ITV

Category: News Headline

  • Tata Sky earmarks Rs 1.5 billion for marketing of service

    Tata Sky earmarks Rs 1.5 billion for marketing of service

    MUMBAI: Tata Sky, an 80:20 direct-to-home (DTH) joint venture between the Tata’s and Star Group, is moving ahead step by step towards a launch, the date for which is still being closely guarded by the company.

    While most of the money is now riding on an August-September commercial kick-off, the latest on the Tata Sky front is that it has earmarked approximately Rs 1.5 billion for marketing the DTH service across all platforms, traditional and non-traditional. From pilot MDU (multi-dwelling unit) projects in some cities of India to educating an average Indian about the advantages of a DTH service supported by the Tatas and Star, the game plan covers the full gamut.

    Tata Sky sources reveal that a major part of the Rs 1.5 billion marketing budget is likely to be spent during the festival season in India, starting late September and lasting till Christmas-New Year, when consumers have a tendency to splurge on goodies.

    Meanwhile, apart from Zee Turner family of channels, most other major TV channels are almost sure of finding a berth on the Tata Sky platform from day one of launch. Apart from the news channels, the likes of Times Now and Disney are already part of the test signals, people in the know say.

    It needs noting however, that except for ESPN Star Sports, no other broadcaster (and that includes the Star Network channels) have signed commercial agreements wth Tata Sky as yet.

    ESPN Star Sports, a joint venture between Disney and News Corp in Asia managing the two sports channels, have also to take a call on whether to bring in a new interactive sports channel, or confine the interactive aspects to the two existing channels. “We are still weighing all options,” a Singapore-based source in ESS said.

    Zee channels’ appearance on Tata Sky, meanwhile, would depend on how soon (or how late) Star comes to an agreement with Dish TV, now that Discovery-Sony One Alliance has come aboard country’s first DTH platform.

  • Zee Telefilms mulls an entry into China

    Zee Telefilms mulls an entry into China

    MUMBAI: Foreign media companies seem to have hit a wall when it comes to China. Star Group, for example, continues to bleed in that market despite pumping in big money for years. This, however, has not stopped global firms from eyeing a slice of the cake that a 1.3 billion population promises.

    Subhash Chandra is the latest media baron willing to throw his hat in the ring. Zee Telefilms Ltd. (ZTL) is planning to enter China, the toughest market to crack with its tight controls on foreign media.

    “We will be entering that market. We have not yet applied for the landing rights. It will take time and we expect it to happen sometime towards the end of this fiscal,” says Essel Group chief executive officer of corporate strategy Rajiv Garg.

    Though Zee plans to have a presence in China in the broadcasting space, it has not yet finalised on what content and channel it should set up to lure viewers. ZTL chairman Chandra recently said Zee would launch a dubbed movie channel in Russia.

    ZTL also plans to launch in Afghanistan, Cambodia and Indonesia to expand its international operations which account for almost one-fourth of the company’s revenues. Running businesses which have matured in the UK and US, Zee’s strategy is to launch dedicated channels in certain markets which it has identified. The company has stitched a deal with Malaysia’s multi-channel pay TV operator Astro to create a channel with Hindi content drawn from Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Zee Music and Trendz for the Indonesian, Malaysian and Brunei audiences. For tapping youth audiences in the Arab region, Zee also has launched Zee Arabiya, a music and lifestyle channel.

    Global media companies like News Corp, Time Warner and Viacom see China as a fertile revenue market in the long term, though it is currently spoilt by heavy-handed regulation on foreign media.

  • Telenity provides location-based services to BSNL

    Telenity provides location-based services to BSNL

    MUMBAI: Telenity, a provider of next generation converged services platforms and applications for communications networks, will be providing location-based services (LBS) solution to India’s state-owned telecom giant, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) through its partner Tier 1 network equipment providers (NEPs).

    Telenity provides its Canvas LES, Location Enabling Server, and 14 location-based services to BSNL that will enable the operator to offer personalised value added location-based services to its mobile customers. This highly scalable location solution will serve BSNL network infrastructure expected to grow from approximately 14 million to 70 million subscribers, and is expected to support world’s largest deployment to date.

    “Location-based value added services are absolutely essential for carriers to effectively compete and differentiate in the wireless marketplace. Worldwide carrier revenues from location-based services are expected to climb from a little less than $1 billion in 2005 to nearly $8.5 billion by 2010,” said Telenity CEO Dilip Singh.

    “Our converged location and presence solution supports complete and total privacy of location-based services across any network. It not only increases BSNL’s enhanced service offerings and ARPU, but just as significantly, enables BSNL to aggressively pursue a wide variety of new business models, including resale and revenue sharing options. This deployment shows Telenity’s commitment to serve one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the world,” he added.

    Telenity’s LBS solution is a crucial part of BSNL’s expansion of its GSM/GPRS digital wireless network in the south, east and north zones of India. It includes Telenity’s Canvas LES, which ensures subscribers can easily find, locate or monitor phones and other assets based on their geographic position, points of interest and securely fine-tune their privacy profile on the fly when they want it and 14 location-based services including:

    Real Time Fleet and Asset Management – enables enterprises to locate, monitor and manage their mobile assets and employees in a secure way using a simple Web browser.

    Friend Finder – alerts subscribers when one of their friends in their buddy list is in close proximity to their location or vice versa.

    Mobile Yellow Pages – allows subscribers to get the location of the closest service point of their interest.

    City Sightseeing – provides subscribers with the location information of a place of interest – restaurant, museum, theater, park, etc.

    Telenity’s LBS solution is developed utilizing the Canvas service creation environment, telephony applications server and service delivery gateway. Telenity’s LBS solution is the most comprehensive and advanced in the world today and is positioned for VAS in IP Multimedia Subsystem enabled and 3G networks.

    “As we expand our network, our main goal is to meet the personalisation needs of our fast growing subscriber base and strengthen our position in the industry as an innovator and leader in mobile value added services. The location-based services solution from Telenity will allow differentiate BSNL mobile value added services and increase average revenues per user,” said BSNL general manager mobile services S. Krishnan.

    “Within just more then a year of operation in India, Telenity has expanded its workforce to fully support customers in India,. We are rapidly moving ahead with our commitment in the region by establishing center of excellence for APAC in India. This will ensure BSNL services are up and running all the time” said Telenity general manager Asia Pacific Ashwani Vachher.

    India is among the fastest growing telecommunications markets in the world. In a country of over one billion people, teledensity now stands at about eleven percent or around 120 million people. This figure is expected to grow to 30 per cent by 2010, according to the Department of Telecommunications of India.

  • Putin appears on BBC World’s ‘Inside Russia’ season

    Putin appears on BBC World’s ‘Inside Russia’ season

    MUMBAI: Ahead of the G8 summit in St Petersburg on 15 July, BBC World is dedicating a season of programmes about the host country Russian with news coverage, documentaries and factual programming, which will explore the new cultural climate of Putin’s Russia in a season called Inside Russia.

    BBC Presenter Bridget Kendall will be putting forward some of the 5000 questions received from the BBC and Russia’s Yandex websites’ audience worldwide, to President Vladmir Putin of Russia in an edition of the BBC’s interactive multimedia programme Have Your Say on 9 July. Recorded at the Kremlin on 6 July, the full interview with the Russian President is available on bbcnews.com.

    The BBC’s Emma Simpson in Moscow will be reporting on the new oligarchs and their ambitions; the new business mood in Russia; doing business in Russia; and the flood of money into Europe and what it means for Western companies. On 15 July, the business team will preview the G8 meeting from Saint Petersburg, states an official release.

    BBC will also showcase Crossing the Caucasus: The North Caucasus, which is one of the world’s most ancient battlegrounds. From war-torn Chechnya to volatile Dagestan, today it is Russia’s most explosive region. After 15 years of reporting from Russia, Steve Rosenberg sets off on a journey through the mountains to meet the people who live in the constant shadow of violence.

    The other programme which is part of the line-up is The World Uncovered: Putin’s Palace portrays the men and women who work for the Russian President, with unprecedented access to inside the Kremlin’s walls, adds the release.

  • Cartoon Network, Pogo score well with kids this summer

    Cartoon Network, Pogo score well with kids this summer

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network and Pogo, continue to top the popularity charts among kids in the summer months. The channels claim, that according to the latest ratings of Tam (4-14 C&S, All India, 1-31 May, all days, 24 hours), Cartoon Network and Pogo, are the number one and two channels in the kids channel space with the channel share of 5.1 per cent and 4.6 per cent respectively.

    Cartoon Network and Pogo form a formidable pair of kids’ channel with combined channel share of 9.7 per cent, which is 20 per cent higher than the combined channel share of all other kids’ channels.

    As part of the summer programming line up, Pogo premiered the first three installments of the Harry Potter movies, – titles included Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone on 7 May, Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets on 14 May and Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban on 21 May.

    The movies received an average of 1.3 TVR (for all airings) for all India, in C&S 4-14, all SEC audience beating all competitive programming on other TV channels including all kids’ channels, national news channels and also channels in GEC and music genres at all India level.

    On the other hand, Cartoon Network continued to entertain kids’ through the summer with shows such as Tom & Jerry tales, Tom & Jerry kids, Pokemon, Franklin, Dragon Tales, Koala Brothers, Beyblade, Richie Rich, The Popeye show and Baby Looney Tunes amongst others.

    This summer the combined channel share of all kids’ channels was augmented by 27 per cent, from pre summer shares of 12.7 per cent (February to March) to summer shares of 16.1 per cent (April to May). Cartoon Network and Pogo made an individual contribution of 27 per cent and 26 per cent respectively to the development.

    Turner International India vice president advertising sales and networks India and South Asia Monica Tata said. “We are pleased that we have delivered on our promise to Indian kids in bringing them the best in world-class programming across genres, including movies such as the blockbuster Harry Potter series. This repeated, over-whelming performance of both our number one and number two kids’ channel’s – Cartoon Network and Pogo across summer, indeed, demonstrates that we truly understand the entertainment needs of Indian’s kids’ best. It is our endeavour to continually provide compelling content that is both engaging and entertaining to our loyal audience.”

  • WWE reports decline in 4Q revenue, operating income

    WWE reports decline in 4Q revenue, operating income

    MUMBAI: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has announced financial results for its fourth fiscal quarter ended 30 April 2006. Revenues totaled $114.3 million as compared to $118.3 million in the prior year quarter and operating income was $15.1 million as compared to $22.5 million in the prior year quarter.

    In India, viewers can catch WWE action on Ten Sports.

    WWE reported net income of $10.6 million as compared to $16.1 million in the prior year quarter. WWE CEO Linda McMahon says, “Our fourth quarter operating results capped off a very successful year as we generated $400 million in revenues in fiscal 2006, reflecting strong performances by our home video, licensing and digital media businesses.

    “In the fourth quarter, we continued to make strategic investments in key areas such as our digital business initiative and global marketing campaigns. Our WrestleMania 22 results in the fourth quarter continue to demonstrate the power of both that event and of the overall WWE brand and their respective places in pop culture. Also, we are relaunching the ECWbrand via weekly television performances on the Sci Fi Channel and through a distinct touring group performing in smaller venues. This type of performance gives our fans a different wrestling experience. Raw, SmackDown and ECW now represent a portfolio of WWE brands for fans of all ages and interests to enjoy.”

    Revenues from live and televised entertainment businesses were $92.3 million for the current quarter as compared to $102.2 million in the prior year quarter, a decrease of 10 per cent primarily reflecting the absence of domestic cable ad revenues.

    Pay Per View (PPV) revenues were $35.4 million as compared to $34.6 million in the prior year quarter. There were four PPV events produced in the current quarter as compared to three events in the prior year quarter. International events generated approximately $13 million in the current quarter as compared to $16.0 million in the prior year quarter.

    The current quarter included a highly successful 16 event European tour as well as several events in emerging territories, including the Philippines and Thailand. Although the emerging territories yield lower revenues as compared to other international markets, WWE says that these tours, combined with its TV presence, establish our brand presence which allows it to develop the other businesses such as licensing, PPV and home video sales.

  • Women’s hockey Champions Trophy kicks off on Ten Sports

    Women’s hockey Champions Trophy kicks off on Ten Sports

    MUMBAI: Ten Sports will continue its coverage of global hockey events with the telecast of the Rabo Women’s Champions Trophy, which starts at Amstelveen, Holland, from 8 July 2006.

    Six of the world’s top women’s hockey teams – twice defending champions and hosts Netherlands, Australia, World Cup winners Argentina, Olympic champions Germany, China and New Zealand – will take part in the tournament. The event ends on 16 July.

    Ten Sports will also air action from the ensuing Sahara Men’s Champions Trophy, which will be played at Terrasa, Spain, from 22 to 30 July.

  • Nick US to continue causing pranks with Hi Jinks

    Nick US to continue causing pranks with Hi Jinks

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom has announced that its channel Nick at Nite’s hidden-camera series, Hi-Jinks, returns for more laughs and pranks for kids of all ages on 11 July.

    Each week features a celebrity prank segment in which famous faces use their talents to dupe unsuspecting targets, from ages 7 to 27, no one is safe. Actors Ted McGinley Hope & Faith, John Schneider Smallville, Alfonso Ribeiro Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Corbin Bernsen L.A. Law and Bo Bice American Idol are among the celebrities who have conspired with parents to prank kids.

    Each half an hour episode features several pranks taking place everywhere from homes, malls and even schools across the country. Grammy Award-winner Patti Labelle, Academy Award-winner Susan Sarandon, boxing champ Evander Holyfield, NBA All-Star Chris Webber and The View’s Meredith Vieira were among the celebrities who conspired with parents to prank kids in past episodes.

    In the first episode, viewers will find out what breaks loose when John Schneider tries a hazardous stunt, Dukes-style. Also featured are pranks involving an overzealous crossing guard, an ice cream machine that goes haywire, a Panda bear that steals candy and a messy experience at a salad bar.

  • eBay India and Nasscom launch eBay eCommerce Guide

    eBay India and Nasscom launch eBay eCommerce Guide

    MUMBAI: The online marketplace eBay India and Nasscom (National Association of Software and Services Companies) unveiled the ‘eBay eCommerce Guide’.

    Launched by Nasscom president Kiran Karnik and eBay India Marketplace country manager Gautam Thakar at the Nasscom eCommerce seminar, the eBay eCommerce Guide aims to spread awareness and educate internet users on the various elements of eCommerce.

    According to an official release, the eBay eCommerce Guide spells out the basic business models of eCommerce, benefits to users, profiles of sellers & buyers & industry statistics. In addition, there are chapters on technology trends and resources which will assist consumers in understanding the newer developments in eCommerce.

    eBay eCommerce Guide includes eCommerce – Anytime, Anywhere, Anything Marketplace, eCommerce- Benefit from It, Reach of eCommerce in India, Real People in the e-World, Guidelines for Online Transactions, Technology and Trends, Resources and Guides and Glossary of eCommerce Terms.

    “eCommerce is of growing importance and online market places can be of immense help, especially to the SME sector and rural craftsmen who cannot afford other expensive channels of marketing,” Nasscom Karnik says. “eBay India as a pioneer of a new paradigm of ecommerce into India, has provided a revenue generation platform for thousands of Indians sellers both in India and globally. I congratulate eBay on their initiative of bringing out a eCommerce Guide, and hope that this will encourage even more Indians to adopt eCommerce.”

    The eBay eCommerce Guide is currently being distributed among influencers and media through Nasscom and other industry bodies. To avail a copy, one can mail to mediacentreindia@ebay.com.

  • New WWE magazine to launch on 11 July

    New WWE magazine to launch on 11 July

    MUMBAI: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) will launch a new men’s lifestyle magazine on 11 July. The new WWE Magazine will focus on the lifestyles of WWE superstars and divas, their activities outside the ring, and what they like in movies, music, gadgets, fashion and other items of interest to young men in their twenties.

    “This is a complete rebirth of our publishing division. We’ve been planning on giving our audience a look behind the curtain for years and now is the perfect time to do it. The new WWE Magazine is what our fans won’t see on TV,” said World Wrestling Entertainment executive vice president global media Shane McMahon.

    A significant marketing blitz is planned for the magazine’s launch, with WWE using its television, live event and online assets to promote the new venture.

    WWE hired two publishing industry veterans to fold its preexisting magazines RAW and SmackDown into one new title.

    Bob Lee, the new vice president and publisher of WWE’s Magazine Group, is overseeing all distribution, marketing, and advertising sales. Prior to joining WWE, Lee served as publisher of Sync Magazine, where he launched the first men’s tech-tainment magazine. Previously, he was publisher of Gear Magazine and has worked at Discover, Elle and US Weekly.

    Lee says he was attracted to WWE because of the connection between the WWE superstars and WWE fans. “The connection is unmatched in any other property. Our fans are the ultimate consumers of goods which are affiliated with our superstars. The new WWE Magazine is designed to attract a larger segment of the WWE fan base, and to appeal to a wide range of advertisers that target readers of lad titles and other men’s lifestyle magazines. The agencies to which we’ve spoken have been very receptive to the new look and broader appeal of our magazine,” he said.

    Tony Romando, the new vice president and editor-in-chief for WWE’s Magazine Group, has built his career on successful magazine launches, including Jane and FHM and has been involved in the rebranding of magazines like Rolling Stone and Men’s Fitness.

    “I’m looking forward to the launch of WWE magazine as much as anything I’ve done in my career. One of the things that drew me to WWE was the company’s tremendous media presence, and how it uses that presence to create a 360 -degree approach to marketing,” said Romando.