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  • B’cast, telecom industry divided on IPTV norms

    NEW DELHI: A majority of broadcast industry stakeholders are against IPTV separated from cable service and have said this is likely to create more problems in an already vexed industry.


    A consultation paper issued by the broadcast regulator on IPTV and amendment in the Cable TV Act has drawn varied comments from stakeholders, including that IPTV should not be separated from cable TV and laws regulating it.


    “IPTV is similar to cable services in terms of content and mode of delivery. It would be appropriate to categorize it as a cable service rather than a telecom service under (the) Telegraph Act,” DTH licence holder ASC Enterprises has said.
    Agreeing with ASC is MSO Alliance, an apex body of multi-system operators in the country, which has sated that IPTV should not be dubbed a different service from cable TV.


    “Given the nature of IPTV services, which is akin to cable services, the effort on the part of regulator should be to propose amendments which would serve the purpose of keeping IPTV within cable services domain, rather than to suggest the ones which would take them away from the Cable Network Regulation Act,” MSO Alliance has said in reply to a consultation paper issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai).


    On the other hand, Star has said that treating IPTV differently from cable services, as had been suggested by Trai in its consultation paper, would give undue advantage to telecom companies that have been proposing to start IPTV services.


    “In the absence of parity in FDI norms, telecom operators would continue to enjoy better access to the capital required for digital broadband services. This would be to the detriment of other service providers like cable and DTH,” Star has informed Trai.


    Presently in India, foreign investment in cable TV is capped at 49 per cent, while the government has okayed a proposal to raise the limit in telecom services to 74 per cent.


    Trai had invited comments from industry stakeholders on proposed amendments in the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and existing telecom licenses for facilitation of growth of IPTV services.


    The basic intention behind the proposed amendments in the Cable Television (Regulation) Act, 1995 was to keep the IPTV service outside the definition of `cable services’.


    This means that IPTV service providers would not be covered in the definition of `cable operator’ and the Unified Access Service network used for provision of IPTV services will not get covered by the definition of `cable television network’ under the Cable Act.


    The 13 stakeholders that had got back to Trai with their comments on the issue include the following: NDS, ASC Enterprises Ltd, MSO Alliance, Cable Operators Federation of India, Hathway Cable & Datacom Private Limited, Reliance Infocomm Ltd, Ortel Communications Ltd, Zee Network, Star India, Tata Teleservices Ltd and the Internet Service Providers’ Association of India


    The full text of comments is available on the regulator’s website,www.trai.gov.in.

  • Intelsat completes acquisition of PanAmSat

    MUMBAI: Leading satellite service provider Intelsat today announced the completion of its $ 6.4 billion acquisition of rival PanAmSat.


    The addition of PanAmSat‘s video market expertise, advanced satellite fleet and blue-chip media customer base makes the new Intelsat the largest provider of fixed satellite services (FSS) worldwide to each of the media, network services/telecom and government customer sectors.


    Intelsat acquired all of the outstanding common shares of PanAmSat for approximately $3.2 billion. As a result of the merger, PanAmSat is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intelsat, and the common stock of PanAmSat has been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. The total value of the transaction, including PanAmSat debt that was refinanced or remained outstanding, is approximately $6.4 billion. 


    Using optimized capacity on a combined fleet of 51 satellites and a large, complementary terrestrial infrastructure including eight owned teleports, fiber connectivity and over 50 points of presence in almost 40 cities, the new Intelsat:


    — Carries one out of every four television channels transmitted over fixed satellites;


    — Supports 27 DTH platforms worldwide;


    — Operates 16 satellites that are part of video neighborhoods around the world;


    — Is the number one provider of transponders for video programming worldwide;


    — Carries more high definition (HD) programming than any other FSS carrier;


    — Is the largest provider of commercial satellite services to the government sector;


    — Is the leading provider of services to enterprise, Internet and mobile network operators; and


    — Provides communications services to 99 percent of the world‘s populated regions.

  • Intelsat completes acquisition of PanAmSat

    Intelsat completes acquisition of PanAmSat

    MUMBAI: Leading satellite service provider Intelsat today announced the completion of its $ 6.4 billion acquisition of rival PanAmSat. 

    The addition of PanAmSat’s video market expertise, advanced satellite fleet and blue-chip media customer base makes the new Intelsat the largest provider of fixed satellite services (FSS) worldwide to each of the media, network services/telecom and government customer sectors.

    Intelsat acquired all of the outstanding common shares of PanAmSat for approximately $3.2 billion. As a result of the merger, PanAmSat is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Intelsat, and the common stock of PanAmSat has been delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. The total value of the transaction, including PanAmSat debt that was refinanced or remained outstanding, is approximately $6.4 billion.

    Using optimized capacity on a combined fleet of 51 satellites and a large, complementary terrestrial infrastructure including eight owned teleports, fiber connectivity and over 50 points of presence in almost 40 cities, the new Intelsat:

    — Carries one out of every four television channels transmitted over fixed satellites;

    — Supports 27 DTH platforms worldwide;

    — Operates 16 satellites that are part of video neighborhoods around the world;

    — Is the number one provider of transponders for video programming worldwide;

    — Carries more high definition (HD) programming than any other FSS carrier;

    — Is the largest provider of commercial satellite services to the government sector;

    — Is the leading provider of services to enterprise, Internet and mobile network operators; and

    — Provides communications services to 99 percent of the world’s populated regions.

  • CNN Presents: Chasing Angelina – Paparazzi and Celebrity Obession

    CNN Presents: Chasing Angelina – Paparazzi and Celebrity Obession

    Insiders Talk about Desperately Seeking ‘Brangelina,’ Rosie, ‘TomKat’ for ‘Chasing Angelina’ Documentary

    Airtimes: Indian Standard Times

    Sat, June 3 at 1130am and 1930hrs

    Sun, June 4 at 1130am

    The celebrity hunt is on – and the target: mega movie star, Angelina Jolie. As stargazers await the birth of the “Brangelina” baby, CNN PRESENTS takes viewers on a wild ride during a paparazzi pursuit for money-making shots of Jolie. CNN PRESENTS: CHASING ANGELINA – PAPARAZZI AND CELEBRITY OBSESSION premieres in June.

    How far is too far to go for news of the stars’ lives? For CHASING ANGELINA, CNN talks to all sides of the celebrity media maze so viewers can decide for themselves.

    “The personal lives of Hollywood celebrities these days – it really is the best reality TV show out there,” multimedia celebrity gossip reporter Ted Casablanca said.

    But sometimes the stars write those reality show scripts themselves. In fact, many stars admit to cooperating with the entertainment press. During the documentary, Mariah Carey and Ashlee Simpson acknowledge they enjoy posing for celebrity photographer, Kevin Mazur, and he knows why.

    Larry Hackett, managing editor for People magazine, says that People avoid being deliberately “mean” to celebrities in trouble. Managing editor Peter Castro says People does hold back some stories out of a commitment to responsibility and fairness. This can translate into the magazine being rewarded with big scoops when stars do decide to go public.

    Power public relations consultants Ken Sunshine, of Ken Sunshine Consultants Inc., and Cindi Berger, managing director of PMK/HBH Inc., are at the top of the A-listers’ PR agencies. Between the two agencies, they have cultivated celebrity and managed media minefields for Paula Abdul, Tyra Banks, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and many more. Berger tells CNN how she helped long-time client, Rosie O’Donnell, navigate through negative press after being sued by her magazine publisher. People’s Castro also credits Berger with helping Mariah Carey emerge from whispers of a mental breakdown to a return to the top of the music charts.

    But not all media feel they need to work with a celebrity or publicist for the scoop on the stars.

    The sheer abundance of celebrity press and the Internet have changed the game for publicists. The top celebrity magazines now reach a combined circulation of at least 8.5 million. Star-studded entertainment television news programs add even more star watchers. And celebrity gossip blogs have kicked up the pace – and the sarcastic tone – of celebrity gossip. Defamer.com’s Mark Lisanti and Jossip.com’s David Hauslaib tell CNN they generally don’t care about offending stars or publicists to deliver their constant updates – it’s what their gossip-crazy fans expect.

    CNN PRESENTS is CNN International’s award-winning documentary series, showcasing compelling work of significant impact from esteemed filmmakers. For more CNN International programming information, please visit our website at www.cnnasiapacific.com.

    AIRTIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

  • Lintas Media Guide 2006 Movie channels gain in HSM; main Bangla channels lose share

    Media matters and how. Lintas Media Services has churned out a comprehensive media guide, which is an analysis of media spends and buys in the year gone by. Released by Intellect, a part of the Lintas Media Group, it studies all genres; television, print, radio, internet, cinema, outdoor and gives a break up of the media environment and general media industry trends of last year.

    In the second of the series, we take a look at the channels that dominated 2005 in the Hindi speaking markets as well as in the East, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

    While Star Plus continued to reign supreme in the Hindi speaking market, Hindi movie channels like Max and Zee Cinema have managed to strengthen the position of the genre in 2005.

    In the Hindi speaking markets, Star Plus continued to enjoy its leadership position throughout 2005. Its channel share, however decreased by one per cent last year to 19 per cent as compared to 2004‘s 20 per cent in the C&S 4+ SEC ABC Hindi speaking markets between week 40 – 44. Sony and Zee‘s channel shares, on the other hand, too dipped by a per cent last year to settle at six per cent and four per cent respectively.

    Meanwhile, movie channels like Max and Zee Cinema gained momentum and overall managed to their strengthen the position of the genre in 2005. While Zee Cinema, which didn‘t figure in the 2004 charts, managed to rear its head with a channel share of five per cent; Max retained its channel share of five per cent in 2005. Thus, strengthening the movie genre in the overall pie.

    Cable channels in the Hindi speaking markets too shed their numbers from 13 per cent in 2004 to 11 per cent in 2005. The channel share of DD1 dipped in 2005 from that of four per cent in 2004.

    Also, the basket of “other” channels increased from 46 per cent in 2004 to 50 per cent in 2005 in the Hindi speaking markets.

    In East India, as cable penetration increased, DD7 as a viewing choice of people reduced. Regional channels too suffered as ETV Bangla and Aakaash Bangla each lost two per cent market share last year as compared to a market share of 17 per cent and six per cent in 2004. Zee Bangla too lost one per cent in 2005 with a channel share of four per cent.

    Star Plus, on the other hand, gained one per cent and stood with 12 per cent channel share. Sony managed to hold on to its share of five per cent, whereas Zee TV and Zee Cinema both managed a four per cent channel share in 2005.

    In Tamil Nadu, Kalanithi Maran‘s empire continues to reign supreme. While the flagship channel – Sun TV – continues to rule with a channel share of 49 per cent, its sibling KTV has emerged as a frequency builder with a channel share of 12 per cent in 2005. Two other Sun channels Sun Music and Sun News also made their presence felt with channel shares of six per cent and two per cent respectively.

    On the other hand, while specific time bands of Vijay TV and Jaya TV are doing well, both channels had a share of five per cent each in 2005. Jaya TV‘s share went down by one per cent in 2005, while that of Vijay TV‘s remained status quo. The share of “Other” channels dropped in Tamil Nadu from 17 per cent in 2004 to 14 per cent in 2005.

    In Kerala, Surya TV and Asianet have been loosing their share to other channels. While Surya TV‘s share fell from 27 per cent in 2004 to 22 per cent in 2005, that of Asianet fell from 25 per cent to 23 per cent. “Other” channels have gained share from 24 per cent in 2004 to 31 per cent in 2005.

    On the other hand, in Karnataka, while Udaya leads in terms of channel share, Ushe TV has been emerging as a frequency builder. Udaya‘s shares increased from 17 per cent in 2004 to 21 per cent in 2005. ETV Kannada, on the other hand, managed to retain its share of 12 per cent through 2004 and 2005, while Sun TV‘s shares in Karnataka dropped from seven per cent to nine per cent.

    Stay tuned for the next in the series…

  • Worldspace unveils A R Rahman signature tune; set to launch new campaign

    BANGALORE: Worldspace Satellite Radio has unveiled a new signature tune developed by music impresario AR Rahman, Worldspace brand ambassador in India.


    The signature tune, to be used in an integrated communications campaign, highlights the ‘everyday‘ and ‘everywhere‘ nature of music while showcasing the incredible variety of radio content offered by Worldspace with over 40 stations of distinctive music genres, entertainment and information.


    Speaking at the launch, Worldspace corporate VP Tedros Lemma said, “It is our vision to offer Indians a truly global radio experience – giving them the variety, quality and the ability to choose what they want to listen to. AR Rahman has come to personify quality music and we are honoured to partner with him on our aggressive communication campaign to build our brand in India.”


    The Worldspace signature tune draws inspiration from the sounds of nature and the rhythms of our everyday lives. AR Rahman has woven the lyrical sounds of the soothing sea, a bird‘s chirpy call, the earthy chant of fishermen – showcasing the true inspiration of music, states an official release.


    Adds AR Rahman said, “It is my pleasure to be associated with Worldspace as I believe that there truly is so much music to hear and Worldspace has created a unique platform that not only keeps alive various forms of music but also extends the reach of this music to virtually the entire country and even abroad. When creating the tune I wanted to bring alive the true sounds of India as a showcase of the depth of musical traditions available in the country.”


    The new communications campaign, of which AR Rahman is an integral part, is based on extensive studies with existing as well as potential customers across India. Commenting on the campaign, Worldspace CMO Arti Mehta said, “We will leverage this imposing persona, and his undoubted association with quality music, to build awareness for our brand and connect with music lovers across India. We have developed an aggressive integrated campaign that involves a refreshing new series of TV commercials and on-ground events including concerts, contests and awards.”


    Shot in the picturesque surroundings of Kannur in Kerala, the new television commercial celebrates the diversity of music and draws from the theme of AR Rahman‘s inspiring signature tune – celebrating the sounds around us. At the center of the campaign is the unbeatable variety and diversity of Worldspace content highlighting the fact that “there is so much to hear.”

  • British Telecom inks VoD deal with Momentum Pictures

    MUMBAI: British Telecom has inked a new video-on-demand (VoD) film agreement with independent film distributor, Momentum Pictures, for its next-generation TV service – BT Vision, which is scheduled to launch in August to September 2006.


    Momentum Pictures is one of the UK’s largest independent film distributors. This agreement will provide access to Momentum Pictures’ catalogue including titles such as – Lost in Translation, Racing Stripes, Where the Truth Lies, O, Brother Where Art Thou?, Vera Drake, Lord of War and Broken Flowers, amongst others.


    BT Vision customers will be able to enjoy a vast range of film, music and television programming all available on-demand as well as all the Freeview channels, plus interactive and communications and all available on the TV, with no compulsory subscription.
    BT Vision CEO Dan Marks said, “We are delighted to have concluded this agreement with Momentum Pictures, which has been responsible for distributing some of the most successful and most interesting independent cinema of the past few years. Our agreement with Momentum represents our commitment to bring the best and most varied selection of movies to our customers.”


    Momentum managing director Xavier Marchand added, “We are very pleased that BT’s broadband customers will have access to many of Momentum Pictures’ titles. BT Vision and interactive access to movies are extremely exciting concepts and we eagerly anticipate the launch of the service.”

  • British Telecom inks VoD deal with Momentum Pictures

    British Telecom inks VoD deal with Momentum Pictures

    MUMBAI: British Telecom has inked a new video-on-demand (VoD) film agreement with independent film distributor, Momentum Pictures, for its next-generation TV service – BT Vision, which is scheduled to launch in August to September 2006.

    Momentum Pictures is one of the UK’s largest independent film distributors. This agreement will provide access to Momentum Pictures’ catalogue including titles such as – Lost in Translation, Racing Stripes, Where the Truth Lies, O, Brother Where Art Thou?, Vera Drake, Lord of War and Broken Flowers, amongst others.

    BT Vision customers will be able to enjoy a vast range of film, music and television programming all available on-demand as well as all the Freeview channels, plus interactive and communications and all available on the TV, with no compulsory subscription.

    BT Vision CEO Dan Marks said, “We are delighted to have concluded this agreement with Momentum Pictures, which has been responsible for distributing some of the most successful and most interesting independent cinema of the past few years. Our agreement with Momentum represents our commitment to bring the best and most varied selection of movies to our customers.”

    Momentum managing director Xavier Marchand added, “We are very pleased that BT’s broadband customers will have access to many of Momentum Pictures’ titles. BT Vision and interactive access to movies are extremely exciting concepts and we eagerly anticipate the launch of the service.”

  • News Corp appoints Dr. Paige to board of directors

    News Corp appoints Dr. Paige to board of directors

    MUMBAI: News Corporation has appointed Dr Rod Paige, the former US Secretary of Education to the board of directors with immediate effect. The addition of Dr. Paige increases the number of directors to 15.

    News Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Rupert Murdoch said, “Rod Paige’s life has been dedicated to raising standards and demanding accountability in education in the United States. In addition to his outstanding record of achievement as an educator and reformer, he has a great understanding of how big, complex institutions work – an expertise that will be invaluable to our board.”

    During his tenure at the US Department of Education from 2001 to 2005, Dr Paige was a fierce and innovative champion of education reform who led the way in setting new standards of achievement for all students in our education system. He spearheaded the implementation of the historic No Child Left Behind Act, with its goal of reinvigorating America’s education system.

    Dr. Paige has devoted his life to transforming the state of education by improving the way that children learn on all levels, a passion that has manifested itself most recently when he co-founded the bi-partisan Chartwell Education Group, LLC. This group is a consulting firm devoted to offering solutions to the 21st Century challenges faced by the public and private sector enterprises that focus on pre-K, K-12 and post-secondary education, both in the United States and throughout the world.

    Prior to his time at Chartwell, and after he left the administration in 2005, Dr. Paige served as a Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. There he was able to explore a more global perspective of education

  • Monte Carlo TV Fest and Eurodata TV Worldwide announce winners of the International TV Audience Awards

    Monte Carlo TV Fest and Eurodata TV Worldwide announce winners of the International TV Audience Awards

    MUMBAI: The winners of the first International TV Audience Awards has been announced at the 46th Monte-Carlo Television Festival Awards held in Monaco.

    A collaborated effort between the Monte-Carlo TV Festival and Eurodata TV Worldwide, the awards seek to reward programs that have delivered the highest ratings worldwide in 2005 in three categories including “Drama TV Series”, “Comedy TV Series” and “Telenovela / Soap Opera”, informs an official release.

    Revealed on the occasion of Mip TV 2006, the nominees were pre-selected among the ten best imported fiction programs in 51 countries.

    As announced by the Festival’s CEO David Tomatis and Eurodata TV Worldwide International director Jacques Braun, the winners for the most-watched television shows, include:

    Drama TV Series – CSI Las Vegas (USA), in competition with Lost (USA) and Without a Trace (USA). CSI gathered more than 78.7 million viewers worldwide in 2005.

    Comedy TV Series – Desperate Housewives (USA), in competition with Mr. Bean (UK) and Joey (USA). Desperate Housewives gathered more than 75.3 million viewers worldwide in 2005.

    Telenovela / Soap Opera – The Bold and The Beautiful (USA), in competition with Rubi (Mexico) and Pasión de Gavilanes (Colombia/USA). The Bold and The Beautiful gathered more than 26.2 million viewers worldwide in 2005.

    Created by Médiamétrie, Eurodata TV Worldwide distributes programming and audience information, based on its partnership with the national institutes operating people meter systems throughout the world. Its database contains more than 2000 channels in 75 countries and provides daily program information including: content, production, international distribution and the audience levels for targeted programs, adds the release.