ITV

Category: GECs

  • Channel 7 unveils its anthem: ‘Karna Hai to Karna Hai’

    New Delhi, June 27th 2006: A song of celebration, a symbol of unity, a mission in harmony, Channel 7’s anthem “Karna Hai to Karna Hai” expresses the passion and zeal driving the channel. The anthem reflects the channel’s positioning statement “Khabar Har Keemat Par” illustrating its desire to showcase news as it is, in true form. This creative initiative by the channel is a first time in the industry.

     

    A unique blend of contemporary and classical music, the song ‘Karna Hai to Karna Hai” is composed by none other than the famous duo of Vishal & Shekhar. Vishal sings the anthem and the lyrics are by the creative team of Brand David. Some of the other compositions by the duo include ‘Dus’, ‘Jhankaar Beats’, and ‘Salaam Namaste’ etc.

     

    “The spirit of the anthem is encouraging and inspiring and gives the editorial team the impetus to achieve their goals under any circumstances. The lyrics epitomises the essence of newsgathering and the commitment of a news reporter whose job demands him to be anywhere, anytime sourcing and reporting news from ground zero across the globe” said Ashutosh, Managing Editor, Channel 7

     

    Sharing his views on the anthem launch, Dilip Venkatraman, Director Marketing said, “This anthem transcends the news genre, it is inspirational and motivational and is applicable in all walks of life, everyday”.

     

    “The vibrancy and the enthusiasm of the channel 7 team was infectious and made my work easy. The lyrics are a blend of this enthusiasm I experienced with the team, the work they do and the commitment they showcased. I wish Channel 7 the very best in their endeavors.” added Vishal Dadlani, Co- Composer & Singer for the anthem.

     

    About Channel 7
    Channel 7 is the Hindi news channel of the TV 18 Network. The channel includes original content that is designed to appeal to its viewers. Channel 7 focuses on building a channel that reflects the moment and engages with viewers over important issues of the day. Hard news is the core offering to keep alive the sharpness of News. Channel 7 promises to deliver Khabar Har Keemat Par!

  • This monsoon STAR PLUS showers more stars on the celebrity game show- ‘IDEA PRESENTS JODEE KAMAAL KI’

    June brings an exciting line up of celebrity couples as they battle it out on Idea Presents Jodee Kamaal Ki– every Saturday, 8:00 p.m. only on STAR PLUS !

    STAR PLUS pours more fun & excitement to its viewers’ kitty this June making Saturday evenings an affair to remember! By continuing to add a dash & chutzpah to its popular celebrity game show Idea Presents Jodee Kamaal Ki, the channel will go all out to sparkle up the weekend evenings for the viewers.

    Based on the universal theme of love, companionship and understanding Idea Presents Jodee Kamaal Ki, a unique game-show which gives its viewers a sneak-peek into the real life relationships of their favorite celebrities, will see the coming together of some of the most popular faces while they will relive their moments of truth, joy, despair, agreement or even disagreement on the show.

    With the bright & sizzling month of June round the corner, it will all begin with a bang on Jodee Kamaal Ki with the Nach Baliye special on June 3rd, where Archana Puran Singh-Parmeet Sethi, Rajeshwari-Varun Badola and Poonam Narula-Manish Goel will come neck-to-neck to win the title.

    The excitement will continue to witness upswing as the following specials will line-up the whole month-Cricketer’s special episode that will have Syed Kirmani, Mohinder Amarnath and Srikant along with their spouses. Followed by two TV special episodes which will have Ali Asgar-Siddika, Nikki Aneja-Sonny and Rajiv-Delnaaz Paul in the first and Manoj Bohra-Teejay Sidhu, Gautami-Ram Kapoor, Neeraj-Pooja Rawal Ghai in the last episode of the month.

    So stay tuned and geared to catch all your favorite stars all month long this June on Idea Presents Jodee Kamaal Ki every Saturday, 8:00 p.m. only on STAR PLUS!

  • ‘Roti Kapda aur Mobile’ on Star News a series on the changing face of modern India

    ‘Roti Kapda aur Mobile’ on Star News a series on the changing face of modern India

    ‘Roti Kapda aur Mobile’ on STAR News
    – A series on the changing face of modern India

    ” Series to encapsulate the 15-year Liberalisation story and its social impact from 25 cities around India
    ” 15 segment series to air from June 21st on Desh Videsh

    Mumbai, June 20, 2006: Sprawling malls in Delhi, IT Parks in Bangalore, Cruise liners disembarking in Mumbai, world-class vineyards in Nashik, all show signs of a modern and liberalized India eager to share in the fruits of a new found prosperity. Emerging on the upswing of a second economic revolution from the pre-1991 dark days of the license raj, and the first freedom revolution in 1947, India is today a changed country. It has now emerged as a vibrant free-market democracy capable of flexing its muscles in the global economy – a dynamic story first set in motion with the swearing in of the Narasimha Rao government at the Center on the 21st of June 1991.

    To celebrate this transition and chart its impact on a modern India, STAR News positions itself at the forefront of chronicling this change, and brings you a special series titled ‘Roti Kapda Aur Mobile’ to coincide with the 15th anniversary. The series will focus on the transformation that is unfolding everyday in the cities and towns of India – mills of the old economy making way for the malls of the new era or the impact in the hinterlands where myriads reach for their mobile to catch the latest twist of a long-running soap on TV. The on-ground ‘travelogue’ series will walk through the cities and towns of India to establish the quiet struggle of a billion people for prosperity and dignity. Going beyond the much-trumpeted economic aspect, the series will focus on the sociological impact on changing lifestyles over the last decade and a half and seek to bring out a human story unique to this impact.

    Live the change from Delhi to Jabalpur and from Kolkata to Nashik on Roti Kapda aur Mobile from June 21st on Desh Videsh (5 pm, Mon-Fri) with repeats at 6.45am and 12.45pm on STAR Savera and Khabar Din Bhar, respectively. Only on STAR News!

    ABOUT STAR NEWS
    STAR News, the first Indian news channel, is a joint venture between ABP TV – a 100 % subsidiary of ABP Pvt. Ltd. – and STAR India Pvt. Ltd., two of the biggest brands in Indian media. The Channel is best defined by a fair and balanced approach that combines prompt reporting with insightful analysis of news and current affairs. Living upto its motto of “Aapko Rakhe Aagey’, STAR News is a people’s channel that focuses on relevant news in a cutting-edge format. Since its conception, the Channel has grown to command a viewership of over 20 million Indian homes. Today, STAR News is available in the Indian subcontinent, South-East Asia, Central Asia, UK, USA and Australia, making it the first and only Global Indian News Channel.

    For further information, please contact:
    Navin Tauro / Swati Sundareswaran / Daylon D’cruz
    Vaishnavi Corporate Communications;
    Tel: 022 5656 8787 / Fax: 022 5656 8788

  • IC Chip magazine offers World Cup 2006 Special

    MUMBAI, May 31, 2006 – Technology changes fast and one needs to keep abreast of developments. IC CHIP magazine, which is at the heart of technology, brings you technology updates, reviews and tests on computing products. But IC CHIP now goes behind the scenes to explore the technology behind the world’s biggest sporting event – the FIFA World Cup 2006.

    The world’s most watched event draws the attention of millions of spectators from almost every country, regardless of participation. Indian’s may be hooked on to cricket, but the football World Cup is a much-watched event. Everyone here is gearing up for a month long football extravaganza. And the event will be aired live on prime time television by India’s premier sports channels.

    A significant annual investment goes towards research and development. That improves the game, both for players and spectators. The World Cup may also be regarded as a stage to display the fruits of this technology research.

    Computerized ticketing using embedded chips with RFID technology, will ensure security. The authorities are also taking comfort levels to a new high by constructing state-of-art stadiums and facilities for spectators. Broadcasting the World Cup in HDTV, the high-definition format with crystal clear images, will be a giant step towards making the TV audience feel like they are actually there in the stadium.

    The footsteps of technology can not only be seen in world-class facilities for the spectators, but also in the new wave of technology implants that promise to change the way the game is played today. For example, chip-embedded balls in conjunction with a computer are helping referees make crucial goal-line decisions.

    IC CHIP aspires to sensitize its readers with the latest in technology, and that extends beyond personal computers. Since the country has caught football World Cup fever, IC CHIP magazine planned an all-color 16-page supplement dedicated to the World Cup. In this supplement, it takes a behind-the-scenes look at the technology driving football’s finest event.

    Within its pages you’ll learn how technology is an enabler for the World Cup. Another article looks at moments of controversy from past World Cup tournaments, where technology could have helped resolve never-ending controversies. At the end of the supplement, there’s a run down of what you can expect in this season’s tournament.

    The schedule of matches unfolds in a colourful center spread. And its large pullout posters will soon find a place on your walls. Don’t miss the review of the movie “Escape to Victory” which has its exciting and dramatic moments. And to wrap it up there’s some interesting world cup trivia.

    With this supplement, IC CHIP takes a bold step towards diversifying its reader-base. By reaching out to a larger, varied audience, CHIP continues to be the leader when it comes to innovation and delivering the latest in technology.

  • Relaunch brings new shows on Channel7

    Relaunch brings new shows on Channel7

    MUMBAI: The management of Channel7 changed hands earlier this year. And the industry was watching what wonders the CNN-IBN editorial team led by Rajdeep Sardesai would work with its programming lineup when it was relaunched. News buffs will not have to wait too long as the channel is relaunching on 5 June with a new on-air look and a tag line to boot – Khabar, Har Keemat par (News, No matter what the cost).

    The new shows it is touting include News Centre, Sports Zone, Bombay Dreams and Hot Seat.

    An hour long show, News Centre will be anchored by managing editor Ashutosh and will encompass all major news from across the country and abroad providing on-ground reportage, studio interviews and in-depth analysis.

    Sports Zone will give a wrapup of key sports stories of the day. Bombay Dreams will zoom in on news from tinsel town and the world of glitz – films and entertainment. Hot Seat’s format will be the talking heads one – with those in the news being grilled one-on-one. Talk shows, debates, crime updates, breakfast shows are also part of the programming mix.

    Says Ashutosh:”We have ambitious programming plans for Channel7 including original content designed to appeal to viewers. The focus will be on building a channel that reflects the moment and engages with viewers over important issues of the day. Hard news will be our core offering as we feel sharpness in news has vanished from Hindi news channels.”

    “Channel7 and CNN-IBN will complement each other in serving robust and high quality news from every region of the country and relevant global news. Both channels share common values where, CNN-IBN’s baseline; “Whatever it takes” is balanced by Channel7’s “Khabar, Har Keemat Par.” added Channel7 & CNN-IBN editor-in-chief Rajdeep Sardesai.

    Channel7’s editorial team comprises of executive editor assignment Mrityunjay Kumar Jha; executive editor – input Prabal Pratap Singh; senior executive producer – output Sanjeev Paliwal; senior editor, bureau chief national Sumit Awasthi; chief of bureau Mumbai Sanjay Prabhakar; deputy editor, programming Rohit Lal and senior editor Prashant Tandon.

    Says Director marketing Dilip Venkatraman:“The Hindi News market is not only cluttered but challenging too. We have put in considerable effort in identifying the channel’s positioning,”Khabar, Har Keemat Par” and developed a new logo, look, programming mix that will work in tandem with the positioning to deliver a holistic world class news experience.”

    “The synergy shared between CNN-IBN and Channel7 on the positioning platform of hard news will be the key differentiating factor in breaking through the clutter. The advertiser who comes on board of TV18 will enjoy the benefits of being present in all the channels from the Group. This gives them the option of reaching various target groups across the country at the same time. We feel positive that this offering will help us accomplish our sales targets, ” director sales Rajnath Kamath concluded.

  • MTV launches celebrity romance reality show ‘Ishq Deewane’

    MTV launches celebrity romance reality show ‘Ishq Deewane’

    MUMBAI: MTV is premiering a celebrity romance reality show MTV Ishq Deewane on 3 June at 7:30 pm. 

    Through its 12 episodes, MTV Ishq Deewane will unravel the real world of the couples and introduce audiences to the little things that bind them together, states an official release.

    The half-hour format consists of three segments – meeting the couple, setting up the task and the big suprise in the end. 

    The channel will showcase the celebrity couples like Shweta & Manav Gohil, Rajeshwari & Varun Badola, Manasi & Rohit Roy and Delnaz & Rajiv Paul amongst others in the show, adds the official release.

    MTV Networks India VP and GM creative and content Ashish Patil says, “With shows like Loveline, Love ke liye and more, MTV’s always been a love guru. We now take it to level 2 with true life love stories and some really wicked surprises delivered MTV style by your favorite celebrities only on Ishq Deewane!”

    On the marketing front of MTV Ishq Deewane, the channel plans an aggressive push on-ground. Within the first two weeks, MTV plans to engage its audiences on-ground innovatively through road shows in Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

    It has also tied-up with Baskin Robbins and launched a special double-scooped Ishq Deewane Sundae. Anyone who orders this sundae, gets another one of the same, free. 

    On the home entertainment front, the channel has tied-up with Excel Videos, to put out MTV Ishq Deewane Superstars Ka Super Pyaar DVD Collection Offer

  • Star India acquires four films including ‘Rang De..’ from UTV for Rs 160 million

    Star India acquires four films including ‘Rang De..’ from UTV for Rs 160 million

    MUMBAI: Star India has acquired the telecast rights to the Aamir Khan starrer Rang De Basanti from UTV. The block buster film has been bought over along with three other UTV productions as a package for around Rs 160 million, according to market sources.

    The other three movies Star has acquired are Chup Chup Ke, The Blue Umbrella and an un-titled David Dhawan project.

    Confirming the acquisition to indiantelevision.com, Star Entertainment India CEO Sameer Nair said Star channels would premiere Rang De Basanti in the last quarter of the calendar year. “We have acquired four movies, including Rang De Basanti, from UTV through a package deal. We will telecast Rang De Basanti some time around October 2006,” says Nair. However, Nair refused to confirm the acquisition price.

    Rang De Basanti has been the biggest grosser for UTV Motion Pictures this year. The movie, starring the ensemble cast of Aamir Khan, Madhavan, Soha Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor, Siddharth, Sharman Joshi and Alice Patten, is directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.

    Scheduled for a 9 June release, Chup Chup Ke will see popular director Priyadarshan delivering yet another South remake. The film is the Hindi version of the Malayalam blockbuster laugh riot Punjabi House. Chup Chup Ke stars Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav and Om Puri.

    The Blue Umbrella, directed by Vishal Bharadwaj has Pankaj Kapur donning the title role. Released in December 2005, this low-budget movie had won a lot of critical acclaim. The fourth movie in question is a David Dhawan venture which is about to go on floor.

    The new UTV collection beefs up Star India’s blockbuster bank. The network has already acquired titles such as Krrish, Taxi No.9211 and Bluffmaster. Some of the other movies Star has acquired this year include Apaharan, Ankahee, Shikhar, Family and Aksar.

    While Star India has pocketed a significant number of big movies to telecast this year, competitiors Zee Cinema and Max are gearing up for some tough fight. Zee Cinema has re-branded its driver property Shaniwaar Ki Raat Amitabh Ke Saath and recently telecast the big movie Garam Masala. Other key telecast rights the channel holds include Umrao Jaan, Pyare Mohan and Home Delivery, according to sources.

    On the other hand, Max is banking on some of the 2005 blockbusters such as Salaam Namaste, Kalyug and Zeher. It is expected that Yash Raj Films’ latest release Fanaa and the upcoming biggy Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna will also go to Max.

  • Sony begins 10 pm band revamp with ‘Vaidehi…’

    Sony begins 10 pm band revamp with ‘Vaidehi…’

    MUMBAI: Sony is all set to launch a new show Vaidehi… Ek Aur Agni Pareeksha. Produced by Aroona Irani, the show will be launched on 5 June and will be aired on Mondays at 10 pm.

    After revamping their 8 to 9 pm band, Friday line up and their afternoon band with new shows, Sony is now targetting the 10 pm slot. New one hour weeklies will be launched at 10 pm, the first of which is Vaidehi… The channel will be introducing a couple of more shows in the coming days.

    After Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi went off the airwaves last month, Sony had introduced a new limited episode show – Khauffnaak in the 10 pm slot.

    Vaidehi… is a story of a middle class girl with stars in her eyes and dreams in her heart but who eventually gets caught in an unusual situation.

    Sony Entertainment Television (SET) India COO N P Singh said, “After Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi, the 10 pm slot on the channel will have a variety of interesting genres — drama, real life stories, thriller and detective series, which make for wholesome entertainment. Vaidehi Ek Aur Agni Pareeksha at 10 pm is a show that will find echo in millions of women across the country who spend their life in subjugation and despair. Adding strength and vitality to the story is the suspense, thrill and romance that makes for prime time viewing. Also, working with a successful producer like Aroona Irani, we look forward to an involved audience with Vaidehi…”

    “I am glad that Sony Entertainment Television has liked the concept and I hope that Vaidehi… will match up to Sony’s expectations. Vaidehi is a story of a girl, her dreams and the reality and also has a social message for viewers. It is all about living life to the fullest and following your own dreams,” said Irani.

  • Channel7 executive editor Ajit Sahi quits to join United Nations Millennium Campaign

    Channel7 executive editor Ajit Sahi quits to join United Nations Millennium Campaign

    MUMBAI: Global Broadcast News (GBN) and Jagran TV partnered Channel7’s programming head Ajit Sahi has quit the news organisation to join United Nations Millennium Campaign as communication co-ordinator South Asia.

    The United Nations Millennium Campaign has been initated by the United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan with the aim to stimulate a global movement to press governments to translate pledges made at the UN’s 2000 Millennium Summit into a reality.

    Before GBN bought into Jagran TV-promoted Channel7, Sahi was the executive editor of the news channel. After the restrucuturing, Ashtosh from Aaj Tak had been brought in as the editorial head and Sahi was given other responsibilities.

    Sahi had filled the position of head of Channel 7 after Arup Ghosh quit as news director in 2005.

    A print medium journalist-turned-TV man, Sahi has also worked with Star News and the defunct Buisness India TV where he worked as a senior producer. There, he worked under political analyst and mediaperson Vinod Dua and TV18’s present promoter Raghav Bahl.

  • Star India CFO G Subramaniam, AVP Vidyuth Bhandari quit

    Star India CFO G Subramaniam, AVP Vidyuth Bhandari quit

    MUMBAI: After the exit of Puneet Johar as Senior VP, Marketing and Communication last week, Star India has two more key executives leaving the organisation. According to reliable sources in the market, Star India CFO G Subramaniam and AVP Vidyuth Bhandari have quit the organisation.

    Subramaniam, who will be leaving the organisation at the end of June, is set to join a prominent cellular phone company. Bhandari has already joined Adlabs Radio as Interactivity Activation and PR head.

    Subramaniam and Bhandari were not available for comment at the time of filing this report.

    A chartered accountant by qualification, Subramanian joined Star India as Star Digital Platforms Group CFO in 2001. He was elevated to CFO of the network in 2003. Prior to joining Star, he worked with the BPL Innovision business group in their telecom ventures including four years with BPL Mobile, Mumbai as the CFO. The new move sees him returning to the telecom sector.