CR Briefs - Liberty Global

Issue 06
December 2009
CR Briefs
IN THIS ISSUE
UPC Rolls Out Green Set
Top Boxes Page 1
VTR Offers Payment Cap
Benefit for Unemployed
Customers Page 1
UPC Romania Minds the
Gap Page 2
Chile Speaks English
Page 2
‘Jump Over the Net,
Child’- Internet Safety
Clubs by UPC Hungary
Page 2
Pramer Creates “Good TV
Viewers” Page 2
UPC Joins Forces to
Combat ‘Botnets’ Page 3
VTR’s Sustainability
Report Wins Prize Page 3
Telenet: It’s All About
Dialogue with Our
Customers Page 3
Get Fit For Your
Foundation Raises Over
€12,000 Page 4
UPC Rolls Out ‘Green’ Set Top Boxes
Sept 2009: UPC Broadband has announced the
roll out of a new generation of energy efficient
‘green’ set-top boxes (STBs). The new STBs can
consume an average of 5.5W and use less than 1W
in stand-by mode. Deployment of the green boxes
has started in Switzerland, Ireland and Poland and
is planned for the Netherlands and other countries
from Q4 2009 onwards. UPC is also addressing the
energy consumption of existing STBs by deploying
in 2010 a new ‘auto standby’ software that will
enable boxes to go to auto stand-by after a period
of inactivity.
“UPC Broadband recognizes its role in
helping the entertainment industry become more
are taking a series of measures in our own network
and facilities to reduce our carbon emissions. We
are also helping our customers reduce their carbon
Global’s Climate Challenge program, a company-
footprint and realise financial savings” said Gene
wide environmental program designed to reduce
Musselman, President of UPC Broadband. carbon emissions.
VTR Offers Payment Cap Benefit for Unemployed Customers
Aug 2009: VTR has launched a new benefit called
provides job-hunting tips, advice on how to write an
effective CV, and links to job search sites.
services to approximately EUR 2.00 per month for
a maximum period of six months, regardless of
Visit: www.vtrprotegido.cl
subscription. Since the launch of the
programme, the number of calls from
La Segunda, a Chilean newspaper, and
CR Headlines Page 6
VTR has also developed a website that
customers. The plan caps the total cost of VTR
UPC Romania Presents
Digital Zoo Page 4
UPC Hungary’s Click On
it Grandma! Receives
International Recognition
Page 6
VTR ‘Protegido’ that helps support its unemployed
customers seeking to disconnect their
Partner Spotlight Page 5
The ‘green’ STB is aligned with Liberty
UPC Ireland Equips Rugby
Teams in Developing
Countries Page 4
The Joy of Reading on
Minimax Page 5
‘Green’ Set Top Box
energy efficient. Together with our vendors, we
services has dropped.
VTR was also recognized by
research company Adimark as one of
five ‘Most Admired Companies’ in Chile
for taking proactive steps in the current
economic situation.
“VTR’s services cannot be absent
from the home when families need them
most to keep in touch with their relatives,
friends and acquaintances, to entertain
themselves, to perform tasks and also
to look for work.” says Mauricio Ramos
CEO, VTR.
VTR’s Cap Benefit for jobless customers
CR Briefs
UPC Romania Minds the Gap
impossible goal. To help nurture young Chileans into bilingualism,
Oct 2009: UPC Romania is
VTR has purchased licenses for the innovative software called
aiming to bridge the digital divide
Mingoville,” announced Mauricio Ramos, VTR’s CEO, at the launch of
by offering a free, basic internet
the project. Mingoville is already used to teach English to more than
subscription to all its TV and
800,000 children in 20 countries. At present only 20% of the Chilean
telephony customers. Existing UPC
population speaks English, which is often seen as a barrier in the
subscribers can now access internet
development of the country.
without paying extra. The initiative
is in line with Liberty Global’s
‘Jump Over the Net, Child’- Internet Safety
Clubs by UPC Hungary
vision of promoting digital inclusion
through widening access, enhancing
skills, and creating opportunities.
UPC’s initiative has won
praise from the Romanian Ministry
of Communications and Information
“Converting Chile into a bilingual country is not an
Oct 2009: UPC Hungary together with the Budapest Cultural
Centre (BCC) is teaching the Hungarian children to securely jump
UPC Romania offers free
internet
Society. The project is closely aligned with the government’s initiative
to install free internet access points across Romania by the end of this
over hurdles of internet perils and browse the web in a safe and
secure manner. The two organisations have recently launched ‘Jump
Over the Net, Child’, a national network of clubs focussing on child
internet safety.
year. “We salute every initiative in the market that increases broadband
internet usage in Romania. Nowadays, the internet represents a
necessity, therefore broadband internet must not be a luxury, but a
service available to everyone”, says Catalin Marinescu, President of the
National Authority for Management and Regulation in Communications,
Romania. Romania has one of the lowest internet usage ratios within
the European countries.
Chile Speaks English
August 2009: VTR has launched, “Chile Speaks English,” a project to
encourage and promote English language bilingualism among Chilean
kids. ‘Chile Speaks English’, is a joint initiative between VTR, Fundación
País Digital, and the Chilean Ministry of Education. The program aims
to convert Chile into a bi-lingual country and in return promote socioeconomic development. Since its launch in August, over 300,000 kids
signed-up for the programme.
‘Jump Over the Net, Child’- Internet Safety Clubs by UPC Hungary
The programme aims to educate children about basic
internet safety rules in an entertaining way. The club sessions
based on teamwork and role play, cover topics like the protection
of personal rights, the downsides of downloading, spam protection
and secure chatting. UPC and BCC also organised a series of parties
across 14 Hungarian cities to mark the launch of the programme.
All participants of ‘Jump Over the Net, Child’ will receive a family
e-safety toolkit, a fun guide on the safer use of internet, as well as a
Virusbuster Internet Security Suite.
Pramer Creates “Good TV Viewers”
Oct 2009: Pramer, Liberty Global’s Argentinean-based content
business, has recently launched “Create a Good TV Viewer”
competition as part of its CR campaign ‘TV Goes to School.
Mauricio Ramos, VTR CEO with Claudia Bobadilla, General Manager
of Fundación País Digital and Agustín Edwards, President of
Fundación País Digital
Television and Society: the Need to Create Critical Viewers.’
The competition calls on kids aged 9-13 to submit ideas
and guidelines for children to make them a “Good TV Viewer.”
continued on next page...
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Liberty Global Corporate Responsibility Update Issue 06 December 2009
CR Briefs
This includes submitting ‘Ten
UPC Joins Forces to Combat ‘Botnets’
Commandments’ of advice or
suggestions to help kids choose
August 2009: UPC Netherlands has joined forces with six other
appropriate TV programming.
internet service providers, BBNed, KPN, Online, Tele2, XS4ALL and
The young participants are
Ziggo, to collectively deal with ‘botnets’ - a collection of software
also encouraged to creatively
robots, or bots - that are often associated with malicious software.
visualise their ideas on a poster.
The seven internet providers will share knowledge and information
about botnets, in cooperation with the Dutch regulator OPTA,
“As part of the
enabling speedier identification of infections as well as prevention
television industry and society,
of the spread of malicious software.
we feel responsible to undertake
proactive actions in creating
a good TV viewer, especially
become indispensable to many people. This agreement enables
where children are involved,”
us to take an important step in creating a safer digital world for
says Alejandro Harrison, CEO of
our collective clients”, said Yvonne Schers, Vice-President, Public
PRAMER. “They are the future
and we have to take part in the
“The internet is of great social importance and has
Affairs & General Counsel, UPC Netherlands. Botnets pose a major
Pramer’s Good TV Viewer
Project
problem. Networks consisting of millions of computers are often
process of raising awareness.”
infected by viruses or ‘trojans’ and utilised by hackers to send
spam messages or carry out cyber attacks.
The projects will be judged by a distinguished panel from
the television and education industry. Prizes will be awarded to the
winning projects.
VTR’s Sustainability Report Wins Prize
Oct 2009: VTR had a very successful morning at the annual Best
Sustainability Report Awards Ceremony on 8th October in Santiago,
Chile, picking up the prize for ‘Best Description of Stakeholder
Engagement’ for its 2009 Sustainability Report.
The Acción RSE Best Sustainability Report Awards, which
aim to stimulate, strengthen and reinforce the commitment of Chilean
companies to fair, transparent and accurate corporate responsibility
reporting, have been an annual fixture in the Chilean business calendar
since 2006.
VTR was selected to win the award by a multi stakeholder jury
made up of 39 representatives from the private sector, government,
NGOs, the media, consumers, and CR professionals. Maria Paz Epelman,
VTR’s Vice President of Public Affairs and CSR (pictured), who collected
the award, said ‘Our dialogue with stakeholders drives our sustainability
strategy, programmes and initiatives and we strive to convey this clearly
and imaginatively in our report – we are delighted that this has
Maria Paz Epelman, VTR’s Vice President of Public Affairs and
CSR, with the Award
been recognised!’
Telenet: It’s All About Dialogue with Our Customers
Oct 2009: Telenet has taken a step further in
our passion for our work. Our blog posts will
webcare by launching a blog to communicate
reflect a natural link with our daily activities.
directly with its various stakeholders, including
We aim to give our customers an informal
customers, current and prospective staff,
view of Telenet and to communicate the issues
journalists, and regulators. A mobile version of
we face.” The blog will address a broad range
the blog is also available. In addition, users can
of issues including internet safety, staff
use RSS feeds, Facebook and Twitter to keep
motivation, and customer satisfaction.
abreast with the latest developments at Telenet.
Telenet’s Blog
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Ronny Verhelst, Telenet Vice-President says,
Twitter: http://twitter.com/telenetblogt
“With the Telenet blog, we aim to demonstrate
Facebook: www.facebook.com/telenetblogt
Liberty Global Corporate Responsibility Update Issue 06 December 2009
CR Briefs
Get Fit For Your Foundation Raises
Over €12,000
UPC Ireland Equips Rugby Teams in
Developing Countries
Oct 2009: The Chello Foundation has raised over €12,000 through its
Get Fit For Your Foundation campaign. Launched in April, Get Fit For
Your Foundation, a series of employee sports events aimed at raising
funds for AIDS orphans in sub-Saharan Africa, saw 50 employees
participate in three major running events in London, Budapest and
Amsterdam. Each participant had a fundraising goal, and the total
amount raised was matched by Liberty Global.
The Chello Foundation’s mission is to advance the education
of AIDS orphans and children affected by HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan
Africa through educational scholarships.
Irish Rugby Players Jerry Flannery & Alan Quinlan lending a hand to
launch the UPC Rugby Kit Programme
Sept 2009: UPC Ireland customers are equipping Irish rugby teams
while helping players in developing countries. Customers accumulate
points for their favourite rugby club and a club with 200 points receives
a training kit from UPC. For every 10 kits UPC gives away, it also
gives a kit to SOS/IRB Kit Aid, an organisation that strives to give less
advantaged children in developing nations a chance to play rugby
through collection and distribution of unused/unwanted kits from
Ireland and the UK.
Rhona Bradshaw, head of marketing at UPC, said: “We will
work closely with the clubs. I believe we are sending out a powerful
message that we are a longstanding supporter of sport and the
Employees across UPC, Chellomedia and Liberty Global
Get Fit for The Chello Foundation, Dam to Damloop, Amsterdam
benefits for everyone involved. This move will forge deeper emotional
connections with our consumers. It strengthens the grass roots clubs
which nurture players who one day may represent their country.”
UPC Romania Presents Digital Zoo
Sept 2009: UPC Romania has launched Digital Zoo, a web portal for
children and animal lovers to watch their favourite zoo animals online
in real time. The project is run in partnership with Animal Planet and
the Bucharest Zoo.
The online zoo is a fly on the wall concept wherein UPC has
placed cameras inside the zoo cages and broadcasts live footage
accompanied by educational information about the various species,
their characteristics and habitat. UPC’s Digital Zoo has been the talk of
the town and has attracted high media interest and nearly 60,000
unique visitor since it’s launch.
“The launch of the Digital Zoo extends upon UPC Romania’s
commitment to provide educational programming on its platform.
Digital Zoo is a good example of how we can utilise the internet both as
an entertainment resource as well as an educational tool”, says Catalin
Buliga, Core Network Operations Director, UPC Romania.
The Digital Zoo by UPC Romania
Visit Digital Zoo here: http://digitalzoo.kappa.ro
View photo gallery: http://digitalzoo.kappa.ro/album_foto
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Liberty Global Corporate Responsibility Update Issue 06 December 2009
In Depth
The Joy of Reading on Minimax
Partner Spotlight
Sept 2009: Chello Central Europe together with the Hungarian Ministry
of Education has launched an educational campaign, ‘Joy of Reading’, on
About ANBPR: National Association of Librarians and Public
its children’s channel, Minimax. The six month campaign aims to promote
Libraries in Romania (ANBPR) is one of the official partners
book reading habits amongst children and their parents.
of Minimax’s Joy of Reading (JoR) programme. It is the largest
organization of professional librarians in Romania and represents
the profession at the national level. As a JoR partner, ANBPR
facilitates and ensures effective implementation of the program
across its network.
“Through JoR, we are basically aiming to help children
and their parents rediscover the traditional form of education
i.e. simple book reading, plus promote the use of libraries. We
are hoping to reconnect the young generation with books and
assist in their intellectual and creative development”, says Ioana
Crihana, Executive Director for ANBPR.
www.anbpr.org.ro
exchange their thoughts and opinions, thus promoting creativity
and talent.”
Joy of Reading video
Minimax is a leading children’s channel with a target
audience of 2-12 years old. Packed with high quality, non-violent
Joy of Reading includes exciting programming and activities involving
entertainment and educational programming, Minimax is broadcast
quizzes and competitions. The initiative is divided into four themes Have
through local feeds in Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania,
you read it?, a series of 10 episodes with celebrities reading out stories
Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina.
and talking about their favourite books; Adopt a book!, a campaign in
cooperation with local libraries to encourage children to read and review
books; How would you finish the story?, a celebrity starts a tale and
primary schools children are
asked to provide the ending;
and finally, Your favourite
book, a short film, encouraging
primary school children to
make short films based on their
favourite books. All applications
will be entered into a draw with
the possibility to win exciting
prizes plus the opportunity to
have their films broadcast on air.
“The aim of Minimax
is to deliver values; with this
initiative the channel would like
to reintroduce children to the
magical world of books. With the
help of various competitions we
aim at interactivity”, says Judit
Jurecska, the channel manager
of Minimax. “We would like to
encourage children to read and
at the same time, give them
Joy of Reading poster
an opportunity to share and
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Liberty Global Corporate Responsibility Update Issue 06 December 2009
CR Briefs
UPC Hungary’s Click On it Grandma! Receives International Recognition
5000th Net Granny to Graduate Soon!
Sept 2009: UPC Hungary’s senior citizen e-inclusion programme,
Click On It, Grandma (COIG), has received the “ACCESS-IT 2009
Good Practice” label in the ‘learning’ category of the International
Access IT 2009 Competition held in London. The annual competition
recognises e-Accessibility and Assistive Technology initiatives that
promote usable, affordable solutions to enhance the lives of the
disabled and elderly people.
Very soon COIG will
reach yet another milestone
when its 5000th Net Granny
graduates by the end of the
year. Launched in 2006 by
Budapest Cultural Centre,
and sponsored by UPC, the
COIG program has been a
big success across Hungary.
COIG offers a variety of 75
different courses through
a 25 hour practice oriented
e-learning curriculum.
The program has recently
been adapted for cross-
Click On it Grandma! Receives International Recognition
border territories with
course launches in Ciuic
UPC Hungary’s Click On It Grandma
(Romania), and in Stúrovo
international project has also kicked-off in October to introduce
and Komarno (Slovakia)
further Slovakian, Polish and Italian partners to the
this fall. A new two-year
COIG network.
CR Headlines
Oct 2009: Liberty Global has launched its fourth annual IN Heroes Awards 2009 and a chance to win up to EUR 5,000 for
a charitable organisation.
Oct 2009: UPC Austria is distributing 20,000 copies of the UPC Family e-Safety Toolkits to 270 primary schools across Vienna.
Dec 2009: Liberty Global, UPC Broadband and Chellomedia employees in the Netherlands participated and helped to fundraise for cancer charities during Movember, an annual month-long celebration of the moustache, highlighting men’s health
issues. The initiative raised more than EUR 15,000.
Our CR Strategy
Liberty Global recently established its Corporate Responsibility (CR) strategy for the years to come. The strategy focuses on seven issue
areas. ‘Digital confidence’ lies at the heart: including everyone in the digital world. We also want people to feel safe and protected in
the digital world, so we are ‘protecting minors’ and we are safeguarding our ‘customers’ privacy’ and the security of their data. Our
responsibilities go beyond this; so we are also looking at how we can reduce our ‘environmental impact’ and building a ‘responsible supply
chain’. And, we are focusing on ‘treating our employees well’ and ‘selling and marketing our products responsibly’.
The Liberty Global Corporate Responsibility Update is a quarterly publication. For more information & feedback please email:
[email protected]
Editors: Asra Fareed, Bert Holtkamp, Hanne Wolf and Roy Sharone.
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Liberty Global Corporate Responsibility Update Issue 06 December 2009