ITV

Category: Television

  • Time Warner to sell AOL Internet business in UK

    Time Warner to sell AOL Internet business in UK

    MUMBAI: Time Warner will sell its AOL Internet business in the UK for $688 million to mobile phone retailer Carphone Warehouse Group.

    Completion is subject to EU competition authority clearance and is expected to take place by 31 December 2006.

    Under the agreement, Carphone Warehouse will acquire AOL’s Internet access customer base in the UK as well as the supporting management and infrastructure (the “Access” business). For its part, AOL will provide co-branded portal, content and other audience services and will manage the online advertising sales for Carphone Warehouse’s combined broadband customer base through a revenue-sharing agreement, according to a company statement. 

    The total cash consideration is £370m, of which £250m will be paid on completion and the balance paid in three instalments over the following 18 months. The consideration is being funded by an extension of existing bank facilities.

    The transaction is due to complete by 31 December 2006 and is subject to EU competition authority clearance. At this stage it is anticipated that the acquisition will increase current year pre-tax profits by approximately £10m (subject to completion by 31 December 2006), and next year’s pre-tax profits by £30-40m.

    Carphone operates the MViva mobile Internet portal. The deal gives the company a broadband customer base of about 2 million customers, vaulting it to third place among UK broadband service providers. AOL will continue to manage online advertising sales for the service and will share in those revenues.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Carphone Warehouse CEO Charles Dunstone said: “The acquisition of AOL’s UK Internet access business is transformational for our broadband business. This deal gives us significant scale to complement the rapid organic growth of our free broadband proposition. In addition, the joint development of AOL’s already successful audience platform will bring us new advertising and content revenues in a proven and low risk manner.”

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Dick Parsons said: “This agreement completes the restructuring of our AOL Europe businesses that both advances AOL’s strategic transition to an advertising-supported business model and underscores Time Warner’s commitment to shaping its portfolio of assets to drive the greatest growth possible. On both fronts – as well as across our company – we’re successfully building critical momentum to the benefit of our shareholders. As a leading provider of audience services in Europe, AOL will be better positioned than ever to continue to grow a cohesive online advertising business across a region that’s key to our future progress.”

    AOL’s Carphone deal follows an announcement that Neuf Cegetel, the French telecommunications network operator, plans to sell an 18.5 per cent stake in its business in order to raise around $957 million to fund its acquisition of AOL’s French Internet access business. Time Warner will also sell AOL Germany’s Internet business to Telecom Italia for $870 million.

  • Virgin Comics to produce ‘Secrets of the Seven Sounds’

    Virgin Comics to produce ‘Secrets of the Seven Sounds’

    MUMBAI: Sir Richard Bransons’ Virgin Comics, LLC and Kahani World, Inc. an independent animation company based in Toronto, Canada, have teamed up to co-produce Secrets of the Seven Sounds, a full length animated feature for kids (seven & above age group), inspired by Ramayana.

    In addition to action, adventure and fantasy, Secrets of the Seven Sounds challenges tradition by asking us to consider what it might really be like to be the little brother of the Chosen One? Seven Sounds tells the story of the handsome, naturally gifted, and love-struck Prince Ram whose destiny has chosen him to rescue Princess Sita (the object of his affections) and save the world from the villainous lord Ravan. But the real hero of Seven Sounds is of course, Lux – prince Ram’s 11 year-old little brother – the family’s insightful and often-overlooked intrepid fighter, states an official release.

    “The Ramayan continues to be the bedrock of India’s cultural identity in ways that no other myth can claim,” says Deepak Chopra, best-selling author and chairman of Virgin Comics. “The Seven Sounds’ animated film is a marvelous way to share this story and inspire children around the world.”

    Secrets of the Seven Sounds is already in an advanced stage of development; full production begins in just seven weeks. The feature is in collaboration with Virgin Comics co-founders, Deepak Chopra and Shekhar Kapur (director of Four Feathers, Bandit Queen and the 8-time Oscar nominated Elizabeth) and is based on an original story by Gotham Chopra, Sharad Devarajan and Jeevan Kang. The animated feature will be brought to market in the summer of 2007, the release adds.

    “Our comics and film stories are infused with characters and mythic sensibilities that resonate with audiences around the globe,” says Virgin Comics CEO Sharad Devarajan. “Kahani World shares our vision and understands the importance of epic storytelling. Together we are uniquely positioned to produce an exceptional animated feature, and adapt the film for global merchandising, graphic novels and promotional campaigns.

    Virgin Comic’s chief creative officer Gotham Chopra concluded: “It’s about time the world is exposed to the rich mythology we have stored up in our vaults in India and Asia. With Kahani, we are excited to be bringing one of the greatest Indian legends, re-fashioned, to the world, and in doing so create new planetary myths that people every where can enjoy. This is just the start!”

    “Kahani is focused on creating and producing world-class animation brands that become icons in India, resonate throughout Asia, and also appeal to the audiences around the world,” says animation veteran, CEO and president of Kahani World Inc and Executive Producer of Secret of the Seven Sounds,Biren Ghose. “We aim to put a new spin on storytelling, blending stories that may have an ‘Indian DNA’ but which thrive in the contemporary context and culture of the global kidizen! Virgin Comics and Virgin Animation have succeeded in straddling the East – West paradigm with equal excellence and are an inspiration and benchmark for what Kahani seeks to achieve as a company.”

  • After Europe, India where Time Warner focus is: Parsons

    After Europe, India where Time Warner focus is: Parsons

    MUMBAI: So-called restrictive legislations or not, India is a market that no mass product company can ignore. World’s biggest media company Time Warner is no exception.

    This is evident from the fact that chairman and CEO of Time Warner,Richard Parson, sees India as a priority international market after Europe for his organisation.

    At a time when Asia’s biggest market China has stringent media regulations making it difficult for non-Chinese companies to operate there, liberal India is the next haven for Western business houses.

    “Time Warner in the US is such a large player. Where are we going to get growth from?” Parson was quoted by worldscreen.com as saying at an interaction with journalists at Mipcom in France on Wednesday.

    According to Parson, “The first place we are going to look at is Europe. They are developed economies, established platforms, and there’s an orientation towards Western content. We are focused on Europe and the emerging markets of India and China, in that order.”

    Though media has speculated on investments in India by Time Warner, but the company has preferred to keep a low profile.

    At present, Time Warner’s biggest exposure to India is through a 26:74 joint venture with Zee Telefilms, called Zee Turner Ltd, for distribution of TV channels in India.

    With over 30 channels in its bouquet, in certain markets within India Zee Turner has beaten Star and Discovery-Sony TV One Alliance in terms of subscription.

    Zee Turner is targeting a turnover of Rs 4 billion by March 2007, signifying a revenue growth of 30-35 per cent compared to last financial year.

    Through some of its group companies – Turner’s three satellite TV channels CNN, Cartoon Network and Pogo, Warner Bros. Movies based in Mumbai, Zee Turner and also a small outfit of AOL in Bangalore – Time Warner has an
    adequate presence in India.

    But it would be nowhere near as lucrative or penetrative as competitor Rupert Murdoch’s Star.

    In 2004 when Parson came on a flying visit to India, he did indicate at a party thrown for India’s business elites that Time Warner would like to set up a business process outsourcing unit (reason not known) here also.

    Presently, Time Warner is slightly worried over the fate of a court mandated ban on airing ‘A’ certified movies by movie channels in the Mumbai market.

    The ban affects Indian and foreign film channels, including HBO in which Time Warner has interest.

    Meanwhile, speaking at length about his company’s plans in Europe at Mipcom, Parson did not rule out a cable acquisition in Europe.

    “We all believe cable is the winner over time,” Parsons was quoted in media reports as saying.

    “We look at everything. It’s a big issue. Cable will win in the US but maybe not outside the US since the infrastructure is not there. We look, we evaluate on price, you never know,” he added.

  • Virgin America signs on Disney, Fox, Paramount & Warner Bros for in-flight content

    Virgin America signs on Disney, Fox, Paramount & Warner Bros for in-flight content

    MUMBAI: Virgin America, the new U.S. start-up airline has announced a collection of launch studio partners for its in-flight entertainment (IFE). The airline has reached individual agreements with Disney, Fox, Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers to provide theatrical content at every seat and on every flight.

    Although details of the deals are not being disclosed, the agreements will provide Virgin America’s guests with the best in motion picture and television entertainment. The airline’s industry onboard entertainment will offer its customers ‘pay-per-view’ movies, live TV via satellite, a wide array of audio music entertainment including the ability to compile individual audio playlists, a broad selection of popular electronic games, and even meals on-demand, informs an official release.

    “Our partnerships with Disney, Fox, Paramount, and Warner Brothers are helping us redefine the travelling experience as it exists for airline customers today,” said Virgin America director inflight entertainment and partnerships, Charles Ogilvie. “Our guests will be able to pick from the latest and greatest Hollywood has to offer and enjoy their entertainment selections on their own schedule from the comfort of their seat.”

    “Disney is happy to be part of the Virgin America team’s challenge to redefine the inflight entertainment experience,” said Disney Non-Theatrical Distribution senior vice president, Linda Palmer. “All arms of this studio are excited about Virgin America taking flight!”

    “Interactive entertainment is a space that Paramount is excited about. Being members of the Virgin America launch team is something that we are excited about and is an important milestone as the U.S. domestic industry progresses toward more interactive inflight entertainment,” said Paramount non-theatrical distribution senior vice president Joan Filippini.

    The airline previously announced entertainment partners including CoKinetic Systems Corporation, IMS, Inflight Canada, Pace Communications, Panasonic Avionics, Spafax, and Wunderman. A new addition to team is the New York-based Anomaly agency.

  • Big 92.7 FM signs up Mohinder Amarnath for ICC updates

    Big 92.7 FM signs up Mohinder Amarnath for ICC updates

    MUMBAI: The cricket bee has stung the newly launched private FM player Big 92.7 FM! The brand has signed up with ‘Jimmy’ Mohinder Amarnath, the 1983 World Cup match winner, to provide updates on the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy.

    The ICC World Cup Champions Trophy kicked off 7 October and will continue till 5 November. Spout chewing gum has been roped in to sponsor the updates on Big 92.7FM.

    According to an official statement, Amaranth will be offering regular cricket updates on Big 92.7 FM four to five times a day to provide a ringside update on the matches and players performance and even a few interesting tid-bits on the player’s and team’s performance. 

    The show will be broadcast in Hindi on New Delhi station and in English on Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore stations. The brand is likely to launch in Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore in the coming weeks.

    Speaking on the occasion, Big 92.7 FM COO Tarun Katial said, “It is our endeavour to create an edge and provide our listeners with exclusive entertainment. Cricket is a sport which unites the nation and it is our way of offering Big entertainment on Big 92.7FM. The credibility of Mohinder Amarnath gels with the Station’s aim of providing credible and relevant information to our listeners.”

  • India specific search engine ‘Guruji.com’ launched

    India specific search engine ‘Guruji.com’ launched

    BANGALORE: Using crawl search technology, two Indian technology aspirants Anurag Dod and Gaurav Mishra have launched an India specific search engine Guruji.com. The duo claims that their 40 US located servers have a data base of around 30 million India specific pages which he informs will double over the next few months.

    During a press conference in Bangalore, Dod said, “What sets us apart is our focus on the Indian market and the Indian consumer. When an Indian consumer types in search a keyword like ‘newspaper’, the results would show him websites of the top Indian newspapers rather than site not relevant to him.” According to data available with Guruji.com, 90% of the internet queries are local in nature. Further, around 30% of the internet users on India spend 20 hours per week on the internet and after e-mail, search is the largest second use.

    Guruji.com plans to create awareness about their search engine by events at colleges and through public relations. A budget of Rs 10 million has been earmarked for spends in 20 major Indian cities over the next five to six months. 

    Guriji.com has received funding commitment to the extent of US$7million from Sequoia Capital India a VC which manages three funds totaling US$ 750 million focused on investments in India across sectors.

  • Flash Media and Shoppers Stop associate for digital media

    Flash Media and Shoppers Stop associate for digital media

    MUMBAI: Flash Media Limited has associated with the premium retail giant Shoppers Stop for installing and managing Imedia (Dynamic Digital Signage) in all its stores across the country.

    Flash Media’s IMedia is a network of digital signage components like LCD/Plasma panels playing audio visual commercials. According to the agreement, Flash Media has installed over 350 wireless LCD/Plasma screens in the 19 stores of Shoppers stop across the country with an average of 20 screens in each store. The screens have been installed behind cash counters and major focal points in the store to ensure maximum consumer attention, informs an official release.

    Commenting on the tie-up with Shoppers Stop, Flash Media Ltd co-founder & director Abhishek Kandoi said, “We are extremely pleased to be associated with Shoppers Stop, one of the most leading and trusted name in the retail space. We completed our installations during end of august and the In Stores TV at Shoppers Stop has been up and running from then, we already have some premium brands associated with us. Speaking about the large scale acceptance of this medium, he said “Dynamic Digital Signage has proved its mettle across the globe as the frequency building channel and mesmerizing audience through its ground breaking advancements. Media Experts predict that this global trend would pick up in India.”

    Shopper’s Stop Limited customer care executive & CEO Govind Shrikhande said,” Shoppers’ Stop houses more than 200 international and national brand, IMEDIA, thus is an excellent medium to communicate with the customer the ongoing promotions on brands and services available at the store. It is all about space value enhancement and connecting with the customer with regard to his choice of brand. It is a modern medium of advertising and brand promotion.”

  • Power Rangers Tour ‘Get Powerised’ kicks off on 27 Oct in US

    MUMBAI: The Power Rangers ‘Get Powerised‘ Tour will kick off on 27 October in Houston, US and will feature characters from the Power Rangers Mystic Force TV show.


    At select locations, Power Rangers fans will have the chance to meet their favourite heroes in person, get autographs and take photos with them. The “Power Rangers Zone” at every tour stop will feature fun and interactive themed activities, including cool toy demos, a green screen photo area where kids can reenact their favourite scene from the show and take home a souvenir photo of the action, as well as a drawing for a chance to win a limited edition golden Megazord that is not available in stores.



    After stopping in Houston, the tour will continue on to the following markets: Los Angeles (Nov. 3-5), and San Diego (Nov. 10-12), informs an official release.


    “Year after year, Power Rangers continues to be popular with young boys – whether they are watching the show, playing with our action figures, or role playing on the playground,” said Bandai America Inc. vice president marketing Michael Riley. “We created the ‘Get Powerised‘ Tour to let fans across the country have the chance to meet the Power Rangers and experience the brand in an interactive and fun new way.”

  • Nick US’ broadband platform TurboNick 2.0 gets 19 million content streams

    MUMBAI: US kids channel Nickelodeon has launched an enhanced version of TurboNick its broadband video platform. It has called it TurboNick 2.0.


    It has continuous video streaming, customised play lists, content in multiple languages, the ability to search the broad Nickelodeon content library.



    Since its initial soft launch (20 September to 1 October), TurboNick 2.0 has generated close to 19 million content streams, an increase of 911 per cent versus last year’s equivalent time period, which is almost 10 times the amount of streams for the same time period in 2005.


    TurboNick 2.0 is averaging 236,000 daily unique visitors, a 489 per cent increase over last year. TurboNick is one of several multiplatform experiences that allow kids to access Nickelodeon content, joining its Video on Demand offerings on cable, podcasts, Nick Arcade, and video clips through wireless providers, among others. In third quarter 2006, Nickelodeon television took the lead across all kid and tween demos, and achieved record Video on Demand numbers.


    With turbonick kids now have the opportunity to control their individual entertainment experiences and become ‘programmers‘ with mash-up applications, the ability to rate videos, or interactive games. Featuring Flash video technology, TurboNick 2.0 now allows PC and Mac users to access hundreds of Nick long and short form programming videos online, including select new episodes immediately after they air on the network.


    Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group executive VP digital media Stephen Youngwood says, “In keeping with our philosophy of putting kids first in everything we do, we are thrilled to provide these unparalleled features on TurboNick 2.0 that will empower kids to take charge of their internet experience. TurboNick 2.0 not only provides a hub for our vast library of content, but allows kids to become ‘programmers’ and ‘creators’ in their own right.”



    TurboNick premiered as the first broadband player for kids in July 2005 to compliment Nickelodeon’s on-air programming, and initially featured 20 hours of new programming every week organized by channels. TurboNick 2.0 is organised by content channels as well as by property icons. Users are able to search from a library of hundreds of long and short form videos of Nickelodeon favorites. And the video streaming on TurboNick 2.0 never stops, even as users watch, browse, interact with and personalize their experience.



    TurboNick 2.0 is also scheduled to rollout in international territories including Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom in late 2006/early 2007.



    Nickelodeon Television executive VP. GM Tom Ascheim says, “With access to a vast library of great Nickelodeon content and unprecedented user flexibility, TurboNick 2.0 is keeping our audience connected with our programming like never before.


    “The applications we are creating for kids on the internet are distinct and age appropriate. Whether it’s creating their favorite Avatar and Mr. Meaty play lists, or mashing up SpongeBob clips to share with their friends, kids rule on TurboNick 2.0. We also plan to use kids’ feedback and user generated content to inform what takes place on our air.”



    TurboNick 2.0 also provides appointment viewing for users with special content features like the Teenick Extra Scoop. This programming block offers extras or behind-the-scenes content, sneak peeks at next week’s new Teenick episodes, new games and more, in addition to the latest TEENick episodes immediately after they debut on-air.



    The TurboNick 2.0 features:



    Play lists – This a new option that allows users to drag and drop videos to create play lists, trade play lists with friends and send videos through links via email. With “My TurboNick,” users can save their play lists or other’s favorite play lists or videos.



    Nick Mash-ups – Users create their own mini-movies using clips, stills and audio from videos within TurboNick 2.0, using provided graphics and transitions. These mash-ups can be displayed on TurboNick 2.0 or emailed to friends, or displayed on users’ personalized internet pages. Some content might even be chosen to air on Nickelodeon.



    User ratings – Users are able rate videos and the top rated videos become a category on TurboNick 2.0. Select videos will be highlighted editorially on the site.



    Search function – allows users to search for their favorite videos from hundreds of videos from the Nick library by character or show.



    Games in TurboNick – TurboNick 2.0 offers trivia, quizzes, sliders, memory games and other basic level casual gaming to play while the video player streams content. It will soon feature interactive video-related gaming, which will correlate directly with the property you are viewing.



    New languages – Content is now available in Spanish, German, and French, and will soon roll out in Italian and other languages in the coming months.



    Skinnable designs – the player will, in the future, be customisable with themes and colour.

  • US pubcaster PBS inks deal with iTunes

    US pubcaster PBS inks deal with iTunes

    MUMBAI: US pubcaster PBS has launched content on the iTunes Store.

    Users can purchase and download documentary specials and episodes from PBS primetime and children’s programming.

    Episodes are priced from $1.99 each and immediately available for shows including Antiques Roadshow; Nova; Now and Arthur. PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said, “Working with our member stations and producers, PBS is excited to deliver a variety of PBS’ award-winning primetime and kids’ television programs through iTunes.

    ” The remarkable success of PBS podcasts on iTunes over the past year indicates that PBS members and viewers of all ages are enjoying the new, expanded access to the content they want, when and where they choose.”

    Apple VP iTunes Eddy Cue says, “The success of TV on iTunes continues and we now offer over 220 hit TV shows from more than 40 networks. We are thrilled to partner with PBS to bring such educational and entertaining programming to iTunes Store customers.”

    Additional content attached to episodes will underscore the unique role consumers can play to ensure the continued creation and multi-platform delivery of PBS content by becoming a member of their local PBS station. The iTunes Store sells over one million videos per week. The iTunes Store began selling TV shows with five shows from ABC/Disney less than a year ago, in October 2005, and rapidly expanded its library to over 220 television shows from over 40 networks today.

    The iTunes Store now features over 3.5 million songs, 65,000 podcasts, 20,000 audiobooks, over 5,000 music videos, more than 75 feature films and 220 television shows.