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  • Zee Cafe to launch ‘Love Monkey’ & ‘Sopranos V’

    Zee Cafe to launch ‘Love Monkey’ & ‘Sopranos V’

    MUMBAI: Zee Cafe will premiere two new shows Love Monkey and Sopranos fifth season starting 23 July and 19 July respectively.

    Love Monkey, a comedy scheduled for Sunday nights at 10 pm, stars Golden Globe nominee Thomas Cavanagh (Ed), Golden Globe nominee Jason Priestley (Beverly Hills, 90210), Larenz Tate (Ray) and Christopher Wiehl (Playmakers). The story revolves around four men, who struggle with career and relationships while helping one another through the often-comical roadblocks fate decides to throw their way.

    Sopranos, scheduled for 10 pm on Wednesdays, features Emmy Award winners James Gandolfini and Edi Falco. This series redefines family with its realistic, compelling and darkly humorous looks at the suburban New Jersey Soprano clan. Managing a deadly criminal enterprise has taken its toll on anxiety-ridden Mafia boss Tony Soprano (Gandolfini). Trying to elude the FBI and avoid mob power struggles while coping with a shaky marriage to long-suffering wife Carmela (Falco) and fatherhood to his sullen teenage son and rebellious daughter is enough to send anyone to the analyst’s couch. So, when the pressures reach dangerous levels, Tony reluctantly seeks the help of psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) to reconcile the consequences of his life choices.

  • 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

  • KT-Korea campaigns for faster IPTV adoption

    MUMBAI: The South Korean fixed-line & broadband carrier KT Corporation has called for the government to speed up introducing Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), claiming that a one-year delay would cost the nation about 1 trillion won (US$1.07 billion).


    An Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union report quotes The Korea Times on KT‘s warning that Korea might suffer a loss of more than 1 trillion won, if the adoption of IP-based media services was delayed by one year, hurting related equipment makers severely.


    Korea has been slow to adopt the cutting-edge services largely due to the protests and lobbying efforts from terrestrial TV and cable service providers, who fear their market share might decline and profits shrink. KT and other telecom operators with solid IP infrastructure want to use their facilities to expand their service coverage and broaden income bases.


    Korea is now expected to allow operators to launch IPTV as early as in 2007 and KT plans to invest 300 billion won (US$319 million) into IPTV infrastructure this year for a faster service launch, the report adds

  • KT-Korea campaigns for faster IPTV adoption

    KT-Korea campaigns for faster IPTV adoption

    MUMBAI: The South Korean fixed-line & broadband carrier KT Corporation has called for the government to speed up introducing Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), claiming that a one-year delay would cost the nation about 1 trillion won (US$1.07 billion).

    An Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union report quotes The Korea Times on KT’s warning that Korea might suffer a loss of more than 1 trillion won, if the adoption of IP-based media services was delayed by one year, hurting related equipment makers severely.

    Korea has been slow to adopt the cutting-edge services largely due to the protests and lobbying efforts from terrestrial TV and cable service providers, who fear their market share might decline and profits shrink. KT and other telecom operators with solid IP infrastructure want to use their facilities to expand their service coverage and broaden income bases.

    Korea is now expected to allow operators to launch IPTV as early as in 2007 and KT plans to invest 300 billion won (US$319 million) into IPTV infrastructure this year for a faster service launch, the report adds.

  • MSO says Cable TV amendments not enough

    MSO says Cable TV amendments not enough

    The changes approved by the Cabinet in the Cable TV Act, 1995 are welcome said Ashok Mansukhani, who once headed MSO InCable. “The focus is on the provider of the content, not on cable TV operators as being culpable for any questionable content,” says Mansukhani. “Earlier, a couple of cases had been filed against Star Movies where we were also named as infringers of the law. The amendment forcing broadcasters to adhere to the programming and ad code puts the onus on them.”

    According to him, the amendments, serve to bring even pay TV channels under the DD programming code. “There is an equalisation between pay TV and free to air TV channels. Earlier on, programmers used to take refuge under the statement that they were pay channels.”

    He, however, expressed doubt about the fact that the government had left policing of the amendments in the hands of local authorities. “What is all right in Mumbai may be repulsive in Agra. Hence making local designated authorities responsible for content can be a potential landmine field. A central broadcasting standards council should have been set up which will monitor content nationally. This is something the industry has been demanding.”

    Additionally, what has got Mansukhani’s goose is the fact that the government (read: DD) is forcibly blocking up three channels to prop up the inefficencies of the state owned broacaster through the amendments.

    “Almost 40 per cent of TV sets in India are not cable TV ready,” he says. “They can receive only 10-12 channels. By blocking three channels in the prime band the government- in partnership with DD – is limiting the industry from placing the channels of their and the consumers’ choice. DD has consistently been losing revenue to private channels and this amendment is a blatant effort by the broadcaster to improve its position, reduce competition through a government mandate.”

  • Indiavision targets 5 November launch for entertainment channel ‘Yes’

    Indiavision targets 5 November launch for entertainment channel ‘Yes’

    MUMBAI: Kerala’s Indiavision Satellite Communications Ltd, which runs the news channel Indiavision, is gearing up to launch an entertainment channel in the Malayalam television market. The company is targeting 5 November for the launch of its proposed youth-oriented entertainment channel ‘Yes’.

    “The new channel will be an out-and-out entertainment channel with programmes mainly targeted at the Malayalam-speaking youth. We are investing about Rs 200 million in the venture,” Indiavision resident director Jamaal Farooq tells indiantelevision.com.

    According to Farooq, the funding would be done through equity mobilisation. He adds that the company is looking to source the funding from individuals based in Kerala. “Our flagship (news) channel Indiavision is mainly driven by investments from Non Resident Indians (NRIs). But, in the case of Yes, we are tapping only Kerala-based individuals.”

    Farooq also informs that the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has offered to invest Rs 20 million in Indiavision.

    Yes, a free-to-air channel, will be using a transponder space of 4.5 mbps on the Insat 4A satellite.

    Indiavision is also planning to launch an English news channel targeting South Indian expats based in the Middle East. “We are planning to launch an English news channel in the Middle East after the launch of Yes,” says Farooq.

  • 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.