Tag: 21st Century

Indians want free education, healthcare and basic income: Ipsos global Socialism Survey

New Delhi, May 18, 2018:According to a global survey by Ipsos on Socialism, majority of the Indians polled want access to free education, free healthcare and a basic income.
72% Indians believe socialist ideals are of considerable value for societal progress.
Ergo, there are various aspects of socialism that are truly endorsed by Indians: 85% Indians believe that Education should be free of charge; at the same time, 9 in 10 Indians (91%) believe that free healthcare is a human right; and further, 8 in 10 Indians (83%) espouse provision of unconditional basic income for all residents.
On the flip side, there are various aspects of Socialism that do not appeal to the sensibilities of Indians – 72% Indians choose personal freedom over social justice which truly boils down to being responsible for one’s own economic wellbeing; 66% Indians find Socialism a system for political oppression, mass surveillance and state terror; and 84% Indians prefer free market competition over protectionism – another key aspect of Socialism.
“Cost of education and healthcare is very high and due to lack of social security the middle class does not have it easy. Most of the government schemes are for the poor and the marginalized.” says Parijat Chakraborty, executive director, Public Affairs, Ipsos India.

To mark Karl Marx’s bicentenary this year (he is regarded as the father of Socialism), Ipsos Global Advisor carried out a survey in 28 countries around the world and explored the perceptions of socialist ideas in the 21st Century. The poll was carried out online among adults aged under 65 in April this year. The findings highlight interesting differences across markets – we see shades of skepticism, approval and disapproval.
Duality of Indian society is further underscored in the survey. On the one hand, 77% Indians believe that the talented should be better compensated than those who are less gifted; at the same time, they believe that the rich should be taxed higher to compensate the poor with that money.
No wonder that three out of four Indians believe that they are different and their wavelength does not match with their counterparts in other countrieswith respect to Outlook-on-life and Opinions-on-important-issues.

Global Findings

Half of the people globally (50%) agree that at present, socialist ideals are of great value for societal progress. Chinese people are most likely to agree (84%) followed by people from India (72%) and Malaysia (68%). This contrasts with the USA (39%), France (31%), and Hungary (28%). Respondents in Japan are least likely to agree, only two in ten of the Japanese (21%) believe that socialist ideals are of great value for societal progress. In Germany, almost every second respondent believes that socialist ideas continue to have value (45%).

Nearly half of the people (48%) worldwide agree that socialism is a system of political oppression, mass surveillance and state terror. In India (66%), United States (61%) and South Korea (60%) almost two thirds agree with this negative evaluation. In contrast, only about one out of three agree in Sweden (34%), China (31%), Spain (30%) and Russia (29%). Nearly half of the German respondents (49%) perceive socialism as oppressive.
Almost seven in ten people globally agree (66%) that free market competition brings out the best in people. People in India (86%) were most likely to agree followed by people from Malaysia (84%), Peru and South Africa (both 83%). In contrast, only about half of respondents in Sweden (52%), Belgium (51%), Germany (49%) and France (43%) agree.

Overall, half of the people who responded to the survey (52%) think that individual freedom is more important than social justice. People in India (72%), the US (66%) and South Africa (64%) are most likely to believe that individual freedom caries greater importance than social justice. Whereas people in Germany (38%), China (37%) and France (36%) are least likely to agree.
Nearly seven in ten agree (69%) that it is right for people who are talented to earn more than those who are less gifted. Romanians, Russians (82% each), South Koreans and the Chinese (both 81%) are most likely to agree while only about half of the respondents in Belgium (56%), France (51%) and Germany (47%) think the same.

Across all 28 countries nearly eight in ten people (78%) think that the rich should be taxed more to support the poor. Agreement is highest in Spain (87%), Serbia, China (both 86%) and Russia (85%), whereas it is lowest in the USA (67%), Brazil (66%) and South Africa (58%). In Germany, 81% believe rich people should be taxed more to support the poor.
89 percent of all respondents think that education should be free of charge. Russians are most likely to agree (98%) followed by Serbs and Romanians (97% each). Respondents in Japan are least likely to believe that education should be free of charge (64%). The idea has considerable less (but still substantial) support in the USA and the South Africa (77% each).

Most respondents believe that healthcare is a human right (87% each). Russians, Serbs and Mexicans are with 96% most likely to think this way. South Koreans (74%), people in the USA (72%) and respondents in Japan (47%) are least likely to agree. In Germany, well above eighty percent of agree that healthcare is a human right.
Asked whether every resident should have the right to unconditional basic income, 69% of all respondents agree. In Russia 95%, in Turkey 87% and in India 83% agree. Swedes (56%), Argentinians (53%) and people from Japan (38%) are least likely to agree. In Germany, 70 percent of respondents believe that every resident should have the right to unconditional basic income.
Only one third (33%) of all respondents think that the working class is well represented in the political system in their country. The statement finds most support in Saudi Arabia (64%), India (63%) and China (60%). The French (19%), Mexicans (19%) and people from Serbia (14%) are the least likely to agree. In Germany, only 35 percent agree that the working classes are well represented.
More than half of the people worldwide (62%) believe that their opinions are different from the opinions of others. In Russia (81%), Romania (77%) and Turkey (74%) most people think that their opinions are different from others. In Chile (51%), Great Britain (50%) and Australia (47%) around of half of the respondents regard their opinions as distinct. In Germany, 63 percent of respondents think that their opinions are different from others.
Methodology

In total 20,793were interviewed between 23.03 – 06.04, 2018. The survey was conducted in 28 countries around the world via the Ipsos Online Panel system (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the USA).
Approximately 1000 individuals aged 18-65 were surveyed in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Romania, Spain, Great Britain, and the USA. Approximately 500 individuals aged 16-64 were surveyed in Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Hungary, India, Mexico, Peru, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Turkey.
The precision of Ipsos online polls are calculated using a credibility interval with a poll of 1,000 accurate to +/- 3.5 percentage points and of 500 accurate to +/- 5.0 percentage points. For more information on the Ipsos use of credibility intervals, please visit the Ipsos website.

Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. 17 of the 28 countries surveyed generate nationally representative samples in their countries (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Poland, Rumania, Serbia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and United States). Brazil, Chile, China, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Turkey produce a national sample that is considered to represent a more affluent, connected population. These are still a vital social group to understand in these countries, representing an important and emerging middle class.

May 19, 2018
Star India’s contribution to 21 CF operating profit doubles

BENGALURU: Star India’s contribution to the third quarter (quarter ended 31 March 2018, Q3-2018) numbers of Rupert Murdoch-led Twenty-First Century Fox Inc (21st Century Fox) more than doubled as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter according the company’s earnings release. Star India is a part of 21st Century’s cable network programming (CNP) segment. Star India’s contributions along with those of Fox Network Group International (FNG International) are reflected as those of international affiliates’ numbers in 21st Fox Century’s financial statements.

21st Century Fox reported total quarterly revenue of $7.42 billion, a two percent decrease from the $7.56 billion of revenue reported in the prior year quarter. This decrease principally reflects the absence of advertising revenue generated by Super Bowl in the prior year in the television segment partially offset by higher affiliate, syndication and advertising revenue at the CNP segment, the company stated.

21st Century Fox reported quarterly income from continuing operations attributable to its stockholders of $876 million ($0.47 per share), an eight per cent increase compared with $811 million ($0.44 per share) reported in the prior year quarter. Excluding the net income effects of impairment and restructuring charges, other, net and adjustments to equity losses of affiliates, adjusted quarterly earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to 21st Century Fox stockholders was $0.49 compared to the adjusted result of $0.54 for the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Q3-2018 operating income before depreciation and amortisation (OIBDA) reflects an approximate $60 million charge from higher compensation expense due to the modification of equity awards resulting from the proposed Disney and New Fox transactions, which negatively impacted adjusted earnings per share by $0.02 per share, 21st Century Fox said.

Commenting on the results, 21st Century Fox executive chairmen Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch said, “We continue to make operational and financial progress against near-term objectives as we also work to close our strategic transactions. Our cable segment delivered its highest earnings ever in our fiscal third quarter, propelled by sustained double-digit gains in domestic affiliate revenue. Creatively, we are firing on all cylinders. Our stand-out programming continues to drive up the value of our video brands to distributors, as well as build our direct relationship with consumers, as we’re demonstrating with the successful inaugural season of Indian Premier League on Star Sports and Hotstar platforms. Our film studio delivered box-office and awards momentum that we expect to continue with the upcoming release of Deadpool 2.”

Cable network programming

CNP revenue for Q3 2018 increased by 2.7 per cent to $4,419 million from $4,024 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. The 21st Century Fox earnings release said that CNP quarterly OIBDA increased by 16 per cent as against the prior year quarter to $1.68 billion, driven by a 10 per cent revenue increase on higher affiliate, syndication and advertising revenue partially offset by a six per cent increase in expenses. The increase in expenses was primarily due to the first year of sublicensed Big Ten rights and higher sports and entertainment programming costs at FNG International, partially offset by lower sports programming costs at Star India.

CNP’s international affiliate revenue grew by 14 per cent driven by rate and subscriber growth at both FNG International and Star India. International advertising revenue declined by one per cent as strong growth at FNG International was offset by the negative impact of a shift in timing of cricket matches at Star India. International OIBDA contributions were 23 per cent higher than the prior year quarter as Star India’s contributions more than doubled but were partially offset by lower contributions at FNG International, wherein higher costs more than offset the higher reported revenue.

CNP’s domestic affiliate revenue increased by 10 per cent driven by contractual rate increases across all of the segment’s domestic brands and domestic advertising revenue increased by three per cent from the prior year period due to higher pricing at Fox News. Domestic OIBDA contributions increased by 15 per cent over the prior year quarter reflecting strong growth across all of its domestic brands.

Television

The television segment had 32 per cent lower revenue of $1,149 million for the quarter under review as compared with $1,690 million in Q3 2017. Television reported quarterly segment OIBDA of $78 million, a decrease of $112 million compared to Q3-2017. The decline principally reflects the absence of advertising revenue and OIBDA generated from the broadcast of the Super Bowl in the prior year quarter. Additionally, Q3-2018 results reflect revenue and OIBDA declines from lower National Football League (NFL) post-season ratings and three fewer NFL broadcasts in the current quarter versus the prior year quarter that more than offset double-digit retransmission consent revenue growth and improved entertainment OIBDA contributions.

Filmed entertainment

Revenue from the filmed entertainment segment for Q3 2018 was almost flat. It declined by 0.6 per cent to $2,243 million from $2,256 million reported for the corresponding year ago quarter. Filmed entertainment generated quarterly segment OIBDA of $286 million, a 23 per cent decrease from the $373 million reported in the prior year. The OIBDA decline reflects lower contributions from the television production business due to higher deficits related to more new drama series delivered during the quarter and the absence of revenue from the prior year subscription video-on-demand licensing of The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. Additionally, during the quarter, the company incurred costs supporting FoxNext Games’ successful inaugural mobile game release, Marvel Strike Force. The segment’s revenue of $2.24 billion for the quarter was similar to Q3 2017 as higher theatrical revenue at the film studio reflecting the successful worldwide theatrical performances of The Greatest Showman, The Shape of Water and Maze Runner: The Death Cure was offset by lower worldwide syndication revenue at the television production business.

Also Read :

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Comcast may renew bid for 21st CF

Murdoch pledges funding to Sky News

May 10, 2018
21st Century Fox America announces new debt issue pricing

MUMBAI: It’s raising debt though the issue of senior notes. Twenty-First Century Fox (21st Century Fox) — the parent of leading Indian TV network Star India – subsidiary, 21st Century Fox America (21CFA ), today announced the pricing of its debt issue.

The American entertainment major stated that it was issuing $850 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes, which will be conducted in two tranches consisting of $450 million senior notes carrying a ticket interest of 3.375 per cent which will become due in 2026.

The second tranche of senior notes of $400 million will carry a sticker price of 4.750 per cent and will mature in 20146. The senior notes will be guaranteed by the company.

The closing of the offering is expected to occur on 18 November, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

21CFA will receive gross proceeds of $848,687,500 from this offering and expects to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, the company said in a press release.

November 16, 2016
21st Century Fox America announces new debt issue pricing

MUMBAI: It’s raising debt though the issue of senior notes. Twenty-First Century Fox (21st Century Fox) — the parent of leading Indian TV network Star India – subsidiary, 21st Century Fox America (21CFA ), today announced the pricing of its debt issue.

The American entertainment major stated that it was issuing $850 million in aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes, which will be conducted in two tranches consisting of $450 million senior notes carrying a ticket interest of 3.375 per cent which will become due in 2026.

The second tranche of senior notes of $400 million will carry a sticker price of 4.750 per cent and will mature in 20146. The senior notes will be guaranteed by the company.

The closing of the offering is expected to occur on 18 November, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

21CFA will receive gross proceeds of $848,687,500 from this offering and expects to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, the company said in a press release.

November 16, 2016
Star eyes $500 million revenue from entertainment & sports by 2018: John Nallen

MUMBAI: Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox is relying heavily on its subsidiary Star to lead its international growth.

Explaining how Star’s growing entertainment ad revenues makes it a key player in the company’s plans to focus internationally, 21st Century Fox chief financial officer (CFO) John Nallen said, “One of the top priorities, uniquely for us is international. We’ve got a particular focus on growth outside the US. We continue to harness the assets we have in Star, FIC (Fox International Channels) and in Sky but we continue to be opportunistic to the extent we can outside the US.”

As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, this falls in line with a recent Morgan Stanley report that valued Star TV at $11.2 billion, where $300 million is the network’s gross revenue from entertainment business as of June 2015.

Given the growth rate, Nallen anticipates that number to reach $500 million by 2018. “We feel confident about the $500 million target for 2018,” he said.

It may be recalled that earlier this year, 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch had said that Star India is likely to earn operating income of $1 billion by 2020.

The growth, according to him, is coming from two factors – entertainment and sports. “The first is the continued growth of the entertainment business, which is the hallmark of the Star business. We get 23-24 per cent market share every night. It’s a market that is growing. In the last six months TV ad market grew 21 per cent, we over-indexed because of our strength,” said Nallen.

While entertainment continues to be a source of revenue for Star, its sports section is doing equally well. Seeing the prospects the company had earlier made its biggest sports investment by launching six sports channels with Star, which paid off for the network as “an enormous viewing success.”

Nallen, who was speaking on the company’s business strategy for the next couple of years, at an industry summit, also pointed out on the company’s strong focus on expanding its international reach and growth through Star TV. “Top opportunity continues to be international, led by Star, which clearly is going to lead a lot of our international growth,” he said.

Calling its Indian subsidiary – Star India, an undervalued asset, Nallen pointed out the growth statistic predicted from Star, which rides on the network’s continued success rate in the entertainment section, unlike the parent company’s recent experience of the same in the US.

“Our ad growth in the US is coming from news and sports, and not from entertainment. If you take our total revenue, roughly 30 per cent of it comes from advertising. Two thirds of that advertising total comes from news, sports and international. The place that we are focusing on and the place people feel more vulnerable is entertainment advertising in the US. That’s the rest of the one third left,” Nallen said.

Additionally, Nallen also clarified that Fox has no plans of further incremental investment in Star this year. “Not much more investment (in Star). This year we grew the investment because we extended one of the sports franchises that we started, the local Kabaddi sport that has turned into a phenomenon in India. There is not a massive new incremental investment that we need for Star,” Nallen informed.

September 14, 2015
Fox withdraws Time-Warner acquisition bid

BENGALURU: Twenty-First Century Fox (Fox) withdrew its proposal to acquire Time Warner Inc. Excerpts of the Fox press release – chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch commented: “We viewed a combination with Time Warner as a unique opportunity to bring together two great companies, each with celebrated content and brands. Our proposal had significant strategic merit and compelling financial rationale and our approach had always been friendly. However, Time Warner management and its Board refused to engage with us to explore an offer which was highly compelling. Additionally, the reaction in our share price since our proposal was made undervalues our stock and makes the transaction unattractive to Fox shareholders. These factors, coupled with our commitment to be both disciplined in our approach to the combination and focused on delivering value for the Fox shareholders, has led us to withdraw our offer.”

“21st Century Fox’s future has never been brighter. The strength of our leading franchises, combined with the power of our emerging growth businesses and the leadership positions of our international enterprises put us on a path for even greater success.”

The Board today authorised a USD 6 billion share repurchase programme. The repurchase of an additional USD 6 billion of Class A Common Stock is expected to be completed in the next 12 months.

Murdoch continued, “This significant return of capital underscores the Company’s ongoing commitment to disciplined capital allocation and returning value to shareholders in a meaningful way.”

Time Warner responded with a press release. Excerpts of Time Warner’s statement regarding the announcement by Twenty-First Century Fox that it has withdrawn its proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Time Warner.

“Time Warner’s Board and management team are committed to enhancing long-term value and we look forward to continuing to deliver substantial and sustainable returns for all stockholders. Time Warner is well positioned for success with our iconic assets, including the world’s leading premium television brand, the world’s strongest ad-supported cable network group, and the world’s largest film and television studio. We thank our stockholders for their continued support. Citigroup Global Markets Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Time Warner. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is acting as legal advisor to Time Warner.”

August 6, 2014
Fox moves to garner funds; Fox or Time Warner, who will blink first?

BENGALURU: It was a deal, the possibility of which they had announced in May 2014. The media pundits said that it was inevitable, now that Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox (Fox) bid to buy out Time Warner had been rejected by the latter in mid-July 2014. Fox needed to sweeten the offer with a higher bid and with the proceeds from the BSkyB deal, the company would not have to go in for a very big addition to its debt.

Fox has gone ahead and done just that. Last week on Friday, Fox through a press release announced that it will transfer Sky Italia and its 57.4 per cent interest in Sky Deutschland to BSkyB to create a pan-European digital television leader through the combination of these assets.

The release said further: ‘In exchange for the transfer, 21st Century Fox will receive approximately $ 9.3 billion in value from BSkyB comprised of approximately $ 8.6 billion in cash and BSkyB’s 21 per cent interest in National Geographic Channels International, raising 21st Century Fox’s ownership stake to 73 per cent. In addition, 21st Century Fox will participate in BSkyB’s announced equity offering by purchasing approximately $ 900 million of additional shares in BSkyB to maintain the Company’s 39.1 per cent ownership interest. The net, after-tax cash proceeds to be received by 21st Century Fox upon completion of all the elements of this transaction will approximate $ 7.2 billion. The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals, the approval of BSkyB stockholders and customary closing conditions.’

Confirming the deal, in a message to his staff, Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch said, “The three companies complement each other well. We all operate businesses that look similar and offer similar products, and of course we share the same brand. But our affiliation goes deeper than that. We may work in different countries, but our corporate culture and values are familiar. Our teams know each other well and have a history of working together. So I am confident that this is a combination that will work well.” Darroch added, “We expect this process to take several months to complete.”

So far Fox has chosen not to directly comment about the rejection of its bid or move by the Time Warner board that would stymie any action by 15 per cent or more of Time Warner’s shareholders that could favour bids by Fox and force Time Warner to consider being taken over. Fox has not commented on the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) speaking against any agglomeration of media companies and more specifically the WGAW’s opposition to Fox’s proposal for taking over Time Warner.

However, in an oblique statement, the Fox release quotes its chairman and CEO, the 83 year old Rupert Murdoch as saying, “Our renewed authorisation for our share buyback program will be executed regardless of any potential acquisition or investment activity by the company. 21st Century Fox’s number one priority is increasing shareholder value in a disciplined manner and as a result, we will only consider transactions that fully support this objective.”

Bloomberg reported on Saturday that Fox is open to giving Time Warner shareholders seats on the board of the combined company should its $ 75 billion takeover bid succeed, attributing this to people familiar with the situation. Media reports suggest that the offer for board representation could appear in a revised proposal and that one of the reasons for Time Warner’s rejection of Fox’s overtures is that its shareholders are being offered non-voting shares by Fox.

So it is more of a question of ‘when’ and not ‘if’ a fresh proposal is made by Fox. We should hear soon more about the Fox –Time Warner takeover/merger saga that will take two to three years to consummate, if it happens.

July 28, 2014
Are tech companies interested in Time Warner? Fox or Time Warner, who will blink first?

BENGALURU: Are tech companies really interested in Time Warner? Speculation is on about one of the biggies like Google, Amazon, Apple coming in as the knight in shining armour to thwart Fox’s unsolicited offer and taking over. Or maybe Verizon or Disney could step in, up the ante and carry away the bride? Is there really a knight in shining armour at all? Time will tell.

While an acquisition like Time Warner would most certainly help Google get into Hollywood and help it create online platforms, Google is not in the content creation business and it could acquire other properties at a far lower price.

Though Amazon has signed a multiyear agreement with Viacom for streaming children’s content and has had a successful video-on-demand partnership with CBS, it would be entering into completely new territory, were it to take over Time Warner. Amazon is already into competition with mobile handset players like Samsung and Apple with its Fire phone, does the company have the wherewithal (besides funds) and the bandwidth to take on more?

For Apple’s iTunes and Apple TV, the merger would be great news, and acquisition of the huge content would be great, but Apple’s focus has been on devices, and not content. Will it be able to leverage the content to the extent to make it worthwhile spending that kind of money?

As mentioned earlier, Time-Warner had rejected Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox (Fox) unsolicited offer allegedly worth about USD 76 billion cash and stock. 21st Century Fox had offered to buy Time Warner for USD 32.42 in cash and offered a ratio of 1.531 Fox class-A share for each Time Warner share. The Fox offer was worth about USD85-86 per share.

In a defensive move, Time Warner has in the meantime initiated evasive action to thwart attacks on its soft underbelly by eliminating a provision in its bylaws that earlier could let just 15 per cent of its shareholders call special meeting, so as to prevent it being forced to consider the Fox offer in case Fox resorts to this measure to force the issue. The bylaws now say that the CEO or a majority of the board can call a special meeting.

Joining the fray against the Fox Time Warner merger is the Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW), which says that such deals could harm writers.

July 24, 2014
Writer’s guild opposes media mergers: Fox Time Warner deal

BENGALURU: The chatter about moves, countermoves by both sides continues unabated around global media circles. Joining the fray against the Fox Time Warner merger is the Writers Guild of America, West(WGAW), which says that such deals could harm writers.

As mentioned earlier, Time-Warner had rejected Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox (Fox) unsolicited offer allegedly worth about USD 76 billion cash and stock. 21st Century Fox had offered to buy Time Warner for USD 32.42 in cash and offered a ratio of 1.531 Fox class-A share for each Time Warner share. The Fox offer was worth about USD85-86 per share.

Soliciting funds, the WGAW in an email sent to some of its members stated, “As writers, we face a landscape today that the founders of our guild would hardly recognize. For decades, there were dozens of significant buyers in television and movies. Then federal limits on mergers disappeared. FCC regulations requiring independent production in television were repealed.”

“Now, those six conglomerates are threatening to swallow one another. “Think of that. Between them, Fox and Time-Warner would control 40 per cent of the industry’s writing jobs. What happens if more consolidation follows? What happens if one mega-company ends up devouring them all?”

“Giving to the Guild PAC is vital to your future,” the mail said. “The checks you write to your favourite Senate candidates cannot influence policy. But a powerful PAC, supporting candidates in the name of the WGA, gives us a fighting chance in the war against the corporate madness that threatens us all.”

The mail added, “When our Guild speaks, Washington listens. But to make sure our voices are heard, we need power. Simply put, we need you. This, then, is our call to arms. In the industry as it exists today, writers no longer have the luxury of staying out of politics. Rather, more than ever, we need a voice in them.”

Earlier, TV show runner and creator of the ‘Shield’ (2002-2008 for Fox Television Studios and Sony Pictures Television) and ‘Chicago Code’ (2011 for Fox Broadcasting Company) fame, Shawn Ryan had appeared before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation to discuss the adverse effect of “weak net neutrality regulations” and media consolidation on the creative community.

Before his appearance, Ryan had in a statement through the WGA said, “The reality of American media is that it is controlled by a handful of companies formed through two decades of consolidation .These companies own the television networks, the production studios and almost all of the scripted content that is available on television and in movie theatres. The cable companies that distribute this content are even more concentrated.”

In February 2014, the WGAW had issued a statement opposing the friendly Comcast Time Warner Cable merger that is awaiting approvals. “Comcast’s proposed merger with Time Warner Cable is bad for everyone: content creators, programmers, suppliers, and consumers. As writers know all too well, media consolidation leads to already too powerful companies limiting competition. The WGA will fight to stop this ill-conceived merger.”

Also, on June 24 this year, WGAW president Chris Keyser testified against the proposed merger of AT&T and DirecTV. Chaired by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes oversight of antitrust law and competition policy, with that day’s hearing focused on the AT&T – DirecTV merger and its impact on competition and consumers. “They will use their power to force content providers to accept below market rates for their product,” stated Keyser in his testimony. “It is a stated goal of the merger to reduce affiliate fees. The problem is: it is those fees that have fueled the recent boom in creative programming – particularly on cable. Reduce those fees through the outsized power of monopoly – and the result is less creativity, less product, less innovation.”

July 23, 2014
21st Century Fox brings popular shows to connected devices with FXNOW app

MUMBAI: It’s been some time that industry pundits predicted the rise and rise of the online viewing and now gradually it seems to be becoming a reality. Considering the growth potential of the sector, the Twenty-First Century Fox (FOXA_) has started the rollout of its “TV Everywhere” app – FXNOW that will bring ad-supported shows to multiple devices for subscribers to supported cable providers.

The app will have programs from FX, FXX and FXM, and will be available to about half of the pay-TV subscribers who receive the channels at home on devices including the iPhone, Android phones, and Xbox One. The app includes shows such as Archer, Chozen, Sons of Anarchy, Justified, Wilfred and The Americans. It will also include episodes of upcoming shows such as The Strain and Fargo.

The Los Angeles-based network made the announcement today. Viewers will also have an access to 45 to 60 movies a month besides the original programming.

Since the app is ad-supported, the company has an advantage as it would also generate revenues. The customers of AT&T’s U-verse, Comcast, Cablevision, and Suddenlink are among those that can access the service, while negotiations are still under way to add more Pay-TV operators.

As more and more international companies are realising the business potential of the online-viewing platform, hope the Indian companies come up with more streaming options soon.

January 15, 2014