ITV

Category: Press Release

  • ‘The Knick’ and ‘Jonah From Tonga’ to premiere in India on HBO

    ‘The Knick’ and ‘Jonah From Tonga’ to premiere in India on HBO

    MUMBAI: Two brand new series THE  KNICKSM  and JONAH FROM TONGA, are all set to premiere in India just within 24 hours of their US premiere – on Saturday, August 9 exclusively 100% Ad-Free on HBO Premium Channels, HBO Hits and HBO Defined.

     

    THE KNICK

     

    Season One premieres Saturday, August 9 at 7:00 pm on HBO Hits

     

    A brand new series THE KNICKSM is all set to kick-start on HBO Hits. Set in downtown New York in 1900, THE KNICKSM is centered around the Knickerbocker Hospital and the groundbreaking surgeons, nurses and staff, who push the bounds of medicine in a time of astonishingly high mortality rates and zero antibiotics. It depicts how a newly appointed brilliant but arrogant renegade Dr. John Thackery’s addiction to cocaine and opium is trumped solely by his ambition for medical discovery. Also, present into this all-white staff and patient hospital is an equally gifted Dr. Algernon Edwards fighting for respect while trying to navigate radically charged city.

     

    Starring Clive Owen (“Children of Men,” HBO’s “Hemingway & Gellhorn”; Oscar® nominee for “Closer”) and directed by Steven Soderbergh (“Side Effects”; Oscar® winner for “Traffic”; Emmy® winner for HBO’s “Behind the Candelabra”), THE KNICKSM kicks off its ten-episode season on Saturday AUG. 9 at 7 pm, exclusively on HBO Hits, followed by other episodes debuting on subsequent Saturdays at 8.30 pm.

     

    THE KNICK: ©2014 HOME BOX OFFICE, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. CINEMAX® AND RELATED CHANNELS AND SERVICE MARKS ARE THE PROPERTY OF HOME BOX OFFICE, INC.

     

    JONAH FROM TONGA

     

    Season One premieres Saturday, August 9 at 8:00 pm on HBO Defined

     

    HBO Premium Channels present another treat for Indian viewers on Saturday, August 9 at 8 pm. Australia’s Chris Lilley, creator of “Summer Heights High” and “Ja’mie: Private School Girl,” is all set to bring back one of his ground-breaking characters, the rebellious 14-year-old Jonah, in a six-episode comedy series JONAH FROM TONGA.

     

    The plot revolves around the main protagonist Jonah Takalua, who, after being expelled from Summer Heights High, is banished by his father Rocky to the island of Tongapatu to spend time with his extended family and get his life back together. But four months later, fed up with Jonah’s antics, his uncle sends him back to Sydney to enroll in yet another school, the Holy Cross School. Once again, the always impressionable Jonah finds himself adapting to a new school and fending off new foes and other delinquents, all while trying to be a “good boy.”

     

    Lilley has not just created and written but also starred in the title role of the new show, which premieres on Saturday AUG. 9 at 8 pm, exclusively on HBO Defined, followed by other episodes debuting subsequent on Saturdays at 8.30 pm.

     

    The show is produced by Lilley and his producing partner, Laura Waters, who previously produced “Summer Heights High” (where the character of Jonah was introduced to HBO viewers) & co-produced by HBO and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation in association with the BBC.

     

    Tune in to watch this incomparable line-up of critically acclaimed HBO original content on HBO Defined and HBO Hits, 100% ad-free and in true HD quality and Dolby surround sound, which will make it an unparalleled viewing experience for viewers.

     

    This follows the recent announcement that all HBO and CINEMAX scripted content on HBO Premium network will air within 24 hours of its U.S. premiere, starting with THE KNICKSM. The ten-episode drama premieres in India exclusively on HBO Hits on Saturday, August 9 at 7 pm. New episodes will air every Saturday at 8:30 pm. The series is also available free on HBO ON DEMAND on Tata Sky.

     

    For more information log on to http://www.hbodefined.in and http://www.hbohits.in

    Also find us on https://www.facebook.com/HBOPremium and https://twitter.com/HBOPremium

     

    HBO, Home Box Office, HBO Hits, HBO Defined are service marks of Home Box Office, Inc. Used with permission.

  • MTV launches 3 new digital branded content properties

    MTV launches 3 new digital branded content properties

    MUMBAI: Continuing its winning streak after launching yet another successful season of Nano Drive with MTV and clocking in over 11 million visits on its website, iconic youth brand, MTV, is all set to wow its online audiences further with three exciting new shows on the web. Starting with a return of the extremely popular show CEAT MTV Chase The Monsoon which gets into gear from August 6th 2014, the brand is adding two new shows to its ever increasing kitty of web only content – Philips MTV Bachelor Pad and MTV The look. All these shows, along with being showcased on MTV’s website www.mtv.in.com will also be promoted extensively through dedicated Facebook fan pages and MTV’s vast social media presence with a reach of over 27 million.

     

    MTV has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to web content as it has been creating successful digital branded content for the last four years. MTV long ago understood that as content becomes more and more platform agnostic, advertising on secondary platforms is becoming a little redundant. People don’t want to sit through an ad before the video begins, especially if they’re are on a laptop/tab or mobile phone. But the evolution of video consumption has also lead to a lot happening in the video advertising space. And MTV is clearly leading the digital branded content surge in India with a host of innovative shows targeting different segments of audiences.

     

    Announcing the launch, Eklavya Bhattacharya, Head of Digital, MTV India said, “Digital branded content is something we started nearly 4 years back and now we are working with a lot of brands and partners. We are really excited about the launch of 3 such properties and each is a unique format. We have always focused on offering a mix of good programming content to our digital viewers and this time it’s no different. MTV The Look can broadly be called a style show for hair care, CEAT MTV Chase the Monsoon is pretty much the future of reality shows and with Philips MTV Bachelor Pad, we are experimenting with fiction on the web.”

     

    MTV is all set to race after the monsoon again with the second edition of MTV CEAT Chase the Monsoon about to take off. The show is about an ultimate test for 4 teams of 8 Riders, who will be riding through some of the harshest conditions through the most challenging roads. This year’s journey takes the riders from the driest place of the country, Kutch to the wettest place in the country- Cheerapunji. With a central involvement of social media and skills and determination pushed to the absolute limit, MTV CEAT Chase the Monsoon is sure to keep fans exhilarated!

     

    MTV has got men all figured out in a fun, fiction show about five goofy roommates battling the basics through Philips MTV Bachelor Pad. The series made up of 16 webisodes takes views on a journey through the lives of five youngsters living in a cool bachelor pad in Mumbai. The show focuses on how they live their lives and the issues with the city. With the promise of appealing to millions of youth making a living in the metros, this show is one to look forward for!

     

    And for the audience who have always been ahead of the style curve, Philips MTV The Look is a property that keeps their hair woes at bay with no effort at all. MTV is making bad hair days an urban legend. Exclusively for the ladies, MTV The Look, in association with Philips, will have short webisodes centered on women’s hairstyles and help them get the perfect hair-do. The show will be especially the one to look out for the millions of fashion savvy MTV fans.

     

    With the latest arsenal of digital content, MTV is all set to keep the monsoon blues at bay and bring limitless hours of exhilaration, entertainment and glam to all their fans across genres and demographics!

  • ‘The Gadget Man 2’ with Richard Ayoade on Discovery Science

    ‘The Gadget Man 2’ with Richard Ayoade on Discovery Science

    MUMBAI: Discovery Science presents the immersive and fascinating world of gizmos in its new series THE GADGET MAN 2 WITH RICHART AYOADE. The six part series follows Richard Ayoade – the gadget freak who will take viewers into the whole new world of technology and unfamiliar trendy gadgets. The series will premiere on August 15 at 9 PM on Discovery Science.

     

    In each episode, Richard Ayoade will set off on a venture with few of his fellow gadget freaks like Stephen Mangan, Jimmy Carr, John Humphreys and Noel Fielding covering everything from the everyday to the extraordinary.

     

    Richard will offer his unique and engaging insight into the world of technology. He will attempt to show the viewers at home how ordinary everyday activities can be made more exciting by using the very best time saving tools available and how a simple looking gadget can even make your holidays interesting.

     

    In the series Richard will also invents a series of problem solving contraptions of his own and will be introducing the world’s most sought gadgets that will change the way we live our lives. Get ready to immerse into the world of gadgetry and lay your hands on the gadgets you would want to have.

  • Discovery Channel to present revealed: the line of control on 15th august 9 pm

    Discovery Channel to present revealed: the line of control on 15th august 9 pm

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel will air an exclusive one-hour programme on the 740 kilometer Line of Control (LOC), the military frontline between India and Pakistan, on 15th August at 9 PM – REVEALED: THE LINE OF CONTROL.

     

    Viewers will watch what it takes to keep the Line of Control efficiently managed, secure and peaceful. The programme looks at the formidable challenge of managing the treacherous frontline  in that region starting from the plains and weaning its way into hills and jungle terrain and ending at the snowy heights short of a glacier.

     

    In the programme, viewers will travel with the Indian officers and soldiers to understand how they defend the LOC, with training manoeuvres and border patrols. Moving along the LOC from Jammu till Poonch and then from Uri to Keran, where the terrain ranges from the plains near Jammu to hills and jungles, until the start of high altitude mountains north of Uri, the programme looks at what the LOC means in that sector.

     

    Throughout the one-hour, viewers will meet soldiers on the ground and record their experience in defending this military frontline. It includes interviews with senior commanders discuss how soldiers are continuously trained in new tactics, equipment and technology. REVEALED: THE LINE OF CONTROL will air on August 15 at 9 pm on Discovery Channel.

     

    Commenting on the programme, Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific said, “Discovery Channel will give the viewers the first ever glimpse of the management of the Line of Control.  The programme goes behind the scenes to present the logistics, technology and above all the human resilience required to monitor it.”

     

    The LOC was been a source of tension between India and Pakistan and has been a theatre of wars. Since 1989, it has witnessed frequent infiltration, attempts, cross border shelling and heavy firing. In 1999, the two countries had gone to war over the control of territories along the barren heights of the northern reaches of the LOC near Kargil. Today, though troops are eye ball to eye ball in places and stressed to maintain the security of the LOC, it is much better managed and more peaceful. But better management and relative peace comes with a price.

  • Ajay Devgan and Chhota Bheem to fight evil together on POGO

    Ajay Devgan and Chhota Bheem to fight evil together on POGO

    MUMBAI: Adding momentum to innovation, POGO has partnered with upcoming Bollywood movie Singham 2 to create a special TV presentation with Ajay Devgan and Chhota Bheem. The special titled Dholakpur Ka Singham will air on 09 August at 10:30AM only on POGO.

     

    The 90 minute TV special will have the honest police officer, Bajirao Singham share his experience about his visit to Dholakpur. Audiences can look forward to loads of action, dialogue-baazi and ‘roaring’ fun when Bajirao Singham meets Bheem. The heroes will also be seen showing off their clever ways of fighting evil and protecting their beloved citizens against danger.

     

    Commenting on Chhota Bheem and Dholakpurka Singham, Bollywood mega star Ajay Devgan said, “Chhota Bheem has become a sensation across the country. He and Bajirao Singham have a lot in common. They both fight against evil and stand up for what is right. My son is a huge fan of Chhota Bheem!”

     

    Quoting a line from Dholakpur ka Singham, Ajay Devgan added, “Dholakpuraur gaon ke badmaashon, bachke!! Kyuki… Aali re aali, aata tujhe baari aali.”

     

    Krishna Desai, Ex. Director & Network Head – Kids, South Asia, Turner International India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Bajirao Singham a.k.a Ajay Devgan is a super-cop who has become a hero for kids across the country. The huge fan-following that Chhota Bheem and Ajay Devgan share, is sure to make this venture successful and highly entertaining!”

     

    Kids can also be a part of this Bheem and Bajiroa’s adventure by winning amazing POGO prizes! All they have to do is tune-in to Dholakpurka Singham on 09 August, 10:30 AM onwards and participate in the contest.

  • Nickelodeon and Sonic drive away the Back to School Blues

    Nickelodeon and Sonic drive away the Back to School Blues

    MUMBAI: Dealing with back-to-school blues with your kids? Nickelodeon is around to ease the stress. The kids’ franchise, comprising of Nick, Sonic, Nick Jr. and Teen Nick, will make school time happy time by bringing kids favourite Nickelodeon toons straight into the classrooms. Nickelodeon is geared up to take interactivity and engagement to a whole new level with their latest back-to-school programme starting August. The kids cluster intends to engage 600 schools across 19 cities over the next 6-8 weeks.

     

    Nickelodeon, the store-house of comedy where “Funny Rules”, will introduce ‘Nickelodeon Class Mein Blast Co-Presented by Ranbaxy Chericof’. This new campaign will get its three musketeers; Motu Patlu, Pakdam Pakdai and Ninja Hattori out of television and into 400 schools across 11 cities to ensure that kids in schools are welcomed back with a bang! Nickelodeon will host fun activities inculcating values around friendship and team-building, characteristics that are synonymous with the Nicktoons. The channel takes the campaign on-air by inviting kids to watch the channel from 6 PM to 7:30 PM, answer simple questions and win exciting Nick goodies. The channel is also airing fresh episodes of the three light hearted comedy shows to entertain kids when they get back home from school.

     

    Sonic, the destination for real action and adventure, is pumping in the adrenalin with its school campaign ‘Sonic Be the Ranger’. Power Rangers will be travelling across 200 schools in 8 cities engaging kids through activities that truly bring out the real ranger in kids. With the aim of inculcating bravery and courage in kids, Sonic has appointed a fitness instructor for each of the classroom sessions to teach school children some cool moves around self-defence. To take this engagement on-air, the channel is inviting kids to come and watch ‘Power Rangers’ from 1 pm to 2 pm every day, answer simple questions and win prizes. Sonic has also introduced fresh content including the new series ‘Extreme Football’. The show follows the adventures of five teams of teenagers who compete every weekend in an extreme football tournament.

     

    Speaking about the campaigns, Viacom18 Media EVP and business head, kids cluster Nina Elavia Jaipuria said, “The Nickelodeon franchise believes in the Touch, Play and Feel mantra and keeping this at the core of all that we do, we have taken the adorable Nickelodeon and Sonic characters out of the television sets and brought them into the real, day to day environment of the kids. With this large experiential campaign we are sure to bring more laughter and fun to school time.”

     

    The six week long school activity on Nickelodeon and Sonic will traverse over 19 cities covering Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Jaipur, Bhopal, Indore, Lucknow, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Kolkata, Allahabad, Varanasi, Aurangabad, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Meerut, Pune and Nasik. Nickelodeon Class Mein Blast has been co-presented by Ranbaxy Chericof with associate sponsors Hajmola Chuzkara, Dabur Red Toothpaste and Act II and Sonic Be the Ranger campaign has associate sponsors Dabur Red Toothpaste and Act II.

     

    Nickelodeon has fresh interactivity for its digital audience as well and will celebrate Friendship Day on www.nickindia.com and on social media through https://www.facebook.com/nickindia by exciting kids to create an online “Buddy Book” with pictures of their friends.

     

    In addition, Sonic is introducing the ‘Which Turtle Are You?’ activity on www.sonicgang.com and on its social page https://www.facebook.com/sonicgang. Fans will be able to participate in contests and win cool exciting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles goodies.

  • Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu season one to culminate on 7 August

    Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu season one to culminate on 7 August

    MUMBAI: Meelo Evaru Koteeswarudu (MEK), the game show that has been enthralling the audience like never before in the history of Telugu Television, is all set to offer another visual treat to the viewers with Tollywood Megastar Chiranjeevi gracing the 40th episode of the show as the guest, along with the host Nagarjuna Akkineni.

     

    It is a rare occasion where both of them have come together exclusively on a television screen. The 40th episode of MEK will telecast at 9.00 PM on 7 August (Thursday) on MAA TV, the No.1 Telugu General Entertainment Channel (GEC). It will mark the closing of the first season of the game show. MEK holds a promise to come back soon for the second season keeping the audience interest in view. 

     

    Though the format of the game show is popular in India as Kaun Banega Crorpatii (KBC), the MEK game show hosted by MAA TV has created history by showcasing the aspirations of the common men and reflecting the life experiences of the people who have come up in a hard way in the life.

     

    The MEK game show on MAA TV has well connected with the audience across all age groups and socio-economic segments of the Telugu society in India and abroad.

     

    MEK has taken a shape with the visionary thinking of MAA TV Chairman Nimmagadda Prasad, who emphasized on making a social impact through this game show on MAA TV. The game show took the Telugu TV entertainment space to the next level with a good meaning and purpose. After careful assessment of various formats, MEK game show was adopted as it will be a life changer for several people. True to the belief, several heart touching life stories have come into light and MEK became a source of inspiration for common men.

     

    Successfully leveraging the strengths of the game show format, MAA TV platform and Nagarjuna’s image and acceptance, MEK has received excellent response with 11 lakh people showing interest to participate in the game show. Reputed international audit firm Ernst & Young (EY) has supervised the back end process of selection & auditions, while Big Synergy has produced the show for 40 episodes.

     

    MEK, which commenced on 9 June, reached 1.38 crore people in urban Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, out of the total TV viewing universe of 1.74 Crore as per TAM monitoring, and it is one of the highest reach for any TV program.

     

    MEK has achieved phenomenal reach across various target audience categories: 79% in CS 4+, 83% in CS ABC 15+, 81 % in CS Male ABC 15-44 and 86 % in CS Female ABC 15 – 44 as per TAM monitoring data.

     

    The Telugu TV audience is all set to watch the culmination of the success of the MEK first season at 9.00 PM on 7 August.

  • Animal Planet brings third season of ‘Yeh Mera India’

    Animal Planet brings third season of ‘Yeh Mera India’

    MUMBAI: This August, as India celebrates its 68th year of Independence, Animal Planet takes viewers on an exotic journey through the country – from the epic Himalayan Mountains, down the mighty River Ganges, and across less explored landscapes of the North East – to explore its astonishing wildlife, secret locations and pristine natural beauty.

     

    Airing every night at 8 PM in August, Animal Planet’s one-month programming line-up YEH MERA INDIA is a celebration of India’s most stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife.

     

    To mark the occasion, Animal Planet launches YEH MERA INDIA animal anthem, collaborating visuals of spectacular Indian wildlife with thematic lyrics. The multi-lingual song has been composed by Bollywood’s eminent music directors Salim and Sulaiman Merchant and sung by Salim Merchant, Monali Thakur and Neeti Mohan in Hindi, Bangla and Tamil respectively.

     

    Rahul Johri, EVP and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said “Yeh Mera India brings you closer to the amazing breadth of natural wonders India has to offer and the splendid wildlife that thrives in it.  The anthem amplifies the rich sounds of the flora and fauna from this extraordinary country.”

     

    Anthem composer Salim Merchant said, “Yeh Mera India anthem epitomizes the diversity and richness of fascinating regions in India. Music as a medium helps to build connect across age groups and territories.  I believe the anthem would bring viewers closer to the natural world.”

     

    Anthem composer Sulaiman Merchant said, “Yeh Mera India anthem is a melodious composition to rejoice India’s magnificent wildlife.  It epitomizes their freedom and encourages viewers to fall in love with them.”

    Popular singer and actor Monali Thakur added, “Animal Planet’s Yeh Mera India puts the spotlight on different parts of India, exploring the heart, mind and soul of the country. I am excited to be a part of the celebration and rediscover my own country.”

     

    Popular Bollywood singer Neeti Mohan commented, “I love animals and I’m proud to be associated with Animal Planet. Yeh Mera India inspires viewers to live in harmony with the nature.”

     

    YEH MERA INDIA is an immersive journey that examines the cultural, ecological and natural heritage of this country. Follow the flow of The Ganges, from the glaciers of the world’s highest mountains, the Himalayas, to the largest bay in the world, the Bay of Bengal. Find out why this river is a lifeline to an array of wild animals including India’s rare one-horned rhinoceros, as well as eight percent of the world’s population. Head high into the Himalayas to find out how its hostile terrain, powerful winds and sub-zero temperatures support one of the largest and most diverse collections of creatures on the planet, including man.

     

    Then travel into a lost world, home to head-hunting tribes, tiger-infested forests, unclimbed mountains and pristine rivers. Visit India’s Thar Desert and discover how this harsh environment supports both humans and some of the toughest and rarest creatures on earth. Finally, journey into the Western Ghats, a spine of mountains stretching for a thousand miles along India’s west coast, thought to be one of the most bio-diverse places in the world. On one side, tropical rainforests thrive and explode with life, including the endangered lion-tailed macaque; whilst on the eastern side, tigers and wild dogs compete for prey in its dry forests.

     

    YEH MERA INDIA line-up includes programmes like Wildest India, Odisha’s Wetlands, Nagarahole – Tales Creatures Of The Great Rains, Ladakh: Desert In The Skies, Magic Tree Of Assam, In Search Of The King Cobra amongst others.

     

    Please find enclosed the video link of the anthem. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHUKdA4ALcM

  • History TV18 bags seven awards at the 5th CMO Asia Awards

    History TV18 bags seven awards at the 5th CMO Asia Awards

    MUMBAI: HISTORY TV18, the leading Factual entertainment channel,bagged multiple awards at the 5th CMO Asia Awards in Singapore.  The channel was honored with awards across categories for their outstanding work in promoting key properties on the channel.

    The channel won various digital and social media awards for promotion of their shows in the country. ‘Pawn Stars (India Tour)’won two awards viz Best Use of Social Networks and Best Integrated campaign. ‘Tamas’, a popular TV series around the migration of Sikh and Hindu families to India during partition won the award for the Best Marketing Campaign of the year.The channel won an award in the Best Use of Social Media in marketing category for their popular series, ‘Dynamo’. Alongwith this, the network initiative on ‘Bat of Honor’was also recognized for the Best Use of Twitter.

    Sangeetha Aiyer, Vice President and Head Marketing at A+E Network | TV18 was also felicitated as the Marketing Professional of the year and Woman Super Achiever for Brand Marketing and Management.

     

    On this momentous occasion, Ms. Sangeetha Aiyer, Vice President and Head Marketing, A+E Networks|TV18 said, “We are extremely pleased to have received these recognitions, which are testament to our brand excellence. HISTORY TV18 has redefined the Factual Entertainment genre through its revolutionary content showcasing a heady mix of nail biting drama, panoramic visuals, epic journeys and captivating stories, all captured in High Definition.”

    The CMO Asia Awards were judged by an independent jury comprising senior and accomplished professionals from Marketing, Branding, Advertising, Public Relations, Brand Strategy, and Corporate Communications.

  • Business models, regulations and technology adoption need to evolve: Frost & Sullivan

    Business models, regulations and technology adoption need to evolve: Frost & Sullivan

    MUMBAI: Frost & Sullivan hosted the third edition of its ‘Digital Media India Summit’ on June 24 at the Le Meridien, Delhi. The summit included over 100 participants from broadcasters, cable, DTH, and telco operators as well as industry bodies and government representatives. The summit addressed key industry trends and issues such as regulatory challenges in the video ecosystem, big picture for Indian television business, benefits and challenges of TV-everywhere, collaborative workflows in multimedia video; and preparing for Phase 3 and Phase 4 of Digitization.

     

    At the summit, Mukul Krishna, Senior Director, Global Digital Media Practice, Frost & Sullivan, presented the key trends influencing the video broadcast and services industry globally and in India. He also talked about the important factors that can drive growth in the multiscreen video market, alleviate churn for service providers and the key technologies that a stakeholder requires to adopt in the current industry environment. He said, “India requires a collective movement from all stakeholders to catalyze short term as well as long term growth. The industry should be working towards not just survival or sustenance but thriving growth.”

     

    The panel on regulatory challenges in video included Satya Gupta, SAAM Corpadvisors Pvt. Ltd. (ex TRAI); SK Singhal, Advisor (broadcasting and Cable Services), TRAI; Sisir Pillai, Chief Strategy Officer, Digicable; Roop Sharma, President, Cable Operators Federation of India, and Avnindra Mohan, President (Legal & Regulatory), Zee Network. The panelists discussed revenue sharing models among broadcasters, MSOs and LCOs gross billing, and the role of TRAI in regulating the same for all stakeholders. They also discussed the apparent lack of transparency and standardization in regulatory guidance on revenue sharing, the digital acquisition forms for subscribers and disparate pricing across different states. In response to his co-panelists, TRAI Advisor, S.K. Singhal emphasized that the rules by the regulatory body are guidelines and not rigid as they are interpreted to be. He pointed out the potential of the industry to grow driven by opportunities in multimedia distribution. He also alluded to the telecom industry’s growth riding on the back of value-added services and encouraged the broadcast and service provider industry to innovate their services.

     

    In a presentation on the big picture of the TV business in India, Vanita Kohli Khadekar, Columnist and Author (The Indian Media Business), talked about a few interesting trends in the Indian TV industry, which included – digitization of content, consolidation and growth of online video. These trends are shaping the Indian TV industry like never before and are bringing in a multitude of changes across all segments. She said, “India is looked as a market of huge volumes in terms of opportunity; however one doesn’t realize that India is not one market, but several.” She highlighted that India is highly fragmented in viewership by state and language and hence it requires customization in programming as well as business models.

     

    During another discussion on ‘Is TV everywhere good for video business’, the panel discussed trends in the video content ecosystem, distribution, and the necessity to create compelling content for multiple media. The major challenges faced are multiple taxation levied on the broadcast industry and piracy. The panelists concluded that the way forward is content availability over IP, monetization of content and control of piracy. The panelists concurred that personalization, localization and more importantly, ‘searchability’ with the right metadata is critical for the success of TV-everywhere. Frost & Sullivan’s Vidya S. Nath, Director, Digital Media, Global Innovation Center chaired this panel which had Subhashish Mazumdar, Senior VP, North & East, Hinduja Group (Media); Sisir Pillai, Chief Strategy Officer, Digicable; Rajiv Khattar, President – Projects, Dish TV India, as panelists.

     

    The panel on collaborative workflows in multimedia video distribution discussed the essential requirements of a media company today. The panelists conveyed that every company requires to evolve out of departmental and functional siloes and create a cohesive platform that leverages a central repository of content. Standards are very important to ensure interoperability across applications and devices. The panelists in this session included Ujwal Nirgudkar, Chairman, SMPTE-India Section; Sameer Kanse, Head, Media Services, Tata Communications; and Irfan Khan, Marketing & Strategic Alliances, Tangerine Digital, and was chaired by Avni Rambhia, Principal Analyst, Frost & Sullivan.

     

    On the occasion, Vidya S. Nath noted in her address that consumer-viewing habits have evolved dramatically with the availability of multiple screens, and hence business models, regulation and technology adoption have to change side-by-side to abet industry growth.

     

    The final panel discussion on preparation for phase 3 and 4 in digitization brought forth the various mistakes committed in the first and second phases such as short deadlines to complete the digitization in cable TV, which left cable operators clueless and grappling to meet expectations and deadlines. The key aspect that was highlighted was the need for chalking out a roadmap for digitization with a clear agenda for the stakeholders and participants. The importance of standardization was also put forth by the panelists. Vynsley Fernandes, Director, Castle Media, moderated this discussion that saw participation by Arvind Prabhoo, Founder, Maharashtra Cables Operators’ Federation and Tony D’Silva, CEO, Hinduja Group (Media).

     

    The innovative and exclusive growth workshops hosted during this summit for CXOs on disruption to transformation and new age business models for pay TV and video brought out many interesting trends and aspects of the digital media industry. The summit also touched upon transforming media workflows for effective ROI and coping with growing fragmentation of media in the digitized world, which were presented by Sameer Kanse and Rajendra Khare, Co-Founder and CMD, SureWaves MediaTech, respectively.

     

    The event partners for this summit were SureWaves, Tangerine, and Tata Communications, while the media partners were Broadcast & CableSat, Cablequest, Convergence Plus, Digital Studio, Indian Television and Light Reading India.