ITV

Category: Press Release

  • MEC and Britannia Good Day Wish ‘Happy Good Day To You’

    MEC and Britannia Good Day Wish ‘Happy Good Day To You’

    MUMBAI: MEC, a leading global media agency and a founding partner of GroupM, has designed and implemented an engaging digital campaign for Britannia Good Day biscuits. The campaign titled HappyGoodDayToYou isaimed at bringing a smile through small actions without a rhyme or reason.

     
    “Happy Good Day to you” is a new wishing revolution which invites users to simply send daily greetings to their loved ones. Britannia Good Day believes that small acts are all that it takes to make someone happy. The team strategized the digital campaignthat will bring a smile upon a loved one’s face knowing that someone somewhere is thinking of you. The campaign has a dedicated website with thematic messages to express different emotions and feelings of Friendship, Love and Humor. Since the activation started in December, special greetings for Christmas/New Year were also incorporated. The site also allows the user to personalize their greeting, customize the message and add images which will let their loved ones have a Happy Good Day.

     
    The campaign has been linked to Facebook, which keeps the audience updated on the campaign developments. Through the page, the audience is made aware of the contest winners, traffic generated to the microsite, update on entries and interesting contest pictures.

    The website has many interesting features incorporated into it. The first one being The Wish Meter. It is like a tracker, which tracks the number of wishes sent by each city and the top eight cities are mentioned on this Meter. Another interesting and fun feature on the website is the “What’s Your Good Day Moment?” It urges viewers to share their delightfulmoments and let the happiness spreadon to all others viewing the website. All the user has to do is upload happy pictures and make the world smile 🙂

    MEC, known for its specialization in providing genuine integrated solutions to its clients has reached out successfully to Britannia Good Day’s audience by using appropriate platforms to convey the message – ‘Small acts is all that it takes to make someone happy.’ According to The Wish Meter, there have been over 1 lakh wishes already sent.

     
    Giving details on the campaign ZubinTatna, National Director Planning, MEC India said “MEC is delighted to partner with such a reputed brand that has been there for more than 25 years. The brief given to us by Britannia Good Day was to popularize the greeting “Happy Good Day to You”. The team at MEC was successful in capturing this message through this campaign. Making someone happy, can be as simple as sending a greeting or a pleasantry across. We are glad that the campaign has been appreciated and has received great response from the target audience. We are certain that through this initiative, we have helped Britannia Good Day attract more visibility across the country.”

    Sharing her views on the campaign, AnuradhaNarasimhan , Director – Marketing, Britannia Industries Limitedsaid “The new campaign of Good Day is all about having a good day, every day. And this thought is captured beautifully in the wish “Happy good day to you”. Our objective with the digital campaign was to take this wish to everyone and get people to start using it in common parlance. MEC helped us do just that by devising a comprehensive digital strategy to get India to start wishing each other “Happy Good Day to you”. Through our website, www.happygooddaytoyou.com, we have been able to get over 1.75lac consumers from the length and breadth of the country to spread the happiness with a simple “Happy Good Day to you” wish. Because the brand believes that’s all it takes to make someone’s day a good day. Happy to partner with MEC in bringing happiness to our consumers”

     
    Contest closes on 31st January, 2014
    For more details log on to http://www.happygooddaytoyou.com

     

  • Colors ushers hope with ‘Mission Sapne’

    Colors ushers hope with ‘Mission Sapne’

    MUMBAI: Acclaimed basketball player, Michael Jordan, once said that ‘The good part about being famous is being able to help people’; and COLORS’ upcoming show Mission Sapne strives to do just that. The first-of-its-kind property allows celebrities from different walks of life to leverage their fame for the benefit of the common man. The show is a dramatic entertainment offering, from the channel, which conveys a strong social message to audiences. Mission Sapne will showcase India’s most loved Bollywood Entertainers as they step into the shoes of the aam aadmi for a day, and face hardships to raise funds for those who struggle to make ends meet. The show is set to hit airwaves in Summer 2014.

     

    Top celebrities from across Bollywood, television, sports and music will be volunteering in this Mission including actors Salman Khan and Varun Dhawan,cricketer Harbhajan Singh, and singer Mika Singh among others. True to the person he is helping, the celebrity will move away from their comfort zone to drive a taxi, sell fish or become a door-to-door salesman for the very first time. These celebrities will be required to use their talent, wit and star persona to ensure that business continues to boom for the people they are supporting and change their ordinary and tough life to an extraordinary one. Audiences will get a chance to see the various difficulties faced by those who bring comfort to our lives. Produced by Sobo Films the show will bring the celebrity and common man together, while facilitating this Mission.

     

    Speaking about the show, Raj Nayak, CEO – COLORS, said, “Mission Sapne is our humble effort to showcase the hardships faced by the ‘aam aadmi’ and join hands with celebrities from different walks of life to make a difference. With everything that our audiences have given us in making COLORS a household name, Mission Sapne is our endeavour to give back to the society by bringing the life of a common man to the limelight and sharing their story for the world to behold. We would like to thank the celebrities associated with Mission Sapne for extending their support and helping us lighten the burden of a tough life from some less fortunate shoulders by raising funds for their welfare.”

     

    Commenting on the show’s concept, Smruti Shinde, Director of Sobo Films, said, “We are pleased to partner with India’s leading channel, COLORS to present Mission Sapne. The show has an exciting approach towards showcasing the burdens in the life of a common man through the eyes of a celebrity as they work hard to generate funds. Through Mission Sapne, we aim to convey to Indian audiences that no person should be looked down upon and that the smallest achievements deserve to be cherished in the grandest manner.”

     

    Watch Out as your favourite celebrities step into the shoes of the common man and help them fulfill their dreams on Mission Sapne…Coming Soon on COLORS!

     
  • Power to surge at MIPTV

    Power to surge at MIPTV

    Paris, Tuesday 21 January 2014 – MIPTV announces the exclusive preview of the upcoming Starz original drama series, Power, as the MIPTV 2014 World Premiere TV Screening.

    The eight-episode first season was created by showrunner Courtney Kemp Agboh (“The Good Wife”) with Curtis Jackson, aka 50 Cent, on board as Executive Producer and part of a stellar cast.

    Power tells the story of wealthy New York City nightclub owner, James ‘Ghost’ St. Patrick, who caters to the city’s elite.  He wants to build an empire, turning the club into a Fortune 500 business, but there’s just one problem: he is living a double life.  When he is not in the nightclub, he is the kingpin of the most lucrative drug network in New York for a very high-level clientele.  His marriage, family and business all become unknowingly threatened as he is tempted to leave his criminal life behind and become the rags-to-riches businessman he has always dreamed of.  Set in modern day New York, the series will film in and around the city’s five boroughs, making New York a major character throughout the season.

    “I am excited to host the World Premiere TV Screening of Power at MIPTV with Starz.  We are looking forward to bringing this story to audiences around the world,” said Executive Producer Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson.

    “Starz is thrilled to premiere Power at MIPTV 2014,” said Starz CEO Chris Albrecht.  “It’s a universal story of power, seduction and the desire for redemption, all set against one of the most striking and glamorous backdrops in the world – New York City.  We believe world-wide audiences will be swept up in the storytelling, the city and the music.  MIPTV is the perfect setting to premiere Power.”

    “We are honoured that Starz has chosen to showcase its latest major new series as a World Premiere TV Screening at MIPTV.  This underlines the impact of the event, which is ideally suited to a show like Power that is bound to have wide appeal to the numerous international buyers and media present in Cannes,” said Laurine Garaude, Director of Reed MIDEM’s Television Division.

    The cast is led by Omari Hardwick (Sparkle, For Colored Girls, Kick Ass) who is joined by Lela Loren (Snitch, Gang Related), Naturi Naughton (Fame, The Client List, Mad Men) and Joseph Sikora (Jack Reacher, Safe, Boardwalk Empire).  Hardwick stars as main character James ‘Ghost’ St. Patrick; Loren plays Angela Valdes, an old flame of James’ who unexpectedly reenters his life; Naughton will play Tasha St. Patrick, wife, confidant and willing accomplice to James and Sikora plays Tommy Egan, childhood best friend and business partner to Ghost.

    Mark Canton (300, Immortals, 300: Rise of an Empire), Randall Emmett (End of Watch, 2 Guns, Lone Survivor) and David Knoller (Big Love, Carniv?le) also serve as Executive Producers.  The series is being produced in association with CBS Television Studios.  Filmed on location in and around New York, the city itself is also a major player in the series, which is being produced in association with CBS Television Studios.  Starz retains all global distribution and home entertainment rights to the series.

    Executive Producers, alongside Kemp Agboh and Jackson, include Mark Canton, (300, Immortals), Randall Emmett (End of Watch) and David Knoller (Big Love, Carniv?le).

    The MIPTV World Premiere TV Screening takes place on Monday 7 April in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals. The screening of Power will be followed by an on-stage conversation with Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson, along with the series’ lead actor Omari Harwick and creator Courtney Kemp Agboh.  The talent will later walk the red carpet to attend the MIPTV Opening Night Party.

    Organised by Reed MIDEM, the MIPTV entertainment market takes place in Cannes from 7-10 April.

  • Kellogg’s lauches new campaign with a breakfast pledge

    Kellogg’s lauches new campaign with a breakfast pledge

    MUMBAI: Kellogg – the world’s leading cereal company has announced a new initiative in India – “Kellogg’s Breakfast Pledge” to build nation-wide awareness on the importance of eating breakfast every day. This initiative comes soon after the company launched the ‘India Breakfast Habits Study’ as part of the Power of Breakfast initiative in August 2013, which revealed that one in four Indians claim to skip and a whopping 72% skimp or have an inadequate breakfast. Embarking on the “Kellogg’s Breakfast Pledge” initiative, Kellogg endeavours to create a new generation of breakfast eaters in India by encouraging more Indian consumers to understand the importance of eating a balanced breakfast.

    Kellogg has helped spread the message regarding the importance of breakfast by reaching out to a large number of key stakeholders through dissemination of the findings of the ‘India Breakfast Habits Study’ to consumers, media and healthcare professionals. Additionally through a series of programs like the school nutrition education program and gifting breakfast to busy commuters in air-lines and radio-cabs, Kellogg has already begun the journey. As the next step in the journey towards creating the next generation of breakfast eaters, Kellogg’s Breakfast Pledge initiative provides a platform to help people discover the power of breakfast. This initiative encourages people to take a pledge to have breakfast everyday. By doing so, every person will gift a breakfast to a child to help him or her discover the power of breakfast. Kellogg seeks to empower one Indian to influence or impact another Indian to discover the power of breakfast.

    Through each pledge, every person will gift a breakfast to a child to help him or her discover the power of breakfast. Kellogg has partnered with United Way of Mumbai, to reach out to children in schools for gifting breakfasts. Several children today go to schools with an empty stomach and therefore through this initiative Kellogg would like them to discover the power of breakfast.

    Given that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Kellogg’s felt it necessary to help ‘create the habit’ with the Kellogg’s Breakfast Pledge. Brand ambassadors Juhi Chawla and Sakshi Tanwar actively supported the initiative and invited people to take the Breakfast Pledge along with them.

    Speaking on this, SangeetaPendurkar, Managing Director, Kellogg India, says, “Kellogg India is committed to nurturing a healthy India through consumer education, consumer relevant innovation and a strong nutrition agenda. The Kellogg’s Breakfast Pledge is the next step in our journey towardsimproving the breakfast eating habits of Indian consumers. While we have already begun the journey with half a million people; through the Kellogg’s Breakfast Pledge, we seek to encourage many more Indians to recognize the importance of breakfast and to partner Kellogg in this journey and empower them to influence many more to discover the power of breakfast. The ‘India Breakfast Habits Study’ revealed that several people today either skip or skimp breakfast and several children are going to school on an empty stomach and therefore miss on the much needed nutrients. Through the Breakfast Pledge initiative, Kellogg would like to address this and create a generation of breakfast eaters in India. We simply want to encourage more Indians to take one pledge and gift one breakfast.”

    JayantiShukla, Executive Director, United Way of Mumbai, said, “We constructively engage the corporate sector into meaningful social responsibility structures enabling a positive and lasting change in the communities they operate in. We are delighted to partner with Kellogg’s on the Breakfast Pledge initiative. We are working very closely with the teams to ensure the gifting of breakfast is carried out in an effective manner.”

    Reaching out directly to 200,000 children in schools, consumers at retail touch points and through an integrated print, radio and digital strategy, Kellogg aims to drive home the importance of breakfast while also creating the habit through this impactful initiative.  

  • 9X Media scores a hat trick with Universal Music

    9X Media scores a hat trick with Universal Music

    MUMBAI: India’s largest music network – 9X Media has completed a hat trick with Universal Music by collaborating again, on a music compilation for the iTunes Store. 9X Media’s all-time Bollywood hits channel 9X Jalwa has partnered with the leading music label Universal Music India to launch ‘9X Jalwa R D Burman Blockbuster Beats’ on iTunes. The compilation features 25 of the most popular Bollywood songs created by the legendry music director R D Burman and is exclusively available on the iTunes India store.

    9X Jalwa R D Burman Blockbuster Beats features some of the most popular and all time Bollywood hits such as Mehbooba Mehbooba, Aa Dekhen Zara, Dil Lena Khel Hai Dildar Ka, Yamma Yamma, etc. These 25 foot tapping numbers can be downloaded from iTunes Store for only Rs.150/-.

    Speaking of this collaboration Ms. Vibha Gosher, SVP – Digital, 9X Media Group, said, ”After the success of 9XO Fresh Hits and 9X Jalwa Blockbuster Beats, 9X Jalwa RD Burman Blockbuster Beats will be our third compilation with Universal Music. This compilation is our tribute to the most versatile and iconic music director of Indian Cinema. Our earlier integrations with Universal Music have received a phenomenal response with the albums featuring amongst the Top 10 iTunes albums. RD Burman tunes still makes the nation dance and we are extremely positive that this compilation will resonate well among Bollywood music lovers.”

    9X Jalwa R D Burman Blockbuster Beats will be promoted on 9X Jalwa through innovative in-video integrations, promo spots programmed at key tune-in times throughout the day. This would also be complemented with an equally aggressive marketing activity across social media communities of 9X Jalwa and Universal Music India.

    Vinit Thakkar, Digital Head, Universal Music India, says, “R.D. Burman is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the Bollywood music industry, and a large amount of his catalogue content lies with us. Hence, we feel that the 9X Jalwa R.D. Burman Blockbuster Beats compilation was the ideal way in which to commiserate his death anniversary, through its offering of classic R.D. Burman hits to all his fans.”

    9X Jalwa R.D. Burman Blockbuster Beats compilation is available for Rs 150 on the iTunes store in India for download on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC or at: www.iTunes.com/In.

     

  • POGO’s Chhota Bheem & Chutki and CN’s Tom & Jerry, Kris and Ben 10 walk the ramp

    POGO’s Chhota Bheem & Chutki and CN’s Tom & Jerry, Kris and Ben 10 walk the ramp

    MUMBAI: Asia’s largest fashion property ‘India Kids Fashion Week’ 2014 saw children dazzle the ramp by entertaining kids, parents and everyone with their favourite characters from POGO- Chhota Bheem and Chutki and evergreen Tom & Jerry, uber school student Kris(from Roll No. 21) and Ben 10 from Cartoon Network.

    The commencing show showcased Pooja Jhunjhunwala and Rachna’s collection on mythology with little angels. Indian superhero – POGO’s very own Chhota Bheem was the show stopper accompanied the couture designer Rocky S.

    Adding to the desi tadka, POGO’s Chutki (from Chhota Bheem series) walked the ramp with television actress Shraddha Arya and television actor Nandish Sandhu  for designer Kanchan Bawa who showcased a blend of Indian, western and indo-western party wear range.

    Other shows comprised of creations by renowned kids wear brand Max. The collection for young boys and girls had lightweight fabrics. Versatile TV actor Ali Asgar, immensely loved by all as ‘Dadi’ from Comedy Nights with Kapil along with the hilarious and legendary cat and mouse duo Tom & Jerry from Cartoon Network accompanied the little children on the ramp on this show. Another show by Sheena Creations created a mood to party and unwind through their collection showcasing party wear for little boys and girls. Ace choreographer Terrence Lewis along with the funny and smart Kris from Cartoon Network was seen dancing on the ramp. OKS Boys attracted positive attention through eclectic beach-wear, rockstar and casual wear. The highlight of OKS Boys when uber cool, alien superhero Ben 10 from Cartoon Network who walked the ramp with renowned singer Armaan Malik.

     

  • Disney Channel to premiere the all new Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts this January

    Disney Channel to premiere the all new Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts this January

    MUMBAI: The endearing, adventurous and comedic antics of Mickey Mouse, Disney’s #1 star and the world’s leading character franchise, will be premiered on Disney Channel in a new short-form series of 2D comedy cartoons. Disney Channel India which had earlier introduced viewers to two episodes of the short form series of 2D comedy cartoons on the beloved character’s birthday, will air 4 new episodes of the Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts on January 27th at 5pm. With the slapstick feel of classic Mickey Mouse, the series of cartoon shorts presents Mickey in a broad range of humorous situations that showcase his pluck and rascality, along with his long-beloved charm and good heartedness.  

     

    The new episodes ‘Yodelberg’, ‘New York Weenie, ‘Tokyo Go’ and ‘Stayin’ Cool’ will follow Mickey to places like New York, The Alps and Tokyo facing silly situations, quick complications and an escalation of physical and visual gags.  The episodes include ‘Yodelberg’ where Mickey longs to visit Minnie atop her mountaintop chalet but quickly realizes that the threat of avalanche has made the trek up the mountain more challenging than usual and ‘New York Weenie’ where Mickey hilariously chases after a runway hot dog through Central Park. Another special episode ‘Tokyo Go’ follows Mickey’s adventures in Tokyo, where he accidentally boards the wrong bullet train while the episode ‘Stayin’ Cool’ follows Mickey, Donald and Goofy as they must find creative ways to keep cool on the hottest day of the year. These stories feature heartfelt and heroic moments as Mickey experiences life with his comical partners Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto.

     

    The premiere of the Mickey Short – ‘No Service’ on Disney Channel rated 1.5 TVR among all kids (CS 4-14 ABC). It ranked #1 in the kids genre with a 28% share of viewing and ranked #2 across all TV during its time slot while the premiere of the Mickey Short – ‘Croissant De Triomphe’  rated 1.0 TVR among all kids (CS 4-14 ABC). It ranked #1 in the kid’s genre with a 33% share of viewing and ranked #2 across all TV during its time slot. (Source: TAM; TG: CS 4-14 ABC; Period: 18th Nov 2013; Market: HSM).The premiere of both these Mickey Shorts reached out to 7 million kids across India.

     

    While the direction and pacing of the new “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts are fresh and contemporary, they are, at the same time homage to the art direction and storytelling of Walt and his animators in the 1920s and ’30s. Geared towards kids aged 6-14 and families, and produced in 2D animation, the design esthetic for the “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts reaches back almost 80 years and borrows reverentially from the bold style of his 1930s design with a few contemporary touches. A must watch for the true eagle-eyed Disney fans, as the production team has also included the occasional homage to other icons from the Disney heritage.

     

    Don’t miss the special episodes of the brand new Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts on January 27, 2014 at 5pm on Disney Channel

  • Discovery to acquire TF1 Group’s controlling interest in Eurosport

    Discovery to acquire TF1 Group’s controlling interest in Eurosport

    (Silver Spring, Maryland and Paris, France):  Discovery Communications and TF1 Group today announced that the former  would acquire a controlling interest in Eurosport International through an extension of their larger strategic partnership first announced in December 2012. The deal will increase Discovery’s interest from 20 to 51 per cent,  accelerating what was in the original agreement by nearly one year.

     

    “Eurosport is one of the strongest, most dynamic sports platforms in the world.  Over the past year, as we have been working directly with our partners from TF1, it became clear that combining the power of Eurosport’s brands and audience reach with Discovery’s network portfolio, boots on the ground, and country-specific expertise creates an unrivaled and powerful offering for viewers, advertisers and affiliates,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. 

     

    “Today’s announcement underscores Discovery’s strategy to support already strong organic growth with targeted acquisitions and partnerships. This deal will enable our industry-leading International team and its new leader, JB Perrette, to create new value for our business partners by developing and sharing programming across channel brands, and building a stronger and more diversified network portfolio. We are privileged to continue our successful relationship with TF1 Group and look forward to growing Eurosport for many years to come.”

     

     

    The flagship Eurosport network reaches 133 million homes across 54 countries in 20 languages. Eurosport’s brands and platforms also include: Eurosport 2 reaching 69 million households across 51 countries; Eurosport HD, the high definition simulcast of Eurosport, available in 32 million homes in 48 countries; Eurosport Asia-Pacific reaching 16 countries; and Eurosportnews, a 24-hour news channel and online hub, providing an up-to-the-minute sports news feed available in 48 countries.

     

     

    “With its successful track record of investing in quality content and building global brands, Discovery Communications is perfectly positioned to further expand and increase the value of Eurosport,” said Nonce Paolini, Chairman and CEO of TF1. “Eurosport’s vast sports platform coupled with Discovery’s extensive network portfolio will entertain and engage audiences and generate additional revenue streams for our business associates and distribution partners globally.”

     

    Discovery was one of the first U.S. media companies to launch channels in Europe in 1989 and has invested steadily and significantly in its international business for 25 years. The combined reach of Discovery Communications, Eurosport and the 2013 acquisition of SBS Nordics, will be 2.7 billion cumulative subscribers across nearly 200 networks spanning more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Discovery Communications will strengthen its leadership as the #1 pay-TV programmer in the world. 

     

     

    Today’s agreement was based on an average enterprise valuation for the Eurosport Group of €902 million (approximately $1.2 billion), partly corresponding to the initial valuation and partly to a higher valuation linked to the control of the company. From this Group valuation, the value of Eurosport France (€85 million, approximately $115 million) has been deducted. TF1 expects to retain its 80% interest in Eurosport France until at least January 1, 2015. Also, today’s announcement does not impact the other two elements of the original deal – the 20% interest Discovery acquired in TV Breizh, Histoire, Ushua?a TV and Stylía channels, and a production alliance with TF1 Group. TF1 will retain the ability to exercise a put option over the remaining 49%, which would potentially increase Discovery’s ownership to 100%.

     

    The closing of the deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to occur in the coming months.  

     

    Rothschild acted as financial advisor to Discovery Communications on this transaction, and DLA Piper served as its legal advisors. Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier served as legal advisors to TF1 on this transaction.

     

    About TF1

     

    TF1 (NYSE Euronext Paris: FR0000054900 / TFI) is an integrated media group with a range of businesses in high-growth segments. Its corporate mission is to inform and entertain. In freeview television, the Group’s channels are TF1 (the major events channel, no. 1 in France), TMC (no. 5 in France, and no.1 digital terrestrial channel), NT1, and HD1. The TF1 Group is also present in pay TV with Eurosport (the leading pan-European sports broadcasting platform, received by 133 million households in Europe), TV Breizh (France’s no 1 cable/satellite channel), Ushua?a TV, Histoire, Stylía and LCI. The TF1 group’s activities span the entire value chain in the broadcasting industry. TF1 has also created a broad range of merchandising spin-offs from its main channel. Harnessing the growth of the Internet and new technologies, TF1 produces, develops and publishes new interactive content and services for the Web, smartphones, tablet computers and connected TV. For more information please visit www.groupe-tf1.fr.

     

    About Discovery Communications

     

    Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching 2.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 220 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through more than 190 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and the Hub Network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com. 

     

    MEDIA CONTACTS

     

    For Discovery Communications:

     

    Corporate Communications

    Michelle Russo, +1 240-678-6375, Michelle_Russo@discovery.com 

     

    Elizabeth Hillman, +1 240-461-3053, Elizabeth_Hillman@discovery.com 

     

    Investor Relations

     

    Craig Felenstein, +1 212-548-5109, Craig_Felenstein@discovery.com

     

    For TF1:

     

    Corporate Communications

     

    Virginie Duval, +33 1 41 41 29 59, vduval@tf1.fr

     

    Investor Relations

     

    Christine Bellin, +33 1 41 41 27 32, comfi@tf1.fr

  • Gartner Says Mobile Advertising Spending Will Reach $18 Billion in 2014

    Gartner Says Mobile Advertising Spending Will Reach $18 Billion in 2014

    MUMBAI: Growth from 2015 to 2017 Will Be Fueled by Improved Market Conditions

     

    Global mobile advertising spending is forecast to reach $18.0 billion in 2014, up from the estimated $13.1 billion in 2013, according to Gartner, Inc. The market is expected to grow to $41.9 billion by 2017. Gartner said that display formats will make up most of the revenue, but video will show the highest growth.

     

    “Over the next few years, growth in mobile advertising spending will slow due to ad space inventory supply growing faster than demand, as the number of mobile websites and applications increases faster than brands request ad space on mobile device screens,” said Stephanie Baghdassarian, research director at Gartner. “However, from 2015 to 2017, growth will be fueled by improved market conditions, such as provider consolidation, measurement standardization and new targeting technologies, along with a sustained interest in the mobile medium from advertisers.”

     

    With regard to the different ad formats used in the mobile sector, mobile display ad formats are collectively the single biggest category of ads, and will remain so throughout the forecast period, although this category will shift to mobile Web display after several years of higher growth in in-app display. Uptake of the audio/video format by the end of the forecast period is higher because the tablet form factor will drive video, and the tablet market continues to grow.

     

    In addition, search/map ad types will benefit from increased use of location data gathered from users, either through them opting into being located automatically through their devices or because they proactively check in the places they visit using apps such as Foursquare and Pinterest. As a result, local advertisers will be more interested in the mobile channel as a means of pushing ads. The split between in-app and Web display is taking longer to shift in favor of the latter, as the use of HTML5 tools in mobile website development is taking longer to impact the market.

     

    All regions of the world will experience strong growth in mobile advertising spend, although North America is where most of growth will come from, due to the sheer scale of its advertising budgets and their shift to mobile.

     

    “North America is the region with the strongest general advertising focus and investment. It is also the region where online advertising is most mature,” said Mike McGuire, research vice president at Gartner. “Overall advertising budgets are the highest, so when a portion shifts to mobile, in a multiplatform approach, it immediately impacts the market’s scale.”

     

    Western Europe’s market for mobile advertising will remain similar to North America’s, albeit at a slightly lower scale, for the duration of the forecast period. “The mobile channel will become more and more integrated into 360-degree advertising campaigns, eating up budget historically allocated to print and radio advertising,” said Ms. Baghdassarian.

     

    Asia/Pacific and Japan is the most mature region for mobile advertising, and therefore growth will slow between 2012 and 2017, averaging 30 percent a year. Historically, the unusually high adoption of handsets for digital content consumption in Japan and South Korea has given the Asia/Pacific region an early lead in mobile advertising. Looking forward, Gartner expects the high-growth economies of China and India to contribute increasingly to mobile advertising growth as their expanding middle classes present attractive markets for global and local brands.

     

    In the emerging markets of Latin America, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, mobile advertising growth will largely track the technology adoption and stabilization of emerging economies, but will mostly be driven by large markets such as Russia, Brazil and Mexico. From 2015, growth rates in this region will exceed the worldwide average.

     

    More detailed analysis is available in the report “Forecast: Mobile Advertising, Worldwide, 2010-2017.” The report is available on Gartner’s website at http://www.gartner.com/document/2642816.

  • New technology to fuel the revenue growth for broadcasters in 2014

    New technology to fuel the revenue growth for broadcasters in 2014

    NEW DELHI: GAIAN Solutions India, a leading Technology and Consulting company that develops products and solutions for the Media and Entertainment industry, launches MAYA Platform for Satellite Broadcasters.

     

    The LIVE Demo of ‘Maya Platform’ can be viewed between 21st to 23rd January at  ‘Gaia TV’ Stall No.C-183, Upper Floor, Hall No. 18, Convergence India 2014, PragatiMadian, New Delhi.

     

    Intoday’s fierce and highly competitive broadcasting environment, sole revenue generating models of straight jacket spot selling are fast becoming redundant.

     

    A highly fragmented audience and an emerging class of smart advertisers exposed to the world of internet/world wide web are craving for a similar experience on TV as well since it’s the biggest screen in any household. This has made the industry look for a solution enabling localized content distribution and alternate possibilities of targeted advertising to create value for both broadcasters and advertisers.

     

    Addressing this need ofthe industry, Maya platform by Gaian Solutions is a technology that offers exciting real time localized cloud content services thus offering powerful tools to enhance Broadcasters programming content. This is done by delivering different broadcast content (Programs, Overlays, Advertisements, etc.) simultaneously across different locations at the same time. It has potential to change Satellite Broadcasters revenues by orders of magnitude.

     

    Chandra Kotaru, President and CEO – Gaian Solutions said “From the outsetwe have set the bar for technological innovation in digital TV, achieving an unrivalled array of industry firsts.Another such innovationMayais a breakthrough solution which has phenomenal potential to grow Indian TV industry by magnitude and it will increase value for all stake holders of Indian TV Broadcast ecosystem.”

     

    The Maya platform offers six never-before seen solutions to the challenges and opportunities facing today’s broadcasters.

     

    1. IP Free Edge Insertion: Maya’s localization technology integrates internet feeds and cloud content delivery mechanisms right into the uplink broadcast eliminating the need for internet connectivity at the edge devices. This liberates broadcasters from any kind of ecosystem challenges in commercializing localized data services.

     

    2. Platform Agnostic Localization: Maya is platform agnostic ensuring seamless localization across all delivery channels be it a satellite broadcast or an OTT platform.

     

    3. Satellite IRD Cloud Receiver: For the first time ever, Maya’s IRD integrates cloud and satellite reception into one device.

     

    4. Full Featured HD IRD Storage Streamer: Therefore this full HD IRD player and streamer ensure savings on broadcasters HD migration budgets.

     

    5. Full Featured Back Office & Self care Portal: Maya offers a full featured Back Office & Self-Care portal to automate the work flow of sourcing, delivery, approval, distribution, proof of play and billing of local advertisements

     

    6. Automated Social Media Feed Injection: Maya allows broadcasters to report breaking news, latest events and trending topics, as they happen on Social Media platforms.

     

    Thus Maya allows broadcaster to:-

     

    • Change the broadcast deferred by region and by time at a click of a button from central studio. Deferred Broadcast by Region

     

    • Enhance coverage of local events, rallies, and public meetings etc., on one part of the TV screen while the other part continues to run on the primary screen

     

    • Insert all overlays of the edge using MAYA Edge Insertion Device that is 3D ready

     

    • Supports local storage, advance audio options and unlimited regional language.

     

    • Grow engagements with minimum CAPEX wherein the investment can be made by region right for localization.

     

    • Go local on a global platform (GLOCAL Concept). ‘Maya’ is a Television broadcaster’s localization platform.

     

    In a nutshell, Maya platform provides an end to end seamless solution to Satellite Broadcasters’ various needs of management & controls of hardware, software, content & business services by advance usage of technology.  Prime aim is to increase more avenues for satellite broadcast industry to increase business intake, top line revenue as well as improve the bottom line profitability.

     

    Maya Platform has already found the partners in Indian Broadcast Industry, Information TV Private Ltd , the network which owns and operates 9x News and India News bouquet of TV channels and Spoorthi Communications Pvt. Ltd. which operates ‘10TV’a Telugu News channel from Andhra Pradesh,  have commissioned Gaian Solutions to install ‘Maya Platform’ for their channels.

     

    To speak about Maya Platform, Kartikeya Sharma, MD of ITV Network said, “There has always been a notion that news channels are not profitable, but I feel quite contrary to that. I think news channels can be profitable if we get our business models right. Things are changing rapidly and technology has a very important role to play, so if channels adapt and learn technology, then it can be really helpful in their growth and Maya Platform is the key.

     

    ‘We are really exited to adopt Maya Platform, as it opens various new ways to communicate with our viewers at grass root level where they are more concerned with local issues which directly affect and influences their life, Maya Platform helps us do so and monetize local advertising opportunities at the same time,” Quoted S. Prasad, COO of  10TV.