ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • UK leads in digital television viewing: Ofcom

    UK leads in digital television viewing: Ofcom

    MUMBAI: Latest data from UK regulator Ofcom shows that the UK has the highest digital penetration of any country in the world. As of 31 December 2005 digital television was viewed by just under 70 per cent of all UK television households, up from 65.9 per cent in the previous quarter. Ofcom is now predicting 100 per cent digital TV penetration by 2012 (across all platforms – satellite, cable and terrestrial).

    The Communications Market: Digital TV Progress Report for the fourth quarter of 2005 is published by Ofcom. It examines data provided by the main digital television platform providers for the October-December 2005 period.

    Preliminary sales figures of Freeview (Digital Terrestrial Television or DTT) set top boxes suggest that by the end of February 2006, digital penetration had exceeded 70% of UK homes. Take up varies across the UK and has not passed the 50% mark in any other European country.

    Digital satellite is now the UK’s most popular television platform. For the first time, there are now more digital satellite subscribers in the UK than there are homes watching analogue terrestrial-only TV, as a result of continued growth in BSkyB’s subscriber base and large numbers of households switching from analogue terrestrial television to digital terrestrial services.

    In the year 2005, more than 2.7 million additional households began viewing digital television for the first time – more than in any previous year. By 31 December 2005, the total number of households viewing digital television services on at least one TV set in the home stood at 17.5 million. The report also reveals that almost one in four UK adults live in homes where all TV sets are now used for digital television viewing and viewing of analogue television services has ceased entirely.

    Quarterly DTT sales DTT sales DTT sales
    Q3, 2005 Q4, 2005
    Freeview set top boxes 826,300 1,527,600
    IDTV’s 196,000 402,200
    Total sales 1,022,300 1,929,800
    Source: Q4 sales figures, Gfk
    Cumulative total DTT boxes DTT total DTT total
    Q3, 2005 Q4, 2005
    Freeview set top boxes 7,214,700 8,742,300
    IDTV’s 1,411,100 1,813,300
    ITV Digital set top boxes 289,000 250,000
    Total digital terrestrial units in market 8,914,800 10,805,600
    Source: Ofcom, Gfk
    Other highlights from the Ofcom data:

    ” By the end of 2005, just under one in four homes had fully converted all their analogue TV sets to digital (either by adding a set top box or by upgrading to an integrated digital TV set (IDTV) – up from 16% in March 2005. Sales of IDTVs doubled between Q3 and Q4 2005, from around 200,000 to 400,000, to reach a total installed base of 1.8 million (see tables below). That means that almost 60% of all UK TV sets (36 million) still receive analogue transmissions.

    ” There are currently an estimated 34 million VCRs in use in the UK. Those that viewers use for recording one programme while watching another amount currently to around 25% of VCRs (7.5 million recorders) and will need to be replaced by personal video recorders (PVRs) if viewers wish to retain this functionality following switchover. By the end of 2005, around 1.4 million PVRs had been sold (mostly Sky+ boxes) and 2.3 million DVD recorders. Most of the latter do not have integrated digital tuners, however, and cannot replicate the full functionality of analogue VCRs.

    ” Ofcom’s new forecasts suggest that digital take-up will continue to grow steadily over the next few years, as switchover starts to take place on a region-by-region basis. It expects digital penetration to grow by around 1.7 million homes in 2006, and on average by around one million homes per year thereafter, until 2012. That means that 85% of homes will have taken up digital TV by the time the first region (Border) switches over in the second half of 2008. By the end of 2010, Ofcom estimates that 95% of households will have taken up digital TV. Penetration will reach 100% by the end of 2012, by the time analogue television is due to be switched off.

  • BBC, Reuters to host global media conference

    BBC, Reuters to host global media conference

    MUMBAI: The power of trust in the media and citizen journalism are among the topics to be discussed by top media names at a two-day forum in London next month, to be hosted by the BBC and Reuters.

    The 2006 We Media Global Forum will bring together personalities from media, business and technology to discuss and collaborate on how the media can foster trust and influence global issues in a world made smaller by the Internet. The Forum takes place on May 3 and 4, presented by The Media Center, a US-based non-profit think tank committed to building a better-informed society in a connected world.

    The speakers include actor Richard Dreyfuss, Google partnerships dierctor Joanna Fields, Reuters CEO Tom Glocer, Meetup.com founder and CEO Scott Heiferman, Al Jazeera DG Wadah Khanfar, Global Voices co-founder Rebecca MacKinnon, Guardian Newspapers CEO Carolyn McCall, BBC global news director Richard Sambrook, Reuters Global Managing Editor David Schlesinger.

    The event will have a live broadcast of the BBC’s World Service programmes, World Have Your Say, and an interactive experience with the Digital Assassins, a group of disruptors and innovators in digital media. Day 2, at Reuters global headquarters in CanaryWharf, includes a series of satellite-linked “town hall” meetings around the world, and an in-depth look by venture capitalists and business leaders at the changing economics of media and value of social capital.

    The Global Forum will offer glimpses of the future in short “Future Forward” segments – first looks at emerging technologies and media from leading developers, entrepreneurs and companies. BBC DG Mark Thompson said, “Trust has always been central to BBC values. We all know the pressures that news organizations face in this fast changing multi-media world. I am delighted to welcome participants to the We Media Global Forum and I hope that it will provide a valuable opportunity for all of us to share our insights.”

    Glocer said, “The balance of power between content creators, suppliers and consumers is changing, with an end to the notion of a passive audience. The ramifications of this new phenomenon are most acutely felt in the area of trust. As consumers, this democratization of media will have profound effects on where we source news and entertainment, and whom we trust. For a company like Reuters, this is a great time to be taking a 150 year-old news brand in exciting new directions.”

  • Simon Kenny is Warner Bros. Digital Distribution president

    Simon Kenny is Warner Bros. Digital Distribution president

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Warner has announced that Simon Kenny has been named president of the newly formed Warner Bros. Digital Distribution.

    He will manage the worldwide electronic distribution streams of the Studio’s product over existing, new and emerging digital platforms, including pay-per-view, electronic sell-through, video-on-demand, subscription-video-on-demand, wireless and more. He will also oversee the studio’s worldwide digital strategy, partnerships in digital services and emerging new clients and business activities in the digital space.

    As announced at its formation in October 2005, the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group is comprised of Warner Bros. Digital Distribution (which incorporates Warner Bros. Online and Wireless), Warner Home Video, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (including Warner Bros. Games), Warner Bros. Technical Operations and Warner Bros. Anti-Piracy Operations.

    Kenny currently serves as Warner Bros. International Television Distribution executive VP, Europe. He will assume his new role full-time following the L.A. screenings at the end of May.

    Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group president Kevin Tsujihara says, “Our priority is the consumer, and our focus is on ensuring that our product is available to them on as many platforms with as much flexibility, functionality and portability as they desire. As digital distribution is no longer just a theory, but a reality, we are charged with managing and leading the retail and consumer transition from a purely packaged distribution scheme to one that supports both packaged and digital distribution, and both standard and high defination formats, while not cannibalising any one segment of the business, but rather maximizing the opportunities afforded by all.

    “Simon’s experience in existing, emerging and next-generation distribution scenarios makes him the perfect choice to head up our digital distribution initiative, and we’re pleased to have him as an integral member of our team.”

    Kenny says, “I am excited about leading the group that will strategise on and implement the methods of digital distribution for all the new and emerging platforms and to be working with Kevin to create new revenue opportunities on behalf of Warner Bros., a true leader in entertainment”.

  • BBC current affairs veteran Robinson to call it a day

    BBC current affairs veteran Robinson to call it a day

    MUMBAI: UK pubcaster BBC’s current afairs veteran Mike Robinson has decided to step down as editor of the Panorama block. He is retiring from the BBC after spending 25 years with the organisation. He has been the editor of the BBC’s flagship current affairs strand for more than five years.

    He and his team have produced many shows including the story of the row between the government and BBC which culminated in the death of David Kelly, which won the RTS Home Current Affairs journalism award and was the first of a number of Panoramas examining the government’s case for war.

    Other programmes include John Simpson and Tom Giles’s tale of death by friendly fire in the Iraq war, which won the RTS International programme award; and the trilogy of investigations into the anti-depressant Seroxat, which had a significant impact on both the programme’s audiences and the field of drug policy and regulation.

    Panorama’s RTS award winning investigation into corruption in horse racing also had significant impact, forcing the Jockey Club to hold an internal enquiry and strengthen its security measures. Before joining Panorama, Robinson had worked in a variety of roles including Editor of the One O’Clock News and News Editor across BBC TV News as a whole.

    After joining Panorama as a film-maker in 1992, he produced a number of documentaries, including The Story of Child B; Valentina’s Story and When Good Men do Nothing on the genocide in Rwanda, and the famous Martin Bashir interview with Princess Diana. The latter recorded one of the largest TV audiences in BBC history and picked up a Bafta, one of two which he won.

    BBC News director Helen Boaden said, “Mike’s passion for Panorama and his commitment to serious current affairs have made him an outstanding Editor of the series over many years. He’s never been afraid of tackling vested interests, current orthodoxies and unfashionable issues and subjecting them to rigorous, scrutiny and appraisal. We shall miss his vision and his tenacity very much and wish him good fortune in the coming years.”

    Robinson said, “I am delighted to have been worked for so many years with a talented Panorama team still committed to producing ambitious and significant television journalism across a broad agenda. With its public funding, the BBC still occupies a privileged position within British society and I greatly appreciate the backing I’ve enjoyed for the difficult and challenging journalism for which I have had responsibility. After 25 years with one broadcaster, I relish the challenges and opportunities that the future holds.”

  • Discovery Networks acquires India rights to BBC Worldwide’s soccer show ‘More Than a Game’

    Discovery Networks acquires India rights to BBC Worldwide’s soccer show ‘More Than a Game’

    MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide has signed a number of deals with Asian networks to screen More Than a Game, the story of the emergence of each of the superpowers of world football.

    In India, the property has been snapped up by Discovery Networks.

    The program, already pre-sold to over 30 territories internationally, has also been licensed to Hong Kong Cable TV, MediaCorp in Singapore, SBS in South Korea and Channel 9 in Thailand. The deal was developed in association with FIFA.

    More Than a Game explores the 76 years of World Cup football and includes exclusive access to FIFA’s film archive and interviews with famous players.

    “More Than a Game showcases the greatest moments of the World Cup. We have found that it appeals to both football aficionados and the uninitiated,” says BBC Worldwide sport sales manager Richard Hornsby-Smith.

  • 15 August launch for Sahara Urdu news channel

    15 August launch for Sahara Urdu news channel

    MUMBAI: Sahara India Mass Communications, which manages a bouquet of news channels, is proposing to launch an Urdu news and information channel. The probable launch date: 15 August 2006, Indian Independence Day.

    The 24-hour Urdu news and information channel is targeted at the100 million plus Urdu-speaking denizens spread out in various states all over India. The channel will be headed by Dr Aziz Burny who is also the editor of the Sahara Urdu daily – Roznama Rashtriya Sahara.

    Says Burny: “The channel’s name has not been finalised as yet. As of now, we are toying with a name like Urdu Sahara. We are in the process of finalising the team. We hope to launch the channel by 15 August, once all the logistics are in place.”

    There is just one major player – the Hyderabad based Enadu TV – which runs a 24 hour Urdu channel – ETV Urdu. Last year, pubcaster — Prasar Bharati also announced that it would launch an Urdu TV service.

    Urdu Sahara will be entering a space which has been rough for players in the past. UTN and Falak TV are some of the Urdu news & infotainment channels which have ended up in the graveyard.

  • Sesame Workshop in talks with DD

    Sesame Workshop in talks with DD

    NEW DELHI: Children’s educator and creator of the world famous Sesame Street, Sesame Workshop is in talks with Indian pubcaster Doordarshan for an alliance to reach out to maximum number of children in India.

    “Talks with Doordarshan are in early stages, but we are exploring an option to have a weekend window (time band or slot),” Sesame Workshop president and CEO Gary E. Knell told Indiantelevision.com today.

    DD’s terrestrial platform is being explored by Sesame Workshop, a non-profit organization, as it wants to reach out to the maximum number of children through its innovative and educative programmes. Especially those who do not have access to cable and satellite television.

    To target kids in India’s approximately 61 million C&S households, Sesame Workshop has tied up with Tuner International India (managers of Cartoon Network and Pogo) and the New Delhi-based production house Miditech to bring an Indian version of Sesame Street called Galli Galli Sim Sim from mid-2006 .

    According to Knell, ideally his company would like to have a time slot on DD’s terrestrial network that is suitable for children viewing and where Sesame Workshop characters can be used to spread public service messages too.

    Apart from that, the Sesame Workshop-Turner combine will also explore production of Sesame Street in another Indian language, which could be Tamil. Galli Galli Sim Sim will be in Hindi on Pogo.

    “The work on the other language production, apart from Hindi, will start in a couple of months’ time,” Knell said.

    Sesame Workshop is a nonprofit educational organization making a meaningful difference in the lives of children around the world. Founded in 1968, the Workshop changed television forever with the legendary Sesame Street.

    Today, the Workshop continues to innovate on behalf of children in 120 countries, using its proprietary research methodology to ensure its programmes and products are engaging and enriching.

    Sesame Workshop is behind award-winning programs like Dragon Tales, Sagwa, The Chinese Siamese Cat, Pinky Dinky Doo and groundbreaking multimedia productions in South Africa, Egypt and Russia.

  • EuroNews launches on digital cable in Mexico

    EuroNews launches on digital cable in Mexico

    MUMBAI: EuroNews has launched on digital cable in Mexico by Cablevision and has appointed Eurochannel as its exclusive representative for South America. As a result of this partnership, 100,000 subscribers can now watch EuroNews in Spanish, English and French since 1 March 2006.

    Eurochannel’s mission will be to extend the distribution network of the multi language news channel all across the continent via cable, satellite and all new media platforms.

    Based in Miami, USA, Eurochannel distributes a cable TV programming service for pay TV Systems in South America and is released in 25 countries in Latin America. More than six million homes receive Eurochannel and it is a part of the 30 most popular thematic channels available.

    EuroNews president Philippe Cayla said, “EuroNews is the most watched and widely distributed international news channel in Europe. As well as North America, we plan to develop the channel’s distribution in South America. Eurochannel’s in depth market knowledge will be a key element in the implementation of our strategic plans for distribution in these dynamic markets. EuroNews broadcasts in seven languages including the two main languages of South America, Spanish and Portuguese. The channel has great potential to expand its presence on this continent and to bring a new perspective on international news to audiences in these territories.”

    Eurochannel chairman and CEO Gustavo Vainstein added, “We are proud to contribute towards the growth of EuroNews’ distribution in Latin America. EuroNews is eagerly anticipated in Latin America, because everybody in the continent is keen to have access to “the European vision of the world”. EuroNews is also a well known brand for journalist and professionals. With such a powerful mix of brand and programming we envision a rapid development of EuroNews in Latin America.”

  • Channel [V] to premier Get Gorgeous-III on 16 March

    Channel [V] to premier Get Gorgeous-III on 16 March

    MUMBAI: Starting 16 March, Channel [V] will showcase the third edition of the glam reality show — Get Gorgeous.

    The eight -episode series will have drama, excitement and tribulations of a nationwide search to identify the ‘one’ who has the looks, the grit, the determination and the potential to Get Gorgeous! The show will air at 7:30 pm.

    The first episode captures the excitement of the [v] Get Gorgeous III auditions that were held in New Delhi, Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai, states an official release.

    The chosen ones will be initially screened by the expert panel to arrive at a shortlist of 15 finalists. These 15 selected faces will then be given a complete makeover and grooming by Noyonika Chatterjee along with the panel of experts from the industry such as dancer and choreographer Rajiv Goswami; ace photographer- Colstan Julian; styling partnertship from Elle editor – Nonita Kalra and skin experts from Kaya Skin Clinic, offering the finalists the opportunity to reveal their true beauty in the competition there on.

  • MTNL selects Time Broadband for IPTV

    MTNL selects Time Broadband for IPTV

    MUMBAI: State-owned telecom major MTNL has selected Time Broadband Services Pvt Ltd, India (TBSPL) to develop and handle the content delivery network for its IPTV services.

    TBSPL has signed a seven-year deal which will have IT major HP as its systems integrator. The company will design and deploy the content delivery network, aggregate and repurpose content, and market and promote the services

    “We have signed with Time Broadband as our franchisee for setting up the content delivery network. The first launch of IPTV will be in Delhi and Mumbai will follow. We expect to launch the service commercially by June,” says MTNL executive director, Mumbai, MS Rana.

    Time Broadband will have Israel-based Infogate Online as its middleware vendor while Verimatrix Inc. will provide content protection solutions. The digital headend will be from Optibase. Amino and Softier Inc. set-top boxes are being tested.

    “We are extremely glad to participate with a telecom giant for the IPTV project. While MTNL is investing on the networking technology, we are pumping in money for the content delivery network. HP is our systems integrator and will also be responsible for risk mitigation of the technology. The scalability test is being done in their laboratory at Grenoble in the US,” says Time Broadband managing director Sujata Dev.

    MTNL has invested in deploying a networking platform developed by Ericsson. On this network, MTNL can run its triple play services – voice, data and video.

    The telecom company is employing ADSL 2+ technology that can safely take up to 24 mbps at the origination point, says MTNL general manager broadband Peeyush Agrawal. “For the video part, we are using MPEG-4 compression technology,” he adds.