Astro records growth in TV viewership during Raya season

Astro Malaysia has recorded a 6% growth year-on-year to reach an overall RM1.2 bn, while its ADEX grew 13% y-o-y to RM9m achieving a total ADEX of RM145m.While total ADEX declined by 4%, Astro outperformed the industry ADEX, which saw a 9% contraction. Astro also saw growth in its On Demand video downloads and mobile viewing. It claims to have TV viewership share of 73%, with the Raya season leading to consumers tuning in to Astro Malay channels. Astro added that the number of connected set-top-boxes rose 18% y-o-y to exceed one million and On Demand video downloads increased by 51% to 16 million.According to its financial report, Astro aims to bolster its line-up of movies this year introducing Malaysia’s first martial arts flick, Sangkar, a collaboration between Media Prima, Infinitus Gold and MM2 Entertainment; Boboiboy The Movie 2, a collaboration with leading animation producer, and others.In line with the growth seen in the financials, Astro will be unveiling a new and unified interface as well as cloud recording capabilities for customers with connected set-top-boxes and Astro GO users. Astro GO, Astro's app for mobile and desktop, registered users went up 29% y-o-y.In addition, the new Astro GO home screen on both mobile and desktop will also show users’ favourite programmes available On Demand, as well as recommendations based on previously watched content.Staying focused on strengthening its core Pay TV and NJOI businesses, Astro's outlook includes elevating its customer service, redefining customer value propositions and refreshing its content. By leveraging on its multi platforms – TV, OTT, radio, digital, events, talents and its customer base, the company looks to build new revenue adjacencies in broadband, OTT, exporting content, data driven marketing network and commerce to drive stronger customer engagement.Tun Zaki Azmi, chairman of Astro, said in a competitive media landscape, Astro continues to be cash generative, cost disciplined and proactive in its capital management, and has declared a first interim dividend of 2.0 sen per share.Henry Tan (pictured), chief executive officer of Astro, said the company has delivered profit after tax and minority interests growth underpinned by efforts to optimise content cost and operating expenses. He added that the company will continue to entertain and engage with 5.7m households and 23m individuals with signature vernacular and premium content as well as live sports on Pay-TV and NJOI platforms."We are excited about the opportunity that iQIYI presents in technology leadership and content innovation. This partnership enables us both to leverage on the strength of our brands and skillsets to extend our reach in a content world which is increasingly personal and digital. Astro is working on more OTT partnerships and targets to announce more deals in the coming months,” Tan said.For the past few months, Astro has entered into exclusive partnerships with global OTT players including China's video streaming platform iQIYI and HBO Asia for HBO GO. Under the partnership with iQIYI, Astro will have exclusive rights to deliver its content on TV, On Demand and OTT in Malaysia including the iQIYI branded channel comprising an extensive slate of original content from drama to variety shows and movies.Overall, the company has also seen a 4% increase y-o-y to RM444m for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) for its financial year ending 31 January 2020. However, the company's commerce revenue remained steady at RM84m.