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Our history
The Multi Channel Network was formed in 1997 as a central ad sales arm for Foxtel and Austar channels. Since then the business has evolved to keep pace with the changing consumer offers of the platforms. These include the introduction of digital television which introduced many more channels, the development of personal digital players such as the Foxtel IQ and Austar Mystar boxes, and more recently the imminent launch of new High Definition channels.
MCN is now recognised as a global leader in multi channel interactive television advertising. Among many evolutionary advertising models, MCN can lay claim to the following milestones:
- The development of the first advertising models on the STV platform in Australia.
- The first interactive television advertising in Australia.
- The first Video on Demand television advertising in Australia.
- The introduction of truly integrated new advertising platforms merging across multiple media channels including on air, online and mobile.
From humble beginnings, MCN has evolved into a sophisticated multi dimensional media sales company that is determined to continue to 'invent the future of advertising' in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Timeline 1992-2008
1995
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JANUARY
Australis, branded as Galaxy, distributes Australia's first broadcast Subscription TV service
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AUGUST
AUSTAR service commences
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SEPTEMBER
OPTUS VISION service commences
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OCTOBER
FOXTEL service commences
1997
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MARCH
MCN established as a joint venture between FOXTEL, AUSTAR and a number of the key channels
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JULY
Advertising introduced on Subscription TV
2006
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MAY
FOXTEL programming wins a record 4 Logies
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JUNE
FOXTEL digital passes one million subscribers & FOXTEL relocates to the nation's most advanced digital television facility, the FOXTEL Television Centre
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JULY
MCN launches the first interactive Dedicated Advertiser Location (DAL)& FOXTEL delivers its first full year operating profit - year end 30.06.06
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AUGUST
MCN Online launches representing premier STV channel websites
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OCTOBER
Telstra launches FOXTEL on NEXT G™ mobiles
2007
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JANUARY
On Demand launches Parkinson: The Shane Warne Interview on UKTV takes the wicket as the top rating Subscription TV show of all time. Online FOXTEL programming guide launches
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FEBRUARY
AFL, SEVEN, TEN & FOXTEL announce AFL Broadcast Agreement with FOXTEL, AUSTAR and FOX SPORTS delivering more AFL than any other Network
STV shatters television ratings records. Number 1 network in Sydney & Brisbane, 2nd place in all metro homes
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MARCH
Acquisition of additional satellite capacity for new television services MCN launches 1st Video on Demand advertisement with Sony
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APRIL
Eleven TV Week Logie Award Nominations: a record haul for STV
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JULY
Landmark output deal with 20th Century Fox Television sees first-run programming to FOXTEL. MCN launches a new promotions portal www.tvwinners.com.au
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AUGUST
TEN signs Digital Retransmission Agreement with FOXTEL Growth in subscribers and profits reaches record highs
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OCTOBER
FOXTEL And Nine Secure Australian Broadcast Rights to the 2010 Winter Olympics and 2012 Summer Olympics
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DECEMBER
Showtime launches a new premium Channel - SHOWCASE FOXTEL Launches Its First Retail Store In Subiaco