Eutelsat, Blue Ant Media, and iKO Media Group Partner on the Broadcast of ZooMoo HD, Love Nature HD and Love Nature 4K

PARIS and ROME, February 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

Eutelsat (Euronext Paris: ETL), one of the world's leading satellite operators, international content producer, distributor and channel operator Blue Ant Media, and iKO Media Group, a global end-to-end service provider for broadcasters and content owners, have joined forces to distribute two HD channels, ZooMoo and Love Nature HD, as well as Love Nature 4K (Ultra HD), across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

ZooMoo is a children's channel with over 500 hours of original content. ZooMoo offers spectacular wildlife footage, puppetry, animation and narration and creates a unique learning experience for preschool viewers. Love Nature brings wildlife and nature fans of all ages an extensive line-up of in-house natural history programming, with much of the content produced in 4K.

Blue Ant Media and iKO Media Group are leveraging capacity on two Eutelsat satellites to bring the three channels to a broader audience base. The ZooMoo and Love Nature HD channels have chosen the EUTELSAT 9B satellite's high-power footprint to expand their audiences in Europe. Love Nature 4K is extending its reach with Eutelsat's popular HOTBIRD neighbourhood, a growing hub for Ultra HD.

Michel Azibert, Chief Commercial and Development Officer at Eutelsat, said: "We are delighted to have gained Blue Ant Media and iKO Media Group's trust as they extend their reach and seek to bring the highest image quality to viewers across diverse markets. This agreement highlights the importance of satellite to support the rollout of HD and UHD and enhance the television-viewing experience around the globe."

Shlomi Izkovitz, iKO's Co-founder, said: "We are very excited about this long-term strategic partnership with Blue Ant Media. Being able to distribute content over HOTBIRD and EUTELSAT 9B, the most suitable and effective solution available in today's market, was a determining factor in this collaboration. We are very excited and look forward to an extremely fruitful partnership over the coming years."

Ward Platt, CEO, Global Networks, Blue Ant Media, said: "iKO Media Group's services via Eutelsat's satellites is the perfect fit for us as we work to bring Love Nature 4K and ZooMoo's engaging, original programming to passionate wildlife and nature fans of all ages across the European market."

About Eutelsat Communications 

Founded in 1977, Eutelsat Communications is one of the world's leading satellite operators. With a global fleet of satellites and associated ground infrastructure, Eutelsat enables clients across Video, Data, Government, Fixed and Mobile Broadband markets to communicate effectively to their customers, irrespective of their location. Over 6,800 television channels operated by leading media groups are broadcast by Eutelsat to one billion viewers equipped for DTH reception or connected to terrestrial networks. Headquartered in Paris, with offices and teleports around the globe, Eutelsat assembles 1,000 men and women from 44 countries who are dedicated to delivering the highest quality of service. Eutelsat Communications is listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ticker: ETL).

For more about Eutelsat visit http://www.eutelsat.com 

About Blue Ant Media 

Blue Ant Media is a privately held, international content producer, distributor and channel operator. From our production houses around the world, we create content for multiple genres including factual, factual entertainment, short-form digital series and kids programming. Our distribution business, Blue Ant International, offers a catalogue of 3,200+ hours of content, including the largest 4K natural history offering on the market. Blue Ant Media's international channel business offers a portfolio of media brands such as Love Nature (International), ZooMoo Networks (International), Smithsonian Channel Canada, BBC Earth (Canada), Blue Ant Entertainment (International), Blue Ant Extreme (International) and HGTV (New Zealand). Blue Ant Media is headquartered in Toronto with operations in Los Angeles, Singapore, Auckland, Dunedin, London, Sydney, Beijing and Taipei. Blueantmedia.com

About iKO Media Group  

iKO Media Group is a boutique end-to-end media service partner for broadcasters and content owners. They provide tailor-made solutions focused on customer needs through dedicated service to a wide range of global and local networks. iKOMG differs from other service providers thanks to a holistic approach and a keen ability to offer the best SLA for mid-size networks.

This approach allows iKOMG to deliver effective solutions customized to specific budgets and requirements without compromising on quality of service.  As a trusted partner to dozens of global and local networks, iKOMG is identified with expert knowledge, dedicated service and professionalism. iKOMG is committed to operating its business with the goal of creating value for all stakeholders. The company's sustainability strategy focuses on social, environmental, and economic responsibility.

For more information, visit http://www.ikomg.com/news  

Eutelsat Communications
Press Contact
Marie-Sophie Ecuer, [email protected]
Investors and analysts
Joanna Darlington, [email protected]
Cédric Pugni, [email protected]

Blue Ant Media
Press Contact
Sarah Etherden
Senior Director, Global Communications, Blue Ant Media
E: [email protected]

iKO Media Group
Press Contact   
Yael Ayalon
Marketing Manager
[email protected] 

SOURCE iKO Media Group