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  • Putin appears on BBC World’s ‘Inside Russia’ season

    Putin appears on BBC World’s ‘Inside Russia’ season

    MUMBAI: Ahead of the G8 summit in St Petersburg on 15 July, BBC World is dedicating a season of programmes about the host country Russian with news coverage, documentaries and factual programming, which will explore the new cultural climate of Putin’s Russia in a season called Inside Russia.

    BBC Presenter Bridget Kendall will be putting forward some of the 5000 questions received from the BBC and Russia’s Yandex websites’ audience worldwide, to President Vladmir Putin of Russia in an edition of the BBC’s interactive multimedia programme Have Your Say on 9 July. Recorded at the Kremlin on 6 July, the full interview with the Russian President is available on bbcnews.com.

    The BBC’s Emma Simpson in Moscow will be reporting on the new oligarchs and their ambitions; the new business mood in Russia; doing business in Russia; and the flood of money into Europe and what it means for Western companies. On 15 July, the business team will preview the G8 meeting from Saint Petersburg, states an official release.

    BBC will also showcase Crossing the Caucasus: The North Caucasus, which is one of the world’s most ancient battlegrounds. From war-torn Chechnya to volatile Dagestan, today it is Russia’s most explosive region. After 15 years of reporting from Russia, Steve Rosenberg sets off on a journey through the mountains to meet the people who live in the constant shadow of violence.

    The other programme which is part of the line-up is The World Uncovered: Putin’s Palace portrays the men and women who work for the Russian President, with unprecedented access to inside the Kremlin’s walls, adds the release.

  • Telenity provides location-based services to BSNL

    Telenity provides location-based services to BSNL

    MUMBAI: Telenity, a provider of next generation converged services platforms and applications for communications networks, will be providing location-based services (LBS) solution to India’s state-owned telecom giant, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) through its partner Tier 1 network equipment providers (NEPs).

    Telenity provides its Canvas LES, Location Enabling Server, and 14 location-based services to BSNL that will enable the operator to offer personalised value added location-based services to its mobile customers. This highly scalable location solution will serve BSNL network infrastructure expected to grow from approximately 14 million to 70 million subscribers, and is expected to support world’s largest deployment to date.

    “Location-based value added services are absolutely essential for carriers to effectively compete and differentiate in the wireless marketplace. Worldwide carrier revenues from location-based services are expected to climb from a little less than $1 billion in 2005 to nearly $8.5 billion by 2010,” said Telenity CEO Dilip Singh.

    “Our converged location and presence solution supports complete and total privacy of location-based services across any network. It not only increases BSNL’s enhanced service offerings and ARPU, but just as significantly, enables BSNL to aggressively pursue a wide variety of new business models, including resale and revenue sharing options. This deployment shows Telenity’s commitment to serve one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the world,” he added.

    Telenity’s LBS solution is a crucial part of BSNL’s expansion of its GSM/GPRS digital wireless network in the south, east and north zones of India. It includes Telenity’s Canvas LES, which ensures subscribers can easily find, locate or monitor phones and other assets based on their geographic position, points of interest and securely fine-tune their privacy profile on the fly when they want it and 14 location-based services including:

    Real Time Fleet and Asset Management – enables enterprises to locate, monitor and manage their mobile assets and employees in a secure way using a simple Web browser.

    Friend Finder – alerts subscribers when one of their friends in their buddy list is in close proximity to their location or vice versa.

    Mobile Yellow Pages – allows subscribers to get the location of the closest service point of their interest.

    City Sightseeing – provides subscribers with the location information of a place of interest – restaurant, museum, theater, park, etc.

    Telenity’s LBS solution is developed utilizing the Canvas service creation environment, telephony applications server and service delivery gateway. Telenity’s LBS solution is the most comprehensive and advanced in the world today and is positioned for VAS in IP Multimedia Subsystem enabled and 3G networks.

    “As we expand our network, our main goal is to meet the personalisation needs of our fast growing subscriber base and strengthen our position in the industry as an innovator and leader in mobile value added services. The location-based services solution from Telenity will allow differentiate BSNL mobile value added services and increase average revenues per user,” said BSNL general manager mobile services S. Krishnan.

    “Within just more then a year of operation in India, Telenity has expanded its workforce to fully support customers in India,. We are rapidly moving ahead with our commitment in the region by establishing center of excellence for APAC in India. This will ensure BSNL services are up and running all the time” said Telenity general manager Asia Pacific Ashwani Vachher.

    India is among the fastest growing telecommunications markets in the world. In a country of over one billion people, teledensity now stands at about eleven percent or around 120 million people. This figure is expected to grow to 30 per cent by 2010, according to the Department of Telecommunications of India.

  • Telenity provides location-based services to BSNL

    MUMBAI: Telenity, a provider of next generation converged services platforms and applications for communications networks, will be providing location-based services (LBS) solution to India‘s state-owned telecom giant, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) through its partner Tier 1 network equipment providers (NEPs).


    Telenity provides its Canvas LES, Location Enabling Server, and 14 location-based services to BSNL that will enable the operator to offer personalised value added location-based services to its mobile customers. This highly scalable location solution will serve BSNL network infrastructure expected to grow from approximately 14 million to 70 million subscribers, and is expected to support world‘s largest deployment to date.


    “Location-based value added services are absolutely essential for carriers to effectively compete and differentiate in the wireless marketplace. Worldwide carrier revenues from location-based services are expected to climb from a little less than $1 billion in 2005 to nearly $8.5 billion by 2010,” said Telenity CEO Dilip Singh.


    “Our converged location and presence solution supports complete and total privacy of location-based services across any network. It not only increases BSNL‘s enhanced service offerings and ARPU, but just as significantly, enables BSNL to aggressively pursue a wide variety of new business models, including resale and revenue sharing options. This deployment shows Telenity‘s commitment to serve one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the world,” he added.


    Telenity‘s LBS solution is a crucial part of BSNL‘s expansion of its GSM/GPRS digital wireless network in the south, east and north zones of India. It includes Telenity‘s Canvas LES, which ensures subscribers can easily find, locate or monitor phones and other assets based on their geographic position, points of interest and securely fine-tune their privacy profile on the fly when they want it and 14 location-based services including:



    • Real Time Fleet and Asset Management – enables enterprises to locate, monitor and manage their mobile assets and employees in a secure way using a simple Web browser.

    • Friend Finder – alerts subscribers when one of their friends in their buddy list is in close proximity to their location or vice versa.

    • Mobile Yellow Pages – allows subscribers to get the location of the closest service point of their interest.

    • City Sightseeing – provides subscribers with the location information of a place of interest – restaurant, museum, theater, park, etc.

    • Telenity‘s LBS solution is developed utilizing the Canvas service creation environment, telephony applications server and service delivery gateway. Telenity‘s LBS solution is the most comprehensive and advanced in the world today and is positioned for VAS in IP Multimedia Subsystem enabled and 3G networks.

    “As we expand our network, our main goal is to meet the personalisation needs of our fast growing subscriber base and strengthen our position in the industry as an innovator and leader in mobile value added services. The location-based services solution from Telenity will allow differentiate BSNL mobile value added services and increase average revenues per user,” said BSNL general manager mobile services S. Krishnan.


    “Within just more then a year of operation in India, Telenity has expanded its workforce to fully support customers in India,. We are rapidly moving ahead with our commitment in the region by establishing center of excellence for APAC in India. This will ensure BSNL services are up and running all the time” said Telenity general manager Asia Pacific Ashwani Vachher.


    India is among the fastest growing telecommunications markets in the world. In a country of over one billion people, teledensity now stands at about eleven percent or around 120 million people. This figure is expected to grow to 30 per cent by 2010, according to the Department of Telecommunications of India

  • Nick US to continue causing pranks with Hi Jinks

    Nick US to continue causing pranks with Hi Jinks

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom has announced that its channel Nick at Nite’s hidden-camera series, Hi-Jinks, returns for more laughs and pranks for kids of all ages on 11 July.

    Each week features a celebrity prank segment in which famous faces use their talents to dupe unsuspecting targets, from ages 7 to 27, no one is safe. Actors Ted McGinley Hope & Faith, John Schneider Smallville, Alfonso Ribeiro Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Corbin Bernsen L.A. Law and Bo Bice American Idol are among the celebrities who have conspired with parents to prank kids.

    Each half an hour episode features several pranks taking place everywhere from homes, malls and even schools across the country. Grammy Award-winner Patti Labelle, Academy Award-winner Susan Sarandon, boxing champ Evander Holyfield, NBA All-Star Chris Webber and The View’s Meredith Vieira were among the celebrities who conspired with parents to prank kids in past episodes.

    In the first episode, viewers will find out what breaks loose when John Schneider tries a hazardous stunt, Dukes-style. Also featured are pranks involving an overzealous crossing guard, an ice cream machine that goes haywire, a Panda bear that steals candy and a messy experience at a salad bar.

  • Women’s hockey Champions Trophy kicks off on Ten Sports

    Women’s hockey Champions Trophy kicks off on Ten Sports

    MUMBAI: Ten Sports will continue its coverage of global hockey events with the telecast of the Rabo Women’s Champions Trophy, which starts at Amstelveen, Holland, from 8 July 2006.

    Six of the world’s top women’s hockey teams – twice defending champions and hosts Netherlands, Australia, World Cup winners Argentina, Olympic champions Germany, China and New Zealand – will take part in the tournament. The event ends on 16 July.

    Ten Sports will also air action from the ensuing Sahara Men’s Champions Trophy, which will be played at Terrasa, Spain, from 22 to 30 July.

  • WWE reports decline in 4Q revenue, operating income

    WWE reports decline in 4Q revenue, operating income

    MUMBAI: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has announced financial results for its fourth fiscal quarter ended 30 April 2006. Revenues totaled $114.3 million as compared to $118.3 million in the prior year quarter and operating income was $15.1 million as compared to $22.5 million in the prior year quarter.

    In India, viewers can catch WWE action on Ten Sports.

    WWE reported net income of $10.6 million as compared to $16.1 million in the prior year quarter. WWE CEO Linda McMahon says, “Our fourth quarter operating results capped off a very successful year as we generated $400 million in revenues in fiscal 2006, reflecting strong performances by our home video, licensing and digital media businesses.

    “In the fourth quarter, we continued to make strategic investments in key areas such as our digital business initiative and global marketing campaigns. Our WrestleMania 22 results in the fourth quarter continue to demonstrate the power of both that event and of the overall WWE brand and their respective places in pop culture. Also, we are relaunching the ECWbrand via weekly television performances on the Sci Fi Channel and through a distinct touring group performing in smaller venues. This type of performance gives our fans a different wrestling experience. Raw, SmackDown and ECW now represent a portfolio of WWE brands for fans of all ages and interests to enjoy.”

    Revenues from live and televised entertainment businesses were $92.3 million for the current quarter as compared to $102.2 million in the prior year quarter, a decrease of 10 per cent primarily reflecting the absence of domestic cable ad revenues.

    Pay Per View (PPV) revenues were $35.4 million as compared to $34.6 million in the prior year quarter. There were four PPV events produced in the current quarter as compared to three events in the prior year quarter. International events generated approximately $13 million in the current quarter as compared to $16.0 million in the prior year quarter.

    The current quarter included a highly successful 16 event European tour as well as several events in emerging territories, including the Philippines and Thailand. Although the emerging territories yield lower revenues as compared to other international markets, WWE says that these tours, combined with its TV presence, establish our brand presence which allows it to develop the other businesses such as licensing, PPV and home video sales.

  • Cartoon Network, Pogo score well with kids this summer

    Cartoon Network, Pogo score well with kids this summer

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network and Pogo, continue to top the popularity charts among kids in the summer months. The channels claim, that according to the latest ratings of Tam (4-14 C&S, All India, 1-31 May, all days, 24 hours), Cartoon Network and Pogo, are the number one and two channels in the kids channel space with the channel share of 5.1 per cent and 4.6 per cent respectively.

    Cartoon Network and Pogo form a formidable pair of kids’ channel with combined channel share of 9.7 per cent, which is 20 per cent higher than the combined channel share of all other kids’ channels.

    As part of the summer programming line up, Pogo premiered the first three installments of the Harry Potter movies, – titles included Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone on 7 May, Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets on 14 May and Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban on 21 May.

    The movies received an average of 1.3 TVR (for all airings) for all India, in C&S 4-14, all SEC audience beating all competitive programming on other TV channels including all kids’ channels, national news channels and also channels in GEC and music genres at all India level.

    On the other hand, Cartoon Network continued to entertain kids’ through the summer with shows such as Tom & Jerry tales, Tom & Jerry kids, Pokemon, Franklin, Dragon Tales, Koala Brothers, Beyblade, Richie Rich, The Popeye show and Baby Looney Tunes amongst others.

    This summer the combined channel share of all kids’ channels was augmented by 27 per cent, from pre summer shares of 12.7 per cent (February to March) to summer shares of 16.1 per cent (April to May). Cartoon Network and Pogo made an individual contribution of 27 per cent and 26 per cent respectively to the development.

    Turner International India vice president advertising sales and networks India and South Asia Monica Tata said. “We are pleased that we have delivered on our promise to Indian kids in bringing them the best in world-class programming across genres, including movies such as the blockbuster Harry Potter series. This repeated, over-whelming performance of both our number one and number two kids’ channel’s – Cartoon Network and Pogo across summer, indeed, demonstrates that we truly understand the entertainment needs of Indian’s kids’ best. It is our endeavour to continually provide compelling content that is both engaging and entertaining to our loyal audience.”

  • Nick US to continue causing pranks with Hi Jinks

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom has announced that its channel Nick at Nite’s hidden-camera series, Hi-Jinks, returns for more laughs and pranks for kids of all ages on 11 July.


    Each week features a celebrity prank segment in which famous faces use their talents to dupe unsuspecting targets, from ages 7 to 27, no one is safe. Actors Ted McGinley Hope & Faith, John Schneider Smallville, Alfonso Ribeiro Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Corbin Bernsen L.A. Law and Bo Bice American Idol are among the celebrities who have conspired with parents to prank kids.


    Each half an hour episode features several pranks taking place everywhere from homes, malls and even schools across the country. Grammy Award-winner Patti Labelle, Academy Award-winner Susan Sarandon, boxing champ Evander Holyfield, NBA All-Star Chris Webber and The View‘s Meredith Vieira were among the celebrities who conspired with parents to prank kids in past episodes.


    In the first episode, viewers will find out what breaks loose when John Schneider tries a hazardous stunt, Dukes-style. Also featured are pranks involving an overzealous crossing guard, an ice cream machine that goes haywire, a Panda bear that steals candy and a messy experience at a salad bar.

  • Cartoon Network, Pogo score well with kids this summer

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network and Pogo, continue to top the popularity charts among kids in the summer months. The channels claim, that according to the latest ratings of Tam (4-14 C&S, All India, 1-31 May, all days, 24 hours), Cartoon Network and Pogo, are the number one and two channels in the kids channel space with the channel share of 5.1 per cent and 4.6 per cent respectively.


    Cartoon Network and Pogo form a formidable pair of kids’ channel with combined channel share of 9.7 per cent, which is 20 per cent higher than the combined channel share of all other kids’ channels.


    As part of the summer programming line up, Pogo premiered the first three installments of the Harry Potter movies, – titles included Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone on 7 May, Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets on 14 May and Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban on 21 May.


    The movies received an average of 1.3 TVR (for all airings) for all India, in C&S 4-14, all SEC audience beating all competitive programming on other TV channels including all kids’ channels, national news channels and also channels in GEC and music genres at all India level.


    On the other hand, Cartoon Network continued to entertain kids’ through the summer with shows such as Tom & Jerry tales, Tom & Jerry kids, Pokemon, Franklin, Dragon Tales, Koala Brothers, Beyblade, Richie Rich, The Popeye show and Baby Looney Tunes amongst others.


    This summer the combined channel share of all kids’ channels was augmented by 27 per cent, from pre summer shares of 12.7 per cent (February to March) to summer shares of 16.1 per cent (April to May). Cartoon Network and Pogo made an individual contribution of 27 per cent and 26 per cent respectively to the development.


    Turner International India vice president advertising sales and networks India and South Asia Monica Tata said. “We are pleased that we have delivered on our promise to Indian kids in bringing them the best in world-class programming across genres, including movies such as the blockbuster Harry Potter series. This repeated, over-whelming performance of both our number one and number two kids’ channel‘s – Cartoon Network and Pogo across summer, indeed, demonstrates that we truly understand the entertainment needs of Indian’s kids’ best. It is our endeavour to continually provide compelling content that is both engaging and entertaining to our loyal audience.”

  • Indian Former Captain Sourav Ganguly tells HardTalk extra: I am looking forward to play for India

    As captain of India’s national cricket team, Sourav Ganguly’s achievements were remarkable. In 2003 he’d led his team to a first-ever test series against Pakistan to victory and cemented his place as India’s most successful captain ever. Ganguly is currently playing for Northamptonshire in the English county championship and hopes he can play his way back into the Indian team. However with the Indian team finding form again after a test series win in the West Indies, is there a place for him? In an exclusive interview on BBC World’s HARDtalk extra Rob Bonnet speaks to him. Excerpts from his interview below:

    Talking about his aspirations for a return to the Indian national team, Ganguly says, “It’s not just the World Cup it’s even further beyond. I am going to be 33 so I don’t think it’s an age to make a decision yet about cricket. I’ll keep on performing…I’ve not even thought about anything at this stage except playing the game. I just want to keep on playing, keep on performing, do what is in my hands, that is, playing the game, batting and bowling and fielding, and not worry about the rest…I just want to keep on playing and I still feel that I can be part of a successful side in terms of my contribution.”

    He adds, “I’ll do what’s in my hands, perform, because at the end of the day you can only be judged by your performances. If I don’t perform I don’t get back. If I perform I expect to get back …I am determined to get runs on the board…I had a good domestic season. I got to play in one test match in Pakistan where I was the second highest scorer after Yuvraj [Singh].”

    Ganguly does rule out being captain of Indian team again and feels, “You don’t have captains every six months, if you have captains every six months it’s wrong. I am looking forward to playing as a player.” He confesses he won’ be disappointed if he doesn’t come back in and says, ”I have played 390 internationals for India, captained 200. I must be one of the lucky few.”

    Talking about the controversy surrounding his sacking as captain and subsequent removal from the national team, Ganguly shares plan of possibly writing a book. ‘There will be some time when I will correct this…I’m too lazy to write a 600 page book…maybe when I finish or at some stage when I feel it’s the right time I will clear it up. Talking about the book he says, ”It will be all about cricket…on the field and some things off the field.” When asked if it will include a chapter on Chappell, Greg, he signs off ”’Well when you read the book you’ll find out.” .

    This edition of HARDtalk extra will be telecast on BBC World on Sunday 9th July at 1100 and 1700 IST.

     

    For further information contact:
    Deeptie Sethi/ Neha Sharma Priyanki Ahluwalia
    BBC World Genesis Public Relations
    Tel: 91 11 2341 2672/73 Ext. 102 Tel: 95124 504 4999 Ext. 173
    Email: deeptie.sethi@bbc.co.uk Email: priyanki.ahluwalia@bm.com

    Note to Editors
    BBC World, the BBC’s commercially funded international 24-hour news and information channel, is owned and operated by BBC World Ltd, a member of the BBC’s commercial group of companies. BBC World is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and reaches 280 million households (140 million 24-hour homes) and more than one million hotel rooms. The channel commenced transmission in 1991 as BBC World Service Television and in 1995 was re-branded BBC World, a 24-hour news and information channel broadcasting across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Japan. For further information on how to receive BBC World, download schedules or find out more about the channel, visit www.bbcworld.com