ITV

Category: Television

  • Ten Sports dominates sports viewing courtesy WWE

    Ten Sports dominates sports viewing courtesy WWE

    MUMBAI: If there is one thing that has generally stayed constant in the sports genre it is that when there is no India cricket Ten Sports has dominated in terms of channel share in the sports genre thanks to World Wresting Entertainment (WWE).

    According to Tam data, c&s 15+ male all India from 29 July 2006 to 19 August 2006, Ten Sports has managed to do better than the other players in the sports genre.
    In terms of TVR share Ten Sports managed a 61 per cent share. ESPN and Star Sports combined managed 36 per cent. Zee Sports and DD Sports have a share of one per cent each.

    In terms of the weekly TVR Ten Sports in the week of 29 July managed an average rating of 0.16. This rose slightly to 0.18 during the week of 5 August. ESPN’s TVR fell slightly from 0.07 to 0.06 for the same weeks. Star Sports rose slightly from 0.04 to 0.05.

    Ten Sports’ highest rated show for the period was the WWE special The Great American Bash. It managed a rating of 2.1. The fact that viewer interest in non India cricket is still small can be gauged by the fact that ESPN managed a TVR of 0.4 for an England Pakistan test match. Even for an ODI Star Sports got a TVR of 0.5

    Ten Sports has also done an age wise analysis of WWE. This finds that those in the 15-24 age bracket tune in to it the most. That age group shows an average TVR of 2.0 for the WWE special The Great American Bash on 6 August. If one looks at the 15-34 age group the TVR is 1.6. It is 1.7 for males 15+.

    For the edition of Raw on 7 August the average TVR is 1.25 among males 15-24. For males 15+ it is 1.11. It is 1.14 for the 15-34 age bracket. Those in the 4-14 age group watch WWE the least among all the age brackets surveyed. Their rating for Raw is below one. By contrast to WWE’s performance TNA which is a wrestling show on ESPN Star Sports fails to find a mention.

  • Cornershop Entertainment launches SMS based information service ‘Info on the Go’

    Cornershop Entertainment launches SMS based information service ‘Info on the Go’

    MUMBAI: Cornershop Entertainment has launched an SMS based information service called Info on the Go. Ask 757577 is a service that works on any mobile phone with a text messaging facility.

    It claims to be simple and user-friendly, as one can SMS questions to 757577. This service helps extend the virtual boundaries of knowledge and is available to all pre-paid and post-paid mobile users, informs an official release.

    Ask757577 is a service that delivers Info on the go. You can now get quick and easy access to restaurants, weather, movie timenigs, emergency services, sports scores, directions, and more. At Ask757577 we are singularly focused on helping users find what they need through ever-changing mobile technologies. Ask757577 promises to be committed to meeting the search challenge of users.

    “Innovation in services is key to reaching out to people, we believe in innovating against demand, and there is a strong demand for accurate info based services in the wireless market place” said CornerShop director Chirag Shah. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through the delivery of highly personalized location based services.

    CornerShop claims to be the first to launch SMS voting/polling on reality TV in India for shows like Sa Re Ga Ma, Business Baazigar, Zee Cine Awards. The company also powers India’s first 24 hour live interactive gaming channel ‘PlayTV’.

  • Zee enters China; in deal with CCTV

    Zee enters China; in deal with CCTV

    MUMBAI: The Zee Network today announced an agreement with Beijing based China Central Television, China’s largest national TV network.

    China Central Television has licensed to Zee Network, the use of news and other programs from CCTV International (CCTV-9). They have also authorised Zee to pick up their signals and transmit it over the Zee Network. Zee Network in turn will license to China Central Television the use of its news and programs. Both the networks will exchange news programmes, documentaries and feature programs introducing each other’s culture, history, geography, economy, etc. for telecast.
    It was in July that Indiantelevision.com first reported that Zee was planning to enter China.

    Zee Network and CCTV will enhance cooperation in program production including television dramas, films and feature programs. The exchange of television dramas and programs will be mainly based on purchase. Both sides shall take care of all copyright obligations for all programs to be provided to the other party.

    Speaking on the signing of this agreement, Mukund Cairae, Head – Asia Pacific, International Business, said, “We are very pleased to announce this agreement with China Central Television. China is an important market and we are optimistic about audience response there. This initiative is a step towards promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the people of India and China. Jointly the populations of India and China total a third of the world population. With interactions such as these, we will responsibly make our populations aware of the rich cultural heritage that exists in Asia.”

    Adding further he said, “We will not be charging licensing fees from each other for news programs. This contract is valid for two years and is extendable on mutual agreement.”

    CCTV president Huayong Zhao said, “Interactions such as these will facilitate better understanding between the people of China and India and will pave the way for future cooperation between our two countries.”

    In addition to this content sharing agreement, China TV week will be held in India and India TV week in China with television hosts from both sides appearing on TV together in the same TV week. As part of the TV week, both sides agree to broadcast each other’s programs half hour per day, seven days in series.

  • CNN embarks on a Quest for Art

    CNN embarks on a Quest for Art

    MUMBAI: CNN anchor Richard Quest who hosts the show Quest picks up his brush and canvas in October to get under the skin of the art world. The show airs on 28 October at 1130 am, 7:30 pm. On the trail of the big name stars in art, Quest catches up with British artist, David Hockney at the opening of his portrait retrospective at the National Portrait Gallery in London. What does it take to crack the big time? Is mere talent enough? Hockney discusses the path of his career and guides Quest through the treacherous waters of artists, critics, curators, galleries and auction houses. So, is the CNN budding artist up to the challenge?

    Quest takes a stab at making a modern masterpiece under the watchful eye of well-liked art icon Rolf Harris. Harris has been a fixture of the popular art scene for decades, introducing generations of children to art in his role as a TV cartoonist, and who recently was chosen to paint a portrait of HM The Queen for her 80th birthday celebrations. With his catchphrase “Do you know what it is yet?” Harris shows Quest how to turn his photo into an impressionist masterpiece.

    If it’s that simple to paint, is it actually worth anything? Next stop on this QUEST for art is a trip to world famous auction house Sotheby’s for a fascinating look behind the scenes at a major auction. The lucky gavel, the pre-auction rituals; the whole business of ‘Art’ is probed.

    To widen Quest’s appreciation of art, he meets up with two of the best guides in the business, to help him discover his inner aficionado. Evening Standard art critic Brian Sewell takes him on a tour of Britain’s National Gallery, exercising his expert tutelage in bringing Caravaggio and Van Dyke paintings to life. Also, in her long awaited return to the small screen, art expert, hermit and consecrated virgin, Sister Wendy Beckett enthuses Quest in her passion for the creative force behind the canvas.

    Sooner of later, Quest must approach the ‘Art Establishment’. With a reputation for being inaccessible and exclusive, art fixtures like the Turner Prize polarise the public, and with this in mind, Quest seeks to bust a few myths. From this year’s Turner Prize candidates to the Tate Modern contemporary art collection, art does not get much more contemporary than this. It’s up to Tate Modern curator Vicente Todoli to win Quest round over the merits of the modern movement.

    One group unlikely to be convinced is the next stop on the QUEST odyssey – the Stuckists. Implacably opposed to anything “establishment”, with the Turner Prize top of their hit list, their argument is heartfelt. Who will have the deciding point of view?

    Famed sculptor Grayson Perry, himself a Turner Prize winner in 2003, chats to Quest and provides some middle ground. The self-styled ‘Transvestite potter from Essex’ proves an engaging and authoritative guide through the maelstrom of modern art.

    Last stop on the Quest for art is a corner of rural England, to meet a man who arguably understands our relationship with art better than anyone. Former forger John Myatt has copied the biggest and best names in the art world. Having been to prison, he has now rehabilitated himself and runs a highly successful business creating ‘Genuine Fakes’!

  • Disney Records celebrates 50 years; unveils classics on iTunes, ‘The Music Behind the Magic’ CD & exhibition

    MUMBAI: In celebration of the 50th anniversary, Walt Disney Records has lined up a preservation and restoration process for the label‘s earliest classic recordings and an archival CD collection and exhibition titled The Music Behind the Magic.


    As part of this celebration, the label will begin releasing these restored titles and will be available through digital outlets, including iTunes, marking the release of Disneyland and Buena Vista records. The vast quantity of archive song material consists of classic Disney songs, original material performed by popular artists of the day and movie soundtracks. These songs will be digitally restored beyond the sonic brilliance of the original masters, allowing them to sound better than they did when they were first issued nearly 50 years ago, informs an official release.


    Walt Disney Records‘ The Archive Collection is a special iTunes digital-only release featuring 50 WDR recordings from a wide range of artists including, Cliff Edwards (voice of Jiminy Cricket), Mary Martin, Hayley Mills, Burl Ives, Louis Prima, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Armstrong, Little Richard, Peter Frampton, They Might Be Giants, The Cheetah Girls and many more. The Archive Collection will be available on iTunes beginning November 7.



    In addition to the digital releases, the label will also unveil a special two disc commemorative edition, Disney‘s The Music Behind the Magic. The collection highlights 50 of the most loved musical classics from movies, television shows, theme parks, Broadway musicals and unique WDR recordings.


    These will include, Some Day My Prince Will Come from Snow White (first soundtrack), When You Wish Upon a Star from Pinocchio (theme song for TWDC), The Ballad of Davy Crockett (first single from a television show), Tall Paul by Annette Funicello (the label‘s first teen sensation), tracks from Mary Poppins (album held the #1 position on Billboard‘s Top 200 Chart for 14 weeks) and Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King (soundtrack earned WDR its first Diamond Award from the RIAA, certifying sales of 10 million units), adds the release.


    The 50th anniversary celebration will continue as Walt Disney Records‘ and The Walt Disney Company‘s legacy is brought to life with an exhibit, also titled Disney: The Music Behind the Magic. Opening 5 November, the exhibit will be housed at Seattle‘s Experience Music Project (EMP) for one year before traveling to cities across the U.S. and around the world.


    Disney: The Music Behind the Magic claims to be the first comprehensive exhibit devoted to exploring and examining the role music has played in The Walt Disney Company‘s successes and its cultural impact over the past 80 years.


    “There is no other record label in the history of the industry with as diverse and eclectic a catalog as Walt Disney Records,” said Walt Disney Records Sr vice president/general manager Robert Marick. “Our catalog is comprised of 15,000 recordings including releases from a variety of superstars from every era — from Louis Armstrong to Peggy Lee to Annette Funicello and Christina Aguilera.”


    Marick adds, “Music has always played an integral role in the success of all facets of The Walt Disney Company. The Experience Music Project exhibit captures, for the very first time, the lasting legacy and impact Disney has made in the music industry and pop culture around the world. The exhibit, along with our catalog preservation efforts, Commemorative Edition two-disc release and Billboard Tribute Issue are terrific ways to celebrate the label‘s 50th Anniversary.”


    Since its launch as Disneyland Records by Walt and Roy Disney in 1956, the label has earned more than 275 gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards from the R.I.A.A., 22 Grammys and 18 Academy Awards. The label started as an extension of The Walt Disney Company‘s film, television and theme park projects. Well-known offerings such as High School Musical (3x platinum), the Disneymania franchise (3 million units), The Lion King franchise (15+ million units) and Mary Poppins (3x platinum) showcase the enduring popularity of WDR‘s catalog, with several releases ranking among the top-selling singles and soundtracks of all time.


    Details of the label‘s contribution to the music industry and The Walt Disney Company for its 50th celebration will be featured in the forthcoming Billboard Magazine Tribute issue, on sale 4 November.

  • Nick enters into publishing deal with Activision for CD Roms

    Nick enters into publishing deal with Activision for CD Roms

    MUMBAI: US kids channel Nickelodeon has entered into a distribution agreement with Activision.

    Activision will be the exclusive distributor of three new Nick Jr. PC CD-ROM titles, published by Nickelodeon and based on the preschool series Dora The Explorer, The Backyardigans, and Go, Diego, Go!. The titles will be available
    later this month.

    Dave Oxford, General Manager for Activision Value Publishing

    Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family VP, digital media products Paul Jelinek says, “This is an exciting digital initiative for Nickelodeon since it is the first time our company is publishing computer games on a cross platform.

    “With a leading partner like Activision on-board to distribute these original Nick published games, based on some of our
    leading preschool properties, we are now able to fulfill consumer demand for this kind of entertainment both online and at retail.”

  • Zee Bangla celebrates 7th birthday with a bang; Breaks TRP records with highest ever-recorded GRPs of 283

    Mumbai, September 15, 2006: Zee Bangla, the leading Bangla entertainment channel completes its seventh successful year today. As the channel turns seven, it has achieved its highest ever-recorded GRPs of 283. Zee Bangla’s two most popular shows are Khela & Ek Din Pratidin. Apart from these two serials, the popular stand up comedy show Mirakkel, anchored by the popular radio / television personality Mir is widely watched by audiences.

    Recently, the repeats telecast of Moner Manush, a tribute to the ultimate Bengali superstar Uttam Kumar, fetched the channel a rating of 4.7. The original was telecast in July.

    Mr.Nitin Vaidya, Senior Vice President Head, Zee Network said, “Zee Bangla has been growing from strength to strength in the past seven years. We have consistently improved our ratings and this GRP of 283 on our seventh anniversary is the best gift we could have wished for. We continue to strengthen our programming, constantly innovating to ensure that audiences stay glued.”

  • Zee enters China; in deal with CCTV

    Zee enters China; in deal with CCTV

    MUMBAI: The Zee Network today announced an agreement with Beijing based China Central Television, China’s largest national TV network.

    China Central Television has licensed to Zee Network, the use of news and other programs from CCTV International (CCTV-9). They have also authorised Zee to pick up their signals and transmit it over the Zee Network. Zee Network in turn will license to China Central Television the use of its news and programs. Both the networks will exchange news programmes, documentaries and feature programs introducing each other’s culture, history, geography, economy, etc. for telecast.
    It was in July that Indiantelevision.com first reported that Zee was planning to enter China.

    Zee Network and CCTV will enhance cooperation in program production including television dramas, films and feature programs. The exchange of television dramas and programs will be mainly based on purchase. Both sides shall take care of all copyright obligations for all programs to be provided to the other party.

    Speaking on the signing of this agreement, Mukund Cairae, Head – Asia Pacific, International Business, said, “We are very pleased to announce this agreement with China Central Television. China is an important market and we are optimistic about audience response there. This initiative is a step towards promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the people of India and China. Jointly the populations of India and China total a third of the world population. With interactions such as these, we will responsibly make our populations aware of the rich cultural heritage that exists in Asia.”

    Adding further he said, “We will not be charging licensing fees from each other for news programs. This contract is valid for two years and is extendable on mutual agreement.”

    CCTV president Huayong Zhao said, “Interactions such as these will facilitate better understanding between the people of China and India and will pave the way for future cooperation between our two countries.”

    In addition to this content sharing agreement, China TV week will be held in India and India TV week in China with television hosts from both sides appearing on TV together in the same TV week. As part of the TV week, both sides agree to broadcast each other’s programs half hour per day, seven days in series.

  • Discovery US to pay tribute to late host Steve Irwin

    Discovery US to pay tribute to late host Steve Irwin

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster Discovery will pay tribute to the late host Steve Irwin. Irwin the channel acknowledges was instrumental in building Animal Planet into a global brand.

    Irwin hosted Crocodile Hunter on Animal Planet. As had been reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com Irwin died a few days ago in Australia while filming a segment for a TV show on the Great Barrier Reef. He died from a stingray barb.

    Animal Planet in the US is airing special tribute programming. This will highlight Irwin’s background, including his early days as the Croc Hunter, and his passion for wildlife and his family. On 10 September, Animal Planet US plans to air an all-day marathon tribute featuring the Best of the Croc Hunter. Animal Planet International in markets around the world will provide the same programming.

    To honour Irwin Discovery will rename the garden space in front of its world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Steve Irwin Memorial Garden.

    Discovery founder and chairman, John Hendricks said, “Steve was a larger than life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe. He was a true friend to all of us at Discovery Communications. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin as well as to the incredible staff and many friends Steve leaves behind.”

    Discovery CEO and president Judith McHale said, “I don’t think we will ever get over the loss of Steve Irwin, a human being of enormous feeling and irrepressible enthusiasm and dedication to everything he touched.”

    Discovery International president Dawn McCall, said, “Rarely has the world embraced an animal enthusiast and conservationist as they did Steve Irwin. Steve’s passion for animals and leadership in conservation awareness leaves a powerful and lasting legacy across the globe.”

  • Optimystix to outsource formats at Mipcom this year

    Optimystix to outsource formats at Mipcom this year

    MUMBAI: Format specialist Optimystix plans to go a step further this year by selling its indigenously developed format to production houses in France and US.

    The production boutique hopes the deal will be finalised at Mipcom this year.

    Format shows are currently in vogue in the Indian television market, with every broadcaster having one or more reality format shows running.

    Optimystix co-founder Sanjiv Sharma says, “We were the first production house in India to buy international formats and market them to Indian broadcasters. But this year at Mipcom, we will not only buy formats but also outsource indigenously developed formats to production houses in France and USA.”

    “There are six ideas that our creative team is working on and by March end next year, we will have eight international properties in our kitty,” adds Sharma.
    Optimystix was the first production company in India to tie up with two international format owners to exclusively market their formats in India. Both tie-ups were announced at Mipcom in October 2005.

    One was Zodiak Television, which is a leading international TV-format distributor based in Copenhagen, Denmark.

    Kam Ya Zyaada, which launched on Zee Television on 12 December 2005, was based on a format owned by Zodiak TV, and adapted for India by Optimystix.

    Optimystix will once again be adapting a “Zodiak Format” (Stars on the Stage), which will be launched on Star early next year. “In this show, a trained singer would train a celebrity. For instance, Sunidhi Chauhan will train Ronit Roy and both of them will perform together. The pair will be judged according to its format. Besides this particular format, two other formats will be locked quickly,” informs Sharma.

    The other format owner was Sparks network. But as Sanjiv puts forward. “With Sparks’s network, it was not a tie-up. Rather it was getting on board with 12 independent producers from Europe and one from South America. Optimystix, was the only Asian company in its network.”

    Some of the formats Optimystix has adapted for the Indian market include Khul Ja Sim Sim (Let’s make a deal) on Star Plus, Kismey Kitnaa Hai Dam (Night fever) on Star Plus, Indian Idol (Pop Idol) on Sony, Dum Dum Dum on Nick and Bum Bum Bum Gir Pade Hum on Pogo.