ITV

Category: News Headline

  • Online TV alternative to traditional music channels launched in the US

    Online TV alternative to traditional music channels launched in the US

    MUMBAI: An independent Internet television channel cheekily called Not Mainstream Typical Videos (NotMTV.tv) has been launched in the US.

    The network went live a few days ago with three programming pods. In addition to music coverage on their flagship series, Not Mainstream Typical Videos, the network will feature two additional pods of programming: Culture Captured and Investigate This!

    The network positions itself as an independent Internet television channel made by the fans and for the fans. The network notes that consumers all across America and around the world are supporting independent music as never before and they want cutting-edge cultural content. The network will aim to show the underground and unexplored aspects of the music industry and delivering to them the issues, stories and trends that interest them.

    NotMTV.tv also hosts an independent music video vault where indie bands are able to submit videos the network will stream and make available to members for download in four different formats (Windows media, QuickTime, iPod video and PSP video). Membership is free.

    One of the founders talent producer Terry Merrill stated, “An emerging and enduring multimedia challenge is to conceive, design and produce Internet television projects for niche
    audiences and diverse consumers. NotMTV.tv is one extraordinary example of an emerging trend: Talented teams of independent producers changing the face of entertainment as we know it.

    “This network will deliver new music and culture content for an Internet generation telling network executives loud and clear they prefer the content of wherethehellismatt.com and YouTube than rehashed reality shows and by-the-book sitcoms.”

  • WWE looks to expand on the mobile

    WWE looks to expand on the mobile

    MUMBAI: Like a lot of media firms World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is looking at the mobile to expand its offerings globally.

    WWE has chosen mobile transaction network mBlox to bring global interactive services direct to its consumer base, reaching fans in more than 130 countries, across all networks and handsets. These enhanced interactive services are part of WWE’s mobile initiative. In India, WWE airs on Ten Sports.

    WWE chose mBlox in part for its ability to offer a single point of access for its audience. WWE VP, interactive development David Knise says, “Mobile is the next frontier for WWE, and content that allows our fans to interact with us or with each other is our highest priority in this medium.

    “Our decision to use mBlox as our partner in delivering this content reflects the quality of its offering, the depth of its relationship with mobile operators and its global capabilities. With mBlox, we’ve found the partner who’s committed to giving our worldwide fans the same high quality of service and pleasant experience they expect from WWE.”

    In May, WWE had unveiled plans for new mobile services that now include a slate of original “made for mobile” content, including video, text news alerts, schedules, ringtones, wallpapers and a fantasy ticker. Adding even more interactivity and functionality is the next phase of this growing programme.

    The programme will include offerings that allow fans to interact with WWE and each other with an eye toward further engaging and captivating WWE Mobile users through innovative promotions, sweepstakes, in-arena activities, trivia, contests, Live Event seat upgrades and other Premium SMS (PSMS) programs. With mBlox, these communications can occur on any mobile device and over any mobile network.

  • Vijay TV to launch on Singapore’s pay TV platform Starhub

    Vijay TV to launch on Singapore’s pay TV platform Starhub

    MUMBAI: Singaporean pay-TV operator, StarHub, will launch Tamil channel, Vijay TV on StarHub Digital Cable. The channel will debut on 2 October 2006.

    The info-communication company had recently announced that it will offer five international channels free to customers of StarHub Digital Cable using the digital and Digital Video Recorder (DVR) set-top boxes, and on top of that, offer an additional Chinese entertainment channel, Star Chinese Channel, to subscribers of its Chinese Entertainment Basic Group.

    Singapore is the third market in the world, after India and the US to carry Vijay.

    StarHub’s VP cable TV services Patrick Lim says, “The beauty of cable TV is its capacity to offer a wide range of niche programming to cater to the needs of our different audience segments. StarHub Digital Cable has been the sole operator offering 24-hour Tamil programming in Singapore, and we believe the community of local Tamil viewers will certainly appreciate what VIJAY will bring to their living rooms in terms of vibrant and appealing Tamil programmes.”

    Star Regional (SEA) senior VP, ad sales, distribution and marketing Gautam Kiyawat says, “As one of the leading content providers of Tamil and Hindi programmes internationally, STAR is acutely aware of the viewing preferences of our Tamil audiences. Over the years, VIJAY has carved an identity as a dynamic Tamil entertainment channel infused with contemporary Indian culture, and we are very excited to extend VIJAY to audiences in Singapore.”

    Fans of Tamil programmes can get the channel for $4.00 ($4.20 with GST) per month, upon the subscription of at least three Basic Groups from StarHub Digital Cable’s subscription plan. Customers will need StarHub’s digital or DVR set-top box in order to receive the channel.

    Viewers can refer to the On-screen TV Guide or StarHub’s Online Programme Guide at www.starhub.com/cabletv for the schedule of the programmes on Vijay. Customers can call 1630 or 1633 to subscribe to the channel or visit the website for more information.

  • Ten Sports dominates sports viewing courtesy WWE

    Ten Sports dominates sports viewing courtesy WWE

    MUMBAI: If there is one thing that has generally stayed constant in the sports genre it is that when there is no India cricket Ten Sports has dominated in terms of channel share in the sports genre thanks to World Wresting Entertainment (WWE).

    According to Tam data, c&s 15+ male all India from 29 July 2006 to 19 August 2006, Ten Sports has managed to do better than the other players in the sports genre.
    In terms of TVR share Ten Sports managed a 61 per cent share. ESPN and Star Sports combined managed 36 per cent. Zee Sports and DD Sports have a share of one per cent each.

    In terms of the weekly TVR Ten Sports in the week of 29 July managed an average rating of 0.16. This rose slightly to 0.18 during the week of 5 August. ESPN’s TVR fell slightly from 0.07 to 0.06 for the same weeks. Star Sports rose slightly from 0.04 to 0.05.

    Ten Sports’ highest rated show for the period was the WWE special The Great American Bash. It managed a rating of 2.1. The fact that viewer interest in non India cricket is still small can be gauged by the fact that ESPN managed a TVR of 0.4 for an England Pakistan test match. Even for an ODI Star Sports got a TVR of 0.5

    Ten Sports has also done an age wise analysis of WWE. This finds that those in the 15-24 age bracket tune in to it the most. That age group shows an average TVR of 2.0 for the WWE special The Great American Bash on 6 August. If one looks at the 15-34 age group the TVR is 1.6. It is 1.7 for males 15+.

    For the edition of Raw on 7 August the average TVR is 1.25 among males 15-24. For males 15+ it is 1.11. It is 1.14 for the 15-34 age bracket. Those in the 4-14 age group watch WWE the least among all the age brackets surveyed. Their rating for Raw is below one. By contrast to WWE’s performance TNA which is a wrestling show on ESPN Star Sports fails to find a mention.

  • Cornershop Entertainment launches SMS based information service ‘Info on the Go’

    Cornershop Entertainment launches SMS based information service ‘Info on the Go’

    MUMBAI: Cornershop Entertainment has launched an SMS based information service called Info on the Go. Ask 757577 is a service that works on any mobile phone with a text messaging facility.

    It claims to be simple and user-friendly, as one can SMS questions to 757577. This service helps extend the virtual boundaries of knowledge and is available to all pre-paid and post-paid mobile users, informs an official release.

    Ask757577 is a service that delivers Info on the go. You can now get quick and easy access to restaurants, weather, movie timenigs, emergency services, sports scores, directions, and more. At Ask757577 we are singularly focused on helping users find what they need through ever-changing mobile technologies. Ask757577 promises to be committed to meeting the search challenge of users.

    “Innovation in services is key to reaching out to people, we believe in innovating against demand, and there is a strong demand for accurate info based services in the wireless market place” said CornerShop director Chirag Shah. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through the delivery of highly personalized location based services.

    CornerShop claims to be the first to launch SMS voting/polling on reality TV in India for shows like Sa Re Ga Ma, Business Baazigar, Zee Cine Awards. The company also powers India’s first 24 hour live interactive gaming channel ‘PlayTV’.

  • Zee enters China; in deal with CCTV

    Zee enters China; in deal with CCTV

    MUMBAI: The Zee Network today announced an agreement with Beijing based China Central Television, China’s largest national TV network.

    China Central Television has licensed to Zee Network, the use of news and other programs from CCTV International (CCTV-9). They have also authorised Zee to pick up their signals and transmit it over the Zee Network. Zee Network in turn will license to China Central Television the use of its news and programs. Both the networks will exchange news programmes, documentaries and feature programs introducing each other’s culture, history, geography, economy, etc. for telecast.
    It was in July that Indiantelevision.com first reported that Zee was planning to enter China.

    Zee Network and CCTV will enhance cooperation in program production including television dramas, films and feature programs. The exchange of television dramas and programs will be mainly based on purchase. Both sides shall take care of all copyright obligations for all programs to be provided to the other party.

    Speaking on the signing of this agreement, Mukund Cairae, Head – Asia Pacific, International Business, said, “We are very pleased to announce this agreement with China Central Television. China is an important market and we are optimistic about audience response there. This initiative is a step towards promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the people of India and China. Jointly the populations of India and China total a third of the world population. With interactions such as these, we will responsibly make our populations aware of the rich cultural heritage that exists in Asia.”

    Adding further he said, “We will not be charging licensing fees from each other for news programs. This contract is valid for two years and is extendable on mutual agreement.”

    CCTV president Huayong Zhao said, “Interactions such as these will facilitate better understanding between the people of China and India and will pave the way for future cooperation between our two countries.”

    In addition to this content sharing agreement, China TV week will be held in India and India TV week in China with television hosts from both sides appearing on TV together in the same TV week. As part of the TV week, both sides agree to broadcast each other’s programs half hour per day, seven days in series.

  • CNN embarks on a Quest for Art

    CNN embarks on a Quest for Art

    MUMBAI: CNN anchor Richard Quest who hosts the show Quest picks up his brush and canvas in October to get under the skin of the art world. The show airs on 28 October at 1130 am, 7:30 pm. On the trail of the big name stars in art, Quest catches up with British artist, David Hockney at the opening of his portrait retrospective at the National Portrait Gallery in London. What does it take to crack the big time? Is mere talent enough? Hockney discusses the path of his career and guides Quest through the treacherous waters of artists, critics, curators, galleries and auction houses. So, is the CNN budding artist up to the challenge?

    Quest takes a stab at making a modern masterpiece under the watchful eye of well-liked art icon Rolf Harris. Harris has been a fixture of the popular art scene for decades, introducing generations of children to art in his role as a TV cartoonist, and who recently was chosen to paint a portrait of HM The Queen for her 80th birthday celebrations. With his catchphrase “Do you know what it is yet?” Harris shows Quest how to turn his photo into an impressionist masterpiece.

    If it’s that simple to paint, is it actually worth anything? Next stop on this QUEST for art is a trip to world famous auction house Sotheby’s for a fascinating look behind the scenes at a major auction. The lucky gavel, the pre-auction rituals; the whole business of ‘Art’ is probed.

    To widen Quest’s appreciation of art, he meets up with two of the best guides in the business, to help him discover his inner aficionado. Evening Standard art critic Brian Sewell takes him on a tour of Britain’s National Gallery, exercising his expert tutelage in bringing Caravaggio and Van Dyke paintings to life. Also, in her long awaited return to the small screen, art expert, hermit and consecrated virgin, Sister Wendy Beckett enthuses Quest in her passion for the creative force behind the canvas.

    Sooner of later, Quest must approach the ‘Art Establishment’. With a reputation for being inaccessible and exclusive, art fixtures like the Turner Prize polarise the public, and with this in mind, Quest seeks to bust a few myths. From this year’s Turner Prize candidates to the Tate Modern contemporary art collection, art does not get much more contemporary than this. It’s up to Tate Modern curator Vicente Todoli to win Quest round over the merits of the modern movement.

    One group unlikely to be convinced is the next stop on the QUEST odyssey – the Stuckists. Implacably opposed to anything “establishment”, with the Turner Prize top of their hit list, their argument is heartfelt. Who will have the deciding point of view?

    Famed sculptor Grayson Perry, himself a Turner Prize winner in 2003, chats to Quest and provides some middle ground. The self-styled ‘Transvestite potter from Essex’ proves an engaging and authoritative guide through the maelstrom of modern art.

    Last stop on the Quest for art is a corner of rural England, to meet a man who arguably understands our relationship with art better than anyone. Former forger John Myatt has copied the biggest and best names in the art world. Having been to prison, he has now rehabilitated himself and runs a highly successful business creating ‘Genuine Fakes’!

  • Indosiar launches local adaptation of hit sitcom ‘The Nanny’ in Indonesia

    Indosiar launches local adaptation of hit sitcom ‘The Nanny’ in Indonesia

    MUMBAI: Indonesian broadcaster, Indosiar will launch the local version of Emmy-winning US sitcom The Nanny on September 25, 2006. The half hour series will air on the terrestrial TV channel at 7:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

    This will be the first scripted adaptation in Asia (excluding India and Japan) from Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI), which has, over the past year, made significant headway in local production projects in the region.

    The Indonesian version, called Si Neny, is being produced by Indosiar in the local language, Bahasa Indonesia. The original Sheffield family from the US has been transformed into the Ferdy family in Indonesia. The head of the family is played by film and TV actor Ferry Salim (Ca Bau Kan, Istri Pilihan) who is also one of two Indonesian ambassadors for UNICEF. The Nanny is played by Thessa Kaunang, an Indonesian supermodel who has made a name for herself as a comedian and TV personality. Finally, Lia Afi, who plays the role of the eldest daughter, is an upcoming singer.

    SPTI has been working closely with Indosiar’s production team over the past year to ensure the show captures the look, feel and attitude of the original while enhancing it with local flavors to make it more credible and appealing to the Indonesian audience.

    “We are very excited about Si Neny and proud to partner with Indosiar in bringing this much-loved character and story to the Indonesian audience. The format has demonstrated universal appeal with successful local adaptations around the world and we look forward to its Asian debut,” said Sony Pictures Television International senior VP and MD(Asia) Todd Miller.

    “As one of the major broadcasters in Indonesia, we are very pleased to have SPTI entrust us with their valuable The Nanny format. In addition, our cooperation with SPTI has enhanced our in-house production capabilities and brought it to an international standard of quality. We believe Si Neny’s story will resonate with the Indonesian audience since, in our culture, almost every family has a nanny helping with out with daily life,” PT Indosiar program director Triandy Suyatman.

    SPTI has already produced extremely successful local adaptations of The Nanny in seven countries outside the US. The comedy has morphed into Dadi in Turkey, Nyanya in Russia, Ntavta in Greece, Niania in Poland and La Ninera in Argentina, Ecuador and Mexico.

  • TDSAT dismisses Radio Mid Day plea for uniform frequency

    TDSAT dismisses Radio Mid Day plea for uniform frequency

    MUMBAI: Radio Mid Day’s hopes of retaining its well known 92.5 MHz frequency hit a wall today after the sector regulator TDSAT dismissed its plea against the government’s decision to withdraw it. 

    The “big” beneficiary of the tribunal’s decision is the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG)-controlled Adlabs’ Big FM, which has been alloted the 92.7 MHz frequency, as part of its unified frequency regime, to broadcast from 44 radio stations across India. 

    Radio Mid-Day, which manages Radio One (formerly known as Go 92.5 FM), has been broadcasting in Mumbai for around four and a half years on 92.5 FM. This frequency band has grown to be the brand identification, according to Radio Mid Day.

    But, Tdsat observed, “The importance of brand name of the broadcaster cannot be underestimated, particularly, in view of the provision in the “channel identity” clause which talks of brand name of the broadcaster. Frequency is not part of the brand name of the petitioner. The petitioner got its brand name changed, which was not objected to by the government. Petitioner’s (Radio Mid Day) popularity is through its brand name. It cannot insist on having a particular frequency number.”

    Despite refusing to shift to 94.3 MHz, the brand Radio One is already broadcasting on this freqeuncy in Bangalore and Delhi. Tdsat pointed out that nobody makes any gain from the Radio Mid Day being shifted to another frequency. Rather it in the interest of Radio Mid Day that it will have same frequency i.e. 94.3 FM for all the cities for which it has broadcasting licence except Ahmedabad for which petitioner makes no grievance, highlights Tdsat.

    Interestingly, the adovcate fighting the case on behalf of Adlabs had mentioned that Radio Mid Day has to change its earlier allocated frequency in any case because of the non-availability of 92.5 MHz at all.

    This case has been fought over last two weeks. Radio Mid-Day had questioned the granting of 92.7 frequency to Big FM in Mumbai despite the norms of having a difference of at least 0.8 frequency between two stations. Radio Mid-Day had in fact first approached TDSAT seeking a uniform frequency for all its six radio stations across the country, but the government allotted different frequencies to it.

    The information and broadcasting ministry had earlier allocated 94.3 frequency to Mid Day Group for Radio One in Mumbai and other cities except in Ahemabad. But the Mumbai-based company refused to switch to the new frequency asserting that 92.5 FM has grown to be its brand identification.

    How Radio Mid-Day responds to this setback remains to be seen.

  • Nick enters into publishing deal with Activision for CD Roms

    Nick enters into publishing deal with Activision for CD Roms

    MUMBAI: US kids channel Nickelodeon has entered into a distribution agreement with Activision.

    Activision will be the exclusive distributor of three new Nick Jr. PC CD-ROM titles, published by Nickelodeon and based on the preschool series Dora The Explorer, The Backyardigans, and Go, Diego, Go!. The titles will be available
    later this month.

    Dave Oxford, General Manager for Activision Value Publishing

    Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family VP, digital media products Paul Jelinek says, “This is an exciting digital initiative for Nickelodeon since it is the first time our company is publishing computer games on a cross platform.

    “With a leading partner like Activision on-board to distribute these original Nick published games, based on some of our
    leading preschool properties, we are now able to fulfill consumer demand for this kind of entertainment both online and at retail.”