ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Time Warner to offer AOL service free-of-cost

    Time Warner to offer AOL service free-of-cost

    MUMBAI: What is perceived as a last ditch attempt to save its sinking internet business initiative AOL, Time Warner has decided to switch the service to free-to-access mode from September.

    With this move, AOL will attempt to transform itself into a full-fledged online media business venture, banking purely on advertising revenue and competing directly with rivals in this space Google, Yahoo and MSN. Approximately $2 billion subscriber revenue, which the company will miss now with the move, is expected to be made up in advertising.

    Time Warner will be implementing the free service in September this year. Former customers will be able to reactivate their accounts for free when the effort takes effect in September. According to industry estimates, AOL has lost a third of its subscribers since 2002.

    This is the next logical step for AOL to capitalize further on the explosive rise in broadband usage and online advertising. With its robust and rapidly expanding advertising operation, we expect to put AOL back on a growth path,” Time Warner president Jeff Bewkes has been quoted in media reports as saying.

  • Alfred Haber closes distribution deals for ‘Victoria’s Secret’ in major territories

    Alfred Haber closes distribution deals for ‘Victoria’s Secret’ in major territories

    MUMBAI: Alfred Haber Distribution, Inc. (AHDI), the US-based independent distributor of U.S. network reality series and specials, has announced that, it has concluded deals in major territories for Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2006.

    The broadcasters AHDI has roped in Star TV for Southeast Asia, Ten Network for Australia, Global TV for Canada, Televisa for Mexico and FOX for Japan.

    The one-hour 2006 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which will be broadcast on the CBS Television Network in December 2006, began as an Internet event in 1996 and, due to its overwhelming success, was picked-up for broadcast rights by CBS in 2001.

    This year, the show moves from New York to the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles for the first time, and features top models Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, Izabel Goulart, Karolina Kurkova, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Selita Ebanks, as well as some very special guests, informs an official release.

    This year’s fashion spectacular will feature dazzling runway segments, musical performances, red carpet interviews, model profiles and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the world’s most celebrated fashion show, adds the release.

  • BSkyB launches Sky+ remote record service enabled by weComm technology

    BSkyB launches Sky+ remote record service enabled by weComm technology

    MUMBAI: BSkyB, the UK’s leading provider of pay-TV services, has launched its Sky+ remote record service using weComm’s wave platform. It enables customers to maximise the value of their content by providing sophisticated, personalised services for mobile devices.

    Sky customers will be able to set their Sky+ to record their favourite shows using a mobile phone – either by sending a text message or with Sky by mobile. If they have downloaded the Sky by mobile application they can view Sky’s seven-day TV guide on their phone and select programmes to record. The guide they see on their phone looks similar to Sky’s light blue on-screen guide and enables people to browse listings and view programme details on the move.

    Sky by mobile is available on a large range of handsets, including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and the RIM Blackberry, according to an official release.

    weComm COO Oliver Sturrock commented: “This is the first time that TV viewers will be able to remotely record their favourite programmes using a mobile phone from anywhere in the world.

    “We started working with Sky two years ago. We are constantly looking at ways to improve our technology to adapt to theirs and, ultimately, their subscribers’ needs. The launch of the Remote Record for Sky+ is a good example of how our collaboration with Sky is meeting those needs.

    “Our technology has proven to be very reliable for building applications designed for the mass market and we are now seeing tremendous demand, particularly from the media industry.”

    This is the third phase of weComm’s collaboration with Sky. The first generation of Sky by mobile was launched in June 2005 and provided the latest news stories and videos from Sky Sports and Sky News, up to the minute sports events scores and personalised services to users. It also allows viewers to place bets on sporting events through their Skybet account.

    In January 2006, weComm developed the second phase of the technology allowing viewers to subscribe to and watch Sky TV channels live on their handsets – Sky Mobile TV.

  • Mobile2win rolls out ‘Anthony Kaun Hai’ game on mobile

    Mobile2win rolls out ‘Anthony Kaun Hai’ game on mobile

    MUMBAI: Mobile2win has announced the launch of Anthony Kaun Hai (AKH) mobile game. They have launched the game in an exclusive tie-up with Nikhil Panchamiya, the producer of the film. The game has been developed in-house using the latest Java technology.

    Mobile2win India country head Rajiv Hiranandani said, “Indian consumers are looking for entertainment at their fingertips and mobile2win has recognised that and has thus brought AKH to the consumers. The growth of Bollywood related content is only going to increase with the increased cellular penetration levels into smaller cities and we are well positioned to tap into that.”

    Panchamiya added, “We are very optimistic with this tie-up with Mobile2Win. The mobile phone has become an extra entertainment channel for today’s youth and we are very keen to explore this further with the Mobile2Win partnership.”

    The Anthony Kaun Hai mobile game and content can be downloaded onto any GPRS enabled handsets via the Mobile2Win zone through major mobile operators like Airtel, Hutch, BPL, Idea, Spice, Reliance, BSNL, MTNL, Tata etc covering all circles across the country. This content has also been made available to leading media entities for downloads to their consumers.

    Anthony Kaun Hai game has been devised keeping in mind the new generation of mobile users. As in the movie, Champ (Arshad Warsi) has a visitor, who’s carrying a nasty looking gun. Master Madan (Sanjay Dutt) has come to put a bullet in Champ’s head. If Champ doesn’t act fast, he’ll end up with a hole in his head. The game’s aim is to help Champ escape and quickly. There are 10 levels. Arshad starts at the top floor of the hotel and ends when he manages to slip out of the lobby. There are more walls in the higher levels. Each level is a different floor of the hotel.

    Every few times Master Madan makes a move, a blurb appears containing one of his dialogues from the movie appears such as Anthony Kaun Hai? Champ will respond accordingly depending on the text, which appears. When Madan says, Anthony kaun hai?, he replies “Main Nahi.”

    Alternatively, a pop up can appear. Champ’s pop up will show a picture of a scared Arshad Warsi accompanied by text.

  • Priyanka Chopra & Charu Sharma battle it out on ‘Hearbeat’

    ~ Catch the celebrities on the pulsating game show on Star One – Heart Beat, Monday to Thursday at 9.30 pm ~

     

    Mumbai, June 19 to 21, 2006: The thrill continues on HEART BEAT… Dil Thhaam Ke Khelo… as this week’s episodes that will air from Monday, June 19 to 21, 2006 will see Bollywood sensation Priyanka Chopra (June 19 & 20) & the intellectual commentator Charu Sharma (June 20 & 21), as they fight with their racing heartbeats while trying to find answers to the mind-boggling questions on the show!

    Heart Beat – Dil Thhaam ke Khelo does not ask the contestant to compete against a ticking timer, but his or her own heart beat. The calmer the player is, the easier it is to win. Imagine yourself isolated in a sealed booth…No audience, no host and not a soul in sight!

    However, there is help in the room – a reclining chair, a food and beverage bar, plasma screens, a music player with a song list, a soothing water fountain and a fishbowl.

    Will Priyanka Chopra create magic on Heart Beat? Will Charu Sharma prove his mettle on the show? Tune-in to Heart Beat on Star One every Monday to Thursday at 9.30 p.m. & play this game with your favourite celebrities!

  • “Aao Inka De Saath” Radio Mirchi’s mantra on AIDS Day

    “Aao Inka De Saath” Radio Mirchi’s mantra on AIDS Day

    MUMBAI: India is one of the largest and most populated countries in the world, with over one billion inhabitants. Of this number, at least five million are currently living with HIV. According to some estimates, India has a greater number of people living with HIV than any other nation in the world. World AIDS Day, December 1st is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This year too, it’s up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.

     

    Aao Inka De Saath (AIDS) is the mantra Radio Mirchi team is spreading in the city to highlight the importance of this day. On December 1st , Radio Mirchi team along with NGO Udaan will be out on the streets giving out pamplets & making people wear red ribbons. Messages of HIV and AIDS affected patients talking about how they cope with the illness will be aired through out the day. Dr. Hemant Gupta, Consulting Physician & Cardiologist, Intensivist & Diabetologist who is attached to Bombay Hospital & Medical Research Centre & Sir JJ Group of Hospitals will be on air on to clarify myths such as AIDS is contagious or AIDS spreads via mosquitoes or on sneezing and so on.

     

    Says Hitesh Sharma, VP & Station Director, Radio Mirchi – Mumbai “Radio Mirchi’s attempt is to remove myths about HIV & AIDS and spread appropriate information. Also, we are trying to sensitise Mumbaikars about the silent epidemic in India by distributing ribbons at major traffic junctions. ”

     

    So, tune in to Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM on December 1st and participate in this campaign to fight HIV & AIDS.

  • Ziff Davis in online, print media pact with Microsoft

    Ziff Davis in online, print media pact with Microsoft

    MUMBAI:The New York-headquartered gaming magazine and online publisher Ziff Davis has announced an integrated media collaboration with Microsoft. Ziff Davis will serve as the independent editorial voice for Microsoft’s Games for Windows initiative. As part of the strategic relationship, Ziff Davis is launching a new magazine called Games for Windows: The Official Magazine and a companion website on the 1UP Network.

    Microsoft will drive traffic and readership to the magazine and to the 1UP Network, and will promote the Games for Windows magazine as part of their Games for Windows marketing efforts. The magazine and integrated online components will launch in Fall 2006, informs an official release.

    Ziff Davis’ online integration will include a Games for Windows website on the 1UP network. The website will host editorial features, social networking, and blogs, as well as game demos, patches, downloads, trailers and original video content from FileFront.com and GameVideos.com. In addition, Ziff Davis will collaborate with Microsoft in the area of online and interactive content for Games for Windows. Microsoft’s website, GamesForWindows.com, will also link to the 1UP Network for users who want additional content, adds the release.

    “We believe Ziff Davis Game Group is the ideal industry partner for Microsoft as we advance the Windows platform and Games for Windows initiative,” says Rich Wickham, director of Games for Windows at Microsoft. “We value Ziff Davis’ innovation in integrating diverse media together and wanted that creative force driving the official Games for Windows magazine
    and website on the 1UP Network.”

    The collaboration with Ziff Davis Game Group represents a significant step in Microsoft’s larger marketing push for the Games for Windows brand: the magazine shares the same “Games for Windows” branding that will appear on game packaging and in leading retailers throughout the U.S. beginning this Fall.

    “We share Microsoft’s passion for expanding the Windows gaming market,” says Ziff Davis Game Group president Scott McCarthy. “This alliance will enable us to reach a wider audience than ever before, both in print and online, and it affirms Microsoft’s commitment to gaming on the Windows platform. We’re looking forward to working with Microsoft.”

  • MTV Networks’ MtvU to acquire online student newspaper network Y2M

    MTV Networks’ MtvU to acquire online student newspaper network Y2M

    MUMBAI: MtvU, MTV’s 24-hour college network and a division of Viacom Inc., has announced an agreement to acquire Boston-based Y2M, the parent company of an online advertising network of 450 campus newspaper websites.

    Adding Y2M to MtvU and to MTV Networks’ overall portfolio is another step in MTVN’s strategy to super-serve its audiences with relevant and innovative content, and to be a leader in the digital space.

    Following MTVN’s recent purchases of XFire, Gametrailers, IFilm and Neopets, this acquisition demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to being a premier multi- platform media company across every screen consumers use.

    The network reaches over five million college students via 450 online campus papers — the most powerful local media brand on campus — which serve as definitive on-campus information hubs, providing local news, sports, weather, event listings and much more.

    “This acquisition is in line with our business strategy of moving
    forward in the digital space and continually expanding our online portfolio of music, gaming, news and entertainment,” MTVN chairman and CEO Judy McGrath says. “Bringing MtvU and Y2M together is another avenue for us to be everywhere our audiences are, deepening our relationship with them and connecting them across every platform and device, all the time.”

    According to an official release, MtvU and Y2M will together create stronger multi-platform offerings, giving advertisers the most effective and comprehensive methods to connect with college students on-air, online, on the handset, in print and on campus. MtvU’s national advertisers will benefit from an increased ability to develop targeted, localized campaigns, and Y2M’s advertisers can capitalize on MtvU’s industry-leading expertise in emerging media platforms such as broadband video and mobile phones.

    Additionally, the combination of Y2M and MtvU will provide editors of student papers in the College Publisher network the ability to easily include rich media and a whole suite of new features on their online sites without impacting the editorial or design independence of each paper’s staff. New features that will become available to affiliates include enhanced community functionality, a vast library of emerging music, and the means to create university-specific online networks. MtvU will also offer the student papers access to the network’s base of more than 120 top-tier advertisers, enabling new ad sales and revenue sharing opportunities.

    “MtvU and Y2M complement each other perfectly — as the definitive college television and online student paper networks — and together, these two mediums are powerful connectors to college students across every touch point,” MTV president Christina Norman. “We can now provide new, innovative, turn-key methods for our advertisers to reach this powerful demographic and continue to find new ways to super-serve the college market.”

    “Student publications are the lifeblood of college campuses, and we’re looking forward to supporting them with new tools and advertising opportunities — empowering them to expand their offerings and audience, as well as improve their financial performance,” said MtvU GM Stephen Friedman. “Y2M’s unmatched network and stellar team are a welcome addition to MtvU and together we’ll unlock a myriad of new opportunities for college students and universities nationwide.”

    “The combination of Y2M and MtvU will advance the mission of college newspapers across the country and enhance their commercial opportunities with regional and national advertisers. Together, this will strengthen our ability to serve the unique needs of our 450 university newspaper partners, the 7,000 student journalists who rely on our publishing and hosting technology, and the two million registered online subscribers in the College Publisher network,” said Y2M president and co-founder John Fees, “We are extremely optimistic about the potential this holds for our college newspaper partners, Y2M and MtvU.”

    MtvU has grown rapidly since launching in early 2004, increasing distribution more than 35 per cent and tripling the size of its advertiser base.

    The network has also proliferated on multiple platforms, becoming the first MTV Networks channel distributed in its entirety on broadband and increasing on campus events to more than 300 a year. This transaction is expected to close during the third quarter of 2006.

  • Sky, Netgear in broadband partnership in the UK

    Sky, Netgear in broadband partnership in the UK

    MUMBAI: Netgear which provides branded networking products, and UK pay TV platform Sky have announced a deal.

    Netgear’s wireless router technology provided free to all subscribers to Sky’s new broadband internet access service. Sky Broadband can cut household bills by hundreds of pounds a year whilst bringing customers the benefits of both super-fast broadband and wireless connectivity via a customised NETGEAR router, known as the Sky Broadband Box.

    Aiming to provide great-value, fast, easy broadband connectivity for millions of Sky customers, Sky Broadband is available immediately with a choice of products including up to 2Mb download speeds with no monthly subscription. Sky Broadband also offers a choice of other quality products with download speeds of up to 16Mb. Monthly download usage ranges from 2GB to unlimited.

    The launch of Sky Broadband comes as Sky seeks to take advantage of the UK’s accelerating demand for broadband connectivity, which, according to the Broadband Stakeholder Group, will double over next four years with household penetration exceeding 80% by 2010.

    Netgear UK and Ireland country manager Mark Power says, “Netgear too wants to be at the forefront of this growing opportunity. This collaboration with Sky – one of the UK’s highest-profile, premier content providers – should help secure exactly that.

    “With an existing base of more than eight million customers and an offering that clearly spells great flexibility, quality, and value, Sky promises to be a major force in future broadband adoption and integration. Adding free wireless connectivity to this mix makes it more compelling still.”

    Sky’s director of product strategy and management Brian Sullivan says, “Sky is committed to delivering the content that our customers want and they in turn trust us to deliver products and services that work at the touch of a button. Utilising some of the most reliable, cutting-edge wireless technology available today, our agreement with NETGEAR fits this strategy perfectly.”

    The launch of Sky Broadband was made possible by Sky’s network, which already covers 28 per cent of UK households. The network is rolling out fast across the UK and is expected to pass more homes than the entire cable industry by early next year, reaching 70% of all UK households by the end of 2007.

    Sky digital customers who are not covered by Sky’s broadband network can enjoy Sky Broadband Connect, which features all of the benefits of Sky Broadband Mid for a £17 monthly subscription. As the Sky network rolls out across the UK, newly covered Sky Connect customers will be offered the Base, Mid or Max products as their area gets

  • Nick India GM and VP Hema Govindan resigns

    MUMBAI: Nick India general manager and vice president Hema Govindan has put in her papers. An official release cites personal reasons as the reason for her departure from Nick after being at its helm for close to a year.


    MTV Networks India managing director and MTV Networks Asia executive vice president Amit Jain said, “Within the short span of her tenure Hema has done a commendable job with Nick to put it on the right trajectory of growth path. Over the last eight months, Nick‘s ratings have tripled and viewership has risen by over 30 per cent. More than anything else, she is leaving behind a team that is one of the most competitive teams in this space.”


    “Nick is a priority brand for MTV Networks India and we will continue to invest substantially in this business to help it attain a leadership position in this country, as it has done across the rest of the world markets, where it occupies the no. 1 or no. 2 position in every territory.”


    Govindan will continue in her current assignment till a replacement is finalised and in this period Jain would work closely with the Nick team to continue to pursue Nick‘s growth objectives for the year.