ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • Australian and India to collaborate in field of entertainment

    Australian and India to collaborate in field of entertainment

    NEW DELHI: India and Australia can work together to build a new era of cooperation and understanding in the field of entertainment.

    This consensus emerged when a high-level business delegation from Australia led by the Minister of Trade Mr. Warren Truss held an interactive meeting with the who’s who of Indian industry and important trade bodies.

    It was generally decided that India and Australia can engage in various mutually beneficial joint activities for both the countries. Secretary General Mr. Supran Sen who was representing the Guild described the interaction as fruitful and said several issues of common interests to both countries were discussed.

    The Australian High Commissioner Mr. John McCarthy was also present on the occasion.The Guild members said they were committed to the endeavor of exploring new avenues to its members for globalizing Indian cinema.

  • Bose introduces Bose Companion 5 multimedia speaker system

    Bose introduces Bose Companion 5 multimedia speaker system

    MUMBAI: Audio equipment firm Bose India has introduced the Companion 5 multimedia speaker system for computer users who enjoy movies, music, and games.

    With one USB connection, the system turns the computer into a complete entertainment hub, delivering today’s multi-channel audio content from two visible speakers and a hideaway Acoustimass module.

     
    The new Companion™ 5 system requires no software installation, no sound card upgrade, no adapters or complicated wiring for setup. With plug-and-play simplicity, it creates a desktop-theater, providing much of the performance of a fully wired five-speaker system.

    A new generation of proprietary TrueSpace surround processing circuitry, developed specifically for computer applications, enables the system to deliver a vivid, immersive soundstage without using rear speakers; sound seems to come from beyond the enclosures themselves. This technology provides the 5.1 audio experience many games and movies are encoded to deliver, and also enhances the enjoyment of stereo music collections many people now store on hard drives.

    The Companion 5 system’s speaker arrays come preassembled on stands for out-of-the-box setup. Angled for accurate performance, each array measures only 6? wide and 4? deep, fitting neatly and inconspicuously to the right and left of a computer monitor.

     
    The small control pod puts system operation within easy reach, letting users adjust volume and access one-touch muting. It also offers a headphone jack and input for an additional audio source –- such as an MP3 player.

    Bose proprietary integrated signal processing maintains accurate tonal balance even at low listening levels, ideal for users who listen in areas where louder volume could distract others. Music maintains depth and clarity, even when played softly in the office or during a late night at home.

    The Companion 5 system is compatible with both PC and Mac platforms. For the best performance, Bose recommends Windows XP or later for PC users and OS X 10.4.6 or later for Mac users.

    In addition to introducing the new Companion 5 system, Bose has updated the Companion 3 and Companion 2 multimedia speaker systems. The Companion 3 system, designed for premium stereo performance, comes with newly designed speakers now pre-positioned on stands. The Companion 2 system, offering a simple yet high-quality speaker upgrade for computers or portable players, has also been refreshed with a new speaker design.

  • MTV announces 250 layoffs worldwide

    MTV announces 250 layoffs worldwide

    MUMBAI: MTV Networks International announced the elimination of 250 jobs at the company as part of their restructuring process.

    The Viacom-owned operation said that this is part of a move to focus on high-growth businesses and markets and boost operating margins.

    The Viacom Brand Solutions (VBS) Europe and VBS UK divisions, charged with developing targeted opportunities for advertisers across the MTVNI portfolio; as well as the consumer products, program sales and digital media units will maintain their existing structures.

    The 250 layoffs include the restructuring that took place at MTV Networks Asia in Singapore at the end of last year. In Latin America, further regionalization is being planned, with some functions at the Miami headquarters relocating to Buenos Aires. Ad sales and affiliate sales will remain in Miami, while Buenos Aires will be home to production, programming and creative strategy.

    In Europe, meanwhile, a portion of the Emerging Markets/Middle East group in London will relocate to Budapest, Hungary and Warsaw. A new structure will also be put in place in London to devote more support to revenue-generating areas and its biggest business, MTV Networks U.K.

    Some MTVNI functions will be merged with MTVN U.K., while others will be restructured to its existing global MTV Networks U.S. base. 

    Speaking about the changes MTVNI president Bob Bakish said that “(these changes) will position us well for the next phase of our growth-increasing our operating margins through more efficient corporate structures, while also mobilizing our resources to build our multiplatform brand portfolios in priority markets and expand growing revenue areas such as ad sales, digital media and consumer products.”

  • Trai’s DTH paper stresses on QoS, interconnect

    Trai’s DTH paper stresses on QoS, interconnect

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) just released a Consultation Paper on the issues issues arising out of the provision of the direct-to-home television service.

    The Trai paper’s focus is on three issues – interconnect agreements, quality of service standards and technical and commercial interoperability for set top boxes.

    On the Interconnection issues, Trai is taking up those relating to standardisation of interconnection agreements and use of the reference interconnect offer methodology. Additionally, issues relating to provision of access to broadcasters, must carry obligations and the related issue of carriage fee are also being taken up.

    On the tariff question, the Trai paper remains consistent with the line taken earlier as well by the sector regulator that it will not intervene or regulate matters of pricing of DTH services.

    On the subject of quality of service standards, the paper has issues of whether QOS standards for DTH should be mandated.

    The other two issues on this subject are

    Whether the approach suggested by Trai for the telecom sector where it mandates the details of the grievance redressal machinery – maintenance of call centre, appointment of nodal officers for grievance redressal and establishment of appellate body – can be followed in the case of DTH also.

    And whether quality of service standards can be voluntarily evolved by the service provider.

    Another major issue is whether technical interoperability of STBs should be retained or whether it should be replaced by commercial interoperability. And then again, if commercial interoperability is to be introduced then what is the manner in which this is to be done.

    “Interconnection for DTH is already covered on issues relating to “must provide”. However, the reverse obligations regarding “must carry” as well as issues relating to standardisation of agreements have not yet been addressed and these have been raised in the consultation paper.

    “On the quality of service standards, the basic issue is whether these should be mandated and if so, in what manner.

    “Finally, the regulatory issues regarding set top boxes focus on the need for commercial interoperability and whether this should replace the technical interoperability. The major issues posed for consultation are indicated in the box placed alongside,” the statement concluded.

     
    As regards pricing, it may be mentioned that in relation to the case between Zee Turner versus TataSky, the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal had asked a few weeks ago, whether Trai would be looking into this. Trai had later responded that the process is on, and this paper now comes in part as a result of that exercise.

    “At present, apart from Doordarshan, which provides free to air channels, there are two other DTH service providers for pay channels and two more have obtained license to commence operation, a statement from Trai said today.

     
    The statement says that there are a number of issues relating to tariffs, both at the wholesale and at the retail level.

    “The foremost issue is whether there is need for any regulation of DTH tariffs since the DTH service is in fact providing some competition to cable television. Competition provides an excellent method for ensuring the consumer’s interests are protected.

    “Accordingly, regulation has a rationale when the market does not function or the level of competition is inadequate. It has been seen in the recent past that there has been some competition between the two DTH service providers as well as between DTH and cable.

    “Competitive packages and offers have been made by all the service providers as against the situation just one year back when the consumer had virtually no choice and options.

    “Considering all these developments, it has been decided that these issues should be looked at after some time when the impact of the competition in general, and impact of roll out of the CAS in cable TV in particular can be assessed. Accordingly the tariff issues have not been posed for consultation at present,” the statement said.

    The major issues posed for consultation related to interconnection, quality of service standards and regulatory issues regarding set top boxes.

    The consultation paper can be found on the Trai website, at www.trai.gov.in.

  • BBC Worldwide, Baby Cow announce digital media deal

    BBC Worldwide, Baby Cow announce digital media deal

    MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide’s Indie Unit announced a digital media deal with award-winning producer Baby Cow. The deal give the commercial arm of the BBC the right to distribute all of Baby Cow’s programmes via all digital media platforms, both on-demand and as downloads to own.

    In addition to the digital media distribution of Baby Cow’s existing content, the agreement also allows at least 30 minutes of new material which can be specifically designed for exploitation on digital media distribution platforms, such as mobile or web services dedicated to short form content.

    BBC Worldwide Indie Unit Helen Jackson says, “The deal with Baby Cow is an important example of a new range of deals that BBC Worldwide is striking with its Indie partners. We’re really excited about the quality of content this deal brings to our digital media offering and about the new bespoke content we’ll be creating together.”

    Baby Cow founding partner Henry Normal, says, “We at Baby Cow have been looking into ways of exploiting our content through digital media platforms for some time. BBC Worldwide, with its exciting range of distribution contacts, have provided us with the right opportunity of getting into the UK and international markets.”

    BBC Worldwide Digital Media director Simon Danker commented, “We’re delighted with this deal with Baby Cow and excited about the opportunity to create brand new material for digital distribution. Baby Cow’s programming, such as The Mighty Boosh, is perfect for a digital audience and we are looking forward to using our growing expertise in this area for future development deals.”

    Baby Cow was established in 1999, by comedy creators Henry Normal and Steve Coogan, and has gained an enviable reputation for new British comedy talent. The production company is responsible for hits which include: Human Remains, Doctor Terrible’s House of Horrors, Cruise of the Gods, Marion and Geoff, Nighty Night, The Keith Barret Show, Ideal, Mighty Boosh and Sensitive Skin.

  • Radio Mirchi, Gillette present gully cricket

    Radio Mirchi, Gillette present gully cricket

    MUMBAI: On ground activity around cricket is set to increase as brands go all out to cash in on the cricket World Cup frenzy. Radio Mirchi and Gillette Vector Plus decided to do things differently when they came together to provide a platform for local talent to be recognized in Gully Gully Mein Cricket Ka Jashn.

    The gully cricket tournament saw hundreds of entries with the final 8 teams battling it out for a cash purse of ten thousand rupees for each team member. The matches will be played at Azad Maidan starting on 3 March 3. The finals of the tournament will be held on 10 March. All matches will be played in true gully cricket fashion.

    Radio Mirchi vice-president and station director Hitesh Sharma said, “Radio Mirchi has always strived to connect with listeners through out-of-the-box content and on-ground promotions. Gully Gully mein Cricket ja Jashn is yet another way through which we not only connect with out listeners, but also recognize the immense talent in the city.”

    Gillette brand manager Sumeet Narang said “We understand the passion Indian men have for the game of Cricket. It is to celebrate this Cricket spirit that Gillette is launching the New Vector Plus Winner pack and Announcing the nationwide Galli Cricket tournament!” 

    Cricketer Irfan Pathan who is also endorses Gillette Vector Plus said, “I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all my fans to join me in spirit this Cricket Season by participating in the Gillette Vector Plus Galli Cricket Tournament. While my eyes are set on the World Cup trophy, I wish luck to all my fans to bring home their very own Vector Plus Galli Cricket trophy, and truly experience the winning spirit.” 

    Played with typical gully cricket rules, each team would consist of six players plus one substitute. The 10 over match will have each side bat for 5 overs. Each member of the team is required to bowl one over in the match.

    Mirchi will also have a range of ‘expert’ commentators such as Manjeev Kumar, Sendulkar, Mr. Piddhu who will help Radio Mirchi RJ’s in commentary during the matches. The station aims bring to its listeners a flavour of street cricket.

  • Zee Muzic, ETC launch Nayee Padosan 2 Face Hunt

    Zee Muzic, ETC launch Nayee Padosan 2 Face Hunt

    MUMBAI: The sequel to the movie Nayee Padosan is on the look out for a fresh new face. Zee Muzic and ETC announced the launch of their Nayee Padosan 2 Face Hunt.

    The two music channels ran a joint contest offering its viewers an opportunity to share screen space with the original starcast. The talent hunt which saw hundreds of entries will be short listed through auditions.

    The 12 shortlisted candidates will be groomed for the final show down. The talent hunt will culminate in a grand finale in Mumbai on 25 March.
    Zee Music and ETC are the media partners for the movie and have been associated with the original Nayee Padosan as well.

    Speaking on this unique initiative, Zee Muzic Business Head Irshwin Balwani said, “For the first time, Zee Muzic and ETC have come together for this unique hunt. Through the combined efforts with the producers, we hope to find a new heroine who will not only star in this film, but will also be a talent to reckon with in film industry”.

    The film is choreographer turned film maker B.H. Tharun Kumar’s second attempt at a comedy. While the original star cast of the film – consisting of Vikas Kalantri, Aslam Khan, Rahul Bhatt stay the same the film has been on a look out for a second heroine.

  • BBC World in ‘Take Off’ mode with new show

    BBC World in ‘Take Off’ mode with new show

    MUMBAI: Close on the heels of launching an India specific campaign ‘What Affects the World, Affects You’, BBC World announced the start of its 6-part mini series Take Off, on the aviation industry in India, with a panel discussion on the booming sector.
    The mini series will be aired on BBC World every Tuesday at 9 pm, and will talk to leading industry experts, asking them about the recent developments and exploring and analysing the future of this sector. With six repeats planned across weekdays and weekends the show is a key feature of the channel’s March programming
    Region specific programming such as the sector stories on India is undertaken by the channel only in a few countries. BBC World is aggressively looking at the Indian market where it has to compete with both national news channels as well as international news channel CNN.
    Speaking about the mini series, BBC World head of MarCom Vaishali Sharma said, “The mini series to be aired on our global network takes a look at the Indian aviation sector through the years. Our correspondent Karishma Vaswani had covered the ‘Aeroshow’ at Yelahanka and the excitement that has been generated over this sector in the past few years made it ideal to showcase this sector. The aviation industry has witnessed phenomenal growth in the last few years. With Take Off, BBC World will showcase the opportunities and achievements created by the Indian boom in the aviation sector, plus the threats.”
    As part of the promotional activity, the channel also had a brief panel discussion on the budget and growth of the aviation segment with Go Air managing director Jeh Wadia and Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (Capa) CEO Kapil Kaul, along with minister for civil aviation Praful Patel, who joined in via video conferencing.
    The mini series, which was commissioned to Miditec, starts at the cusp of the ‘Aero Show’ at Yelahanka in Bangalore and traces the journey of Indian aviation through the decades. The first episode takes an overview of the industry and the various issues that surround it. The subsequent issues will probe deeper into the problems faced by low cost airlines, government apathy, infrastructure problems, airline personnel as well as the rise of the budget airlines and privatisation.
    Speaking about the advertising for the show, BBC World ad sales head Seema Mohapatra mentions that while the aviation sector itself could not advertise on the show, there had been great response from other advertisers. “The aviation sector spins off so many other areas like tourism and domestic travel for business that we are bound to see advertisers in those areas as well.”
    The promotions for the show include a multimedia marketing campaign with BBC leveraging its radio connection. Sharma said, “We are looking at radio very actively and will use FM stations like Radio One and Radio City. The show will also be promoted through print, outdoor and online media.”

  • 9 million broadband connections by year-end

    9 million broadband connections by year-end

    NEW DELHI: The government has set a target of providing nine million broadband connections by this year end and 20 million connections by the end of 2010.

    Addressing the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his ministry, Communications and Information Technology Minister Dayanidhi Maran stated that more than a million broadband connections would be added per month before the end of 2007 thanks to the availability of new disruptive wireless broadband technologies such as Wi-MAX.

    He stressed the need for wire line and wireless broadband to co-exist and expand together and said new applications such as tele-aid medicines, IPTV, video conferencing, e-governance, e-commerce etc. will be available to citizens with broadband availability. Members complained about the poor mobile connectivity in the rural/remote areas and stressed the need for improving the complaint redressal mechanism in the backward and rural areas.

    There will be special emphasis for the North-Eastern States and Jammu & Kashmir, Maran added. He informed the members that the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) had declared Year 2007 as “Year of North East and Jammu Kashmir” with the objective of improving teleconnectivity in these states. Dr. Shakeel Ahmad, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology was also present.

     
    Through a presentation on the initiatives on Broadband, members were shown the targets to be achieved under the broadband initiatives, broad strategy and action plans prepared by the BSNL and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

    It is envisaged under the action plan that broadband coverage of all secondary and higher secondary schools, public health care centers and Village Panchayats would be provided by the year 2008. Broadband connectivity would be provided to 100,000 Community Service Centers (CSC) covering 20000 CSCs by ADSL by September 2007; 1000 blocks by wireless broadband by December 2007 and the remaining 5000 blocks by wireless broadband with USO support by June 2008. BSNL, as part of their action plan, have envisaged adding an average of 500,000 broadband connections per month from January 2008.

    Eighty per cent of the exchanges would be broadband by the end of 2007 and roll out of IPTV will begin in major cities. In addition to this, BSNL will aggressively roll out high speed broadband (like Wi-MAX) services and allow integration of multiple access technology like ADSL 2 +, VDSL 2, fibre-home, Wi-Fi, Wi-MAX, 3G, CorDECT etc. The focus will be to provide multi-play instead of triple play.

     
    As a part of the strategy, MTNL has envisaged a target of providing one million broadband connections by the end of this year and addition of an average 100,000 connections per month from January 2008. It has also decided to strengthen its IPTV services which have been recently rolled out fully in Mumbai and in limited areas of Delhi.

    Maran informed the members about the recent amendment to the Indian Telegraph Act to provide support from USO fund for mobile and broadband services in remote/rural areas. He said restrictions of providing mobile services within 10 km. of international borders had been relaxed to 500 metres except along the Line of Control and Line of Actual Control in the areas of Akhnoor and Pathankot of J and K. Maran hoped that mobile connectivity to the rural area and border areas will improve significantly with these decisions.

  • Government warns of stiff action against erring TV channels

    Government warns of stiff action against erring TV channels

    NEW DELHI: Even as the AXN channel has been allowed to resume telecasts in India following an apology, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has expressed its unhappiness at the fact that the channel should have ignored warnings about its content.

    Sources in the ministry tell Indiantelevision.com that the channel, which was banned on 17 January for two months (till 15 March), “did not even acknowledge the notices of the ministry in this regard, leave aside responding to them.” AXN had been banned for telecasting programmes like The World’s Sexiest Advertisements, which the ministry felt “were against good taste or decency and were likely to adversely affect public morality.”

    I&B Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi had said recently that the government was concerned about the content being aired on electronic media and has warned of suitable action in case of violations of the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act 1995.

    He had noted that some of the programmes being telecast on TV on different channels had poor quality content and women were depicted in a degrading fashion in advertisements etc. “We have to be very tough in this regard,” he had noted. Though he did not name any channels, it is learnt that they included FTV and Zee Café, apart from AXN.

    The ban order under Section 20(2) of the Act was lifted in view of the assurance by AXN that it would put in place a more effective self regulatory mechanism to ensure that the programmes and the advertisements telecast on the channel are in compliance with the Act.