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Category: News Headline

  • Anthony Dale is FCC acting MD

    Anthony Dale is FCC acting MD

    MUMBAI: US media regulatory body Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman Kevin J. Martin has named Anthony Dale as FCC acting MD and Mark Stephens as acting CFO.

    Dale has been with the FCC for almost 10 years working on a broad range of management and policy roles. Most recently, Dale served as acting deputy M D in the commission’s office of MD. Dale also served as interim director of the Commission’s Office of Legislative Affairs.

    He served in management positions in the Wireline Competition Bureau where he also served as special advisor for homeland security, the International Bureau, the Enforcement Bureau, and the Common Carrier Bureau. In these roles, Mr. Dale supervised a variety of issues, including Universal Service Fund policy and management issues, budget presentation and execution, financial reporting and compliance, audits and investigations, mergers and competition policy, homeland security matters, and various proceedings addressing telecommunications issues.

    Stephens has over two decades experience in financial management, auditing, and accounting in both the public and the private sectors. Most recently, Stephens served as acting deputy CFO in the commission’s office of MD. In that capacity, he managed the commission’s financial reporting and compliance, oversaw preparation and implementation of the Commission’s budget, and provided advice on financial management and accounting matters.

    Stephens also served as special advisor for Universal Service Fund Oversight in the Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau, where he worked to strengthen the FCC’s safeguards against potential waste, fraud, and abuse. Stephens also worked as a senior audit manager and systems accountant in the Wireline Competition Bureau (including the former Common Carrier Bureau) and the Enforcement Bureau.

  • Fremantle beefs up ancillary rights operations in Latin America, Spanish speaking USA

    Fremantle beefs up ancillary rights operations in Latin America, Spanish speaking USA

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide (FLW) has appointed Jack Alfandary as vice president licensing and new business development.

    In this newly created position, Alfandary will be responsible for overseeing sponsorship, licensing and digital activity throughout Latin America and Spanish speaking USA for key FremantleMedia brands such as American Idol, The Apprentice, The Price Is Right and the upcoming Latin American and Brazilian local versions of the Idols format, Latin American Idol and Idolos Brazil respectively.

    Additionally, he will manage the company’s new business development initiatives in South and Latin America. Alfandary will be based in Miami and will report to Fremantle Productions Latin America managing director Latin America and Spanish speaking USA Carlos Gonzalez and FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide, Americas executive vice president Olivier Gers.

    Gonzalez said, “We are really excited to be launching Latin American Idol and Idolos Brazil in the region. The Idols format has been extremely popular with audiences around the world and Jack will be instrumental in ensuring the success of both local versions on and off-air. Jack will be invaluable to the Latin American operation and we’re pleased to welcome him to the team.”

    Gers added, “Latin America and Spanish speaking USA are increasingly important ancillary rights markets for us and Jack’s appointment is indicative of how seriously we view the region. We are really exited to have Jack on board and we are confident that, with his wealth of talent and experience, he will be a great asset to the team and really help further strengthen FremantleMedia’s position as one of the leading licensors and innovators in the Americas.”

    Alfandary joined FremantleMedia in January 2004 as a consultant. Prior to this, he was BMG senior director strategic marketing and business development. There he was responsible for the overall leadership of strategic marketing activities in Latin America and Spanish speaking USA including strategic alliances, new business development, partnership marketing, licensing, media buying and planning, advertising and promotions, catalogue and online marketing and new technology.

  • Nortel and Qualcomm claim industry’s fastest HSDPA data call

    Nortel and Qualcomm claim industry’s fastest HSDPA data call

    MUMBAI: Nortel and Qualcomm have successfully achieved the industry’s first 7.2 Mbps HSDPA mobile data calls. The tests achieved data downloads at speeds up to four times faster than most current fixed broadband connections, companies claimed in an official release.

    According to the official communiqué, the companies completed the initial series of pre-commercial category 8 HSDPA data calls using test terminals based on Qualcomm’s Mobile Station Modem (MSM), MSM6280 solution and HSDPA network equipment from Nortel.

    The calls covered frequencies in all commercially available UMTS spectrum currently used by mobile operators throughout the world. The 2100MHz spectrum is the basis for most European 3G networks and the 850MHz spectrum is now in use for new UMTS networks in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America. As spectrum at 900MHz is expanded for UMTS services, Nortel believes this can also become an important part of European HSDPA roll out.

    “Nortel continues to be an industry leader in driving HSDPA technologies to faster, more cost-effective capabilities that will help power mobile communications to beyond 3G services such as high quality live TV and HD video on demand,” said Jean-Luc Jezouin, vice-president, GSM/UMTS product line management, Nortel. “Together with Qualcomm, Nortel is an industry pioneer in advancing the potential of HSDPA to help wireless operators maximize their existing UMTS infrastructures by offering new and faster services for subscribers.”

    HSDPA is designed to boost network capacity for data transmissions up to four times and enables twice as many wireless users per cell site compared to current UMTS networks. By making more efficient use of existing network capabilities, HSDPA helps reduce operating costs while delivering a high quality end-user experience.

    Nortel and Qualcomm will be demonstrating high-resolution video streaming enabled by HSDPA data calls at 7.2Mbps during CTIA Wireless 2006 in Las Vegas, 5 April to 7 April.

  • CCTV set to launch business reality series ‘Win in China’

    CCTV set to launch business reality series ‘Win in China’

    MUMBAI: Looks like it is the season for business-oriented reality format shows. Soon after Zee TV launching Business Baazigar — a distant cousin of the popular business reality show The Apprentice — in India, China’s national television network CCTV has announced its plans to launch a reality series on the similar lines

    Set for a May 2006 launch, the series Win in China will offer would-be Chinese entrepreneurs from around the world a chance to become bosses of new businesses. According to its producers, participants in the eight-month show will face rigorous tests of their tenacity, business acumen and street savvy.

    About 110 competitors will gather in Beijing for the preliminary contest after being chosen from among 3,000. Twelve participants will enter the semi-final, adjudicated by judges including academic experts and successful entrepreneurs. One competitor will be eliminated in each episode until five remain.

    The winner will run a new business with a registered capital of no less than 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million); the runner-up, 7 million yuan (US$863,000); and other three, 5 million yuan (US$617,000).

  • Japan launches digital TV broadcasts for mobile phones

    Japan launches digital TV broadcasts for mobile phones

    MUMBAI: After South Korea, Japan has become the second Asian power to launch free-to-air digital TV for mobile phones through terrestrial digital broadcast system.

    Digital TV broadcasts for mobile phones equipped with special receivers began in Japan’s major urban areas on Saturday, following several months of test broadcasts.

    But the new service in Japan, which is free, will potentially reach the broadest market yet through the country’s terrestrial digital broadcast system, which relays images through the air via TV towers, not satellites.

    It also uses broadcasting air waves, rather than an Internet connection, to relay streaming video.

    Although South Korea has offered the service since the end of last year, Japan is a frontrunner in the new technology, popularly known as ‘One Seg,’ after ‘One Segment.’

    One Seg takes its name from the one frequency segment out of 13 allocated to terrestrial digital broadcasting that is reserved for mobile phones.

    Users with a TV tuner-equipped cell phones, car navigation systems and portable game players will be able to watch the broadcasts free of charge.

    If one considers how embedded mobiles are in Japanese life, the service has the potential to be the biggest of its kind in the world, by reaching more subscribers than in any other country.

    Handsets have been on the market in Japan for several weeks that are equipped with the service, which can also broadcast programmes onto laptop computers, high-end video-game machines and other terminals.

    Mobile operators have lined up agreements with television networks to develop the service. NTT DoCoMo has tied up with Nippon Television and Fuji Television. DoCoMo’s main rival, KDDI, has forged a partnership with TV Asahi.

    Kazunori Higuchi, a spokesman for NTT, describing how the service works, was quoted in Japan Times as saying: “A viewer is watching a drama and decides she likes the dress the lead actress is wearing. At the bottom of the screen is a link to an online shopping mall. She clicks on the link and buys the dress. Or maybe she just likes the show’s catchy theme song and downloads a ring tone of the opening bars.”

    One major drawback that may hold back the penetration of the service in Japan though, is that handsets with tuners are still scarce and expensive.

    Japan has 90 million mobile phone users who already play video games, download music files, exchange e-mail, read news, trade stocks, store digital photos and surf the Web.

  • Richard Beaven appointed Initiative North America CEO

    MUMBAI: Richard Beaven has been appointed as Initiative North America CEO. the announcement was made by Initiative Worldwide CEO Alec Gerster.

    In this new role Beaven will be responsible for Initiative’s offices in the US and Canada and will oversee the agency’s communications planning, buying, research and business operations. He will be based in New York and report to Gerster.
    “We are extremely pleased to add such a dynamic executive to run our key North American region. Richard created, implemented and led one of the best communications planning operations in the industry and has a proven track record of success in managing client business and cultivating organic growth. He is a forward-focused nimble executive and the ideal leader for North America,” said Gerster.

    “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead Initiative North America. It has a great heritage and success record. This is a fascinating period in the media business, and it is filled with exciting challenges for those who embrace and anticipate the changing environment. My experience building media influence and understanding into the heart of the development and execution of communication ideas has prepared me for this role, and I am thoroughly looking forward to being a part of the Initiative team,” added Beaven.

    Beaven was most recently MediaVest New York executive vice president and managing director. In that role he held management responsibility for The Procter & Gamble company. In 2004, he led P&G’s communications planning review process, a pitch involving multiple Publicis Groupe companies in disparate locations in North America.

    Prior to working on P&G, Beaven served as senior vice president, managing director for the Coca-Cola assignment. In addition to his account duties, he was instrumental in developing and driving consumer connections competencies across emerging media and consumer context planning.

    Before relocating to the US, Beaven played a key role in the transition of Leo Burnett Media, an in-house UK media department into a separate company (Starcom) and the subsequent merger with its sister company Motive to form Starcom Motive.

  • PRCAI elects a new managing committee

    MUMBAI: The Public Relations Consultants Association of India, (PRCAI) the apex body of agencies engaged in providing public relations services, has elected a new managing committee for 2006-2007.

    The Practice CEO Nandita Lakshmanan takes over as the PRCAI president.

    The elected positions were for secretary, VP and the four regional chapter vice chairpersons.
    PRCAI’s VP is James Zachariah. He is Text 100 MD. The secretary is Deepshikha Dharmaraj who is also the managing partner of Genesis PR

    The chairperson (North) is Chetan Mahajan who is also 20:20 Media GM finance.

    Lakshmanan said, “It will be our endeavour to take PR to greater heights and work towards representation of issues of the industry at the right forum. With active participation of all members in PRCAI this can be achieved.” She also welcomed comments of members attending the meeting on the future working of PRCAI and she said that PRCAI would work to create a right environment for member firms to leverage the tremendous interest in India of global corporates.”

  • Viewers to help Donald Trump to decide on his next ‘Apprentice’

    Viewers to help Donald Trump to decide on his next ‘Apprentice’

    MUMBAI: For the first time in the history of US broadcaster NBC’s business based reality show The Apprentice, fans will have the opportunity to advise Trump on who he should select to be the next Apprentice.

    NBC has announced that in the penultimate week, viewers will be able to vote for one of the final two candidates via phone and on-line at www.NBC.com. The results of America’s favourite candidate will be presented to Trump during the live finale before he makes his final decision.

    www.NBC.com is hosting an ongoing weekly poll where viewers can vote for their favourite candidate and track their weekly progress.

    Trump says, “I am very anxious to see who the fans choose for their favourite finalist — their decision could have a big effect on my ultimate decision”.

    Reality TV guru Mark Burnett who created the show says, “Over the past four seasons of The Apprentice, Donald Trump has used the final episode to hire candidates with advice only from George and Carolyn . This year we thought it would be interesting to discover what America has to say about the candidates, incorporating our fans and viewers as virtual judges. While Trump will still be the final arbiter of who he hires, America’s feedback is certain to have an impact on his decision.”

    The episode on 3 April follows Gold Rush and Synergy as they take on the music world to write an original jingle for the popular restaurant chain Arby’s. Judged by Arby’s executives, the team with the most effective but creative jingle wins. The winning team enjoys a scrumptious reward and the losers face the music in the boardroom.

  • Pop star Briteny Spears to guest star on ‘Will And Grace’

    Pop star Briteny Spears to guest star on ‘Will And Grace’

    MUMBAI: Pop star Britney Spears will guest star on US broadcaster NBC’s sitcom Will And Grace.

    She guest-stars as a Christian conservative sidekick to Jack played by Sean Hayes. In the episode, when “Out TV” is bought by a Christian Television Network, Spears is brought on to be Jack’s new religious co-host, until Will played by Eric McCormack and Jack loosen her up. Spears brings her own additions to the talk show when she decides to do a cooking segment called “Cruci-fixin’s.”

    Dubbed by MTV as “one of the last teenage pop superstars of the 20th century,” Spears enjoyed her breakthrough success at the end of 1998. She appeared in local dance revues and church choirs as a young girl, and at the age of eight, auditioned for “The Mickey Mouse Club.” Although she was too young to join the series, a producer on the show gave her an introduction to a New York agent. She subsequently spent three summers at the Professional Performing Arts School Center.

  • Ten Sports’ Arun Poddar appointed Zee Turner CEO

    Ten Sports’ Arun Poddar appointed Zee Turner CEO

    MUMBAI: It’s all happening at Subhash Chandra’s Zee Group as the network aims to move up a gear on all fronts. Even as Zee Telefilms moves to split its broadcasting business into three entities — news operations, broadcast and content creation, and Siti Cable — there is also action on corporate hierarchy front.

    The Zee Turner distribution bouquet has appointed a new CEO in Arun Poddar, currently vice-president (distribution), Ten Sports. Poddar, who has already put in his papers at the Dubai-based sports channel, is expected to take up his new assignment by the second week of April.

    Poddar’s move to Zee was confirmed to Indiantelevision.com by a senior executive in the company who said, “Arun Poddar is a fine professional and we expect that he will take Zee Turner to greater heights.”

    As regards the present Zee Turner CEO Siddharth Jain, it is not clear at this juncture but the expectation is that he will likely be reassigned to a different position within the group.
    Poddar cut his teeth in the distribution business with ESPN Star Sports. From there he moved on to news channel India TV as vice-president (distribution). He joined Ten Sports as head of distribution in April 2005.