Blog

  • Isro unveils Satellite Integration and Testing Establishment

    Isro unveils Satellite Integration and Testing Establishment

    BANGALORE: Finding the current facility too small and congested, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has come up with a brand new facility spread over 100 acres of land on the outskirts of Bangalore. The facility is christened ISRO Satellite Integration and Testing Establishment (ISITE).

    So far, Isro had to carry the satellite from one part of the complex to the other for various tests. The new facility at Marthahalli offers world class Assembly Integration and Test (AIT) complex bringing all spacecraft integration under one roof. A tested satellite comes out of the same door through which its knocked down parts go into.

    ISITE is equipped with world class facilities and will enable Isro to assemble, and carry out various tests and then pack the assembled satellite for dispatch to the launch site. Some of the state of art facilities and equipment include:

    (1) Assembly Integration & Test (AIT) Clean room – this is a huge room of size 54.6mts (about 179 feet) x 34.6m (about 113.5 feet) x 16.7m (about 55 feet) height which is maintained at a temperature of about 22 deg C (72 deg F) with a relative humidity of around 55, a cleanliness level of 1,000,000 class maintained at a positive pressure of 20 mbar.

    The bare structure of Insat 4B, which is scheduled for launch in January 2007, was under assembly when Indiantelevision.com visited the site. This room can integrate up to six satellites in various stages of assembly simultaneously of Insat 4B class and is equipped to integrate around 800 elements in the bare structure of the spacecraft. This area has an Electro Static Discharge (ESD) floor to dissipate the micro electric charges from human bodies which could effect some sensitive equipment in the room.

    (2) Comprehensive Assemble and Test Vacuum Chamber (CATVC) is capable of testing satellites under vacuum conditions and at temperatures as low as 173 deg K {(-)100 deg C or (-)343 deg F }. Satellites up to 4.5m diameter (about 14.75 feet) and 6 meters length (about 20 feet) having a weight of 3 metric tons can be tested in this Chamber which has Ariane-5 adapter interfaces.

    (3) Comprehensive Assembly and Test Vibration Facility: This test facility has a peak sine force of around 29 ton-force and a maximum bare table acceleration capacity of 75 gm.

    (4) Compact Antenna Test Facility (CATF): This is a 30 meter long (100 feet), 20 meter wide (67 feet) and 16m high (52 feet) chamber for testing of antenna in space simulated conditions. ISRO officials claim that no other facility in the world has a similar arrangement.

    The facility was officially thrown open by national security advisor M K Naraynan. Other dignitaries who were present to witness the inauguration included former Isro chairmen U R Rao and K Kasturirangan, secretary Department of Ocean Development P S Goel (formerly from Isro and one of the persons who conceived the idea for the Integration and Testing facility) and ISAC director K Shankara. On completion, the project is estimated to cost around Rs 4 billion.

  • Radio Mirchi launches in Bangalore and Jaipur

    Radio Mirchi launches in Bangalore and Jaipur

    MUMBAI: Entertainment Network (India) Limited (ENIL), which runs radio stations by the brand name – Radio Mirchi, has launched FM radio stations in Jaipur and Bangalore under the same brand name.

    Radio Mirchi 105 FM (Jaipur) and Radio Mirchi 93.3 FM (Bangalore) have become the first private FM radio stations to be launched under the Phase II of radio privatisation.

    In the Phase II bidding process over 250 frequencies across 90 cities were successfully auctioned in a process that lasted five weeks in January and February this year. ENIL won 25 licenses in addition to the seven stations it already operates.

    ENIL managing director and CEO A P Parigi said, “ENIL had established a landmark by launching radio stations barely two months after the completion of the bidding process. This was due to the meticulous planning and speedy implementation by the team at Radio Mirchi. This would not have been possible without a proactive ministry of information and broadcasting and other agencies like the Wireless Planning Cell and SACFA that put various permissions on a fast track basis and made the launch of radio stations possible in a short period.”

    Under the Phase II rules, radio stations are permitted to commence broadcasting by way of interim transmission facilities in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jaipur. ENIL is already present in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai.

    The seven stations that ENIL already operates Radio Mirchi in the cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Indore, Ahmedabad and Pune.

  • Government demarcates listed sports events

    Government demarcates listed sports events

    NEW DELHI: The government has come out with a list of sports events, excluding cricket, which would have to be shared with the pubcaster on a mandatory basis whether played in India or outside.

    A government communication to broadcasters states that the list will be valid for five years, though implementation review will be done annually by the authorities.

    If Doordarshan is unable to telecast a listed event due to some reasons, then that game’s possible deletion from the list is likely to be discussed during the annual review meeting.

    Cricket related events have not been specified as there are two cases pending in the courts relating to it and involving ESPN Star Sports and Ten Sports.

    The mandatory sharing of feed of listed events is part of the downlinking norms, which were announced by the government in November 2005.

    Asked about the listed events released by the government, ESPN India managing director RC Venkateish said, “We are comfortable with the non-cricket list of sporting events.”

    The list of sports to be shared with DD include the summer and winter Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian games and Afro-Asian Games.

    On the soccer front, where the mercury is building up leading up to the Fifa World Cup in a couple of months time, the list includes the semi-final and final matches of Euro Cup and Fifa World Cup. For Asia Cup, it would be the semis, final and all matches featuring India.

    As far as domestic soccer tournaments are concerned, DD will have access to the semifinal and final matches of Subroto Cup, Santosh Trophy, Federation Cup, Durand Cup, National Women’s Football and Junior National Football.

    In tennis, all matches featuring India and the semis and final of Davis Cup will have to be shared with DD. For the Grand Slams and WTA, all the final matches (men’s, women’s, mixed doubles and doubles) feature in the government list, apart from any other matches featuring an India from quarter-final onward.

    In hockey, the World Cup semis, final and India matches will have to be shared with DD. For the Champions’ Trophy, its India matches plus the final, while on the domestic circuit, the Baton Cup and Gold Cup for Women will see the semis and finals on DD.

    In chess, the World Cup final and matches featuring any Indian from quarterfinal onward find mention in the list. Ditto for Chess Olympiad.

    The finals and India games of billiard and snooker World Cups also have made it as listed events.

  • Crown Media Holdings not to sell Hallmark Channel US

    Crown Media Holdings not to sell Hallmark Channel US

    MUMBAI: Crown Media Holdings, Inc., which owns and operates the Hallmark Channel, has decided not to sell out the channel. The company, after extensive review of strategic alternatives including a possible sale of the company, announced that the board of directors has decided to terminate this process and fully commit the company’s resources to continuing to operate its channels and its VOD and HD programming services.

    “We worked diligently with the Special Committee and our financial advisors to evaluate various strategic initiatives. Ultimately the board determined that the greatest value for our shareholders will be derived by our continued operation of our business. Given the record ratings results, subscriber growth, and solid advertising and subscriber fee revenue increases we have been able to achieve, we believe that the underlying business fundamentals are in place to enhance the value of Crown Media by building a more successful business. Our results in the first quarter continue to reflect the success of our programming strategy and subscriber expansion as we solidify our appeal to viewers and advertisers on a broad national level,” stated Crown Media Holding president and CEO David Evans.

    “Our management team is prepared to meet the challenges ahead with the talent and experience that have made us a top ten cable channel with over 72 million subscribers. We intend to implement cost saving strategies and emphasize programming and marketing promotions to continue our efforts to target a younger audience. We have initiated discussions with our distributor partners in order to renew our licenses and intend to aggressively pursue those renewals on favorable terms. We will continue to pursue opportunities to improve our capital structure. We are extremely pleased to have the support of our partners as we work together to operate the business on a long-term basis,” he added.

    Hallmark Cards, Inc., which owns 67 per cent of Crown Media, has indicated its continuing support of the channel by agreeing to extend its trademark license agreement with Crown Media.

    “We are proud to be associated with a channel with such strong ratings and advertiser support. Our relationship with Crown Media has been mutually beneficial. Crown Media has been able to leverage the consumer recognition and strength of the Hallmark brand and together we have collaborated on successful co-marketing programs between Hallmark Channel and the more than 4,000 Hallmark Gold Crown stores,” said Hallmark Cards, Inc. president and CEO Don Hall Jr.

    The company had announced in August 2005 that its board of directors had authorised management to explore strategic alternatives for the company. After pursuing a number of alternatives and meeting with interested parties, the company and the Special Committee of the board has determined that the best course of action at this time is to continue to operate the business. The company will continue to explore ways in which it can improve its capital structure.

  • Star makes a mark in regional; Sun’s flanking strategy pays off: IRS Survey

    Among Hindi general entertainment channels (GEC), only Star Plus has been able to really improve its position in the regional television space over the years, according to the 2006 IRS survey Round I.

    The data offered by Hansa Research and Media Research Users Council (MRUC) on the regional space also reveals the success of Sun Network‘s flanking strategy across the South.

    HINDI GEC

    The top 10 lists of the Tamil Nadu and Kerala markets offered by the survey don‘t have a single Hindi GEC player present from this category. The markets Hindi GECs are doing extremely well, according to the survey, are West Bengal, Maharashtra and Punjab.

    Though these channels have gone down in rankings overall — as compared to the 2000 data — they still have managed to find a place in the top 10 in the Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka markets.

    The 2006 rankings of Hindi general entertainment channels in various regional markets. Rankings are given in brackets.

    Star Plus: Maharashtra (2), Punjab (2), West Bengal (3), Karnataka (5), Andhra Pradesh (7)
    Zee Cinema: West Bengal (4), Punjab (5), Maharashtra (7), Karnataka (9)
    Sony: Maharashtra (6), West Bengal (7), Punjab (7), Andhra Pradesh (10)
    Zee TV: Maharashtra (8), Punjab (9)
    Max: West Bengal (9)
    Star Gold: Punjab (10)

    Now, compare these positions with the 2000 rankings:

    Star Plus: Maharashtra (7), Punjab (6), West Bengal (10), Karnataka (9), Tamil Nadu (10)
    Zee Cinema: West Bengal (3), Punjab (5), Maharashtra (6), Karnataka (10)
    Sony: Maharashtra (4), West Bengal (4), Punjab (4), Andhra Pradesh (5), Karnataka (4), Kerala (10)
    Zee TV: Karnataka (5), Andhra Pradesh (6), Maharashtra (3), West Bengal (5), Punjab (3).
    Star Sports: Karnataka (7), Andhra Pradesh (8), Kerala (7), Maharashtra (8), West Bengal (8), Tamil Nadu (7), Punjab (10)
    ESPN: Andhra Pradesh (9), Kerala (8), Maharashtra (10), West Bengal (7), Tamil Nadu (8)

    The chart projects an improved performance from Star Plus, when comparing the viewership figures of 2000 and 2006. For example, its West Bengal performance graph has shot up from the 10th position to the 3rd. Though the general entertainment channel (GEC) lost the Tamil Nadu market as it reached 2006, the consolation has come in the form of Andhra Pradesh, where it is positioned in the seventh spot as per the data.

    “The data clearly portrays Star Plus‘ journey post Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). KBC established the channel in the Hindi speaking markets and it proved to be a strong launch pad for the channel in the non-Hindi regions. This followed the strategy to strengthen this position through serials, and that saw the entry of all those K serials. Star Plus used its serials effectively lure the all India market. The strategy worked except for Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which are known as hardcore regional language markets,” says Hansa Research marketing & client servicing India head V Sudarshan.

    Speaking on the channel‘s good show in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Sudarshan offers, “These states have certain Hindi speaking belts and hence, the channel is doing considerably well in these South markets as well.”

    Zee Cinema has been successful in retaining all the four markets as it reached 2006, but improvement came only from the Karnataka market. At the same time, the 2006 regional performance graphs of Zee and Sony are not very convincing. As the data given above reveals, Zee TV has lost the top 10 position in as many as three markets, while Sony lost in two. For both the channels, Maharashtra and Punjab proved to be the comfort zones.

    “Zee and Sony were doing decently well with their serial-oriented strategy in the regional markets. However, of late, both the channels were seen devoting their important slots to gameshows and talent hunts. This diversion might have failed to impress the regional market,” opines Sudarshan.

    REGIONAL CHANNELS

    Now coming to regional channels, the 2006 picture is predictable as far as top rankings are concerned. The data shows a Sun Network dominance in Karnataka (Udaya) and Tamil Nadu (Sun) markets. ETV is number one in Andhra Pradesh, while Asianet has edged out Sun‘s Surya TV to clinch the top spot in Kerala.

    In Tamil, while Raj TV has gone down from the 3rd position (2000) to 6th (2006), Jaya TV has done well to reach the third spot this year. The data also offers a portrayal of how Sun Network‘s flanking strategy worked in the Southern space. The bonanza came from the Tamil Nadu market, where Sun‘s movie and music channel KTV holds the second position behind the market leader Sun TV. SCV is in the 5th spot, while Sun News has made it into the 8th spot. In Karnataka, Sun channels hold the top positions. Behind Udaya (1) and ETV Kannada (2), placed in the third position is Ushe, a niche channel from Sun.

    In Andhra Pradesh, Sun has in its hold the second (Gemini) and third positions (Teja), which together beat the estimated viewership numbers of ETV. Thus the data even puts ETV‘s inactivity in the flanking realm under scrutiny. The only multiple channel ETV has is ETV 2, the news channel, in Andhra Pradesh.

    As per the data, the entry of new regional players has taken a toll on Hindi general entertainment channels‘ viewership share in these markets. The new entrants Maa TV (4th rank) in Andhra Pradesh, Kairali (4), Jeevan TV (7), Asianet News (8) and Kiran TV (10) in Kerala have done well in 2006.

    HINDI GEC IN NON-SOUTH REGIONS

    Hindi general entertainment channels continue to hog the limelight in the non-South markets in 2006 also. In Maharashtra, there are only three regional channels which have made it into the top ten list: ETV Marathi (3), DD Sahyadri (4) and Zee Marathi (9).

    Except for ETV Bangla‘s strong second position, the West Bengal market also presents a somewhat similar picture: DD Bangla (5), Akash Bangla (6) and Zee Bangla (10). Again, there is a complete dominance by Hindi general entertainment channels in the Punjab market. Only ETC Punjabi (6th rank) and Balle Balle (8) are the regional channels which have made it into the top 10.

    SPORTS & NEWS CHANNELS

    Surprisingly, sports channels ESPN and Star Sports haven‘t made it into the top 10 in 2006, in any of the seven regional markets presented. “In India, the most valued property for a sports channel is cricket. The lack of cricket content has its negative effect on ESPN and Star Sports this year,” reasons Sudarshan.

    News channels might be in the limelight presently, but the report mentions only two in the 2006 chart: DD News in Punjab, West Bengal (8), Maharashtra (10) and Kerala (9); Aaj Tak (4) in Punjab. Explains Sudarshan, “You would find only two national news channels in 2006‘s top ten list, but even that is a huge phenomenon when compared to the no show in 2000. As per indications, the next two years will see more Hindi news channels entering the top 10. Speaking about the inactivity from English news channels, they cater to only SEC A & B. And these segments together constitute only 20 per cent of the all India market.”

    DOORDARSHAN

    The superiority DD – 1 National Network enjoyed in 2000, by topping in the viewership chart in six out of seven regional markets, is a tale of the past when the market enters 2006. In 2000, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Punjab and Kerala had DD-1 garnering highest viewership among adults, the Andhra Pradesh market had gone in favour of ETV.

    But as we reach 2006, DD-1‘s dominance has reduced to three regional markets: Maharashtra, West Bengal and Punjab. DD-1 has gone down in rankings in markets like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The market where DD-1 has really taken a beating is Tamil Nadu, where it has been relegated to the ninth position.

    “That explains the kind of C&S penetration South India underwent in the last few years. Especially in Tamil Nadu, the C&S penetration has been tremendous. The non-South markets, especially West Bengal, the penetration has been low,” says Sudarshan.

    Speaking about the performance by DD‘s regional channels in 2006, the best show has come from West Bengal. Both DD-1 (1st rank) and DD Bangla (5) have sustained their positions, when compared to their 2000 rankings.

    In Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra also, DD‘s regional channels have been doing decently well. However, there is bad news from Karnataka, Kerala and Punjab markets. In Karnataka, DD Kannada has dipped from the third position to the 10th. In Kerala and Punjab, the respective DD channels have vanished from the respective 6th and 2nd spots.

  • Verizon Wireless, Univision team up for mobile World Cup content

    Verizon Wireless, Univision team up for mobile World Cup content

    MUMBAI: In an effort to beef up its Spanish-language content offering for its wireless customer base, Verizon Wireless has reached a deal with Univision for the exclusive rights to Spanish-language mobile video clips, recaps and highlights from the upcoming 2006 FIFA World Cup.

    Content will be based on Univision’s Spanish-language coverage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany. Clips with Spanish-language commentary of goals in other games will be on V CAST within 30 minutes after halftime and customers will also be able to watch a recap of the match within one hour of the end of each match.

    The agreement will give V CAST customers wireless access to highlights from “Copa Mundial de la FIFA Alemania 2006” throughout the tournament, which runs from 9 June to 9 July 2006. Verizon Wireless is touting the deal as the first to deliver these highlights on wireless phones.

  • AOL partners with Shanghai Media Group to beam programs

    AOL partners with Shanghai Media Group to beam programs

    MUMBAI: The Internet unit of Time Warner, AOL is set to begin carrying news content from Shanghai Media Group on its Chinese-language website.

    The programs will be available to users of http://aol.com/chinese, which carries news and programming, webcasts of sports events and other Internet services related to China.
    Shows will be broadcast on AOL’s Chinese language Web site and will focus on Chinese social, business, sports and entertainment topics. Said SMG Broadband spokeswoman Wang Xiaotang,”AOL aims to broadcast that content to Chinese all over the world.”

    SMG will provide more than three hours per day to its U.S.-based partner MediaZone, which worked with AOL on the Chinese-language portal. MediaZone is a worldwide provider of online television programming and a partner in China of AOL and Shanghai Media Group.

    According to AOL’s Web site, its Chinese language Web site was developed with ChinaPortal.com, a MediaZone division.

    “By creating this free, language-specific portal, we can better serve the millions of people in the United States who want access to critical features and communications tools, especially the latest news and entertainment video, in Chinese,” said AOL Web strategy executive Norman Koo in a statement.

    State-owned Shanghai Media Group was formed from the merger of the city’s government-run radio and television stations in 2001 and ranks as one of China’s biggest media and entertainment conglomerates.

  • Nike and Maven Networks introduce JogaTV

    Nike and Maven Networks introduce JogaTV

    MUMBAI: Nike, Inc., and Maven Networks have launched a new internet TV channel – JogaTV. People can watch exclusive videos featuring some of the soccer greatest players, as well as some of the world’s best untapped local heroes as they demonstrate Joga Bonito — or Play Beautiful — for everyone to enjoy.

    JogaTV offers an insider view into the world of soccer via multiple video programs, all of which can be shared among friends. Video programming on JogaTV features international stars of the game including Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Thierry Henry, and Wayne Rooney. Soccer legend Eric Cantona stars in most of the videos as the disruptive advocate leading the rebellion against slow, controlling, boring soccer and the return of a beautiful, creative style of play.

    Nike’s global Joga Bonito campaign is multi-faceted, encompassing: Joga.com, the world’s largest soccer-specific social network; Joga3, a short- field 3-on-3 game that will allow more than three million kids around the world to bring Joga Bonito to life, a Joga Bonito series of commercials and JogaTV.

    Maven Media System is the technology link between video programming from Nike and its growing social network of soccer fans. Based on patent- pending technology, Maven’s integrated video publishing and distribution platform provides unrivalled customer experiences across multiple devices for JogaTV.

    Once the JogaTV internet television channel is launched, the JogaTV icon lives on the soccer fan’s desktop for easy access. Each week, new content is delivered behind the scenes via the Maven Media System and automatically added to JogaTV. At this time a new program series is unlocked for users to explore. Nike will unlock a total of 17 different programs, one each week between April and July.

    In addition to each of Nike’s new Joga Bonito commercials, content on JogaTV includes:

    Original experiential videos featuring global soccer stars,
    Exclusive videos featuring soccer kids around the world demonstrating their skills,
    US National Team star Clint Dempsey and his “Don’t Tread” rap video,
    Viral videos featuring Brazilian greats Ronaldinho and Ronaldo,
    A weekly blog titled This is American Soccer,
    And a running clock counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds to the US National team’s first game in Germany this summer vs. the Czech Republic.

    “Like all kids who love sport, soccer players and fans have a passion for their game that’s almost insatiable. By launching this viral, online program, we tap into that spirit by delivering highly-coveted content while extending and demonstrating the message of Joga Bonito,” said Nike US advertising director Adam Roth.

    Maven Networks CEO Hilmi Ozguc said, “Maven’s technology allows Nike to directly reach its audiences with an interactive experience that genuinely demonstrates the future of Internet TV, and enables them to accurately target and measure their campaigns. True Internet TV channels are redefining how online content is distributed, and experienced.”

    Maven Networks’ technology is the only broadband video platform that delivers a true Internet TV experience using full-screen, HD-quality video for PCs, Internet-connected TVs, video iPods, PSPs and other portable devices.

    JogaTV is available through select soccer and youth-oriented websites including joga.com and nikesoccer.com.

  • Professional video gaming set for TV debut in the U.S.

    Professional video gaming set for TV debut in the U.S.

    MUMBAI: With a view to bring professional video game playing to a wider audience, Major League Gaming (MLG) and USA Network have announced a programming deal in which USA Network will air seven one-hour episodes, featuring the pro circuit and its players.

    The episodes will air on USA Network this holiday season. MLG also announced that it has a new multiyear contract with Boost Mobile, under which that company’s mobile phones will feature content.

    Though video gaming fans have been able to follow competitions on game web sites, MLG’s television deal marks the first time that TV viewers would be able to track the ups and downs of a pro tournament, watching video gaming as a new kind of extreme sport.

    MLG’s president and chief operating officer Matthew Bromberg said, “This is the sign that pro gaming has finally arrived to the mass market. It’s like poker was two years ago, or Nascar 15 years ago.”

    The upcoming televised series will aim to engage viewers with not only with the game play itself – featuring top players of “Halo 2” on Xbox and “Super Smash Bros. Melee” on Nintendo – but also sports-like commentary and profiles of the players.

    Among them: Bonnie Burton, also known as “Xena,” a 15-year-old from Pennsylvania who is the only female in the pro league and one of the best “Halo2” players in the world; and Tom Taylor, who’s known as “Tsquared,” an 18-year-old from Florida and budding entrepreneur whose Gaming-Lessons business has already helped hone the video-gaming skills of numerous celebrities and star athletes.

    “I’m excited to compete on TV in front of an audience. This will take video gaming to the next level. It is an extreme sport. It’s about quick reflexes and also outsmarting people.” Taylor said in a media report.

    MLG’s chief executive and co-founder Michael Sepso said, “Some top players earn winnings in the range of a couple hundred thousand dollars a year, and the tournaments by MLG usually draw thousands of spectators at its arena venues and thousands more online. But, going before a mainstream television audience could raise video gaming’s visibility, leading to more sponsorships and advertising.”

    And drawing viewers shouldn’t be a stretch, since “video gaming has always had a spectator-element to it anyway,” said Sepso.

    Bromberg explained that the MLG is following a well-tried model for forming a new pro league: Build a credible governing body, sign the best players and then strike deals with major sponsors.

    “That’s what helps the league grow and feeds the machine,” Bromberg said in a media report. “If you have those pieces, then you can have a major sport.”

    MLG operates a seven-city pro circuit, which begins next week in New York and ends with a championship in Las Vegas in November. More than 1,500 players will compete for the championship in two games: “Halo 2” and “Super Smash Bros. Melee World.”

  • Nick Mobile launches on Sprint Phones

    Nick Mobile launches on Sprint Phones

    MUMBAI: Nickelodeon, has launched Nick Mobile on select Sprint multimedia phones in the US and will offer a full range of video clips from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. programming.

    “Launching Nick Mobile on Sprint is a natural evolution of our overall multiple platform strategy as we continue to produce, program and distribute content on different platforms in order to super serve our audience, who are increasingly on the go. The launch of Nick Mobile on Sprint provides our audience with a new way to watch their favourite characters, and further extends the Nick and Nick Jr. brand and experience for kids and parents beyond the home,” said Nickelodeon Digital Media executive vice president Steve Youngwood.

    Nick Mobile on Sprint offers a combination of short video clips, vignettes and music videos. From the Nick Jr. library, music videos are approximately two minutes in length and include clips from favourite programs such as Dora the Explorer, Blue’s Clues, The Backyardigans, LazyTown and the recently launched Nick Jr. series, The Wonder Pets!

    From the Nickelodeon library, content will be available from top-rated series such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, The X’s, Avatar and Catscratch.

    Additionally, TeeNick material will include behind-the-scenes clips from Zoey 101, Unfabulous and Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide.

    Nick Mobile on Sprint will also feature on-air vignette series such as Nick Jr.’s A Pup Grows Up mini series and clips from network specials. All Nick Mobile content on Sprint multimedia phones will be refreshed on a weekly basis.