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Channel [v] bags ‘2006 Rocket Award’ at the Promax & BDA World Gold Awards in NewYork

Mumbai, June 28, 2006… Channel [v], India’s No 1 music channel reaffirmed its leadership position with an awards haul at the prestigious PROMAX & BDA World Gold Awards in NewYork. Channel [v] was awarded the illustrious ‘2006 Rocket Award’ for the second time in a row. The Rocket Award recognises a producer, marketer or designer with four or less years of experience in promotion, marketing or design who is already creating outstanding work. The recipient of this year’s award is the pioneering Channel [v] producer, Siddharth Sikand.

Speaking on the occasion, Amar K Deb, Head Honcho Channel [v], said, “It’s a fabulously mind-blowing experience to be recognised by our peers internationally. All of us at Channel [v] are ecstatic and overjoyed to have won in the face of stiff international competition. These awards are sure to power the team to continue to ‘re-design’ Indian television.”

PROMAX & BDA Awards 2006 – Gold Awards for Channel [v]:-
Art Direction & Design- Contest Bumper Wazzat Noise
PSA (Public Service Announcement) – Wear a Helmet
Best Direction- Ringtone TV promo

PROMAX & BDA Awards 2006 – Silver Awards for Channel [v]:-
Art Direction & Design- Interstitial Campaign V Gyaans
Best Copywriting- Everyuth Skintillating Contest
Bumper – Fathers Day Bumper
PSA (Public Service Announcement) Stop Letching- Mona Lisa
Consumer production- Happydent Smile for [v] Contest
Best Editing- Hang 5
Non-Promotional Animation Campaign- Sunday’s Open
Promotional Item- Recycle bag

PROMAX & BDA Awards 2006 – Bronze Awards for Channel [v]:-
Art Direction & Design: Special Events Promo Happydent Smile for [v] Contest

PROMAX & BDA are the world’s foremost organisations working on behalf of those involved in the promotion, marketing and design of electronic media. They represent more than 4,200 member companies and individuals in over 60 countries who work in television, radio and digital media. They include senior executives, producers, and designers involved in the creation of advertising, graphics, and marketing materials for their companies.

STAR, a wholly-owned subsidiary of News Corporation, is Asia’s leading multi-platform content and service provider. STAR’s 40 distributed services in eight languages reach more than 300 million viewers across 53 Asian countries. STAR television channels include STAR Chinese Channel, Xing Kong Wei Shi, Phoenix Chinese Channel, STAR Plus, STAR World, Channel [V], ESPN, STAR Sports, STAR Movies, STAR Gold, Phoenix Movies Channel, VIVA Cinema, STAR News, Phoenix InfoNews Channel, in addition to distributed channels National Geographic Channel, Adventure One, Vijay, Fox News and Sky News. STAR has interests in cable systems in India and Taiwan. It also powers the launch of Total TV in Taiwan, Asia’s first interactive digital cable TV services, and Radio City, India’s leading commercial FM radio network.

For more details contact: Shiraz / Poonam at Vaishnavi Corporate Communications Tel: 5656 8787 / 9821718954

June 20, 2006
Music album on AIDS awareness released

MUMBAI: BBC World Service Trust, National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) and national network Doordarshan have joined hands to spread awareness about AIDS through a music album Haath Se Haath Milaa (HSHM) or let’s join hands.

The music video and album released today is also being supported by multiplex major PVR Cinemas, which will screen it in all its 68 screens across India.

Though the association of PVR Cinemas with BBC World Service Trust is only for three months, the multiplex company CEO (digital) Sunil Patil is optimistic to maintain the relationship for a longer period of time.

The music track has been composed by Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy with lyrics by Javed Akhtar. Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal bring the words alive.

The music video features over 50 film and 10 television stars and opens with veteran Bollywood actress Waheeda Rehman who is joined by the current favourites like Shilpa Shetty, Fardeen Khan, John Abraham, Tabu, Bipasha Basu and Naseerudin Shah and telly personalities like Smriti Irani, Saakshi Tanwar, Mona Singh, Pooja Bedi, Nikki Aneja, Mini Mathur, Simone Singh, Yash Tonk, Suchitra Pillai, Lilette Dubey and Nasir Khan.

According to the director of the video Anu Malhotra, “All the stars have generously contributed to the cause by filming for this video completely pro bono.”

The album, produced by Music Today consisting of eight soundtracks, will be available in music stores and sold commercially across the country.

All profits from sales will be donated to non-governmental organization Salaam Baalak Trust and Committed Communities Development Trust (CCDT).

In an official statement, BBC World Service Trust director general Andrew Whitehead, “The selections of songs were done from the Music Today catalogue.”

The launch ceremony today was graced by Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty who said that the video would appeal to all and help combating AIDS and the stigma attached to it.

BBC World Service Trust supports a reality television series on DD, titled Jasoos Vijay where the central theme revolves around spreading awareness about AIDS.

The third series of Jasoos Vijay will finish its run by end September and HSHM will end by February 2007.

June 20, 2006
Star Ananda celebrates one year!

Mumbai, June 1, 2006: STAR Ananda, India’s First 24 hour National Bengali News Channel celebrates its first anniversary. And if impact, viewer response, marketshare and other news channel launches are anything to go by, STAR Ananda can justifiably claim to have introduced a paradigm shift in the broadcast of regional language news on the foundation of viewer relevance and trail-blazing leadership. Viewers have indeed provided a thumbs up to STAR Ananda’s positioning as the expression of the Bengali on the move, reflecting their urges, aspirations and their impatience with the rate of change. STAR Ananda thus mirrors the new vibrancy among the Bengali-speaking people.

Says Uday Shankar, CEO & Editor – MCCS, “Last year with STAR Ananda we offered to the viewers of Bengal a news channel that does justice to their news needs & requirements. The response has been overwhelming by the people of Bengal. But more importantly the channel has gone to create a new benchmarks & standards in language news broadcasting.”

Indeed, STAR Ananda has blazed an enviable trail with commendable milestones. While leading the Bengali television news space currently with close to 60% marketshare and a recent milestone reach of 3414000 with a whopping 138% growth in West Bengal since it’s Launch, the Channel has also pulled its weight with general entertainment channels. On Counting Day in the recently concluded legislative elections viewers ‘voted’ for STAR Ananda as the undisputed # 1 television channel in ‘any category’ in Kolkata with a 30% marketshare ahead of ETV Bangla and Aakaash Bangla (both GEC Channels) and far ahead of the rest of the news television world with Kolkata TV’s 7% and 24 Ghanta TV’s 5%. On the important parameter of Time Spent too, STAR Ananda scored at the top of the list at 54 minutes, here too ahead of ETV Bangla, thus consolidating a fast-building legacy.

The successful trend for STAR Ananda began with the launch on June 1, 2005 and quickly consolidated with the Municipal Elections in Kolkata in TAM Week 26, notching an astounding 69 % market share on Polling Day (19th June) and 63% market share on Counting Day (21st June) in Kolkata (amongst all news channels) and in the process also achieved the unique distinction of the highest watched Channel during the Exit Polls leaving even the GEC channels far behind in its wake.

The coverage of the most important event in the Bengali calendar also proved another feather in the STAR Ananda cap last year, with an outstanding variety filled line-up of the Durgotsav celebration in the State of West Bengal, thus proving that STAR Ananda best represents the pulse of the Bengali people.

STAR ANANDA features a mix of informative and thought-provoking programming. Almost all its programmes occupy an overwhelming top slot in the ratings for the week 23rd Apr – 20th May 2006 (Source: TAM; TG: All Adults; CS 15+; Market: Kolkata). Ananda Prabhat on STAR Ananda boasts a 48% marketshare against Kolkata TV’s 27%, 24 Ghanta TV’s 19% and Tara Newz’s 6% in the time band 6 am – 7.59 am. Shokaler Ek Dojon meanwhile ranks a 53% marketshare against 24 Ghanta TV’s 19%, Tara Newz’s 17% and Kolkata TV’s 11% in the time band 10 am – 10.59 am. Ekhon Kolkata ranks a 48% marketshare against Kolkata TV’s 27%, 24 Ghanta TV’s 19% and Tara Newz’s 6%in the time band 18 – 18.29 hours (Mon-Sun). 7Tar Duniya ranks a 49% marketshare against Kolkata TV’s 23%, 24 Ghanta TV’s 16% and Tara Newz’s 12% in the time band 19 – 19.29 hours (Mon-Sun). Abaar Kolkata meanwhile shares a 37% marketshare against 24 Ghanta’s 31%, Kolkata TV’s 20% and Tara Newz’s 12% in the time band 20 – 20.29 hours (Mon-Sun). Ak Dojon Golpo scores a 44% marketshare against 24 Ghanta’s 23%, Kolkata TV’s 22% and Tara Newz’s 12% in the time band 22 – 22.29 hours (Mon-Sun). Hou Ma Noy Bouma leads at 52% marketshare against 24 Ghanta TV’s 24%, Kolkata TV’s 16% and Tara Newz’s 9% in the time band 16.50 – 16.59 hours (All Days). Filmstar also leads at 51% marketshare against Tara Newz’s 18%, 24 Ghanta TV’s 15% and Kolkata TV’s 15% in the time band 23.20 – 23.29 hours (All Days). Meanwhile, STAR Ananda scores a winner with Berliner Ladai, the new World Cup football programme, at a whopping 53% marketshare (16th May – 20th May)!

STAR Ananda has constantly scored with its programming, positioning and packaging, bravely showcasing the people’s point of view. The anniversary success is merely an endorsement of the STAR Ananda philosophy to keep the viewer first and for its stand of empowering viewers. In the manner of a pioneer and trailblazer, by keeping its programming initiatives fresh and addressing the aspiration of the Bengali all over the country, STAR Ananda renews its commitment to the people.

ABOUT STAR Ananda
STAR Ananda is India’s First National Bengali News Channel. Introducing a paradigm shift in the broadcast of regional language news, STAR Ananda reflects the heritage of an impressive parentage and provides in-depth and extensive coverage of local, national and global news. STAR Ananda is broadcast by Media Content & Communications Services India Pvt. Ltd. (MCCS), a 74:26 joint venture between ABP TV – a 100% subsidiary of ABP Pvt. Ltd., and STAR News Broadcasting Ltd., wholly-owned subsidiary of the STAR Group; two of the biggest brands in Indian media. Headquartered in Kolkata and housing state-of-the-art production facilities, STAR Ananda boasts an extensive bureau network, bringing to the Bengali viewer unparalleled, comprehensive and incisive news coverage. With an over 40 per cent majority marketshare in the Kolkata and West Bengal markets amongst all news channels in launch week, STAR Ananda continues to consolidate, adequately reflecting the aspirations of the Bengali people.

For further info, please contact:
Navin Tauro / Swati Sundareswaran / Daylon D’cruz
Vaishnavi Corporate Communications;
Tel: 022-66568787 / 9821154455

June 20, 2006
The Cell, TV18’s Creative Unit, adds a punch to Channel 7’s “Khabar Har Keemat Par’

New Delhi, June 10, 2006: The Cell, TV18’s creative unit, has been entrusted with the task of handling all the print & design work required by Channel 7. The action-packed and riveting promos have been conceptualized to capture the essence of Channel 7.

Dilip Venkatraman, Director Marketing, CNN-IBN & Channel 7 said, “The promo-frames grab on screen action with an entirely authentic approach. They are brilliant and brings alive the concept behind which Channel 7 is built on”

Zubin Driver, Creative Director, The Cell said “Each of the promos approaches the baseline in different ways, bringing alive the thought that the entire Channel 7 team lives by. For all of us it’s not a baseline, its a mission. A case in point being Ashutosh ‘making news promo’, where we actually capture the action, the spirit and the passion of Channel 7 at work, shot in a very ‘real’ and ‘hard news’ style, the promos explore the very essence of world-class TV journalism.”

About The Cell

The Cell was formulated in September 2002 as the creative unit for the TV 18 group; it has grown into a creative-strategic unit that services a huge number of TV 18 clients. In addition to all channel promos for CNN-IBN, Channel 7, CNBC TV 18, AWAAZ and moneycontrol.com, it makes over 50 commercials every month and produces a huge amount of print and design work for clients investing on the channel.

The cell has been picking up awards at every Promo Award ceremony in the last two years like RAPA GOLD-2005, RAPA GOLD-2006, PROMAX INDIA SILVER-2005 & PROMAX ASIA, GOLD, 2006.

For further information please contact:
Parul Bhasin/ Namrata Bhalla, PR Pundit, New Delhi
Tel: 2656 0415, 2651 3075

June 20, 2006
Filmy Short Film festival receives 150 entries as of 19 June

MUMBAI: Sahara One Network’s Hindi movie channel Filmy has got over 150 entries from across India for its recently-announced Short Film Festival. The last date of submitting entries is 15 July.

Filmy’s Short Films on Filmy is a platform for India’s best & brightest short-film makers to showcase their talent.

Filmy has invited entries from writers, producers, directors, cinematographers and animators, among others. All genres including dramas, documentaries, live action and animated stories, with themes ranging from humour and horror to science fiction and reality are invited, says an official release.

Shortlisted films would then be aired on the channel and viewers will be called upon to vote for their favourite film. Also, the ‘Audience Favourite’ film and filmmaker will be profiled on Filmy, the release adds.The channel has roped in prominent Bollywood filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar as the jury head for the initiative.

“I am glad to be associated with Short Films on Filmy — sometimes I look back and wish that such a platform was available in my early years! Through this contest, Filmy has given a great opportunity to independent and amateur filmmakers to exhibit their talent to a nationwide audience. I hope that this Festival throws up fresh talent for Bollywood,” says Madhur Bhandarkar.

Sahara One Media And Entertainment Limited CEO Shantonu Aditya says, “We are very excited with Madhur’s involvement! His inputs will be very critical in identifying talent and finally deciding the best short films to be telecast on Filmy.”

“Short Films on Filmy has had a very encouraging response in its first year. We’ll continue to bring such pioneering platforms for developing and showcasing emerging filmmaking talent and providing them with a stepping-stone to success,” says Filmy business head Ashutosh..

June 20, 2006
NDTV Profit goes for complete makeover

MUMBAI: Starting today, business channel NDTV Profit is sporting a new look. The aim is to give it a contemporary look after 18 months of launch.

Elements such as silver grey background with text in vibrant contrasting colours to draw viewer attention, sleeker super bands which take less space on the screen have gone in to making the channel more contemporary and visually enriching, according to an official release.

The makeover signifies the need of useful information for viewers as they trade, invest and look at alternative options. It combines the pulse of world markets along with the news flow from India to present the complete picture.

Commenting on the launch of the new look, NDTV Profit executive editor Shivnath Thukral said, “The frenzy of yesteryears has now been replaced with a more balanced perspective in presenting and digesting information. Profit’s new look will ensure that this need for balance is met. The new look is also linked to the feedback of our millions of viewers whose information requirement is constantly evolving.”

June 19, 2006
Adlabs bids for 3 studios in Film City

MUMBAI: Anil Ambani-controlled Adlabs Films has submitted a bid for setting up three film studios at Film City in Mumbai’s Goregaon suburb.

“Film City had come out with a tender. We have submitted our bid and are confident of bagging it,” says Adlbas Films chairman and managing director Manmohan Shetty.

The plan is to make studios which would match the quality of Hollywood with shooting floors, editing and processing facilities.

Adlabs runs a chain of multiplexes and is engaged in the business of film production, processing and editing. After Ambani took a controlling stake, the company has also ventured into film distribution to spread its presence across the entire value chain.Film City has received nine bids for the Rs 300 million project, according to a report which quoted managing director Bhushan Gagrani.

In the 90s, Film City harboured the dream of setting up three studios but had to shelve the project due to lack of financial resources. Pressed by a fast-growing film and television industry, the decision to revive the project was taken recently under the build-operate-own-transfer model. The bidder who offers to transfer the assets in the shortest period will be awarded the contract.

June 19, 2006
Star World to kick off legal drama ‘Boston Legal’ on 21 June

MUMBAI: English general entertainment channel Star World will air the courtroom drama Boston Legal every Wednesday at 8 pm from 21 June. Episodes will repeat every Thursday at 11 am and on Sunday at 4 pm.

The show confronts social and moral issues, while its characters continually stretch the boundaries of the law.The show has won two Emmies and two People’s Choice Award nominee. Boston Legal is about the professional and personal stories of a group of brilliant but often emotionally challenged attorneys.

Alan Shore and Denny Crane lead a brigade of high-priced civil litigators in an upscale Boston law firm. Shore, an unscrupulous and wily ambulance chaser and womaniser played by James Spader finds an uneasy alliance with Crane, a pompous, snooty and occasionally batty elder lawyer played by William Shatner.

Despite their ethical and emotional deficiencies, Shore and Crane usually find themselves fighting on the right side, as they take up cases that no one else is willing to touch.

The first season kicks off with oddball situations including: Shore, on a dare, taking the case of an African-American actress denied the role of Annie; Crane caught having an affair with the firm’s biggest client; Shore representing an ex-lover who had attempted to murder him; Shore defending a millionaire CEO caught shoplifting, and a Sanata fired for being a transvestite. Adding even more mayhem to the madcap cases, the sexual chemistry at the firm begins to boil over, and both Shore and Crane find themselves compromised with the various female lawyers.

June 19, 2006
Mobile TV is creating a new demographic appeal in the US: Study

MUMBAI: Telephia, a measurement information provider to the mobile industry in the US, has announced a research undertaken shows that more than two million, or 1.4 percent, of the US wireless user base subscribed to a mobile video plan during the first quarter of 2006.

The average U.S. mobile TV subscriber spends $40 a month more on wireless services than non-TV subscribers.

Telephia president and CEO Sid Gorham says, “Mobile TV represents a huge revenue opportunity for companies in all parts of the communications and entertainment value chain.”

Telephia research shows that the Hispanic and Black/African-American demographic groups made up 23 and 19 per cent of the mobile TV subscriber base in the US during the first quarter of this year, respectively. This is approximately double the share these groups represent of the broader mobile user population.

“The early popularity of mobile TV with these groups continues the demographic trend we see in the adoption of all advanced mobile data services. Mobile TV will allow marketers to reach this audience with a wide range of innovative advertising and commerce approaches. To execute successfully on this exciting opportunity, the industry needs detailed research that tracks the evolving behavior and preferences of the mobile TV user. Our clients are particularly interested in using audience measurement data to target advertising and interactive commerce” adds Gorham.

Telephia, had launched the industry’s first mobile television user panel last month. This longitudinal research panel will provide the mobile industry with detailed measurement of the attitudes and behaviours among the rapidly growing mobile TV audience.

Telephia will begin by tracking users of the current unicast-based services (e.g. the MobiTV-based offerings on Sprint and Cingular Wireless, and Verizon’s V Cast service). The panel will expand to include subscribers of multicast mobile TV networks when they launch in late 2006 and 2007. Telephia is currently building its panel in the US and the UK and will expand coverage to the rest of Europe and parts of Asia in 2007.

June 19, 2006
GV Films to allot equity shares up to Rs 1 billion

MUMBAI: GV Films Ltd has decided to allot equity shares on preferential basis up to Rs 1 billion to BNP Paribas and their sub-account holders acting through them as their depository.

Further each of the allottee is also entitled for subscription of up to three warrants of the face value of Rs 1 each per equity share (or on consolidation of equity share, each equity shares of Rs 10 each) allotted to them in such a way that the total allotment of warrants will not exceed the value of Rs 3 billion.

GV Films also informed the BSE that the Board has approved the acquisition of the Ahmedabad-based Safroni Entertainment Ltd for consideration other than cash by issue of equity shares of the Company for a sum not exceeding by Rs 150 million. The Board has formed a committee to do the due diligence including valuation to take the proposal forward. The Board has also accordingly amended the notice to the shareholders to be convened on 11 July.

June 19, 2006