ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • CNN-IBN’s Independence Day programming deliver top ratings

    CNN-IBN’s Independence Day programming deliver top ratings

    New Delhi August 29, 2006: Leader in the English news genre, CNN-IBN has once again delivered in terms of eyeballs on this Independence Day. CNN-IBN was the nation’s choice and the most watched news channel on Independence Day.

    CNN-IBN made the Independence Day television viewing really exciting with a plethora of programmes ranging from entertainment to music to history. The engaging slew of programmes on the channel has cut across all TGs, posting good ratings for the channel. As per the latest TAM report CNN-IBN secured a channel share of 0.33 (TG 25+AB All India) on August 15, taking a lead ahead of its competitors, across India.

    ‘Sachin–King is back’ on CNN-IBN was the top most programme in the English News genre on Indian Television on August 15 (0.08 TVR, TG: 25+ AB CS, 6 Metros). The I-Day special series ‘State of the Nation’, an all India opinion survey too achieved good ratings (0.07 TVR, TG: 25+ AB CS, 6 Metros) on that day. As part of the Independence Day programming line up, CNN-IBN aired an all India, live Smart Kid I- Day Quiz for the first time ever on a news channel, which certainly had the viewers glued on to their television sets. CNN-IBN also aired interesting shows like August Country (Revisit History), India Rocks (Musical), Shah Rukh Khan Unplugged (Celebrity chat).

    Day part Channel Channel share
    0700 – 2400
         		 CNN-IBN 0.33
    NDTV 24×7 0.31
    Headlines Today 0.1
    Times Now 0.11

     

    Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-In-Chief, CNN-IBN & IBN 7 said, “Through our programming on the 59th year of Independence, CNN-IBN wanted to heighten the spirit of patriotism. We are delighted that the viewers have appreciated the shows and we have been successful in truly making Independence Day a memorable one. The results are a reaffirmation that we have provided the viewers with programming that is both entertaining and captivating”

     

    Dilip Venkatraman, Director Marketing, CNN-IBN & IBN 7, “The high ratings that CNN-IBN have delivered for the compelling Independence Day programming line up demonstrates the success of our programming and the constant loyalty that the viewers are developing for the channel. Our programming strategies reflect the changing viewing needs of the consumer and we are pleased that our strategic approach to programming has once again paid rich dividends, and we are confident that we will maintain this momentum over the years to continuously engage our Indian viewers.”

    About CNN-IBN

     

    TV18 and Time Warner have joined hands to bring CNN-IBN, India’s first and very own world-class English news channel, headed by one of the most credible faces of news journalism, Rajdeep Sardesai. CNN-IBN brings news as well as feature programs. With editorial and network resources across every nook and corner of India and the globe, CNN-IBN is committed to bring to the discerning Indian viewer only the best of television journalism.

    For further information please contact:
    Parul Bhasin/ Namrata Bhalla PR Pundit, New Delhi
    Tel: 2656 0415, 2651 3075, 93502 65351

  • Sify promotes Sivaramakrishnan to president, portals

    Sify promotes Sivaramakrishnan to president, portals

    MUMBAI: Sify Limited has promoted V Sivaramakrishnan as the president of its portal business. Prior to this, he was vice president of iWay cyber café chain business.

    A management graduate from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), Sivaramakrishnan has worked in companies like Procter & Gamble and Ford, both in India and abroad. During his tenure with them, he led brand, sales and customer service teams, marketing and sales initiatives for brands such as Vicks, Pampers, Old Spice, Ford Fiesta, Ford Ikon and Ford Endeavour.

    Sify Limited CEO and managing director Raju Vegesna said, “I am very pleased to announce Siva’s promotion as President, Sify Portals. In his earlier role as vice president of the iWay cyber café chain business, Siva brought a deep insight and understanding of consumers, and executed initiatives to grow business revenues through innovative services, products and promotions in synergy with our portal strategies.

    “While we will see the result of these efforts going forwards, I believe that he will bring a fresh perspective to how we grow our portals and online advertising business both in India and overseas. With his rich experience in building brands, understanding of media, marketing and consumer behavior, I am confident he will play a key role in further strengthening and growing our portal business in tandem with our access strategies.”

    Sivaramakrishnan said, “I am really excited about this opportunity as it will enable me to bring to bear all of my previous experience with consumers, brands, marketing, media and the Internet in building our portals business. The Net is the most exciting medium of our times, and it will be our intention to maximize the opportunities presented by this versatile medium for compelling and relevant online content for Indians, to add to the quality of their lives. This includes extending the leadership we have in broadband content with www.sifymax.in, our popular portal www.sify.com, our city-centric broadband portal strategies, and www.samachar.com, the most popular site for non-resident Indians.”

    “I will also be involved in growing the online advertising business with marketers as they begin to understand the flexibility, focus and power that online advertising gives them for cost effective brand promotions, and overseeing Sify’s consumer brand marketing for both the portals and access businesses for greater synergies. I believe this will be the most exciting and challenging phase of my career, and I look forward to making a difference to Sify’s pioneering efforts for exciting India-centric online content in synergy with our access businesses,” he added.

  • Nat Geo partners with Thought Equity for online distribution of content

    Nat Geo partners with Thought Equity for online distribution of content

    MUMBAI: National Geographic Digital Motion, the stock footage service of National Geographic Digital Media, has chosen Thought Equity as the online distribution partner to complement its existing licensing business. Digital Motion is the digital archive and licensing service for all National Geographic film and video. The partnership unites an international motion image collections with the most technically advanced licensing company in the world.

    Thought Equity works in the area of commercial licensing and management of motion imagery,

    National Geographic Digital Motion says that it has made significant investments to enhance its existing online licensing operations and prepare the library for access through a variety of distribution channels.

    National Geographic Digital Motion VP worldwide sales Jocelyn Shearer says, “We wanted an additional online presence, and have found a licensing partner well-versed in every aspect of motion imagery licensing and management to help us reach our goals. Thought Equity has demonstrated its ability to serve the technological and time-sensitive needs of current and future producers and editors.

    “We chose Thought Equity as our exclusive online distribution partner because they offer the best user experience in the industry. They have the scale to put more of our library online faster than any other company and are the clear leader in all areas of technology, including search, real-time content delivery, creative content packaging and marketing in new media”.

    Thoughtequity.com says that it has become a preferred destination for international agencies, studios and corporations that produce messages and programming for traditional and new media such as digital displays, podcasts, social networks, mobile phones and other portable devices.

    Thought Equity CEO Kevin Schaff said, “Every day we develop new technology to make it easier for professionals in the creative and entertainment industries to access the nearly $1 billion in production value that is available for licensing at thoughtequity.com. The addition of the National Geographic Collection to our library supports our commitment to offer not only exceptional motion imagery with high production value, but also the most topically diverse and internationally relevant imagery. Our base of worldwide customers is expanding rapidly, and the addition of the National Geographic Collection allows them to be more efficient by finding more of what they need from one site.”

    With the addition of the National Geographic Collection to thoughtequity.com, entertainment, creative and corporate production companies worldwide will have real-time access to National Geographic’s motion imagery capturing international culture, science and nature. The collection features footage from National Geographic programmes and films.

    These include National Geographic television and film productions, the Explorer series and other exclusive productions for the National Geographic Channel. These productions have won more than 1,000 industry awards, including an Academy Award and 126 Emmy Awards.

  • Zoom launches L’Oreal Paris Elite Model Look 2006

    Zoom launches L’Oreal Paris Elite Model Look 2006

    MUMBAI: The lifestyle and glamour channel Zoom has announced its latest client led initiative – The L’Oreal Paris Elite Model Look 2006. The event saw the official launch of the model hunt platform in India and unveiling of the logo at The Leela Kempinski in Mumbai.

    The announcement of the Indian leg of the international model hunt was made by the panel comprising Zoom business head MK Anand, L’Oreal Consumer Products division (India) director Phillippe Raffray, Elite India CEO Sushma Puri and reigning Miss India-Universe 2006 Neha Kapoor.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com Zoom business head MK Anand says, “We will be airing a 10 episode series that takes a look at the reality shoot at the training sessions at Goa and the finale. A large part of the reality show is going to be produced by the internal team at Zoom and we are looking at finalizing a production house for the grand finale. It will depend on whether the finale will be a standard one or have a complete international template.

    “Plus, being movers in the lifestyle glamour space, we do not want any other channels getting in to this space and are looking at blocking all such similar events. Here, we are looking to marketing this event in a big way. L’Oreal has been advertising with us since the beginning so we are happy to bring this property to them and vice versa. Additionally, this also helps us get exclusive access to content on the behind the scenes reality show,” says Anand.

    Adding that the Times Group had in the mid -1990’s held the Elite hunt and the winners then – Ujwala Raut and Sheetal Malhar – have got global recognition, Anand says, “We got in to a different trajectory with the reality series Bannungi Main Miss India and with this event, we hope to consolidate our position. With our tie up with L’Oreal, we are hoping to throw up the next Indian modeling superstar through this hunt.”

    Giving details of the hunt, Anand says, “The auditions will be held between 2 to 9 September. Twenty girls will be chosen and sent to Goa for a complete training and fitness programme from 12 to 17 September. The finale is on 18 September and the first episode will be aired a week later.”

    All the grooming sessions will be held at The Leela Palaces & Resorts, which is the official venue sponsor for the event. Fitness expert Leena Mogre will be monitoring the sessions in Goa.

    Commenting on the association with the event, Raffray said, “Beauty is a core part of our business and we see this event as a fantastic opportunity for fresh modeling talent in India to the forefront. Our association with Elite, one of the most prestigious modeling networks and Zoom, India’s glamorous lifestyle channel creates a unique showcase for contemporary Indian beauty.”

    “The Elite Model Look is a platform for young Indians girls to get international recognition. We will be scouting for talent in six cities across India. The winner will represent India in the finals of the L’Oreal Paris Elite Model Look 2006, to be held in Thailand,” says Puri.

    Diamond jewellery firm Ira is an associate sponsor to the event.

  • Web 18 to acquire three internet companies

    Web 18 to acquire three internet companies

    MUMBAI: Television Eighteen India Ltd’s internet arm, Web 18, will be acquiring three internet companies — Cricketnext.com, Compareindia.com and Urban Eye, a web design and technology firm. The acquisitions will help the group consolidate its focus on the internet business further.

    “We are acquiring significant majority stakes in these three companies. With our financial portal Moneycontrol.com, we have built a global scale and size. We plan to soon replicate this with the new portals we have acquired,” says TV18 Group CEO Haresh Chawla.

    TV18, it is learnt, will allow the operations to be run by the old management. CricketNext.com co-founder and managing director Sanjay Jha agrees investments will be pumped in to scale up operations. “With our new partner, we will be able to considerably upscale our operations. We have parted with majority but will continue to run the operations,” he says. Cricketnext.com was in talks with strategic investors including TV broadcasters to dilute its stake. “We have commenced negotiations with TV channels. “We are also in negotiations with horizontal portals and telecom operators. Our role as a content aggregator has strategic value for the other media companies and telcos,” Jha had indiantelevision.com in May this year.

    TV18 is also eyeing acquisition of a matrimonial site as it plans to create a bouquet of vertical portals, a source in the company says.

    Cricketnext.com and Compareindia.com are in the retail consumer space. Cricketnext.com is a sports portal with a user base of over five million people whereas Compareindia is a product comparison site, with a user base of over two million people and offers a comprehensive product comparison engine with thousands of products over 50+ categories.

    These two portals will be able to complement some of the key television and internet properties of the TV 18 Group. Cricketnext.com will complement the group’s online news portal, ibnlive.com, and also CNN IBN and IBN7 television channels. Compareindia.com will synergise with moneycontrol.com. It will also draw synergies with Awaaz, the TV 18’s Hindi consumer-business offering on television.

    Urban Eye is a web design and technology firm, with over 50 specialised internet technology professionals, which will help Web18 scale up its operations rapidly.

    The companies are currently being restructured so as to align their operations to Web18. The two portals will be relaunched shortly.

    This is the second round of acquisitions that Web18 has announced. The company acquired a significant stake in Yatra.com and Jobstreet.com India a few months ago.

    The Indian Internet industry is on the verge of explosive growth. By 2008, the online user base is expected to grow to 100 million. TV 18 has been consistently growing its internet presence organically as well as through relevant acquisitions in the consumer internet space.

    “These acquisitions are in line with our strategy to strengthen our position in the consumer internet space. Web 18’s vision is to be the leader in the consumer internet space. We expect consumer focused services like online recruitment, financial services, travel services, product comparisons and home shopping, sports etc to drive the growth of the internet in India. We expect significant synergies and competitive advantage to emerge from this move,” adds Chawla.

    BMR & Associates acted as transaction advisors for TV 18 on this deal.

  • Zee Telugu promotes Rasool Ali as business head

    Zee Telugu promotes Rasool Ali as business head

    MUMBAI: Zee South Initiative VP Analytics Rasool Ali has been promoted the business head of Zee Telugu. Ali will be taking three sixty degree control of the first vernacular TV channel of Zee Network in South India, which is fifteen months old.

    An MBA Gold Medallist from AMU and an IIFT post graduate, Ali has vast experience in retail and International marketing, He crossed over to media industry in 2002 as head of analytics at ETV and then moved over to Zee South Initiative, states an official release.

    Ali will report to Zee Network South Initiatives head R. Ajay Kumar.

  • CNN adds two categories to CNN Young Journalist Award

    CNN adds two categories to CNN Young Journalist Award

    MUMBAI: News channel CNN has launched the fourth edition of the CNN Young Journalist Award (CNN YJA) in association with ITC-Welcomgroup. This year, two new categories have been added in addition to the existing CNN YJA categories – CNN Aspiring Journalist Award in collaboration with Hindustan Times and the CNN Citizen Journalist Award in partnership with CNN-IBN. Launched in 2003, the CNN Young Journalist Award offers a platform for furthering journalistic brilliance among young journalists across India and Pakistan.

    CNN’s senior Intl correspondent Satinder Bindra said, “As a journalist myself, I am delighted to be associated with CNN YJA for the last three years. The award aims at instilling the values and ethics associated with journalism among the young journalists of India & Pakistan. This year, we have introduced CNN Aspiring Journalist Award and the CNN Citizen Journalist Award. With the addition of these new categories, CNN has reinforced its commitment to recognize and honour individuals involved in the process of newsgathering.”

    The CNN Young Journalist Award is targetted at young journalists in India and Pakistan within the age group of 22 – 28 years, in the print/online and television categories. While CNN Aspiring Journalist Award is targeted at Indian students of journalism who have just appeared (awaiting results) or are appearing for the final examinations, CNN Citizen Journalist Award is open to citizens of India, [who are not professional journalists] and encourages them to play an active role in the process of collecting and disseminating news and information on issues that have an impact on society.

    CNN–IBN editor in chief Rajdeep Sardesai said, “We are glad to support CNN in their endeavour to encourage journalism across the country through the CNN Citizen Journalist Award. News can happen anywhere, any time and at many times in an area where we may not have immediate access, it is the viewer who can provide us with an accurate picture of the actual situation. The initiative, ‘Citizen Journalism’ from CNN-IBN and IBN 7, offers a platform to involve the viewers and make him/her an active participant in the process of newsgathering, making television news truly interactive. Through this initiative, we are trying to emphasize the importance of the role a citizen plays in the newsgathering process, thereby influencing society at large.”

    Entrants to the CNN Young Journalist Award, Television category must submit a feature style television news package that has been produced and aired between 1 January, 2006 and 30 September, 2006. Submission must relate to a General news story relevant to any part of India or Pakistan. For the print/online category, entries must include three copies of the original article or photocopy of the news article, written solely by the entrant and published in an Indian/ Pakistani publication or on an Indian/ Pakistani website between the period 1 January, 2006 and 30 September, 2006. The last date for receiving entries is 12 October, 2006 for entries from India and 7 October, 2006 for entries from Pakistan.

    Entrants to the CNN Aspiring Journalist Award have to submit an essay in 1000 words on the topic, ‘Are sting operations justified?’ The entrants can either be nominated by the Principal/Head of Department or students can also independently apply through their own initiative but the entry has to be validated by the principal or head of the department along with an official seal of the school/ college/institute/university. In the entry form, the entrant shall indicate the category for which he/she wishes to be considered. The short-listed participants in each category will be invited to New Delhi to participate in an on-the-spot contest. The closing date for the receipt of entries is October 12, 2006.

    The winners of the CNN Young Journalist Award in the Television and Print/Online Category will each be awarded the title of ‘CNN Young Journalist of the Year’; will spend a week at CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta. Furthermore, they will meet with CNN International’s editors and anchors, and experience first-hand the workings of CNN’s editorial and programming teams. The runner up in the Television and Print/Online Category will be given the opportunity to visit and assist the CNN news bureau in New Delhi for a week.

    The winners of ‘CNN Aspiring Journalist Award’ will each be awarded a trophy and a citation. The winner in the Television category will also earn an opportunity for an internship with the CNN-IBN bureau either in New Delhi or Mumbai for a month, and the winner in the Print category will earn an internship with the Hindustan Times bureau in New Delhi or Mumbai for the same period.

    The best and valid entry in the CNN Citizen Journalist Award will be awarded the title ‘CNN Citizen Journalist of the Year’ along with a trophy, a citation and a Digital Camera.

    Entry forms can be obtained either by writing to Turner International India Pvt. Ltd, S-2 Level, Block-F, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi-110019 or by logging on to the CNN YJA website: http://www.cnnasiapacific.com/yja. All entry forms must be accompanied by proof of age and experience.

    The past editions have been backed by a well-rounded multi-media communication campaign in print and online. This year, the CNN Young Journalist Award will be supported through on–air promos on CNN–IBN, e-mailers, print ads and below-the-line activities. The CNN Aspiring Journalist Award category aims to reach students across the country through an exhaustive student contact program. The CNN Citizen Journalist Award too will leave no stone unturned to involve its patron viewers.

  • Nazara Technologies launches Dhoni cricket games for Qualcomm’s Brew solution

    Nazara Technologies launches Dhoni cricket games for Qualcomm’s Brew solution

    MUMBAI: Mobile content developer Nazara Technologies has launched two games based on cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

    They have been developed for Qualcomm’s Brew solution. Dhoni Tappebaaz and Dhoni Dhamaka, are designed to bring the excitement of cricket to mobile phones. Nazara Technologies will also launch Mahendra Singh Dhoni wallpapers and screensavers.

    In Dhoni Tappebaaz, the user will have to skillfully keep the ball off the ground by striking it with his bat. Users will have the option of downloading different levels of the game and adding unique features. Dhoni Tappebaaz also will have a community-based feature that will enable users to compete with each other and participate in contests.

    Dhoni Dhamaka has been designed with Dhoni’s hard-hitting batting style in mind. In this game, players will have to score the maximum number of runs, hitting as many sixes and fours as possible.

    Nazara Technologies CEO Nitish Mittersain says, “The Brew solution has given us immense flexibility and empowered us with superior technology to develop multiple-feature games with rich graphics.

    “Dhoni Tappebaaz and Dhoni Dhamaka have been developed keeping in mind Dhoni’s mass appeal in India. We are certain that users will find the content compelling and the game play addictive.”

    Qualcomm India director of product technologies Vishal Gupta says, “Qualcomm is committed to creating a healthy wireless ecosystem with the Brew solution by offering all members of the mobile marketplace opportunities for growth, while helping them address market-specific needs and allowing them to create targeted solutions and services.

    “With Dhoni Tappebaaz and Dhoni Dhamaka, Nazara Technologies has created two BREW games perfectly suited for cricket enthusiasts in India.”

    The Brew solution drives the discovery and delivery of data services. Brew subscribers benefit from several offerings, which include: uiOne™ for rich, integrated and dynamic user experiences with fast access to high revenue services on wireless devices; deliveryOne for differentiated and tightly integrated, operator-managed support and delivery of advanced wireless data content and services; and marketOne™ for a quick-to-market, hosted, scalable content delivery service that includes media titles, flexible management and monetization, content provider settlement and business intelligence services. Qualcomm says that it offers this set of Brew offerings to meet the needs of companies delivering mobile products and services around the world.

    Nazara Technologies is a mobile content developer targetting global mobile consumer markets. The company works with leading brands such as Archie Comics, Miramax Studios and Sachin Tendulkar among many others and develops rich mobile media content based on these properties. Nazara has also set up India’s largest dedicated 3D mobile game studio that is releasing three new 3D games using the Brew solution every month.

  • James Gandolfini signs exclusive producing deal with HBO

    James Gandolfini signs exclusive producing deal with HBO

    MUMBAI: Actor James Gandolfini, who stars in HBO’s gangster saga The Sopranos, has signed a three-year exclusive producing deal with the US broadcaster.

    The agreement marks the first overall production deal for Gandolfini, who along with his producing partner, former Paramount executive Alex Ryan, is simultaneously launching his production shingle, Attaboy Films. Under this exclusive producing arrangement, Gandolfini will develop and produce original television programming for HBO and will also have a first-look deal for feature projects at Picturehouse, HBO’s specialty film distribution arm.

    HBO chairman and CEO Chris Albrecht says, “The Sopranos is a landmark in TV, and the gifted James Gandolfini is one of the reasons for the show’s remarkable success. I am delighted that he will continue to work with the network after the end of the series.”

    Gandolfini and Ryan have spent the past year developing Hemingway, a biopic written by Barbara Turner, with Gandolfini playing the title role in the film. Philip Kaufman (Quills, The Unbearable Lightness of Being) is attached to direct the drama about the tempestuous romance between Hemingway and war correspondent Martha Gellhorn. Turner, whose screen credits include Pollock and Georgia, will produce along with Gandolfini, Ryan and Peter Kaufman. Gandolfini’s managers, Nancy Sanders and Mark Armstrong, will be executive producers. The project is expected to continue development under Attaboy’s new deal, which also includes a commitment to two pilot scripts.

    Gandolfini and Ryan are also developing a documentary with HBO Documentary Films. The film, whose working title is Occupation Iraq, is about soldiers in Iraq and chronicles their stories, tragedies, triumphs and homecomings.

  • Voice your opinion on IBN 7’s ‘Hindustan Ki Kasam’

    MUMBAI : Embarked on the principles of Khabar, Har Keemat Par, IBN 7 will air a daily “public opinion” driven show, ‘Hindustan Ki Kasam’ at 6:30 pm. The show will discuss an identified topic of national interest with programming over a week. The show would be a true piece of INCLUSIVE JOURNALISM that would involve the people’s voice and participation at every stage.

     

    ‘Hindustan ki Kasam’ a reporter led show with representation across the country, will be a campaign based series which will serve as a platform for the Indian citizens to raise their voice and share their opinion. The feedback received from viewers across the country on the show will be featured on a daily capsule from Monday to Sunday at 6:30pm on IBN 7.

     

    The topic for this week is ‘Dalit Ka Dard (Plight of the Dalit)’. In present day modern India, the state of millions of Dalits has not improved. In this weeklong campaign, IBN 7 will set ‘Chaupals’ and will have a panel of discussions comprising of Dalit leaders, social activists working for the fortification of Dalits, lawyers and many more discussing on the current status of Dalits in our country. The findings of the weeklong series will be summarized in Sunday’s episode pf Hindustan Ki Kasam at 6:30PM.

     

    Portraying a vision for the show, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, CNN-IBN & IBN 7 said, “Our expertise has always been in content and immediacy, as part of our broader strategy we want to focus on national issues that involves the common man. Thus we decided to produce Hindustan Ki Kasam, a show concentrating on various issues in the country, providing a fair vocalization platform for the people of India.”

     

    “We strongly feel that issues like Plight of Dalits deserve attention. We believe in INCLUSIVE JOURNALISM and our aim has always been to air shows which involve common man. This show provides a platform to voice his opinions on subjects which matter to the nation. We are confident that viewers will appreciate this initiative.” added, Ashutosh, Managing Editor, IBN 7.