Category: TV Channels

I&B announces initiatives to boost film industry

MUMBAI: The Central Government has taken the following initiatives for facilitating the growth of film sector, as announced by the minister of Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, P R Dasmunsi in Lok Sabha today.
The initiatives include:

– Institutional financing is now available to the film industry.

– 100 per cent foreign direct investment is permitted in the film sector.

– Government has encouraged participation in global markets with a view to enhancing the visibility of the film industry abroad.

– Film weeks and festivals are held on reciprocal basis with various countries.

– Audiovisual co-production agreement has been signed with the Republic of Italy and Government of UK and similar proposals from other countries are being explored to expand avenues of finances and markets for the Indian film industry.

– The recommendations of the Committee for the Development of entertainment sector have been conveyed to all the State Governments.

– The National Film Development Corporation, a public sector unit under this Ministry provides financial assistance and other services to the film industry.
The endeavor is to facilitate the entertainment sector to achieve its potential and promote growth in exports, so that this sector is able to increase its contribution towards generating income and employment in the country, informs an official press statement.

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has also submitted a memorandum on film industry for the 11th Five Year Plan. The memorandum deals with various issues relating to the film sector. It contains suggestions to mitigate video piracy, levy of uniform entertainment tax across all States, fiscal and tax benefits, review of the Cinematograph Act, incentives for setting up polytechnics, institutes and film schools and an Export Promotion Council for films.

July 31, 2006
BSkyB’s revenues up eight per cen

MUMBAI: UK pay TV service provider BSkyB has annnounced results for the year ended 30 June 2006.

Revenue increased by eight per cent to £4.1 billion. Operating profit increased by seven per cent to £877 million, an operating margin of 21 per cent.

DTH subscribers increased to 8.176 million, registering a growth of 77,000 in the final quarter and 389,000 in the year. Sky+ households increased by 75 per cent to 1.553 million. Multiroom households increased by 62 per cent to 1.047 million. This represents a 13 per cent penetration of total DTH subscribers.

Preparations were made for the launch of Sky Broadband following the acquisition of Easynet Group. During the year, the company launched Sky HD, new customer management systems were implemented for all DTH customers and key rights to the FA Premier League secured for the 07/08 to 09/10 seasons.

In addition were major contracts agreed with movie studio and third party channel partners. BSkyB also announced the creation of over 2,000 new jobs for customer advisors and home installation engineers.

BsSkyB CEO James Murdoch said, “Our industry is changing faster than ever before and for Sky, 2006 has been an important and exciting year. The business and the team have performed well delivering good levels of customer growth, in line with our plans, and strong growth in both revenues and profitability.

“We have a clear vision for the future growth and direction of our business and we feel encouraged by the strong demand our customers show for new entertainment and communications services. With a continued focus on providing more choice, flexibility and control, we feel confident as we look ahead to the substantial opportunity this market holds for us.”

July 31, 2006
Lanka Tri-series: SC to rule on Ten Sports’ plea

MUMBAI: All eyes in the sports broadcast business are on the Supreme Court today, as it is scheduled to deliver its ruling on the plea filed by Taj Television, owner of Ten Sports, seeking a directive to pubcaster Prasar Bharati against interfering with the live transmission of the upcoming Sri Lanka tri-series involving India as well.

Ten Sports, which holds exclusive telecast rights to Sri Lanka cricket, will obviously be hoping for a ruling similar to the one it secured ahead of India’s tour to the West Indies in early May. The apex court had then ordered that Ten Sports had exclusive telecast rights to the series and need not share it with the pubcaster.

Ten Sports’ petition is not restricted only to cricket but also includes forthcoming major hockey (women’s Champions Trophy and World Cup) and tennis events (US Open) that it holds telecast rights to.

The matter will be heard by a Bench of Justice Ashok Bhan and Justice Markandey Katju, the Press Trust of India has reported. The Bench had earlier issued notices to the information and broadcasting ministry and Prasar Bharati on Ten Sports’ plea.

It is worth noting that Ten Sports’ rights to Sri Lanka cricket, which it has held since 1 January 2004, comes to a close on to 31 December 2006.

July 31, 2006
Sun TV Q1 net profit up 52% to Rs 422.3 million

MUMBAI: Sun TV has posted a net profit of Rs 422.30 million for the quarter ended 30 June, 2006 as compared to Rs 277.90 million for the corresponding period last year.

Meanwhile, the company’s the total income for the period has recorded an increase of 32.5 per cent.

As per a statement issued by the company, the total income has increased from Rs 746.80 million for the quarter ended 30 June, 2005 to Rs 990.40 million for the quarter ended 30 June, 2006.

Inspired by the impressive results, the Sun TV scrip recorded a jump of Rs 53.65 (4.85 per cent) at the BSE to close at Rs 1159.70. At the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the scrip gained Rs 50.80 to close at 1,158.75.

July 31, 2006
Vivendi Games turns on the heat with ‘Miami Vice’ game

MUMBAI: Vivendi Games’ Sierra Entertainment has launched a game for the playstation based on the new film Miami Vice.

The game has been released in the US. Set in present-day Miami, the third-person action shooter is inspired by the crime drama, Miami Vice. Players will go deep undercover as narcotic officers Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs in the notorious world of Miami Vice — a place where badges don’t count.

The development of the game comes through an agreement with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. Vivendi Games chief strategy and marketing officer Cindy Cook says, “By allowing players to go dangerously undercover as Crockett and Tubbs in the rich, glamorous and decadent world of Miami Vice, as well as providing game design elements that maximise the technology of the PSP system including cutting-edge motion capture, highly-detailed environments, and lighting effects inspired by the film, Miami Vice The Game delivers a truly authentic Miami Vice experience that will appeal to fans and action gamers”.

In Miami Vice The Game, players follow a storyline set just before the events of the film. Gamers must build up the nefarious reputation necessary to infiltrate the seedy underbelly of South Beach, and ultimately bring down the organisation of an ‘untouchable’ South American drug lord. Gamers can also choose to play as either Crockett or Tubbs, or team up via wireless to play each action-packed mission cooperatively.

Armed with intelligence from informants and utilising hacking skills, players will take on the enemy in varied locations with an impressive array of weapons including high-speed chases through Miami’s treacherous waterways while engaging in boat-to-boat shootouts.

July 31, 2006
US pubcaster PBS announces online download initiative

MUMBAI: US pubcaster PBS has announced the launch of a download to own initiative that lets viewers purchase episodes of its programmes via the Internet for viewing anytime, anywhere.

PBS has teamed with Open Media Network, a non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing the best of public broadcasting and educational programming to the Internet via
www.omn.org.

PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger says, “PBS and our local stations are undergoing a transformation from traditional television broadcasting to a vibrant 21st century digital public media service.

“Open Media Network is helping us accomplish this by offering favourite PBS programs for sale directly to the online audience. We’re excited to partner with another non-profit organisation committed to bringing PBS’ award-winning content to the public.”

Open Media Network (OMN) uses the Internet to bring online audiences educational programming. It provides its service free of charge to other non-profit and service institutions while utilising advanced video and audio delivery technology. Programming is delivered in full DVD quality and is then viewable on a variety of devices, including notebook computers, portable media players, cell phones and set top boxes.

Open Media Network founder Mike Homer says, “Some of the most informative, thought provoking programmes on television are brought to us by PBS and its member stations. Making this content available through Internet downloads for anytime, anywhere viewing means that we can help PBS bring it to a much larger audience than ever before.”

OMN says that it brings advantages to PBS, NPR and public broadcasters that extend viewership and encourage audience participation. OMN lets public broadcasters across the country, like KQED (San Francisco), Idaho Public Television and WGBH (Boston), offer their television and radio programs from their own websites using their own brands or through OMN’s website, increasing their potential audiences.

Showcasing the local associations PBS stations have within their communities, PBS programmes downloaded through OMN will soon carry a spot encouraging viewers to become members of their local PBS station.

Viewers can start watching PBS content now by going to www.omn.org and downloading the free OMN internet TV player. Each episode is $1.99 for unlimited playbacks, except for Nova which is priced at $7.99 per episode.

July 31, 2006
Sania Mirza takes on Martina Hingis in Dubai Women’s Open; action live on Zee Sports

New Delhi, February 20,2006: Sania Mirza will play former world number one and comeback queen Martina Hingis in the first round of Dubai Women’s Open 2006. Watch all the action Live and Exclusive on Zee Sports from 8.30pm on February 21, 2006. Zee Sports, the first Indian private Sports Channel will telecast the greatest tennis extravaganza in the Middle East – The 2006 WTA Dubai Women’s Open LIVE and Exclusive from February 20, 2006. Taking place at the Dubai Tennis Centre, the $1,000,000 Tier II women’s event will feature the greatest line-up of stars in the history of the tournament with no less than six Grand Slam champions participating

July 31, 2006
Hong Kong Tourism Board associates with MakeMyTrip.com

The package includes airfare, hotel accommodation, a full-day visit to experience the magic at the newly opened Hong Kong Disneyland, a walk along the Avenue of Stars to marvel at “A Symphony of Lights” across the famed Victoria Harbour, which is awarded as the largest permanent light and sound show by Guinness World Records.

Mr. David Leung, Regional Director – South and South East Asia, HKTB said, “Perfectly timed to coincide with the launch of our ‘2006 Discover Hong Kong Year’ campaign, this package from MakeMyTrip creates a great opportunity for Indian families to come and discover a ‘new’ Hong Kong. The new attractions along with Hong Kong’s existing unique products present a range of diverse and multi-dimensional offerings to the Indian visitors.”

Commenting on this co-op promotion with the HKTB, Mr. Deep Kalra, Founder and CEO –MakeMyTrip (India) Pvt. Ltd. said, “We at MakeMyTrip.com are committed to offer new and exciting leisure destinations to Indian travellers. Hong Kong is one of the few international destinations where Indian travellers do not require a visa for visits up to 14-days; this also makes it easier for business visitors to take their families along to experience a lifetime of excitement packed into one visit, all in one place.”

Valid till 30th June 2006, the MMT offer includes return airfare to Hong Kong, hotel accommodation, airport transfers and half-day sight seeing tours besides a full-day tour to Hong Kong Disneyland. One can book this package online at www.makemytrip.com or by calling the Toll Free: 1-600-11 8747 (TRIP).

July 31, 2006
Star News exposé on Indian Ambassador to UAE

Indian Ambassador to UAE hosts Republic Day event to throw a party for his newly wed daughter; misuses the National Emblem too

April 7, 2006: The Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chandra Mohan Bhandari used government funds and the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India (deferred to March 02, due to the demise of the Sheikh) to introduce his newly married daughter Aparita and son-in-law Rajesh Duggal to the Abu Dhabi elite.

Star News found out that not only was the official invitation card with the national emblem used for a personal party but the Government of India footed the bill for the reception Dinner held at the Embassy residence, Plot No 10, Sector W-59/02 Diplomatic Area, Abu Dhabi.

This is being seen as a major breach of protocol. As per protocol the ambassador cannot use the solemn occasion of the Republic Day reception, where he hosts international dignitaries on behalf of the President of India, for a personal reception.

The Card issued by the Embassy clearly states: “On the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India and to meet my daughters: Aparita with her husband Rajesh Duggal and Samahita, the Ambassador of the Republic of India H.E. Mr. Chandra Mohan Bhandari cordially invites _______ at a deferred Dinner Reception.”‘

Bhandari when contacted by Star News admitted that the government paid for the dinner reception. He said he was not aware that it was improper for using an official occasion for introducing his family to guests.

For further information
Navin Tauro / Swati Sundareswaran; Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
Tel: 5656 8787 / 8755 / 8743; Fax: 5656 8788

July 30, 2006
Legendary soccer rivalries on Ten Sports

MUMBAI, April 6: With the FIFA World Cup football just around the corner, Ten Sports, the world’s number one sports channel for south Asians, will telecast the much acclaimed and awarded documentary on soccer rivalries, ‘Heights of Passion’.

The documentary will be aired in four parts as part of the Ten Sports’ popular ‘Legends’ series. The first part of the series starts 9:00 pm IST on Friday, April 7. The first telecast of the remaining three parts will be aired April 14, 21 and 28 at the same time. Each episode will have repeat telecast during the week.

From the exotic backdrop of South America to the sophisticated pulse of Europe, Height of Passion explores the culture, history and rivalry of the most exciting football derbies in the world. This multi-award winning football series captures not just the stars of today, tomorrow and yesterday, but the history, culture and social background of the leading teams and passionate fans throughout the world.

The four 52-minute episodes entitled Italy, Spain, Argentina and Brazil, focuses on two particular clubs from the respective countries and the intense rivalry between them. It looks at the history that has enforced that rivalry and where they currently stand.

Italy covers the giant Milan clubs AC Milan and International. The rivalry between these two clubs is one of the most intense in the world and splits the city in half. Spain covers the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. Argentina looks at the fanatical support and rivalry between Boca Juniors and River Plate. Brazil looks at another fanatical rivalry between Rio residents Vasco and Flamengo.

The stars of each club are touched upon, including names like Ronaldo, Maradona, Edmundo, Romario, Raul – the list is endless.

Only launched in April 2002, Ten Sports is watched by more viewers than any other sports channel in the Sub-continent. Ten Sports is available in over 48 million households via cable and satellite networks across the world. In just a short span of three years, Ten Sports has also become the world’s biggest producers of cricket.

The Channel broadcasts cricket from Sharjah, the West Indies, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Morocco throughout the Indian sub-continent and Asia, as well as in Europe and the Middle East (except Pakistan cricket). Also, Ten Sports has broadcast cricket from India, the World Cup 2003 and the ICC Champions Trophy 2004 in certain territories.

July 30, 2006