Category: News Headline

Sahara One, Endemol present Super Star reality show

NEW DELHI: You think you look like Shah Rukh Khan. You think you move like Khan. You think you act like him. But for one night, can you make millions believe you really are Shah Rukh Khan?

Coming this September, Sahara One Television brings alive a brand new reality concept, Super Stars, in association with Endemol India.

The new show proposes to provide Bollywood fans with an opportunity to showcase their talent and perform as their favourite star.

This international format has seen a production of over 70-odd series in 20 countries across the globe under different names like Sound Mix and Stars in the Eyes.

The Indian version of this show kick starts with a five-city audition on Sahara One starting 10 August, 2006.

In each episode, contestants compete by copying their favourite artist as faithfully as possible.

“India is a nation obsessed with Bollywood. There are temples, clubs, associations dedicated to film actors. Dancing and singing is not only about performing; it’s a passion that drives the souls of many. It’s our endeavour to provide a national platform for such talent,” Sahara One COO Purnendu Bose says.

The jury for Super Stars includes Bollywood heavy weights like the gorgeous Urmila Matondkar and ace choreographer Shiamak Davar. There would be floating judges too for particular episodes.

The whole of August, Super Stars will do a nation-wide hunt in an attempt to unearth the flair people possess to be like their stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Saif Ali Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Kajol, Preity Zinta, Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor, Hritik Roshan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan.

The contestants will be judged on three parameters – look and style, acting and dance — and will vie for the ultimate honour: the title of Super Star.

According to Endemol India MD Rajesh Kamat, “We are very excited to partner with Sahara One Television on this special format. It is a show people will connect with and it will feature people that they will connect with.”

Kamath added that they have received “tremendous response” from people. Aspirants aged 18 years and above can walk in and audition at the city level. This would be applicable to five cities that include Ludhiana (August 10-12), New Delhi (August 13-14), Kolkata (August 17-18), Bhopal (August 20-21) and Mumbai (August 22-23).

Hundred and twenty winners from the regional auditions will be invited to Mumbai and groomed by experts.

Sahara One Television is part of the umbrella brand Sahara One, whose other businesses include Sahara One Motion Pictures, which is India’s largest player in the motion pictures business.

Endemol is a global leader in television and other audiovisual entertainment. The company creates premium entertainment ideas and sells them to the world’s leading broadcasters. Subsequently, the company exploits the value of its brands across other media and communications platforms including mobile phones and the Internet.

August 7, 2006
Dish TV set to create niche channels to beat the competition

NEW DELHI: With a second player in the DTH arena round the corner in the form of Tata Sky, Dish TV is finalizing creation of new channels for its subscribers.

According to Dish TV CEO Sunil Khanna, work has started on new niche channels to be introduced on the DTH platform over the next 12-24 months.

Pointing out that the target is to have a between 190-200 channels on Dish TV, Khanna said, “Some of the new channels would be created within the Zee group, while few may be brought in as part of third party distribution.”

The reason behind creating niche channels instead of importing products from outside India is that not all niche channels available are suited for Indian viewers.

For example, Khanna said, if Dish wants to introduce a premium gardening channel, there was no use getting one from outside as the weather conditions and local environment is different in India.

“To give an instance, if we have a gardening channel, then it’s best to create it in India and in-house. This way we would also be able to study the feasibility of such niche channels, which may have limited, but loyal viewership that would be ready to pay even a premium,” Khanna said.

Dish TV, country’s first pay TV platform, is managed by the Subhash Chandra-controlled ASC Enterprises that is the DTH licence holder. Another Chandra company, Zee Network, has a programme supply agreement with ASC.

Dish TV, which is pumping up the noise around the usefulness of subscribing to a DTH service, is also increasing its investment in the project.

“We have spent around Rs 3.5 billion in the DTH project till now, out of which a major part has been spent on customer acquisition,” Khanna said.

He added that investment would be upped “as needed from time to time to expand operations and offerings.”

August 7, 2006
Dish media campaign draws flak from cable ops

NEW DELHI: Dish TV’s media campaign revolving round freedom-from-cable-problems theme has incensed a section of cable community, which feels it’s “unethical.”

In a letter e-mailed to Dish TV, All India Aavishkar Dish Antenna Sangh (AIADAS), one of the many bodies representing the cable fraternity, has exhorted the DTH company to withdraw the “misguiding advertisement.”

“The whole cable TV community is shocked on seeing the business-damaging and misguiding advertisement campaign launched by Dish TV through various news papers, hoarding, and bus shelters. This type of advertisement campaign has hurt the cable TV fraternity in India as a whole,” the AIADAS letter states.

The letter further highlights that the latest Dish campaign would severely hurt the business of cable operators; almost to the extent of crushing them out.

“In case the (cable) consumer shifts (to DTH), who is going to pay compensation to the cable TV operator?” Dr. AK Rastogi, head of AIADAS, has asked in the letter.

Though Rastogi claimed that Dish has agreed to withdraw the damaging ad campaign in deference to the cable industry’s anguish, Dish TV CEO Sunil Khanna denied any such move.

“We are not withdrawing any campaign, nor altering it,” Khanna told Indiantelevision.com today afternoon.

He added that instead of being cry babies, cable operators should seize this opportunity to digitize their networks and offer consumers better services than before.

“With competition around in DTH sphere, there is bound to be consumer awareness campaigns highlighting the advantages of a DTH service. The cable operators should brace themselves for reality,” Khanna said.

August 7, 2006
Apple integrates the iPod in US automobiles

MUMBAI: Apple has teamed up with Ford, General Motors and Mazda in the US to deliver seamless iPod integration across the majority of their brands and models.

This makes it easy for iPod users to enjoy and control their iPod’s high-quality sound through their car’s stereo system. With the addition of these models, more than 70 per cent of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod integration.

Apple VP worldwide iPod product marketing Greg Joswiak says, “We are delighted that Ford, General Motors and Mazda will support iPod connectivity in nearly all of their new models. Now more than 70 percent of 2007-model US automobiles will offer iPod integration, with General Motors alone making it available on all 56 of its models, representing millions of cars and trucks.”

Ford and General Motors will feature iPod integration in the majority of their 2007 models in the US beginning later this year, while Mazda’s entire global 2007 lineup of cars and SUVs will offer iPod connectivity. iPod offerings for Ford, General Motors and Mazda provide drivers with outstanding sound quality while charging the iPod, while conveniently storing the iPod in the glove compartment. Seamless iPod integration also allows drivers to use their car’s multifunction controls to select their music using artist, album, playlist or shuffle songs, as well as to easily skip between tracks and playlists.

Apple says that the iPod and iTunes are leading the digital music revolution, providing the best way to listen to music on the go, at home and in the car.

August 7, 2006
Nikhil crowned as ‘Airtel Super Singer’ on Vijay TV

MUMBAI: The wait is over and Nikhil Mathew from Chennai was crowned as the Airtel Super Singer by popular singer S.P. Balasubramaniam. He was prized with a Maruti Swift car, and a trophy apart from the grand opportunity of singing for music director Harris Jeyaraj.

Vijay TV launched Airtel Super Singer in the month of April 2006 with the motive of finding the one unique voice out of 6.5 crore Tamilians. The grand prize for the winner is an opportunity to sing for Music Director Harris Jeyraj in his forthcoming film.

Auditions were conducted across the entire state of Tamilnadu targeting three major zones, viz., Kovai, Madurai and Chennai. The mode of entry of participants for the audition was through CD’s and cassettes, Airtel registration, and also on spot registrations.

The judges’ panel for the initial ground auditions was constituted by personalities in the music industry such as, singers Malaysia Vasudevan, S.P. Sailaja, Jensi, Dr. Seergazhi Siva Chidambaram and music director D.Imman, Singer Malathi and singer Mahathi. These judges short-listed the candidates in various zones to proceed to the next level of the competitions held in Chennai, informs an official release.

The next levels of competition saw the participants going through a series of extensive rounds testing their skills in music. These levels were judged by a special panel of judges constituting playback singers Anuradha Sriram, Srinivas and Unnikrishnan, who follow the progress of the participants through their journey in Super Singer. Singer Chinmayi anchored the show, the release adds.

Anitha was announced as the viewer’s choice, as she had got the maximum number of votes and awarded a trophy and a Laptop. The jury award was given to Somya Mahadevan who participated in the show and was given a trophy and an E-Go electric bike. Sowmya has had classical music training for the past 5 years. She is a student of Meenakshi College, Kodambakkam.

August 7, 2006
Ten Sports to air WWE’s Great American Bash

4th August: WWE’s Great American Bash is set to explode on to TV screens across the country when Ten Sports airs exclusive coverage on Sunday, 6th August 2006 at 6.30 pm.

The highlight of the evening is sure to be Rey Mysterio’s defence of the World Heavyweight Championship against King Booker. The diminutive Mysterio is the most unlikely of Champions and is bound to face a stiff challenge from the experienced and much larger Booker. But Mysterio has faced up to just as daunting challenges before and prevailed and his agility and speed will undoubtedly force the challenger to dig deep if he is to claim the title.

The evening gets underway with WWE Tag Team Champions Brian Kendrick and Paul London taking on The Pitbulls. The Champions will have reason to worry as both have been defeated by the Pitbulls in individual match ups in recent weeks and they will have to rely on their superior teamwork to get them through.

Next up will be United States Champion Finlay who faces the challenge of William Regal and this is followed by Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms up against Matt Hardy.

The fourth match up on the card sees something completely new for WWE with the introduction of The Punjabi Prison Match between Undertaker and The Great Khali.

The structure these two fighters have to find a way out of is made up of two imposing bamboo prisons and only a perilous exit out and they have to escape whilst fending off their formidable opponent.

It’s a four way Bra and Panties match next with Ashley, Kristal, Michelle McCool and Jillian battling against each other to the delight of all the male fans.

After six months away Batista will be looking to unleash his wrath on Mr Kennedy. The animal of the ring will have added frustration built up as he was originally expecting to fight Mark Henry, the man who caused his forced absence all those months ago.

And then to wrap things up it’s the battle for the Heavyweight World Championship when King Booker hopes to finally get his hand on the coveted belt.

ABOUT TEN SPORTS: Only launched in April 2002, Taj TV’s Ten Sports is watched by more viewers than any other sports channel in the sub-continent and is available in nearly 50 million cable/ satellite households worldwide. Ten Sports is the world’s biggest producers of cricket. The Channel broadcasts cricket from Sharjah, the West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Morocco throughout the Indian sub-continent and Asia, as well as in Europe and the Middle East. Other cricket properties broadcast by Ten Sports in certain territories include internationals from India, the World Cup 2003 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2004.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TEN SPORTS PROGRAMMES, CONTACT:

Murtuza Madraswala – Taj Television India Pvt Ltd, 403 Manish Commercial Complex, Dr. A.B. Road, Mumbai, India. Tel no: +91 22 6662 3101; Fax no: +91 22 6662 629; Email: murtuzam@tajtv.com or visit www.tensports.com

August 6, 2006
Alfred Haber to distribute Madonna’s London tour

MUMBAI: Alfred Haber, who founded Alfred Haber Distribution (AHDI), has announced that the company has been selected as the international distributor for the two hour Madonna: The Cconfessions Tour Live From London, which will premiere on US broadcaster NBC on 22 November.

The special was taped this summer at Wembley Arena in London, UK during Madonna¹s worldwide sold-out 25-city Confessions Tour. It marks the first-ever broadcast network programme by this international musical icon.

Haber says, ” 2006 has definitely been the Year of Madonna. With her top-rated Confessions On A Dance Floor album, her sold-out Confessions World Tour and now her first-ever U.S. Network special, we are delighted to be offering this musical superstar to her fans around the world.”

The concert special will feature songs from the artist’s albym Confessions On A Dance Floor which debuted at No. 1 in 29 countries and has sold over eight million copies around the globe.
The broadcast will also include some of Madonna’s greatest hits from her career, including Future Lovers, Like A Virgin, Music, Erotica, La Isla Bonita, Ray of Light and Live To Tell.

August 6, 2006
Comcast SportsNet garners 16 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award nominations

MUMBAI: Comcast SportsNet bagged 16 Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award nominations. The awards recognise excellence in news, programming and individual achievement in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

“I am extremely proud of everyone here at Comcast SportsNet. As a regional sports network, we are honored to be nominated for Overall Station Excellence. This nomination is a true testament to the depth and versatility that our staff, here at the network, demonstrates every day on the air and behind the scenes,” said Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia senior vice president and general manager Stephanie Smith.

Comcast SportsNet was nominated for Overall Station Excellence, a new category as well as “SportsNite” for Outstanding Sports – Regularly Scheduled Daily or Weekly Program, which captured the honor the past two years. Comcast SportsNet also received nominations for Philadelphia 76ers game coverage in the Outstanding Live Sports Coverage/Series category as well as numerous nominations for Craft Achievement.

The Emmy Awards will be presented on 9 September at the Mid- Atlantic Awards Gala in Philadelphia. All entries are judged outside the chapter’s region by panels of television industry peers with expertise in a given category who are working in comparable television markets across the country.

August 5, 2006
Sify slashes call rates to Gulf

Mumbai, India, May 17, 2006 Sify Limited (Nasdaq: SIFY), a leader in Consumer Internet and Enterprise Services in India with global delivery capabilities announced new Internet call rates for Gulf from the Sify Talk Net phone services at iWay and Telecenters.

The new call rates to the Gulf are priced at Rs.4.99 per minute for Riyadh and Jeddah, Rs.5.99 per minute to Kuwait, Rs 6.99 to Bahrain and Dhahran and Rs 8.99 to The UAE and the rest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Call rates to China & Russia have also been slashed to Rs4.99/min across India.

Mr. Sushil Luniya, Vice President, Access Media, Sify Ltd said, “As pioneers in Net Telephony, our objective has been to make it affordable and give a higher quality user experience. The lower call rates are a testimony to that”.

With these new rates, Sify now offers the most economical prices for Internet calls from India. The user experience at an iWay & Telecenter is truly world-class with an easy to use pay phone booth including billing and display mechanism.

Sify offers International Voice services across 1700+ Sify iWay cyber cafes in India. Each cafe has an air-conditioned Net phone booth, which provides both privacy and comfort to the caller. The Sify Talk International Net phone call service user experience is one of a kind as Sify manages all calls over its MPLS based network for clarity of voice and reduced latency- at half the cost of an ISD call enabling users to now speak more often, as well as longer.

About Sify Limited:

Sify is among the largest Internet, network and e-Commerce services companies in India, offering end-to-end solutions with a comprehensive range of products delivered over a common Internet backbone infrastructure. This Internet backbone reaches 171 cities and towns in India. A significant part of the company’s revenue is derived from Corporate Services, which include corporate connectivity, network and communications solutions, security, network management services and hosting. A host of blue chip customers use Sify’s corporate service offerings. Consumer services include broadband home access, dial up connectivity and the iWay cyber café chain across 153 cities and towns. The company’s network services, data center operations and customer relationship management are accredited ISO 9001:2000.

For more information about Sify, visit www.sifycorp.com.

Forward Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Sify undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements.

For a discussion of the risks associated with Sify’s business, please see the discussion under the caption “Risks Related to Our Business” in the company’s report on Form 6-K for the quarter ended December 31, 2005 which has been filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and is available by accessing the database maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

For further information please contact:
Mr. David Appasamy
Investor Relations
Sify Limited
91-44-2254 0770 Ext. 2013
Email: david_appasamy@sifycorp.com

Mr. Fauzan Rahim
Image Manager
Perfect Relations – Mumbai
Ph: 91-22- 2436 7155 / 039
Email: frahim@perfectrealtions.com

August 5, 2006
ABC.com streaming trial provides Disney with consumer insights

MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Disney-ABC Television Group has announced key findings from its ABC.com streaming video trial.

The two-month-long trial this year offered ad-supported, full-length episodes of Lost, Desperate Housewives, Commander in Chief and Alias. This marked the first time a channel made multiple series available for viewing online, free of charge to consumers. 10 US advertisers including AT&T, Cingular and Ford took part in the test.

In May and June, ABC.com’s broadband player served over 5.7 million episode requests, totaling 16 million video streams. Based on survey research conducted for ABC by Frank N. Magid Associates during the trial, 79 per cent of those surveyed had a positive online viewing experience and 87 per cent responded that they were likely to recommend the site to others.

The broadband player attracted a young, highly educated audience. The average age of users was 29, and more than half were college graduates. Users of the broadband player were almost equally split between males (47%) and females (53 per cent).

The majority of online viewing for episodes occurred within the first 24 hours of their broadcast on ABC. Approximately two-thirds of those surveyed watched complete episodes, with partial viewing of episodes occurring mainly because viewers had already seen the episode on TV or were interrupted. The majority of users viewed from home, using a desktop computer. The number one reason given for viewing online was because users had missed the episode on TV.

On average, 87 per cent of users surveyed were able to recall the advertiser who sponsored the episode they viewed. Those viewers embraced the interactive advertising, with over 50 per cent rating the advertising experience positively and 84 per cent believing that they were getting a great deal by being able to watch the episode online for free in exchange for watching the ads.

Disney-ABC Television Group president Anne Sweeney says, “The launch of ABC.com’s broadband player was a huge step for us as we strategically reposition our websites from marketing tools to rich entertainment platforms. The research that has come out of the trial helped prove true several hypotheses regarding our consumers and their online viewing patterns.

“With the data we have collected, we are better equipped to move forward with our advertisers and affiliates to create new multiplatform opportunities for our consumers.”

Disney-ABC Television Group executive VP, digital media Albert Cheng says, “The research we gathered from this trial has been invaluable as we move forward with next phase of the broadband player. We have been extremely pleased with the consumer feedback from the trial, and are busy working on some minor adjustments to the broadband player in order to again make full episodes available to consumers this fall. When we relaunch, the basic concept of ad-supported, free to the consumer full-length episodes will return along with some added features to enhance the consumer experience.”

August 5, 2006