ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Mark Burnett, MSN renew interactive relationship for CBS’ ‘Rock Star’

    Mark Burnett, MSN renew interactive relationship for CBS’ ‘Rock Star’

    MUMBAI: MSN will be renewing and enhancing its relationship with Mark Burnett Productions by again providing exclusive programming online for the second season of CBS’ Rock Star, the reality show that revived the fortunes of international rock band INXS. For the first time, weekly behind-the-scenes episodes containing
    all original footage will be streamed exclusively on the web on MSN.

    Following last year’s success, MSN will again create dynamic content and provide interactive online features such as domestic and international online voting, extending the interactive experience for the CBS TV audience and MSN customers.

    Just as in season one, four types of content will be available each week: extensive and immersive behind-the-scenes unscripted drama (produced exclusively for MSN); one performance show and one results show (both produced exclusively for CBS); and, like last year, extensive original wireless content. The MSN behind-the-scenes unscripted drama will allow viewers to learn what it takes for the contestants to choose their songs and prepare for their weekly performances, and follow the characters as they develop and grow under enormous pressure. It will be available at http://rockstar.msn.com, enabling on-demand viewing via streaming.

    In addition, MSN will again host the official website, providing visitors with an experience through exclusive video footage that includes outtakes, the opportunity to replay contestant performances, music downloads, profiles of contestants, and MSN Spaces contestant blogs. During the show’s first season, MSN drew a tremendous number of visitors streaming over 20 million clips of superstar hopefuls competing to become the new lead singer of INXS. Recordings by all finalists appeared in the top 100 most downloaded tracks on MSN Music, and more than 14 million votes were cast online for
    contestants in the competition.

    “MSN did a fabulous job of extending and enhancing the Rock Star experience for consumers with fantastic online content. Our TV ratings increased as viewers used MSN to learn more about the contestants and chat with other fans in forming opinions. They began to learn way more than is possible in a traditional TV experience. Fans were taken deep inside the competition using MSN’s impressive array of online content properties. By increasing our online unscripted drama content and providing an even more immersive experience through behind-the-scenes episodes exclusive to MSN, we expect ratings to grow even further. In this day and age, content needs to be multiplatform, and I am excited about our growing relationship with MSN,” said CBS Rock Star creator and executive producer Mark Burnett.

    This year, a lead singer will be selected for a new band, Supernova, featuring famous musicians such as drummer Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Jason Newsted (Metallica) and Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses). Butch Walker, Rolling Stone’s 2005 “Hot” Producer of the Year responsible for the breakout albums of Pink and Avril Lavigne, is slated to produce the band’s first album. Dave Navarro and Brooke Burke will return as hosts, and each week the series will feature guest appearances by various celebrities and rock personalities.

    “We’re delighted to again work with Mark Burnett and his team on Rock Star. Millions of music fans will have the digital equivalent of an all-access pass to the backstage excitement and suspense of the band’s search for a lead singer. We welcome this opportunity to deliver an extraordinarily rich and varied entertainment experience to our customers and to once again provide advertisers with multiple platforms to reach a very attractive audience,” said MSN general manager entertainment and video Rob Bennett.

  • BroadcastAsia2006 to focus on latest technologies

    BroadcastAsia2006 to focus on latest technologies

    MUMBAI: BroadcastAsia 2006, the Asian International Electronic Media Technology Exhibition & Conference, will take place from 20 June to 23 June 2006 at the Singapore Expo.

    Organised by Singapore Exhibition Services (SES), the event promises a bigger and more comprehensive platform for India to source for the latest broadcast technologies and solutions to meet the growth of its media industry. IPTV, HD Technologies, and digital audio broadcasting (DAB) will be the highlights of this year’s show.

    Indian participation at this year’s BroadcastAsia2OO6 exhibition include All India Radio, Monarch Computers, Essel Shyam Communications and Cicada Broadcast Solutions.

    Geared to meet India’s demand, BroadcastAsia2OO6 is expected to gather over 750 international companies, with nine group pavilions from countries such as China, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Spain, Singapore, UK and USA.

    Highlights at this year’s exhibition include the latest in Professional Audio Technology, IPTV, computer graphics and animation, HD Technology, broadcasting to handhelds, video on demand, personal video recording, and digital audio broadcasting (DAB).

    Director and CEO of Cicada Broadcast Solutions Pvt Limited Prasanta kumar Ghatak said, “It is our desire to extend our reach beyond India and obtain a foothold in the Asia Pacific region. We believe that our participation in BroadcastAsia2OO6 will give us the opportunity to reach out to our target customers effectively. Cicada Broadcast Solutions is committed to bringing the same quality of service and dedication to customers beyond our shores, and BroadcastAsia2OO6 is a fantastic platform from which to do so.”

    In view of this, animation buffs will not be disappointed as ComGraphics&Animation2006 (CGA), held in conjunction with BroadcastAsia2OO6, will feature the latest hardware, software and services designed especially for the computer graphics and animation industry, film and motion picture industry. A number of conferences and masters classes will also be held for developers and professionals to exchange ideas & expertise learn and network.

    “With India’s healthy growth in movie and film output, significant market opportunities are now available for those within the broadcasting industry. BroadcastAsia2006 complements India’s remarkable industry growth by offering not only the latest, but most relevant technologies and solutions to meet the media expansion plans that are set to take place in India” said Jackson Yeoh, project director with event organiser Singapore Exhibition Services.

  • 3 DD channels to be on 3G cell phones globally

    3 DD channels to be on 3G cell phones globally

    NEW DELHI: Media barons Rupert Murdoch and Subhash Chandra believe that the rules of television are changing as consumer demands change with the advent of digital media.

    So does Indian pubcaster Prasar Bharati, which manages the world’ biggest terrestrial network Doordarshan and its sibling All India Radio.

    Three Doordarshan channels would now be available on all 3G mobile phones globally from April-end, according to a senior executive of Prasar Bharati.

    “We have tied up with First Serve Entertainment (former Indian tennis star Vijay Amritraj’s US-based company) to make available DD National, DD Bharati and DD News on all 3G mobile handsets all over the world Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma said today.

    The agreement with FSE is non-exclusive, leaving Prasar Bharati to enter into similar deals with other companies. However, the revenue generated from this distribution pact would be shared equally between FSE and DD, Sarma added.

    DD launches SMS & IVR-based services

    DD has also joined hands with ACL Wireless Ltd to launch SMS (short text messages sent over cell phones) and IVR-based interactive services.

    The services will be available over the short code 676733 where the last two digits, 33, stand for DD.

    As part of this partnership, DD launched an SMS-based news service, adding to the other interactive services that it has via ACLs India6767 platform.

    ACL Wireless Ltd, a developer and provider of cutting-edge wireless solutions for consumers and enterprises, has won this contract from DD for a period of three years.

    Under the contract, ACL will design, install and manage the services, which, in turn, will be made available to more than 400 million viewers of DD across the country.

    ACL offers this service through a fully-hosted multi-modal platform, which is connected to all mobile operators in India. “The DD tie-up is significant as it further consolidates our presence in the wireless domain,” according to ACL Wireless president Atanu Mandal.

    DD has used ACLs services for a variety of programmes like contest during cricket matches and in shows like Super Hit Muqabla, Wheel Smart Shrimati, Gen Next and Total Health.

    According to DD, interactivity is being proposed to be extended to subjects like stock market alerts, board exam results, video clips of news headlines and SMS-based greetings service for DD News users.

  • PBS Kids Go! channel to launch in October 2006

    PBS Kids Go! channel to launch in October 2006

    MUMBAI: PBS will be launching a new 24-hour digital broadcast channel for early elementary school-age children, called the PBS Kids Go! channel in October 2006. The new channel, which follows the success of the PBS Kids Go! afternoon programming block on PBS member stations, will be entirely devoted to early elementary school kids, an audience with limited choices for media content that is educational and entertaining.

    The announcement was made by PBS Kids Next Generation Media senior vice president Lesli Rotenberg.

    “This age group is just entering school and is experiencing unique, first- time life events but they have limited educational entertainment choices that support this very important developmental stage. As an extension of the PBS Kids Go! block, the PBS Kids Go! Channel provides this inquisitive, curious and media savvy age group with fun, educationally based programming that fulfills our mission of empowering today’s ‘big’ kids to discover themselves, explore new relationships and embrace a love of learning,” said Rotenberg.

    Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman, produced by WGBH Boston, premieres during PBS Kids Go! on PBS member stations’ national broadcast service beginning 29 May and will be a part of the PBS Kids Go! Channel in October.

    Other new additions to the PBS Kids Go! Channel will include:

    KidsWorld Sports, WishBone and Kratts’ Creatures in 2006, and Animalia in 2007. Each of these programs will also have a new companion internet site on pbskidsgo.org.

    Favorites from the current PBS Kids Go! programming line-up will also be a part of the channel including Maya & Miguel, Postcards from Buster, Arthur, CyberChase, Zoom and DragonFly TV. The PBS Kids Go! programming block launched in October 2004 and continues to be a success with early elementary school viewers. PBS has seen a 17 per cent increase in national viewership among 6 six to eight year olds, while remaining steady with preschoolers during the afternoon time period.

    Also new to the PBS Kids Go! Channel will be a Spanish language block called Vayan! (which means “go” in Spanish). The one-hour block will include existing PBS Kids Go! series, such as Maya & Miguel and CyberChase, in Spanish with English subtitles. With the addition of this block, not only is PBS continuing to serve the fastest growing segment of the US population but it is also providing tools for students who are learning Spanish as a second language. PBS’ daytime audience already exceeds the percentages of minority breakdowns that make up the US population — for example, Hispanics compose 12.5 per cent of PBS’ Daytime audience but only 9.8 per cent of the US population.

    The PBS Kids Go! Channel is part of the PBS Kids Next Generation Media initiative, the previously announced broad-based five year initiative that provides a framework for addressing the changing digital children’s media landscape and the way kids consume media today. Consistent with that mission, the PBS Kids Go! Channel will feature age-appropriate interactive content at pbskidsgo.org and on the Internet sites for the new broadcast series.

  • Prasar Bharati revenues cross Rs 12 billion in FY06

    Prasar Bharati revenues cross Rs 12 billion in FY06

    NEW DELHI: “We have been doing quite well this financial year and expect to close our books in March 2006 with Rs 10 billion (Rs 1,000 crore) in total revenue.” This was what KS Sarma, the CEO of Indian pubcaster Prasar Bharati, said in an interview to Indiantelevision.com late last year.

    Well, the pubcaster has crossed that figure by a good distance. Prasar Bharati’s revenues for the fiscal 2005-2006 ended 31 March are Rs 12.38 billion, up a whopping 67 per cent from the Rs 8.31 billion it earned last year. Of this, national broadcaster Doordarshan accounted for Rs 9.6 billion (Rs 968 crore) riding heavily on cricket and Hindi movies. Most significant was the growth on the radio side though, with All India Radio (AIR) registering a 59.6 per cent jump in revenues at Rs 2.7 billion (Rs 270 crore).

    In the FY 2004-05 fiscal, Prasar Bharati mopped up revenues of Rs. 8.31 billion with DD contributing Rs 6.70 billion and AIR’s share being Rs 1.61 billion.

    In a true corporate style at a press conference organised at five-star hotel here today, Sarma grandly — and proudly— said, “We have managed to establish systems that will make it (revenue) happen.”

    Pointing out that the revenue target for 2006-07 is Rs 15 billion, Sarma said sustained initiatives on various front, including marketing and programming, has helped the organisation cross the magical Rs. 10 billion revenue mark.

    “This, in spite of lax implementation of regulatory framework relating to mandatory carriage of three DD channels on prime bands on all cable networks,” he added.

    Concurring with Sarma on programming front, DD director-general Navin Kumar said the organization took upon itself to “work on viewership of DD in C&S homes.”

    Hammering in a point, Kumar flaunted TAM figures (TG: CS 4+; HSM; Period: 2004 and 2005) that shows DD national has a market share of 57 per cent amongst all Hindi language general entertainment. The nearest rival was Star Plus, which had a share of 23 per cent.

    But what is surprising as per TAM data quoted by Kumar was that during the period under review, while DD National share rose marginally by one percent, the likes of Star Plus, Sony and Zee TV shed market share.

    “This makes it clear that in a scenario when others were slipping primarily due to market share being taken away by news channels, DD National actually registered a small growth in viewership,”Kumar said.

    FILMS, CRICKET MAJOR EARNERS

    How does some of the major segments stack up as far as their revenue share go?

    Though during 2005-06 the gain in viewership because of cricket on DD has been marginal — as per Kumar’s own admissions — the game contributed slightly over Rs 3 billion (Rs 300 crore) to the overall kitty.

    The government and other non-profit organisations like National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) contributed almost Rs 1.91 billion to Prasar Bharati kitty as part of the development communication division of share.

    Feature films, aired five days every week on different slots under a variety of themes, garnered revenues worth Rs 1.1 billion. “Even a dead slot like Sunday mid-day has started yielding revenue on films,” Prasar Bharati deputy director general Vijaylakshmi Chabbra said.

    Under the self-finance commissioned scheme introduced by DD middle of 2005 where the organisation markets programmes after paying outside producers their remuneration, DD managed to mop up about Rs 500 million.

    According to Chabbra, “DD is doing in-house marketing of programmes has had phenomenal affect on our revenues. We have successfully managed to arrest the trend of under selling of DD air time in the market by private producers.”

    POLICY INITIAIVES DURING 2005-06

    According to Sarma, the all-round improvement in performance of Prasar Bharati is the culmination of various policy initiatives taken over a period of time.

    Following are some of the major initiatives taken by Prasar Bharati:

        Increased focus on in-house marketing of properties.
        Successful execution of media campaigns on behalf of government departments.
        Rationalisation of rate card to suit the changing market conditions.
        A strategic shift from sponsored programmes to self-financing scheme.
        Leveraging AIR’s vast network and unprecedented reach.
        Improved billing and housekeeping efforts.

    Year
    AIR
    Doordarshan
    Prasar Bharati
    (AIR +Doordarshan)
    2001 -02
    966.9 mn
    6.15 bn
    7.12 bn
    2002 -03
    1.32 bn
    5.54 bn
    6.86 bn
    2003 -04
    1.41 bn
    5.33 bn
    6.74 bn
    2004 -05
    1.61 bn
    6.7 bn
    8.31 bn
    2005 -06
    2.68 bn*
    9 bn *
    12.4 bn*

     

    *Provisional figures

    (Rs 45=1US$)

  • Zee Network to telecast Lakme, Wills fashion events

    Zee Network to telecast Lakme, Wills fashion events

    MUMBAI: Zee Network will telecast two of the prestigious fashion events in the country, Lakme Fashion Week and the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (Autumn – Winter) 2006 on its channels Zee TV, Zee Café & Zee Trendz.

    Speaking on the initiative Zee Café & Zee Trendz business head Neil Chakravarti said the programme packaging on each channel would differ as the channels target individual audiences.

    “We are showcasing collections & happenings from the recently concluded event on three of our channels, as we want to cater to individual audiences of each channel. Therefore, the content on Zee TV will have a different look-feel than the one on Zee Café or Zee Trendz,” he said.

    The telecast schedules are as mentioned below:

    Lakme Fashion Week:

    Zee TV on Sunday, 16 April from 6:30 pm to 8:30pm
    Zee Café from 10 April to 15 April, at 9:30pm
    Zee Trendz from 7 April to 9 April at 9:30pm

    Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week:

    Zee TV on Sunday, 9 April from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm
    Zee Café on 22 April, at 9:00 pm
    Zee Trendz from 15 April to 20 April at 9:30 pm

  • Fox to make ‘Simpsons’ movie

    Fox to make ‘Simpsons’ movie

    MUMBAI: Fox has announced that it will make a film based on the television series The Simpsons. the film will be released on 27 July 2007.

    Starring in the animated film are series regulars Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, Pamela Hayden, and Tress MacNeille. Guest starring in the movie are Erin Brockovich, Minnie Driver, and Albert Brooks.

    One of the film’s producers Matt Groening says, “We are very excited about the performances in this movie. Come next Oscars, we think it’s going to be Milhouse’s night”.

    Another producer Al Jean says, “I can absolutely guarantee that this film will far exceed the wildest expectations of every Simpsons fan. Start lining up at the theater now, preferably in costume.”

  • Discovery looks to spice up life with ‘Feast India’

    Discovery looks to spice up life with ‘Feast India’

    MUMBAI: Spicy, pungent, sweet and sour! Discovery takes its viewers through a colourful glimpse into Indian culture, food and customs in Feast India every Saturday at 9 pm for the next two months.

    The English-born chef Barry Vera savours the delights of simple street food and the variety of regional cuisine as he immerses himself and viewers in the diverse cultural influences that make each region of India so distinct. Along the way, he enjoys a delectable meal at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Delhi; where several thousand devotees are served daily.

    From the small town plantation town of Kumili in Kerala to the chaotic buzz of Mumbai – the home to Dubbawallahs, from the village wedding in Pushkar to the festivities of Diwali, Feast India captures the this diverse and intensely beautiful country.

    Discovery India brand dierctor Raja Balasubramanian said, “Feast India highlights the diverse Indian cuisines as Barry Vera takes viewers through a culinary journey across India. Apart from its gastronomy, the series also presents the fascinating and colourful cultures and festivals of India.”

    From g delicacies to age-old customs and festivities, viewers will watch the best India has to offer. Kochi, The Backwaters airs on 8 April at 9 pm. On the humid, lush coast, famous Chinese fishing nets operate just as they have for the last 600 years. In Kochi, the delicious street food and abundant fish vie for attention in the local markets. Cruising the palm-fringed backwaters and dining delicious Indian thalli, the episode gives viewers a taste of life in a south Indian island village.

    In Old Delhi on 15 April the Mughal architecture looms above the narrow lanes and delicious Muslim food is served in an atmosphere of friendly chaos. Unusual delicacies are offered in the aromatic labyrinth of one of the largest wholesale spice markets in Asia. Viewers also get a glimpse into the kitchens of Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where enough food is cooked to nourish tens of thousands of pilgrims each day.

    Jodphur – Salt Mines airs on 22 April The busy bazaars of Jodphur will hook viewers with Rajasthani tribal women haggling for bangles. In contrast, down the quiet back streets of the old city is a serene picture of blue houses.

    On Spice which airs on 29 April 2006 the Malabar Coast is home to the essential ingredients of every Indian meal- black pepper, cardamom, ginger and tea plantation. In the daily cardamom auctions, buyers and sellers converge in a spirited display of commerce.

    Mumbai takes centrestage on 6 May 2006. In Mumbai, the famed Dabbawallahs perform the daily ritual of getting thousands of home-cooked meals delivered to the right offices, landing them in the Guinness Book of Records. Viewers will also meet the city’s Dhobbis, who seem to wash the clothes of the entire city in a gigantic open laundry. Viewers end the journey with a feast of snack foods at Juhu’s nightly carnival on the sand.

    The episode on 13 May celebrates the frestival of Diwali which ends with a bang as fireworks light up the sky across the length and breadth of India. Huge quantities of sweets are consumed, tools and account books are prayed over, houses are decorated with colourful lanterns to guide passing gods and millions of gifts are exchanged in this explosion of divine fun.

    On Indian Offering on 20 May Vera explains how he has been inspired by the people and the food of India and provides an understanding of the spices that make up the myriad flavors he has enjoyed. Barry applies his imaginative touch to a selection of simple, tasty dishes that are deeply Indian at heart.

  • BBC increases its presence on FM in Sri Lanka

    BBC increases its presence on FM in Sri Lanka

    MUMBAI: Sri Lankans can now enjoy ten hours of BBC World Service programming, thanks to a new agreement with the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). BBC output in English has increased by five hours on all SLBC national FM networks across the country in addition to programmes in Sinhala and Tamil.

    BBC business development manager, Asia and Pacific region Michel Lobelle said, “I am delighted that listeners in Sri Lanka are now able to enjoy the full range of BBC programming in perfect sound quality on FM across the country. Sri Lanka is a key market for the BBC World Service and this new agreement consolidates our excellent relationship with SLBC.”

    SLBC chairman Sunil Sarath Perera said, “SLBC is proud to be associated with the world’s leading international radio broadcaster and we look forward to building more bridges in the future.”

    Audiences listening in English can enjoy a broad mix of BBC programming ranging from news and current affairs to science and technology. Highlights include Newshour, which is 60 minutes of news and analysis of the day’s top stories, and the interactive global news programme World Have Your Say, giving listeners an opportunity to share their views and questions on topical issues.

    For sports fans, the BBC has daily hourly updates in news bulletins and Sports Round Up. Cricket enthusiasts can stay across the latest in World Cricket while football supporters tune into World Football. BBC programmes in English also tap into the world’s cultural scene. The Beat is a guide to popular global music while On Screen brings the latest stories from the world of film, TV and video games.

    Culture Shock looks at trends in cultural expression and Close Up gives listeners new insights into well established artistic movements.

  • Fox to make ‘Simpsons’ movie

    Fox to make ‘Simpsons’ movie

    MUMBAI: Fox has announced that it will make a film based on the television series The Simpsons. the film wioll be released on 27 July, 2007.

    Starring in the animated film are series regulars Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, Pamela Hayden, and Tress MacNeille. Guest starring in the movie are Erin Brockovich, Minnie Driver, and Albert Brooks.

    One of the film’s producers Matt Groening says, “We are very excited about the performances in this movie. Come next Oscars, we think it’s going to be Milhouse’s night”.

    Another producer Al Jean says, “I can absolutely guarantee that this film will far exceed the wildest expectations of every Simpsons fan. Start lining up at the theater now, preferably in costume.”