ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Star Movies to feature ‘Hard Target’ on 8 April

    Star Movies to feature ‘Hard Target’ on 8 April

    Don’t hunt what you can’t kill… HARD TARGET
    Get set for some hard-hitting action with Hard Target, starring Van Damme on Saturday, April 8th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies

    Mumbai, April 4, 2006… Star Movies knows what it takes to make a Saturday evening exciting – a movie that will keep you at the edge of your seat! Watch out for John Woo’s Hard Target a slick action movie, laced with dark humor, packed with bone-crunching fights and blazing with spectacular firepower. Action movie lovers are in for a complete treat this Saturday night, April 8th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies.

    Chance Boudreaux (Jean-Claude Van Damme) is a tough, out of work seaman trying to find work in New Orleans, where troubles are growing higher every minute. The police are picketing and the law enforcement is at a minimum. Meanwhile, Natasha Binder (Yancy Butler) has come to the city in an attempt to find her father, who has not been heard from in some time. Natasha has been unaware that her father was homeless, and in a bleak attempt for money, became the prey in a human hunting “game”. Natasha then hires Chance to protect her, as well as solve the mystery of who killed her father. But when Chance becomes involved in the hunting, as the prey, the risks have been doubled.

    This action film is expertly directed by talented action film director, John Woo, who truly understands how to put an exciting, hard-hitting action movie together. He maintains his high standards and reputation with this effort, which grossed $74,189,677 at the worldwide box office.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    So tune in to Hard Target and get set for some non-stop action and excitement this Saturday night, April 8th at 9 p.m. only on Star Movies.

    About Star
    STAR is a leading media and entertainment company in Asia. STAR broadcasts over 50 television services in nine languages to more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR channels cover all genres including general entertainment (Star Plus, Xing Kong, Star Chinese Channel, Star One, Star Utsav, Star World, Vijay, Phoenix Chinese), sports (ESPN, Star Sports), movies (Star Chinese Movies, Star Gold, Star Movies), music (Channel [V]), and news and current affairs (Star News, Star Ananda, Phoenix InfoNews Channel). STAR controls over 20,000 hours of Indian and Chinese programming and also owns the world’s largest contemporary Chinese film library, with more than 600 titles, featuring superstars including Jackie Chan, Chow Yun Fat and Bruce Lee. In partnership with leading companies in Asia, STAR businesses extend to filmed entertainment, television production, cable systems, direct-to-home services, terrestrial TV broadcasting, wireless and digital services. STAR is a wholly owned subsidiary of News Corporation. www.startv.com

    For further information please contact:
    In Mumbai
    Zeenat Khan Shiraz Bhavnani / Aditi Chada
    Asst. Vice President – Publicity Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
    STAR (India) Ltd. Tel: 91-22-5656 8787
    Tel No. 91-22-56305555 Fax: 91-22-5656 8788
    Email:sbhavnani@vccpl.com / achada@vccpl.com

  • Essel Propack ‘s Global Sales Record a Growth of 11% in The First Quarter Ended March 31, 2006

    Essel Propack ‘s Global Sales Record a Growth of 11% in The First Quarter Ended March 31, 2006

    Global sales – Rs. 2,121 Million
    EBIDT – Rs. 513 Million
    Net profit – Rs. 187 Million

    Mumbai, March 26, 2006 : Essel Propack, the global leader in laminated tubes, recorded a growth of 11% in its consolidated revenues during the First Quarter of 2006 over the corresponding period of last year. The Net Sales during the quarter under consideration touched Rs. 2,121 Million with a PAT of Rs. 187 Million.

    Speaking of the First Quarter results, Ashok Goel, the Vice Chairman & Managing Director stated in Mumbai, “Results for the first quarter are in line with our expectations. The seasonal and cyclical swing in volumes & revenue has been anticipated. This is built into our internal projections for the current year.”

    The turnaround operations at the acquired units of Arista Tubes, UK, and Essel Propack (UK), formerly Telcon Packaging, are on schedule. The expansion project at Arista, UK, is expected to be completed by the end of April 2006. These units are expected to move towards breakeven levels by June 2006. These units will further contribute to the profitability and margin improvement of the Company from Q3 2006. The start-up units of Russia and Mexico are going through a stabilization and volumes ramp-up mode. Operating costs for the Q1 2005 and Q1 2006 are not comparable because the Q1 2006 results include the operating costs of new Nalagarh plant (Himachal Pradesh, India), Essel Propack (UK), Russia, Mexico and the new US expansion which were not a part of the Q1 2005 results. The coming months are expected to show higher volumes and increased revenues from these new investments. Finance cost and depreciation are higher due to increased loans taken for Nalagarh project, for capacity expansion in USA, Arista (UK) expansion and Essel Propack (UK) acquisition. Also other income such as exchange gains in Q1 2005 has not occurred in Q1 2006. These too have impacted the profits in Q1 2006.

    On the short term outlook, Ashok Goel said, “Going forward in the second half of 2006, the loss making operations in Europe are expected to turn around. This should help in the improvement of the margins.” To sustain a double-digit growth, the Company has rolled out a multi-pronged approach. Mini-tubes will spearhead the Company’s penetration into pharmaceutical sector. At the same time, Company is broadening its customer base for laminated tubes by targeting toiletries, haircare and food sectors. Plastic tube is another focus area for the Company aimed at cosmetics industry. Other than the Indian and European markets, the Company has unveiled plans for foray into US market with plastic tubes by setting up a new facility. On the long term perspectives of the Company, Ashok Goel said, “Our earnings guidance remains unaltered for the year 2006. The revenues are expected to grow at 15-18% levels over 2005 and PAT is expected to grow along similar lines.”

    On March 29, 2006, Essel Propack had announced its foray into Medical Devices business. Then the Company was in the process of acquiring two companies namely Tacpro Inc., USA, and Avalon Medical Services, Singapore. The entire process of acquisition was completed on April 11, 2006. Revenues amounting to Rs. 360 Million is expected from the Medical Devices business during the period April 12, 2006, to December 31, 2006.

    Essel Propack, the largest speciality packaging company in the world, is promoted by Essel Group. Essel Propack, head quartered in India, manufacturers laminated and plastic tubes. The Company provides packaging solutions to toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and Industrial sectors all over the world. Recently, the Company forayed into Medical Devices business. The Company has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in 14 countries with 24 plants across the globe. Essel Propack’s stock is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange.

    Press contacts : Mumbai : Ramdas Warrier – 98209 04179;
    Delhi : Chetan Saxena @ 98113 23282

  • Star Ananda ranks second amongst all TV channels in Tam week 13

    Star Ananda ranks second amongst all TV channels in Tam week 13

    MUMBAI: Bengali television viewers have delivered a startling verdict on STAR Ananda, according to the latest TAM ratings. The Channel has bested all except ETV Bangla amongst the General Entertainment Channels, while leaving news channels trailing far behind, an unprecedented feat in television viewing!

    In Kolkata, STAR Ananda delivered a reach of 2,460,000 as compared to ETV Bangla’s 2,797,000 and ahead of Aakaash Bangla at 2,423,000 (TG: CS 15+; TAM Wk 13 – 26th Mar – 1st Apr 2006). Closest news competitor Tara News achieved a reach of only 1,492,000. In all of West Bengal, STAR Ananda meanwhile notched an impressive reach of 3,404,000 behind only ETV Bangla. Meanwhile, Tara Newz languished far behind at 2,089,000 amongst the news channels.

    STAR Ananda’s election-related programming has also been well received, with its array of special programmes for the West Bengal State Assembly Elections receiving the thumbs up from viewers. Bolun Bidhayak – STAR Ananda’s live on-ground debates pitting the bidhayaks against the electorate – provided exciting numbers grabbing 49% marketshare in the 9 pm to pm slot and 58% in the 1.30 pm to 2.30 slots amongst all news channels. Meanwhile, Jot, Ghot, Vote – STAR Ananda’s election-specific bulletin – captured 57% in the 5.30 to 6 pm slot and 56% marketshare in the 8.30 to9 pm slot (Mon-Sat).

    This record showing for STAR Ananda comes on the heels of an impressive TAM Week 12 for the Channel where it garnered 50% marketshare in Kolkata and 48% in the Rest of West Bengal and featured all 40 of the top 40 programmes, and 49 of the top 50 programmes in the Rest of West Bengal.

    STAR Ananda has constantly scored with its programming, positioning and packaging, bravely showcasing the people’s point of view. The recent ratings are merely a huge endorsement of its stand to empower viewers. Having introduced a paradigm shift in news broadcasting, this unambiguous success of STAR Ananda will leave much to be desired from other Channels.

  • Over 1000 teams apply for AXN’s ‘The Amazing Race Asia’

    Over 1000 teams apply for AXN’s ‘The Amazing Race Asia’

    Applications reveal the passionate, adventurous and crazy side of Asia

    Mumbai, 10 April 2006 – AXN’s The Amazing Race Asia looks set to feature some of Asia’s most passionate and colourful characters, after registration for The Amazing Race Asia closed on 31 March. AXN received over one thousand applications from all corners of Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, India, Korea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Brunei and even Nepal.

    The hopeful applicants come from a broad and fascinating cross-section of Asia. From rich businessmen to people who need a new start in life, and from young students to the elderly, the applications revealed that people from all walks of life have gone to extreme lengths to compete in The Amazing Race Asia.

    Hopeful contestants stripped, danced, cried and begged for the adventure of a lifetime, demolishing the myth that Asians are conservative and reserved when it comes to television.

    Applicants performed crazy stunts, acted out Amazing Race fantasies, and bragged about past glories in their videos, which brought out the creative and quirky side of Asia, and demonstrated the passion Asians have for The Amazing Race Asia.

    The application process also showed that the digital revolution has well and truly taken hold in Asia. More than a third of the applications were shot and edited professionally, and the AXN application committee was incredibly impressed by the quality of the video applications. The videos were so entertaining and inventive that they would make a fantastic program on their own.

    Potential amazing racers also gave some intriguing reasons why they want to take on the challenging race, guaranteeing there will be plenty of personal drama as The Amazing Race Asia unfolds. For example, some teams are couples who want to revive the love in their relationships, while others want to use the race to rediscover themselves. For some, the race would be a once in a lifetime chance for challenge and adventure.

    “The response has been amazing, and AXN wants to thank everyone for the tremendous effort they have put into their applications, and for the passion they have shown for The Amazing Race Asia,” said Ricky Ow, General Manager of SPE Networks – Asia.

    The 10 to 12 teams who will compete in The Amazing Race Asia will be cast by the end of April.

    About AXN
    Delivering top rated series, blockbuster features, adventure-reality and first-run lifestyle sports programming, AXN is a leading international television destination among young adults 18-34. AXN is seen in 50 countries across Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and is part of Sony Pictures Television International’s diverse portfolio of over 40 global networks. Sony Pictures Television International is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

    AXN Asia is available to more than 37 million households 24-hours daily throughout Asia in Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, South Korea, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Maldives, Mongolia and in hotels and VIP compounds in China. AXN can also be seen in 40 million cable television households on time-block basis in China. More information about AXN India can be found online at www.axn-india.com.

    For further information, please contact:
    Deepa/ Kehkashan
    LinOpinion
    #9820453418/ 9821131138

  • CNN.com appoints Managing Editor to drive expansion in Asia Pacific

    CNN.com appoints Managing Editor to drive expansion in Asia Pacific

    In a move to expand its online content and business in the region, CNN Interactive has appointed Bruce Dover to the new position of managing editor for CNN.com Asia Pacific, it was announced today by Scott Woelfel, president and editor-in-chief of CNN Interactive. Based in Hong Kong from August 1, 2000, Dover will be responsible for the expansion, editorial control and direction of CNN.com in the Asia Pacific. He will also be involved with CNN Interactive’s potential new media business in the region.

    Dover joins CNN from News Interactive, the Australian online division of News Corporation, where he was the executive general manager since October 1998. Dover played a key role in shaping the strategic direction and growth of the company.

    CNN Interactive currently operates a local-language Web site in Asia, CNN.co.jp in Japanese. Other international sites include: CNNNorge, CNN Danmark, Svenska CNN, CNNItalia.it, CNNenEspaol.com and CNNemPortugues.com.

  • Communications network Avaya does the job for Fifa

    Communications network Avaya does the job for Fifa

    MUMBAI: Avaya was the official convergence Communication provider for the recently concluded 2006 Fifa World Cup. For 32 days, the network handled a huge amount of voice and data traffic — including players’ and journalists’ accreditations, photo transmissions and match details sent around the world in real time.

    The network had become operational on 15 May and carried over 21 trillion bytes of data and achieved 99.999 per cent availability without a single major outage and free of errors.

    Avaya states that a total of 21,126 terabytes of voice and data traffic was transferred over the network between 15 May and 10 July. During that time, people have logged on to the converged communications network approximately 642,538 times and made 364,395 phone calls on the network, which represents 789,810 minutes of calling time.

    On the day of the Final between France and Italy, 111,150 megabytes of data traffic traveled over the network, 55,037 people logged on to the converged network, and 3,456 phone calls were made, representing 6,217 minutes of calling time.

    The converged network, which combined voice and data on the same infrastructure, connected the 12 host stadiums, the stadium media centers, and the Fifa headquarters in Berlin. Players, coaches, volunteers and fans alike benefited from the network that was used to issue accreditations for players and journalists, report results, track materials and inventory, confirm accommodations at Fifa’s official hotels and maintain security systems.

    Avaya FIFA World Cup programme director Andrea Rinnerberger says, “For a highly visible event such as the Fifa World Cup, it was absolutely critical for the network to work without any downtime director of the. In a very real way, the network’s excellent performance contributed to the event’s smooth operations.

    “Journalists and photographers who needed to file quickly connected to the internet directly from the field and sent photos and stories via an Avaya wireless LAN network. 32 teams, and tens of thousands of Fifa executives and employees, officials and visiting dignitaries all depended on the transportation and protocol application to get to hotels, cars, trains and airports.”

  • Zee Sports to showcase Fed Cup action in September

    Zee Sports to showcase Fed Cup action in September

    MUMBAI: Zee Sports will air the semi finals of the women team tennis event Fed Cup live from 15 to 16 September 2006.

    In the first semi final, Spain will take on Italy. In the second semi final, Belgium will clash with USA for top honours.

    In the first semi final, Spain will take on Italy. This is the fourth contest between the two nations, with the countries tied with two wins each. The last time they met was at the round robin stage of the World Group in 2000 where Spain defeated Italy 3-0, and subsequently went on to reach the final.

    The line up of the Spanish team includes Anabel Medina Garrigues,Virginia Ruano Pascual, Lourdes Dominguez-Lino, Maria Sanchez Lorenzo with Miguel Margets as captain. The Italian team will be led by Corrado Barazzutti. Other players of the team are Francesca Schiavone, Flavia Pennetta, Mara Santangelo and Romina Oprandi.

    In the second semi final, Belgium will clash with the US. This is the fourth meeting between the two nations. America enjoys a 4-0 lead. The last time they met was in the 2005 opening round in Delray Beach, Florida, where USA easily overcame an injury-hit Belgium 5-0.

    The line up for Belgium includes Kim Clijsters, Leslie Butkiewicz, Kirsten Flipkens and Caroline Maes. America’s team will consist of Jill Craybas, Jamea Jackson, Vania King and Mashona Washington.

  • Star World looks to tantalise viewers with Criss Angel’s freaky illusion

    Star World looks to tantalise viewers with Criss Angel’s freaky illusion

    MUMBAI: In a bid to add further excitement to its programming lineup, English general entertainment channel Star World will air the show Criss Angel: Mindfreak every Tuesday at 8 30 pm from 18 July.

    From levitating ordinary American citizens, to literally dangling by his skin from a helicopter one thousand feet above the Valley of Fire in Las Vegas, magician Criss Angel brings his talents to the streets of America, live, unstaged and without the use of any camera tricks.

    Each episode captures the creative genius at work, preparing and training for his often death-defying feats. The 16 episodes will have several elements – reality, focusing on Angel’s street demonstrations and the way people are mentally affected; surreality, a look into Angel’s mind’s eye as he contemplates his upcoming feats; and behind-the-scene glimpses – a candid and captivating look into the trials and tribulations that Criss and his team face from the moment he conceives of impossible, death-defying stunts to the actual performances of those stunts.

    In the first episode, Criss Angel takes on levitation. He executes maneuvers, such as levitating up an escalator while not touching any part of it, and grabbing people off the street and completely levitating them off the ground. The other mind-blowing demonstrations this season include Burned Alive, Bullet Catch (which will have Angel catching a bullet in a cup held by his mouth), and Body Suspension (featuring Angel suspended from a helicopter by four fish hooks through his skin while being flown over the Nevada desert).

    Special celebrity guests, such as rock group Korn’s Jonathan Davis (who also co-produced the show’s theme music), Rob Zombie, Amazing Jonathan, Mandy Moore, Penn & Teller and Lance Burton will take part in the series.

    In the US, A&E Network will pick up the show for a third season.

  • Lifeline KBC2: Star holds on with re-runs

    Lifeline KBC2: Star holds on with re-runs

    MUMBAI: It is official now. Star Plus is not discontinuing Kaun Banega Crorepati 2 (KBC2) even though it has exhausted its fresh bank of episodes. Instead, the channel will telecast re-runs of KBC2, starting 20 February on Fridays and Saturdays.

    “We are not winding up KBC2. We are expecting the show to make a come back with fresh episodes by March. To fill the void, we will air re-edited versions of some of the interesting KBC2 episodes for the next four weeks,” Star India EVP marketing Ajay Vidyasagar told indiantelevision.com.

    However, Vidyasagar refused to give any timeframe on Bachchan’s re-appearance to shoot for KBC2.

    “You gotta wait for me”
    As reported earlier, Star Plus aired the 61st episode of KBC2, the last fresh episode in its hold, on 13 January. Anchor Amitabh Bachchan, originally committed to shoot 85 episodes, was unable to continue shooting after his recent illness. Reportedly, Bachchan is expected to resume shooting for the remaining 24 episodes next month.

    Vidyasagar feels that, such a break (of fresh episodes) will be good for the show’s popularity. “It will create a lot of expectations across the nation. Hence, when KBC2 makes a comeback, we expect it to deliver better ratings. That would be good for advertisers as well,” he says.

    Star India had earlier re-scheduled its popular game show following Bachchan’s illness to twice a week (Friday & Saturday) instead of the original thrice a week run with effect from 2 December. In between, the channel also re-ran celebrity episodes. The channel has filled the Sunday slot left vacant by KBC2 with the serial Sai Baba.

  • Discovery US manages double digit ratings increase

    Discovery US manages double digit ratings increase

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster Discovery has announced that it managed to achieve double-digit ratings gains in households and average primetime audience in both the second quarter of 2006 and June 2006.

    For the quarter, Discovery garnered a year-over-year primetime household ratings increase of 13 per cent (0.9) and the network delivered an average primetime audience of 1,143,000 viewers (P2+), also representing a 13 per cent increase over the year-ago timeslot average.

    The performance was helped by the return of the show Deadliest Catch, averaging nearly 2.6 million viewers over its second-season run. Mythbusters averaged 1.3 million viewers P2+. New shows Perfect Disaster and Future Weapons also contributed to the ratings gains.

    The debut of Egypt’s New Tomb Revealed on 4 June and Krakatoa: Volcano Od Destruction on 11 June each logged significant increases in households (1.8 household rating; Egypt; 1.8 household rating, Krakatoa) and total viewers (2.3 million P2+ each for the two shows.)