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Category: News Headline

  • Disney’s High School Musical to premiere on Disney channels across Europe

    Disney’s High School Musical to premiere on Disney channels across Europe

    MUMBAI: Disney channel original movie High School Musical is set to hit terrestrial television in 15 countries across Europe, including Italy, Germany, France and Russia.

    BVITV EMEA executive vice president and managing director Tom Toumazis said, “As High School Musical’s international fanbase grows ever-stronger on Disney Channel, we are delighted to also be working with key terrestrial TV clients in a wide range of markets to launch it to yet more new fans later this year and into 2007.”

    This will add new terrestrial TV sales for the made-for-TV musical made by Buena Vista International Television (BVITV), the international TV distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company.

    The contemporary ‘break into song’ production has been licensed to the broadcasters RAI in Italy, ProSieben in Germany, ORF in Austria and M6 France, along with RTE in Ireland, ERT Greece, TRT Turkey and CYBC Cyprus. In Central and Eastern Europe, Channel One in Russia has also licensed it, as have TV2 Hungary, TV Media Planet Ukraine, TVR Romania, Pop TV Slovenia, and A1 Televizija in Macedonia. High School Musical has already been licensed to the BBC in the UK, for broadcast on BBC One later this year, and is expected to be licensed to many more key markets within the next month, informs an official release.

    It will premiere on other international Disney Channels throughout 2006, with its UK Disney Channel premiere set for September.

    The High School Musical US premiere in January broke Disney Channel ratings records, and for its 14 airings, has now been seen by over 40 million unduplicated total viewers. In June, the movie premiered on Disney Channels in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia and delivered the best-ever results for a Disney Channel Original Movie in all of these markets.

    High School Musical made its international terrestrial TV debut on 1 July in primetime on Seven Network Australia and was the timeslot winner against all major demos. It is the No. 1 movie in 2006 for tweens 10-15 delivering a 17.9/67 per cent rating/share and also the No. 2 movie on Seven Network this year with a 9.5/40 per cent rating/share for the Under 55s. It premiered on TV2 New Zealand on 19 August, and was the No. 1 programme of the night amongst People 5+, adds the release.

    In August, the movie received two Emmy Awards, an Imagen Award and three Teen Choice Awards. It has also won the Television Critics Association Award for Outstanding Children’s Programming.

    In the US, the soundtrack is No. 1 of the year to date, and is now certified triple-Platinum, delivering six Gold-certified singles since its debut in January. In addition to being the year’s #1 album so far, it is also the #1 soundtrack and #1 Kids’ album of the year to-date. High School Musical is also currently Disney’s biggest TV-based DVD title in the US, adds the release.

    A sequel to High School Musical is in planning for 2007.

    In this musical comedy, popular high school basketball star Troy and shy, academically gifted newcomer Gabriella discover they share a secret passion for singing. When they sign up together to audition for the lead roles in the school musical, it threatens their school’s rigid social order and sends their peers into an uproar. In a desperate effort to maintain the status quo, the school cliques are soon hatching convoluted plots to separate the pair and keep them offstage. By defying expectations and taking a chance on their dreams, however, the couple inspires other students to go public with some surprising hidden talents of their own.

  • Coca Cola best advertiser on TV in the US; GM worst: Parents TV Council

    MUMBAI: The Parents Television Council (PTC) has released its annual list of Top Ten best and worst advertisers.

    This ranks advertisers according to how frequently they sponsor wholesome, family-oriented television shows or those containing sexually graphic, violent or profane material.

    PTC president L. Brent Bozell says, “Corporate advertisers share accountability for the tide of graphic and gratuitous sex, violence and profanity on television today. With their advertising dollars, they can choose to underwrite family-friendly television programming or they can elect to sponsor programs filled with raunch.

    “Responsible broadcasting is possible, and this responsibility not only falls on the entertainment industry, but also on the sponsors. And from what we continually hear from most big corporate sponsors is that a responsible advertising practice is good for their business”.

    The PTC’s list is based on each company’s prime time network television ad buys between October 2005 and May 2006. Each company listed purchased at least 25 ads on prime time broadcast programs. Companies with the most ads on PTC-rated green lighted shows were ranked the best, and those with the most ads on PTC-rated red lighted shows were ranked the worst.

    The 2006 Top Ten Best and Worst Advertisers are:

    Best
    1. Coca-Cola
    2. Campbell Soup
    3. Disney
    4. Ford Motor
    5. Cingular Wireless
    6. Altria Group
    7. DreamWorks
    8. Schering-Plough Corp.
    9. Darden Restaurants, Inc.
    10. Sears Holdings Corp.

    Worst
    1. General Motors
    2. Toyota Motor
    3. Volkswagen
    4. DaimlerChrysler
    5. Target
    6. GlaxoSmithKline
    7. Nissan Motors
    8. American Express
    9. Apple Computers
    10. Circuit City Stores

    Bozell adds, “We applaud our top ten best advertisers for ensuring that families have wholesome television programming to watch. Companies such as Coca-Cola and Sears have helped to secure the commercial success of programs like American Idol and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

    “We also applaud Ford for significantly changing its advertising practices. Last year, the company was on our worst advertisers list. This year, Ford is ranked the forth best advertiser, and is the only American car company on the best list. It’s also interesting to note that out of the top advertisers, six are automakers. Four of those are foreign automakers and sadly, all are on the worst list.”

     

  • Whirlpool makes a big splash welcoming the festive season

    MUMBAI: In keeping with the festive spirit, Whirlpool Of India, a subsidiary of the Whirlpool Corporation, a global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, has announced its plans for the festive season of 2006. The company unveiled four new product ranges as its special ‘Diwali’ promotion “Magic Ka Maskaa Lagaao” kicked off.
    The newly launched products will be supported by a multi-media campaign including above the line – advertising featuring brand ambassadors Ajay Devgan and Kajol and a host of below the line activities such as marketing tie-ups, in-shop display, promotions, direct marketing, product demonstrations and on ground events in seven states. The total advertising and marketing spend earmarked for the Diwali promotion this year is in the range of Rs. 600 million, informs an official release.

    Focusing on its growth plans, the company announced its new marketing initiatives. As part of the festival plans, the company has introduced new ranges of products, which include ‘Sensation Classic’ front load washing machine, Sparkle & Verve Semi Auto washing machine, Genius XL refrigerator. All the newly launched products come with unique innovative features intended to create magic in the life of a homemaker.

    Speaking on the occasion, Whirlpool of India managing director Arvind Uppal said, “We had a very good first half of year 2006 and with the festival promotion and new product launches, we are confident of reinforcing our market leadership. We would be looking at a growth of 40% over 2005 this festive season.”

    This ‘Diwali’ promotion is in line with the brand’s proposition to help homemaker create magic every time she brings a Whirlpool product home. Commencing on 15 September 2006, the company would offer an assured gift and a scratch card on purchase of any Whirlpool product. The assured gifts vary from Nirlep non-stick saucepan to winning an Intergold diamond pendant. Apart from winning a gift on every purchase, the consumer will also be entitled to a scratch card. Above all, company would also offer special prices to celebrate the spirit of Diwali with the customers, adds the release.

    Announcing the special ‘Diwali promotion’ and launching the new range of products, Whirlpool of India VP marketing Shantanu Das Gupta, “Our endeavour has always been to understand our consumer’s needs and coming up with innovative ways to cater to them. We are extremely excited to bring this unbeatable consumer offer for all our customers this year, during Diwali. It builds off the insight that all homemakers love to be pampered by their spouses.

    “Bringing home a Whirlpool appliance is the perfect way to apply the ” maska” this Diwali! Our four new ranges of products are specially designed keeping in mind the needs of a homemaker. With these initiatives, we intend to give our consumers the best in class products and offers that would bring magic to their homes this Diwali.”

  • Rural Marketing Agencies Association of India publish first Journal of Rural Marketing

    MUMBAI: The Rural Marketing Agencies Association of India (RMAAI) have released the inaugural issue of the Journal of Rural Marketing.
    This quarterly publication will consist of news clippings, report on the activities of RMAAI, it’s members, innovative ideas implemented by corporates, research findings and case studies, informs an official release.

    According to RMAAI president R V Rajan, “This initiative of RMAAI is expected to provide knowledge on the happenings in the Rural Marketing world to corporates and Management Institutions who are looking to expand their knowledge base on the subject, which is attracting a lot of attention because of the wonderful opportunity Rural Markets provide for a whole lot of products and services.”

    The first issue is being distributed free of cost, however the subscribtion rate for four issues of the magazine is Rs 500, adds the release.

    Recently, RMAAI had announced a Rural Marketing Works – Case Study Contest which will recognise and reward successful case studies in Rural Marketing.

    “The response to this initiative of RMAAI has been very encouraging. The last date for receiving entries is 20 September and I would urge both the Agencies and corporates to rush their entries,” added Rajan.

  • ATN to broadcast Star Plus programmes in Canada

    ATN to broadcast Star Plus programmes in Canada

    MUMBAI: Asian Television Network International Limited (ATN) has acquired exclusive rights to broadcast programming from Star India’s Hindi general entertainment channel Star Plus within the territorial boundaries of Canada.

    “We do not ever take our viewers for granted and for program quality and excellence Sky is the limit. We are ecstatic and proud as we look forward to the launching of Star Plus programming on our ATN Channel next month. The launch is planned to coincide with the festivities of Diwali and Eid,” says ATN president & CEO Shan Chandrasekar.

    ATN operates 13 television channels and has programming alliances with leading International Broadcasters.

  • B’cast Bill: Film censor board chief seeks clarifications

    B’cast Bill: Film censor board chief seeks clarifications

    NEW DELHI: Indian film censor board chief and veteran actress Sharmila Tagore today exhorted the government to remove overlaps in the functioning of censor board and a proposed broadcast regulator.

    She also called for “transparency” while forming the proposed Broadcast Regulatory Authority of India (Brai).

    “There has to be some sort of uniformity at some level… and identify where there are some overlaps,” Tagore, chairperson of the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC), was quoted by the Press Trust of India as saying.

    She, along with some other government officials and industry representatives were participating in a day-long seminar on the draft ‘Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill – 2006’, which was organized by industry chamber Assocham.

    Tagore’s apprehensions stems from the fact that the censor board and the proposed Brai might end up doing similar works like certifying content for television channels.

    In the absence of a regulatory body, the government has mandated that only `U’ (or for unrestricted viewing) censor certified films promos, music videos and songs should be aired on TV music channels.

    Information and broadcasting secretary S K Arora assured the industry gathering that the government was open to suggestions and comments on the proposed Brai and the Bill.

    “The government is open to suggestions and can incorporate fresh ideas and issues we may have omitted (earlier in a draft that was readied for the Cabinet),” he said.

  • BBC to launch kids, English entertainment channels in India

    BBC to launch kids, English entertainment channels in India

    MUMBAI: The kids and English general entertainment space in India is about to get a tad more crowded. BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of UK pubcaster the BBC, has announced that it will be launching two channels in India shortly – preschoolers’ channel CBeebies and BBC Entertainment, offering drama and comedy.

    The launches are part of a global rollout of four new TV channels that will include BBC Knowledge and BBC Lifestyle. BBC Worldwide has stated it also plans a high definition channel in the future. The four channels will be broadcast across all media: linear TV, VoD, mobile and online.

    BBC Entertainment and CBeebies are due to be launched in India first. BBC Entertainment will replace BBC Prime in some countries, initially Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea and Thailand.

    BBC Worldwide said the expansion of the channels would be decided on a country-by-country basis. As part of its plans to ramp up its channels business globally, BBC Worldwide is setting up regional offices in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Heading operations in Asia is Christine Leo-McKerrow who has been appointed senior VP for tghe region.

    CBeebies will air in India in Hindi and English and will not carry ads. “We will be setting up an advisory board made up of local/Indian psychologists, doctors, teachers, parents etc to advise us on our programming and ensure we remain relevant and trustworthy,” Darren Childs, the managing director of global channels at BBC Worldwide, has been quoted as saying in a media report.

    In the UK CBeebies targets children below the age of six. CBeebies’ basic aim is to educate and entertain the BBC’s youngest audience. The service provides a range of pre-school programming designed to encourage learning through play for children aged five and under, in a consistently safe environment. For the CBeebies launch in India the channel will have a panel of pyschologists, experts to decide on the programming content. The aim is to ensure relevance and trustworthiness.

    BBC Entertainment, meanwhile, will aim to offer the best of British shows in different genres like comedy, drama and light entertainment.

    Localisation: A report in the UK’s Times says that while initially the plan is to air British shows, the BBC is also looking at generating content from India. It might also look to buy Indian production companies if the business successfully kicks in, the report adds.

    Childs was quoted saying that the company is trying to change how it approaches the international channels business and fit things into a local market perspective rather than push them out from London. He also says that the chanel is close to getting a distribution deal.

  • Filmy launches its gaming property ‘Filmy Stock Exchange’

    Filmy launches its gaming property ‘Filmy Stock Exchange’

    MUMBAI: For those who love to play the stock exchanges and are fascinated by Bollywood, Sahara’s Hindi movie channel Filmy has launched Filmy Stock Exchange.

    Beginning 1 October, this game will be played through the internet and mobile and it will give Bollywood fans across India an opportunity to “own” their favourite stars by trading for them. It could be anybody from Sharukh Khan to Aishwarya Rai.

    Actor Arshad Warsi is the brand ambassador for this new show. “The idea of FSE is fascinating. The younger audience will be able to connect with it very well. There can’t be a more engaging way of learning the workings of the stock exchange. It’s simple and fun to play.”

    Registered users will initially get 1000 Filmy Rs (FRs) to create their portfolio of stars. The stock prices of each star will change every hour on the basis of their box office performance, trading trends, industry news and gossip. And in the process players can redeem their filmy Rs for big, exciting prizes.

    Talking about the game, Sahara One Media And Entertainment Limited CEO Shantonu Aditya says, “In today’s media scenario, interactivity and convergence are key to a brand’s growth. FSE is a cutting-edge initiative to take the channel’s brand proposition forward.”

    “It’s a one stop destination for all film buffs if one plays intelligently. And moreover there are prizes every week. We are in the process of tying up with brands for the prizes,” adds Aditya.

    The publicity campaign for the show will begin soon with 30 or 60 second teasers. It will also give the viewers an insight into how to play the game. Once FSE kicks off the channel is planning collaborations with radio stations and trade magazines.

    Filmy business head Ashutosh says, “This is an absolutely new concept. In a way it will be a parameter for the players to check out where their icons stand. It’s just not an engaging property for our viewers, it’s a good brand for our advertisers to associate with. It’s a multimedia property in the true sense of the term.”

    “The response from the film fraternity has also been exciting. There will be 30 stars at the end of every month. And by the end of each month, around three stars will go out and more will be added on the show,” added Shailesh Kapoor, head of marketing and content.

  • HBO, Star Movies start to feel blackout pinch

    HBO, Star Movies start to feel blackout pinch

    MUMBAI: It has been two weeks since English film channels HBO and Star Movies have been off air in Mumbai. While the Hindi film channels have returned with the undertaking not to air ‘A’ rated films, the problem with the above mentioned two channels is that they do not have enough films rated U and U/A to put on air for 24 hours.

    In Mumbai, Hathway and InCable, which control 55 per cent of the cable homes in Mumbai, have not resumed telecast of these two channels. Even some other areas of Mumbai that have other service providers are not getting them. The first problem is that a significant percentage of the viewership for English movie channels (around 15 per cent) each week, comes from Mumbai.

    The second difficulty is that the channels have to get their films cleared by the Censor Board. A Star official says that the channel is in the process of submitting the films. He was non committal when asked as to when the channel was expected to be back on air.

    HBO too, has a significant backlog to be cleared. While attempts to contact HBO proved unsuccessful, a Zee Turner official says that it is looking to help HBO in the process. The repercussions of the blackout are already starting to show however.

    On the ad revenue front, information available with Indiantelevision.com indicates that agencies will ask for some kind of compensation if the problem is not resolved soon. The amount of course will depend on the delay in getting the channels back on the air.

    On the distribution front though, the Zee Turner official says that the cable fraternity has been cooperative and understanding of the situation. Of course subscribers in Mumbai will continue to pay for HBO. So there is no loss there in the absence of addressability.

    The longer this drags on the better it is for the likes of Zee Studio and Pix. While the ratings are not yet out they would have benefitted to some extent as some viewers who would normally watch HBO and Star Movies tune in to them.

    What is interesting though is that Zee spokesperson Ashish Kaul says that the blackout is too restrictive to be a reason for the channel to do anything drastic like push forward its planned marketing campaign. “Had it been a nationwide blackout, the situation would have been different. While more people in Mumbai will tune in to us we need to push ourselves more for them to stay with the channel once HBO and Star Movies come back on. We will be launching new properties and a campaign in around three weeks time. If the blackout is still on (which looks likely) then we will certainly see more visibility.

    “However we recognise that the blackout is temporary and to get viewership in the long term we need to create better visibility for ourselves. It is important that our brand position of being a channel for the movie connoisseur be clear.”

    Another beneficiary from the blackout would be DVD libraries. A spokesperson from a library says that more English movie DVDs are being rented on the weekends. The blackout does not affect rentals the weekdays as people in any case do not have the time, he says. On weekends though the number of English film DVDs being rented is up by around 15 per cent over the past couple of weeks.

  • NDTV Media to manage Nick ad sales, marketing

    NDTV Media to manage Nick ad sales, marketing

    MUMBAI: Viacom has appointed NTDV Media as its exclusive sales and marketing partner for Nick, the kids’ channel from MTV Networks stable.

    This is the second such deal that NDTV Media has signed in recent times, following an agreement with MSN India.

    Keep tuned in for more details.