(New York City, March 11, 2013) – The World Teleport Association (WTA) announced that Bill Tillson, Co-CEO of Encompass Digital Media, has been named its 2013 Teleport Executive of the Year for the second consecutive year, a first in the 18 year history of the award. Mr. Tillson will be honored during WTA’s Teleport Awards for Excellence luncheon on 19 March during SATELLITE 2013. The Teleport Executive of the Year award is presented to an individual for demonstrated entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation in the development or operation of a teleport-based business.

According to the association’s Awards Committee, Mr. Tillson’s second consecutive award was due to the impressive growth Encompass has achieved through a series of acquisitions and strategic alignments by Mr. Tillson, beginning with the purchase of Andrita Studios in Los Angeles, and continuing through the company’s most recent acquisition, Teleport Internacional Buenos Aires (TIBA), in November of 2012. The Teleport Executive of the Year is determined by the WTA’s board of directors, who evaluate the CEO or leading executive among the associations “Fast 20” group of teleport operators for that year.

With teleport facilities and technical personnel in Atlanta, Buenos Aires, London, Los Angeles Metro, Minneapolis, New York Metro and Singapore, Encompass has succeeded where many other companies have failed: growing from a small teleport operator to a global leader in digital media services.

“Growth by acquisition has a rocky track record in our industry,” said WTA executive director Robert Bell, “with acquirers too often not fully understanding what they are buying and how the pieces being assembled can add up to more than the sum of the parts.” Bell added, “Bill Tillson deeply understands this business and how to apply financial leverage and clear strategic direction for success.”

About World Teleport Association

Since 1985, the World Teleport Association (www.worldteleport.org) has focused on improving the business of satellite communications from the ground up. At the core of its membership are the world’s most innovative operators of teleports, from independents to multinationals, niche service providers to global carriers. WTA is dedicated to advocating for the interests of teleport operators in the global telecommunications market and promoting excellence in teleport business practice, technology and operations.

Encompass, a leading digital media services provider which owns and operates state-of-the-art broadcast facilities throughout the United States, Latin America, United Kingdom and Asia, today announced the appointment of Ken Fuller to Senior Vice President and General Manager of Encompass’ West Coast operations. Reporting to Bart Spriester, Encompass’ Chief Technology Officer, Ken will be based in Los Angeles where he will oversee facilities, network operations and broadcast engineering. In addition, he will have direct participation in the development of new business opportunities in collaboration with Encompass’ North American sales organization, and he will be actively involved in the company’s overall corporate strategic planning initiatives.

“Ken’s vast broadcast engineering and network operations background will be a tremendous resource to our existing and future West Coast operations,” said Bill Tillson, President and COO of Encompass. “This appointment fosters our worldwide commitment to provide our clients an unsurpassed level of performance.”

Prior to joining Encompass, Ken served as Vice President of Network Operations for Avail-TVN where he was responsible for the day-to-day management of the IPTV-based Network Operations Center. Before joining Avail-TVN, he served in a variety of roles including Director of Engineering, North America for AZCAR Technologies; President of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers; and Vice President of Technology at Ascent Media Group in California. In addition, he was Director of Broadcast and Network Operations NBC New York. While there, he received five Technical Emmy Awards for his work on NBC’s Olympic broadcasts.

Bart Spriester, CTO of Encompass added, “With over twenty-five years of experience, Ken’s comprehensive background in broadcast engineering and his in-depth knowledge of the technologies we are currently deploying and those quickly emerging within the industry, he will undoubtedly play a major role as we continue to expand our services portfolio.”

“I have closely watched Encompass build a premier global media services company in just four short years,” said Fuller. “I am thrilled to join the senior team and look forward to addressing our clients growing need for innovative cost-efficient, outsourced media solutions across multiple platforms.”

Simon Bax Resigns as Encompass Digital Media CEO

Encompass Appoints Ed Horowitz and Bill Tillson to Encompass Office of the CEO

Encompass Digital Media, a leading provider of worldwide television channel origination, live sports and news distribution, digital media and government services, today announced that Simon Bax has resigned as Encompass CEO and Board member.

Encompass further announced that Ed Horowitz, early Board member and investor, will join Bill Tillson, the company’s current President, COO and Co-founder, in establishing the Encompass Office of the CEO. Together they will continue to build the business and lead the company in providing 24/7 mission-critical services to Encompass’ premier local, regional and global media customers.

In announcing his departure, Bax, who will remain an Encompass shareholder and will be an advisor to the Office of the CEO, said, “After five intense years working to build Encompass into the preeminent global provider of video origination and distribution services, I have decided it is time to step down. Now that Encompass has completed the primary acquisition and build-out of its worldwide facilities, the travel required and the need to center the company’s corporate headquarters in the U.S., while my family is based in the U.K., has led me to conclude that this is the time to relinquish my role.”

Horowitz has had a long and distinguished career in the telecommunications sector. In the past he has worked as the Chairman and CEO of Viacom’s Broadcast and Interactive Media divisions. In 1997, he founded and was Chairman of e-Citi which pioneered the implementation of e-commerce and financial services at Citigroup. He also served as President and CEO of SES Americom, a market-leading satellite company serving media, enterprise, and U.S. government customers. Mr. Horowitz currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Fairpoint Communications (FRP) and is on the Board of Online Resources Corporation (ORCC).

“It has been an extraordinary five years working with my co-founder, Simon,” commented Tillson. “With the global assets we have acquired, the extraordinary team we have assembled and the services we provide to our media customers, we have created an unparalleled, worldwide content management and distribution company. I have known Ed for over thirty years and his in-depth knowledge and vast experience within the satellite and broadcast television industries is unmatched.  Having Ed join Encompass reflects the stature the company has achieved through its focus on performance, innovation and technology.”

“Encompass has built an inter-connected, worldwide organization that serves a local, regional and global customer base. With this infrastructure, we are able to provide a platform which enables our clients to easily expand their business model cost-effectively,” commented Horowitz. “I look forward to continuing my long-standing relationship with Bill as we partner to take the company to its next level. I join the entire Encompass Board in thanking Simon for all he has contributed to the success we have achieved to date.”

Production and Technology Companies Support One Night Only Historic Fundraising Concert at Madison Square Garden to Benefit the Victims of Hurricane Sandy

Nearly Two Billion People Worldwide to Have Access to the Benefit via Television, Radio and the Internet

Musical Lineup Includes Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Kanye West, The Who and Paul McCartney

NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The producers of “12-12-12,” which is presented by Chase, announced today that the concert at Madison Square Garden (Nasdaq:MSG) on December 12, 2012 at 7:30 PM (ET) to aid the victims of Hurricane Sandy, has united with a number of partners to secure donations and services to support the event’s production, execution and live broadcasts. Because of the generous support of these partners and sponsors, and Robin Hood’s board of directors, every single penny from ticket purchases and donations will go to organizations serving the victims of Hurricane Sandy through the Robin Hood Relief Fund.

GE has been named the first and only Diamond Partner for “12-12-12″; BlackRock, Samsung and State Farm serve as the leading Platinum Partners with Optimum, Time Warner Cable and Verizon Foundation now on board as Gold Partners; Delta and Poland Spring have joined as Silver Partners; and Duracell Powermat, Hyundai, NRG and Pepsi as Bronze Partners. In addition, the production and execution of “12-12-12″ would not be possible without the generous donations from many production companies including Dempsey Productions; Diversified Production Services (DPS); and Otto Printing & Entertainment Graphics.

Event producers James Dolan, John Sykes and Harvey Weinstein issued the following joint statement: “The outpouring of support from our generous partners has enabled us to put together an unprecedented, worldwide event that will help drive fundraising efforts to support the victims of Hurricane Sandy. We can’t thank them enough.”

Social media services are being donated by HD MADE, which is also providing digital strategy and design services. In-kind development and hosting services are being donated by Phase2 Technology, and the soon-to-launch live entertainment service, Mahaya, will host a post-show recap. In addition, iStreamPlanet will provide live video encoding for the 12-12-12 Concert which will stream live across leading entertainment and video sites.

“12-12-12″ will be distributed worldwide to nearly two billion people through television feeds, radio and online streaming and will be distributed across networks and feeds in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

The concert is being produced by James Dolan, Executive Chairman of The Madison Square Garden Company; John Sykes, President of Clear Channel Entertainment Enterprises; and Harvey Weinstein, Co-Founder and Chairman of The Weinstein Company.

The all-star lineup features performances by Bon Jovi, Eric Clapton, Dave Grohl, Billy Joel, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Kanye West, The Who and Paul McCartney.

The most up-to-date information on “12-12-12″ can be found by visiting www.121212concert.org.

Attached is a full list of partners who are providing unique social and promotional support for the event.

Digital Partners:

• Facebook’s new product “Facebook Gifts” enables users to make a direct contribution to the Robin Hood Relief Fund via Facebook
• Foursquare’ s one-day-only badge campaign allows anyone to check in using #121212concert to earn a “Be Robin Hood” badge
• Google+ is supporting the YouTube live stream of the concert which will live across Robin Hood Foundation, FUSE, Madison Square Garden and iHeartRadio¹s Google+ pages.
• GetGlue’s sticker campaign will reward viewers for checking-in to the live telecast (across 37 networks and via live stream) with exclusive “12-12-12″ stickers
• Shazam will allow fans worldwide to donate to the Robin Hood Relief Fund via their app and will donate all proceeds raised from music sales generated by the historic concert
• Twitter is donating Promoted Tweet inventory to support “12.12.12″ tune-in
• Twubs will provide in-venue tweet-to-screen technology; “#121212Concert” tweets will be displayed throughout the arena during the performance

Additional Supporting Partners:

Encompass Digital Media, a leading digital media services provider, today announced the appointment of M.Brett Belinsky to Managing Director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Encompass based in London. Recognized for his outstanding executive leadership and strategic development, Belinsky will work to proactively identify commercial growth opportunities in adjacent markets further expanding the company’s client base in EMEA. He will be based in London, where he will also oversee all existing facility operations including channel origination; satellite and fiber transmission; encoding/transcoding; engineering; and digital media asset management.

“With over twenty years of experience, Brett’s unique industry insight coupled with his extraordinary leadership and business acumen, brings another top caliber executive to our team,” said Simon Bax, CEO of Encompass. “As we grow the company organically and through acquisitions, we look forward to Brett’s in-depth participation in this process.”

Bill Tillson, President and COO of Encompass added, “Brett is one of the most highly respected senior executives in this industry; his diverse background, unmatched comprehension of market dynamics, insight analysis and thought leadership will serve to augment our global strategic vision as we continue to provide unsurpassed outsourced services to an ever-evolving broadcast television industry.”

“I am thrilled to join a team whose understanding of the future of broadcast television services is intuitive and entrepreneurial, especially as Encompass evolves further into a next generation business that’s admired for its innovation and operational excellence,” said Belinsky. “I look forward to leveraging my involvement to provide customers the continued benefit from the global services they have come to trust and rely on.”

Prior to joining Encompass, Belinsky held multiple positions at Arqiva Broadcast & Media.  Most recently as Market Development Director, Belinsky proactively identified and developed value creating, commercial growth opportunities for the company. His previous responsibilities also included long-range planning, product management and marketing communication; in addition, he focused on seeking out organic and acquisitive growth opportunities across the globe. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the World Teleport Association.

Company’s Global Reach Extends into Pan Latin America

Encompass Digital Media, a global leader in digital media services, announced today its purchase of TIBA Satellite Services S.A. (“TIBA”). With its main operations in Buenos Aires, Argentina, TIBA is the premier provider of outsourced channel origination and transmission services in Latin America which is one of the fastest growing television markets in the world.

“We have had the privilege of getting to know the team at TIBA over the last few years while both competing and collaborating for a number of shared clients. It is a fantastic team running a top-notch facility and providing a superior level of service,” said Simon Bax, Chief Executive Officer for Encompass. “This combination further enhances our world-class management team and strengthens Encompass’ position as a leading global provider of mission-critical network origination and transmission services.”

“With the rapid growth of the Latin American market being driven by the demand for Pay TV, an increase in channels due to localization and the conversion from SD to HD, TIBA was the perfect complement to Encompass’ existing facilities and business model,” said Bill Tillson, President and Chief Operating Officer for Encompass. “This transaction enhances our geographic diversity and our exposure to these developing markets.”

“We have been looking for a partner that would augment TIBA’s position from a business perspective and one that would provide a strong cultural fit,” commented Norberto Alvarez Vitale, Chief Executive Officer for TIBA. “Encompass was the perfect match; a dynamic partner with global reach that will lead the combined company into a new and successful path of growth.”

TIBA provides a wide range of services for a number of major global clients including FOX, Disney, ESPN, DIRECTV and Turner. Services include content management (ingest, storage, editing and transcoding); channel origination and transmission; non-linear video distribution to multiple digital platforms; the sales of satellite capacity; equipment provisioning; and a 24/7/365 help desk for cable headends across the continent. In total, TIBA handles more than140 channels broadcast into Pan Latin America.

LOS ANGELES – November 1, 2012 – Encompass Digital Media’s global facilities provided its clients with 24/7 network origination, New York City-based switching connectivity, fiber transport, disaster recovery, satellite uplink trucks and “live” remote site production services throughout Hurricane Sandy. All services were provided without interruption. With its Northeastern U.S. locations in NYC, Stamford and Glenbrook, CT, the company’s storm preparedness protocols provided seamless origination and transmission services for hundreds of broadcasters, cable channels and news organizations.

Encompass is uniquely positioned to provide backup services from any of its Teleports located throughout the U.S. and the world – Atlanta, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Burbank, London and Singapore. Using its Global Interconnect (GI), an Encompass-managed fiber network that connects all of its facilities and provides direct connectivity to worldwide broadcasters through the NYC Encompass Waterfront switch, the company was able to transport content seamlessly and without loss of service.    

“In preparation for the potential devastation Sandy would ultimately wreak upon the Northeastern U.S., Encompass management, operations and engineering teams were focused on a worst-case scenario and planned accordingly,” said Bill Tillson, President and COO of Encompass. “This enabled us to protect our dedicated clients and their networks and provide remote site coverage across the footprint of the storm to domestic and international broadcasters and news organizations during one of the worst storms in recorded history.”

Encompass utilized its existing infrastructure of NYC area owned and operated facilities, each of which has standalone UPS and generator power along with its Atlanta, Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Burbank facilities to support a number of high-profile networks throughout the event.

Prior to the storm, Encompass deployed eight satellite trucks up the East Coast and throughout New England on behalf of its news clients. The company provided HD and SD transmission services for tier one broadcasters from all areas including Atlantic City, NJ where the eye of the storm crossed. With state-of-the-art transmission equipment and a highly experienced engineering staff, Encompass remains a first-responder for breaking news. The company continues to cover the aftermath in the Northeast while preparing for in-depth coverage of the U.S. presidential elections next week.

Company wins contract to provide North American Teleport and ground support services for new Ka-band constellation.  

Encompass Government Solutions, a leader in global satellite and terrestrial connectivity and a division of Encompass Digital Media, has been awarded a contract to become Inmarsat’s satellite access station (SAS) in support of the new Global Xpress^® constellation. As one of two North American co-primary Teleports, Encompass will provide uplink/downlink services, collocation of Inmarsat equipment and interconnectivity to Inmarsat’s terrestrial data networks. This next-generation, Ka-band satellite fleet offers high throughput with downlink speeds of up to 50Mbps and up to 5Mbps over the uplink from compact user terminals.

The Global Xpress launch program commences in 2013 and a third launch is scheduled for 2014. Inmarsat required a secure site that provided an optimum environment with minimal disruption risks, such as extreme weather conditions; and Encompass’ Lino Lakes, MN facility renders a unique geographical location for radio frequency communication. Encompass will be supporting Inmarsat by collocating and managing a significant array of satellite ground segment equipment and routine maintenance services for a new 13.2 meter Ka-band antenna.

“Global Xpress will revolutionize broadband communications,” commented Leo Mondale, Director of the Inmarsat Global Xpress Program. “The launch of our next-generation satellite network is a major milestone in the history of Inmarsat. So the decision of where to site our Teleports is critical. The Encompass site will play a key part of the Global Xpress network.”

“As we continue to advance our Government Solutions initiatives, we are thrilled to have Inmarsat as an anchor tenant at our best-of-breed, independent Minneapolis Teleport,” said Paul Frese, Vice President Sales and Business Development for Encompass Government Solutions. “This contract win further builds upon our reputation as a world-class provider of cost-effective, reliable and dependable Teleport services globally.”

Encompass services will include a newly constructed 2,500 square foot cement building which will house equipment to manage, control and provide service to Inmarsat Global Xpress customers.

During the long-term contract, Encompass will provide SAS services pre-launch and throughout the life of the Global Xpress fleet in addition to 24/7/365 “hot hands” engineering and facilities support at the antenna hub.

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communication services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,500 staff in more than 40 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centers of commerce on every continent. For the year ended 31st December 2011, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$1,409 million and an EBITDA of US$854 million. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L).

For more information, visit www.inmarsat.com.

Company now the largest independent playout and Teleport facility in Asia.  

Encompass Digital Media Asia, a leader in global satellite and terrestrial connectivity and a division of Encompass Digital Media (“Encompass”), announced today that it has reached a major broadcast milestone with the origination and transmission of 100 channels from its Singapore facility. The company’s mission-critical media services provide broadcasters, cable networks, corporations and government agencies with customized solutions for the management and distribution of content globally.

This significant accomplishment comes just 18 months after the acquisition of the Singapore facility by Encompass and highlights the success of the company’s aggressive growth initiatives. With a client base that includes AETN All Asia Networks, AMC, BBC Worldwide, BBC, CNBC, Discovery Communications, FOX, LiTV, MTV Networks, Scripps Networks, Sony Asia, Tata Communications and Tigergate. Encompass Asia’s premier independent Teleport is providing an extensive range of HD and SD broadcast services to some of the industry’s most high-profile networks and cable channels.

“With worldwide digital TV households expected to double over the next five years and with much of this growth taking place in Asia, we are thrilled to reach this material benchmark,” said Simon Bax, Chief Executive Officer for Encompass. “This reaffirms the confidence our clients have as they continue to entrust us with their most precious asset: their content.”  

“This achievement is extremely meaningful to the company and is representative of the rapid expansion in the media and telecommunications sectors in the Asia Pacific region,” said Bill Tillson, President and Chief Operating Officer for Encompass. “With substantial capacity available at this facility, we look to continue to grow our client base and enhance our service offerings.”

“Providing our clients with the ability to expand their business models and further monetize their assets through the vast range of innovative, cost-effective services we offer is what differentiates us from our competitors,” commented Deepakjit Singh, Managing Director for Encompass Asia.

Encompass Asia is a leading provider of content management and distribution services. The 88,000 sq. ft. facility is designed to offer a robust, redundant infrastructure providing playout, distribution, digital media manipulation, creative, technical and global archival services. In addition, the facility also houses a cutting-edge post-production operation and production studio giving its clients an end-to-end solution when creating and delivering content.