ITV

Category: Specialised and Niche

  • Brand-comm ‘webinar’: Consumer insight best tool

    Brand-comm ‘webinar’: Consumer insight best tool

    MUMBAI: Consumer trends on the web were discussed at Brand-comm’s web seminar BrandWidth Online 2006.

    The seminar was addressed by Titan Industries managing director Bhaskar Bhat, McCann Erickson president Santosh Desai and Brand-comm CEO Ramanujam Sridhar.

    The seminar drove home the thought that consumer insight is the greatest tool, after all for marketers who want to keep pace in the changing market scenario.

    Some interesting questions to the panelists were on the movement behind the traditional Indian woman rising above her passivity, on consumer insights providing the way-forward for marketers and the role of technology in the consumer decision process. The panelists discussed the ‘More-Mania’ and the key drivers of consumer behavior in India.

    The seminar had 78 participants who logged in from different parts of the country.

  • Simpsons, Mickey face a ban in China

    Simpsons, Mickey face a ban in China

    MUMBAI: Foreign cartoons will no more be a source of entertainment for Chinese kids. From 1 September, cartoon series produced outside of China will be banned from local broadcast between 5 pm and 8 pm. The move is an effort to give a boost to the local animation sector.

    According to reports, the ban, which hasn’t been formally announced yet, is said to be in response to the popularity of anime in the Chinese market, and comes from other efforts by regulators to clamp down on international content.

    It also follows a 2004 edict mandating that Chinese cartoons had to account for at least 60 per cent of a channel’s animation output.

    The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) has told stations that prime time TV, from 5 pm to 8 pm, will only be allowed to show Chinese cartoons. Among those banned are The Simpsons, Teletubbies, Mickey Mouse, Blue’s Clues and popular Japanese animation will take a back seat to Chinese animation.

    The first major step was taken in 2000, when SARFT requested that all foreign animations get its approval before being broadcast on Chinese TV. Since 2004 the administration has also built 15 animation industry incubators around the country.

  • NGC tremors and twists next month

    NGC tremors and twists next month

    MUMBAI: Next month, the National Geographic Channel (NGC) has a treat for viewers keen on knowing the reason for natural disasters. It will air a series of specials on tremors and twisters.

    The channel kicks things off by examining the Eruption At Pinatubo on 18 September at 10 pm.

    On 15 June 1991, Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines blew itself apart. A million people lived in its shadow. Viewers can see what happens when a molten monster breaks free of the underworld.

    From 19-22 September, volcanos and earthquakes take centerstage. With the help of footage of lava spewing from Mount Kilauea in Hawaii one special explains how volcanos work. The special focusses on four eruptions that say different things about the phenomenon of volcanic eruptions.

    Another episode called Megavolcano tells the story of the volcano which may have caused an ice age which wiped out over 60 per cent of the world’s population. It could erupt again.

    From 25-29 September at 10 pm the channel looks at the phenomenon of twisters, tsunamis and tornadoes. One episode is called The Super Twisters. In 1974, in one day, 148 tornadoes ripped through the US. The special looks at the havoc that was created and the communities caught up in nature’s fury. Another episode looks to unravel the Mysteries Of The Tornado. Tim Samaras has spent his life tracking tornadoes. He gives viewers a picture of what happens inside a twister.

  • National Geographic offers podcasts

    National Geographic offers podcasts

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster National Geographic now makes it possible for consumers to take a guided walk through the streets of Venice, experience an African safari and hear the week’s top science and nature news, with audio and video podcasts for free download.

    Available at www.nationalgeographic.com/podcasts as well as on iTunes and Yahoo!, the first offering of podcasts aims to inspire audiences to care about the planet by tapping into a wide range of newly produced and existing content from National Geographic. Of the 10 National Geographic offerings on the iTunes storefront, eight are in the top 75 downloads for this week.

    Free audio podcasts from National Geographic include:

    – National Geographic News — The week’s top science and nature news, world music features, interviews with innovators, audio quizzes and a “Photos on the Radio” feature

    – Afropop Worldwide — Lively, in-depth reports on the music and culture of Africa and the Americas and their transatlantic connections

    – Traveler Magazine’s ’50 Walks of a Lifetime’– Some of the greatest walking tours, including San Francisco, Tribeca (NY), Paris and Venice, selected by editors of National Geographic Traveler and narrated by radio and television travel authority Rudy Maxa

    – National Geographic World Talk — Interviews with the world’s most compelling scientists, explorers, photographers and thinkers

    – The Best of National Geographic Magazine –The best of 118 years of adventure, cultures and creature features, including the award-winning Sights & Sounds

    – National Geographic Minutes — Minute-long reports on nature and science

    Free video podcasts include:

    – Wild Chronicles — Rare access to unknown places and in-depth reporting from the public television series Wild Chronicles, hosted by Boyd Matson and made possible by National Geographic Mission Programs and Lindblad Expeditions and presented by WLIW New York

    – National Geographic Video Shorts — Videos from National Geographic, including Mysteries of Lost Civilisations, The World’s Most Unusual Foods, Extreme Healing, The World’s Toughest Jobs and spotlights on countries around the world

    – National Geographic Atmosphere — Features video with ambient sound that exposes users to exotic settings and locations

    – National Geographic Spotlight — Featuring one-on-one interviews with superstars from around the globe. From Brazilian crooners to Senegalese superstars, Spotlight lets the musicians speak for themselves.

    National Geographic digital media VP content operations, Betsy Scolnik says, “For more than a century National Geographic has crossed borders in its storytelling. Podcasting is shaping up to be the ultimate tool for crisscrossing the globe, making it easy for everyone — from the armchair traveler to the on-the-go adventurer — to access great stories through video, audio, music and still photos.”

  • Tanishq announces 10th Anniversary Bonanza- Series of offers to entice customers this season

    Tanishq, India’s innovative jewellery brand has announced exciting offers to celebrate its 10th Anniversary. The celebrations entitle Tanishq customers across the country to a 10-gram silver coin on purchase of 10-15 grams of 22k gold jewellery and a 0.5 gram gold coin on every purchase of 15-gram of 22k gold jewellery.

    The studded jewellery range also has a special offer of a 0.5 gram gold coin on every purchase of diamond jewellery worth Rs 10,000 or coloured stone jewellery worth Rs 15,000. Consumers can avail the Tanishq Anniversary offer from July 1 to 31, across all Tanishq showrooms in India. This offer is not valid on the purchase of gold coins and solitaires.

    This special offer is a celebration of the decade long success of Tanishq and its special bonding with the consumers. Tanishq has announced the special offer in a scenario where the price of gold is unstable and will make this offer irresistible to those consumers who are either postponing or staggering their gold purchases due to the rise in gold prices.

    Commenting on the offers that have been announced, Tanishq marketing and merchandising manager Aanchal Jain said, “Gold has become the most sought after commodity today, given the rise in gold prices customers are looking for more value whenever they buy gold jewellery. Our offers will appeal to customers who are looking for the best deals in quality, purity and value added offerings.”

    Tanishq, India’s only national jeweller offers gold and gem-set jewellery (in 22 and 18 carat gold) in over 6000 traditional, western and fusion looks. The Tanishq retail chain currently includes 81 exclusive boutiques in more than 62 cities, making it India’s first and largest jewellery retail store chain.

  • Sahara One, Endemol present Super Star reality show

    Sahara One, Endemol present Super Star reality show

    NEW DELHI: You think you look like Shah Rukh Khan. You think you move like Khan. You think you act like him. But for one night, can you make millions believe you really are Shah Rukh Khan?

    Coming this September, Sahara One Television brings alive a brand new reality concept, Super Stars, in association with Endemol India.

    The new show proposes to provide Bollywood fans with an opportunity to showcase their talent and perform as their favourite star.

    This international format has seen a production of over 70-odd series in 20 countries across the globe under different names like Sound Mix and Stars in the Eyes.

    The Indian version of this show kick starts with a five-city audition on Sahara One starting 10 August, 2006.

    In each episode, contestants compete by copying their favourite artist as faithfully as possible.

    “India is a nation obsessed with Bollywood. There are temples, clubs, associations dedicated to film actors. Dancing and singing is not only about performing; it’s a passion that drives the souls of many. It’s our endeavour to provide a national platform for such talent,” Sahara One COO Purnendu Bose says.

    The jury for Super Stars includes Bollywood heavy weights like the gorgeous Urmila Matondkar and ace choreographer Shiamak Davar. There would be floating judges too for particular episodes.

    The whole of August, Super Stars will do a nation-wide hunt in an attempt to unearth the flair people possess to be like their stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Rani Mukherjee, Saif Ali Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Kajol, Preity Zinta, Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor, Hritik Roshan, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan.

    The contestants will be judged on three parameters – look and style, acting and dance — and will vie for the ultimate honour: the title of Super Star.

    According to Endemol India MD Rajesh Kamat, “We are very excited to partner with Sahara One Television on this special format. It is a show people will connect with and it will feature people that they will connect with.”

    Kamath added that they have received “tremendous response” from people. Aspirants aged 18 years and above can walk in and audition at the city level. This would be applicable to five cities that include Ludhiana (August 10-12), New Delhi (August 13-14), Kolkata (August 17-18), Bhopal (August 20-21) and Mumbai (August 22-23).

    Hundred and twenty winners from the regional auditions will be invited to Mumbai and groomed by experts.

    Sahara One Television is part of the umbrella brand Sahara One, whose other businesses include Sahara One Motion Pictures, which is India’s largest player in the motion pictures business.

    Endemol is a global leader in television and other audiovisual entertainment. The company creates premium entertainment ideas and sells them to the world’s leading broadcasters. Subsequently, the company exploits the value of its brands across other media and communications platforms including mobile phones and the Internet.

  • India to play Australia, Windies in September

    India to play Australia, Windies in September

    MUMBAI: This is one series that should have Zee Sports seriously pushing it as a prime property. Just ahead of the Champions Trophy in October, India will be playing a tri-series against Australia and the West Indies in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

    “The triseries of seven One-Day Internationals between India, Australia and West Indies [is] scheduled to be played in September this year in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur as part of the newly formatted Neutral Venue Schedule,” Zee News quoted the BCCI as saying in a statement issued here.

    The series falls under the neutral venue matches that Zee had secured rights to in April with whopping $219.15 million bid (average of $ 8.77 million per match) for 25 matches spread over the next five years. .

    The triseries was approved by the Marketing Sub-committee which met in Mumbai on 28 July, Zee News quoted the BCCI statement as saying.

    The format of the tournament is a league where each of the three teams will play each other twice and the top two will go through to the Finals.

    Singapore will host the first three ODIs while Kuala Lumpur will host the following four matches (including the Finals).

    The Indian board will handle the marketing and sale of television rights, while Cricket Australia will manage and consolidate all ground handling for the series, the BCCI statement adds.

  • Siemens hosts ‘Open the door to 3G’ targeting Indian telecom market

    Siemens hosts ‘Open the door to 3G’ targeting Indian telecom market

    MUMBAI: Siemens Communications has organized a workshop in India titled ‘Open the door to 3G’ to share the latest trends in the communications industry. The workshop showcased 3G product offerings for network providers, presenting a view on the introduction of 3G in India.

    In addition to a demonstration of the technology range of 3G network solutions, the workshop also provided an insight into innovations in delivering effective, controlled and secure communications infrastructure over next generation mobile networks beyond 3G, informs an official release.

    Live demonstration of network solutions like HSxPA, Remote Radio Heads, DVB-H, Mobile TV via streaming, SIP-Applications were conducted during the workshop. These advanced network solutions enable carriers to provide and subscribers with a whole package of telecommunications applications.

    Siemens Public Communications Networks Ltd MD Michael Kuehner said, “Innovation and continuous buildup of strength in technology are growth drivers in any emerging market. India today is one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the world and the opportunities are endless here. The spurt in spending power in the hands of consumers is further fueling demand for advanced technology. Siemens recognizes the challenges of the Indian telecom industry and offers best-suited products, services and cost-effective solutions. With the introduction of advanced network solutions in India, Siemens will support operators to usher in spectrum efficient, feature-rich seamless roaming, broad bandwidth and high-speed communication.”

    “The Indian market is at an exciting stage as it is poised for the rollout of 3G. We are providing technology, which enables smooth transition from 2G to 3G providing carriers the flexibility of adapting networks to meet increased voice and data traffic. With advanced technologies, there will be a lot of demand for strong network indoors as video applications would mostly be accessed indoors. Our Mobile Base Stations offer the best indoor connectivity as they can be placed at strategic locations and can be quite small in size,’ said Utran Product Line Strategy head and director Dr. Dina Bartels.

    Siemens Communications claims to be setting benchmarks in quality and delivery thus targeting key growth areas, which include upcoming opportunities in semi-urban and rural markets, providing cutting-edge technology in urban markets and adding additional capabilities to existing infrastructure by continuously innovating its offerings for the Indian market. The company is focusing on enabling customer satisfaction for fast moving and emerging telecom markets like India, adds the release.
     

  • Can India score a perfect 10 GDP?”

    MUMBAI: CNBC-TV18, India’s leading business medium and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) have joined hands to promote the ‘India Economic Conclave 2006’ presented by the Bank of Rajasthan. The India Economic Conclave is an annual event hosted by CNBC-TV18, which brings the top thinkers in the corporate world on a common platform to brainstorm on issues plaguing India Inc and suggest an appropriate course of action. The theme for the Conclave this year was ‘ Breakthrough Ideas to Attain 10% GDP’

     

    The India Economic Conclave 2006 integrated two interactive panel discussions ‘AIMING FOR 10% GDP – What needs to be done: The Role of the Government, Industry and Consumer’ and ‘Out of the Box Ideas for Double Digit Growth’. Moderated by Senthil Chengalvarayan and Shereen Bhan, the conclave deliberated on innovative and revolutionary ideas that could propel India into the next paradigm of growth in the Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Agriculture and Services sectors.

     

    Speakers at the two sessions included corporate and government leaders like Mr Jyotiraditya Scindia, Loksabha MP – Congress, Mr. Ajay S Shriram, Chairman and Senior Managing Director – DCM Shriram Consolidated Ltd., Dr. Surinder Kapur, Chairman and Managing Director – Sona Koyo Steering Systems Ltd, Mr. Banmali Agrawala, Managing Director – Wartsila India Ltd, Mr Tarun Tejpal, Editor-in-Chief – Tehelka, Mr. R Seshasayee, President – CII, Mr. Tapan Bhaumik, Chief economist – Reliance Industries, Mr. Santosh Desai, President – McCann Erickson and Mr. Raman Roy, Chairman & Managing Director – Quatrro.

     

    Speaking at the conclave, a spokesperson for CNBC-TV18 said, “The ultimate aim of the conclave is to create and write a socio-economic blueprint that will help Heads of State, CEOs, and Policy Makers from India and across the world to understand and work with the vast opportunity that is India. The next milestone ahead of India is breaking through the 10% GDP barrier and one thing is loud and clear if the Indian economy has to grow by 10% then the consumers, government and the industry players will have to work in perfect symphony.”

     

    Sustained economic growth presents different challenges to India – revitalization of the rural economy, improved delivery of necessary public services, enhanced management of urban areas, and facilitation of cost-effective investment in infrastructure were identified by the panelists.

    The discussion revealed that for India to achieve a 10% GDP growth the immediate need is to increase infrastructure spend to GDP. The problem which arises here was Investment as China spends around 20% of its GDP on Infrastructure projects while India spends only 6%. Hence there is a strong case for raising this number.

  • World’s first mobile movie – ‘Ctrl+Alt+Del’ launched on Reliance Mobile

    World’s first mobile movie – ‘Ctrl+Alt+Del’ launched on Reliance Mobile

    MUMBAI: Reliance Communications, today became the first telecom operator in the World to have premiered a movie on the mobile platform, with the premiere of world’s first mobile movie ‘Ctrl+Alt+Del’ on Reliance Mobile World.

    The launch of Ctrl+Alt+Del, a 25 minute film specially produced for the mobile platform by Phonethics Mobile Media, can be accessed by millions of Reliance Mobile customers on the first day of its launch and is a significant path-breaking initiative in the global telecom space.

     

    “The premiere of Ctrl+Alt+Del on Reliance Mobile marks another milestone whereby the Indian film industry has recognized the power of the mobile medium by releasing it on Reliance Mobile World”, said Mahesh Prasad, President, Applications Solutions & Content Group, Reliance Communications. “Reliance continues to delight its mobile customers by bringing big screen content to mobile phones such as the recent introduction of TV serials like Mahabharata and Malgudi Days”, he added.

     

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Saurabh Gupta, CEO, Phonethics Mobile Media (P) Ltd. and Director of Ctrl+Alt+Del said, “Phonethics is in the advanced stages of developing a slew of new products for exclusive distribution over mobile phones in the growing Indian market. The company has a rich and diverse talent pool that combine to create the best of content. We look forward to surge ahead with the support of partners such as Reliance and Rahul Bose”.

     

    Releasing Ctrl-Alt-Del on Reliance Mobile World noted actor Rahul Bose, said “For the first time in world telecommunications history the customer has been offered two completely diverse offerings on single platform: mobile services and movies! I believe that the mobile phone is the next best medium for infotainment that will reach out to the present day’s tech savvy audience. I am thrilled to be part of this never-before initiative jointly promoted by Reliance Communications and Phonethics Mobile Media.”

     

    Reliance Communications has been the pioneer in the Value Added Service segment and has maintained its leadership by offering a suite of mass market as well as niche utility, entertainment and informative applications for its subscribers. Earlier this year, Reliance Mobile became the first telecom operator in the World to launch a TV channel on the mobile, with the premiere of Times Now. The company was India’s first telecom operator in India to launch mobile streaming and Mobi-Serials.