest-rating Australian drama series to date.

“W is proud to be launching this second season of Spirited in July and celebrating it as a high concept show unlike anything else on Australian television,” said W channel manager Penny Win.

As the story resumes, dentist Suzy Darling (Karvan) and her rock star ghost Henry Mallet (King) are back together but the course of their love affair can never be straightforward. When Henry returns to the Elysian he brings with him a coterie of new ghosts whose fun and games wreak havoc on Suzy’s personal and professional life. Suzy still has her daughter Verity (Charlie Hancock) living with her, though her son Elvis (Louis Fowler) is living with his father Steve (Corser),  Suzy’s lovable, serial pest of an ex-husband.

Suzy’s sister Jonquil (Belinda Bromilow) and Zac (Angus Sampson) are loved up and living downstairs in The Elysian apartment block.  Zac becomes the definitive expert on Henry Mallet when he finally completes his Mallet biography. 

Other returning cast include Jane Harders as Rita, Yael Stone as Linda, Charlie Garber as Adam “Two”, Paul Gleeson as Terry and Steve as Potter the cat.

Simon Lyndon plays one of the new characters, a powerful and charismatic ghost known as The King who takes quite an interest in Suzy. The King presents himself as a wise and ancient soul, surrounded by his acolytes, but Suzy and Henry sense he has a sinister secret.

Other new cast members include Heather Mitchell as Helen Payne, the mother Suzy and Jonquil have not seen since childhood; Sarah Snook as Antonia, a ghost who takes a liking to Henry and, therefore, a disliking to Suzy; Annie Maynard as Jennifer the make-up lady, a sweet, young woman who wants to put Henry’s soul to rest in her own special way; plus Anthony Phelan, Jacek Koman, Christopher Stollery and Kelly Butler, whose characters will be best revealed in the course of the 10-episode series.

The world of Spirited is large, funny and warm-hearted.  The story is a fantastical but very real romance between a ghost and a dentist. It’s a magical, perhaps impossible love but … some rules are meant to be broken.

One hundred of Australia’s most beautiful aspiring models have gathered in Sydney for a surprise bikini challenge as production commences on the seventh season of FOXTEL’s smash hit Australia’s Next Top Model.

Earlier this year thousands of girls with big dreams flocked to Westfield Shopping Centres nationwide for the opportunity  to audition on the catwalk in front of the show’s panel of industry stalwarts and star-makers Sarah Murdoch,  Charlotte Dawson, Alex Perry, Jez Smith and Josh Flinn.

“After a huge audition tour and thousands of girls finding the confidence to turn up and give it their best this series is really going to be the toughest to judge. The calibre of the girls this year means we are now set for our biggest season yet,” said series host and co-executive producer Sarah Murdoch. 

“Australia’s Next Top Model has been responsible for unearthing some great new talent over the years with many going on to have stellar careers both locally and internationally. I am so excited to start working with our girls as we encourage them to grow and learn, with always some interesting results, on the journey to become Australia’s Next Top Model”.

For the first time in the show’s history, one hundred girls will embark on the first phase of the competition, each one determined to pursue a professional modelling career kick-started with this year’s prize package – part of which includes a prestigious twelve month contract with Chic Management guided by Ursula Hufnagl who has managed the careers of world class models such as Miranda Kerr, Alyssa Sutherland and Catherine McNeil.

The gruelling bikini cull will feature in the two hour season opener of Australia’s Next Top Model premiering this August exclusively on FOX8.

The seventh season of Australia’s Next Top Model is produced by Shine Australia.

SKY NEWS, Australia’s news channel, will present unrivalled LIVE multi-channel and multi-platform coverage of BUDGET 2011 from 7:30pm AEST on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 followed by comprehensive, expert analysis of what it means to households and businesses.

Budget Night (Tuesday, May 10):

7:30pm           Live coverage of the Treasurer’s speech to the House of Representatives.

8pm                 SKY NEWS Political Editor, David Speers, presents Budget 2011 Live, featuring commentary and analysis from leading political and business figures.

10pm               Helen Dalley, on SKY NEWS BUSINESS, presents Budget 2011: The Bottom Line – an in-depth look at how the financial statement will affect the corporate sector. (The Bottom Line will then air nightly at 6:30pm on SKY NEWS BUSINESS throughout the week highlighting what the Budget means for the economy and your personal investments.)

Budget 2011: The Verdict (Wednesday, May 11):

5:30am            SKY News Chief Political reporter Kieran Gilbert and Political Reporter Ashleigh Gillon present First Edition live from Canberra providing a comprehensive wrap of what the budget means for Australians and reaction from all sides.

12pm              Peter Van Onselen hosts a roundtable of leading commentators including Paul Kelly, Michael Stutchbury, George Megalogenis and Dennis Shanahan from The Australian.

12.30pm          Treasurer’s 2011 Budget address  - live from National Press Club Canberra.

1.30pm            A special Budget edition of Lunchtime Agenda with Ashleigh Gillon.

4.15pm            David Speers and the PM Agenda team review who’s been saying what as the “big sell” gets underway.

8pm                 Political heavy weight Graham Richardson gives his take on Budget 2011 in his weekly SKY NEWS show Richo.

9pm                 Paul Murray Live: Paul takes a look at how Budget 2011 will affect you and gives you the chance to have your say.

SKY NEWS NATIONAL (Ch 601) and SKY NEWS BUSINESS (Ch 602) will also feature enhanced on-screen data with 601 presenting details on how the budget will affect the consumer, and 602 highlighting the impact of the budget on the corporate and financial sectors.

SKY NEWS Multiview will have dedicated channels on air giving viewers instant access to the key points.

Online, skynews.com.au will have the latest video and text.

A-PAC, Australia’s Public Affairs Channel, will feature key moments throughout the evening including the Treasurer’s speech and news conference.

FOXTEL today announced leading international crime writer Tara Moss will continue to be the face of popular crime and mystery channels Crime & Investigation Network and 13th STREET Universal Channel, having re-signed for a further 12 months.

From late June 2011, Moss will host Series 2 of the exclusively produced, smash-hit crime series, Tough Nuts, for the Crime & Investigation Network, and continue her role as ‘Ambassador of Crime’ for the 13th STREET Universal Channel.

The new eight-part series of Tough Nuts will premiere on June 30 at 7:30pm AEST, and will continue to explore some of this country’s most heinous crimes and delve into the compelling psyche of some of Australia’s most hardened criminals.

Featuring extensive interviews with psychologists, police officers and convicted criminals and dramatised reconstructions of some of Australia’s most notorious crimes, Tough Nuts will expose the fact behind the fiction and give viewers a revealing insight in to what can cause seemingly normal people to turn bad.

“The first season of Tough Nuts was a huge success for us last year and a clear winner with our viewers. The second season is better than ever with captivating story telling and standout re-enactments. We’re thrilled to have Tara return for this exciting new season,” said Jim Buchan, Channel Manager Crime & Investigation Network.

Tough Nuts is produced by Bryan Cockerill and Geraldine Coy at The Full Box.

In her role as Ambassador of Crime for 13th STREET Universal, Moss will host a series of short form programs exclusive to the channel titled Tara Moss in Conversation, focusing on the hugely popular crime writing genre.  The channel interstitials will commence filming this month at the Sydney Writers Festival and guests will include best-selling US crime novelist Michael Connolly; Australian author and Ned Kelly Award winner Gary Disher; Singapore-based author of the Inspector Singh series Shamini Flint and short-listed for the Miles Franklin this year, Chris Womersley.

Tara will also continue to host 13TH STREET Universal BOOK CLUB for the channel’s website which showcases her favourite books each month. www.13thstreetuniversal.com.au

“We are delighted that Tara is part of our team – she remains immensely popular with our viewers and has made a wonderful contribution to the channel. Both her fascinating interviews and monthly book recommendations build unique relationships for fans of the murder mystery genre,” said Ros Jones, Channel Director Australiasia, 13TH STREET Universal.

FOXTEL confirmed today it has secured the exclusive Australian television rights to FALLING SKIES, Steven Spielberg’s hotly anticipated new science fiction drama series starring Noah Wyle. 

The 10-part series will air exclusively on FOX8, FOXTEL’s flagship entertainment channel, and will launch in Australia shortly after its American debut in June.

“Falling Skies is absolutely massive for FOX8. We are very proud and excited to have secured exclusive telecast rights as well as the online extras to this series,” said Duane Hatherly, Group Channel Manager FOX8, Arena and BIO.

“Let’s face it – any series that Steven Spielberg is so deeply involved in is a good get.”

FALLING SKIES opens in the aftermath of a hostile alien takeover – the Earth is in ruins and survivors are few. In the months following the attack, those who managed to evade capture or death have banded together in the difficult task of fighting for the future of humanity against staggering odds.

Noah Wyle stars as unlikely hero Tom Mason, a Boston history professor who must put his extensive knowledge of military history to the test as he becomes a leader in the resistance against a militaristic and merciless enemy bent on the destruction of humankind.  After suffering the loss of his wife and the capture of one of his three sons, Tom will stop at nothing to rescue his captured son and ensure the safety of his remaining family.

FALLING SKIES focuses on the resilience of the survivors and their determination to maintain their humanity when all else has been destroyed. It is a tale of endurance, commitment and courage in which everyday people are called upon to become heroes. They may be outmatched, outnumbered and outgunned, but nothing can beat the human spirit. Most of all, the series is about the ties that bind people together in the most difficult of circumstances. 

FALLING SKIES is executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, along with DreamWorks Television heads Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank, Graham Yost (Justified, The Pacific) and screenwriter Robert Rodat. Rodat, who earned an Oscar nomination for his screenplay for Saving Private Ryan, wrote the pilot from an idea he co-conceived with Spielberg. Mark Verheiden (Heroes, Battlestar Galactica) and Greg Beeman (Heroes, Smallville) are co-executive producers.

Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew made television history, pulling back the curtain on alcohol and drug detox as stars underwent treatment inside an actual rehab facility.

Now, Dr. Drew Pinsky uncovers sex addiction as eight new patients undergo intensive treatment.

For addicts, sex isn’t even pleasurable, but rather a way to escape the pain of past loss, childhood trauma, abuse and abandonment.

Like many other addictions, their habits can cost them their jobs, their marriages, even their lives.

Living together for 21 days, they meet with Dr. Drew in therapy sessions to get to the bottom of their compulsive behaviour, with cameras documenting every moment…every breakdown…and every breakthrough.

SEX REHAB WITH DR DREW starts Friday, May 20 at 9:30pm AEST on Bio