ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • TRAI issues an amendment to the Interconnection Regulation for Broadcasting & Cable Services

    The TRAI today issued a Regulation to amend the Interconnection Regulation dated 10.12.2004. The Interconnection Regulation covers arrangements among service providers for interconnection and revenue share, for all broadcasting and cable services in India. With the experience of more than one and a half years after issue of the Interconnection Regulation a need was felt to clarify as well as expand the scope of the same so as to minimize the doubts and disputes/ litigation.

    The Authority followed its consultative approach for amendment of the interconnection regulation by issuing a Consultation Note on March 21, 2006, a Consultation Paper on May 11, 2006 and holding Open House Discussions in Mumbai on June 16, 2006 and in Delhi on June 19, 2006. After taking into consideration the comments received on the consultation paper as well as the comments made during the course of the Open House Discussions, the Regulation has been amended by the TRAI.

    The main amendments made in the Interconnection Regulation dated 10.12.2004 are:

    1. A notice period of three weeks has been prescribed for disconnection of TV channel signals by a broadcaster to any distributor of TV channels. The requirement of issue of a three week notice has also been extended to the distributors of TV channels prior to disconnection of the re-transmission o fany TV channel.

    2. Issue of public notice through newspapers has been made compulsory prior to disconnection of TV channel signals. Broadcaster/multi system operator/ distributor of TV channels are required to inform the consumers through scrolls on the concerned channel(s), but issue of notice in newspapers shall be compulsory.

    3. It has been mandated that the broadcaster/multi system operator or their agents/ intermediaries to whom a request for providing TV channel signals is made, should either provide the signals on mutually agreed terms, or specify the terms and conditions on which they are willing to provide TV channel signals, within sixty days from the date of the request.

    4. Methodology to arrive at the subscriber base of each distributor of TV channels at the time of first agreement, during the validity of agreement and at the time of renewal of agreement has also been laid down for agreements between the broadcasters and multi system operators and between multi system operators and cable operators.

    5. The Authority has prescribed that all broadcasters shall publish their Reference Interconnect Offers (RIO) describing, inter-alia, the technical and commercial conditions for interconnection for non-addressable systems and submit copies of the same to the Authority. The reference interconnect offer so published by the broadcaster will form the basis for all interconnection agreements to be executed thereafter.

    6. Broadcasters will be required to give one months notice for conversion of Free To Air Channels to Pay channels and vice versa.

    7. Parties to an interconnection agreement for supply of TV channel signals
    will be required to renew their interconnection agreements within three months of the expiry of the original agreement.

    8. Issue of invoices by broadcasters /multi system operators or their agents/ intermediaries has been made compulsory for payment received from any distributor of TV channels for providing TV channel signals. The monthly invoice shall clearly specify the arrears and current dues along with the due date for payment of the same.

    For more details, please visit “www.trai.gov.in”.

  • ‘Path to 9/11’ miniseries draws the ire of Democrats

    ‘Path to 9/11’ miniseries draws the ire of Democrats

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster ABC is being put under pressure from democrats including former president Bill Clinton not to air the five hour miniseries The Path to 9/11.

    The series among other things shows how the Clinton administration repeatedly messed up opportunities to catch Osama Bin Laden. It also shows that the 1993 bombing at the World Trade Center would not have happened had authorities including the FBI not been so complacent.

    Media reports indicate that with the mid term elections around the corner the Democrats are concerned that the series will prejudice voters. As had been reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, the film is a dramatisation of the events documented in the 9/11 Commission report.

    Media reports also indicate that some of Clinton’s officials — including former secretary of state Madeleine Albright and former national security adviser Sandy Berger are unhappy about the manner in which the series depicts them.

    In the film, Berger refuses to authorise a 1998 raid designed to capture Bin Laden. This event reports state was contradicted by the 9/11 Commission. Berger sent a letter to Disney CEO Bob Iger saying that “no such episode ever occurred, nor did anything like it.”

    Clinton aides say that as per the 9/11 Commission Report, it was CIA director George Tenet who refused to authorise the raid on Bin Laden. The film also suggests that Clinton was distracted from fighting terrorism by the Monica Lewinsky affair and impeachment proceedings.

    Bill Clinton Foundation executive director, Bruce Lindsey, in a letter to Disney said, “The content of this drama is factually and incontrovertibly inaccurate. ABC has a duty to fully correct all errors or pull the drama entirely.”

    In a statement ABC says, “No one has seen the final version of the film, because the editing process is not yet complete. So criticisms of film specifics are premature and irresponsible.”

    In India the show will air on Zee Studio on 10 and 11 September 2006. The miniseries cost around $40 million to make.

  • Play TV to launch ‘Quizmaster’ on 9 September

    Play TV to launch ‘Quizmaster’ on 9 September

    MUMBAI: Starting 9 September, the interactive and gaming channel PlayTV will launch a show named Quizmaster. The one hour show, will air at 8 pm.

    The show Quizmaster, according to an official release, it will no more be a theoretical, intellectual event, rather be a fun filled game of luck and intelligence that involves the entire family at the comfort of one’s home.

    Participating in the show is stated to be simple and if the six questions are correctly answered, one can win the jackpot amount of Rs 1 lakh. A participant will have to answer five questions correctly to be eligible for the sixth question for jackpot.

    After answering the first three questions correctly, a participant wins Rs 3,000. Even if he answers the fourth question incorrectly, he can take home Rs 3,000, informs an official release.

    On answering the fourth question appropriately, the participant wins Rs 5,000 and if he answers the fifth question correctly, he wins Rs 10,000. However if he answers the sixth jackpot question incorrectly, he will lose whatever he won on the show, informs the release.

    The show introduces a unique concept of using a Randomizer to select the live caller. That is not all, the show also has a play-along round where in if the caller is unable to answer the question the same is open for viewers to answer and win Rs.1000 at the comfort of their living room.

    Speaking on the launch of Quizmaster, Play TV MD Amit Goenka said, “PlayTV has a loyal set of young viewers who enjoy this new genre of entertainment where interactivity is an integral part of television viewing. Quizmaster is a show that will appeal to viewers across age groups. It is a family activity that everyone can sit together, watch and participate in.”

    Play TV is the first 24 hours interactive and gaming channel, managed by Dakshin Media Solutions, which is an enterprise of the Subhash Chandra-promoted Essel Group.

  • Granada International looking at IPTV, Vod opportunities in India

    Granada International looking at IPTV, Vod opportunities in India

    MUMBAI: Television and film distributor Granada International is looking topwards building its presence in Asia.

    It has appointed Ting Wai Ho as senior sales executive based in its new Hong Kong office. The announcement was made by Granada International MD Nadine Nohr.

    He will also work closely with regional director in Asia James Ross on the media opportunities offered by the way of VOD and IPTV in India.

    Ho will also be responsible for sales of Granada International programming into South East Asian countries including Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

    Ting Wai Ho was formerly BBC Worldwide senior sales executive, South East Asia. Based in Hong Kong he was in charge of TV programme distribution in Asian countries.

    Ross says, “I am very pleased to have Ting on board at the new Granada International office in Asia. As we continue to expand Granada International and ITV Worldwide’s presence in Asia, I am sure his wealth of experience in selling programming to the Asia region will be a great asset to us.”

  • Italians partial to World Cup mobile content

    Italians partial to World Cup mobile content

    MUMBAI: During the Fifa World Cup which took place from 9 June – 9 July 2006, Italians used their mobile to access content from the event more than any other European country.

    Research firm Telephia’s Q3 2006 European Subscriber and Device Report (ESDR) shows that six per cent of Italian mobile subscribers accessed World Cup content on their mobile devices, as compared to three per cent for French mobile subscribers. Not surprisingly, European 3G mobile subscribers posted higher rates for accessing World Cup soccer content on their phones at 14 per cent, while only three per cent of non-3G mobile users accessed soccer content.

    Penetration Rate of Mobile Subscribers who accessed Fifa World Cup Content
    Country Penetration Rate (per cent)

    Country Penetration Level
    Italy Six per cent
    Germany Four per cent
    France Three per cent
    Sweden Three per cent
    UK Three per cent
    Spain Two per cent
    Telephia VP new products Kanishka Agarwal says, “Soccer enthusiasts across the world are passionate about their sport, and European fans are notorious for their hardcore dedication in supporting their country’s team. Italy secured their first World Cup title in 24 years with a penalty shoot-out victory over France, to the delight of Italian fans.

    “The World Cup showcased how important mobile phones have become as a source of immediate information and relevant content for consumers, beyond just a tool to communicate. Soccer fans were able to tap into the frenzy of the games and show their connection and support for their favorite teams through their cell phones”.

    Content Type Share

    Type of Content Share per cent
    Received World Cup text alerts 38 per cent
    Accessed World Cup news and information on the wireless
    Internet 29 per cent
    Downloaded a World Cup ring tone 19 per cent
    Downloaded a World Cup wallpaper 15 per cent
    Downloaded World Cup video clips 14 per cent
    Downloaded a World Cup game nine per cent
    Watched World Cup content on mobile TV Eight per cent
    Uploaded World Cup pictures/images to the Web Eight per cent
    Uploaded World Cup video to the Web Seven per cent
    Placed a video call/Sent a video message Five per cent
    Others Eleven per cent

    Sky Sports was the most watched Mobile TV Channel in Europe for the Fifa World Cup. Eight per cent of European mobile subscribers who accessed soccer content on their phone watched via mobile TV. Sky Sports was the top channel, securing a 14 percent share of World Cup mobile TV users. Overall, World Cup content received through text alerts was most popular (38 per cent), followed by content through wireless Internet at 29 per cent. 19 per cent downloaded a World Cup ringtone, while 15 and 14 per cent downloaded wallpapers and video clips, respectively.

  • ABC introduces slim fast challenge on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

    ABC introduces slim fast challenge on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster ABC will pep up its reality show Dancing With The Stars next week by training a working mother in the intricacies of dancing.

    The episode will be called Dancing with the Stars the Results Show. It will follow a working mom as she lives out her ballroom dancing fantasies with hopes of improving her physical wellbeing, in the first-ever Slim-Fast Dance Challenge. Tysonia Sichinga from California was chosen from among thousands of women who answered the casting call to participate.

    Under the tutelage of ballroom dancer, instructor and choreographer Christian Perry, Tysonias’ progress will be featured on Wednesday on Dancing with the Stars the Results Show. Viewers will see her transforming as she chases her dreams and tackles the challenges of balancing a demanding training schedule, work and caring for her family.

    Sichinga. says, “I never thought I would be the one chosen. This is an amazing opportunity and I am looking forward to training, getting in shape and being on Dancing with the Stars. I am so thankful that I have the support of my family and friends as I take on this challenge.”

    Dancing with the Stars executive producer Conrad Green says, “When we met Tysonia, we knew almost instantly that she would be the one. She has a wonderful openness and warmth about her which is very endearing, and its terrific to be able to make this happen for her. We were always looking for new ways to engage the audience, and her participation adds a terrific human element to the show. We hope that her journey will reflect the life-changing experience many of our viewers have had as they have taken up dancing after watching the show.”

    Inspired by her love for the series and the physical transformation Tysonia auditioned for a chance to experience what its like to train like a pro and appear on television. As she embarks on this once in a lifetime opportunity, she will have the support of her husband, Robert, and teenaged daughters, Seko and Tyana.

    The hardworking and dedicated administrative assistant hopes to develop enough savvy ballroom dancing skills to impress her loving husband, family and friends. More importantly, her goal is to feel healthy, confident and comfortable in her own skin.

    As sponsor of the segment, Slim-Fast is making available to Tysonia Slim-Fast products and the support of a certified nutritionist/registered dietitian. Slim-Fast offers all consumers information and nutritional support at www.slimfast.com.

    In India the local version of Dancing With The Stars airs on Sony.

  • Astro eyes acquisition in India, posts strong Q2 net profit

    MUMBAI: Astro All Asia Networks Plc has identified India and China as its potential high-growth markets. And the route it wants to take is equity participation in local ventures.

    “We intend to invest and grow our multi-media distribution platforms and content assets — particularly in the key Bahasa, Indian, and Chinese language speaking markets where we hope to consummate joint-ventures with key players across the region in the coming months. We are confident that these major investments, underpinned by our strong balance sheet and robust cash flows from our Malaysian operations, will secure our long term future, and importantly, sustain revenues, profitability and cash flow growth for shareholders in the medium and long term,” Astro Group chief executive officier Ralph Marshall wrote yesterday to the company’s shareholders.

    The company is scouting for equity participation in joint venture with local partners in these large under-penetrated markets, Marshall said. In India, Astro has, along with NDTV and infotech company Value Labs, already bought out Radio Today’s FM radio operations under Red FM brand.

    “Following liberalisation of the radio sector by the Indian Government, we are hopeful of making new investments and thereby participate in further growth of the radio broadcasting sector in the country,” Marshall said.

    In China, an Astro joint venture has secured approval and a 25-year licence to offer advertising services in the country. The joint-venture, with Hangzhou-based Tiansheng Culture Media Ltd, will initially provide marketing and airtime management services to seven radio stations in Zhejiang Province, and subsequently expand its services to other media companies, particularly in the TV broadcasting segment, in other territories across China.

    Astro, meanwhile, has reported a 66 per cent increase in net profit to RM 73.04 million for its second quarter ended 31 July 2006, from RM 44 million a year ago. This was on back of the Fifa World Cup and a strong demand for its pay-TV and advertising services in the period, the company said.

    Revenue rose 14 per cent to RM 569.08 million from RM 499.32 million while earnings per share was 3.79 sen from 2.29 sen.

    During the period under review, the Group has generated free cash of RM 162.6 million. “Taking advantage of the strong financial position, the Group repaid most of its bank borrowings in January this year, and secured access to fresh long-term capital funds totalling USD 300 million on more attractive terms,” Astro said in a release.

    Having recently launched seven channels, Astro plans to add more and has RM 2 billion to fund its expansion plans.
     

  • Hathway plans Rs 1 billion debt for CAS; VoIP launch by year-end

    MUMBAI: Rajan Raheja-promoted Hathway Cable & Datacom plans to raise Rs 1 billion as debt to fund the first phase of conditional access system (CAS). The multi-system operator (MSO) is also preparing to launch voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services by the last quarter of the year.

    “We will require an investment of Rs 1 billion for which we will be raising debt,” says Hathway Cable & Datacom CEO K Jayaraman.

    The bulk of the investments will be towards subsidising the digital set-top boxes (STBs). Funding will also be required in setting up VoIP and expanding broadband infrastructure. The company has tied up with telecom major Bharti for VoIP.

    “We are conducting test runs and expect to launch VoIP services by the year-end. MSOs will have to infuse capital in the changing business environment. On each STB, the subsidy works out to Rs 1,500,” says Jayaraman.

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has fixed the pricing of the boxes in the CAS areas. Cable TV service providers will have to offer digital STBs on a monthly rental scheme of Rs 30 and a refundable security deposit of Rs 999. There will be no payment for installation, activation charges, smart card/viewing card, repair and maintenance cost.

    The cost of the STBs including the smart card is around Rs 3,500. “Once we drive in volumes, the price of procuring these STBs should fall by 15-20 per cent,” says Jayaraman.

    Hathway will also be aggressively pushing digital cable TV in non CAS markets. The MSO launched its digital services in Jalandhar a few days back, having rolled it out earlier in New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Hyderabad.

    “Starting with Jalandhar, we plan to roll out our digital services across Punjab over six months. In the first phase, 16 cities of Punjab will be connected by the end of this year,” Jayaraman says.

    The a la carte pricing of channels will increase the penetration of STBs in CAS areas, Jayaraman believes. “We expect a 80 per cent penetration if the broadcasters get the pricing right within a maximum of Rs 5 per channel,” he says.

  • BBC to launch interactive social reality court show ‘The Verdict’ next year

    MUMBAI: BBC will launch an interactive reality court show, The Verdict next year. The show will be a cross-platform event that will witness 12 carefully selected celebrities sit through the judgement on a complete trial just like a real jury.

    Commissioned from RDF Television, The Verdict will focus on a highly contemporary and controversial case, based on evidence and examples from real life, improvised by top actors and contested by real barristers and a real judge.

    The celebrity jury, will include celebrities with different backgrounds. The first celebrity juror, who has agreed to serve on The Verdict’s jury is former UK Conservative Cabinet Minister Michael Portillo. Viewers will actually be able to see how a jury reaches its conclusions.

    The series goes into production soon and will air next year. It will show the highlights from the trial, building from the prosecution case to the moment when the jury will have to retire and reach their judgement.

    The jury will be sequestered together in a hotel and a switch-over programme will show how the jury have reacted to the day’s proceedings in court. An interactive service will ensure that viewers can fully engage with The Verdict, taking part in discussions on the messageboard, finding out background information, registering for email and SMS updates and registering their own verdict on the trial.

    The Verdict has been funded by the Think Big Fund, which has been set up by BBC director of television Jana Benett. The aim is to support big ideas across platforms and channels to ensure they have maximum impact.

        
                
          
     
        
     

  • Italians partial to World Cup mobile content

    MUMBAI: During the Fifa World Cup which took place from 9 June – 9 July 2006, Italians used their mobile to access content from the event more than any other European country.

    Research firm Telephia’s Q3 2006 European Subscriber and Device Report (ESDR) shows that six per cent of Italian mobile subscribers accessed World Cup content on their mobile devices, as compared to three per cent for French mobile subscribers. Not surprisingly, European 3G mobile subscribers posted higher rates for accessing World Cup soccer content on their phones at 14 per cent, while only three per cent of non-3G mobile users accessed soccer content.

    Penetration Rate of Mobile Subscribers who accessed Fifa World Cup Content
    Country Penetration Rate (per cent)
    Country     Penetration Level
    Italy     Six per cent
    Germany     Four per cent
    France     Three per cent
    Sweden     Three per cent
    UK     Three per cent
    Spain     Two per cent

    Telephia VP new products Kanishka Agarwal says, “Soccer enthusiasts across the world are passionate about their sport, and European fans are notorious for their hardcore dedication in supporting their country’s team. Italy secured their first World Cup title in 24 years with a penalty shoot-out victory over France, to the delight of Italian fans.

    “The World Cup showcased how important mobile phones have become as a source of immediate information and relevant content for consumers, beyond just a tool to communicate. Soccer fans were able to tap into the frenzy of the games and show their connection and support for their favorite teams through their cell phones”.
     

    Content Type Share
    Type of Content     Share per cent
    Received World Cup text alerts     38 per cent
    Accessed World Cup news and information on the wireless
    Internet     29 per cent
    Downloaded a World Cup ring tone     19 per cent
    Downloaded a World Cup wallpaper     15 per cent
    Downloaded World Cup video clips     14 per cent
    Downloaded a World Cup game     nine per cent
    Watched World Cup content on mobile TV     Eight per cent
    Uploaded World Cup pictures/images to the Web     Eight per cent
    Uploaded World Cup video to the Web     Seven per cent
    Placed a video call/Sent a video message     Five per cent
    Others     Eleven per cent

    Sky Sports was the most watched Mobile TV Channel in Europe for the Fifa World Cup. Eight per cent of European mobile subscribers who accessed soccer content on their phone watched via mobile TV. Sky Sports was the top channel, securing a 14 percent share of World Cup mobile TV users. Overall, World Cup content received through text alerts was most popular (38 per cent), followed by content through wireless Internet at 29 per cent. 19 per cent downloaded a World Cup ringtone, while 15 and 14 per cent downloaded wallpapers and video clips, respectively.