Twenty-First Century Fox 2014 Annual Report Download - page 6

What has and always will separate us from the
competition is our firm belief that the status
quo is never good enough. We will continue to
innovate and shake things up in support of our
enduring mission to provide even greater choice
for consumers at every turn.
Theatrical hits, ranging from
franchise blockbusters like X MEN:
DAYS OF FUTURE PAST and RIO 2
to high-concept films such as the
breakout hit THE FAULT IN OUR
STARS and THE GRAND BUDAPEST
HOTEL, illustrate the success of our
film division’s diversified approach,
which delivers consistency, industry-
leading margins and unprecedented
global reach. At our television
studios, successful franchises, such
as HOMELAND, MODERN FAMILY and
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, were
complemented by up-and-comers
like this year’s SLEEPY HOLLOW.
Outside the U.S. we continued to
benefit from the increased reach of
pay television as well as the growing
demand for our industry-leading
content and channels.
Our international channels
business, Fox International Channels,
grew its subscriber base by 20% this
past year, continuing to build on its
unmatched global footprint across
more than 300 owned channels in
more than 180 countries.
For our European satellite
businesses, the last year marked
a period of growth and continued
innovation. Sky Deutschland
expanded to 88 HD channels and
continues to be Europe’s fastest
growing pay-TV platform, while
Sky Italia has also evolved its
product oering, now delivering
both traditional and over-the-top
television experiences to nearly five
million homes. The three European
Skys have been leaders in multi-
platform digital TV production, from
HD sports to leading over-the-top
platforms such as Sky GO, all of
which are enjoyed by millions of
families across the businesses’
footprint.
In July we announced an
agreement with BSkyB, the U.K.’s
leading digital TV provider, to
combine our European satellite
television holdings to create
Europe’s leading pay-TV business.
21st Century Fox will continue
to hold a 39% stake in the new
pan-European Sky. We have always
believed that bringing together
these assets as a fully integrated
business would produce significant
benefits for shareholders and
consumers. We could not be more
pleased with this transaction, which
enables us to both maximize the
value of our various Sky holdings
while still participating in the growth
of the new pan-European Sky.
In India, our operations are
stronger than ever, and, with a weekly
reach of more than 650 million
viewers, STAR India remains that
nation’s largest and most influential
entertainment company. The
return of the popular and poignant
SATYAMEV JAYATE was watched
by more than 300 million people,
and more than 50 million viewers
participated online in support
of the show’s “vote of change”
initiatives. STAR Sports has also
made major sports investments in
the past 12 months, launching six
networks which deliver the best in
cricket, soccer and more to viewers
throughout India. STAR Sports’
commitment to fostering a multi-
sport culture in India is widely known,
as evidenced by its investment in
the Pro Kabaddi League, a game
which was nearly forgotten but with
STAR’s support has been transformed
into a modern sporting experience
that quickly attracted large and
passionate audiences.
As I’ve said many times before,
we don’t make a habit of looking back
to revel in our accomplishments.
But in reviewing the last 12 months,
which included a tectonic shift in
the structure of our company, I am
immensely proud of the work of
our colleagues around the world,
and equally appreciative of the faith
placed in our management team
by our shareholders. What has and
always will separate us from the
competition is our firm belief that
the status quo is never good enough.
We will continue to innovate and
shake things up in support of our
enduring mission to provide even
greater choice for consumers at
every turn.
In the end, I firmly believe that
we have the assets, the scale, the
plan and the leadership to cement
21st Century Fox’s continuing place
as the world’s pre-eminent film and
television company.
We thank our stockholders for
their confidence and commitment,
and look forward to sharing more
success in the years to come.
Regards,
Rupert Murdoch
Chairman & Chief Executive Oicer
21st Century Fox
sport culture in India is widely known,
which was nearly forgotten but with
STAR’s support has been transformed
Regards,
Rupert Murdoch