ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • BBC, Ficci strategic partners in Mumbai Saarc biz meet

    BBC, Ficci strategic partners in Mumbai Saarc biz meet

    NEW DELHI: BBC World, the BBC’s international 24-hour news and information channel will be the official media partner for the second SAARC Business Leaders Conclave, being hosted on 17 and 18 February in Mumbai, a company statement said today.

    The conclave organised by the SAARC Chamber of Commerce will see BBC World and Ficci as strategic partners, providing a platform for global debate, dialogue and discussion.

    Pranab Mukherjee, Minister for Foreign Affairs of India, will inaugurate the SAARC Business Leaders Conclave 2007.

    The two-day event will witness participation from eminent corporate, government and media personnel from across the sub-continent.

    Among those addressing the conclave are Dasho Ugen Tsechup Dorji, President, SCCI; Syed Yawar Ali, Chairman, Nestle, Pakistan;. Alan Winters, Director- Development Research Group, The World Bank and Najam Sethi, Daily Times, Pakistan.

    On February18, BBC World will organise a debate: “Is a South Asian economic union necessary for economic growth in South Asian nations?”

    The debate will be moderated by BBC World’s business correspondent, Karishma Vaswani with Vicki Treadell, Deputy High Commissioner, British Deputy High Commission, Mumbai and Anand Giridharadas, South Asia Correspondent, International Herald Tribune, among others taking part in the panel discussions.

    Vaishali Sharma, head of marketing communication, BBC World, India, says, “As a leading international news channel, we are proud to associate with Ficci in this endeavour to encourage regional economic cooperation through the SAARC business leaders conclave, as a result providing value to our stakeholders.”

    Dr Amit Mitra, Secretary General, Ficci says, “SAARC Business Leaders Conclave is an attempt by the private sector of SAARC towards realising the aspirations of South Asia’s economic integration.

    “The Conclave emphasises deeper Public-Private Partnership (PPP) for creating a platform to address the common challenges that South Asia is facing. Ficci and SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) are delighted that BBC World is partnering with us in this unique enterprise of thought leadership.”

    The first SAARC Business Leaders Conclave (SBLC) in 2005 was held at a time of when SAARC countries stood at the threshold of a new decade of their existence.

    The conclave provided a unique platform to debate the gains made in regional cooperation during its first two decades and to underline that efforts must continue to free South Asia from poverty, hunger and other forms of deprivation which present a daunting challenge.

    The 2007 conclave will reinforce this process through its two-day session theme – Regional Cooperation: A Springboard for Growth and Job Creation.

  • CNBCTV 18 ‘Emerging India Awards’ enters Limca Book of Records

    CNBCTV 18 ‘Emerging India Awards’ enters Limca Book of Records

    Mumbai: The Emerging India Awards on CNBC-TV18 partnered by ICICI Bank and Crisil awards the performance by Indian SMEs. This year the event received over 35, 000 SME applications to power the Emerging India Awards into the Limca Book of Records as the biggest business awards in India.

    The Emerging India initiative was launched in 2004 to understand the dynamics of India’s small and medium enterprises. The awards have grown from 5000 applications in its first year to over 35, 000 applications this year.

    Speaking on the landmark occasion CEO & MD, ICICI Bank K V Kamath said, “This achievement is a reconfirmation that the growth in India is broad based. It is indeed a far more wide platform that what we all had thought of earlier and that is what took it from 5000 to 35,000 companies standing up to be counted.

    I think this process of recognition provides them the stimulus to grow. I wish this event a great success for this year and I think it’s a great recognition to be counted in the Limca Book of Records for the event.”

    A spokesperson for CNBC-TV18 also said, “The Emerging India Awards are designed to recognize the most sustainable Value Creators among SMEs in the country.

    With the tremendous response of over 35,000 entries received from all across the country this year, The Emerging India initiative is a true testimony to the power of the SME story. It is also extremely heartening that the future for Indian SMEs looks bright across all Industry sectors. We will continue to take up the SME cause at the TV18 network”

  • This budget a bonanza of knowledge and wealth on the CNBC Universe

    MUMBAI: Every year the average Indian awaits the budget with nervous expectation of how it will affect his household balance sheet. The CNBC Universe now enables the concerned viewer to not only understand the budget and all its intricacies but also profit from it.

     

    Time is money – and the Budget 2007 on CNBC Universe is a minute-by-minute updated analysis of what it holds for the Indian. It is opportune information at the opportune moment to decide if the Budget 2007 really is the harbinger of the opportunity economy?

     

    On Budget Day, February 28, 2007, contest winners can win Rs. 1 Lakh every hour for 11 hours, from 10 am to 9 pm by answering questions posed on both CNBC-TV18 and CNBC Awaaz or they could log onto Moneycontrol.com to win another Rs 25,000 per hour. The questions would pertain to the programming on air at that time. Viewers would be able to participate in the Budget Bonanza Contest by sending in their answers via SMS to 2622.

     

    The CNBC Universe, India ‘s leading network for news and financial analysis, will telecast the live and uninterrupted coverage of the FM’s Budget Speech. After the budget speech, viewers can stay tuned for a complete analysis of the budget with expert opinions, industry reactions, market implications and informative bulletins on the CNBC Universe.

    CNBC TV-18 & CNBC AWAAZ will air live coverage of the reactions of key stakeholders like CII, FICCI, industry leaders, the impact on markets and also from the studios on the budget day the CNBC Universe will have India’s best financial heads and most respected reporters analyzing the budget, to ensure that all viewers understand the full implications of the budget and are easily able to analyse the fine print of the FM’s speech.

     

    The Budget day will also be power packed starting in the morning with a budget special of MARKETS with Udayan Mukherjee. In the evening, CNBC TV-18 would have three high impact shows starting with the BUDGET CENTRE at 8 pm, which would be followed by a comprehensive budget specific INDIA BUSINESS HOUR at 9 pm and finally assessing the impact that the budget would have on the galloping economy with the NATION’S BUDGET.

     

    On budget day, CNBC-TV18 would present ‘TALKING TAXES’, a 3 event series from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore, which shall focus on the tax ramifications from the budget and how everyone from the farmer to the industrialist would be affected by it.

    – Win upto 2.25 lakhs every hour on the CNBC Universe.

    – Prize money to be won from 10 am – 9 pm on Budget Day, February 28, 2007.

  • CNN YJA ’07 honours 12 awardees across India and Pakistan

    CNN YJA ’07 honours 12 awardees across India and Pakistan

    NEW DELHI: The Fifth CNN Young Journalist Awards saw an amazing entry in the “Citizen Journalist” category and Kusum Devi, a poor woman from the outskirts of Delhi, walked away with the first prize while Anchal Vohra (NDTV 24 X 7) and Priyanka Pathak Narain (Mint, Mumbai) won the CNN YJA of the Year 2007 for the TV and print/online categories.

    The winner for the two new categories to mark the 60th anniversary of India and Pakistan’s Independence, Journalist Award and Photo Journalist of the Year Award, went to Rubab Karar (The Herald, Karachi, Pakistan) and Sujan Singh (Planman Media) respectively.

    While Ananya Sengupta (The Telegraph, Mumbai) was adjudged runner up in the CNN Young Journalist in the print/online category, the runner up for the CNN YJA 2007 in the TV category was Maryam Pervaiz of Dawn News from Lahore, Pakistan.

    Subuhi Khan from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, won the CNN Aspiring Journalist Award in the TV category and Nina Mehta from the Asian College of Journalism won in the print/online category.

    The runners up for the for the category are Jamma Jagannath and Divya Gojer, both from the Indian Institute of New Media, Bengaluru, for the print and TV categories respectively.

    Shabaz Khan from Press Trust of India, New Delhi came runner up in the Indian Photo Journalist of 2007 category, while Dharmesh Shah from Chennai and Puneet Joshi from Bengaluru shared the runner up award in the Citizen Journalist category.

    The two outstanding reportages, by any standards, were those by Kusum Devi and Rubab Karar.

    Kusum Devi was refused admission for her two children in schools and used the Right to Information Act to get them in, but followed it up with an AV coverage of the antipathy of government school officials that led to 50 (so far) children getting admitted.

    Rubab Karar’s work was also equally gutsy, as she recorded on video the statements of women on what happened in the infamous Lal Masjid stand off between Pakistani army and Taliban fighters in July, and it was more unusual because it got women to respond to allegations that the ladies’ madrasa inside was being used for flesh trade.

    The Journalist of the Year 2007 won a laptop and citation, while the Photo Journalist of 2007 received an SLR digital camera and citation for his series of photographs titled “Police Comes to Culprits Rescue”.

    The extraordinary eight-day sting operation of an Ashram where the Baba was systematically raping mentally challenged children, an operation from NDTV 24 X 7, by Anchal Vohra bagged the CNN YJA in the TV category. The expose had shaken the establishment and forced the government to act.

    Speaking on the occasion, CNN’s India head Phil Turner said that the basics of being fair, objective and balanced must be also seen along with for whom the story is being done: for the camera, for your self aggrandisement or for the reader of viewer.

    Ananya Sengupta, who came runner up in the print category for her story “Heartbreak House” on why young women with loving partners are increasingly committing suicide, along with Maryam Parvaiz for his TV reportage “Chained People”, got Nokia N Series Phones, trophies and citations.

    And for the first prize winners in the category, Priyanka Pathan Narain (Sethsamudram Series) and Anchal Vohra of NDTV 24 X 7, it is an all expenses paid trip to the News Xchange Conference 2008, a meet of global leaders of the media professionals and broadcasters.

  • Delayed feed: I&B issues showcause to Nimbus

    Delayed feed: I&B issues showcause to Nimbus

    NEW DELHI: The information & broadcasting ministry has issued a notice to Nimbus Communications to show cause why Neo Sports owned by it has failed to comply with the provisions of the ordinance issued recently for mandatory sharing of live sports feed with Prasar Bharati.

    Nimbus Communications has been given time till tomorrow to reply to the notice, which was issued yesterday, failing which the government is “free to take action as permissible under the ordinance”. The showcause was issued on the orders of I&B minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi.

    What has irked the mandarins in the ministry is that for the ongoing One-Day International series involving Sri Lanka, as well as the earlier one that pitted the Boys in Blue against the West Indies, DD has been forced to telecast the matches with a seven minute delayed feed.

    The Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Ordinance 2007 has a clause embedded in it that states that television channels that fail to comply with the terms of the ordinance for compulsory sharing of live feeds with the national broadcaster Prasar Bharati would have to pay a penalty up to Rs 10 million and also face possible revocation or suspension of license.

    The ordinance promulgated on 3 February has retrospective affect from 11 November, 2005, which was when the government had issued its guidelines for downlinking of TV channels. The Uplinking Guidelines had been issued on 12 December, 2005. It has also been stipulated that no action of the government could be challenged in any court of law.

    With the Guidelines coming in the ambit of the Ordinance which is expected to be replaced by an Act of Parliament in the ensuing Budget session, the government has taken upon itself the powers to enforce them with retrospective effect. The guidelines are already the subject matter of two petitions in the Delhi High Court.

    It may be recalled that the Delhi High Court had on 12 February refused to stay the operation of the ordinance asking private sports channels to share live feed of cricket and other sports events with the pubcaster.

    A High Court division bench headed by Justice Vikramajit Sen has posted the matter for further hearing tomorrow.

  • ABC to air special on Oprah’s academy on 26 February

    ABC to air special on Oprah’s academy on 26 February

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster ABC will air the special Building A Dream: The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy on 26 Februiary 2007.

    In a one-hour special, the talk show queen Winfrey brings to television the five-year journey of the creation the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls — South Africa. Viewers will see the touching, inside story of how Oprah turned her dream of opening a school for disadvantaged South African girls into a reality, including an up-close look at some of the life-stories of these inspiring students.

    Despite hardships, these girls all exhibit that intangible it quality and know that attending this Leadership Academy will forever change their lives, the lives of their families, their communities and the future of their nation.
    The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls South Africa is a 28-building, state-of-the-art independent school that engenders high standards of academic achievement and service leadership for girls.

  • Toshiba showcase HD DVD player and recorder in India

    MUMBAI: Toshiba India Private Limited announced that it showcases the world’s first commercially available HD DVD player & recorder in 17th International Engineering & Technology Fair held in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India from 13th to 16th February. The HD DVD player, HD-XE1 for European market, and RD-A1, HD DVD recorder with hard disc for Japanese market, deliver high definition images and crystal clear sound, bringing home entertainment to a new level.

    Toshiba’s RD-A1 is the first video recorder to support recording and playback of content in the HD DVD format1 approved by the DVD Forum, the international association that defines and promotes DVD and HD DVD standards. This is digital hard disk video recorder integrating a recordable HD DVD in combination with a 1-terabyte (TB) 2 hard disk, which is able to record and store up to 130 hours 3 of high-definition (HD) broadcasts on its high capacity hard disk and record up to 230 minutes 3 of HD content to a single HD DVD disc. HD-XE1 and RD-A1 support playback of pre-recorded HD DVD, offering consumers stunning digital high-definition picture quality far surpassing that of standard DVD 4. Sound is also enhanced. Along with L-PCM 5.1ch audio, they support the clarity and realism of three next generation surround-sound formats, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD(Core only), and sound sources can be output to audio systems via the player’s HDMI output or multi-channel analog output. Support for up-conversion of standard DVD to a resolution of 1080i or 720p through HDCP capable HDMI output allows consumers to enjoy current DVD libraries with output resolution scaled to their HDTV or HD displays.

    HD-XE1 and RD-A1 also goes beyond the capabilities of standard DVD with extensive support for advanced navigation and interactive features offering new and exciting ways to interact with content. They support “pop-up menu” displays movie chapters with thumbnails while the movie plays, and allows users to navigate menu features without pausing playback. Picture in Picture (PIP) with motion video functions include the ability to play supplementary video over the main program, allowing viewers to watch bonus content, such as a superimposed director’s commentary or a documentary about the making of the movie, while the movie plays*3.

    Outline of HD-XE1

    Background

    Toshiba commercialized the world’s first DVD players in the Japanese market in November 1996, and brought its first products to the US market in March 1997. DVD has since become one of the most successful consumer products in history. Today, the global market for DVD players and recorders is huge. Worldwide cumulative sales were in the region of 370 million units*1 by the end of December 2005, and in Japan the penetration ratio of DVD players and recorders reached 49%*2 of household by the end of March 2005. The versatility of DVD has won it wide application, including PCs, automotive systems, video camcorders and games, and further market growth is expected.

    Today, the CE and IT industries are poised to advance to new levels of achievement, and consumers are ready to go with them. HDTV broadcasting is moving into the mainstream and expanding its service area, and analog broadcasting is slated to be phased out in many parts of the world-in Japan by 2011. These trends are fueling fast growing demand for higher picture quality and larger data capacities.

    Against this background, Toshiba has been launching HD DVD products, including players, a recorder and notebook PCs with HD HVD-ROM drives, to market to promote the early and fast penetration of the next generation DVD format, and to stimulate the penetration of content software based on HD DVD.

    Key Features of the New HD DVD Player

    1) Playback of high definition content and support for advanced content features Alongside playback of high-definition quality HD DVD content, the HD-XE1 supports enhanced functionality and diverse features. While those features depend on content, the player’s “pop-up menu” displays menu or movie chapters while the movie plays, enabling to search desired functions or jump to a desired scene through chapter guide. The player also supports PIP with motion video functions. For example, director’s and actor’s commentary can be motion video super-imposed concurrently when the movie continues to play, allowing them to literally point to the material they are discussing.

    2) Next generation surround-sound formats HD DVD supports next generation surround-sound formats, such as, Dolby™ Digital Plus, Dolby™ TrueHD and DTS-HD, and also supports L-PCM 5.1ch. Analog 5.1ch output integrated into the HD-XE1 allows consumers to enjoy surround sound simply by connecting the player to an AV amplifier with analog input.

    3) Digital high definition picture output with up-converter and HDMI output Through the HDMI interface, high-definition pictures stored in a disc can be displayed digitally in HD, on digital TVs and displays that incorporate HDCP capable HDMI input. Such TVs include Toshiba’s new TV REGZA Z1000 series. Through the HDMI interface, standard definition DVDs can be up-converted to an output resolution of 720p or 1080p, to complement the performance of a HDTV.

    4) Compatible to playback various discs including current DVD software In addition to prerecorded DVD software, HD-XE1 supports playback of DVD-R, DVD-RW discs. It is also compatible with music CDs and playback of CDs in WMA or MP3 file format.(WMA and MP3 is only compatible in RD-A1)

    1 – Source: JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association)

    2 1TB is 1,000GB (Gigabyte), calculated on the basis of 1GB=1 billion bytes.

    3 Recording of digital terrestrial broadcasts at approx.17Mbps in TS mode.

    4 – Source: Data of penetration ratio of key consumer durables by Cabinet Office of Government of Japan (as of the end of March 2005)

    5 The introduction schedule of these products to India market has not been fixed yet.

    Important Notes:

    Design specifications and dimensions are subject to change. Please confirm specific features and exact dimensions by reference to the product itself. Because HD DVD is a new format that makes use of new technologies, certain disc, digital connection and other performance or compatibility issues are possible. Some DVDs and CDs may not be compatible.

    Some twin format discs and combination discs may not be compatible. HD DVD with high definition content required for HD output. Compatible with HD DVD-ROM disc prerecorded in HD DVD-Video format. Viewing high definition content and upconverting DVD content may require HDTV or HD display equipped with D3/D4 input, HDCP capable HDMI input, or component video input. Content can be displayed on other TVs or displays, but not in high definition.

    Also, some content may not playback or playback in lower resolution on D3/D4 and component video output. A/V receiver with 5.1 analog or HDMI PCM audio capable input required for playback of advanced audio formats. Dolby® Digital Plus and Dolby True HD support for up to 5.1 channels. DTS-HD support for up to 5.1 channels of DTS core only. Updates to player firmware may be required for some interactive features, depending on content, which may also require an always-on broadband internet connection. Some features may require additional bandwidth. Some features subject to delayed availability.

    About HD DVD Format

    HD DVD is standardized by the DVD Forum, the international association of some 240 companies. Specifications of HD DVD-ROM physical, file and application formats were approved by the Forum in August 2005. In addition to a versatility that enables support for diverse applications, including players, recorders, PCs and automotive devices, HD DVD’s main features are:

    1) The same disc structure as DVD, two 0.6mm-thick polycarbonate discs bonded back-to-back. This structure makes it easy for HD DVD to achieve backward compatibility with DVD hardware devices, and also assures a simple manufacturing process for discs and hardware devices, resulting in reasonable manufacturing costs.

    2) Robust playability, with no need for a disc cartridge to protect against surface blemishes and fingerprints.

    3) The ability to meet capacity demands. The DVD Forum has approved HD DVD-ROM discs with a data capacity of 15GB with a single-layer disc and 30GB with a dual-layer disc (1GB = 1 billion bytes). High data capacities are achieved by adopting a shorter wavelength blue-violet laser and advanced data processing technologies, assuring the ability to store large capacity data sources, including high-definition images.

    4) Adoption of advanced navigation and content features to enhance the entertainment of consumers.

    5) [Adoption of AACS (Advanced Access Content System) to secure robust content protection.

    6) Using twin format disc technology (single-sided dual-layer; DVD 4.7GB and HD DVD 15GB), a single disc can store both HD DVD and DVD versions of a film, allowing consumers to immediately enjoy the standard definition movie on today’s DVD players and to playback the same movie in HD on an HD DVD player at a later date. A combination disc (double-sided dual-layer; DVD 8.5GB and HD DVD 30GB) is now under development.

  • Motorola continues commitment to India with launch of MOTOSTORE in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: Motorola, Inc. (NYSE:MOT) a global leader in wireless communications, today launched the latest phase in its worldwide strategy to open Motorola branded MOTOSTORES in key global markets with the opening of a MOTOSTORE in Mumbai.

    Today’s opening further demonstrates Motorola’s commitment to anticipating and addressing the emerging and growing needs of India’s mobile consumers and builds on the company’s already strong presence and expansion across the Indian market.

    Consumers in Mumbai now have a fantastic resource that brings a global standard of mobile device retail service helping them make informed purchasing decisions on getting the most from their mobile devices. The store will offer access to interactive experiences and exclusive content, as well as personalisation services such as mobile phone tattoos and personal phone etching.

    “Our MOTOSTORES are designed to help Indian consumers get more out of their Motorola products,” said Sudhir Agarwal, Director Sales, India, Nepal & Sri Lanka, Mobile Devices, Motorola India. “Through a personalised service and an innovative and engaging retail environment, we are offering a truly seamless consumer experience across the entire Motorola product portfolio.”

    Motorola has spent over two years deeply engaged in a global research and development effort around the new retail concept, and as a result has come up with an approach that is centred around the consumer. As part of this program, Motorola has opened MOTOSTORES and MOTOSTORE formats in key locations around the world including Europe, Asia Pacific, North and Latin America.

    Fun is a core element of the stores, offering users an opportunity to personalise their phones using laser etching, customised “phone tattoos,” and Bluetooth photo-imaging, as well as unique in-store training programs and on-site factory authorised technicians to aid with questions and service. A team of in-store MOTOXPERTS are also on hand to help customers understand the latest technology and get the best solution for their needs.

    “The Motorola Concept Stores are scalable and flexible to ensure consistency in the different types of our signature stores worldwide. So whether you visit a store in India or Europe, you will see a familiar approach but with an added local flavour” added Mr Agarwal.

    India’s new MOTOSTORE is located at Dreamland Building, 27, New Queens Road, Opera House, and Mumbai.

  • Reliance Capital buys 6 per cent in GBN via open market

    Reliance Capital buys 6 per cent in GBN via open market

    MUMBAI: Anil Ambani group company Reliance Capital has acquired 6.27 per cent stake in Global Broadcast News (GBN) through an open market transaction on the BSE.

    The purchase of 1.68 million shares in a bulk deal was made on 12 February. GBN, which operates English news channel CNN-IBN and Hindi news channel IBN7, was listed on the stock exchanges on 8 February.

    After a debut opening on the BSE at Rs 417.10, the scrip had closed at Rs 510.10 with over 13 million shares changing hands on the first day of trading.

    A day after Reliance Capital’s purchase, the scrip opened at Rs 495 and touched a high of Rs 526.70 before closing at Rs 508.65.

  • Narayan Rao elevated to NDTV Group CEO

    Narayan Rao elevated to NDTV Group CEO

    MUMBAI: NDTV Limited has elevated its executive director KVL Narayan Rao to group CEO. In his new role, which is effective immediately, Rao will oversee the businesses of the NDTV Group in India and abroad.

    Rao will be responsible for ensuring that the business aspirations of the group are met and that NDTV becomes a global Indian media brand, recognised all over the world for its ethics, high standards and achievements, a company release says.

    Rao has been with NDTV since 1995 and has played a key role in the transition and growth of NDTV from a production house to a broadcaster. In his earlier role as director, he was responsible for human resources, administration and operations of the company.

    The NDTV Group is expanding both its news and non-news business, which will be overseen now by Rao. He will oversee the implementation of a common code of conduct across the group companies and ensure that the group adheres to the highest standards of corporate governance.

    Said NDTV Ltd chairman Prannoy Roy, “With Narayan’s rich experience in media broadcast and his leadership experience, he is the best person to steer NDTV in its rapid growth phase. His strong execution skills, his understanding of the organisation’s culture and his personal integrity make him an obvious choice.”

    “It’s a huge privilege and a great honour and I am delighted to get this opportunity to play a role in NDTV’s future,” Rao said.

    Rao started his career as a journalist with the Indian Express. Thereafter, he joined the Indian Revenue Service and served in different roles, including deputy commissioner of income tax and deputy secretary in the ministry of defence. Rao has a Masters degree in English Literature. He has also graduated from the National Academy of Direct Taxes and has a management diploma in public finance from IIAP/ENA, Paris. He represents NDTV on several international bodies.