ITV

Tag: Broadcasting

  • Gemini, Udaya to be merged into Sun?

    Gemini, Udaya to be merged into Sun?

    MUMBAI : The market is expecting founder-promoter Kalanithi Maran to merge the affiliate companies, Udaya TV Pvt Ltd and Gemini TV Pvt Ltd, where he has significant equity interests, with Sun TV Ltd.

    Maran had early this year raised Rs 6.03 billion through a public float of Sun TV which included the Tamil and Malayalam channels. But he kept his popular channels in Telugu and Kannada outside the ambit of the initial public offering (IPO) as they were under separate entities and had other minority stakeholders.
    The speculation in stock trading circles is that the decision would soon be taken to merge the two profit-making companies with Sun TV, offering investors a width of strong channels across the four southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala.

    The rumour comes at a time when Sun TV has made an announcement in the BSE that its board would be meeting on 27 November to “consider the proposed merger of satellite television broadcasting companies.”

    The stock would see a sigificant boost if “these rumours” turn out to be true. “The valuation of the company will shoot up if Gemini and Udaya are merged with Sun. It is not only the topline which will inflate but the bottomline will also continue to be strong,” stock market analysts say.

    Indiantelevision.com’s attempt to reach senior executives in Sun TV to get an official confirmation proved futile. Maran was also not available for comment.

    The equity shares of Udaya TV, as of 7 March 2006, are held by Maran (66.67), S. Selvam (16.67 per cent) and S Selvi (16.66 per cent). In Gemini, Maran has 26.5 per cent, Kal Communication (a promoter Group company), 23.5 per cent, K Bharathi 30 per cent, Indira Anand 16 per cent and A Sai Siva Jyoti 4 per cent.

    Before going for an IPO, Maran consolidated his ownership position by buying out entire stakes of Sharad Kumar and Dayalu Ammal (wife of DMK president M Karunanidhi). Analysts say he will try to do the same thing by buying out the minor partners in Gemini and Udaya before he decides to merge these two companies with Sun TV.

    “We don’t know if he also already bought out the stakes. If he has, the path is clear for him to go ahead with the merger,” an analyst in a brokering firm says.

    What is further fuelling the speculation is that Maran has recently consolidated the Telugu and Kannada channels under the Gemini and Udaya brands respectively. Teja News has been renamed Gemini News and Aditya TV as Gemini Music. Ushe TV, similarly, is now called Udaya Movies.

    Gemini and Udaya already share a business relationship with Sun TV Ltd. For instance, the approvals for uplinking Udaya News, Ushe TV, Aditya TV and Teja News have been granted in the name of Sun TV Ltd.

    Maran also has the option of consolidating Gemini and Udaya’s financials and taking them for an IPO. “This, however, is not what the market is expecting. We believe these two companies will merge with Sun TV to create a media behemoth,” analysts say.

    The Sun TV scrip opened the trading day at Rs 1361.55, reached a high of Rs 1389 and closed at Rs 1363.85.

  • SES, Eutelsat in JV to serve mobile broadcast markets

    SES, Eutelsat in JV to serve mobile broadcast markets

    MUMBAI: Sateelite operators SES Global and Eutelsat have announced a joint investment in the first European satellite infrastructure for broadcasting video, radio and data to mobile devices and vehicle receivers.

    In view of the innovative nature of this market SES and Eutelsat have agreed to join forces to form a new company, which will operate and commercialise the S-band payload on W2A. The company will be set up by SES Astra and Eutelsat following approval from relevant regulatory agencies. The S-band space segment represents an investment of
    approximately 130 million euros.

    The S-band (2.0 and 2.2 GHz), which represents a new frequency band for both SES and Eutelsat, provides a set of frequencies optimised for supporting a wireless distribution network for delivering video and other services to mobile devices, including phones, PDAs, laptops and vehicle receivers. Mobile video services represent a large and currently undeveloped market in Europe, emerging today through existing terrestrial solutions.

    The development of mobile video services through a satellite-based hybrid network will provide content providers and operators with alternative or complementary solutions to terrestrial based networks and will bring the benefit of the universal coverage that satellites can provide.

    Eutelsat has commissioned the W2A satellite from Alcatel Alenia Space for launch on Sea Launch in the beginning of 2009. W2A will be operated at 10 degrees East, with a state-of the art S-band payload which will be an essential building-block for a hybrid infrastructure over Europe, combining satellite and terrestrial networks, to provide both universal coverage and indoor penetration for mobile video services. The S-band payload has also been optimised for a broad range of business applications such as security surveillance and other commercial data services including two-way communications.

    SES Global president and CEO Romain Bausch says, “This joint investment will allow for the development of new, innovative satellite delivered mobile broadcast services thereby enabling satellite to compete with as well as to complement terrestrial infrastructure solutions in the mobile television and radio distribution chain. Satellite provides a unique and highly efficient coverage and the joint investment will therefore increase choice and convenience for consumers, content providers and service providers.

    “Mobile applications form an important element of our strategic development plan, and by joining forces with Eutelsat, this infrastructure investment offers an attractive business opportunity in line with our internal investment hurdle rates.”

    Eutelsat chairman and CEO Giuliano Berretta says, “Digital content and the mobility afforded by new portable devices lie at the heart of the current dynamic in the communications landscape, bringing new revenue streams for electronics manufacturers, content and service providers, as well as new products for consumers.

    “Through a resource, which is optimised in terms of bandwidth and universal coverage, satellite services using S-band frequencies can make a vital contribution to the overall success of the mobile broadcasting market while the design of the S-band payload is also fully suited for two-way communications. By adding this new payload to a platform using our traditional set of Ku-band and C-band frequencies it has also been possible to put in place an efficient and cost-effective solution for entering a new frequency band.”

  • TDSAT dismisses Radio Mid Day plea for uniform frequency

    TDSAT dismisses Radio Mid Day plea for uniform frequency

    MUMBAI: Radio Mid Day’s hopes of retaining its well known 92.5 MHz frequency hit a wall today after the sector regulator TDSAT dismissed its plea against the government’s decision to withdraw it. 

    The “big” beneficiary of the tribunal’s decision is the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG)-controlled Adlabs’ Big FM, which has been alloted the 92.7 MHz frequency, as part of its unified frequency regime, to broadcast from 44 radio stations across India. 

    Radio Mid-Day, which manages Radio One (formerly known as Go 92.5 FM), has been broadcasting in Mumbai for around four and a half years on 92.5 FM. This frequency band has grown to be the brand identification, according to Radio Mid Day.

    But, Tdsat observed, “The importance of brand name of the broadcaster cannot be underestimated, particularly, in view of the provision in the “channel identity” clause which talks of brand name of the broadcaster. Frequency is not part of the brand name of the petitioner. The petitioner got its brand name changed, which was not objected to by the government. Petitioner’s (Radio Mid Day) popularity is through its brand name. It cannot insist on having a particular frequency number.”

    Despite refusing to shift to 94.3 MHz, the brand Radio One is already broadcasting on this freqeuncy in Bangalore and Delhi. Tdsat pointed out that nobody makes any gain from the Radio Mid Day being shifted to another frequency. Rather it in the interest of Radio Mid Day that it will have same frequency i.e. 94.3 FM for all the cities for which it has broadcasting licence except Ahmedabad for which petitioner makes no grievance, highlights Tdsat.

    Interestingly, the adovcate fighting the case on behalf of Adlabs had mentioned that Radio Mid Day has to change its earlier allocated frequency in any case because of the non-availability of 92.5 MHz at all.

    This case has been fought over last two weeks. Radio Mid-Day had questioned the granting of 92.7 frequency to Big FM in Mumbai despite the norms of having a difference of at least 0.8 frequency between two stations. Radio Mid-Day had in fact first approached TDSAT seeking a uniform frequency for all its six radio stations across the country, but the government allotted different frequencies to it.

    The information and broadcasting ministry had earlier allocated 94.3 frequency to Mid Day Group for Radio One in Mumbai and other cities except in Ahemabad. But the Mumbai-based company refused to switch to the new frequency asserting that 92.5 FM has grown to be its brand identification.

    How Radio Mid-Day responds to this setback remains to be seen.

  • Content regulation draft to be redone

    Content regulation draft to be redone

    NEW DELHI: Unhappy with the draft that has been prepared on content regulation, information and broadcasting secretary SK Arora has asked the panel responsible to rework it.

    Though no specific reasons were cited, the ministry is apparently unhappy with the way some of the issues have been dealt with as also the length of the 65-page draft, which is seen as being too unwieldy.

    Earlier in the week, Arora, who heads a 30-member committee comprising representatives from industry, trade and consumer bodies, conveyed his observations to a sub-panel handling the content regulation draft.

    However, no time frame has been set for the work to be redone, which is an indicator that the government might bring in such a regulation through an existing piece of legislation instead of waiting for the proposed Broadcast Bill 2006 to be enacted into law.

    The draft aims at regulating and setting parameters for content to be aired on TV and radio networks, including broadcast of adult fare and sting ops done by news channels.

    A peek into a section of this draft also highlights that the proposed legislation could not only hamper functioning of news channels, but is also intrusive.

    If okayed by lawmakers in its present state, it could well be the end of sting operations and coverage of issues where high profile politicians and personalities are involved.

    Sample this part: TV channels must not use material relating to persons personal or private affairs or which invades an individual’s privacy unless there is an identifiable public interest reason for the material to be broadcast.

    Who decides what constitutes an individual’s privacy? The government or the regulator, of course.

    Examples of public interest would include, according to the draft, revealing or detecting crime, protecting public health or safety, exposing misleading claims made by individuals or organizations or disclosing incompetence that affects the public.

    Nowhere does the proposed regulation dwell on misuse of official power by a public personality — an issue that’s increasingly becoming rampant in India.

    The draft then goes on to state that news should not jeopardize any ongoing criminal investigations and (TV channels) should avoid a trial by media since “a man is innocent till proven guilty by law”.

    Now this could also mean that if a politician’s son is being tried by law for using drugs in the official residence, TV news should not do extensive coverage of the incident. However, the draft regulation is silent what should be done in case such accused themselves go on air and ‘use’ the media to influence opinion making.

    “Channels mounting sting operations with use of hidden cameras and recording devices are required to strictly adhere to the rules prescribed,” the draft states, going on to put the onus on TV news channels of proving such a programme is in public interest.

  • Trai’s Open House to discuss commercial tariff for broadcasting and cable TV

    Trai’s Open House to discuss commercial tariff for broadcasting and cable TV

    Subject: Open House Discussion and posting of Gist of Comments on issues relating to Commercial Tariff for Broadcasting and Cable Television Services.

    The TRAI will be holding Open House Discussion (OHD) on issues relating to Commercial Tariff for Broadcasting and Cable Television Services. The OHD will be held on 25.5.2006 at the Banquet Hall, 3rd Floor, Ashok Hotel, Chanakyapuri from 11.00 Hrs to 13.30 Hrs.

    2. The consultation paper issued on 21.4.2006 on the issue and gist of comments received from stakeholders on the consultation paper are available on TRAI’s website www.trai.gov.in. The consultation paper can be seen by using the link
    http://www.trai.gov.in/trai/upload/
    ConsultationPapers/71/consult21apr06.pdf.
    The gist of Comments can be seen using the link
    http://www.trai.gov.in/whatnew.asp and
    http://www.trai.gov.in/pressreleases_list_year.asp .

    3. The Issues posed for consultation will also be available at the venue of the Open House Discussion. All interested agencies /individuals are invited to participate. For any clarification, please contact Shri Rakesh Kacker, Advisor (B&CS), Ph 011-26713291, Fax no 011-26713442, E-mail:
    rkacker@trai.gov.in

  • Pay TV reveunes sees growth in Canada; CRTC report

    Pay TV reveunes sees growth in Canada; CRTC report

    MUMBAI: The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has released its annual report indicating that the revenues and profits for Canada’s specialty and pay TV services have climbed steadily over the last five years.

    The reports signifies that on an average, from 2001 to 2005, revenues for these services increased by 10 per cent per year, and their earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT), by 19.4 per cent.
    EBIT for specialty, pay and pay-per view services rose even more significantly over the last year, posting an increase of 31.5 per cent. They climbed from $418.2 million in 2004 to $549.9 million in 2005. Also, revenues reached almost $2.2 billion in 2005, an increase of 6.3 per cent over the previous year, due in part to increases in the number of subscribers and reporting units.

    More specifically, in 2005, revenues from cable distribution services grew by 4.7 per cent over 2004 from $886.9 to $928.4 million. Those for direct-to-home satellite distribution services (DTH) increased by 6.2 per cent, reaching $460.7 million in 2005, compared with $433.9 million in 2004. National advertising revenues rose by 8.7%, increasing from $691.5 million to $751.3 million.

    This year, the report includes a new component: it details programming and production spendings by type of program, as provided to the CRTC by most Canadian specialty services. It shows that, for Canadian programming, services spent $162.5 million on drama, $128.4 million on news, $206 million on other information programming, $116.9 million on sports, $38.3 million on musical and variety shows and $45 million on general interest programs.
    This report was produced using the financial statements of Canadian specialty, pay and pay-per-view services. It is one of a series of reports that the CRTC publishes annually in order to inform those interested in the state of the Canadian broadcasting industry.

    The CRTC is an independent, public authority which was established to sustain and promote Canadian culture and achieve key social and economic objectives by regulating and supervising Canadian broadcasting and telecommunications in the public interest.

  • Buena Vista Intl TV EMEA appoints Taylor as VP legal & business affairs

    Buena Vista Intl TV EMEA appoints Taylor as VP legal & business affairs

    MUMBAI: Buena Vista International Television (BVITV) EMEA has appointed Simon Taylor as vice president legal and business affairs. This was announced by BVITV EMEA executive vice president and managing director Tom Toumazis and Disney senior vice president and European general counsel Peter Wiley.

    In this London-based role, Taylor will be responsible for managing all legal and business affairs for BVITV’s television and new media distribution business. Within this, he will work closely with both Toumazis and Wiley, and will manage a BVITV legal and business affairs team of 11 based in London and Paris. He will also become a member of BVITV’s executive team.

    Taylor will join BVITV next month from his role as business consultant to a range of clients in the entertainment broadcasting, production and distribution sectors. Prior to this, he was HIT Entertainment’s legal and business affairs director from 2000 to 2002. Before that he was at BBC TV Programme Acquisition as head of business and legal affairs from 1994 to 2000.

    Toumazis said, “I’m delighted that someone with Simon’s experience and knowledge of the industry will help us manage the number of business opportunities and legal issues we face in the industry, including emerging new technology platforms and assisting with our continued efforts against piracy.”

    Wiley added, “Simon’s extensive track record of in-house legal experience in the international media industry will prove invaluable for our whole company.”

    “I’m excited to be joining such a dynamic business and looking forward to working with the team to further success, working with the great content BVITV has, and helping take advantage of the opportunities that the market has to offer,” said Taylor.

  • BBC’s broadband learning service for children begins a storytelling trial

    BBC’s broadband learning service for children begins a storytelling trial

    MUMBAI: BBC jam (bbc.co.uk/jam) the UK pubcaster’s new broadband learning service for 5 to 16 year olds, has begun a three-month Augmented Reality (AR) storytelling trial.

    AR is a concept which allows users to interact with virtual 3D objects in real time, by using their own hands, rather than a mouse or a keyboard.

    The trial will enable users to see themselves on a computer screen, holding and moving the 3D characters as they explore the specially-created story (bbc.co.uk/jam/trial/ar).

    AR works by mixing the live video from a digital camera with animated 3D models, which are made to appear in the hands of the user.

    This is achieved by special software which tracks patterns, printed on paper, in each video image. AR technology allows learners to literally pick objects off the page and explore them in a highly rewarding way.

    The animated characters are able to interact with other objects and each other; they are even able to walk off the page.

    Building on technology developments that have led to BBC using AR in the broadcast of BBC News and BBC Sport, the BBC is now able to bring the same technologies to the homes and classrooms of the public.

    To be involved in the first trial all users will need is a standard PC, a webcam and a broadband internet connection. Free software access will be provided and users will be asked to fill in two short feedback forms during the three-month pilot.

    This first trial uses a brand-new story by the award-winning children’s author, Rob Lewis. Written especially for five to seven year olds, it supports shared reading, at home or at school.

    During the trials there will be user guides, teacher notes, tutorials and technical support available and a space to share personal experiences with other participants.

    The BBC has been working with the collaboration of an open source community called AR Toolkit, to explore the use of the technology in broadcasting. They would now like to see it used in classroom and homes.

    The team has recently carried out two projects with teachers and pupils in the BBC’s 21st Century Classroom (21CC) – a digital learning centre in central London, dedicated to exploring creative and cutting-edge uses of technology in teaching and learning; they are now looking to gauge the general public’s reaction.

    If the trial is successful then the BBC hopes to launch further subjects for different ages to explore, learn and create. The pubcaster believes that AR has the potential beyond purely learning as a fun and initiative way of interacting with digital content in collaborative ways for both children and adults.

  • MyNetworkTV, Young Broadcasting enter affiliation agreement for Kron

    MyNetworkTV, Young Broadcasting enter affiliation agreement for Kron

    MUMBAI: MyNetworkTV, the new primetime general entertainment television network, and Young Broadcasting Inc., (YBI) have entered into an affiliation agreement for Kron.

    The announcement was jointly made today by Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy and YBI chairman Vincent Young.

    Kron, a leading independent television station, joins a rapidly growing list of stations joining the MyNetworkTV affiliate base. Its affiliation with MyNetworkTV marks Krons return to network television. MyNetworkTV is cleared in 52 markets throughout the United States, representing 51 per cent of the country. The network will launch on 5 September 2006.

    Abernethy said, “Kron, one of the great independent stations in the country, is a powerful brand and an icon in the San Francisco market which it has served for the past 50 years. The Bay Areas leading source of local news and entertainment, Krons affiliation with MyNetworkTV is a significant agreement for us and we are excited to be partnered with Young Broadcasting.”

    “Kron is coming home to the network television business. We are delighted that Fox and its new network recognize the enormous value inherent in an affiliation with Kron in San Francisco. For Young Broadcasting, this represents an opportunity to grow our business with the last group to successfully launch a new national network. The partnership will link two dynamic brand names in San Francisco to provide strong entertainment programming and expanded advertising opportunities,” said Young.