ITV

Category: Television

  • DD News to telecast Rail and Union Budgets 2006

    DD News to telecast Rail and Union Budgets 2006

    NEW DELHI
    February 13th, 2006
    DD NEWS CHANNEL

    Doordarshan will telecast the Pre-rail Budget, Rail Budget and Pre-Budget and General Budget – 2006 on the DD News Channel as per the following
    schedule:-
    PRE-RAIL BUDGET

    Date Time Slot Topic of programme
    23.02.2006 7.30-08.00 PM Wheels of Progress – Recorded, Anchor Mark Lynn

    RAIL BUDGET

    24.02.2006 10.30 – 11.00 AM Pre-Rail Budget-Discussion – LiveAnchor – Mark Lynn & Ashok Srivastava/Neelam Sharma
    11AM–12.30 PM Railway Ministers’ Rail Budget Speech- Live from Parliament 12.30 – 02.00 PM Post Rail Budget Discussion – Anchor – Mark Lynn & Ashok Srivastava/ Neelam Sharma 09.30 – 10.30 PM Discussion on Rail Budget – 2006Anchor – Ashok Srivastava/ Neelam Sharma

    STATE OF THE ECONOMY
    PROGRAMMING FOR ECONOMIC SURVEY

    27.02.2006 12.00-01.00 PM State of the economy – Discussion on the
    Economic Survey – 2006Anchor Paranjoy Guha Thakurta & Ashok Srivastava/Neelam Sharma- Panel discussion with Economists with Live Inputs from the Stock Markets and Reporters. Reaction from Chambers of Commerce and Finance Minister

     

     

    PRE-BUDGET “AASHA AUR APEKSHA – BUDGET 2006”

    24.02.2006 07.30-8.00 PM Aasha Aur Apeksha – Budget 2006Anchor – Srivastava 25.02.2006 07.30-08.00 PM Aasha Aur Apeksha – Budget 2006Anchor – Ashok Srivastava-Crude Prices and Inflationary Pressures. Balancing Liquidity demands of a growing economy and tightening money supply to rein in inflation 26.02.2006 07.30-08.00 PM Aasha Aur Apeksha – Budget 2006Anchor – Ashok Srivastava-Taxation, Tax Reforms, VAT, the problems of export duty structures and FBT 27.02.2006 07.30-08.00 PM Aasha Aur Apeksha – Budget 2006Anchor – Ashok Srivastava- Agriculture Employment, Bharat Nirman and the other flagship programmes of the UPA Government

    GENERAL BUDGET – 2006

    28.02.2006 10.00-11.00 PM Pre-Budget DiscussionAnchor – Mark Lynn & Ashok Srivastava/ Neelam Sharma-discussion with experts’ Live Inputs from Stock Markets and Chamber of Industry 11.00-12.30 PM Finance Minister’s Budget Speech – Live from Parliament 12.30-02.00 PM Post Budget DiscussionAnchor – Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and
    Ashok Srivastava/ Neelam Sharma- Prime Minister Reaction – Live, Political Reactions, Ministers Comments, Experts from the Industry Chambers/ Stock Markets reaction’ Live inputs from correspondents
    05.00-07.00 PM Post Budget Discussion continued – Section wise discussion with experts from the Political Parties and Industry
    07.30-08.00 PM Budget Highlights 09.30-10.30 PM Discussion – Budget 2006 –Anchor Paranjoy Guha Thakurta and Ashok Srivastava/ Nelam Sharma-Eminent Guest Panel at the Studio. Possible Live inputs from the Finance Minister DD (PR)/GM(PR)/News Release/14.02.2006

  • Moving Picture’s co-production film invited to participate in Tribeca Film Festival, New York

    MUMBAI: Moving Picture Company India Ltd has announced that the Company’s co-production film ‘The Journalist and The Jihad – The Murder of Daniel Pearl’ has been invited to participate in the 5th Tribeca Film Festival to be held in the New York City from April 25 – May 07, 2006.

    This invitation follows the Apsara Award won by the company for its 3D animated production ‘Jungle Tales‘ in the Best Animated Series category and Indian Telly Awards for ‘Popkorn’ telecast on Zoom Channel in the ‘Best Entertainment News Show’ category.

  • Discovery US president McHale to step down in December

    Discovery US president McHale to step down in December

    MUMBAI: Discovery US president and CEO Judith A. McHale is stepping down as of 1 December to participate more directly in discussions related to domestic and global issues.
    Discovery founder and chairman John S. Hendricks announced that McHale will play an on-going special role advising him on all of Discovery’s education business initiatives and will continue to serve in a voluntary capacity as the chairman of the Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership.

    Hendricks says, “Judith McHale is one of the world’s most talented executives, a media pioneer who has become a thought leader on so many issues that concern our nation and our planet.

    “Throughout her distinguished career at Discovery, Judith has made an unparalleled contribution towards making Discovery the phenomenal business success and force for good it has become. The Discovery brand and our services around the world are more respected and acclaimed than ever. Ratings and revenues are up. Our education initiatives have launched and are a key part of our future success and our multiplatform strategy is propelling Discovery as an industry leader.

    “With this strong foundation in place, Judith has decided this is an advantageous time to pursue her public affairs interests. She has my full support and best wishes as she embarks on this new course. On behalf of the entire Discovery family, I know we all will miss her leadership, creativity and passion for our business. I, nevertheless, look forward to continuing our partnership as she helps with Discovery’s crucially important education businesses that she helped to spearhead” .

    McHale says, “I am enormously proud of all that we at Discovery have achieved together. When I first came to Discovery, we were a small company with great ambitions. Today, we are the leading provider of factual media in the world with over 100 networks distributed to over one billion subscribers in 170 countries. In addition, we have expanded our efforts to reach consumers with the trusted knowledge-based products and services they need to help navigate this increasingly complex world.

    “I have been truly privileged and honoured to have been part of such an amazing organisation with incredibly dedicated and creative people. In particular, we have had an extraordinary group of shareholders who have always been supportive of all our efforts. Their unflinching support of quality programming and services is rare in today’s media marketplace.

    “As hard as it is to leave this outstanding company I believe passionately that we all have an obligation to participate fully and actively in the civic life of the communities in which we live. Today, as a global society, we face enormous social and political challenges. Throughout my life and career, I have tried to do what I could to confront and understand these issues. Now I want to become more directly involved in working with others to find solutions.”

    Discovery will conduct a search of both internal and external candidates for a new CEO to succeed McHale. Discovery’s shareholder representatives from Discovery Holding Company, Advance/Newhouse Communications and Cox Communications will serve on the Discovery CEO Search Committee, which John Hendricks will chair.

    Hendricks adds, “With Judith’s fulltime leadership until 1 December, I am confident that Discovery can accomplish a seamless leadership transition. At Discovery, we have built a very special leadership team of some of our industry’s leading executives in all the key aspects of our business. It is a priceless opportunity for someone to lead this team of outstanding professionals.”

  • FremantleMedia expands sales catalogue

    FremantleMedia expands sales catalogue

    MUMBAI: Fremantle Archive Sales, the clip sales division of format creator and distributor FremantleMedia has acquired worldwide representation rights for a raft of titles from Flame Television Production.

    Flame produces formats in challenging subject areas.

    Fremantle Archive Sales business development executive Sam Partner said, “We are delighted to be working with Flame and to add such a broad range of titles to our ever-expanding portfolio of programming. Flame’s catalogue offers some very topical titles, all of which will further diversify our already extensive catalogue and offer our clients an even greater invaluable resource.”

    Documentaries acquired as part of the agreement include London’s Olympic Dream. The 45 minute special sees presenter, Kirsty Young, offer up an inside story into London’s 2012 Olympic Bid. Rude London documents a modern look at London and observes just how rude the city has become; Ann Summers Uncovered takes an in-depth look at the high street chain.

    Blaming The Jews sees David Aaronovitch present a disturbing look at modern anti-Semitism. Back To Basics takes a serious look at the trend for British children of Caribbean origin being sent back to the Caribbean by their parents for a traditional education.

    Factual entertainment titles include Digging For Jesus which sees presenter Nigel Spivey reveal the top ten archaeological discoveries which take us close to the man from Galilee. Cowboys meanwhile investigates the world of unlicensed minicabs drivers.

    Light entertainment programmes include Celebrity Swaps sees celebrities transformed with the use of prosthetics, stylists and voice coaching. The Price Of Fame examines the dark side of fame. Cage Combat meanwhile follows the men and women who take part in the sport known as “ultimate combat” fighting.

  • 13 foreign channels off the air in Bangladesh

    13 foreign channels off the air in Bangladesh

    MUMBAI: 13 television channels in Bangladesh are off the air. Cable operators had earlier switched off all foreign channels on 29 July to protest a government order.

    Media reports indicate that on 24 July, the government stopped the airing of channels – ESPN, Star Sports, Ten Sports, Set Max, Zee Classic, Zee Action, Zee Trendz, Zee Premier, VH1, Zoom, HBO, Star One and Disney.

    The Bangladeshi Satellite Cable Owners Association and Dhaka Cable Forum switched off all foreign TV channels on Saturday and went on strike in protest at the claim. Now they are airing all the channels except the 13 channels that are not allowed.

    The Cable Operators Association of Bangladesh (Coab) said that distributors are unscrupulous as they download the pay channels without obtaining government permission.

  • A unique quarterly program to spur Acer’s Retail Channel explosion

    BANGALORE, February 2, 2006 ? Acer India, one of the world’s top four branded PC vendors, announced their latest quarterly Retail Mega Scheme, “Race 2 Glory”, aimed at rewarding their partners and encouraging them to expand their reach and product portfolio. The new retail scheme has been created to help the Acer retail channels avail maximum benefits from associating with brand Acer. Through this exclusive retail scheme, Acer plans to encourage and motivate its retail partners to reach bigger heights, as the company goes for an aggressive push through its retail channel.

    The Acer “Race 2 Glory” is a scheme meant exclusively for the retail
    channel and would be applicable for all purchases made between January 16, 2006 to April 15, 2006. It would comprise of 3 key sub-contests based on quantitative parameters and two special sub categories that will reward retailers on the qualitative aspects of retailing . The retail partners
    comprising of Acer Malls (Exclusive brand shops) and Acer Points
    (multibrand alignments) are divided into A, B, C and D category on the
    basis of their geographical location. Each category of retailers based on
    their geographical location and outlet type (Mall or Point) is then given
    various types of targets like quarterly revenue targets, targets on product
    categories etc.

    During the period of the scheme, partners are expected to maintain Acer’s
    high standard of quality and operate within the market operating price
    band. Special price and demo units are not included within the parameters
    of this mega contest meant exclusively for this elite channel. To avail of
    the benefits of the scheme partners are also required to follow certain
    processes like filling in sell-out data in the Daily Sales Feedback System
    on a daily basis as a way for Acer to track the product movement from the
    retail counter which is an important method of gauging the pulse of the
    market.

    Mr. S. Rajendran, GM Sales & Marketing, Mobile & Display Products Group, Acer India, said, ” The Acer “Race 2 Glory Road Ahead” is an exciting way to encourage our retail partners and involve them with Acer’s long term goal of reaching out to our customers. The main objective of this program is to recognize performance across product portfolios and reward partners who have gone all out during the quarter and invested the most into our business. Our presence in the retail space has grown to over 200 outlets comprising of Acer Malls and Acer Points across the country in 2005. Today our retail channel reaches out to over 80 cities and towns. We have drawn out detailed plans to aggressively ramp up the retail footprint this year and we will be sharing these plans very shortly. With the present retail program we hope to further encourage existing partners to take the next step forward along with Acer in our quest for another big year for the company.”

    The Acer “Race 2 Glory Road Ahead” has four main contests:

    ‘The Big Apple’ , focuses purely on revenue achieved by retailers at the end of the quarter. Each category of partner for both Acer Malls and Acer Points will have a specific quarterly revenue target based on the total
    addressable market in each of the geographical locations. There are two
    levels of achievement for the partner to benefit from. In level one, upon
    reaching 100% of the target revenue, the partner will win a full board
    holiday package. In level 2, upon on achieving the 200%, 250% and 300% target revenue slabs, the partner will receive additional cash benefits. ‘Kaun Banega Product ? Pati’ rewards partners for achieving the monthly target in each product category. Based only on the sale of stock and sell models, there are 3 levels of achievement. 100%, 200% and 300% for Acer Malls and 100%, 150% and 200% for Acer Points. The products included in this category are Acer notebooks (All models except premium notebooks), Desktops (All desktops including Aspire and Acer Power series), TFTs (All models including 15″ TFTs) and Projectors (SVGA models). In the LCD monitors category the 100% slab can be reached by 100% achievement on any of the 3 TFT product categories (15″, 17″ and 19″). The 200% rewards slab can be achieved only on one single category of LCD monitors.

    ‘Digital Lifestyle Evangelist’ is targeted at the premium products category
    including Notebooks (Ferrari, Tablet PC and Ultraportable), Desktops (E
    500), TFTs (20″ and 24″) and Projectors (only XGA models PD300 series, PD500 series and PD700 series). This contest aims to help the retailer cater to the needs of the digital age customer. The partner can win the cash incentives by meeting the target required on the collective sales of
    the products mentioned.

    ‘The Quality of Output’ contest is designed to reward partners for their
    excellence in the qualitative aspects of retailing. There are two awards
    being given “The Best of the Best” and “Unique Marketing Initiative”. The
    winner of both these categories will receive a special trophy and a cash
    award of Rs 10,000. The results will be decided at the end of scheme
    period, through a carefully assessed audit conducted by the Acer
    headquarters and recommendations of quality, initiative and performance
    from regional managers.

    The ‘Best of the Best ‘ determines the top Acer outlet in the country. The
    winner will be chosen based on the variety of models on display in the Acer Malls and Acer Points across partner categories, the variety of
    complementary product offerings for a walk in customer, and the display/
    look and feel of the outlet. ‘ The Unique Marketing Initiative’ award
    recognizes the partner’s innovative marketing strategies, out of the box
    ideas and exciting demo initiatives, along with meaningful customer
    relationship management.

    The quarterly retail scheme is Acer’s initiative to embolden its retail
    partners to grow their own business through the various opportunities
    provided by Acer. Thus, expanding Acer’s reach to their customers across the country and providing a key engine for growth for the company.

    About Acer
    Acer ranks among the world’s top four branded PC vendors, designing and marketing easy, dependable IT solutions that empower people to reach their goals and enhance their lives. In 2000, Acer spun-off its manufacturing operation to focus on globally marketing its brand-name products: desktop and mobile PCs, servers and storage, displays, peripherals, and e-business solutions for business, government, education, and home users. Established in 1976, Acer Inc. employs 5,600 people supporting dealers and distributors in more than 100 countries. Revenues in 2004 reached US$7 billion. Please visit www.acer.com for more information. Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Incorporated. Other trademarks, registered trademarks and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, are the properties of their respective owners.

  • Michael Castro is National Geographic Television VP operations

    Michael Castro is National Geographic Television VP operations

    MUMBAI: National Geographic Television (NGT) US president Michael Rosenfeld has announced that Michael Castro has joined NGT as VP operations.

    Castro is charged with overseeing the production operations and post-production side of NGT, following a major reorganization of the documentary television unit.

    Rosenfeld says, “Michael’s background in broadcast and cable will prove highly beneficial to National Geographic. His extensive experience and expertise in running production, post production and operations at a number of broadcast networks and cable channels will greatly benefit NGT as we continue to ramp up production.”

    Castro joins NGT from his own consulting practice, where projects included relaunching the syndicated tabloid programme A Current Affair for 20th Television, producing the high-definition television news coverage of the Democratic and Republican national conventions in 2004 and, most recently, working with Fox News Channel.

  • Indiagames develops mobile game for NBC’s sitcom ‘The Office’

    Indiagames develops mobile game for NBC’s sitcom ‘The Office’

    MUMBAI: Indian gaming firm Indiagames is helping US broadcaster NBC Universal in its push into the lucrative mobile games market. It has made a mobile game based on the sitcom The Office.

    The series of six mini-games is in soft release. The game will be available on all cellular devices and providers by September.

    NBC’s The Office Games features the characters from the television series participating in a selection of cubical game-play including Wasteketball, Paper-Football (Hateball), Table-Top Golf, Office Paper War, Chair-Racing and more, everything that Michael Scott would not approve of.

    Indiagames developed these user-friendly games to be played at your office or at home. With shorter play times, the array of games is easy to navigate and simple to play–perfect for a break, after a stressful meeting or on an awkward phone call.

    Indiagames CEO Vishal Gondal says, “We’d like to see America’s workplaces fraught with the tension of intense competition at chair races and wasteketball! And, we wanted to give our consumers a game that is fun and provides value for your money. We think we’ve accomplished both of these goals with the launch of NBC’s The Office Games”.

  • CNN, Cartoon Network US content available on iTunes

    CNN, Cartoon Network US content available on iTunes

    MUMBAI: The US media firm Turner Broadcasting System has announced that content from CNN, Adult Swim and Cartoon Network is now available for purchase and download on the iTunes Music Store.

    The new content includes Cartoon Network’s Johnny Bravo, Adult Swim’s Aqua Teen Hunger Force and episodes of the CNN’s documentary series CNN Presents. These are all available for viewing on a computer or iPod.

    For the last three months, Adult Swim has been offering free video podcasts via iTunes, ranking among the most popular television podcasts on the service. In addition to this new effort, CNN has been offering original podcasts, as well as Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer and Reliable Sources to iTunes users for free for just over a month.

    TBS executive VP, business development Dennis Quinn says, “Fans will enjoy this innovative way of purchasing and watching their favorite CNN, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim shows from iTunes. We are delivering a variety of hit programming from three of our wildly popular networks, with shows for everyone of all ages.”

    Apple VP iTunes Eddy Cue says, “With Turner’s wide range of content available on iTunes, users now can download programming from CNN, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. With well over 150 TV shows available for $1.99 per episode, iTunes is the leading destination for downloading network and cable programming.”

  • Matrix Partners launches $150 million consumer services risk capital fund

    Matrix Partners launches $150 million consumer services risk capital fund

    MUMBAI: Matrix Partners India, co-founded by Avnish Bajaj and Rishi Navani in partnership with Matrix Partners US, today announced the closing of its first fund.

    The $150 million, multi-sector, multi-stage fund will focus on early to growth stage businesses in the internet, mobile, financial services, media and entertainment, healthcare and travel and leisure sectors.

    The first fund of its kind in India, it aims to partner with entrepreneurs to build market leading companies in the consumer services domain. The fund was heavily oversubscribed and current investors in the fund include leading US university endowments and family foundations.

    “Matrix Partners is the first leading venture capital firm to establish a fund in India. The Indian economy is in a very exciting phase and Matrix Partners’ is looking forward to participating in the region’s growth story,” said Matrix Partners US founding partner Paul Ferri.

    “As co-founders of Matrix Partners India, Avnish and Rishi bring incomparable experience in working with India-based companies in the consumer services sector. We have the ideal team in place to help Matrix Partners continue its strong legacy of building the best-performing companies and long-term relationships with talented entrepreneurs,” said Matrix Partners US managing partner Timothy A. Barrows.

    Domestic entrepreneurs would benefit from the rich experience of the Indian founders and the strong company-building expertise of Matrix Partners US. Bajaj’s entrepreneurial experience (co-founder, chairman and former CEO of India’s largest online marketplace Baazee.com, acquired by eBay) and Navani’s venture and domain experience (former managing director at WestBridge Capital Partners) provides the ideal background to help entrepreneurs realise their ambitions. Matrix Partners US also brings to bear its experience as the top performing venture firm over the past two decades with assets under management of more than $3 billion.

    Matrix Partners India founding managing director Avnish Bajaj said, “Matrix Partners India is focused on presenting a unique proposition to the emerging businesses in the consumer services sector. We believe that the founding team has an unparalleled competency to recognize and support potential market leading companies in this sector. By leveraging on Matrix Partners’ proven approach to investing, we are determined to emerge as the trusted partner of choice for Indian entrepreneurs.”

    “The domestic consumer services industry is the key driver of India’s Gross Domestic Product growth. The industry is set to witness an era of innovative business models and significant value creation. We are delighted to partner with Matrix Partners, and appreciate the overwhelming support from our marquee investor base,” added Matrix Partners India founding managing director Rishi Navani.