Edward Borgerding

Parkes Macdonald/Imagenation partner with writers Purvis and Wade to develop international film

editor — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 01:04:48 -0700

Imagenation Abu Dhabi and Walter Parkes and Laurie MacDonald of Parkes/MacDonald Productions who partnered in October 2009 to establish Parkes MacDonald / Imagenation are developing an original international action thriller with the writing team of Neal Purvis and Robert Wade (Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace). The script will be based on an original concept from Michael Lieber and Walter Parkes and will be produced by Parkes, Lieber and Laurie MacDonald.

Parkes/MacDonald Productions executive Marc Resteghini is overseeing the film, which centers on an American anthropologist who travels back to the Sahara to come to the assistance of one of his former research subjects -- a young man who has been accused of a terrorist attack. The story will be set amongst the Taureg tribes of the Sahara West Africa, a nomadic people whose uranium rich land has become a focal point for both energy companies and terrorist states.

Commenting on the project, Walter Parkes said: "At its heart, this is an action movie set within a world which is morally complex, alluring and completely real -- which is why Robert and Neal, whose work spans James Bond to John Le Carre, are uniquely suited to bring a project like this to life."

Imagenation Abu Dhabi CEO, Edward Borgerding said: "We are very excited about the potential for this story. With Purvis and Wade we now have two of the best storytellers in the world to bring it to life. It's a great combination."

Purvis and Wade recently adapted John Le Carre's The Mission Song for UK based Potboiler Productions and their 2009 Blacklist script Corsica '72 is currently being packaged with Ruby Films. Purvis and Wade are repped by Jenne Casarotto, UTA and Neil Meyer.

Parkes MacDonald/Imagenation provides financing for the development of film projects with an initial 10 million USD revolving fund. The company invests in future Parkes/MacDonald projects developed under their first-look deal with DreamWorks Studios, as well as directly with Imagenation Abu Dhabi or with other major studios.

Parkes MacDonald/ Imagenation recently acquired the classic Carol Reed film The Fallen Idol which was written by Graham Greene. David Farr (Hanna) will adapt the screenplay which will re-imagine the story of love and betrayal in the context of contemporary India. Additional projects include: Parkes MacDonald/ Imagenation recently acquired the classic Carol Reed film The Fallen Idol which was written by Graham Greene. David Farr (Hanna) will adapt the screenplay which will re-imagine the story of love and betrayal in the context of contemporary India. Additional projects include: Earthbound by Richard Matheson; The Museum of SuperNatural History, which is based on a website created by Ernest Lupinacci; and Eat, Sleep, Poop: A Common Sense Guide to Your Baby's First Year written by pediatrician Scott W. Cohen.

Abu Dhabi Media Company to publish first Arabic edition of National Geographic magazine

editor — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:22:11 -0700

Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC) and National Geographic today announced a partnership to publish the first Arabic-language version of National Geographic magazine. The new monthly publication, National Geographic Al Arabiya, will be available in Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria and Sudan. The first edition is expected on newsstands 1 October 2010.

National Geographic Al Arabiya will provide readers in the region with greater access to National Geographic magazine's award-winning features on geography, archaeology and natural science, as well as its iconic imagery of natural beauty from around the world. Complementing this global content, more than 20 percent of each issue will be generated locally, with unique features of particular relevance to regional readers. National Geographic Channels International & Abu Dhabi Media Company also broadcast the National Geographic Channel in Arabic across the Middle East.

"Giving people a window to the world in their own language through National Geographic magazine's incomparable images and storytelling is a compelling way to extend the mission of the National Geographic Society to inspire people to care about the planet," said Society President and CEO John Fahey.

Added Terry Adamson, Executive Vice President of National Geographic: "We are excited about this opportunity to grow National Geographic's mission and reach, and we look forward to working with the publishing team at ADMC to bring National Geographic in Arabic to readers throughout the Middle East."

"National Geographic Al Arabiya is a natural extension of our existing partnership with National Geographic," said Edward Borgerding, CEO of ADMC. "Through our joint television channel National Geographic Abu Dhabi, and a production partnership with our film subsidiary Imagenation Abu Dhabi, ADMC and National Geographic are working together to bring smart, informative entertainment to audiences across the region."

Gavin Dickinson, ADMC's executive director of publishing, added, "We believe our locally tailored offering will provide readers with a unique opportunity to engage with and learn about the region's rich geography, habitats and anthropology. We hope National Geographic Al Arabiya will become a favourite source of education and enjoyment for families across the region."

The new Arabic-language edition of National Geographic magazine will bring the number of local-language editions of the magazines to 33. Published in English since 1888, the magazine — the official journal of the National Geographic Society — currently appears in Japanese, Chinese (simple characters), Spanish (separate editions for Spain and Latin America), Italian, Greek, French, German, Polish, Korean, Portuguese (separate editions for Portugal and Brazil), to name but a few of the local-language editions.

Rupert Murdoch keynote opens Abu Dhabi Media Summit

editor — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:29:56 -0800

The world's media industry arrived in Abu Dhabi to attend the first day of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Media Summit, under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

Rupert Murdoch, Chairman and CEO of News Corporation, said: "In particular, I wish to emphasize the incentives that will help money flow to those who invest in creativity. The need for global competition to help make local media companies strong and the reminder that a creative sector flourishes best in societies where governments intervene with a light hand. With these incentives in place, you will build a creative sector worthy of the great capital you have planned."

Murdoch added, "By unlocking the creativity of your people, you can diversify your economy, provide millions of jobs for a rising generation and give the Arab people a global voice and influence commensurate with your importance."

"The simple fact is that if you want quality content, you need to encourage a marketplace where money flows to those who invest in and create that content," he said.

H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Media Company, said, "What makes this conversation - and this Summit - unique, is the fact that it is truly global. In this room today we have representatives from countries as diverse as China, Korea, India, Chile, Mexico, USA, UK and of course from throughout our Arab region. Abu Dhabi is the perfect setting for this global gathering and we are passionate about hosting it here."

Al Mazrouei added, "We are geographically situated at the centerpoint of the East and the West, at the center of an amalgamation of cultures, ideas, businesses and markets. We hope this Summit becomes a nexus point for the industry; a regular gathering of leaders, brought together by a commitment to authentic conversation and an appreciation for diverse perspectives."

Edward Borgerding, CEO, Abu Dhabi Media Company, said, "This week we will be asking some very big questions: How should telco's and content companies work together in this new landscape? How will broadband, next-generation mobiles, and 3D change our business model? How can emerging markets actually emerge and succeed on a global scale? And with industry challenges that are truly global how should the East and West work together towards common solutions?"

Borgerding added, "The good news is that the room today is full of the smartest, most innovative, and creative media people in the world. People that not only have the power to change the media industry but, because of the power of the media industry, also to change the world in which we live.We are proud to host this impressive gathering."

World's media leaders gather at inaugural Abu Dhabi Media Summit

editor — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:38:32 -0800

The world's media industry is congregating in Abu Dhabi this week to attend the inaugural Abu Dhabi Media Summit, under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

The invitation-only Summit will be hosted by the Abu Dhabi Media Company, along with leading Abu Dhabi partners, including twofour54°, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Etisalat, Etihad Airways, ALDAR, and Mubadala. Booz & Company are also participating as the official knowledge sponsor.

From 9th to 11th March, 400 delegates from diverse territories across the globe - including China, Korea, India, Chile, USA, and the UK - will join high-profile regional and UAE-based media executives at the Yas Hotel, where they will be discussing and debating issues affecting the media industry around the globe. A large contingent of high-level regional and international press corps will also be in attendance.

The Summit agenda was created with the participation of several co-chairs from across the media industry. Confirmed 2010 co-chairs include:

H.E Khaldoon Khalifa al Mubarak, Chairman, twofour54
Tim Armstrong, CEO, AOL
Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chariman and CEO, Innovation Works
Dr Seok Chae Lee, Chairman, KT Corporation
Maurice Lévy, Chairman, PublicisGroupe
Didier Lombard, Chairman, Orange/France Telecom
Kishore Lulla, Chairman & CEO, Eros International
Dirk Meyer, President & CEO, AMD
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman & CEO, Bharti Enterprises
Rupert Murdoch, Chairman, News Corporation
H.E Mohammed, Omran Chairman, Etisalat
Hartmut Ostrowski, Chairman & CEO, Bertelsmann AG
Dr. Prannoy Roy, Executive Chairperson, NDTV
Hans Vestberg, President & CEO, Ericsson
Mehmet Ali Yalçindag, CEO & Vice Chairman, Dogan Media Group
Barry Meyer, Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros Entertainment.

HE Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Media Summit and of Abu Dhabi Media Company, commented: "The Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions for the media industry, thanks to more accessible technologies, higher disposable incomes, and increased consumer appetite for news and entertainment. Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Media Company are looking to play a key role in this growth, which is why we have gathered some of the most influential minds in our industry together here this week. We believe that this Summit will become one of the most important industry forums of its kind anywhere in the world."

Edward Borgerding, CEO of Abu Dhabi Media Company, added, "We are very excited to have such a phenomenal list of co-chairs and delegates for the first Abu Dhabi Media Summit. This is a truly global group, with diverse perspectives and experiences in their regions. We hope that bringing this group together will not only help spark a dialogue about our shared challenges and opportunities in the media industry, but also help us work towards common solutions for evolving our industry during a time of transition."

EPL matches go online in Autumn

editor — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:46:51 -0800

Rapid TV News reports that the English Premier League soccer matches are to be offered online from the start of this autumn’s season. According to Edward Borgerding, chief executive of ADMC, viewers will have a choice between two methods of viewing the games over broadband – either web television or internet protocol television (IPTV).

“The long-term future of media is going to be a subscription model,” he said. “Consumers will pay for things that they like. They will pay for content that they like and that they need. I think that’s the future, some combination of advertising-supported and subscription” stated Edward Borgerding.

Abu Dhabi Media Summit announces additional co-chairs and programme details

editor — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 05:47:21 -0800

H.E. Mohamad Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, and Edward Borgerding, Chairman and CEO respectively of Abu Dhabi Media Company, announced today the programme for the Abu Dhabi Media Summit. The invitation-only inaugural Summit, under the patronage of H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces, will be held at the Yas Hotel from March 9th-11th 2010.

The Summit has been created by the Abu Dhabi Media Company to reflect the emergence of Abu Dhabi as a global media hub. The programme features a unique combination of high-profile sessions, closed-door discussions and private conversations, bringing together top-tier global media players and their counterparts in fast-growing markets.

H.E. Mohamed Khalaf al Mazrouei, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company, commented on the Summit:
"The inaugural Abu Dhabi Media Summit will bring together media leaders from every continent to the UAE Capital. Our programme of events and discussions reflect both our region's immediate media industry ambition, and longer-term opportunities for the sector worldwide. We believe that this summit will become one of the most important industry forums of its kind anywhere in the world, reaffirming Abu Dhabi's place on the new global media stage."

Delegates have been invited from a broad cross-section of business sectors, including mobile, broadband, broadcast, publishing, entertainment, news, music, advertising & marketing, venture capital & equity finance. Abu Dhabi is geographically located at the nexus of East and West, making it an ideal meeting point for media players from around the globe.

Day one will be made up of key discussion sessions debating globally salient media issues; 10 of the Summit's co-chairs will take part in the sessions. In the morning, Dirk Meyer, President & CEO, AMD, will be discussing the pace of technological change. Didier Lombard, Chairman & CEO, Orange, will discuss smart phones and mobile trends. Dr. Prannoy Roy, Executive Chair, NDTV, will discuss expanding the reach of Television. In the afternoon, Tim Armstrong, Chair & CEO, AOL, and Jon Miller, CEO Digital Media, News Corp, will delve into the next wave of Web-based business models. James Murdoch, Chair & CEO, Europe & Asia, News Corp, will join a discussion on media investment and growth.

Day two will focus on geographic media trends. Three Summit co-chairs will be joined by experts to lead discussions on China, India, the Middle East and global media issues. In the morning, Kai-Fu Lee, Chair & CEO, Innovation Works, will join a discussion on radical new media in China. Maurice Levy, Chair & CEO, Publicis Groupe, will contribute to a conversation on building brands in a fragmented media world. Kishore Lulla, Chairman & CEO, Eros International, will discuss the burgeoning media scene in India. In the afternoon, Karim Sarkis, Executive Director of Broadcast, Abu Dhabi Media Company, will round off the discussion sessions with a conversation on the rising star of Middle Eastern media.

Dirk Meyer, president and CEO of AMD commented on the forthcoming event: "The Abu Dhabi Media Summit represents an unprecedented gathering of global media and technology leaders enabling the next wave of innovation that is poised to drive global media. I'm proud to be a co-chair at this seminal event in one of the world's fastest growing markets for technology and media."

ADMC and Partners launch VEVO

editor — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:27:31 -0800

In what stands as the next step in the evolution of online music entertainment, Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC), Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and EMI Music, today marked the ground-breaking launch of VEVO, the new premium music video and entertainment service in partnership with YouTube.

H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Chairman of ADMC, Edward Borgerding, CEO of ADMC and Ricky Ghai, Executive Director of Digital Media at ADMC joined Doug Morris, Chairman & CEO of UMG/Co-Chairman & Founder of VEVO, Rolf Schmidt Holtz, Chairman & CEO of Sony Music Entertainment/Co-Chairman of VEVO, Elio Leoni-Sceti, Chief Executive Officer and President, New Music, EMI Music, and Rio Caraeff, President & CEO of VEVO at the launch event in New York.

The largest video network on the web, VEVO blends the best in highest-quality music content with YouTube's cutting-edge video technology and established user community. All searches on YouTube for music videos by any of the artists represented by UMG, SME and EMI, as well as other VEVO label partners, will now be available through VEVO only. In addition, VEVO's content will be available at VEVO.com and through a VEVO-branded embedded player. VEVO will also serve as a syndication platform for additional internet destination sites, expanding the reach of the VEVO brand across the worldwide web.

AOL and CBS Interactive Music Group are announced as VEVO's first syndication partners. Through these deals, VEVO will be available across major online publishers by the end of Q1 2010

"This has the potential to be a true game changer for consumers, artists and brands. For the first time, consumers will have access to the majority of premium music videos being streamed online today all in just one click, while artists and brands will benefit from being connected like never before with their fans and the most sought after demographic on the Web. We're excited about the potential of the new service and we're looking forward to working with all of our new content providers, distributors and brands who want to take full advantage of this extraordinary opportunity." Said Mr. Doug Morris, Chairman & CEO of UMG/Co-Chairman & Founder of VEVO.

"VEVO brings together a combination of a premium music inventory, robust investment and media services management expertise on one platform," said H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazroui, Chairman of ADMC. "Being part of this unique partnership is simply the latest milestone in ADMC's strategy, which envisages a growing role for Abu Dhabi as a global hub for world class digital media."

"The launch of VEVO brings together some of the world's largest players in the media space in a truly historic partnership that we are delighted to be a part of," said Edward Borgerding, Chief Executive Officer of ADMC. "ADMC is committed to offering our audiences a diverse range of products and VEVO now forms an integral part of our fast expanding digital media portfolio."

Available free-of-charge to internet users, VEVO features the most extensive array of professionally-produced music videos, exclusive premieres, concerts and more anywhere on the Web from such market-leading companies as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Music, Hollywood Records, Walt Disney Records, CBS Interactive Music Group, Big Machine Records, Concord Music Group, Lyric Street Records, ABKCO, Caroline Distribution, Fontana Distribution, INgrooves, IODA, RED and The Orchard, among many others. Videos on VEVO are at least twice the quality and resolution of those generally found online today, and unlike videos found elsewhere, a majority of videos on VEVO will feature integrated, synchronized lyrics.

Music fans will drive the VEVO experience through play-listing, commenting and social networking, as well as being able to purchase MP3s of their favorite songs through iTunes and Amazon. Soon they will also be able to purchase an extensive line of artist-related merchandise through a partnership with Bravado, the world's leading global entertainment merchandise company.

"Music video entertainment is a rapidly growing segment and participating in this partnership to launch VEVO is a reflection of our commitment to being part of the innovation that drives online entertainment," said Ricky Ghai, Executive Director of ADMC's Digital Group. "A potential rollout of a localized VEVO portal across the Middle East region will lead to a great destination for viewers, an important channel for Arabic music content, and a major step change in the on-demand media entertainment services offered regionally", added Ricky Ghai, ADMC's Executive Director, Digital Group.

VEVO also announced today a number of integrated marketing partnerships with leading companies including Colgate-Palmolive, Infiniti, MasterCard, McDonalds, Activision Blizzard, Amstel, Canon, Elizabeth Arden, MillerCoors (Peroni), Nikon, Sony, Stoli and Unilever (Dove, Axe) and more.

"The caliber of brand partners that we have launched with today is testament to the scope of the opportunity that VEVO represents," said Mr. Rio Caraeff, President & CEO of VEVO. "With immediate scalability and the capacity to strengthen brand loyalty through engaging and interactive programs, VEVO is uniquely positioned to deliver real value for its partners."

VEVO is launching at a time when Internet users and brands are embracing premium online video as never before. Most recently, comScore Video Metrix service showed that more than 167m U.S. Internet users watched online videos during the month of October, with 28bn videos viewed during the month alone, and 84.4% of the total U.S. Internet audience viewing online video. And research firm eMarketer estimates that video ad spending will likely rise to reach $2bn in 2011, up from $734m in 2008.

Edward Borgerding awarded ’09 Media Business Man of the Year

editor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:29:39 -0800

The MENA Cristal Festival today announced the Media Business Man of the Year for 2009, awarded to Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC), Edward Borgerding, for the outstanding contributions to the media and communication industry.

Borgerding and ADMC will be honoured at the MENA Cristal Awards Ceremony to be held on 4th February 2010 in Mzaar, Lebanon.

Media Man of the Year 2009 revealed at the MENA Cristal Festival

editor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:29:00 -0800

Edward Borgerding, CEO - Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC)

The MENA Cristal Festival today announced that the Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC) and its Chief Executive Officer Edward Borgerding will be the recipient of the prestigious 2009 Media Business Man of the Year award for outstanding contributions to the media and communications industry.

The Media Business Man of the Year Cristal honours a personality and a company based in the region for helping to raise the profile of the MENA region within the international media and communications community. The award is currently in its fifth year.

“I am pleased to congratulate Edward and the team at ADMC for earning this year’s award,” said Christian Cappe, CEO of the Cristal Festival Network. “The award is a wholly deserved tribute to Edward’s vision and understanding of the industry and ADMC’s collective passion and devotion to media excellence.”

“It is an honour for me to accept this award on behalf of Abu Dhabi Media Company and its employees whose hard work and creativity have been the foundation for its growth,” said Borgerding. “Organizations succeed when they work as a team and have the heart of a family. The Board, the Company’s management and team members, and the stakeholders share a vision and passion for ADMC. It’s a very exciting time to be involved in the media and an exciting time to be working at ADMC.”

He added: “The Company receives tremendous support from its owners and the members of the Board which is chaired by Mohamed Khalaf al Mazrouei.”

ADMC is a major media player in the MENA region. It owns and operates a number of publications (Al Ittihad newspaper, The National newspaper, Zahrat al Khaleej magazine, and Majid magazine). It also owns and operates a range of television channels (Abu Dhabi Al Oula, Abu Dhabi Al Emarat, Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya, Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya 2, Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya 3, Abu Dhabi +1, and National Geographic Abu Dhabi) and a network of radio stations (Abu Dhabi FM, Emarat FM, Star FM, Holy Quran FM, and Abu Dhabi Classic FM), as well as LIVE, which owns a fleet of outdoor HD broadcast vans, and a state of the art printing press, United Printing Press. Its digital media group ensures that ADMC brands and content are one step ahead in a constantly changing interactive world but also operates several digital properties including Getmo Arabia (a joint venture entertainment portal with Bertelsmann), goalarabia.com (the first professional fantasy football site in the region covering 6 local and international leagues) and super.ae (the ultimate football fan's destination for all things football in Arabic).

It has also emerged as a global media player with the launch of Imagenation Abu Dhabi who has partnered with high profile producers such as National Geographic, Hyde Park Entertainment, Participant Media, Parkes/MacDonald, and its recently announced partnerships with Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA), VEVO, the online music business with Universal Music Group and Sony Music, and Gazillion Entertainment, the groundbreaking MMOG Company that produces games for Marvel, Dreamworks, Lego, and other major brands, as well as its own titles.

A veteran media professional with extensive experience in managing and operating international media companies, Borgerding joined ADMC as CEO in 2007. Prior to this he served as Executive Vice-President of Walt Disney International in Hong Kong, during which time he oversaw the operating units of the Walt Disney Company in the Asia Pacific region, including India and the Middle East.

In 1995, Borgerding established the first Disney Channel outside the U.S., in Taiwan. In 1997 he opened the Disney Channel in UAE and another in Australia. He also established the first television offices for Disney in both India and China. Borgerding began his career in the Disney Studios in Burbank, California in theatrical distribution and marketing, before moving to London in 1984.

Borgerding and ADMC will be honoured at the MENA Cristal Awards Ceremony to be held on 4th February 2010 in Mzaar, Lebanon.
Osman Sultan, CEO of du Integrated Telecom Company was the Media Man of the year 2008.

Vevo partners with Abu Dhabi Media

editor — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:05:00 -0700

Vevo, the new premium music video and entertainment service powered by YouTube, has received a strategic investment from Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC), one of the world's fastest growing, multi-platform media organizations.

The announcement was made today by Doug Morris, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group and Co-Chairman/Founder of Vevo, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Entertainment & Co-Chairman of Vevo, Rio Caraeff, President & Chief Executive Officer of Vevo, H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazroui, Chairman of ADMC, and Edward Borgerding, Chief Executive Officer of ADMC. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

With this transaction, Vevo is now formed as an independent and fully funded entity with Universal Music Group (UMG), Sony Music Entertainment (SME) and Abu Dhabi Media Company (ADMC) as founding shareholders. Funding from the shareholders will enable Vevo to come to market with an attractive premium music offering for consumers and advertisers alike.

Launching in the United States and Canada later this year with a further international roadmap to be announced, Vevo will be a premium destination and syndication network for the very best in top-notch music video content that will leverage the massive existing traffic of YouTube.

On joining UMG and SME to create Vevo, H.E. Mohamed Khalaf Al Mazroui, Chairman of ADMC, stated: "This global partnership flags Abu Dhabi Media Company's commitment to establish a leading position in the digital media industry. It is part of an integrated approach to expanding the global digital presence and brand portfolio of Abu Dhabi Media Company, and it illustrates our partnering approach with innovators in digital media services and technologies."

"It's a credit to the music community, and to the global opportunity that Vevo represents, that we have been able to attract such a solid investment partner with the vision and track record of Abu Dhabi Media Company," commented Rio Caraeff, President & Chief Executive Officer of Vevo. "Abu Dhabi Media Company brings to the venture important funding support and a team with enormous global media experience and insight, and we look forward to working with them to seize the many opportunities ahead of us."

"Consumer demand for music video entertainment is growing significantly today and is transforming the digital entertainment market and the music industry by fuelling new media business models. Vevo fits our vision and goals perfectly, as we are expanding our capabilities and continue to build the market for digital entertainment around the world. Vevo will redefine the way premium music video entertainment is consumed, created and shared in a global community of music audiences," said Edward Borgerding, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Media Company.

"We're now entering a new exciting phase in the digital media industry in the region and we're determined to be at the forefront of it," added Ricky Ghai, ADMC's Executive Director, Digital Group. "With Vevo there's real opportunity for incredible growth, as both brand advertisers and consumers are looking for new premium video experiences online. The potential rollout of a localized Vevo portal across our region will help to cement ADMC's position as a leading digital media company."