ITV

Category: Press Release

  • The Man’s World Show wins ‘Best Entertainment Programme’ at 2006 Asian Television Awards in Singapore

    Mumbai: AXN, the action and adventure channel for Indian viewers, received international recognition for its top rated series The Man’s World Show when it won the heavily contested “Best Entertainment Programme” category at the 2006 Asian Television Awards ceremony held last Thursday in Singapore.

    The Man’s World Show was a first-of-its-kind television programme in India that was focused on issues that matter to men in a tongue-in-cheek fashion. Irreverent and cheeky, the show was hosted by Ash Chandler and Vrajesh Hirjee, who interviewed top celebrity guests, and also gave advice about fashion, cars, gadgets and new trends, all while keeping the viewers laughing for the length of the show.

    Says Sunder Aaron, Creator of The Man’s World Show and Country Head of AXN, “AXN over the years has built a large and loyal viewership base in India. Creating an AXN original production for our viewers was the next step in meeting viewers’ needs and will help us solidify our leadership of the English entertainment genre in India. With The Man’s World Show, we were consciously trying to produce a show for men that would be different from all else seen on Indian television. Of course, we wanted all the women out there to watch too.”

    Adds Ricky Ow, General Manager of SPE Networks – Asia, is delighted with the win, “For our one-year-old AXN production unit, we cannot ask for a better start. Not only did The Man’s World Show win the ‘Best Entertainment Programme’ in Asia, but Mondo Magic Singapore was also highly commended for its entertainment efforts. Both shows have a unique and bold approach in ensuring that the entertainment value on AXN is high and yet is different from what others are doing. The awards have confirmed the quality of AXN original productions along with top flight international series such as CSI, The Amazing Race, 24 and Nip/Tuck.”

    Targeting an upwardly mobile male audience, The Man’s World Show provided the Indian viewers with advice, answers, options and ideas for their evolving cosmopolitan lifestyles. With its real life cast and characters (and a little bit of chaos mixed in), this AXN Original Production presented each episode with a different theme of importance.

    The two quirky hosts livened up the show with their fast talk and quick wits, and with the help of regular figures like Sonia the Bartender, Doctor Love, and Benny the thirty-year-old virgin, who helped shed light on everything that a man wants or needs to know.

    The audience was treated to episodes with themes such as “The Art of Seduction”, “The Rules of Success in the Workplace”, and “How to be the Perfect Lover”. The appearance of celebrity guests like Hollywood superstar – Will Smith combined with a bevy of Bollywood beauties like Tanishaa, Celina Jaitely, Amrita Arora, Mandira Bedi, Minisha Lamba among a host of others increased the glamour quotient on the show by leaps and bounds! The celebrities on the show were seen in a new light when they gave the viewers their very personal views on love and life.

    Says Sunder Aaron, “News of the award is especially exciting for us because it perfectly sets the stage for Season 2 of The Man’s World Show, launching on AXN in January, 2007. More on that later!”

    About AXN

    Delivering top rated series, blockbuster features, adventure-reality and first-run lifestyle sports programming, AXN is a leading international television destination among young adults 18-34. AXN is seen in 50 countries across Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and is part of Sony Pictures Television International’s diverse portfolio of over 40 global networks. Sony Pictures Television International is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

    AXN Asia is available to more than 78 million households 24-hours daily throughout Asia in Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, South Korea, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Maldives, Mongolia and in hotels and VIP compounds in China. AXN can also be seen in 40 million cable television households on time-block basis in China. More information about AXN can be found online at www.axn-india.com.

    For media enquiries, please contact:
    Deepa/ Kehkashan/ Shahnaz
    LinOpinion
    #9820453418/ 9821131138/ 9323894697

  • Chennai Open 2007 spreads its wings to a large Global Audience

    MUMBAI: It doesn’t get bigger than this! Chennai Open, India’s first ATP International Series Tennis tournament and one of the only nine ATP events in whole of Asia will be reaching to a worldwide audience in 2007. Chennai Open 2007 will be telecast through the strong TV broadcast network of 7 top international TV channels reaching more than one billion households across 140 countries worldwide. Chennai Open 2007 will be held from Jan 1-7, 2007 at the Nungambakkam Stadium, Chennai.

    In a major development, the strong television network of Zee Sports, Canal +: Spain, SNTV, Fox TV, Argentina, Trans World Sports, Viasat – Scandinavia (Viasat Sport Sweden, Viasat Sport Denmark and Viasat Sport Norway) and Bet & Win from Germany will telecast the high voltage action every day live from the courts of Chennai Open, an event that has changed the face of Indian tennis and continues to set the standards for any international sports event staged in India.

    Sports enthusiasts across the globe will get an opportunity to watch the best field ever in the history of the tournament in action comprising of World No 2, Rafael Nadal (Spain), World No. 8, David Nalbandian (Argentina), World No 43, Carlos Moya (Spain), World No 53, Paradorn Srichaphan (Thailand), World No 37, Xavier Malisse (Belgium), World No 40, Julien Benneteau, World No 52, Fabrice Santoro amongst others.

    Says Fernando Soler, Tournament Director, Chennai Open, “We are thrilled with the growing popularity of the tournament across all demographics of audience worldwide. With a humble beginning in 1996, Chennai Open now, in its 12th year, has really come alive for the sports fans across the length and breadth of the globe. The presence of a strong line-up of players of the likes of Boris Becker, Carlos Moya, Richard Krajicek, Rafael Nadal and India’s own Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi over the years indicates that the Chennai Open has gained respect throughout the ATP tour. Continuing with its legacy, Chennai Open 2007 promises to showcase world class tennis for its fans across the world with its impressive roster of international stars featuring as many as 18 players from Top 100.”

    Chennai Open, which has been awarded with prestigious awards like ATP Award for excellence-1997 & 1999, ATP Award for best promoted tournament (International group) -1998 and ATP’s Player Services Award of Excellence – 2006, in the past, has acquired the status of a much sought-after tennis event for both players and fans alike in the International tennis circuit. The tournament has branded Chennai as a global sporting destination on the world map.

    Mr. Balu Nayar, Managing Director, IMG India, “Chennai Open has been a trend-setter for other major sporting events in the country. The star-studded field, action packed matches and the successful organization of the tournament, year after year, has been instrumental in capturing the imagination of the sports enthusiasts, thus creating an experience that takes them beyond the TV sets into the thick of the action. With the objective of reaching out to wider audiences this year, the strong TV broadcast plan for Chennai Open 2007, promises audiences from over 140 countries worldwide of some quality high voltage tennis in the coming days.

    “Also, as a result of the increasing global reach of this tournament, this year we are happy to provide enhanced visibility to our sponsors, who have thrust their belief in the uniqueness of the tournament and have provided us with their unfailing support to take Chennai Open to new heights every year.”

    The matches of Chennai Open 2007 will be telecast on Zee Sports in the Indian Sub Continent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan). The telecast rights of the US$ 416,000 tournament were awarded to the premier broadcaster by IMG, who owns and organizes Chennai Open.

    IMG’s television division, TWI, will be responsible for producing the programming for Chennai Open. TWI is the world’s largest independent distributor and producer of televised sports. The international reach to the tournament will be ensured through a TV broadcast plan as mentioned below:

     

    · Fox Sports: South America (excluding Brazil), Central America and Mexico

    · Canal+: Spain.

    · Trans World Sports: The world’s most popular sports magazine show with a reach of 260 million households over 131 countries worldwide.

    · SNTV: The world’s only dedicated sports news TV agency, with a reach of 850 million people worldwide

    · Viasat – Scandinavia: Through its network of Viasat Sport Sweden (Reach: 1440 000 households), Viasat Sport Denmark (Reach: 720 000 households and Viasat Sport Norway (Reach: 800 000 households, Viasat will reach out to the Northern Europe region.

    · Bet & Win from Germany will promote the tournament on its network worldwide (ex India) on internet / broadband.

    Also, on another note, with the global reach of the tournament getting larger every year, as many as 27 brands have got associated with Chennai Open 2007 thus reaping the benefit of creating top-of-mind recall to a wider audience across the world.

    The list of the sponsors for Chennai Open 2007 is:
     

  • BIG 92.7 FM’s “Nakli No.1”- the first ever on-air mimicry hunt

    MUMBAI: BIG 92.7 FM is currently airing an innovative on-air talent contest for Mumbai’s mimicry enthusiasts called “Nakli No. 1.” This first ever FM mimicry hunt, aims at those passionate about impersonating their favorite celebrities. The contest will offer them the opportunity to display their talent to the public and the best of all mimics stands to win a year long contract with BIG FM as an RJ.

     

    Arjun Singgh Baran, Station Head 92.7 FM, Mumbai commenting on the contest said “We are excited to be hosting a show that gives us the chance to reach out so many talented individuals and discover hidden gems that have the power to entertain the public. Mimicry is something that everyone enjoys as the voice of our favourite stars is the next best thing to the actual celebrity! Also the medium of radio, works to the advantage of the participants as there is more emphasis on how they sound rather than the way they look”.

     

    He adds, “Most great comedians in India have worked their way up by impersonating their idols. I am confident that through Nakli No. 1, BIG 92.7 will discover the next BIG comedian of the country.”

     

    To enter Nakli No 1, one can call from the mobile phone on 5055454 (For Idea, Hutch & Airtel users) or from 1255554 for MTNL/BSNL mobile users and record their voice, exhibiting their mimic talent. Alternatively one can message “SMS NAKLI” to 5454, and they will be contacted to seek their voice clip.

     

    One can also tune into BIG 92.7 FM for more details or log on to www.big927fm.com

     

    The short listed entries will be heard on BIG 92.7 FM and the grand finale of the Mumbai contestants will conclude in a gala event with the best mimicry talent across Mumbai on December 23, 2006.

  • ESPN STAR Sports announces Garv campaign for PHL

    ESPN STAR Sports announces Garv campaign for PHL

    MUMBAI: ESPN STAR Sports has taken Hockey in India to a new high with the third edition of the Premier Hockey League (PHL). The premier broadcaster is building PHL, the premier hockey tournament in the country, on regional pride to evoke popular support for the seven teams in the league. After the announcement of celebrities supporting the seven teams, PHL today announced the campaign “Garv Nahin to Kuch Nahin” which will support certain causes for each PHL team from the seven states. PHL will build support and will contribute towards renaissance of sports in the state of Maharashtra.

    Announcing the causes for each state, R C Venkateish, Managing Director of ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd said, “People are passionate about seeing their team win and this regional pride of witnessing your team perform well will motivate them to stand up and be counted. The “Garv Nahin to Kuch Nahin” campaigns look to highlight the regional pride among the seven states and invoke support through the causes that are a part of state we all live in. We plan to celebrate January 4, 2007 as “The Pride Day” across the country when PHL begins as a mark of passion and love for hockey and support and encouragement for your own state team.”

    PHL will encourage regional support through PHL team bands that will sold at ADIDAS outlets across the country. ESPN STAR Sports has also tied up with the music company Sa Re Ga Ma to build a Garv package that will be retailed at stores in the country. Fans across the nation will also be able to download a host of features like ring tones and wallpapers to support their favourite teams. Proceeds from the sale of the bands, the albums and the downloadable services will go towards the dedicated cause of the region. In Maharashtra, the proceeds will be diverted to the sports associations and federations as funds for the resurgence of the Maratha sports community which boasts of an illustrious legacy in India.

    This announcement follows the recent announcement by the brand ambassadors for each team in the league, who were roped in to uplift the team spirit and provide popular support to the teams off the field as a part of the “Garv Nahin to Kuch Nahin” campaign. Southern movie superstar Madhavan will throw his lot behind the Chennai Veerans while the eternal loverboy of Bollywood Jimmy Sheirgill roots for Sher-e-Jalandar. Likewise, VVS Laxman will back Hyderabad Sultans, Ravi Shastri will support Maratha Warriors, Debashish Mohanty will back Orissa Steelers while Prakash Padukone will champion the cause of Bangalore Lions.

    Speaking on the occasion Ravi Shastri said, “PHL will be the genesis of the revival of Indian hockey and will hopefully carry the Indian national hockey side to important victories in tournaments abroad. I am proud to be a part of PHL cause that will look to uplift the sports scenario in Mumbai.”

    Launched with an aim of reviving the glory of hockey in India, the Premier Hockey League has already established itself as one of the most important hockey tournaments in the world. More than 25 international players from 6 countries have taken part in the two editions of the league so far. Commenting on the success of PHL, RC Venkateish said, “The premier hockey league has been a great success and has given a chance to many youngsters to groom themselves in the early stage of their career by rubbing shoulders with the best players in the world. The league will only become bigger in times to come.

  • Zee Business is the first Business Channel to Interview Narendra Modi

    Zee Business is the first Business Channel to Interview Narendra Modi

    MUMBAI: Zee Business, India’s first and only hindi business news channel will be telecasting the first ever interview of Gujarat CM Mr.Narendra Modi given to any business News Channel.

    With “Vibrant Gujarat’s Investor’s Summit” just round the corner the Gujarat CM asserted that he wants to make Gujarat the leader in having SEZs. He told Zee Business in an exclusive interview that apart from Reliance Petrolium, Essar Steel, Essar Oil, Adani Group and Zydus Cadila, many more world-renowned companies have been planning to invest in the state. He said ” 33 Special Economic Zones have already got approval from the central govt.”

     

    When asked the reason on the less number of automobile companies in the state he said that the state govt. is also planning to have Special Economic Zone for the automobile industry, which is worth $ 3 trillion worldwide. Rajkot is proposed as a place to establish he automobile SEZ. He further adds ” As Rajkot provides all the auto parts to the big automobile companies, it will be advantageous to have an automobile SEZ here. We also have the advantage of a port nearby.” A delegation of Japan Chamber of Commerce visited the state along with the Japanese ambassador and he was very optimistic about the proposed SEZ set up.

     

    Mr. Modi is looking forward to IT industry that has so far been the base in states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka etc. but now Gujarat will also boom in this sector. The government has signed MOU worth Rs. 11000 Crore. With various companies like Satyam, TCS, Infosys etc. there are going to be 4 IT parks from the DLF, Rahejas, and Iscon very soon.

    The most troublesome question was of Octroi in seven parts of the states, which was the reason of strong demonstrations in the state against it. The govt. has promised its withdrawal as VAT was there. Mr.Modi said “We want to withdraw octroi but we are finding some alternative way to settle the issue.”

     

    Mr.Modi also disclosed his long cherished dream of having the tallest building of the country in Gujarat.

    He also mentioned that the Jyotirgram Yojana which would provide 24 hrs electricity to 18000 villages of the state. The expenses are going to be as big as Rs.1200 Cr. to make this scheme operational.

    In the “Vibrant Gujrat Investors Summit” Gujarat is expected to sign some 1,75,000 MOUs.

    Watch Zee Business on Monday at 9 P.M. for the detailed interview.

  • Bid a joyous adieu to the year 2006 with STAR News

    Bid a joyous adieu to the year 2006 with STAR News

    MUMBAI: The year 2006 is coming to an end and its time to pop open the bubbly and celebrate, its time to make new resolutions and drop old ones, its time to welcome a new year with pomp and party.

    But this is also the time to ‘retrospect’, to think of the year gone by – muse over the moments that made this year memorable. Keeping this spirit in mind, STAR News ushers in the New Year with a slew of programming that will wrap up the year gone by in ‘delectable bites’.

    The channel has planned a series of specials that will capture, in the most interesting and unique format, all that made news in 2006 across genres like sports, politics, entertainment, crime, films, and many more.

    STAR News has always successfully packed in variety, style and novelty with a dash of wit and ‘tongue-in-cheek’ humour in its year-end specials and this year is certainly no exception.

    Starting from the last week of December, the channel will feature tailor-made specials that will effectively encapsulate the year 2006, bringing to the discerning viewers the best and the worst from all facets of the society.

    Below is a brief on what you can expect on STAR News capping off an eventful 2006:

    Saal Dhamaal

    [Dec 25 – 30; 9.30 – 10.00 pm / Dec31; 9.30 – 10.30 pm]

    A tongue-in-cheek look back at the year, with special focus on various walks of life like entertainment, cricket, politics, etc. The first six episodes of the programme will be anchored by Great Indian Laughter Challenge Champion – Sunil Pal. The special episode on 31st Dec would be anchored by a number of comic extraordinaires like Suresh Menon, Purvi Joshi, Sonya, Gaurav Gera, Kikoo, Kunal and Rakesh Paul.

    Best Of Saas Bahu Aur Saazish

    [Dec 25 – 31; 2.30 – 3.00 pm]

    The year that was for various GEC’s (Sony, Sahara, STAR Plus, Zee TV, SAB TV) with focus on new programme launches, serials going off air, on and off air happenings through the year, and most importantly recap of major serials across all channels.

    Zero No.1

    [Dec 25 – 31; 10.30 – 11.00 pm]

    This segment will aim to determine the ‘Zeros’ of 2006, i.e. all people who have been in the news for the wrong reasons. People’s responses will be gauged through SMS polls. Each day, there will be a poll on one of the following categories: cricket, politics, entertainment, convicts, and even spoilt brats. Thereafter, there will be a SMS poll conducted to adjudge winners of each category and also to adjudge a sole winner among all categories. This winner will be crowned zero number one of the year.

    Countdown Special

    [Dec 31; 11.00pm – Midnight]

    As the name suggests this special would be a countdown to the New Year and would capture the happening parties that are being hosted around the country, other outdoor festivities and astrological predictions of the progression of the year 2007.

    Kiski Khulegi Pol

    [Dec 30 & 31; 8.30 – 9.00 pm]

    This special programme will aim to identify people from various fields like politics, sports, entertainment, etc. who are most likely to come under the Pol Khol scanner in the upcoming New Year.

    Dekhoge To Hasoge

    [Dec 31; 1.00 – 2.00 pm]

    A one-hour special by the wacky and crazy comedian Suresh Menon, spoofing the memorable moments of 2006…

    So, as we prepare to usher in another year of well being, success and fulfillment, STAR News bids adieu to the year 2006 and offers a well-deserved tribute to the year gone by. Watch the Year-End Specials, starting December 25th 2006, only on STAR News.

  • TRAI releases consultation paper on “Review of Internet Services”

    MUMBAI: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India received a reference from Department of Telecommunication seeking recommendations on Internet Services. The Government is contemplating to review the policy of Internet Services with a view to address large number of ISP licenses, grey market operations, level playing field vis-?-vis other licensed telecom service providers, for a effective, regulated and forward looking ISP license.

    It may be recalled that Internet services were launched in India on 15th August 1995. In November 1998 the Government opened up the sector for providing Internet services by private operators. A liberal licensing regime was put in place with a view to increase Internet penetration across the country. Though large number of ISPs (389) has been licensed to operate Internet service today, top 20 ISPs provide Internet services to 98per cent subscribers.

    Internet Telephony has been permitted to 128 ISPs, however only 32 of them are presently providing Internet Telephony. The growth of Internet and Broadband is slow and with present growth it is not likely to achieve the target of 18 million Internet subscribers and 9 million Broadband connections by 2007.

    Government is concerned with increasing IP telephony called grey market. The loss of government revenue, unlicensed operation by certain operators in violation of law of the land, depleting market share of licensed operators are some of the reasons which necessitates urgent review of policy of Internet services as well as ISP licensing conditions.

     

    Numbers of new services like IP-TV, IP-Telephony etc are becoming very popular. The demands of the various content services are likely to increase in coming years. The scope of services under existing ISP license conditions are unclear. There is need to remove these ambiguities to smoothen roll out of these services while ensuring level playing field vis-a vis other licensed telecom operators.

     

    The consultation paper discusses in detail various issues like level playing field vis a vis other telecom service providers, different foreign direct investment limits for provision of similar services under different licenses, virtually no license fee, limited performance bank guarantee and charging of radio spectrum based on allocated frequency, hops, link length etc. While ISPs demand permission to provide emerging new services as IP based value added services, other licensed operators want level paying field as ISPs virtually pay no license fee and very low performance bank guarantee.

     

    ISPs are permitted to have 100 FDI if they do not setup their own gateway (74 per cent FDI if they setup their International gateway) but UASL and CMTS operators can normally get FDI up to just 49 per cent unless they fulfill other conditions in which case it can go up to 74 per cent. The spectrum charging mechanism for ISPs is based on complex mechanism and at time very costly.

     

    In order to address these issues pertaining to Internet Services, Authority has decided to release a consultation paper on “Review of Internet Services”. The consultation paper discusses in depth present scenario, regulatory environment, emerging trend and emphasizes the need to revamp internet services in India.

    The consultation paper is available on TRAI’s website: (www.trai.gov.in) All the stakeholders are requested to send their written comments to the Authority through email/ fax/letter by 15th January 2007

  • Broadcaster files case against hotel for showing TV channels without permission

    MUMBAI: A hotel Enclave in the Mumbai suburb of Khar was raided a few days ago for violation of copyright and theft of signals of ESPN Star Sports and Zee turner. Raid was jointly carried out by ESPN Star Sports and Zee Turner through its authorised representatives Novex Communication.

    An FIR was filed by along with equipments/related materials from the hotel. The equipments and related materials was also seized by the police.

    The hotel needs to take authorisation from the broadcaster directly and not through any cable operator/MSO. Under section 2(7) 1930 of sales of goods Act, if any channel is shown without our permission, it’s against the copyright act.

    Novex Communication GM Anurag Parmar says, “We once again request all commercial establishments, hotels and everybody who does this kind of thing to please avoid it.”

  • IBN 7‘s ‘Hindustan ki Kasam’ explores Mumbai’s local trains

     

    MUMBAI: IBN 7’s ‘Hindustan ki Kasam’ will be in Mumbai this week discussing the city’s distinctive suburban train system. Covering vast geographical distances to include as much of the local population as possible, this network is the principle mode of mass public transport in the city and one of the oldest in Asia.

     

    Keeping in mind the Mumbaikars absolute dependence on these trains for their daily commute, the programme’s team will bring together people and experts to deliberate on issues such as congestion, women’s compartment’s, security, general conditions, etc.

     

    Two zonal wings of the Indian railways operate the Mumbai Suburban Railway System: the Western Railways and the Central Railways. Renowned for possessing the highest passenger density of any urban railway system in the world, this lifeline of the city carries a record 65-lakh passengers daily.

     

    Despite such heavy commuter traffic, the infrastructure surrounding the railways is insufficient resulting in problems of overcrowding and subsequent fatalities.

     

    “We strongly feel that an issue like the Mumbai local trains deserves attention due to the public’s sheer dependence on it. We believe in inclusive journalism and our aim has always been to air shows, which involve the common man.

     

    This show will provide the people a platform to voice their opinions on subjects, which affect their daily lives. We are confident that the outcome of such a series will put pressure on the concerned authorities to bring about positive changes regarding the same.” added, Ashutosh, Managing Editor, IBN 7.

    Watch “Hindustan Ki Kasam” from Monday to Sunday at 6:30 pm only on IBN 7.

  • Star Movies cements its leadership

    Star Movies cements its leadership

    Mumbai, December 22, 2006: Star Movies, India’s No. 1 English movie channel, cemented its leadership for the 5th year* and ended 2006 with a big bang!!! The channel is now all set to continue its undisputed leadership in 2007 with a power packed line-up of some of the best and the biggest Hollywood blockbusters. The month long (October 30th – November 30th, 2006), Absolute Bond Festival, catapulted the channel to new heights! Followed by this successful initiative, Star Movies kicked off Star Wars: The Complete Saga, on December 17th, 2006. This six-week property will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the franchise (1977-2007), with all six titles and the exclusive premiere of Star Wars: Episode III- Revenge of the Sith on New Years Eve for the first time on Indian television!!!

     

    “We are extremely delighted that Star Movies has continued its dominance in the English movie segment, in spite of the blackout in Mumbai. Properties like Absolute Bond, Lost- 2 and Star Wars: The Complete Saga have created an enormous amount of excitement amongst our viewers. We wish all our viewers a very Happy New Year and promise them non-stop, quality entertainment in the year ahead!”, says Mr. Ajay Vidyasagar, EVP, Star India Pvt Ltd.

     

    With the Absolute Bond Festival, Star Movies has shaken and stirred all competition. The channel witnessed a robust growth in all day channel shares. Not just this, Bond movies rated 250% higher than HBO in the 9 pm (Mon – Thu) slot! Star Movies sustained dominance despite the Mumbai blackout and was leading in 20 out of the 22 weeks since the beginning of the current fiscal 2006. The channel was leading consistently amongst its competitors, across primetime (7 p.m.- 12 59 a.m.) during the Absolute Bond festival! 19 out of the 20 movie titles from Week 44- week 48 belonged to Star Movies, out of which 16 were from the Bond collection.

     

    Starting January, Star Movies is all set to deliver some power-packed punches with an exciting line-up of the BEST and the BIGGEST movies across genres from thriller and action to comedy and drama. Every Friday night at 9p.m., Star Movies will premiere critically acclaimed and box office heavy weights like Madagascar, Transporter 2, Cinderella Man and War of the Worlds, to name a few.

    Every night in February leading up to the Oscars, Star Movies will showcase the most popular Oscar winning flicks followed by the telecast of the biggest movie event of the year- The 79th Annual Academy Awards – LIVE & Exclusive only on STAR Movies.

    In August, Star Movies keeps its promise and brings back one of the most critically acclaimed mini series- LOST-SERIES 3. With an eclectic cast consisting of American, British and Indian stars, it is a show that redefined television viewing the world over. Promising more gripping drama, revealing more secrets about the island and its inhabitants, get set to be hooked all over again!!!

    With all this and much more, Star Movies is jet set to continue the big Dhamaka!!!
    So Come Home to Hollywood… Come Home to Star Movies.

    About Star
    STAR is a leading media and entertainment company in Asia. STAR broadcasts 60 television services in nine languages to more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR channels cover all genres including general entertainment (Star Plus, Xing Kong, Star Chinese Channel, Star One, Star Utsav, Star World, Vijay, Phoenix Chinese), sports (ESPN, Star Sports), movies (Star Chinese Movies, Star Gold, Star Movies), music (Channel [V]), and news and current affairs (Star News, Star Ananda, Phoenix InfoNews Channel). STAR controls over 20,000 hours of Indian and Chinese programming and also owns the world’s largest contemporary Chinese film library, with more than 600 titles, featuring superstars including Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat and Bruce Lee.

    In partnership with leading companies in Asia, STAR businesses extend to filmed entertainment, television production, cable systems, direct-to-home services, terrestrial TV broadcasting, wireless and digital services. STAR is a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation. www.startv.com

     

    For further information please contact:
    In Mumbai
    Zeenat Khan
    Asst Vice President, Publicity
    STAR (India) Ltd.
    Tel No. 91-22-28523880

    Shiraz Bhavnani / Aditi Chada
    Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
    Tel: 91-22-5656 8787
    Fax: 91-22-5656 8788
    Email:sbhavnani@vccpl.com / achada@vccpl.com