ITV

Category: GECs

  • MyNetworkTV’s nine new affiliates help expand coverage to 65 per cent in U.S.

    MyNetworkTV’s nine new affiliates help expand coverage to 65 per cent in U.S.

    MUMBAI: Fox Television Stations’ new prime-time network MyNetworkTV announced that it has signed on nine more affiliates, expanding its coverage to 65 percent of the U.S.

    Four of the additional stations are owned by Pappas Telecasting Companies. They include KDMI-DT in Des Moines, Iowa; KKAZ-KPTM-DT in Omaha, Nebraska; KDBC-DT in El Paso, Texas; and KPTH-DT in Sioux City, Iowa.

    The remaining five new affiliates are WZDX in Huntsville-Decatur, Alabama; WFXI in Greenville, North Carolina; KZOU in Columbia-Jefferson City, Missouri; KIDZ in Abilene-Sweetwater, Texas; and KGJT in Grand Junction-Montrose, Colorado.

    Pappas Telecasting Companies chairman and CEO Harry J. Pappas said of the deal, “17 years ago, we took a gamble on a fledgling enterprise, the FOX Network. We affiliated the three TV stations we then owned with FOX, despite the fact that many pundits said a fourth network couldn’t possibly succeed. Were they ever wrong! Our relationship with FOX has been mutually-beneficial. Now, we are affiliating four of our TV stations with FOX’s newest enterprise, MyNetworkTV. When you consider Rupert Murdoch’s consistent track record of success, it’s easy to understand why we’re betting on News Corp. again with MyNetworkTV-a bet that Pappas Telecasting expects to pay off handsomely for all involved.”

    MyNetworkTV launches on 5 September with the new scripted primetime drama strips Desire and Secret Obsessions.

  • Banff TV Festival to honour ‘Crash’ director Paul Haggis

    Banff TV Festival to honour ‘Crash’ director Paul Haggis

    MUMBAI: Recognising an individual who exemplifies achievement and advancement in the Canadian entertainment industry, the Banff World Television Festival has announced that director and writer Paul Haggis will be honoured with the first-ever “NBC Universal Canada Award of Distinction.”

    This award, presented by NBC Universal Canada, will be bestowed during a special luncheon at the Banff World Television Festival on 12 June. Haggis directed Crash which earlier this year had won the best picture Oscar. Haggis also won an Oscar for his screenplay.

    Haggis joins the growing list of esteemed guest speakers confirmed for Banff’s In Conversation With series. In these special one-hour forums, speakers are interviewed one-on-one in front of the Festival audience. The informal conversations draw unique insights from participants and are among the most popular with Banff delegates. Haggis will be at Banff to discuss The Black Donnellys, a show he is currently developing for US broadcaster NBC.

    Haggis says, “Banff is a very prestigious event in the entertainment industry and I am truly honoured to be the first recipient of the NBC Universal Canada Award of Distinction.”

    Haggis also wrote and produced last year’s best picture Oscar winner Million Dollar Baby becoming the only person in Oscar history to write back-to-back best picture Oscar winning films. He also recently completed writing the next James Bond movie Casino Royale and Clint Eastwood’s next film Flags of Our Fathers. In addition, a small screen version of Crash is being developed for FX.

    Banff CEO Robert Montgomery says, “Paul Haggis’ achievements in the industry are remarkable. He is an accomplished filmmaker who is proudly Canadian; he has raised the bar and set industry standards for others to follow. I could not think of anyone else more deserving than him to receive this inaugural award.”

    NBC Universal Studios Canada senior VP says, “NBC Universal Canada is especially proud to support and partner with BANFF to honour Mr. Haggis. He exemplifies excellence in our industry and it is a true honour to bestow our first award to him at the Festival.”

    The Banff World Television Festival takes place from 11 to 14 June in Banff, Alberta.

  • Britain’s television exports growing from strength to strength

    Britain’s television exports growing from strength to strength

    MUMBAI: British trade body Pact has put out a report on the state of Britain’s television industry.

    Revenues from the export of British television programs rose 21 per cent in 2005 to £632 million. The business was particularly strong in western Europe.
    The top British shows that found acceptance abroad were the Bafta Awards which aired in India on Star World, and Granada natural history documentaries Chimps – The Dark Side and Wild Sex.

    Other British hits include Midsomer Murders, Wild At Heart – the ITV drama starring Amanda Holden – and the business based reality show The Apprentice. Television sales to the US rose by 10 per cent , while there was an 85 per cent growth in western Europe. Agatha Christie’s Marple also featured in the Top 20.

    There was a 31 per cent increase in exports to Germany following a 14 per cent decrease in 2004, while sales to Spain rose by four per cent. The sale of TV formats rose by a healthy 60 per cent to £42 million last year.

    Straight television sales accounted for the bulk of the revenues, with £275 million, a 25 percent increase. Licensing revenues brought in £159 million, a 20 percent gain. Home video/DVD revenues were up 14 percent to £99 million. However, revenues from co-productions fell by four per cent to £52 million.

  • UTV in sale agreement with Media Footing

    UTV in sale agreement with Media Footing

    MUMBAI: UTV Software Communications Ltd has entered into a share sale agreement with Media Footing SDN BHD for sale of the entire shareholding held by the company in UTV International (Holdings) Ltd, BVI.

    UTV international (Holdings) Ltd, BVI will, thus, cease to be a subsidiary of the company.

    Consequently, Antah UTV Multimedia & Communications SDN BHD, which is a 70 per cent subsidiary of UTV International (Holdings) Ltd, BVI will also cease to be a subsidiary of the company.

  • Zee launches dramedy ‘Jabb Love Hua’

    Zee launches dramedy ‘Jabb Love Hua’

    MUMBAI: Zee TV today announced the launch of its latest kid in the prime time soap block. The dramedy Jabb Love Hua will run Monday through Thursday in the 8:30 pm slot, starting 24 April.

    With Jabb Love Hua, Zee TV is exploring the dramedy genre once again, after the success it had with Kareena Kareena. The serial, set in a scenic village in Uttar Pradesh, also brings back producers Tony and Deeya Singh of the DJ’s Creative Unit to the Zee team after a gap.

    “We have something different in Jabb Love Hua. A serial, set in a rustic backdrop, is something we don’t see often, and we have explored this aspect with Jabb Love Hua,” says Zee TV programming head Ashwini Yardi.

    Zee TV kicked off the promotional campaign for the serial today. Zee TV is exploring outdoors, radio, print and its network platform to promote the serial.

  • Radio Mirchi launches in Bangalore and Jaipur

    Radio Mirchi launches in Bangalore and Jaipur

    MUMBAI: Entertainment Network (India) Limited (ENIL), which runs radio stations by the brand name – Radio Mirchi, has launched FM radio stations in Jaipur and Bangalore under the same brand name.

    Radio Mirchi 105 FM (Jaipur) and Radio Mirchi 93.3 FM (Bangalore) have become the first private FM radio stations to be launched under the Phase II of radio privatisation.

    In the Phase II bidding process over 250 frequencies across 90 cities were successfully auctioned in a process that lasted five weeks in January and February this year. ENIL won 25 licenses in addition to the seven stations it already operates.

    ENIL managing director and CEO A P Parigi said, “ENIL had established a landmark by launching radio stations barely two months after the completion of the bidding process. This was due to the meticulous planning and speedy implementation by the team at Radio Mirchi. This would not have been possible without a proactive ministry of information and broadcasting and other agencies like the Wireless Planning Cell and SACFA that put various permissions on a fast track basis and made the launch of radio stations possible in a short period.”

    Under the Phase II rules, radio stations are permitted to commence broadcasting by way of interim transmission facilities in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jaipur. ENIL is already present in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai.

    The seven stations that ENIL already operates Radio Mirchi in the cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Indore, Ahmedabad and Pune.

  • Star makes a mark in regional; Sun’s flanking strategy pays off: IRS Survey

    Among Hindi general entertainment channels (GEC), only Star Plus has been able to really improve its position in the regional television space over the years, according to the 2006 IRS survey Round I.

    The data offered by Hansa Research and Media Research Users Council (MRUC) on the regional space also reveals the success of Sun Network‘s flanking strategy across the South.

    HINDI GEC

    The top 10 lists of the Tamil Nadu and Kerala markets offered by the survey don‘t have a single Hindi GEC player present from this category. The markets Hindi GECs are doing extremely well, according to the survey, are West Bengal, Maharashtra and Punjab.

    Though these channels have gone down in rankings overall — as compared to the 2000 data — they still have managed to find a place in the top 10 in the Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka markets.

    The 2006 rankings of Hindi general entertainment channels in various regional markets. Rankings are given in brackets.

    Star Plus: Maharashtra (2), Punjab (2), West Bengal (3), Karnataka (5), Andhra Pradesh (7)
    Zee Cinema: West Bengal (4), Punjab (5), Maharashtra (7), Karnataka (9)
    Sony: Maharashtra (6), West Bengal (7), Punjab (7), Andhra Pradesh (10)
    Zee TV: Maharashtra (8), Punjab (9)
    Max: West Bengal (9)
    Star Gold: Punjab (10)

    Now, compare these positions with the 2000 rankings:

    Star Plus: Maharashtra (7), Punjab (6), West Bengal (10), Karnataka (9), Tamil Nadu (10)
    Zee Cinema: West Bengal (3), Punjab (5), Maharashtra (6), Karnataka (10)
    Sony: Maharashtra (4), West Bengal (4), Punjab (4), Andhra Pradesh (5), Karnataka (4), Kerala (10)
    Zee TV: Karnataka (5), Andhra Pradesh (6), Maharashtra (3), West Bengal (5), Punjab (3).
    Star Sports: Karnataka (7), Andhra Pradesh (8), Kerala (7), Maharashtra (8), West Bengal (8), Tamil Nadu (7), Punjab (10)
    ESPN: Andhra Pradesh (9), Kerala (8), Maharashtra (10), West Bengal (7), Tamil Nadu (8)

    The chart projects an improved performance from Star Plus, when comparing the viewership figures of 2000 and 2006. For example, its West Bengal performance graph has shot up from the 10th position to the 3rd. Though the general entertainment channel (GEC) lost the Tamil Nadu market as it reached 2006, the consolation has come in the form of Andhra Pradesh, where it is positioned in the seventh spot as per the data.

    “The data clearly portrays Star Plus‘ journey post Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). KBC established the channel in the Hindi speaking markets and it proved to be a strong launch pad for the channel in the non-Hindi regions. This followed the strategy to strengthen this position through serials, and that saw the entry of all those K serials. Star Plus used its serials effectively lure the all India market. The strategy worked except for Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which are known as hardcore regional language markets,” says Hansa Research marketing & client servicing India head V Sudarshan.

    Speaking on the channel‘s good show in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Sudarshan offers, “These states have certain Hindi speaking belts and hence, the channel is doing considerably well in these South markets as well.”

    Zee Cinema has been successful in retaining all the four markets as it reached 2006, but improvement came only from the Karnataka market. At the same time, the 2006 regional performance graphs of Zee and Sony are not very convincing. As the data given above reveals, Zee TV has lost the top 10 position in as many as three markets, while Sony lost in two. For both the channels, Maharashtra and Punjab proved to be the comfort zones.

    “Zee and Sony were doing decently well with their serial-oriented strategy in the regional markets. However, of late, both the channels were seen devoting their important slots to gameshows and talent hunts. This diversion might have failed to impress the regional market,” opines Sudarshan.

    REGIONAL CHANNELS

    Now coming to regional channels, the 2006 picture is predictable as far as top rankings are concerned. The data shows a Sun Network dominance in Karnataka (Udaya) and Tamil Nadu (Sun) markets. ETV is number one in Andhra Pradesh, while Asianet has edged out Sun‘s Surya TV to clinch the top spot in Kerala.

    In Tamil, while Raj TV has gone down from the 3rd position (2000) to 6th (2006), Jaya TV has done well to reach the third spot this year. The data also offers a portrayal of how Sun Network‘s flanking strategy worked in the Southern space. The bonanza came from the Tamil Nadu market, where Sun‘s movie and music channel KTV holds the second position behind the market leader Sun TV. SCV is in the 5th spot, while Sun News has made it into the 8th spot. In Karnataka, Sun channels hold the top positions. Behind Udaya (1) and ETV Kannada (2), placed in the third position is Ushe, a niche channel from Sun.

    In Andhra Pradesh, Sun has in its hold the second (Gemini) and third positions (Teja), which together beat the estimated viewership numbers of ETV. Thus the data even puts ETV‘s inactivity in the flanking realm under scrutiny. The only multiple channel ETV has is ETV 2, the news channel, in Andhra Pradesh.

    As per the data, the entry of new regional players has taken a toll on Hindi general entertainment channels‘ viewership share in these markets. The new entrants Maa TV (4th rank) in Andhra Pradesh, Kairali (4), Jeevan TV (7), Asianet News (8) and Kiran TV (10) in Kerala have done well in 2006.

    HINDI GEC IN NON-SOUTH REGIONS

    Hindi general entertainment channels continue to hog the limelight in the non-South markets in 2006 also. In Maharashtra, there are only three regional channels which have made it into the top ten list: ETV Marathi (3), DD Sahyadri (4) and Zee Marathi (9).

    Except for ETV Bangla‘s strong second position, the West Bengal market also presents a somewhat similar picture: DD Bangla (5), Akash Bangla (6) and Zee Bangla (10). Again, there is a complete dominance by Hindi general entertainment channels in the Punjab market. Only ETC Punjabi (6th rank) and Balle Balle (8) are the regional channels which have made it into the top 10.

    SPORTS & NEWS CHANNELS

    Surprisingly, sports channels ESPN and Star Sports haven‘t made it into the top 10 in 2006, in any of the seven regional markets presented. “In India, the most valued property for a sports channel is cricket. The lack of cricket content has its negative effect on ESPN and Star Sports this year,” reasons Sudarshan.

    News channels might be in the limelight presently, but the report mentions only two in the 2006 chart: DD News in Punjab, West Bengal (8), Maharashtra (10) and Kerala (9); Aaj Tak (4) in Punjab. Explains Sudarshan, “You would find only two national news channels in 2006‘s top ten list, but even that is a huge phenomenon when compared to the no show in 2000. As per indications, the next two years will see more Hindi news channels entering the top 10. Speaking about the inactivity from English news channels, they cater to only SEC A & B. And these segments together constitute only 20 per cent of the all India market.”

    DOORDARSHAN

    The superiority DD – 1 National Network enjoyed in 2000, by topping in the viewership chart in six out of seven regional markets, is a tale of the past when the market enters 2006. In 2000, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Punjab and Kerala had DD-1 garnering highest viewership among adults, the Andhra Pradesh market had gone in favour of ETV.

    But as we reach 2006, DD-1‘s dominance has reduced to three regional markets: Maharashtra, West Bengal and Punjab. DD-1 has gone down in rankings in markets like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The market where DD-1 has really taken a beating is Tamil Nadu, where it has been relegated to the ninth position.

    “That explains the kind of C&S penetration South India underwent in the last few years. Especially in Tamil Nadu, the C&S penetration has been tremendous. The non-South markets, especially West Bengal, the penetration has been low,” says Sudarshan.

    Speaking about the performance by DD‘s regional channels in 2006, the best show has come from West Bengal. Both DD-1 (1st rank) and DD Bangla (5) have sustained their positions, when compared to their 2000 rankings.

    In Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra also, DD‘s regional channels have been doing decently well. However, there is bad news from Karnataka, Kerala and Punjab markets. In Karnataka, DD Kannada has dipped from the third position to the 10th. In Kerala and Punjab, the respective DD channels have vanished from the respective 6th and 2nd spots.

  • Nike and Maven Networks introduce JogaTV

    Nike and Maven Networks introduce JogaTV

    MUMBAI: Nike, Inc., and Maven Networks have launched a new internet TV channel – JogaTV. People can watch exclusive videos featuring some of the soccer greatest players, as well as some of the world’s best untapped local heroes as they demonstrate Joga Bonito — or Play Beautiful — for everyone to enjoy.

    JogaTV offers an insider view into the world of soccer via multiple video programs, all of which can be shared among friends. Video programming on JogaTV features international stars of the game including Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, and Wayne Rooney. Soccer legend Eric Cantona stars in most of the videos as the disruptive advocate leading the rebellion against slow, controlling, boring soccer and the return of a beautiful, creative style of play.

    Nike’s global Joga Bonito campaign is multi-faceted, encompassing: Joga.com, the world’s largest soccer-specific social network; Joga3, a short- field 3-on-3 game that will allow more than three million kids around the world to bring Joga Bonito to life, a Joga Bonito series of commercials and JogaTV.

    Maven Media System is the technology link between video programming from Nike and its growing social network of soccer fans. Based on patent- pending technology, Maven’s integrated video publishing and distribution platform provides unrivalled customer experiences across multiple devices for JogaTV.

    Once the JogaTV internet television channel is launched, the JogaTV icon lives on the soccer fan’s desktop for easy access. Each week, new content is delivered behind the scenes via the Maven Media System and automatically added to JogaTV. At this time a new program series is unlocked for users to explore. Nike will unlock a total of 17 different programs, one each week between April and July.

    In addition to each of Nike’s new Joga Bonito commercials, content on JogaTV includes:

    Original experiential videos featuring global soccer stars,
    Exclusive videos featuring soccer kids around the world demonstrating their skills,
    US National Team star Clint Dempsey and his “Don’t Tread” rap video,
    Viral videos featuring Brazilian greats Ronaldinho and Ronaldo,
    A weekly blog titled This is American Soccer,
    And a running clock counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds to the US National team’s first game in Germany this summer vs. the Czech Republic.

    “Like all kids who love sport, soccer players and fans have a passion for their game that’s almost insatiable. By launching this viral, online program, we tap into that spirit by delivering highly-coveted content while extending and demonstrating the message of Joga Bonito,” said Nike US advertising director Adam Roth.

    Maven Networks CEO Hilmi Ozguc said, “Maven’s technology allows Nike to directly reach its audiences with an interactive experience that genuinely demonstrates the future of Internet TV, and enables them to accurately target and measure their campaigns. True Internet TV channels are redefining how online content is distributed, and experienced.”

    Maven Networks’ technology is the only broadband video platform that delivers a true Internet TV experience using full-screen, HD-quality video for PCs, Internet-connected TVs, video iPods, PSPs and other portable devices.

    JogaTV is available through select soccer and youth-oriented websites including joga.com and nikesoccer.com.

  • Professional video gaming set for TV debut in the U.S.

    Professional video gaming set for TV debut in the U.S.

    MUMBAI: With a view to bring professional video game playing to a wider audience, Major League Gaming (MLG) and USA Network have announced a programming deal in which USA Network will air seven one-hour episodes, featuring the pro circuit and its players.

    The episodes will air on USA Network this holiday season. MLG also announced that it has a new multiyear contract with Boost Mobile, under which that company’s mobile phones will feature content.

    Though video gaming fans have been able to follow competitions on game web sites, MLG’s television deal marks the first time that TV viewers would be able to track the ups and downs of a pro tournament, watching video gaming as a new kind of extreme sport.

    MLG’s president and chief operating officer Matthew Bromberg said, “This is the sign that pro gaming has finally arrived to the mass market. It’s like poker was two years ago, or Nascar 15 years ago.”

    The upcoming televised series will aim to engage viewers with not only with the game play itself – featuring top players of “Halo 2” on Xbox and “Super Smash Bros. Melee” on Nintendo – but also sports-like commentary and profiles of the players.

    Among them: Bonnie Burton, also known as “Xena,” a 15-year-old from Pennsylvania who is the only female in the pro league and one of the best “Halo2” players in the world; and Tom Taylor, who’s known as “Tsquared,” an 18-year-old from Florida and budding entrepreneur whose Gaming-Lessons business has already helped hone the video-gaming skills of numerous celebrities and star athletes.

    “I’m excited to compete on TV in front of an audience. This will take video gaming to the next level. It is an extreme sport. It’s about quick reflexes and also outsmarting people.” Taylor said in a media report.

    MLG’s chief executive and co-founder Michael Sepso said, “Some top players earn winnings in the range of a couple hundred thousand dollars a year, and the tournaments by MLG usually draw thousands of spectators at its arena venues and thousands more online. But, going before a mainstream television audience could raise video gaming’s visibility, leading to more sponsorships and advertising.”

    And drawing viewers shouldn’t be a stretch, since “video gaming has always had a spectator-element to it anyway,” said Sepso.

    Bromberg explained that the MLG is following a well-tried model for forming a new pro league: Build a credible governing body, sign the best players and then strike deals with major sponsors.

    “That’s what helps the league grow and feeds the machine,” Bromberg said in a media report. “If you have those pieces, then you can have a major sport.”

    MLG operates a seven-city pro circuit, which begins next week in New York and ends with a championship in Las Vegas in November. More than 1,500 players will compete for the championship in two games: “Halo 2” and “Super Smash Bros. Melee World.”

  • Sony Pictures Home Entertainment restructures for the digital age

    Sony Pictures Home Entertainment restructures for the digital age

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) has announced a reorganisation to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital era. New appointments and promotions have been made.

    David Bishop will oversee SPHE’s North American business and Matt Brown will oversee SPHE’s European business. Sean Carey will head SPHE’s digital distribution business.

    Explaining the strategy behind the move, SPHE president of Worldwide Home Entertainment, digital distribution and acquisitions Benjamin S. Feingold says, “This month, we started selling movies through digital downloads over the Internet, and next month, we begin to sell Blu-ray Discs for the very first time.

    “With the digital market poised for growth, now is the time for us to organise ourselves to reap the full benefits of this new era, and to maintain and expand our leadership position in the home entertainment market.”

    Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Michael Lynton says, “The changes in technology and consumer interests demand that we be innovative and visionary in our approach to home entertainment. The digital market has evolved to the point where it has earned its own place in our home entertainment business. Digital distribution and high definition have evolved from a theoretical concept to a new retail business, and that’s why we’re making the strategic moves necessary to ensure that we aggressively market this business in the months and years ahead.

    “And it all begins with people — putting the right people in the right place at the right time.” Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Pictures Group chairman Amy Pascal says, “While nothing can replace the theatrical experience, we want people to have the opportunity to see our movies in their homes or wherever they desire. That is true for our new films as well as the tremendous stories and performances that exist in our extensive library.”

    Bishop had been Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) president of worldwide brand integration. He will now oversee all aspects of the North American business including sales, marketing, and operations. He will also have an integral role in the international operations of the MGM catalogue.

    Feingold stated, “With the MGM transition nearing completion, I am delighted that David has decided to remain with our company. His strong reputation within the home entertainment industry, as well as his outstanding executive skills, will help to insure the ongoing success and growth of our core business. David’s experience with MGM product will also be a great benefit to the division.”

    Bishop says, “I am thrilled to be at SPHE because this is one of the most exciting and dynamic times in the history of home entertainment. I also look forward to working with Ben and the whole team as we focus on the growth of our core business and explore the new options given to us by the
    digital revolution.”

    Brown, meanwhile, will be based in London and will oversee all aspects of the European business, including sales, marketing and management. Brown will help create and execute strategic business plans for SPHE’s growth throughout Europe, especially in light of the proliferation of new digital technologies in the region. He earlier was SPHE senior VP worldwide franchise properties.

    Carey will focus on two areas. First, developing and managing the North American distribution of movies and other SPE content via the internet as well to mobile devices such as cell phones and PSPs. In that regard, he will also work closely with Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, Sony Pictures Television and Sony Pictures Television International. He will also will oversee all business aspects of SPHE’s production and acquisition group, as well as negotiate key acquisition agreements.

    Feingold adds, “We are at the dawn of a new age in home entertainment. Digital technology, combined with the increasing sophistication and mobility of devices on which content can be stored and played, opens up a whole new world for us and for consumers. By reorganizing our home entertainment division now, we are positioning ourselves to deliver entertainment to people wherever, whenever and however they want to enjoy it.”