ITV

Category: Press Release

  • Narendra Modi-the third most followed world leader Twitter account

    Narendra Modi-the third most followed world leader Twitter account

    MUMBAI: Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi is now the third most followed world leader on Twitter after overtaking Indonesian President S B Yudhoyono today.

     
    Modi (https://twitter.com/narendramodi) has around 5,087,980 followers to Yodoyono’s- 5,08743 followers (https://twitter.com/SBYudhoyono) as of 1pm IST today. Only the President of the United States Barack Obama and the Pope have more followers on Twitter.

     
    This shows how Mr Modi has been actively using Twitter to connect with the masses reinforcing the tool of digital diplomacy in a larger context making the social media platform a powerful channel for communicating and engaging with all Indians across the country.

     
    There were nearly 60 million elections-related Tweets during the Lok Sabha elections this year. Narendra Modi was the top elections-related term on Twitter during the entire polling period, more than AAP and INC combined. On Counting Day itself, Narendra Modi and BJP accounted for over half of the 2 million elections-related Tweets. His Twitter account (@narendramodi) has grown by more than 1 million followers since his election win, while the official account of the Prime Minister’s office (@PMOIndia) has grown more than 40% since his swearing-in ceremony. , His election victory Tweet remains the most retweeted Tweet of all time from India.

  • ‘The Leftovers’ to premiere exclusively on HBO Defined

    ‘The Leftovers’ to premiere exclusively on HBO Defined

    MUMBAI: After the huge success of Game of Thrones Season 4, HBO is all set to treat Indian audiences to one of the most anticipated drama series titled THE LEFTOVERS. When 2% of the world’s population abruptly disappears without explanation, the world struggles to come to terms with what happened. With so many questions left unanswered, three years later, THE LEFTOVERS is the story of the people who didn’t make the cut. Premiering within a week of the US premiere, the new HBO Original Series THE LEFTOVERS debuts with its ten-episode first season on Sunday, July 6 at 7:45 pm, exclusively on HBO Defined, 100% ad-free, followed by other episodes on subsequent Sundays at 8:00 p.m.

     

    This new HBO mysterious drama series has been created by Damon Lindel of (Emmy® winner for “Lost”) and acclaimed novelist Tom Perrotta (Academy Award® nominee for “Little Children”; “Election”).  The series premiere is directed by Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights), who also serves as executive producer of the series.  

     

    Based on Perrotta’s bestselling novel of the same name, THE LEFTOVERS is an original look at The Rapture…or was it The Rapture at all? Set in a small New York suburb, the intimate family drama focuses on the residents of the fictional town of Mapleton, whose preconceptions are shattered in the wake of a global event dubbed “The Sudden Departure.” Three years after the fateful day when 140 million people disappeared without a trace, the series focuses on the ways ordinary people react to inexplicable events that can unite or divide families and communities, examining how their untold grief and the strain of an unprecedented calamity can turn faith into cynicism, paranoia, madness or cult-like fanaticism.

     

    At the heart of THE LEFTOVERS is the Garvey family. Kevin Garvey (Justin Theroux), the town’s beleaguered chief of police and father of two, is trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy when the notion no longer applies. While Kevin and his rebellious daughter, Jill (Margaret Qualley), try to go back to the way things used to be, Kevin’s son, Tom (Chris Zylka), sees the event as a wakeup call to take action. At the same time, Kevin is faced with the conflict between the townspeople of Mapleton and the Guilty Remnant, a mysterious cult-like group that seems to offer an escape for traumatized residents.

     

    In addition to Theroux (“Mulholland Drive”; HBO’s “John Adams” and “Six Feet Under”), series regulars include: Amy Brenneman (“Private Practice”) as Laurie, a mother with a successful career who felt all she could do was surrender after the Departure; Christopher Eccleston (“28 Days Later”) as Reverend Matt Jamison, who thinks he knows exactly what the Departure was and wasn’t, and is committed to renewing the town’s faith; Liv Tyler (“The Lord of the Rings”) as Meg, who has serious doubts about her impending wedding; Chris Zylka (“The Amazing Spider-Man”) as Tom Garvey; Margaret Qualley as Jill Garvey; Carrie Coon (“Gone Girl”) as Nora Durst, who lost her entire family in the Departure; Emily Meade (HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”) as Aimee, Jill’s friend and the big sister she never had; Amanda Warren (“The Adjustment Bureau”) as Mayor Lucy Warburton; Ann Dowd (HBO’s “True Detective”) as Patti, a Guilty Remnant leader; Michael Gaston (“The Mentalist”) as Dean, a stranger who could be Kevin’s greatest ally, or a force to be reckoned with; Max and Charlie Carver (“Teen Wolf”) as Adam and Scott Frost, twins who forge a friendship with Jill and Aimee; and Annie Q (“The Rewrite”) as Christine, a follower of Holy Wayne and object of Tom’s interest.

     

    The executive producers of THE LEFTOVERS are Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta along with Peter Berg and Sarah Aubrey while Ron Yerxa and Albert Berger are co-executive producers of the show, with Lindelof serves as showrunner. The series is produced for HBO by White Rabbit in association with Warner Bros. Television.

     

    Premiering within a week of its US premiere, the first season of THE LEFTOVERS airs in India on Sunday, July 6 at 7:45pm on HBO Defined. HBO Defined presents a 100% Ad-Free experience for viewing back to back episodes of THE LEFTOVERS – season 1 in HD quality and Dolby surround sound. Be prepared to get hooked to this highly anticipated drama series!

  • Discovery launches exciting new programming this quarter

    Discovery launches exciting new programming this quarter

    MUMBAI: Starting the third quarter of the year on a renewed note, Discovery Channel is launching over 130 hours of fresh programming which will include 22 new series and four new seasons of returning series on the channel.

     

    Viewers will be treated an innovative mix of series which will include Ice Col Gold, Naked Castaway, The Mind Control Freaks and Deadly Dilemmas amongst others.

     

    Showcasing the world’s largest island – Greenland, is the show ‘Ice Cold Gold’. The captivating series focuses on ice cold miners following American speculators as they fight against the freezing elements, international miners and four short summer months to claim their stake at the top of the world.

     

    Naked Castaway features the world renowned survivalist and adventurer Ed Stafford, tackling the challenges of any environment, with nothing except his camera. He finds everything he needs to not just survive, but thrives on some of the world’s toughest environments. With no food, water or shelter he battles every day, living each moment as his last. 

     

    In Man Cheetah Wild, Kim Wohlter spends much of his time living in the wild among a family of Cheetahs. To get close enough to them to film their daily lives and interactions, he had to keep a low profile and survive in the bush for weeks at a time. The Cheetahs have gotten used to him and he learned from them.

     

    Promising to take television at a next level is The Mind Control Freaks which blurs the line between science, psychology and trickery in an all-new format. The series hopes to demonstrate vulnerability to those who are able to manipulate the mind and use psychological tricks on the public to get them to do unexpected things.

     

    The quarter will also see an all new series ‘Bear Grylls Extreme Survival Caught on Camera’. He presents some of the most jaw-dropping footage of great escapes and near-death experiences in this new, entertaining, fact-filled series.

     

     In each themed show, survivors share their stories, experts like Dave Salmoni, Gary Humphrey and Edd China provide survival tips and ‘how to’ advice – and Bear chooses his favourite clip of the ultimate survivor. 

     

    ‘The Deadly Cinema’ gives its viewers the chance to choose from a series of hypothetical scenarios that ultimately end in life or death situations, with real life case studies included in the show.

  • Reliance Media Works helps amplify 2014 FIFA World Cup fever

    Reliance Media Works helps amplify 2014 FIFA World Cup fever

    MUMBAI: As the excitement in the air builds, fans all across the world gear up for the biggest football tournament.  From social networking sites, advertisement commercials to sports bars the 2014 FIFA World Cup fever is everywhere. And this year for the first time Reliance MediaWorks is proud to be associated with Sony SIX for this mega event. The company has partnered with the official broadcasters – Multi Screen Media who are using the state of the art sound stages at Film City to shoot Café Rio, a prime time football wrap around show that is being aired on Sony SIX.

     

    Café Rio is a prime time show where experts from the football field and some football legends come together to offer in-depth analysis of player forms, group standings, strategies and the matches being played. With a combination of sports and entertainment this show promises to captivate both the football purists and enthusiastic viewers. The line-up is promising including Peter Crouch, Robbie Fowler, Peter Shilton, Mikael Silvestre, Ellyse Perry, Sunil Chhetri and John Abraham.

     

    For this one month long program, keeping in mind the stringent requirements that involved several elements including live stadium action and studio programming on a daily basis, the entire consolidation was done at the Reliance MediaWorks studio facilities so that the seamlessly integrated programme is available to delight millions of football fans on a daily basis.

     

    Availability of the best in class infrastructure, onsite technical support, high standards of quality & security; all within the reach at a convenient location like Filmcity was the key reason that made this the preferred choice.

     

    Known for their Hollywood benchmarked infrastructure, Reliance MediaWorks currently offer four sound stages for all production requirements for broadcast, film, TVCs & events. The new set of four stages which also have the same technical specifications, will be operational by September 2014.

     

    MSM executive vice president and business head Prasana Krishnan said, “2014 FIFA World Cup is without a doubt the most anticipated event of the year. In order to deliver the very best to our viewers, we had to ensure that everything that goes into the creation of the content is of the very finest quality. Thereby, our preferred choice of high technology studio facility was Reliance MediaWorks.”

     

    Reliance MediaWorks chief executive officer Venkatesh Roddam, added, “After our repeated successful collaboration for Pepsi IPL Extraaa Innings, we are partnering with Multi-Screen Media yet again for Café Rio this time. They constantly offer path breaking programming concepts to the discerning viewers and we at Reliance MediaWorks are happy and proud to be associated in this first of its kind programming initiatives for football in India.”

  • Algeria-Germany match draws record turnout at Monte Carlo Stars in Dubai Marina

    Algeria-Germany match draws record turnout at Monte Carlo Stars in Dubai Marina

    MUMBAI: Despite the late timing of the Algeria-Germany match and the event coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, Arabs fans sat with high excitement in front of TV screens cheering wildly the only Arab team in the World Cup in Brazil.

     

    Monte Carlo Stars, a top destination that is offering the World Cup matches at the largest terrace overlooking Dubai Marina, has been drawing a huge number of football fans since the start of the World Cup.

     

    Ibrahim Al Sheikh, General Manager, Monte Carlo Stars Dubai said: “The audience waited with bated breath until the last minute of the extra time. We were thrilled with the turnout, which reflects Arab support to the only Arab team in World Cup 2014. It also reflects the diversity of cultures living in the UAE who are watching the games with great enthusiasm.”

     

    Al Sheikh said: “We congratulate the Algerian national team on their impressive performance despite their exit from the competition, and we expect a higher adrenaline rush as we come closer to the final matches.”

     

    Al Sheikh added: “Monte Carlo Stars has created a great ambience for our visitors who are coming here for Iftars and Suhoors as well as to watch the World Cup matches.”

     

    The Monte Carlo Stars, which has spectacular views of the Dubai Marina, is the largest marina terrace area providing the ultimate experience for each visitor through high-quality service.

     

    Al Sheikh concluded: “We are targeting broader segments of Dubai multicultural society in particular. The record turnout during the historic Algeria-Germany match was a proof of this.”

     

    It should be noted that Algeria became the third Arab team to qualify for the second round of the World Cup after Morocco in 1986 and Saudi Arabia in 1994.

  • CNN-IBN’s initiative ‘Axe The Tax’ is back

    CNN-IBN’s initiative ‘Axe The Tax’ is back

    MUMBAI: “Axe The Tax” is an award winning initiative that India’s no.1 English News channel, CNN-IBN started in 2007. What started as a special program showcasing 5 personal Tax laws, unfair or unjustified from the perspective of the India Taxpayer, has become a unique campaign to take the common man’s voice to the government. These suggestions are then presented to the Finance Ministry for their consideration and the  request is made to axe or adjust these taxes. The initiative has garnered immense popularity among the viewers and has also, been awarded by the critics. It returns again this year with a view to raise 5 tax related issues that needs to be addressed by the newly elected government as they prepare to present the budget 2014. We ask our viewers to share their tax issues & concern on the biggest platform provided by the leading English news channel of the nation.

  • Bloomberg TV India launches ‘Leader’s Speak’- Budget Wishlist

    Bloomberg TV India launches ‘Leader’s Speak’- Budget Wishlist

    MUMBAI: Bloomberg TV India, nation’s leading English business news channel has always taken a step ahead in setting the pace by providing niche content that matter the most to its viewers. As a part of the comprehensive Budget programming for 2014, the channel has launched Leader’s Speak – a vignette series which captures the expectations of key decision makers from the union budget 2014.

     

    Bloomberg TV India COO Lavneesh Gupta said,” The theme of the budget programming ‘Will They Walk The Talk?’ feels the pulse and the anticipation of all the key decision makers who are looking forward with huge expectations from the union budget 2014. Through Leader’s Speak we will reach out to the key influencers across the industry and capture their budget wish list and create a platform to voice their expectations to the new government. Our comprehensive budget programming reiterates its commitment to provide a holistic perspective of critical budget announcements that affects every aspect of our economy.”

     

    As a part of the budget special programming, Leader’s Speak captures the expectations of key decision makers across the industry from Budget 2014, as they reveal their unique perspectives on the challenges and demands of the core sectors. Through the series, industry stalwarts like BSE MD and CEO Ashish Kumar Chauhan, Bharti AXA Life Insurance CEO Sandeep Ghosh, UTI Mutual Funds MD Leo Puri, Reliance Mutual Fund CEO Sundeep Sikka, Indian Overseas Bank CMD M Narendra, Reliance Life Insurance CEO Anup Rau and many more have shared their expectations from Union Budget 2014.

     

    Leader’s Speak will be aired through the day on Bloomberg TV India across the pre-budget phase. Speaking on the budget expectations on show,Chauhan said, “From stock market side, we think it is very important to worry about the securities transaction tax and rationalize it, if not remove it, and basically get the IPO market in good shape. I think the IPO market can play a big role in getting good number of jobs and also raising India’s growth by a few percentage points.”

     

    Ghosh said, “There is an expectation of the industry that the new government will seek to increase the FDI from 26 per cent to 49 per cent. This will not only lead to significant investments coming into the sector, but it will also send a very strong message to the international investor community about the seriousness of the government with respect to liberalizing across sectors, and not necessarily only insurance sector.”

     

    Puri said, “If disinvestment program is announced by the government that will provide a boost to the new insurance activity. So, disinvestment and recapitalisation of public sector banks will be helpful for the growth of the market.”

     

    To know the expectation of Industry leaders from Budget 2014 watch Leader’s Speak, as they share their wish list, exclusively on Bloomberg TV India.

  • Zee News’ DNA most watch Hindi news show

    Zee News’ DNA most watch Hindi news show

    NEW DELHI: As per the latest TAM data Daily News and Analysis (DNA), one of the flagship news show of Zee News (part of India’s largest News Network, Zee Media Corporation Limited) has emerged as the clear leader in the Hindi News genre. Source : TAM, Wk 25 CS 15+, Wk 25 (2100 – 2159 HRs), Weekdays, GTVTs (000s).

     

    The news show has consistently set standards in Hindi news journalism with its independent voice, thought provoking reportage and threadbare analysis of the top news of the day. The program is hosted by one of the most renowned Sudhir Chaudhary.  Under the guidance of Sudhir Chaudhary, the news show has managed to consistently deliver the numbers and become the viewer’s choice.

     

    As per the latest TAM report (Wk 25), the news show has grabbed maximum eyeballs and has been the leader. The latest viewership figures also proved that DNA is the most watched Hindi news show when it comes to deliver quality reportage of both national and international significance. 

     

    The show – DNA aims to strengthen the credibility, trust, and resolve to be always on the side of the truth, through unbiased and faced-paced reporting and news coverage. 

     

    Zee News (4348 GTVTs) is ahead of Aaj Tak (3300 GTVTs) by 32 per cent and ABP News (2155 GTVTs) by 102 per cent.  Source : TAM, HSM, CS15+, GTVTs (000s), Week 25 (2100-2159 hrs) Weekdays.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Zee News Editor Sudhir Chaudhary said, “DNA has acquired numero uno position due to informative and factual content that fulfils the need and expectations of the viewers, which is missing in the existing news channels. It is our constant endeavor to provide exclusive, intelligent and informative content. The show also brings forth updates of the latest happenings across the state, city and district level.  The USP of the show is the simplicity.  It showcases the DNA test of every big news, which the nation needs to know in a simple and uncomplicated manner, thus proving to be nation’s favorite news classroom”

  • Samaya TV appoints Fourth Dimension to handle its national media ad sales operations

    Samaya TV appoints Fourth Dimension to handle its national media ad sales operations

    MUMBAI: Samaya TV was launched on 20 June 2010  and the positioning line for the channel is Naija Suddigaagi which stands for real and true news. Within a year of launch Samaya TV reached a wider viewer-ship making it the second most viewed newschannel in Karnataka after TV9.

     

    Currently the channel is also available online through live stream and can be viewed by Kanada Diasporas across theglobe. It’s a free to Air Channel and is available across most of the DTH network and cable network across India.

     

    Samaya TV has appointed Fourth Dimension as their national media sales partner , this collaboration will enable them to reach out to advertisers across India through the strong sales network which has been built by Fourth Dimension over last 3 years of Operations in India.

     

    Fourth Dimension Media Solutions CEO Shankar B adds, “We are confident about this development and hope this benefits advertisers/clients who have a big appetite for Karnataka as a region”

     

    Fourth Dimension currently also handles Puthiya Thalamurai the no.1 Tamil News Channel apart from the fastest growing GEC in the state “Puthuyugham” and the only English Radio Station – Chennai Live 104.8FM.

     

    Samaya TV business head G V Krishnamurthy adds “ Fourth Dimension has been a successful media outsourcing firm which helped channels like Puthiya Thalamurai build major market share in Tamil Nadu among advertisers and I am sure they will bring in the same expertise to fuel ourgrowth too…”

     

    G V Krishnamurthy (fondly known as GVK) was previously with Sun TV Network handling Gemini TV and group channels portfolio, he was solely responsible for their business revenue growth in the Telugu Space. He also brings with him over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing operations entailing business development, programming and brand management in the media industry

  • Cartoon Network brings Pokemon latest season and Kid Krrish movie sequelthis monsoon

    Cartoon Network brings Pokemon latest season and Kid Krrish movie sequelthis monsoon

    MUMBAI: This monsoon, India’s leading kid’s channel, Cartoon Network, has pulled out all the stops to give children an unlimited dose of entertainment!The channel will air back-to-back movies with blockbuster premieres, new shows, revive popular classics and shower children with prizes throughout the season.

    The bonanza begins with the premiere of one of the most popular and revered anime series. Cartoon Network brings back the Pokémon series with the latest season Pokémon Black & White every Monday to Friday at 12:30pm and 8pm.Pokémon Trainer Ash Ketchum and his Pikachu set out to enter the Unova League, encountering new and mysterious Pokémon and battling rivals and Gym Leaders.

    From the multimillion dollar franchise of How to Train your Dragon, Cartoon Network and Dreamworks bring back the second season in the Dragon series called Dragons: Defenders of Berk starting 13 July every Sunday at 4:30pm. With old foes, new enemies and a new fearsome dragon threatening to destroy Berk, it is upto Hiccup and his fellow dragon riders to save the day!

    On the original productions front, Cartoon Network will be airing a brand new series called Kumbh Karan starting 13 July every Sunday at 11:00 am.The series follows the crazy and hilarious adventures of twin brothers – Kumbh, the perennially sleepy and hungry brother and Karan,the agile, better-looking version of his twin.  Additionally, award-winning franchise Adventure Timereturns with new episodes starting 14 July every Monday-Friday at 4:30pm.

    For movie buffs and Krrish fans, Cartoon Network, Film Kraft and Toonz Animation are ready to launch the second movie in the Kid Krrish franchise. Kid Krrish: Mission Bhutanpremiering on 19 July at 12pm will see the superhero and his friends travel to Bhutan to save a Rudrakshthat possesses ultimate alien technology from the evil Dr. Para.That’s not all! By participating in the Kid Krrish: Mission Bhutan contest on 19 July, 12pm onwards, kids stand a chance to win prizes like Skateboards, Trampolines etc.

    Another movie that is sure to enthrall kids is TheAdventures of Sindbadthatwill premiere on 20 July at 12pm. The movie follows the mystical adventures of a boy named Sindbad and his grandfather as they attempt to discover a hidden treasure and defeat the evil sorcerer who has imprisoned the king of Bagdad.

    Last but not the least, Oggy and The CockcroachesSeason 4 returns every Monday to Friday at 5:30pm with a unique contest called When Oggy Met Oliviathat gives kids a chance to win prizes like Cameras, PSPs, Digital Photo frames, etc.

    Speaking about the programming and marketing line-up, Krishna Desai, Executive Director & Network Head – Kids, South Asia, Turner International India Pvt. Ltd said, “With Cartoon Network at the helm of the genre, our aim is to continue to entertain and captivate children. This exciting and diverse line-up is the result of acclaimed original productions,popular acquisitions and to stellar partnerships. We are thrilled to bring back Pokémon, Kid Krrish and Dragons franchises and hope that kids will thoroughly enjoy them.”