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  • ITV acquires ‘Six Degrees’ from BVITV

    ITV acquires ‘Six Degrees’ from BVITV

    MUMBAI: ITV has inked an exclusive UK deal with Buena Vista International Television (BVITV) for the licensing of Six Degrees, a new drama series from J.J. Abrams (creator of Lost) to air on its flagship channels ITV1 and 2. This makes Six Degrees the first US series to be aired in primetime on ITV1 in nine years.

    Six Degrees follows New Yorkers from all walks of life, whose lives unexpectedly become intertwined. The show will air in the US on the ABC Television Network this autumn in a primetime slot, following Grey’s Anatomy. Six Degrees is a story that underlines just how small the world really is, and how someone, just five metres away might be shaping our future right now.

    The show stars Jay Hernandez (Friday Night Lights), Erika Christensen (Flightplan), Bridget Moynahan (Sex and the City), Dorian Missick (Lucky Number Slevin), Hope Davis (About Schmidt) and Campbell Scott (The Secret Lives of Dentists). Its executive producers are J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk (Lost, Alias), Stu Zicherman and Raven Metzner (Elektra), and it is produced by Touchstone Television.

    ITV director of acquisitions Jay Kandola said, “My aim was to get brand defining shows for the ITV Network. I am delighted that Six Degrees will be a contemporary exciting new addition to the ITV1 and ITV2 offering.”

    BVITV EMEA executive vice president and managing director Tom Toumazis added, “As US series continue to return to primetime around the world, we are delighted to be working with ITV to launch Six Degrees in primetime on ITV1. We are sure that the series’ production pedigree and strong cast will appeal strongly to a UK audience.”

    The agreement was closed by ITV’s Kandola and BVITV executive director sales, UK and Ireland Catherine Powell.

  • Nat Geo Junior Hunt searches for India’s superkid

    MUMBAI: This year, infotainment channel National Geographic (NGC), is setting its sights on connecting better with kids through an on ground initiative.


    Nat Geo Junior Hunt is a quest to find India’s superkid who is curious, adventurous, articulate, energetic and smart, in short, an all rounder.


    NGC has partnered with ICICI Pru Smart Kid and Lenovo for this innovative initiative, with more in the pipeline. The channel says that the endeavour aims to extend its children’s block Nat Geo Junior on-ground to provide an intelligent platform for kids to showcase their talent through a fun-filled, learning experience.


    Elaborating on the initiative NGC senior VP programming Joy Bhattacharjya said, “With Nat Geo Junior Hunt we are looking for the brightest, smartest and the coolest Indian kid who likes his books as much as sports, likes to learn and discover new things, is adventurous, out-going and ready to take on challenges.


    “Nat Geo’s endeavour is to stimulate the intellect of our young audiences to ‘Think again’ and encourage them to learn more about the world they live in, while enjoying the experience.”


    NGC says that its kids block Nat Geo Junior which launched last year is proving to be popular amongst kids and is appreciated by both teachers as well as parents for its fun and educational format. The hunt will span across 10 cities, 380 reputed schools and will target approximately 364800 kids between 10 to 14 years of age.


    NGC VP marketing Rajesh Sheshadri says, “National Geographic Channel is committed towards providing entertainment that makes our viewers think and learn more about the world they live in. In keeping with these values, Nat Geo Junior Hunt is an first of its kind, a school challenge programme that has been developed for a younger set of Nat Geo audiences.


    “With Nat Geo Junior Hunt, the channel is opting for a 360 degree marketing approach which will be promoted on-air and off-air, and through an extensive media campaign.”


    How the Hunt works: The selection process for the contest will begin at the school level, where kids will be shortlisted through an innovative ‘Think again‘ test. This test will incorporate questions that will examine kids’ general aptitude and logical reasoning. Post the school selection, ten city finalists will be selected based on a broader spectrum of rounds like games, puzzles, debates and think out of the box ideas.


    These city finalists will be run through a grueling set of tests in the setting of an adventure camp and only four out of these ten city finalists will make it to the national finals. The lucky four will be groomed before they host their own show on Nat Geo Junior. The winner will be decided by a panel of judges.


    The channel will open a fund for the winner for his/her future studies. In addition, the Nat Geo Junior will get a chance to host Nat Geo Junior shows on the channel for three months and will also win a bouquet of prizes from the partners of the hunt.


    This renewed synergy between the channel, viewer and advertiser through Nat Geo Junior Hunt will give the channel the opportunity to engage viewers more strongly and drive longer-term relationships and extended associations with key advertisers.

  • Casbaa expresses concern over signal piracy during soccer World Cup in Hong Kong

    Casbaa expresses concern over signal piracy during soccer World Cup in Hong Kong

    MUMBAI: As the Fifa World Cup 2006 draws to a close on Sunday 9 July, the Cable and Satellite Broadcast Association of Asia (Casbaa) says that the unlicensed screening of the top-line matches in bars and clubs has been alarmingly widespread in Hong Kong.

    Such blatant breaches of copyright are a worrying issue and a significant hurdle for Hong Kong’s efforts to position itself as a genuine “World City”.

    While the World Cup has boosted Hong Kong bar revenues by up to 50 per cent independent estimates suggest that at least one-third of the cash has been generated by screening pirated TV programming from markets such as the Philippines and South Africa.

    Casbaa chairman Marce Fenez says, “We are very concerned with the ongoing tolerance of widespread piracy in one of the world’s most advanced economies – Hong Kong. Despite efforts by Hong Kong to champion its world class status, when it comes to the basics of sports and entertainment intellectual property rights protection, it still lags behind other media hubs such as Singapore, Sydney, Seoul and Tokyo.”

    According to The World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Ranking 2005-2006, Hong Kong dropped seven places to 28 out of the 117 economies measured in the study. A weakening in the protection of intellectual property rights was partially attributable to the decline in Hong Kong’s ranking.

    Fenez adds, “Collaboration on all fronts between the government, industry, bar and club owners and the general public is central to rectifying the situation and protecting Hong Kong’s reputation.

    “Casbaa has been monitoring the market on behalf of its members and legal actions are planned against establishments screening unlicensed sports programming.”

    Casbaa has also issued a public notice to reinforce the message that screening pay-TV services without legal subscriptions is against the law and that legal actions will be taken against bars and clubs that refuse to cease these activities.

    Under Hong Kong law, bars and clubs may only display pay-TV channels under an appropriate subscription from Hong Kong licensed pay-TV operators such as Hong Kong Cable, now Television and TVB Pay Vision.

    Overseas pay-TV operators such as Dream of the Philippines, MultiChoice of South Africa and UBC True of Thailand are authourised to offer pay-TV subscriptions in their respective jurisdictions and they cannot and do not offer subscriptions in Hong Kong. The display of overseas pay-TV channels in Hong Kong by bars and club owners, using special decoders is illegal.

  • Blinkx to provide access to The History Channel library

    Blinkx to provide access to The History Channel library

    MUMBAI: The video search engine Blinkx has forged a deal with The History Channel UK to carry historical audio and video clips from the channels’ library including speeches from icons such as Franklin Roosevelt, JFK, Albert Einstein and Neil Armstrong Under the terms of the agreement, the users will have access to hours of the best historical audio and video content on the web.

    “Blinkx is thrilled to be partnering with The History Channel UK,” says Blinkx founder and CTO Suranga Chandratillake. “The History Channel UK offers some of the best historical content on the Web and we are happy to make it easily accessible through blinkx.tv.”

    According to an official release, Blinkx is the only search engine optimized for rich media content and uses advanced speech recognition technology to automatically index and understand video and audio on the web making it easier for users to find exactly what they are looking for to the exact word in a clip.

    “With increasing numbers of people watching video online, we are keen to make as many of our programme clips available as possible on the website,” said History Channel UK Emily Lloyd. “Searchability is obviously extremely important and we’re happy to be partnering with Blinkx to ensure that more and more people find and view content from The History Channel.

  • Reality show ‘Big Brother’ draws the ire of Australian authorities

    Reality show ‘Big Brother’ draws the ire of Australian authorities

    MUMBAI: The reality show Big Brother has run into hot water in Australia. The show is about a group of individuals living in a house and then getting voted out each week.

    In a controversial incident a few days ago, two contestants were thrown out of the show and the police were called in. Media reports indicate that one man held down a woman while another rubbed his crotch in her face.

    Not surprisingly, influential figures have criticised the show. Some have asked Channel 10 to take the show off the air. Australian Prime Minister John Howard got on the front foot saying that in the interest of good taste, the show should no longer be aired.

    Besides concern that the show sets a bad example, the Casey Pastors Network says that the drunk and sexual behaviour of contestants is having an adverse effect on the City of Casey’s youth. Instead, the broadcaster should have shows that motivate Australia’s youth to excel in life.

  • Sab to launch ‘Left Right Left’ on 10 July at 9:30 pm

    Sab to launch ‘Left Right Left’ on 10 July at 9:30 pm

    MUMBAI: After launching Twinkle Beauty Parlour recently, Sab will now be launching a new show Left Right Left -an action packed youth based drama – on 10 July. The show will be aired from Monday-Thursday at 9.30 pm.

    Set in contemporary India, Left Right Left is the story of six youngsters Huda, Naina, Yudi, Alekh, Ali and Pooja who come together at the pre NDA Academy with varied interests, dreams, aspirations and goals. They transform from being naive to responsible young men and women who are determined to fight all odds of life.

    The show captures the journey of six confused and disoriented youngsters who transform as strong determined individuals. It also renders their realisation for the love of their mother country along the way.

    Produced and directed by Tony and Deeya Singh (of Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahi), Left Right Left stars Rajeev Khandelwal (Captain Rajveer), Shveta Salve (Dr. Ritu Mishra) and Puneet Issar (Brigadier Chandok) along with Vikas Manaktala (Huda), Arjun Bijlani (Alekh), Kunal Kapoor (Yudi), Harshad Chopra (Ali), Ghazal Rai (Pooja) and Priyanka Bassi (Naina).

    Sab senior vice president and business head Vikas Bahl said, “Our programming strategy consists of introducing new shows that include unique concepts, fresh new faces and an overall packaging that draws the masses, giving the much needed impetus to expand the channel viewer ship. At Sab, we are currently moving in the direction of consolidating our prime-time and are sure that Left Right Left will give us the expected boost.”

    Sab programming head Priya Mishra said, “Left Right Left is a show based on the youth and is a key differentiator in terms of programming for the channel. Left Right Left is a show different from the competition in the 9 pm – 10 pm slot as none of the other general entertainment channels have addressed the sentiments of youth. The show showcases much larger issues that concern the youth and reflects their attitude.”

    Tony and Deeya Singh added, “Left Right Left demonstrates a unique story of six youngsters and their way of living life. The viewers will be able to relate to Huda, Naina, Alekh, Ali, Yudi and Pooja since there would be times in their lives, where they would have experienced the same emotions and therefore will empathise with them.”

    The channel has associated itself with leading fashion house Provogue and designer Deepika Gilani to lend their creative fashion expertise to build the look for this show. Provogue has especially designed the cargoes and Tee Collection for the cast and has also styled Rajeev Khndelwal’s look for the show.

    The marketing and communication campaign of Left Right Left, the channel claims, is just as differentiated as the show itself. The campaign spanning television, radio, outdoor, on-ground captures the rebellious streak of youth in an innovative manner.

  • Rolls Royce and MTV to fight HIV and Aids

    Rolls Royce and MTV to fight HIV and Aids

    MUMBAI: Rolls-Royce has teamed up with the international music channel MTV to raise $25,000 for the Staying Alive Foundation, a global organisation dedicated to preventing the spread of HIV and Aids.

    At last year’s MTV European Music Awards in Lisbon, Rolls-Royce provided a new Phantom and invited artists to autograph the back seat. By the end of the event, more than 20 celebrities had signed, including Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay (Chris Martin pictured below), Nelly Furtado, Craig David, Bob Geldof, Shakira, Formula 1 driver Jenson Button, Foo Fighters and Borat, to name a few.

    Subsequently, the seat was removed from the car and turned into a sofa by up-and-coming furniture designer Nick Gutfreund. The seat was then bought by Hard Rock for $25,000 with Rolls-Royce donating the money to MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation.

    “We are delighted to have been involved with MTV and Hard Rock on such an innovative project,” said Rolls-Royce chairman Ian Robertson. “And one that has raised a considerable sum of money to assist Staying Alive in their continued efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and Aids.”

    MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation (www.staying-alive.org) promotes and supports young people everywhere who are protecting themselves and their communities against the multiple threats posed by the spread of HIV and Aids. The Foundation does this by presenting the Staying Alive Award annually, to young individuals and youth groups who are focused on stopping the spread of HIV and who have demonstrated the potential to become future leaders.

  • Hughes teams with Oxigen for marketing initiative

    BANGALORE: Hughes, the global player in broadband satellite networks and services, has announced that it has tied-up with Oxigen for offering prepaid recharge and bill payment services across all HughesNet Fusion centers in India.


    As part of this alliance, Oxigen will be made available across all 250 HughesNet Fusion centers in 95 cities in Phase I.


    Oxigen works on the concept of electronic distribution of prepaid airtime and bill payment services in India. The service will extend to over 1000 centres by the end of 2006. This tie-up will help Oxigen increase its points of presence from the existing 14 circles to 21 by the end of the year, states an official release.


    The company offers prepaid recharge and bill payments services for all leading telecom service providers pan India including Airtel, Cell-One, Hutch, Idea, RIM, Spice, Trump, BPL and Tata Indicom.


    “The Indian telecom market is growing at a CAGR of 29 per cent with over 4.5 million new subscribers joining the mobile club every month. A majority of this market, close to 75 percent is predominantly prepaid customers, who are spread across the length and breadth of the country. This tie-up will allow Oxigen services to be available across the country especially the tier B & C cities”, said Pranav Roach, Director Hughes Communications India Ltd.


    Speaking on the tie-up, Oxigen executive chairman Pramod Saxena said, “Hughes has effectively leveraged the strengths of satellite broadband to create electronic superstores in the form of HughesNet Fusion centres. I am confident that Oxigen will be able to leverage this infrastructure to provide greater accessibility and availability of prepaid recharge and bill payment solutions for customers pan India”. HughesNet Fusion will give Oxigen 1000 additional points of presence especially in regions like Gujarat and Kolkata.

  • CASBAA adds ten new convergence members

    CASBAA adds ten new convergence members

    The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) is expanding its membership list to include New Economy corporations and telcos as well as traditional pay-TV players.

    In early July, Hong Kong-listed Pacific Century CyberWorks (PCCW) joined CASBAA as a Patron Member, the highest level of membership. Patron Membership grants a company an automatic seat on the CASBAA Board of Directors. On July 1, PCCW (www.pcg-group.com) launched a regional Broadband service, Network of the World, distributed via cable and satellite to TVs as well as PCs.

    Also new to the Association is Hong Kong-listed cellular phone system operator Sunday Communications, which is examining opportunities for a 3G Broadband license in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

    Meanwhile, financial and business information service Bloomberg LP (www.bloomberg.com/asia) has upgraded its membership from Associate status to Patron level and will also take a seat on the CASBAA Board of Directors.

    Other new CASBAA members include:

    Sony Pictures Entertainment’s regional pay-TV channel AXN Action TV which has joined CASBAA as a corporate member (www.axn-asia.com)

    UK-based satellite communications consultancy Communications Systems Ltd. (Comsys) (www.comsys.co.uk)

    Bombay-based media investor UTV’s Vijay TV, which recently launched its Sharkstream broadband service (www.utvnet.com)

    Hong Kong-based Internet content provider WebArts TV.com (www.asianartnews.com)

    Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Vision, a group that provides satellite up linking services as well as video production services (www.apvweb.com)

    Asia Capacity Exchange, a consortium that provides online bandwidth exchange services (www.ace-asia.com).

    CSM Sofres, a leading market research group specialising broadcast media with a special interest in China among other Asian markets (www.csm.com.cn)

    X [Ventures], led by Bangkok-based entrepreneur Jeff Blatt, provides consulting and representation services for clients in the satellite, broadcasting, Internet, multimedia, high technology and venture capital industries (www.xventures.com)

  • Archer launches IPTV platform for Indian content in the US

    Archer launches IPTV platform for Indian content in the US

    MUMBAI: Archer Entertainment Media Communications which works in different areas of digital content has launched an IPTV platform, www.IndiaTVLive.com, in the US to distribute Indian content.

    Full-time broadcasting, in every Indian language, to 40 million Indians living outside of India and 1.2 billion Indian subscribers in India via www.indiatvlive.com and www.indiaradiolive.com will begin by 15 August 2006, marking the 59th anniversary of India’s independence.

    www.IndiaTVLive.com will stream Indian TV, radio and internet content to subscribers over IPTV. It will enable all Indian media via Internet Protocol to deliver television and radio channels real time, live and direct from India in as good as high definition television quality on wired, Wi-fi and cellular devices worldwide. The content will comprise news, sports and entertainment in all Indian languages.

    IndiaTVLive.com’s content and marketing partners include Shama Broadcast & Content Service India and Creative Content Services India owned and operated by Kedar Nath Gupta. Abhesh Verma is the CEO of India Broadcast Live, an Archer supported company.

    Archer Entertainment COO Munish Gupta said, “Teaming up with Abhesh, Archer was able to put together a state-of-the-art digital technology platform to broadcast the top channels from India. We will deliver channels real time and live from one of the fastest growing and dynamic countries in the world but also guarantee terrific consumer experience in terms of quality. This is the first time that the world will watch news and events as they unfold in India on any device connected by high speed Internet. This is just the beginning of what Archer and www.indiatvlive.com intend to deliver.”

    India’s Union Cabinet minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vyalar Ravi expressed delight that this new (IPTV) platform will connect expatriates with instantaneous news and information from India thereby making the ministry’s job simpler. “I personally know both the promoters, father (Kedar Nath Gupta) and son (Munish Gupta), and their hard and consistent work in media and for the community.” The Indian Minister added that the service could further enhance the fast-growing relationship and investment by overseas Indians into India.

    Verma said, “The platform provides us the extremely lucrative opportunity to reach both inside and outside of India. Overseas Indians represent the most affluent ethnic consumers of any expatriate group. Within India, we will target a whopping 500 million consumer class with a steadily rising broadband connectivity. There’s no doubt we will become the voice of India and Indians across the globe.”

    Archer Entertainment provided the initial funding for the launch and marketing of http://www.IndiaTVLive.com. Archer Entertainment CEO Michael Selsman said, “We remain committed to growing and diversifying the (IndiaTVLive.com) platform.”