Category: News Broadcasting

Google to acquire YouTube for $1.65 billion in stock

MUMBAI: Google Inc. has agreed to acquire YouTube, the consumer media company for people to watch and share original videos through a Web experience, for $1.65 billion in a stock-for-stock transaction. Following the acquisition, YouTube will operate independently to preserve its successful brand and passionate community.

The acquisition combines one of the largest and fastest growing online video entertainment communities with Google’s expertise in organizing information and creating new models for advertising on the Internet. The combined companies will focus on providing a better, more comprehensive experience for users interested in uploading, watching and sharing videos, and will offer new opportunities for professional content owners to distribute their work to reach a vast new audience, states an official release.

“The YouTube team has built an exciting and powerful media platform that complements Google’s mission to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful,” says Google CEO Eric Schmid. “Our companies share similar values; we both always put our users first and are committed to innovating to improve their experience. Together, we are natural partners to offer a compelling media entertainment service to users, content owners and advertisers.”

“Our community has played a vital role in changing the way that people consume media, creating a new clip culture. By joining forces with Google, we can benefit from its global reach and technology leadership to deliver a more comprehensive entertainment experience for our users and to create new opportunities for our partners,” says YouTube CEO & co-founder Chad Hurley. “I’m confident that with this partnership we’ll have the flexibility and resources needed to pursue our goal of building the next-generation platform for serving media worldwide.”

When the acquisition is complete, YouTube will retain its distinct brand identity, strengthening and complementing Google’s own fast-growing video business. YouTube will continue to be based in San Bruno, CA, and all YouTube employees will remain with the company. With Google’s technology, advertiser relationships and global reach, YouTube will continue to build on its success as one of the world’s most popular services for video entertainment, the release adds.

The number of Google shares to be issued in the transaction will be determined based on the 30-day average closing price two trading days prior to the completion of the acquisition. Both companies have approved the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2006.

October 10, 2006
Cartoon Network to explore Indian talent for ‘Snaptoons’

MUMBAI: Kid’s channel Cartoon Network has announced a pan Asian initiative titled Snaptoons – Short New Asia Pacific Cartoons, by scouting for emerging talent across its key markets in Asia, is slated to kick off on 18 October.

The network is looking to invest in funding, backing and developing new and original ideas that lend itself to animation, is targeted at kids and must either have a universal or regional appeal. Thus, Cartoon Network is looking for poets, artists, amateurs, professionals, students, individual animators, animation studios, to send in their pitches and see their creations come to life.

This programme will identify scripts and shortlist 30-40 entries for what they call a ‘bible synopsis’ by the end of this year. From these pitches, ten will be green lit and each will be developed into full pilot episodes of 7-10 minutes each. The commissioned ten will have their world premiere on Cartoon Network across the Asia Pacific feeds. Depending on the response, these will be created into a feature film or full series episodes.

Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc (TENA) creative director Arnab Chaudhuri threw light on the concept of a ‘bible synopsis’ with reference to a half hour animated series Class of 3000. This will be launched next year wherein Outkast’s Andre Benjamin is the central character. Chaudhuri will be heading operations for Snaptoons in India.

Forseeing potential in the animation industry and expecting it to soar up to Rs 950 million by 2009, Turner Entertainment Networks Asia, Inc (TENA) senior vice president and general manager Ian Diamond said, “Being the vanguards of original production, both live action and animation, it is our duty to raise the bar and create a platform for local animated productions.”

Diamond added, “It is our responsibility to provide a platform for Indian talent to rightfully take a place on the global animation stage. Snaptoons is a serious, ongoing initiative designed to connect, discover and nurture creative brilliance that exists throughout Asia and will showcase the enormous potential that abounds in the region. This initiative will forge a relationship between that talent and Cartoon Network’s extensive global production infrastructure to help develop the next generation of ground breaking animation.”

A similar project was conducted in the US titled ‘World Premiere Toons’ which identified the creators of the Power Puff Girls, Johhny Bravo and Dexter. “This approach has been extremely successful at a global level; toon icons such as The Powerpuff Girls, Courage The Cowardly Dog and many more, were born out of a similar campaign, and today, they are firmly entrenched in the animation hall of fame. This unique opportunity is an ongoing partnership between Cartoon Network and the local talent and I look forward to creating the next global Cartoon Network hit from this country,” says Diamond.

Chaudhuri added, “For the network and the brand the ‘Characters are King’ and now we are looking for the next generation of creators.”

The broad parameters that creators could keep in mind while developing the concept would be to ensure that their concept is kid related, is character driven with a good dose of comic action. Additionally, in terms of design and creative vision it should be fun, funny, fearless and importantly, should have the potential to be commissioned as full series and/ or a feature film.

The two channels from the Turner stable (Cartoon Network and Pogo) according to Diamond have clocked a 22 per cent growth in ad sales revenue and currently Cartoon Network secures a 30 per cent market share in the kids genre, while Pogo marked 23 per cent. Diamond sees India as having immense potential and it optimistic about India’s contribution to this new initiate.

For more information on the programme, the participants can visit the Snaptoons website on www.SNAPTOONS.org. The deadline for enteries is 31 December 2006.

October 10, 2006
Trai issues additional QoS instructions

NEW DELHI: Indian broadcast regulator today came out with more details on quality of service (QoS) to be observed by MSOs and local cable operators in CAS-notified areas.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has said the reporting (in the prescribed format) of QoS by approved MSOs and local cable ops shall be done on or before the expiry of 15 days from the end of the quarters and shall pertain to the quarters ending with 31 March, 30 June, 30 September and 31 December of each calendar year.

Further, in the case of Chennai, the first reporting shall be for the quarter ending December 2006 and in case of notified areas of Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, it shall be for the quarter ending 31 March, 2007.

Trai had issued Regulation specifying standards of Quality of Service to be observed by the MSOs and cable operators in CAS notified areas of Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata on 23 August 2006.

This regulation provided that Trai, for the purpose of monitoring, can prescribe formats and demand reports from service providers on observance of QoS standards.

Further, in MSOs who are permitted to provide cable service in CAS notified areas under the Cable Amendment Rules of 2006 would be obliged to maintain quality of standards as may be determined by the regulator.

A full text of the general directive is available on the regulator’s website.

October 10, 2006
Liberty actively exploring India entry options

MUMBAI: If everything falls in place, India could well be the next operational port of call in Asia after Japan for the John Malone-controlled Liberty Media.

Says Shane O’Neill, SVP, chief strategy officer and board member, Liberty Global, “Over the last six years, we haven’t looked too closely at this market. But now I want to get a more informed view.” When queried over the credible buzz that had surfaced at one time that Liberty might buy in to the Hinduja Group’s InCableNet, but that the deal fell through over valuations, O’Neill dismissed it as market speculation.

Asked as to what Liberty’s entry route into the Indian market would be, O’Neill said those calls had still to be taken but it was “highly unlikely we would enter without (an Indian) partner”.

“Currently India is the best opportunity in Asia, even more than China. We have the appetite to invest in these markets and are not worried about the complexities that exist,” O’Neill avers.
There are four key issues that Liberty has identified as being critical to its India rollout plans:

1. Figure out a partnership strategy;

2. Garner a complete understanding of the regulatory environment in the country.

3. Understand the government’s attitude to foreign investment in the sector;

4. Come up to speed on the ground situation.

O’Neill also raised the point about a the need for a level playing field as regards investment opportunities. The same set of rules should apply to telcos / cable and satellite companies, he said.

As regards the cable scenario, his view is that FDI and channel pricing are the two issues that really need to be looked into. On pricing, O’Neill opines that government intervention should only be as regards the basic service; for everything else it should be left to the market.

Asked about the impact of CAS, he said that the rollout of addressability would certainly incentivise the likes of Liberty to enter India.

O’Neill did stress however, that Liberty was not going to rush into anything but would not be conservative in its thinking either. According to him, the media major’s mantra was “Informed aggression, not instinctual aggression.”

Subhash Chandra has stated that WWIL (erstwhile SitiCable) will be pumping in $ 200 million over the next two years as part of an aggressive growth strategy that is underpinned by the switchover to digital delivery. Could Liberty facilitate that effort? Time should tell.

October 9, 2006
Microsoft, MTV to conduct global technology study

MUMBAI: MTV and Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions have joined forces to conduct a global study into the impact of technology on today’s youth.

The study, commissioned by MTV International (MTVNI) and supported by Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions, is being conducted with teens and young adults across nine countries – India, China, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, US and the UK. The study will examine the social impact of viral video, instant messaging, email, online social networks, mobile phones and on-line gaming.

The research aims to understand:

How today’s youth differ from their predecessors?

What behaviour has technology altered / eclipsed?

Do girls and boys use technology in the same way, for the same reasons?

Is there a prime age of digital engagement?

What factors dictate media platform and content choice?

The new role of entertainment media and brands in 2007 and beyond.

MTV Intl senior VP, international tesearch and planning Graham Saxton said, “The latest research into technology and teens has limited itself to understanding the habits of the early adopters or been obsessed by the technology itself. We decided to commission a study into understanding genuine social change.

“By viewing technology within the wider context of young people’s lifestyles we aim to demystify the digital generation and provide tangible insights for ourselves and our clients to continue engaging our audience now and into the future.”

Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions head of International Research Caroline Vogt said, “There is a lot of received wisdom surrounding youth and their technology uptake. This research aims to uncover the real motivations driving behaviours and understand the role technology is serving in the daily lives of youth today. ”

The research began in August and full qualitative and quantitative results are expected by December 2006.

October 9, 2006
Zee’s ‘Betiyann’ clears telecast stay hurdle

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court has refused to stay Zee TV’s latest prime time launch Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann, in a copyright infringement suit filed by writer Rekha Modi. She had alleged that the concept of the serial being aired by Zee originally belonged to her.

However, due to creative differences with Zee TV, she later approached Star India with the script. The Star One soap titled Betiyann – Apni yaa Paraya Dhan — which is based on Modi’s script — is launching on 9 October.

Justice S J Vazifdar refused to grant any interim relief after Modi failed to submit proof of her rights for the concept. The Court also noted that, the copyright for the serial now belonged to the production house Creative Eye. Also, Star India is not complaining about any copyright infringement.

“The Betiyann concept is originally owned by Creative Eye and Modi couldn’t produce any proof to support her claim. Hence, the court has refused to stay the Zee TV soap,” said Zee Networks SVP Ashish Kaul.

October 9, 2006
GloboSat to distribute SaharaOne channels in UK, Europe

MUMBAI: In a bid to garner international subscription revenues and also expand its footprint in UK and Europe, SaharaOne Media and Entertainment has entered into a long term deal with New York based broadcast distribution outfit GloboSat Entertainment in order to help the company launch its channel services at various countries.

SaharaOne Media and Entertainment CEO Shantonu Aditya says, “Through the association with GloboSat Entertainment, we are looking forward to the expansion of our channels in newer markets through this partnership so as to entertain our viewers worldwide.”

The company is also eyeing broadband as well as mobile platforms in the US. GloboSat Entertainment is said to be in talks with a couple of moblie companies in this regard.

One such company that the GloboSat is talking to for carrying the two Sahara channels (Sahara One and Filmy) is US based made for mobile company Ithentic.

The channels will soon be on JumpTV, the subscription-based broadcaster of ethnic television over the internet. JumpTV already streams other Indian channels SET, India TV News, Kairali TV, People TV and Amrita TV.

GloboSat president and CEO Sudhir Vaishnav says, “Our strategic partnerships with DTH, cable, broadband, IPTV, mobile and other platforms spanning across North and South America, Europe and UK help our broadcast partners to build international presence faster.”

The media company will soon launch the channels SaharaOne and Filmy in UK and Europe. The two channels will soon be visible in Bangladesh as well. The channels will also be accessible on Rogers Cable in Canada.

The general entertainment channel SaharaOne already has its presence in US on Echostar. And the movie channel Filmy is offered on DirecTV, the other DTH platform in US controlled by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp.

The two channels have recently been launched in Nepal and Maldives. The company now plans to push SaharaOne in the Middle-East, where the movie channel has already made its entry via the Pehla platform.

The company is also targeting to push the two channels in Africa as well as in Australia in due course.

October 9, 2006
BVITV inks agreements with Miravista, TF1 Vision & CGV Choice at Mipcom

MUMBAI: Buena Vista International Television (BVITV) has secured the international TV distribution rights for Miravista, The Walt Disney Company- owned label for Buena Vista International Latin America’s local theatrical co-productions. BVITV will offer titles from the Miravista portfolio to international TV buyers for the first time at Mipcom.

As announced by Buena Vista Worldwide Television president Laurie Younger and The Walt Disney Company Latin America president and Walt Disney Television Latin America general manager Diego Lerner.

Titles include the forthcoming Only God Knows which recently had its North American premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, and will launch across the US in 2007. Other titles include Ladies Night and Romeo and Juliet Get Married.

BVITV has also signed an agreement with TF1 Vision, such that movie releases and blockbusters from BVITV’s portfolio will be available on demand on the TF1 Vision website. This agreement is in line with The Walt Disney Company’s focus on the application of technology to enhance its content and expand its distribution, informs an official release.

With this broadband VOD rental agreement, almost 100 titles are available on the TF1 VOD website. Titles will include recent releases such as Cinderella Man, Flightplan, Derailed and Dark Water, and box office hits such as Pretty Woman, Dead Poets Society, Face Off and Pearl Harbor. Brand new titles can be downloaded for a fixed price of 4,99 euros each (all taxes included) and library movies can be rented for 1,99 euros each (all taxes included).

BVITV EMEA executive vice president and managing director Tom Toumazis said, “We are pleased to be working once more with TF1 to bring content from our portfolio to consumers in France in new flexible ways, as and when they want to watch it.”

In addition, Buena Vista International Television-Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP), the international television distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company, has also concluded a multi-year agreement with Korean pay-per-view (PPV) and video-on-demand (VOD) operator CGV Choice, a subsidiary of CJ Media, for current and library features from BVITV-AP’s features portfolio.
Under this licensing agreement, subscribers to CGV Choice are able to enjoy a selection of Hollywood blockbusters from Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures and Miramax Films.
Titles include Disney’s second highest grossing film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Pirates of The Caribbean: The Curse of The Black Pearl, Flightplan, National Treasure and Casanova.

BVITV-AP’s senior vice president and managing director Steve Macallister said, “This is another groundbreaking new media deal for BVITV in Korea and reflects our commitment to finding new and innovative ways to deliver our quality content whenever consumers want it.”

October 9, 2006
‘Nach Baliye’ opens well for Star One

MUMBAI: Nach Baliye returned to TV screens in its second season and has shot straight to the top, claims the channel quoting the Tam numbers for the opening week.

The first week’s studio performance episode, which aired on Monday, 25 September, 2006, for two and a half hours, entered the charts of the Top 50 shows CS4+ HSM category.

The ratings were 4.9 in CS4+ HSM. The show has captured over 9.8 million viewers across the country and has registered TVRs as high as 6.61 in Mumbai and 5.54 in New Delhi (CS4 + HSM), as per Tam.

“Show after show, season after season, Star One continues to rewrite benchmarks of success on Indian television. The launch performance episode of Nach Baliye 2 has garnered a significant rating, it has been one of the most anticipated returns of any show and once again it has proved its worthiness.” says Star India EVP Content Deepak Segal.

A new addition to the Nach Baliye story this year is the Voting Special, which airs every Tuesday at 8 pm. Moreover, a lifeline been given to the couples who stand on the verge of being eliminated by the contestants who are already in the ‘suraksha chakra’, informs an official release.

October 9, 2006
Al Gore’s Current TV signs deal with BSkyB

MUMBAI: Former US Vice President Al Gore has unveiled plans to launch a UK version of his ‘user generated’ network, Current TV.

Current has signed an agreement with UK pay TV platform BSkyB to launch a localised version of its viewer-created TV channel in the UK and Ireland.

The announcement was jointly made by Current chairman Al Gore and BSkyB CEO James Murdoch. The agreement provides Current’s first presence outside the US and marks a step in fulfilling its plans of becoming an international media company, while for BSkyB it represents a first step in a strategy to develop a broader presence in the fast-growing field of user-generated content.

Current TV is the first TV network created by, for, and with a young adult audience, enlisting its audience as creative partners. To tailor its output to the local audience, Current plans to deliver a channel specifically designed for the British and Irish markets.

Viewer producers from the UK and Ireland will be able to submit their video segments via Current’s website and, if their work is selected for broadcast, they will also have a chance to have their pieces air on Current’s U.S. network and in other markets into which Current will expand in the future.

Since its launch in August 2005, Current TV claims to have been a pioneer in the world of user-generated content, with its ‘viewer created content’ or VC2, programming model. Rather than a traditional network with primetime shows and “appointment television,” Current offers short-form, nonfiction programming, called “pods,” which are only a few minutes long and which explore the issues of interest to young adults, including technology, fashion, music and videogames, the environment, relationships, spirituality, politics, finance, and parenting. In the US, approximately 30 per cent of the network’s content is created by viewers.

The agreement will allow Current TV to reach up to 22 million more viewers in 8.2 million households subscribing to BSkyB’s Sky digital service, equivalent to almost one in three households in the UK and Ireland. Over the past year Current has expanded its US carriage by 70 per cent from 17 million to nearly 30 million homes.

Gore says, “We are grateful to be working with BSkyB in our first international venture. This is a big step in fulfilling Current’s mission of sparking a global conversation among young adults. Bringing our viewer-created content model to the UK and Ireland will give millions of young viewers the opportunity to not only watch but also to create television programming that is relevant to them. We’re excited about being able to unleash the creativity of young people in the UK and Ireland, enabling them to share their stories with their generational cohort here and around the world.”

Murdoch says, “Current TV is bringing the web’s sense of empowerment to television for the first time. It has a uniquely collaborative approach to working with viewer producers that stands out among other platforms for user-generated video. As a first step towards Sky’s own moves in this fascinating field, we’re pleased to help give a voice to millions of young people throughout the UK and Ireland.”

Murdoch incidentally was one of the first to back Mr Gore’s campaign to persuade big business to face up to green issues. He said the partnership with Current TV was the first step towards the broadcaster, which will make it available free to all its 8.2 million subscribers, launching other user-content initiatives.

Internet networking sites such as MySpace and video sharing services such as YouTube and Google Video have forced broadcasters to learn from them. Political parties have also tried to get in on the act, as with the WebCameron Tory initiative.

October 9, 2006