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Category: Press Release

  • DD Urdu revamps itself with a bouquet of new programmes

    DD Urdu revamps itself with a bouquet of new programmes

    MUMBAI: DD Urdu has infused fresh blood in its programming with a bouquet of new serials and shows that encapsulate the essence of our heritage and culture and feature relevant societal issues, and now they are set to enchant the audience with their creative brilliance. The step has been taken in continuation of the revamp activity that was initiated on 15th January, 2014. The time band of 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm has been scheduled for 40 new commissioned programmes.

     

    The shows will cover different genres to appeal to the different brackets of audience. The channel will showcase serial based on the memorable works of Urdu literary stalwart Saadat Hasan Manto, produced by Mukta Arts. Some of the fictions to be aired are based on classic Urdu literature like, ‘Bagh-o-Bahar’.

     

    The popular genres like thriller, comedy and musical reality shows are also included in this bouquet. DD Urdu has roped in eminent TV personalities as director/producer of the programmes, Sh. Parikshit Sahni is one them for example. A well known name of the music world, Ms. Ila Arun will direct one musical reality show titled ‘Main Khayal Hoon Kisi Aur Ka, Mujhe Sochta Koi Aur Hai’, this one hour reality show is scheduled on every Sunday at 8:00 pm.

     

    Other music shows based on devotion, ghazal and patriotic lyrics are scheduled in morning and evening like ‘Naghma-e-Marifat’, ‘Sada-e-Watan’ and ‘Junoon-e-Ghazal’, etc. will be televised. Four documentary series on science, painting and Urdu poets, two chat shows (one on marginality issues and other on women discourse), one health show, one cookery show, one travel show, one docu-drama named ‘Hindustan Ki Talash’ written by Hon’ble Minister Sh. Salman Khursheed, one literary programme ‘Aaftab-e-Sukhan’, one programme for children titled ‘Nasha Masiha’ are scheduled to give a fresh look to DD Urdu. Other serials like ‘Akhir Kab Tak’, ‘Aangan’, ‘Firangee’ and ‘Chiraagh’ are also to be aired.

     

    Adding more flavour to this feast of entertainment, 3 films are being telecast on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 2:00 pm, repeat at 10:00 pm. Some in-house programmes are being aired, like, ‘Guftagoo- Walk the Talk’, ‘Mubahisa’, ‘Yaadon Ke Dareeche Se’, ‘Aina-e-Maazi’ and ‘Mushaira’ etc.

     

    Some in-house programmes on National, Middle East, South Asia, neighbouring countries and international current affairs are also scheduled at 9:30 pm. 10 Urdu news bulletins are also on air.

     

  • ET Now decodes the World Economic Forum at Davos

    ET Now decodes the World Economic Forum at Davos

    MUMBAI: ET Now will decipher the global trends emerging out of the World Economic Forum at Davos and its impact on the Indian economy and markets through its crisp and impactful series, Davos Direct, every night at 10 pm from January 21 to January 25.

     

    The special show brings exclusive interactions with the most prominent Indian policy makers like P. Chidambaram (Hon’ble Union Finance Minister), Anand Sharma (Hon’ble Union Minister of Commerce & Industry), and Montek Singh Ahluwalia (Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission). Also, the cr?me-de-la-cr?me of corporate India like Sunil Mittal, S.D. Shibulal, Uday Kotak and N. Chandrasekaran will discuss the nuances of India Inc.

     

    The event will witness a multitude of dignitaries from across the world who will engage in collaborative discussions which are directed towards this year’s theme ‘The Reshaping of the World: Consequences for Society, Politics and Business’. With a decade worth of experience featuring key path-breaking stories, Supriya Shrinate, ET NOW’s policy editor will present the developments at Davos as they unfold.

     

    Besides, ET NOW will also share exclusive insights by global thought leaders and economists like Joseph Stiglitz, Jeffrey Sachs, John Studzinski, John Rice, Stephen Pagliuca and Kenneth Rogoff on the revival of the global economy.

  • Avian Media further strengthens leadership team in Mumbai

    Avian Media further strengthens leadership team in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: With an aim to further strengthen its consumer practice in Mumbai, Avian Media has appointed Shalmana Tendulkar as Group Business Director, Consumer practice.

     

    Shalmana brings wealth of knowledge and domain experience of over 17 years. Having worked as an independent consultant and with agencies, Shalmana has in-depth knowledge of the media and broadcast industry having consulted general entertainment channels (GEC), news channels, radio channels, as well as niche channels in the action, movie, music and kids genre. Shalmana has also led publicity of feature films and managed celebrity brands.

     

    Over the years, Shalmana has also worked on consumer brands, having handled campaigns for large FMCG companies like HUL, Kellogg’s and Colgate. Adding to her dynamic portfolio, Shalmana has a number of special events like the tours of Def Leppard, Ricky Martin and Elton John to her credit.

     

    Nitin Mantri, CEO, Avian Media, said: “We are very pleased to have Shalmana join our growing Mumbai office. With her vast experience and expertise, we hope to boost the capability of our already successful consumer practice. Over the years, while working with some of the leading consumer brands, we have built the right talent and expertise to deliver successful PR campaigns for our clients. Under Shalmana’s tutelage, we will continue to accelerate this growth and deliver impactful campaigns for our clients.”

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Shalmana Tendulkar, said, “I am really excited to be a part of Avian Media and its talented team that has a proven track record of delivering successful PR campaigns and servicing standards. Avian Media is currently well positioned to write a new chapter in the growth story and I look forward to contribute to the augmentation of the firm by expanding the Consumer practice offerings.”

     

    In her role as the Group Business Director of the consumer practice at Mumbai office of Avian Media, Shalmana will bring in a renewed focus and direction to the existing client campaigns, harnessing the in-house talent and growing client base in the vertical.

  • Sundance Institute receives $5 million grant from Open Society Foundations

    Sundance Institute receives $5 million grant from Open Society Foundations

    Park City, Utah: Innovative documentary films addressing some of the most important issues facing the world today received a boost with a $5 million grant to the Sundance Institute. Christopher Stone, president of the Open Society Foundations, announced the dollar-for-dollar matching grant at the Sundance Film Festival.

     

    “My foundations have long supported arts and culture-especially film-as a means to build and strengthen open societies around the world,” said George Soros, Founder and Chairman of the Open Society Foundations. “This support will help bring open society issues to a wider audience.”

     

    The Sundance Institute’s Documentary Film Program advances nonfiction storytelling on a broad range of contemporary social issues and provides leading support for independent documentary filmmakers worldwide. 

     

    The Open Society Foundations in 1996 launched the Documentary Film Program, which was made part of Sundance Institute in 2002.

     

    “Documentary films profoundly impact our culture; they challenge the traditional role of journalism by illuminating stories that inform, inspire and connect us as members of a global community, said Robert Redford, Founder and President of Sundance Institute. “The continued support from George Soros and the Open Society Foundations speaks to our shared belief in the value and power of documentary film.” 

     

    Through a suite of year-round programs including direct grants to filmmakers, Labs, creative and tactical resources, and a variety of partnerships and international initiatives, the program provides a unique, global resource for contemporary independent documentary film. 

     

     “The Open Society Foundations have long been one of the world’s leading supporters of those defending and promoting human rights,” said Chris Stone, President of the Open Society Foundations. “We believe that film can intensify conversations on rights, justice, and social ills.”

     

    For nearly three decades, Sundance Institute has promoted independent storytelling to inform and inspire audiences across political, social, religious and cultural differences. Through labs, funding, special projects with key partners and the Sundance Film Festival, the Institute serves as the leading advocate for independent artists worldwide. 

     

     “As the landscape of non-fiction storytelling continues to evolve, independent documentary filmmakers are increasingly exploring new forms and formats.” said Keri Putnam, Executive Director of Sundance Institute. “With the support of Open Society Foundations, Sundance Institute will continue to seek out and support inventive artists whose work pushes the boundaries of non-fiction story telling and whose stories redefine existing notions of human rights.” 

      

    Putnam added “Sundance is also committed to providing access to platforms for artists to creatively distribute their films and inspire and engage audiences around the world.” 

     

    The Open Society Foundations, founded by George Soros, works in more than 100 countries to promote vibrant and tolerant democracies. The original Documentary Film Program paved the way for numerous contributions to storytelling and impact around human rights issues, seeding films that appeared globally in festivals, conferences, on public broadcasting and on cable and other outlets internationally, reaching millions of viewers and mainstreaming the importance of human rights considerations into prevailing social discourse. Its very existence helped establish the emerging primacy of documentary film in galvanizing and consolidating interest and action around key human rights issues, proving to be a model for other funds and initiatives. 

  • Dainik Bhaskar launches edition in Patna

    Dainik Bhaskar launches edition in Patna

    MUMBAI: DB Corp Limited (DBCL), one of India’s leading print media companies and home to flagship newspapers Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar and Divya Marathi today announced the highly successful launch of Dainik Bhaskar’s new edition from Patna, Bihar. With this launch, DB Corp Ltd now publishes 8 newspapers with 67 editions across 14 states across India, strengthening its position as India’s largest print media company. With the launch of Dainik Bhaskar in Bihar, the media conglomerate has stormed Patna city with its awe-inspiring and impressive presence reinforced by a well strategized marketing and sales campaign that has once again proved its exceptional execution strength. Even in the presence of other formidable competitive news dailies, the people of Patna have whole heartedly embraced the publication’s offerings with rave reviews of the product that has made very deep positive first impressions with new readers, all of which have contributed to another landmark launch success story.

     

    Commenting on Dainik Bhaskar’s successful Bihar foray Mr. Sudhir Agarwal, Managing Director, DB Corp Limited, “We are thrilled and excited with a tremendous start to the new year and an overwhelming response to our launch in Bihar. This was truly an exciting challenge in a region with formidable peers. We have been studying the Bihar market for long which has a literacy rate of 64%. In line with our market identification criteria; we sensed and explored the opportunity in Patna that revealed impressive demographic features and high market potential – being the 15th most developed city in India as per GDP, high per capita consumption, and a key agricultural hub with rapid infrastructure growth. It is also the 5th fastest growing city in India and the 21st in the world. 

     

    Our intensive on-ground study exposed an exciting prospect where we could establish a leadership position and create a marked impact in terms of readership and circulation. Once again the results have reiterated our execution capabilities, meticulous pre survey planning and thorough pre-launch strategies until seamless final roll-out. We unveiled our marketing campaign with bolder creative outdoor branding and a firm goal of igniting the Bhaskar brand in Bihar. Our product has already achieved wide acceptance and we are delighted that Dainik Bhaskar has emerged as a product with very powerful, unbiased content appealing to diverse readership categories. We are committed to making it the most preferred vehicle to participate in and look forward to actively participating in the region’s socio-economic progress.”

  • Isobar’s Graham Kelly to judge Adfest 2014

    Isobar’s Graham Kelly to judge Adfest 2014

    BANGKOK: Creative leader and entrepreneur Graham Kelly is joining next year’s festival as Jury President of Interactive Lotus and Mobile Lotus.

     

    Kelly is Regional Executive Creative Director at Isobar Asia Pacific, based in Singapore, where he oversees the creative output of 21 offices across 13 markets. Kelly also sits on Isobar’s regional team, working on key multinational accounts and new business development.

     

    “I’m delighted to be joining ADFEST this year. Asia is renowned for ground breaking digital work. Moreover it’s the world’s most dynamic mobile market.  So I’m looking forward to seeing some outstanding creative this year,” says Kelly.

     

    Kelly has been Executive Creative Director (ECD) and Regional ECD at some of the world’s leading advertising agencies including Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, BBH and TBWA. He moved to Asia in 1991.

     

    In August 2010, he co-founded GKIM Pte Ltd, a digital ideas start-up that works with agencies, brands and inventors. The company’s 3D colouring app, ‘Color the World’ has earned plaudits and extensive media coverage.

     

    While launching GKIM, Kelly also worked as National ECD for OgilvyOne India until November 2012, joining Isobar as Regional Executive Creative Director, Asia Pacific, six months later.

     

    Kelly’s work has won awards at the world’s most prestigious advertising shows, and he has judged almost every major local show across Asia.  He is also a regular speaker at key advertising events. His most recent speeches have centred on how to use digital – in particular, social media – more creatively.

     

    “Graham’s experience transcends the traditional and digital world, which will hold him in good stead as Jury President of the Interactive and Mobile Lotus categories at ADFEST,” says ADFEST President Jimmy Lam.

  • Zee TV goes the edutainment way with Jodha Akbar

    Zee TV goes the edutainment way with Jodha Akbar

    MUMBAI: Whether it is being the first satellite television in India in 1992, or introducing non-fiction formats of singing and dance talent hunt shows that set the trend for competition to follow or producing fiction shows that address social issues in a poignant manner and drive societal change, Zee TV has been a pioneer in the Hindi GEC space.

     

    In the age of ‘on-the-go content consumption’, Zee TV has been carving a distinct niche for itself in the digital space through a slew of initiatives across its different shows over the last 5 years. Whether it is through Facebook and smartphone apps, augmented reality consoles at malls or innovations in the voting mechanism of its reality shows, Zee TV continues to be at the helm of innovation in the digital space too.

     

    Being the most widely followed and universally loved historical saga on Indian Television, Zee TV’s No. 1 showJodha Akbar has won the hearts of its viewers across India. With an unparalleled rating of 11019 TVTs last week, the show is the biggest historical ever on Indian television. Now, Zee TV takes the leadership initiative yet again and is all set to make history go digital in making its popular historical saga accessible to viewers and fans as a first-of-its-kind e-book and a mobile game.

     

    The digital rendition of India’s history opens up an exciting avenue for children who shy away from their History text-books … why just kids? How many of us adults remember the broad chapters of Indian history after having gone through the grind at school? Ensuring that its readers stay glued to it once they start, Jodha Akbar’s e-book titled‘The Zee TV Mughal Empire E-Book’ presents historical facts and figures through vibrant word pictures, an arresting narration and illustrations that entertain while educating. Starting from the times of Babar and spanning across various centuries, the e-book covers the glorious reign of Shehenshah Akbar right up to Prince Shahjahan. This entire saga of the Mughal reign in India is brought alive through this e-book.

     

    Comprising 6 mini-games, the Jodha-Akbar game has various fun, exciting elements all packed together, making it a must-have app on your phone. Challenge your knowledge about the Mughal Empire through a quiz game – The Grand Entry. Test your reflexes as you race along the battle field combating the enemy in ‘The Ride of your Life’ and ‘The Battle Royale’. ‘Fort Quest’ is a game that gives you a chance to step into the shoes of the great warrior Akbar and conquer the fort. With each threshold crossed in points your rank increases in the Mughal Army from ‘Mansabdar’ to a ‘Wazir’ to a ‘Jawaan’ and finally cross a score of 1 lac points to gain the title of the ‘Mughal Baadshah’ and unlock a secret game ‘The Nine Jewels’!

     

    Talking about launching the game and e-book, Akash Chawla – Head, Marketing – National Channels , ZEEL said, “Zee TV, has been at the forefront in the GEC space with its initiatives in the digital domain over the past 5 years. At a time when ‘on-demand’ and ‘on the go’ entertainment is the order of the day, we have been successful in providing our viewers with both, on-air as well as digital content that has kept them engrossed and engaged. While the innovative e-book packs in it the entire history of the Mughal Empire through vibrant pictorial depictions and a crisp narration, the game will test your knowledge of the Mughal era, ability to think like a warrior and transport you into the world of Jodha Akbar. While entertaining the masses with our on-air content remains our mainstay, we have gone the edutainment way while creating a digital footprint with Jodha Akbar.”

     

    Available now on Online at http://www.zeetv.com/jodha-akbar/ and on Android platforms as the ‘Jodha Akbar Game’ and ‘‘The Zee TV Mughal Empire E-Book’, the game and e-book will be available soon on the IOS platform as well. Even as the show’s popularity continues to soar on the tube, the game and e-book will get viewers of the show to experience the world of Jodha Akbar like never before.

     

    Do not miss Jodha Akbar, Every Monday – Friday at 8:00 PM, Only on Zee TV!

  • CNN in Davos for special business coverage

    CNN in Davos for special business coverage

    MUMBAI: The World Economic Forum returns to Davos for its annual gathering next week, and CNN International will be reporting live throughout this key event in the business calendar.

     
    With recovery from the 2008 financial crisis beginning to gather pace, this year’s event focuses on the role economics has to play in the reshaping of global society.

     

    From Monday January 20 to Friday January 24, CNN business correspondents Richard Quest, Nina dos Santos and John Defterios, alongside Fareed Zakaria, will deliver live daily coverage from the heart of the Swiss mountain town, which is transformed each year for the summit.

     

    With unique access to CEOs, financiers and world leaders, CNN will be posing tough questions on topics from youth unemployment to corporate responsibility, as well as asking whether the current model for global capitalism is fit for purpose.

     

    Mike McCarthy, Senior Vice President, Programming, at CNN International, said: “Our coverage of Davos marks the start of a big year for business on CNN, both on TV and online. Our commitment to the World Economic Forum is as strong as ever, and our anchors have unrivalled experience in covering this key event on the economic calendar.”

     

    Davos Coverage:

    World Business Today: Airs Monday to Friday at 1430 and 1930 IST

    Quest Means Business: Airs Tuesday to Saturday at 0930 IST

    Davos Debrief: Richard Quest hosts a post-WEF debate from Zurich. Airs Saturday February 1 at 1300 IST, Sunday February 2 at 1700 IST, and Monday February 3 at 0700 IST

     

    CNN.com will host dedicated coverage throughout the WEF including news, comment and expert analysis at www.cnn.com/davos

  • Global fashion and lifestyle brand “Smiley” to enter India

    Global fashion and lifestyle brand “Smiley” to enter India

    MUMBAI: Smiley, one of the most recognized icons in the world and an iconic global and lifestyle fashion brand, today announced its plans to enter India market through its anchor brand Smiley. The company’s plan is to set up exclusive Smiley stores which would have the complete merchandise of The Smiley Company – apparel, sportswear, shoes, bags, jewellery, school merchandise, accessories and even Smiley branded chocolates and confectionery.

    Brandspoke is seeking Indian partners including distributors, manufacturers, and franchise partners to establish Smiley as the preferred fashion and lifestyle brand.

    Smiley was founded in 1972 by creator Franklin Loufrani. Owner of the iconic smiley logo and emoticons, in 1997, Franklin’s son Nicolas Loufrani introduced the first emoticons which later became the universe of Smiley¬ World. Its products are sold worldwide with strong trademark and copyright protection.

    Smiley has already registered its trademark in over 100 countries and active in more than 25 different industries. The Smiley brand and logo have significant exposure through licensees in sectors like clothing, home decoration, perfumery, plush, stationery, publishing, and through promotional campaigns.

     
    Speaking on the Smiley Company’s strategy for India market, Mr. Nicolas Loufrani, CEO, Smiley said, “Smiley’s number one market in the digital world is currently India which represents almost 15% of our entire global fan base. Having started to seed our positive values online and seeing the tremendous interaction with our Indian fans we feel it is now time to extend our activities here and provide them with the Smiley products they all dearly wish to see”.

    About “Smiley London” and Smiley “Happy Sports” product ranges showcased at India Fashion Forum 2014, Mumbai, India.

    “Smiley London” is a daring revival of the Smiley heritage born out of the Brit¬ish electronic and house music scene, where Smiley ruled the dance floors. Smiley London revisits back in the day when it was about unity and togeth¬erness and revives the spirit of wearing your smiley with pride and keeping the beats alive.

    Smiley “Happy Sports” delivers a colourful and vibrant alternative to an overtly branded sports fashion market, drawing from the original concept behind sports fashion and reminding people that sport and activity is about movement, teamwork, togetherness, enjoyment and making the most of your life. Happy Sports works with bold and bright colour ways to deliver a collection which catches the eye.

    The ever expanding collection targeted at a young 18-to-35 years fashion audience is bang on trend stylish high quality tee’s, tops, hoodies, varsity jackets, baseball caps, beanies all with on trend print applications, such as metallic foils, urban camo’s and classic smiley prints.

    The designs are positive and energetic which is both universal and accessible, appealing to all ages and sporting interests. Smiley ‘Happy Sports’ sells a philosophy of ‘Stay Active, Stay Happy’.

     

  • Ditto TV brings Zee Jaipur Literature Festival to your fingertips

    Ditto TV brings Zee Jaipur Literature Festival to your fingertips

    MUMBAI: Ditto TV, India’s first OTT (Over-The-Top) TV distribution platform from Zee New Media, the digital arm of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) will showcase events from the most eagerly awaited and the biggest annual literary event in Asia: Jaipur Literature Festival, this year. Viewers will be able to catch all the action from the five day literary commemoration including the keynote address, book readings, seminars, art and performances, and much more. It is indeed an exciting opportunity for avid book lovers, music and literary enthusiasts to experience the magic and euphoria of the festival on their mobile screens at their convenient time.  

    Speaking on this uniqueoffering, Manoj Padmanabhan, Business Head, Ditto TV said, “Zee Jaipur Literature Festival is one of the most sought after literary events in the year. Literature lovers can now watch videos of the festival at their convenience, anywhere, at any time.”

    The key events at the Jaipur festival will be packaged into multiple video clips and will be available for free.

    The Jaipur Literature Festival brings together some of the greatest thinkers and writers from across South Asia and the world. The festival which will be hosted at the beautiful Diggi Palace in Jaipur between January 17-21st, 2014 will have some of the world’s most celebrated personalities like AmartyaSen, Jason Burke, JhumpaLahiri speaking at the event. This year,the festival is expected to have about 2 lakh literature lovers from across the world and over 240 authors for five days of debate and discussion, from fiction to biography, history to music.

    Today, Ditto TV offers the largest collection of premium content through 67 LIVE TV channels spread across leading genres like GEC, Sports, Lifestyle, Regional and Newsalong with rich on-demand video capabilities. Ditto TV canbe downloaded from www.dittotv.com