Press release from Tsuki
The Australian Subscription Television and Radio Association (ASTRA) confirmed today that FOXTEL CEO, Richard Freudenstein will deliver his inaugural address as FOXTEL CEO at the ASTRA 2012 Conference on 22nd March at the Sydney Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Freudenstein joined FOXTEL in November 2011, from News Limited where he held the roles of Chief Executive Officer of News Digital Media and Chief Executive Officer of The Australian. Freudenstein has extensive knowledge of the subscription TV industry having held a number of senior roles at FOXTEL in the 1990s and having worked for seven years at British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB), the last six as Chief Operating Officer.
During his five year tenure at News Digital Media, Freudenstein oversaw the creation of Australia’s largest portfolio of digital media operations. At The Australian he was responsible for the transformation of the paper’s commercial operations, launching the iPad and Android tablet applications as well as The Australian’s premium digital subscription service.
FOXTEL is the leading platform for the subscription TV industry in Australia. On 11 July 2011 FOXTEL announced that it had entered into definitive transaction agreements with AUSTAR and Liberty Global to acquire AUSTAR, subject to a number of regulatory and commercial conditions. If the transaction proceeds it will see the creation of one of Australia’s largest media companies with expected revenues of $2.8 billion, employing around 2500 people and investing strongly in Australian content.
Richard Freudenstein will deliver the FOXTEL platform update and provide his unique perspective on the media environment in particular related to the Conference theme – Driving Change – which acknowledges a range of topics focussing on the rapidly evolving and competitive media environment.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Richard Freudenstein to the ASTRA 2012 Conference line up which also includes keynote speaker Jeff Shell, President of NBCUniversal International. There is dramatic change occurring in the media landscape, presenting both complexities and opportunities for sector participants, and the calibre of both local and global speakers at the conference will inspire discussion and debate around this topic,” said Petra Buchanan, CEO of ASTRA.
The 2012 day-long Conference program will highlight opinions from leaders across the industry, allow for discussion and debate through a combination of panel discussions and break-out sessions and provide networking opportunities at the Women in Television breakfast, lunch and the closing cocktail function.
The ASTRA 2012 Conference will also honour excellence with the ASTRA Pioneer Award – which recognises the inspiration and hard work of a deserving individual, and the ASTRA Industry Excellence Awards – presented for exceptional contribution to marketing and promotion of subscription TV.
Registration details are available at www.astraconference2012.com.au