ITV

Category: Television

  • ‘Our aim is to give history a more broad based appeal, which is why we are focussing on entertainment’

    ‘Our aim is to give history a more broad based appeal, which is why we are focussing on entertainment’

    Live the Story! With the aim of competing better in the English entertainment space The History Channel is pursuing a new strategic direction in India. The aim is to spread the appeal of the channel to more viewers and increase the stickiness level through a variety of shows. These include television movies, documentaries, mini series and long running series.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Ashwin Pinto caught up with The History Channel India MD Nikhil Mirchandani to find out about the plans and what lies in store.

    Excerpts:

    Could you talk about The History Channel’s new direction?
    I would like to point out that we have not changed our positioning. We own the theme of history and will continue to do so. Our aim is to give history a more broad based appeal, which is why we are focussing on entertainment. Over the last three years we did a few things that set the stage for what we are trying to do today.

    We established our positioning of history that no other channel has. History is our middle name so to speak. In a scenario of over 300 channels distribution is very important. We managed to do that since we are a part of the Star family.

    We are the 16th best distributed channel in the country. We established a loyal viewer and advertiser base. We have also marketed ourselves well like getting Diana Hayden to host Biography. Moving towards entertainment is the next logical stage of evolution in our product lifecycle. Our aim is to attract more viewers and advertisers.

    In what way has the programming strategy been embellished?
    We begin our primetime with factual content at 8 pm. Then there are drama series at 9 pm There will be classic product from our library at 10 pm. At 11 pm there will be a thriller band. On the weekends you have a television movie on Friday at 9 pm For example Hitler The Rise of Evil.

    There will also be a combination of fact and fiction. For instance you could see a biography of Marilyn Monroe followed by a drama or a television movie. We are also targeting women in the afternoon with programming that we are confident will appeal to them.

    The primetime moves from a youngish factual content to drama to thriller. That evolution of our programming blocks is logical.

    According to research how do viewers perceive the channel?
    Viewers perceive us as a well respected credible authority on the subject of history. They have constantly expected that of us and we will not dilute that offering. They find us interesting as we deal with personalities like Hitler, Helen of Troy.

    The great thing about the History Channel is that it is not restricted by formats. That is not the case with a movie channel that focuses on blockbusters. If they deviate one immediately notices that. Our only concern is whether the story is historically relevant. I would say that English movie channels are undifferentiated from each other.

    We have a wide basket from the lifestyle genre, to thrillers to even perhaps stories on 9/11. It will be in terms of formats. By this I mean documentaries, movies, series, one off biopics, long series. The topics have also grown. We will also showcase concerts like Woodstock. History is never going to be the same again and we take advantage of that.

  • VSNL to buy Indian ISP for Rs 750 million

    VSNL to buy Indian ISP for Rs 750 million

    MUMBAI: Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) is strengthening its broadband presence in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) segment. The telecommunications giant has agreed to buy out Direct Internet Ltd (DIL) and its wholly owned subsidiary Primus Telecommunications India Ltd (PTIL) for Rs 750 million ($16.7 million).

    US-based Primus Telecommunications Group Inc will exit from India, selling its entire 85 per cent stake in DIL. VSNL is also buying out the remaining 15 per cent held by an Indian partner. The deal is expected to be completed in a few weeks, VSNL said in a statement.

    PTIL provides fixed broadband wireless internet services to SMEs in several Indian cities. The company has close to 1,000 SME and 10,000 retail customers. Out of a total revenue of around Rs 550 million in FY 2006, nearly 80 per cent came from the SME segment. Retail business accounted for 15 per cent while Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP) contributed to around seven per cent of the company’s income.

    The retail customers are likely to be rehomed in VSNL while DIL will focus entirely on the SME segment. The company’s operations will continue to be run with the old management. “The huge infrastructre of VSNL will allow DIL an opportunity to expand in the SME segment. VSNL has massive bandwidth which will offer DIL’s operations greater efficiencies. In the past, we were buying bandwidth on a leased basis and this was consuming 60 per cent of our costs,” says DIL and PTIL founder-CEO Tilak Sarkar.

    This will be VSNL’s first SME-specific acquisition in the internet space. VSNL had earlier acquired DishnetDSL for Rs 2.7 billion and Tata Power broadband for Rs 2.39 billion which gave it broadband subscribers in the retail as well as the SME segments. DIL, on the other hand, has mostly SME subscribers.

    “The SME segment is a lowly penetrated but growing market. VSNL sees this as an opportunity to expand its presence in the broadband space,” says an analyst.

    VSNL has been aggressive in acquisitions over the last one year. While it bought Tyco International’s global under-sea fibre optic cable network unit in July 2005, recently it acquired telecoms network service firm Teleglobe International Holdings Ltd.

    Nasdaq-listed Primus Telecommunications, an integrated communications services provider offering international and domestic voice, VoIP, internet, wireless, data and hosting services to business and residential retail customers, had reported a net revenue of $1.19 billion in the 2005 fiscal.

  • Radio Mirchi felicitates Mother’s Day on 14 May

    Radio Mirchi felicitates Mother’s Day on 14 May

    MUMBAI: The FM radio brand Radio Mirchi will be celebrating a week long Mother’s Day from 8 May to 14 May.

    Radio Mirchi has made plans to take all mothers to shop and party with the Mirchi jocks on the occasion.

    How? Mere paas teri maa hain…tere paas kya bacha hain?… is an attempt to kidnap all Mumbai moms. Listeners or family members have to call up Radio Mirchi on 40983983 between 8 May and 13 May and respond to the question, Mere paas teri maa hain…tere paas kya bacha hain? The 10 wittiest responses will get their mothers enrolled with Mirchi, informs an official release.

    On 14 May, the selected mothers will join the Mirchi team to celebrate Mother’s Day.

  • BBC chairman Grade emphasises delivery of quality services at lowest price

    BBC chairman Grade emphasises delivery of quality services at lowest price

    MUMBAI: A few days ago a seminar on the subject of UK pubcaster The BBC’s licence fee took place. On the occasion BBC chairman Michael Grade pointed out that a proper balance needs to be struck between the public appetite for range and quality on the one hand, and on the other their efficient delivery at the lowest possible price.

    “The new BBC Charter establishes new governance arrangements for the BBC, at the core of which lies a clear separation of the new Trust from the BBC executive. It places on the new Trust a clear responsibility to ensure that the licence fee is properly, effectively and efficiently used, and requires it to be fully accountable to those who pay it. We are already proceeding on that basis,” says Grade.

    He adds that in its continuing focus on value for money, the BBC’s board of Governors continues to exert pressure on costs. “Any ways which are identified to decrease the cost of the licence fee or to improve what the BBC can offer, will be welcomed by the Board. The licence fee represents a deliberate intervention in the market. The value and benefits of that intervention are well understood, but the wider effects must always remain under scrutiny.”

    He went on to state that what the BBC does affects other businesses. “All those with legitimate concerns about the market impact of the BBC should be reassured by the White Paper’s imposition of real and detailed duties on the new Trust. This is not the land of paper promises: the service licences, PVTs and other tools are there to do a job, and to do it transparently. I should also emphasise that our duty to represent the interests of the licence fee payers is not narrowly focussed on what the BBC provides. Our remit extends to safeguarding their interest in sustaining choice in the wider market.”

    Grade says that the decision on the level of the licence fee is for the Government alone and it is a complex equation to consider, involving broadcasting aspirations, public appetites, public policy objectives, commercial impact and value for money.

  • Zee Cafe to launch three comedy shows

    Zee Cafe to launch three comedy shows

    MUMBAI: Zee’s English channel Zee Cafe has announced the arrival of three more shows in the comedy genre. The programmes to be launched are Comedy Inc., Will & Grace Season 7 and Caroline in the city Season 4.

    Comedy Inc. will premiere on Tuesday 9 May at 9:30 pm. Will & Grace Season 7 premieres on 9 May at 10 pm.

    As of 2005, Will & Grace has been nominated for 49 Emmys, 24 Golden Globes, fourteen SAG Awards and six People’s Choice Awards. Among its 12 Emmy wins, the show won as Outstanding Comedy Series in 2000. In 2002 and 2003, it had more Emmy nominations than any other comedy series. Additionally, it’s been nominated for an American Comedy Award, three Glaad Media Awards and a Founders Award from the Viewers for Quality Television.

    Caroline in the city Season 4 will premiere on 9 May at 10:30 pm. A situational comedy centered on Caroline Duffy, a young cartoonist living in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City. Each episode begins with a brief animated sequence reflecting the autobiographical nature of her syndicated newspaper cartoon strip Caroline in the City, explicitly compared with the real comic strip Cathy in several episodes.

  • Kiefer Sutherland indicates plans to make ‘24’ into a movie

    Kiefer Sutherland indicates plans to make ‘24’ into a movie

    MUMBAI: The action packed show 24 which airs in India on AXN and in the US on Fox is going to make the transition to the big screen.

    In an interview to the BBC, the star of the show Kiefer Sutherland said, “We’re working on the film. We are really excited about it.”

    On BBC One’s film show Friday Night with Jonathan Ross Sutherland spoke about his Golden Globe award-winning role as counter terrorist agent Jack Bauer in the show. Each season of the show takes place in a 24 hour period. Each episode represents an hour in Bauer’s life.

    Filming will start next year. The shoot, he says, will take place in London and Prague.

  • Patricia Field tells CNN’s ‘Talk Asia’ what the devil wears

    Patricia Field tells CNN’s ‘Talk Asia’ what the devil wears

    Airtimes: Indian Standard Times

    Saturday, May 6 at 0500am and 2030hrs

    Sunday, May 7 at 0600am and 1830hrs

    This weekend on CNN’s TALK ASIA, American designer Patricia Field shares with Lorraine Hahn on what it’s like to style for the trend-setting series “Sex and the City.” She also talks about her 40th anniversary in the fashion business, how fashion “doesn’t cost a dime” and offers simple tips for the everyday wear.

    Loud but chic, Field’s early designs had wide appeal and her reputation for “fashion forward” made her popular among celebrities and fashionistas. Style is “a unique way of appearing to the rest of the world. It’s something to do with originality and synonymous with signature…that belongs to an individual person”, the designer explains.

    The popularity of television series, “Sex and the City,” also projected Field onto the international stage. “We were like “Oh, my God! Oh, my God! This is unbelievable!” she recalls of the series’ success. The stylist adds, “Sex and the City empowered or helped women feel their power. I want all the women to be powerful and whatever I could do to push that. I’m happy.”

    Tune into TALK ASIA for the latest update on Field, including her work on the upcoming film release of “The Devil Wears Prada” and other big screen projects. The designer also offers fashion tips for those rich and famous, as well as those on a shoe-string budget.

    AIRTIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    For more program information and details on upcoming guests on TALK ASIA visit

    http://edition.cnn.com/ASIA/talkasia/

  • Mega block buster ‘Hum Tum’ to be aired on Max

    Mega block buster ‘Hum Tum’ to be aired on Max

    Sunday, 07th May 2006 at 1: 00 pm, Only on MAX!

    Continuing with its promise of making Sundays bigger MAX is all set to treat its viewers by bringing them HUM TIUM to air on Sunday, 07th MAY 2006 at 1.00 pm.

    Karan Kapoor (Saif Ali Khan) works with one of India’s leading newspapers as a cartoonist. Hum Tum are his cartoon characters. Hum Tum because that’s how he sees the world divided. No countries, no religions, just two divisions – boys and girls. Karan met Rhea (Rani Mukerjee) for the first time in Amsterdam. They disagreed on everything. So to put things right, Karan innocently kissed her… to confirm their friendship. But things went worse with the unstable Rhea and the meeting ended on a bad note.

    It’s been 10 years since their first encounter and they meet again and become friends despite their differences. Rhea has gone through some personal tragedies in her life, lots of ups and downs but Karan has always been there for her. During this time, she has moved all over the place, from Mumbai to Paris to New York and back to Mumbai. But despite their mishaps, destiny has bigger plans for Karan and Rhea.

    For further information please contact:
    MAX
    Bhharati Kabre
    Email: bhartia@setindia.com

    Genesis Public Relations
    Princy Sebastian/ Preeti Hingorani
    Tel: 91-22-24911783/85
    Fax: 91-22- 24911788
    E-mail: psebastian@genesispr.com
    phingorani@genesispr.com
     
  • Disney completes Pixar acquisition

    Disney completes Pixar acquisition

    MUMBAI: Advancing its strategy of developing outstanding creative content, The Walt Disney Company president and CEO Robert A. Iger announced today that Disney has completed its acquisition of animation company Pixar. In the all-stock transaction, 2.3 Disney shares will be issued for each Pixar share.

    Former Pixar president Dr. Ed Catmull will serve as president of the new Pixar and Disney animation studios, reporting to Iger and The Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook.

    In addition, former Pixar executive vice president John Lasseter, will be chief creative officer of the animation studios, as well as principal creative advisor at Walt Disney Imagineering, where he will provide his expertise in the design of new attractions for Disney theme parks around the world. Lasseter will report directly to Iger.

    Former Pixar chairman and CEO Steve Jobs has joined Disney’s board of directors as a non-independent member. With the addition of Jobs, 11 of Disney’s 14 Directors are independent.

    “For the last 15 years, Disney and Pixar have shared one of the most successful partnerships in entertainment history. From Toy Story through The Incredibles, the success of these animated films was due to the creativity, innovation and immense talent of the phenomenal Pixar team, led by Steve, Ed and John. We also fully recognize that Pixar’s extraordinary record of achievement is in large measure due to its vibrant creative culture, which is something we respect and admire and are committed to supporting and fostering in every way possible. As we begin the next chapter, all of us at Disney are pleased to welcome the incredibly talented Pixar team to our company to continue to create quality entertainment for audiences to enjoy around the world,” said Iger.

  • AOL signs deal with Clearwire for broadband

    AOL signs deal with Clearwire for broadband

    MUMBAI: American Internet service provider AOL and Clearwire Corporation announced an agreement to offer American consumers in select markets “AOL High Speed – Powered by Clearwire.”

    Consumers will now be able to access the AOL service with high-speed wireless broadband access for $25.90 per month.

    AOL president access business Joe Redling says, “Clearwire’s wireless high-speed service brings a differentiated offering to AOL members moving to broadband. This innovative approach to broadband access offers consumers additional levels of freedom and flexibility in how and where they experience AOL’s content and services – and stands to be a promising feature for new consumer segments.”

    Clearwire’s co-president and chief strategy officer Ben Wolff says, “This truly complementary relationship offers customers access to AOL’s premium safety and security features and content with a simple, fast wireless connection.

    “Clearwire’s reliable wireless broadband service combined with AOL’s wide array of content and services, presents an appealing option for online users to leverage the power of the Internet.”

    Key features of the AOL High Speed powered by Clearwire include:

    – Wireless High Speed: In addition to high speed, wireless access offers mobility, freedom and flexibility.

    – Fast and Easy Setup: Plug-and-play installation makes establishing a wireless Internet connection quick and easy.

    – Customer Service: Help that’s available 24/7, including help via phone, e-mail or instant message.

    – Safety: A comprehensive set of safety and security tools available to keep users safer against viruses, spyware, identity theft, and other online threats for no additional charge.

    – Content: AOL-exclusive and original programming including commercial free radio, streaming video and music are all more enjoyable than ever.

    – Storage: Additional benefits like unlimited email and picture storage on AOL.

    This service connects to the Internet using licensed spectrum and eliminates the confines of traditional cable or phone wiring. A small wireless modem makes connectivity easily portable and movable within the Clearwire coverage area, allowing customers to use the service throughout their home, office or favourite local coffee house.