ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Nike and Maven Networks introduce JogaTV

    Nike and Maven Networks introduce JogaTV

    MUMBAI: Nike, Inc., and Maven Networks have launched a new internet TV channel – JogaTV. People can watch exclusive videos featuring some of the soccer greatest players, as well as some of the world’s best untapped local heroes as they demonstrate Joga Bonito — or Play Beautiful — for everyone to enjoy.

    JogaTV offers an insider view into the world of soccer via multiple video programs, all of which can be shared among friends. Video programming on JogaTV features international stars of the game including Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, and Wayne Rooney. Soccer legend Eric Cantona stars in most of the videos as the disruptive advocate leading the rebellion against slow, controlling, boring soccer and the return of a beautiful, creative style of play.

    Nike’s global Joga Bonito campaign is multi-faceted, encompassing: Joga.com, the world’s largest soccer-specific social network; Joga3, a short- field 3-on-3 game that will allow more than three million kids around the world to bring Joga Bonito to life, a Joga Bonito series of commercials and JogaTV.

    Maven Media System is the technology link between video programming from Nike and its growing social network of soccer fans. Based on patent- pending technology, Maven’s integrated video publishing and distribution platform provides unrivalled customer experiences across multiple devices for JogaTV.

    Once the JogaTV internet television channel is launched, the JogaTV icon lives on the soccer fan’s desktop for easy access. Each week, new content is delivered behind the scenes via the Maven Media System and automatically added to JogaTV. At this time a new program series is unlocked for users to explore. Nike will unlock a total of 17 different programs, one each week between April and July.

    In addition to each of Nike’s new Joga Bonito commercials, content on JogaTV includes:

    Original experiential videos featuring global soccer stars,
    Exclusive videos featuring soccer kids around the world demonstrating their skills,
    US National Team star Clint Dempsey and his “Don’t Tread” rap video,
    Viral videos featuring Brazilian greats Ronaldinho and Ronaldo,
    A weekly blog titled This is American Soccer,
    And a running clock counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds to the US National team’s first game in Germany this summer vs. the Czech Republic.

    “Like all kids who love sport, soccer players and fans have a passion for their game that’s almost insatiable. By launching this viral, online program, we tap into that spirit by delivering highly-coveted content while extending and demonstrating the message of Joga Bonito,” said Nike US advertising director Adam Roth.

    Maven Networks CEO Hilmi Ozguc said, “Maven’s technology allows Nike to directly reach its audiences with an interactive experience that genuinely demonstrates the future of Internet TV, and enables them to accurately target and measure their campaigns. True Internet TV channels are redefining how online content is distributed, and experienced.”

    Maven Networks’ technology is the only broadband video platform that delivers a true Internet TV experience using full-screen, HD-quality video for PCs, Internet-connected TVs, video iPods, PSPs and other portable devices.

    JogaTV is available through select soccer and youth-oriented websites including joga.com and nikesoccer.com.

  • AOL partners with Shanghai Media Group to beam programs

    AOL partners with Shanghai Media Group to beam programs

    MUMBAI: The Internet unit of Time Warner, AOL is set to begin carrying news content from Shanghai Media Group on its Chinese-language website.

    The programs will be available to users of http://aol.com/chinese, which carries news and programming, webcasts of sports events and other Internet services related to China.
    Shows will be broadcast on AOL’s Chinese language Web site and will focus on Chinese social, business, sports and entertainment topics. Said SMG Broadband spokeswoman Wang Xiaotang,”AOL aims to broadcast that content to Chinese all over the world.”

    SMG will provide more than three hours per day to its U.S.-based partner MediaZone, which worked with AOL on the Chinese-language portal. MediaZone is a worldwide provider of online television programming and a partner in China of AOL and Shanghai Media Group.

    According to AOL’s Web site, its Chinese language Web site was developed with ChinaPortal.com, a MediaZone division.

    “By creating this free, language-specific portal, we can better serve the millions of people in the United States who want access to critical features and communications tools, especially the latest news and entertainment video, in Chinese,” said AOL Web strategy executive Norman Koo in a statement.

    State-owned Shanghai Media Group was formed from the merger of the city’s government-run radio and television stations in 2001 and ranks as one of China’s biggest media and entertainment conglomerates.

  • Professional video gaming set for TV debut in the U.S.

    Professional video gaming set for TV debut in the U.S.

    MUMBAI: With a view to bring professional video game playing to a wider audience, Major League Gaming (MLG) and USA Network have announced a programming deal in which USA Network will air seven one-hour episodes, featuring the pro circuit and its players.

    The episodes will air on USA Network this holiday season. MLG also announced that it has a new multiyear contract with Boost Mobile, under which that company’s mobile phones will feature content.

    Though video gaming fans have been able to follow competitions on game web sites, MLG’s television deal marks the first time that TV viewers would be able to track the ups and downs of a pro tournament, watching video gaming as a new kind of extreme sport.

    MLG’s president and chief operating officer Matthew Bromberg said, “This is the sign that pro gaming has finally arrived to the mass market. It’s like poker was two years ago, or Nascar 15 years ago.”

    The upcoming televised series will aim to engage viewers with not only with the game play itself – featuring top players of “Halo 2” on Xbox and “Super Smash Bros. Melee” on Nintendo – but also sports-like commentary and profiles of the players.

    Among them: Bonnie Burton, also known as “Xena,” a 15-year-old from Pennsylvania who is the only female in the pro league and one of the best “Halo2” players in the world; and Tom Taylor, who’s known as “Tsquared,” an 18-year-old from Florida and budding entrepreneur whose Gaming-Lessons business has already helped hone the video-gaming skills of numerous celebrities and star athletes.

    “I’m excited to compete on TV in front of an audience. This will take video gaming to the next level. It is an extreme sport. It’s about quick reflexes and also outsmarting people.” Taylor said in a media report.

    MLG’s chief executive and co-founder Michael Sepso said, “Some top players earn winnings in the range of a couple hundred thousand dollars a year, and the tournaments by MLG usually draw thousands of spectators at its arena venues and thousands more online. But, going before a mainstream television audience could raise video gaming’s visibility, leading to more sponsorships and advertising.”

    And drawing viewers shouldn’t be a stretch, since “video gaming has always had a spectator-element to it anyway,” said Sepso.

    Bromberg explained that the MLG is following a well-tried model for forming a new pro league: Build a credible governing body, sign the best players and then strike deals with major sponsors.

    “That’s what helps the league grow and feeds the machine,” Bromberg said in a media report. “If you have those pieces, then you can have a major sport.”

    MLG operates a seven-city pro circuit, which begins next week in New York and ends with a championship in Las Vegas in November. More than 1,500 players will compete for the championship in two games: “Halo 2” and “Super Smash Bros. Melee World.”

  • NBC offers entertainment at gas stations

    NBC offers entertainment at gas stations

    MUMBAI: The media landscape is changing and how! The NBC Universal Television Stations group and VST Media Network are partnering to grab eyeballs at the gas pumps. It will deliver customized local news, weather, sports and entertainment video and headlines to on-pump screens at gas stations on daylight-viewable 17-inch screens with stereo speakers.

    The deal will deliver programming to 17 Shell gas stations in Los Angeles, but by year’s end, VST plans to have 500 stations in L.A., San Francisco and San Diego. VST will also add screens at other gas stations across the country in markets with NBC O&O’s.The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    Programming is in three-minute bursts, which are activated when pumping begins. That duration was determined to be the average amount of time people spend filling up their gas. “Not to sound too corny, but as you’re filling your tank, we’re filling your mind,” said NBC Universal Television Stations digital media and strategic marketing evp Ric Harris.

    The programming, which will be updated twice daily, will come from local newscasts at the NBC stations in each market, and will be coordinated through NBC’s KNTV in San Francisco.

    The programming is also a vehicle for 15-second ads, which will run between breaks. State Farm Insurance and Tropicana are on board as initial advertisers. The ads try to entice gas pumpers to enter mini-marts. State Farm, which is advertising its car insurance with an ad that compares the high price of gas with the premiums the company’s competitors charge. “It’s utilizing a car moment to bring up car insurance,” said State Farm assistant vp for advertising Mark Gibson.

    According to NBC Universal, each participating gas station averages at least 20,000 pump visits per month

  • Nick Mobile launches on Sprint Phones

    Nick Mobile launches on Sprint Phones

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon, has launched Nick Mobile on select Sprint multimedia phones in the US and will offer a full range of video clips from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. programming.

    “Launching Nick Mobile on Sprint is a natural evolution of our overall multiple platform strategy as we continue to produce, program and distribute content on different platforms in order to super serve our audience, who are increasingly on the go. The launch of Nick Mobile on Sprint provides our audience with a new way to watch their favourite characters, and further extends the Nick and Nick Jr. brand and experience for kids and parents beyond the home,” said Nickelodeon Digital Media executive vice president Steve Youngwood.

    Nick Mobile on Sprint offers a combination of short video clips, vignettes and music videos. From the Nick Jr. library, music videos are approximately two minutes in length and include clips from favourite programs such as Dora the Explorer, Blue’s Clues, The Backyardigans, LazyTown and the recently launched Nick Jr. series, The Wonder Pets!

    From the Nickelodeon library, content will be available from top-rated series such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, The X’s, Avatar and Catscratch.

    Additionally, TeeNick material will include behind-the-scenes clips from Zoey 101, Unfabulous and Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide.

    Nick Mobile on Sprint will also feature on-air vignette series such as Nick Jr.’s A Pup Grows Up mini series and clips from network specials. All Nick Mobile content on Sprint multimedia phones will be refreshed on a weekly basis.

  • Eurasia Cup telecast to be split between SaharaOne, Filmy

    Eurasia Cup telecast to be split between SaharaOne, Filmy

    MUMBAI: Looks like Sahara is not about to let go the foothold it has got into the India cricket telecast game. After having aired the recently concluded series between India and England, SaharaOne has now acquired the rights for the next five years to a new offshore cricket event — the EurAsia Cricket series.

    The first edition of the event will be held in the Gulf Emirate of Abu Dhabi from 22 April to 5 May 2006 and is the result of an alliance between the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Trust and the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council.

    SaharaOne CEO Shantonu Aditya says, “We are delighted to partner with Creative Eye (from whom Sahara got the rights) in promoting the EurAsia Cricket Series 2006.” Creative Eye had earlier acquired the rights for this VK Sports Management Group.

    BSNL is Sahara’s title sponsor for the event which will feature the A teams of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Making up the numbers for this six-nation event are cricket “minnows” Holland, Ireland and UAE. The teams are divided into two groups. Sahara will simulcast the 14 day-night ODIs on SaharaOne and and recently launched movie channel Filmy. SaharaOne though will take a break between 8:30-10:30 pm to protect its prime time shows while Filmy will air the matches uninterrupted.

    The big question of course is what benefits Sahara expects to get out of a series at a time of serious cricket overload what with the national team literally ending one series and getting into another with barely a break in between. More so since Aditya confirmed that Sahara had no plans to launch a sports channel in the near future.

    According to Sahara One Television COO Purnendu Bose, the Subrato Roy-promoted network sees three clear opportunities that it would be exploiting from this property, for which it holds the global satellite rights as well as in stadia rights.

    First of course is the composition of the Indian team, captained by Venugopala Rao, which includes the latest star in the making and opener Robin Uthappa, pacemen RP Singh and VRV Singh, leg-spinner Piyush Chawla, all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi, and wicketkeeper batsman Dinesh Kaarthick, all of whom have played for India. Opener Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan and middle-order batsman S. Badrinath also find a place.

    The team composition allows for Sahara’s marketing pitch for this series, which is that the network will be showcasing “today’s heroes” or the “Young Tigers” who will have a significant role to play in the Indian cricket scheme of things with the mantra being so much on youth. According to Bose, this event going forward had the potential to become a major property in itself.

    Explaining the programming strategy, Bose states that the event will “get me additional ratings during my graveyard shift (2:30 pm to 7:30 pm)”. The telecast on SaharaOne, in much the same way as national broadcaster Doordarshan does with its main channel DD1 when it telecasts India cricket, will pull away from cricket at 7:30 pm and hook back in at 10:30 pm to get in the “final hour of action”.

    Thirdly, says Bose, “whatever additional sampling that happens because of the cricket is good for the channel.”

    One wonders though that with the Rahul Dravid and the gang playing so much cricket whether there will be any interest left in watching an India A team. No matter how good India A is, the coverage devoted to it in the press indicates that there is a huge question mark over just how much interest the average cricket watcher will have in it.

    Having said that, cricket that does not feature the main eleven has generally been given step motherly treatment in this country. So it is encouraging to see SaharaOne at least try and push the cause of the sport beyond just the main eleven.

  • NDTV clocks 24.5 % growth in FY06; revenues Rs 2.24 billion

    NDTV clocks 24.5 % growth in FY06; revenues Rs 2.24 billion

    MUMBAI: Prannoy Roy’s NDTV has recorded 24.49 percent growth in fiscal 2005-06 with total revenues of Rs 2.239 billion.

    NDTV’s revenues were up from the Rs 1.798 billion recorded in fiscal 2004-05, the company has stated.

    Q4 FY’ 06 saw NDTV hitting its highest ever revenues at Rs 704.4 million versus Rs 497 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, representing a 41.73 per cent year-on-year growth.

    Expectedly, the rise in personnel costs took a huge chunk out of the company’s net with profit after tax after ESOP for Q4 FY’ 06 standing at Rs 20.1 million. If ESOPs are discounted then net profit for Q4 has increased 22 per cent to Rs 125.5 million as against Rs 102.9 million in Q4 FY’ 05. There were no ESOPs granted last year.

    Following the results, NDTV has declared a dividend of 20 per cent.

    BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

    During the year the company made significant investments in building new businesses and strengthening and consolidating its existing business.

    NDTV’s advertising base has seen an impressive growth this year. The network has added 637 new advertisers and 810 new brands in its portfolio, taking its advertising universe to over 2000. A reflection of the group’s marketing strength is also the strategic tie-up with the Microsoft Network, under which NDTV’s subsidiary, NDTV Media Ltd represents and carries out all marketing activity for MSN exclusively in India.

    The reach of the NDTV News Network’s unduplicated reach amongst C&S households has increased to 90.8 per cent, the highest amongst all news networks. NDTV has also extended its global presence across Africa, Asia, Europe and the US. This year it entered into strategic tie-ups with DirecTV, BskyB and ATN to launch NDTV 24×7 in the US, UK and Canada respectively.

    NDTV’s website ndtv.com has emerged as India’s number one news and television portal, attracting over 200 million page views and 1.2 million unique visitors every month. The focus on monetizing the website by adding transaction based portals – Travel, Gadgets, Shopping, Commodities, Profit, Movies and Music, has begun to drive revenues this year.

    “In this year the company has put in significant investments into building new businesses and going forward we are committed to maximizing shareholder value by capitalizing on these investments,” NDTV chairman Dr Prannoy Roy was quoted in the statement as saying.

    Additionally, NDTV has entered into an agreement with Genpact a leading business and technology services company, to jointly offer outsourcing services to the global media and entertainment industry. This is the first of its kind Media Process Outsourcing company in India which will focus on providing cost effective, high quality media services.

    This year also heralded NDTV’s entry into high end-consultancy for news services. The company has entered into a joint venture agreement with Astro Broadcast of Malaysia to provide consultancy for setting up news channels in Malaysia and Indonesia. The Indonesian channel will be launched shortly.

    The NDTV Group, together with other strategic investors, also acquired a minority shareholding in 3 radio companies that hold licenses for FM radio broadcasting in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata under the brand name of RED FM. The company sees tremendous cross media synergies in extending its presence in the radio sector.

  • MySpace appoints Hemanshu Nigam as chief security officer

    MySpace appoints Hemanshu Nigam as chief security officer

    MUMBAI: Fox Interactive Media (FIM), parent of MySpace.com, has appointed industry veteran Hemanshu Nigam to oversee safety, education and privacy programs and law enforcement affairs for MySpace, as well as the growing network of FIM properties.

    Nigam, who currently serves as director of consumer security outreach and child safe computing at Microsoft Corporation, brings more than 15 years of experience in online safety for private industry and law enforcement, including serving as a Federal prosecutor against internet child exploitation for the US Department of Justice, an advisor to a Congressional commission on online child safety, and an advisor to the White House on cyberstalking. Nigam’s appointment is effective 1 May, 2006.

    “Hemanshu is a proven leader in online safety and security. We are fortunate to have him join MySpace, help us educate the public and protect our members’ safety and privacy. MySpace has always been committed to an industry leading role in Internet safety and will continue to partner with all stakeholders including parents, educators, law enforcement and safety groups,” said MySpace CEO Chris DeWolfe.

    “Fox Interactive Media and its network of properties will greatly benefit from Hemu’s experience, stature among law enforcement and private industry leaders, and strategic vision. We look forward to working with Hemu as we continue in our commitment to provide a leadership role in developing industry standards that safeguard our growing community of members,” said Fox Interactive Media president Ross Levinsohn.

    Prior to joining Microsoft, Nigam served as vice president of Worldwide Internet Enforcement at the Motion Picture Association of America. There he built and oversaw the global strategy to combat online motion picture piracy for the seven major Hollywood studios.

  • Queen to visit BBC on 80th anniversary of Royal Charter

    Queen to visit BBC on 80th anniversary of Royal Charter

    MUMBAI: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II will visit BBC Broadcasting House on 20 April to mark the 80th anniversary of the granting of the Corporation’s Royal Charter.

    The Queen will officially re-open the original Broadcasting House in Portland Place, London, which has recently been refurbished as a part of the redevelopment of the site.

    The Queen will be shown a model outlining building project plans for Broadcasting House by Sir Richard MacCormac, architect, and the BBC’s chief operating officer, John Smith, and will view a display of digital radio technology and Broadcasting House artefacts.

    The digital radio technology consists of :-

    >A DAB digital radio featuring an electronic programme guide (EPG)

    >A wi-fi radio, which can pick up, via wireless broadband, internet radio stations around the world including all the BBC’s national stations

    >A plasma TV screen with a Freeview box, displaying the BBC’s 24/7 radio service via digital TV

    >A laptop computer demonstrating listening to radio via the internet on the BBC Radio Player

    >Mobile devices capable of receiving radio services -i.e.- The iPod featuring a selection of the BBC’s podcasts and a new mobile telephone with DAB radio access

    The Broadcasting House artefacts consist of: a ‘royal’ microphone used by King George V for Christmas broadcasts in the 1930s. The ‘King’s Radio’, a specially created version of a high quality radio set made by Murphy, the electronics manufacturer, and presented to King George V. The model was subsequently known to the public as the ‘King’s Radio.’ Also, a cigar box in the form of Broadcasting House presented to Lord Reith on his 10th anniversary as manager/director-general of the British Broadcasting Company/Corporation.

    The Queen will then watch a production for BBC 7’s The Big Toe Radio Show and will meet presenters Kirsten O’Brien and Kevin Duala and young competition winners in the Drama studio.

    The Queen will also view a recording for Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour and meet presenter Jenni Murray, programme engineers and interviewees Dr Sarah Childs from Bristol University and Dr Rosie Campbell from Birkbeck College, London.

  • Sony Pictures Home Entertainment restructures for the digital age

    Sony Pictures Home Entertainment restructures for the digital age

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (SPHE) has announced a reorganisation to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital era. New appointments and promotions have been made.

    David Bishop will oversee SPHE’s North American business and Matt Brown will oversee SPHE’s European business. Sean Carey will head SPHE’s digital distribution business.

    Explaining the strategy behind the move, SPHE president of Worldwide Home Entertainment, digital distribution and acquisitions Benjamin S. Feingold says, “This month, we started selling movies through digital downloads over the Internet, and next month, we begin to sell Blu-ray Discs for the very first time.

    “With the digital market poised for growth, now is the time for us to organise ourselves to reap the full benefits of this new era, and to maintain and expand our leadership position in the home entertainment market.”

    Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Michael Lynton says, “The changes in technology and consumer interests demand that we be innovative and visionary in our approach to home entertainment. The digital market has evolved to the point where it has earned its own place in our home entertainment business. Digital distribution and high definition have evolved from a theoretical concept to a new retail business, and that’s why we’re making the strategic moves necessary to ensure that we aggressively market this business in the months and years ahead.

    “And it all begins with people — putting the right people in the right place at the right time.” Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Pictures Group chairman Amy Pascal says, “While nothing can replace the theatrical experience, we want people to have the opportunity to see our movies in their homes or wherever they desire. That is true for our new films as well as the tremendous stories and performances that exist in our extensive library.”

    Bishop had been Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) president of worldwide brand integration. He will now oversee all aspects of the North American business including sales, marketing, and operations. He will also have an integral role in the international operations of the MGM catalogue.

    Feingold stated, “With the MGM transition nearing completion, I am delighted that David has decided to remain with our company. His strong reputation within the home entertainment industry, as well as his outstanding executive skills, will help to insure the ongoing success and growth of our core business. David’s experience with MGM product will also be a great benefit to the division.”

    Bishop says, “I am thrilled to be at SPHE because this is one of the most exciting and dynamic times in the history of home entertainment. I also look forward to working with Ben and the whole team as we focus on the growth of our core business and explore the new options given to us by the
    digital revolution.”

    Brown, meanwhile, will be based in London and will oversee all aspects of the European business, including sales, marketing and management. Brown will help create and execute strategic business plans for SPHE’s growth throughout Europe, especially in light of the proliferation of new digital technologies in the region. He earlier was SPHE senior VP worldwide franchise properties.

    Carey will focus on two areas. First, developing and managing the North American distribution of movies and other SPE content via the internet as well to mobile devices such as cell phones and PSPs. In that regard, he will also work closely with Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, Sony Pictures Television and Sony Pictures Television International. He will also will oversee all business aspects of SPHE’s production and acquisition group, as well as negotiate key acquisition agreements.

    Feingold adds, “We are at the dawn of a new age in home entertainment. Digital technology, combined with the increasing sophistication and mobility of devices on which content can be stored and played, opens up a whole new world for us and for consumers. By reorganizing our home entertainment division now, we are positioning ourselves to deliver entertainment to people wherever, whenever and however they want to enjoy it.”