SINGAPORE (June 29, 2016) - GEM, the joint-venture entertainment channel between Sony Pictures Television (SPT) Networks and Nippon Television Network Corporation (Nippon TV), announced today the expansion of its distribution to Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore, making the channel available to viewers on over 10 pay-TV platforms across six markets in Asia.

Since its launch in 2015, GEM has carved a niche in the premium Asian entertainment space offering first-run and exclusive dramas, comedies and variety entertainment shows from Japan and other northeast Asian markets. Earlier this month, the channel made its foray into original production with the global premiere of "We are Asia - Dean Fujioka & Friends", a five-part entertainment documentary series featuring Dean Fujioka and rising star Shuhei Nomura, rock band WEAVER, and video projection dance sensation Siro-A.

Ang Hui Keng, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, said, "GEM is gaining traction in Asia as it cements its position as the top destination for high quality, express content from Japan and northeast Asia. We're focused on taking GEM beyond the screen and into the lives of fans across the region via talent tours, local filming and fan meets. Our new series, 'We are Asia - Dean Fujioka & Friends', marks the first original series for GEM, and will pave the way for more localized content in the future."
Atsushi Hatayama, President, International Business Development, Nippon TV, said, "We are happy to know that GEM and its line-up of compelling content has been well-received by our viewers and pay-TV platforms across the region. We are looking forward to welcoming new viewers in the Philippines and Indonesia where Japanese content has not been shown before on this scale. The Singaporeans have a great appreciation for Japanese content, and can now watch it without delay. We are dedicated to bringing express telecast shows to GEM so viewers should look forward to catching the latest shows close to the Japan broadcast."

In addition to the channel's first original production, viewers can look forward to Japan's hottest music event of the year, Nippon TV's "The Music Day 2016 - Beginning of Summer", which will be broadcast live and exclusive for the first time on GEM from 5:00pm until 10:00pm on Saturday, July 2, 2016. This annual music event brings together Japan's top artists in a festival that celebrates the very best of J-pop.
Fans of Japanese and northeast Asian entertainment can now enjoy GEM on the following pay-TV platforms in Asia: 　

　•Indonesia: Indovision, MyRepublic, Nexmedia, Skynindo and Transvision 　
　•The Philippines: Via ACCION's distribution network of provincial cable affiliates 　
　•Singapore: Launching August 1, 2016 on Singtel TV

GEM is already available on PPCTV in Cambodia, nowTV in Hong Kong and TrueVisions in Thailand.

About GEM

GEM is the latest Asian entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia, the broadcaster of Asia's leading cable channels: AXN, ONE, Animax and Sony Channel Asia.
GEM is the glittering jewel of Asian general entertainment and features first-run and exclusive dramas, comedies and variety entertainment shows from Japan's Nippon TV as well as other northeast Asian territories. The programming also includes selected prime time dramas within the same week of broadcast in Japan.
Spanning across period, contemporary, action, comedy, family and romance genres, GEM is anchored by a wide range of Asian drama with the most compelling stories, the greatest characters and the brightest stars to keep audiences returning for more. The channel also boasts variety programs that spotlight the latest entertainment buzz around popular celebrities in the region, to complement its drama offerings.
See www.gemtvasia.com for more regional websites.

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