ITV

Category: News Headline

  • Todd Phillips is MTV Asia senior VP communications

    Todd Phillips is MTV Asia senior VP communications

    MUMBAI: MTV Asia has announced that Todd Phillips is its senior VP, communications.

    Phillips will provide leadership and direction to the corporate and regional Asia-Pacific communication teams, manage media relationship with trade and consumer media, support key MTV Networks International communications strategies and manage all internal and external company messaging. Mr. Phillips will be based in Singapore and report directly to MTV Asia Pacific president Nigel Robbins.

    Robbins says, “Todd has been a global pioneer for our brands and an integral part of MTV Networks’ development in Asia and Australia. His passion for our brands, keen knowledge of linear and digital media and experience throughout the region makes him the perfect choice to lead our communications efforts in this exciting time of growth.”

    Phillips has been part of the MTV Networks communications team since 1990. He served as Publicity Manager for MTV on STAR TV in Hong Kong, spearheaded communications efforts for the re-launch of MTV Asia and the launch of MTV Mandarin in Singapore in 1995, and managed public relations around the Australian launches of Nickelodeon, MTV and VH1.

    He served as VP of corporate communications for MTV in Los Angeles until 2001, working across all the brands and businesses under the MTV Networks umbrella including television networks, feature films, online and broadband properties, and consumer products.

  • Fox bids ‘Final Goodbye’ to ‘That 70’s Show’ next month

    Fox bids ‘Final Goodbye’ to ‘That 70’s Show’ next month

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster Fox bids farewell to one of its longest-running series the sitcom That 70’s Show next month.

    It will air the retrospective special That ’70s Show: The Final Goodbye on 11 May 2006. In India the show airs on Star World.

    The special celebrates 200 episodes and eight seasons by taking a look back at some of the most memorable moments from the show.

    The special will feature interviews with all the cast members and director, as well as past guest stars such as Brooke Shields, Bruce Willis, Luke Wilson, Lindsay Lohan and The Rock. It will also feature exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and up-close-and-personal segments taped with many of the cast.

    Additionally, the special will include outtakes from classic episodes and never-before-seen clips rescued from the editing room floor. The special will also give viewers an inside look at the final week of taping the show, including some of the funniest and most touching moments as the cast brings their eight-year journey to a close. The series finale and 200th episode of the sitcom airs on 18 May 2006.

  • ESPN moves TDSAT against Pune cable op ICC for recovery of dues

    ESPN moves TDSAT against Pune cable op ICC for recovery of dues

    MUMBAI: ESPN Software India has approached the Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) for recovery of dues from Pune’s biggest cable operator Intermedia Cable Communication.

    ESPN, in its petition to TDSAT, claims that the amount pending from the ICC for the signal provided between December 2004 and June 2005 is approximately Rs 7.7 million plus 12 per cent interest.

    However, ICC in its response filed today before TDSAT, claims to have orally communicated to the broadcaster that ESPN was free to discontinue its signals, and has argued that it is therefore not liable to pay any amount.

    ESPN has filed the case at TDSAT ahead of Fifa World Cup 2006, which will kick off from 9 June.ESPN had entered into an agreement with ICC to distribute signals for the period December 2003 up to December 2004. Following the expiry of the agreement, the two did not sign any fresh deal and ICC continued to distribute the ESPN signals till June 2005.

    ICC, in its reply today, states that it had orally communicated to ESPN not to distribute the signals anymore. And thus ICC is not liable to pay any amount for the period December 2004 to June 2005.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, an ICC spokesperson said, “The case will be heard at Tdsat soon and thus it will be known if there is any amount due.”

    But, according to ESPN officials, “We have filed for recovery of money for services render.”

    It is worth noting here that in December 2004, broadcast regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) had allowed for a 7 per cent increase (basic tariff excluding taxes) in cable rates. The change in tariff was effective from 1 January, 2005.

    According to sources close to the developments, ESPN has to prove before TDSAT that the signals distributed to ICC have been passed to consumers and that the latter has collected money for the same. The ICC has declared a subscriber base of approximately 39,750 in Pune.

    TDSAT will be hearing the matter on 9 May — Petition No. 91(C) of 2006 ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd vs Intermedia Cable Communication Pvt Ltd.

  • Inox acquires six new films for distribution

    Inox acquires six new films for distribution

    MUMBAI: The multiplex player Inox Leisure Ltd., has acquired six new films for distribution in the Bengal, Mysore, Rajasthan and Mumbai territories for the next one month.

    The films – Gangster, 36 Chinatown, Ankahee, Tom, Dick & Harry, Killer and Jaaneman will be released in the above territories.

    Inox Leisure Ltd head distribution Aroon Sharma says, “Inox entered the distribution business in September 2005 and since then we have steadily associated ourselves with quality banners in bringing popular content to the theatres. Thanks to our professional approach most film makers prefer to deal with Inox for their distribution requirements. We hope to strengthen our distribution foray in the coming months.”

    The company had earlier acquired exclusive distribution rights to heavyweight titles such as Garam Masala, Rang De Basanti, Apharan, Ek Khiladi, Ek Hasina, Hamko Deewana Kar Gaye, informs an official statement.

  • Animax to launch in Korea on 29 April

    Animax to launch in Korea on 29 April

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) and Korean satellite TV broadcaster SkyLife will be launching their joint venture channel Animax in Korea on 29 April.

    The announcement was made by SPTI international networks president Andy Kaplan and SkyLife CEO Dong-Koo Surh.

    Animax in Korea will be a 24-hour local program provider focusing on animation programming that will be carried exclusively on SkyLife’s DTH platform, which has a subscriber base of about 1.9 million in Korea.

    Unlike other animation channels in Korea, which focus mainly on programming for young children, Animax will air programs for teens and young adults. With various genres from anime producers, Animax will offer a wide variety of programming choices, including comedies, science fiction, action, dramas and thrillers.

    God Save Our King!, Monkey Typhoon, The Count of Monte Cristo, Otogi Zoshi, The Adventures of Tweeny Witches and Galaxy Angels, are among the first-run programs airing exclusively on Animax in Korea. Additionally, Animax will air popular local Korean animation programs such as Yorang-Ah and Black Rubber Shoes.

    Animax in Korea is part of SPTI’s expansion plans for its international network portfolio which now includes over 40 channels around the world.

    Animax Korea representative director Marty Hong said, “Animax Korea will be differentiated by a line-up of high quality programs and sophisticated graphic design elements. We will lead a new trend among animation channels and we also hope that by leveraging the distribution network of Sony, we will be able to contribute to the local animation industry.”

    “Sony Pictures Television International is committed to growing its international networks group, and Korea figures prominently in our plans. We launched our AXN channel in Korea on SkyLife last year and we’re thrilled to be working with them again on launching Animax in Korea. We now have Animax channels in Japan, South and Southeast Asia and Latin America, and the channels have been embraced by audiences everywhere. The thirst for quality anime programming is apparent and we’ll strive to make sure Animax in Korea offers the best anime shows,” said Kaplan.

    Surh added, “We are pleased to launch such a global channel as Animax, which will create a buzz in the animation industry. We think that the addition of Animax will add great value in terms of content differentiation of SkyLife and we will continue our efforts to secure strong content in various ways in the future.”

  • Asianet gears up for summer season with new initiatives

    Asianet gears up for summer season with new initiatives

    MUMBAI: Asianet Communications has announced a slew of new initiatives for its main channel Asianet and the youth channel Asianet Plus. These include prime time soaps, sitcoms and talent hunts.

    Asianet will unveil a sitcom Sanmamasullavarkku Samadhanam, starting 24 April. The serial will run Monday through Friday at 10 pm. Directed by K V Sasikumar, the serial features Suraj Venjaramood, Mayamaushmi and Narayanankutty in title roles.

    In the comedy genre, Asianet has already launched a talent hunt show Minnum Thaaram (Shining Star) for Sundays at 8:30 pm. Anchored by popular film actor Jagadish, the one hour show is the search for the best of comedy talent in Malayalam. The channel is also bringing the popular cartoon serial Turtle Island to Malayalam for the first time. The show will attempt to lure the kids on Sundays at 9:35 am.

    A wide ranges of programmes are being launched in Asianet Plus to keep viewers glued to the television during the summer holidays. The half hour show Crazy TV is hosted and woven together by the popular comedy talents Sabumon, Prajod and Joy. The show will have three primary segments in Crazy Records, Funny Games and Sukumaran Reporting. There will be assorted segments by Joy in a pantomime where he is this innocent man who goes about doing things in his simple way but unknowingly set off a chain of accidents and other funny consequences.

    Romance and humour are the two themes of film feast that will feature clippings from Malayalam films. The five minute programme Reel News is targeted at ardent film buffs who want to be in tune with all the latest gossip and happenings in mollywood.

    Another show Screen Test is a acting talent hunt programme, as the name suggests. The winners will get a chance to act in a serial produced by Asianet Plus.

  • Animal Planet’s contest looks to unearth talent

    Animal Planet’s contest looks to unearth talent

    MUMBAI: This is a piece of news that should interest aspiring filmmakers who are passionate about animals.

    Animal Planet is searching for the next great wildlife filmmaker globally. The four-part reality series Unearthed will follow six contestants on an intensive training course as they learn the essential skills and realities of creating a natural history documentary.

    The budding directors and animal enthusiasts will carry out their challenges at the award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve in South Africa in July 2006, competing to ultimately have their film chosen the winner.

    Industry experts and wildlife filmmakers Lyndal Davies and Andrew Barron will guide the contestants through their tasks on the course. The tutors will provide invaluable inside knowledge to help the students each shoot and edit their own short wildlife film.
    An international panel of experts will judge the final documentaries, and the winner will have his or her film broadcast on Animal Planet in 160 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East.

    To apply for one of the six places on this amazing course all participants have to do is to go to www.animalplanet.co.uk/unearthed and download the application form and send it in by 5 May, 2006 to the following address:

    Animal Planet – Unearthed
    Discovery Networks India
    9/1 B Qutab Institutional Area
    Aruna Asaf Ali Marg
    New Delhi-110 067, India

  • BCCI to launch portal in association with TCN

    BCCI to launch portal in association with TCN

    MUMBAI: With a view to building a stronger brand for the bat and ball game The Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) has signed an agreement with The Cricket Network (TCN) to design, build and operate the BCCI’s cricket web-portal.

    The initial phase of the web-portal is anticipated to soon go live. When fully functional (scheduled to coincide with the ICC Champions Trophy in October, 2006) the web-portal will enable cricket internet users around the world to access various levels of news, highlights, archival footage, statistics, streaming video, merchandising and mobile phone content.

    BCCI VP Lalit Modi says, “Our vision is to embrace the entire Indian community worldwide and over time we will make available the web-portal to all Indian cricket associations with multi-lingual capabilities.
    “The BCCI will promote this portal on all TV channels that broadcast the Indian home games through branding, which will be prominent on BCCI’s live TV feeds around the world. This will help it to become one of the most prominent portals in the world”.

    Through TCN, BCCI’s cricket portal will bring together media, content (Sportsbrand), technology and sporting expertise from around the world to launch what is slated to become the leading global sports network.

    TCN has selected as its preferred technology partner Sun Microsystems to provide IT infrastructure solutions and support for the implementation of the company’s digital asset management system that will power the BCCI’s web-portal. This approach will facilitate multi-distribution by way of cable & satellite, audio, hand-held and future devices of the web-portal’s cricket and lifestyle content.

    TCN director Luke Reinehr says, “We aim to provide cricket content to fans as they want it, when they want it and how they want it. We consider that this sports network has great application to all cricket fans around the world.

    “We are proud to have chosen Sun Microsystems. The Sun people from India, Australia and the US have been superb in understanding the joint vision of the BCCI and TCN and in developing the right solutions. We chose Sun because of their world-class architecture that supports millions of businesses across the globe, and in particular their work with the enormously successful sports site MLB.com”.

    Sun’s global VP for media and entertainment Juan Dewar said, “Sun Microsystems is very pleased to work with TCN to create the BCCI web portal for cricket in India. We are able to leverage our award winning digital asset management reference architecture to provide a flexible infrastructure that provides compelling content to millions of cricket fans everywhere. Our approach and focus on this industry segment has helped us to work with TCN and BCCI to understand their joint vision and develop a scalable, robust infrastructure to support their needs.”

  • Nielsen US’ research council to study ways to improve TV measurement

    Nielsen US’ research council to study ways to improve TV measurement

    MUMBAI: US television ratings service provider Nielsen has announced that The Council for Research Excellence will soon begin its first detailed study into one of the fundamentals of television audience measurement — the quality of the research samples from which the ratings are drawn.

    The Council for Research Excellence was created by Nielsen last year via a dedicated $2.5 million R&D fund, and renewed for an additional $2.5 million earlier this year. The Council serves as an independent forum for Nielsen to gain greater insights and to ensure that client priorities are reflected in Nielsen’s R&D spending.

    The Council’s first study will explore “non-response bias” in Nielsen’s national and local samples, including People Meters and Diary methodologies. The study will seek to understand if there are differences in viewing behavior between those households or persons that agree to participate in Nielsen’s samples and those that refuse to participate.

    Do these differences have a material impact on reported ratings? The study is expected to take two years to complete at a cost of more than $1 million. A panel of experts will provide independent analysis and interpretation of the research that will be conducted by Nielsen Media Research.

    This study will try to measure all non-responders,.Nielsen says that this is a first step in understanding if the television viewing among cooperators differs in any material way from viewing habits among people who refuse to participate in Nielsen’s samples. Since the ratings are used as currency for more than $70 billion in television advertising, we need to make certain that these estimates are as accurate as possible.

    The chair of the Council is Ford global media manager Mark Kaline. He says, “This is an important subject and I am very proud of the work that’s been done already to dimension the scope of this research project. This is a great example of how the Council will work to benefit all who rely on audience research.”

    Nielsen senior VP and chief research officer paul Donato says, “This proposal shows that the Council will produce research of the highest quality. This research has the potential to bring significant improvements to audience measurement. Results could offer new models for recruitment as well as improved sample representation.”

    The research project will use questionnaires to collect responses. Incentives will have a key role in the study.

  • ‘Alias’ celebrates 100th episode this week in the US

    ‘Alias’ celebrates 100th episode this week in the US

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster ABC has anniounced that its action packed show Alias will air its milestone 100th episode on 26 April 2006. In India the show airs on AXN.

    In late February, cast members from the present, as well as the past, gathered together with the “Alias” crew to reminisce and celebrate the landmark occasion on the APO set at the Disney Studios. Creator/executive producer J.J. Abrams, along with Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment, made humorous-yet-touching speeches about working with everyone involved with the show for the past five seasons.

    In the 100th episode, Sydney’s maternity leave is cut short when she learns that Will has been abducted by her nemesis, Anna Espinosa. Meanwhile, Sloane finds himself one step closer to obtaining the cure for daughter Nadia. The lead characters is played be jennifer Garner.