ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • TV18 Group creates Indiaearnings.com on company financials

    TV18 Group creates Indiaearnings.com on company financials

    MUMBAI: The TV18 network has designed an editorial integration under CNBC Universe stable, ahead of the earnings season by creating Indianearnings.com. In a bid to be able to give retail as well as institutional investors, the best coverage during the earnings season.

    Indiaearnings.com from the CNBC universe stable will be inaugurated by the chairman and chief mentor of Infosys N R Narayan Murthy on the day Infosys announces its second quarter results that is 11 October.

    The earnings coverage on the network will be integrated under the India Earnings Umbrella. It will include pre-results, results-day and post-results coverage, analysis and reference material across TV18’s various channels and online properties, according to an official release.

    Indiaearnings.com will provide India’s most credible and exclusive information destination for professional Indian and foreign investors. The access to the site is strictly by invitation. To receive an invitation one needs to email indiaearnings@moneycontrol.com.

    Boardroom the key property on television channels CNBC TV18 and CNBC Awaaz, which was launched seven years back, will also be an integral part of the India Earnings Umbrella. N R Narayan Murthy was the first corporate from India Inc to feature on Boardroom’s inaugural show, seven years ago.

    CNBC-TV18 will showcase the earnings seasons of large cap and mid cap companies, CNBC Awaaz will cover the earnings of mid-cap and small cap companies, indiaearnings.com will touch upon more than 500 companies to give investors all round earnings coverage, informs the release.

    Indiaearnings.com will be the first comprehensive and noteworthy platform to include web-casts, audio-casts, CFO meets, detailed current and archival information about the company stocks including performance, bulk deals on MF holdings etc. It will also bring in the strength of its association with CNBC Global Network– the world’s largest and most respected news network.

    Commenting on the India Earnings Umbrella, TV18 group CEO Haresh Chawla said, “India Earnings is by far the most extensive platform that any company would get for its results coverage and also the single largest platform which reaches out to more than 40 million affluent, interested Indians. Indiaearnings.com the newest offering by the CNBC Universe stable will be a one-stop destination for all professional investors needs; it is also the most credible platform for critical information on the company financials. The India Earnings Umbrella will combine the strengths of CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and moneycontrol.com as well as CNBC Global Network to benefit professional retail and institutional investors alike.”

  • BVITV signs TV licensing deals with Russian broadcasters, AXN Japan

    BVITV signs TV licensing deals with Russian broadcasters, AXN Japan

    MUMBAI: Buena Vista International Television (BVITV), the international TV distribution division of The Walt Disney Company, has announced new TV licensing agreements with broadcasters across Russia, with St Petersburg TV, NTV, Ren TV and TV3 having licensed a wide range for programming for their viewers.

    In another development, BVITV and AXN Japan have reached a licensing agreement for broadcasting The Amazing Race, distributed by BVITV. With the signing of this agreement, viewers can enjoy Seasons 4 and 5 of the hit reality series on AXN. Scheduled to air in the first half of 2007, The Amazing Race will be available to viewers in Japan for the first time.

    St Petersburg TV, one of Russia’s newest channels, has licensed a selection of feature films and live action series from BVITV. This is the channel’s first ever deal with a major US Studio. In a separate agreement introduced by BVITV, the channel has also licensed a selection of Jetix Europe content.

    TV3 Russia, one of the country’s largest independent broadcasters has licensed a selection of features and live action series from BVITV.
    One of Russia’s largest and most popular free TV channels, NTV, has also licensed a selection of feature films and series from BVITV’s portfolio. This is the first free TV agreement between NTV and BVITV.

    Free TV channel Ren TV has also licensed a selection of movies and live action series. The channel will also launch a selection of Jetix Europe programming to its viewers, says an official release.

    Co-created by Bertram van Munster (Profiles from the Front Line) and with Jerry Bruckheimer (CSI, Armageddon) as one of the executive producers, The Amazing Race has won four consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding reality program. Twelve teams of two people with relationships such as spouses, best friends or parent and child are filmed around the clock in a race to various worldwide destinations to be the first team to the finish line.

    At every destination, each team will have to compete in a series of challenges — some mental and some physical — and only when the tasks have been completed will they learn their next destination. Teams who are farthest behind will gradually be eliminated as the contest progresses, with the first team to arrive at the final destination winning a large cash prize, the release adds.

  • Google to acquire YouTube for $1.65 billion in stock

    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.

  • Cartoon Network to explore Indian talent for ‘Snaptoons’

    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.

  • Star Plus announces Two-hour Diwali special programme

    Star Plus announces Two-hour Diwali special programme

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, Star Plus will bring its viewers a two hour episode – ‘Tanishq presents Diwali Dhamaka’ on 14 October Saturday from 7 pm to 9 pm.

    Diwali Dhamaka brings the Viranis, Agarwals, Lambas and all the other family members of the Star Parivaar under one roof, states an official release.

    The release adds that, the channel has also scheduled an Antakshri competiton between a group of boys and girls to spice up the proceedings.

  • Trai issues additional QoS instructions

    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.

  • Nickelodeon Preschool TV to air new 14 episode series of ‘Max and Ruby’

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon Preschool Television has announced that they have picked up an all-new, 14-episode season of the 2-D animated preschool series Max and Ruby. In addition, a new Max and Ruby Easter special will premiere on Nick Jr. and Noggin in Spring 2007 to kick off the new season.


    Based on the classic children‘s book series by internationally acclaimed children‘s author and illustrator Rosemary Wells, Max & Ruby follows the adventures of two bunny siblings. The show, a co-production from Nelvana/Corus Entertainment, currently airs weekdays on Noggin at 10:30 am (ET), informs an official release.
     
    “We‘re thrilled to bring more Max and Ruby episodes to Nick Jr. and Noggin,” said Nickelodeon Preschool Television executive creative director Brown Johnson.


    “Preschoolers clearly delight in Max‘s antics and Ruby‘s creative persistence. They are a dynamic brother-sister duo.”


    Each half-hour episode of Max and Ruby consists of three seven-and-a-half minute stories that celebrate the universal nature of sibling relationships. The series follows Max, an enthusiastic and determined preschool bunny, and his big sister Ruby, a very smart and goal-oriented seven-year-old, through their everyday lives in the village of East Bunnyhop. Even though Max and Ruby have conflicting agendas, they enjoy working and playing together.



    The original 26 episodes of the series and the new season of 14 episodes were produced by Nelvana in association with Chorion Silver Lining.

  • Liberty actively exploring India entry options

    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.

  • Microsoft, MTV to conduct global technology study

    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.

  • Zee’s ‘Betiyann’ clears telecast stay hurdle

    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.