ITV

Tag: cable networks

  • TRAI sees merit in using satcom for broadband delivery

    TRAI sees merit in using satcom for broadband delivery

    NEW DELHI: India needs to create digital platforms, pushed by government policies and private sector entrepreneurship, which are specific to India and address its specific needs, telecom and broadcast regulator TRAI advisor SK Singhal said on Wednesday, adding that affordable broadband and allied services like television form the backbone of NTP 2018.

    “We need to create policies (including those pertaining to the digital world) that address our specific needs,” Singhal said at the CII Big Picture Summit 2017, adding that optimal usage of capacity created by cable networks is a must to deliver broadband services to every corner of India as envisioned by PM Modi.

    Singhal, along with Broadcast Engineering Consultant India Ltd (BECIL) CMD George Kuruvilla were speaking on the theme of `Connected India is Digital India’ and how for digital India to be truly implemented broadband access had to be made affordable, including all mediums of delivery like satellite communications (satcom) and cable.

    Pointing out that a stronger ‘collaboration’ is needed between operators of cable networks and those who use the pipe to deliver services, Singhal said that TRAI has already recommended to the government to use cable networks’ broadband delivery potential to fulfil the goals of the New Telecom Policy 2018.

    However, he officially admitted that to fully realise the digital potential of cable networks, some “policy hiccups” also need to be ironed out along with proper guidance in entrepreneurial skills of people who operate such networks.

    Economic Times, in September, had quoted telecoms minister Manoj Sinha as saying that the NTP 2018, expected by March 2018, will focus on providing affordable internet access to 1.3 billion Indians and facilitate domestic manufacturing to curb dependence on imports. He had added that NTP will address sector issues and make them future-proof with the onset of disruptive technologies such as fifth-generation (5G) and AI.

    Dwelling further on building broadband capacity and fully “unleash the potential” of cable networks, Singhal said set top boxes too need to be unbundled or made interoperable. TRAI has an interaction going on with all stakeholders on the issue and some field tests have also been conducted on interoperable boxes.

    Asked how the draft space policy, presently being reviewed by various stakeholders, could facilitate increased use of satellite communications to give a fillip to delivery of broadband services, Singhal skirted a direct answer as space related policies were handled by ministries of telecoms and space (department of space falls within the ambit of prime minister’s office).

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  • Report illegal TV channels, Govt alerted

    NEW DELHI: While stressing that the law was clear that no cable operator could beam any private TV channel which had not been registered with the Government, the minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said today that a total of 889 private satellite channels had been given valid permission under Uplinking/ Downlinking Guidelines as on 31 January 2017.

    Rathore told the Parliament that Sub Rule 6(6) of the Cable Television Network Rules 1994 specifies that no cable operator shall carry or include in his cable service any television broadcast or channel which has not been registered by the Central Government for being viewed within the territory of India.

    The Ministry has from time to time issued advisories to State Governments to constitute State and District Level Monitoring Committees for broadcast content monitoring.

    The Ministry on 8 July 2016 issued an advisory to the Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs Governments, the District Collectors and the Multi System Operators (MSOs)/ Local Cable Operators (LCOs) to ensure that no unpermitted TV channel, are transmitted/ re-transmitted in the Cable Networks and to take action against the defaulter under the provisions of the Cable Television Networks Act 1995 to stop transmission of these channels.

    In pursuance to this, necessary action had been taken by authorized officers and FIR lodged against the concerned LCO. 

    In mid-2016, the Ministry had also written to the Home Ministry to bring to its notice any illegal channels being beamed in the country.

    However, the I and B Ministry had last month put on its website a list of 899 as at the end of 2016, with nine new television channels cleared in December 2016.

    According to that list, permission had been initially granted to 1054 channels but later the licences of 155 channels had been cancelled. The 899 channels included 500 general entertainment channels and 399 news and current affairs channels.

    Of these, while 788 were allowed to uplink and downlink in India, 20 were permitted to uplink from India but not downlink in the country and 91 channels uplinked from overseas were permitted downlinking into India.

    Also Read:

    Peace TV Saga: 24 TV channels identified unfit for telecast in 2015 by India

    HC terms Care World TV ‘ban’ as illegal

  • Q3-16: Comcast Cable Communications division video numbers improve

    Q3-16: Comcast Cable Communications division video numbers improve

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) Cable Communications division (Comcast Cable, Cable) reported 8.8 percent increase in video revenue for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q3-16, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter. The division reported video revenue at $5,591 million for Q3-16 as compared to $5,348 million in Q3-15.

    Overall, Cable Communications revenue which includes revenues from video, high speed internet, voice, business services, advertising and ‘other’ segments increased 6.9 percent y-o-y in Q3-16. The growth in revenue was driven by increase in high speed internet, business services and video revenues.

    Cable Communications reported revenue of $12,557 million in the current quarter while it was $11,751 million in Q3-15. Video revenue is the major contributor to Comcast’s Cable Communications segment, followed by high speed internet. Operating Cash Flow (OCF) from Comcast Cable Communications increased 5.5 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $4,986 million from $4,726 million.

    Cable Communications Business Services revenue stream had the highest year-over-year (y-o-y) growth in Q3-16 among all the other streams at 15.5 percent (grew to $1,399 million from $1,211 million).  High speed internet revenue grew 8.8 percent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $3,405 million from $3,129 million.

    Overall, Comcast consolidated revenue also increased 14.2 percent y-o-y to $21,319 million in the current quarter as compared to $18,669 million. Q3-16 revenue includes $1.6 billion of revenue generated by the broadcast of the 2016 Rio Olympics, of which $1.2 billion was related to advertising revenue says Comcast. Excluding the Olympics, consolidated revenue increased 5.5 percent. Consolidated operating income increased 11 percent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $4,440 million from $4,001 million.

    Cable Communications segment subscription numbers

    Overall, Comcast Cable Communications reported a q-o-q (quarter-over quarter) addition of 216,000 customer relationships to 28.301 million in Q3-16. During the corresponding year ago quarter, customer relationships were 27.421 million with net additions of 166,000.

    Comcast Cable Communications closed the current quarter with 24.316 million video customers, an increase of 32,000 video customers from the immediate trailing quarter. High Speed Internet customers increased by 320,000 to 24.316 million, while Voice customers increased by 2,000 to 11.6413 million in the current quarter vis-a-vis the immediate trailing quarter.

    In Q3-16, single play customers increased by 72,000 to 8.488 million, double play customers increased by 141,000 to 9.54 million, triple play customers increased by 4,000 to 10.273 million as compared to the immediate trailing quarter.

    NBCUniversal (NBCU)

    NBCUniversal (NBCU) revenue increased 28.3 percent in Q3-16 to $9,178 million from $7,151 million in Q3-15. Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 22.5 percent, primarily driven by 2016 Rio Olympics revenue of $1.6 billion included in the Broadcast Television and Cable Networks segments.

    Cable Networks revenue in Q3-16 grew to $2,942 million from $2,412 million; Broadcast Television revenue increased 56.6 percent y-o-y to $3,087 million from $1,971 million; Theme Parks revenue increased 60.7 percent y-o-y to $1,440 million from $896 million.

    The segment saw 31.4 percent y-o-y increase in operating cash flow or OCF in Q3-16 at $2,146 million as compared to $1,633 million. OCF from Filmed Entertainment segment declined 6.1 percent) in Q3-16 to $353 million from $376 million.   OCF from Cable Networks in Q2-16 increased 7 percent y-o-y to $893 million from $835 million in Q3-15. OCF from Theme Parks increased 62.7 percent to $706 million from $434 million.

    Company speak

    Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts said, ” “I’m pleased to report that our businesses generated double digit revenue and operating cash flow growth for the third quarter of 2016. Cable delivered solid operating cash flow growth coupled with great customer metrics, and has now added 170,000 video subscribers over the past twelve months. The Rio Olympics were the most profitable and successful games in our history, and demonstrated our ability to deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience through NBCUniversal together with Comcast Cable and the X1 platform. NBCUniversal reported operating cash flow growth of over 30%, benefitting from the Olympics, continued growth at our Theme Parks, and the theatrical success of The Secret Life of Pets this quarter. I’m proud of our consistent execution and excited about the opportunities ahead for Comcast NBCUniversal.”

     

  • Q3-16: Comcast Cable Communications division video numbers improve

    Q3-16: Comcast Cable Communications division video numbers improve

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) Cable Communications division (Comcast Cable, Cable) reported 8.8 percent increase in video revenue for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q3-16, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter. The division reported video revenue at $5,591 million for Q3-16 as compared to $5,348 million in Q3-15.

    Overall, Cable Communications revenue which includes revenues from video, high speed internet, voice, business services, advertising and ‘other’ segments increased 6.9 percent y-o-y in Q3-16. The growth in revenue was driven by increase in high speed internet, business services and video revenues.

    Cable Communications reported revenue of $12,557 million in the current quarter while it was $11,751 million in Q3-15. Video revenue is the major contributor to Comcast’s Cable Communications segment, followed by high speed internet. Operating Cash Flow (OCF) from Comcast Cable Communications increased 5.5 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $4,986 million from $4,726 million.

    Cable Communications Business Services revenue stream had the highest year-over-year (y-o-y) growth in Q3-16 among all the other streams at 15.5 percent (grew to $1,399 million from $1,211 million).  High speed internet revenue grew 8.8 percent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $3,405 million from $3,129 million.

    Overall, Comcast consolidated revenue also increased 14.2 percent y-o-y to $21,319 million in the current quarter as compared to $18,669 million. Q3-16 revenue includes $1.6 billion of revenue generated by the broadcast of the 2016 Rio Olympics, of which $1.2 billion was related to advertising revenue says Comcast. Excluding the Olympics, consolidated revenue increased 5.5 percent. Consolidated operating income increased 11 percent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $4,440 million from $4,001 million.

    Cable Communications segment subscription numbers

    Overall, Comcast Cable Communications reported a q-o-q (quarter-over quarter) addition of 216,000 customer relationships to 28.301 million in Q3-16. During the corresponding year ago quarter, customer relationships were 27.421 million with net additions of 166,000.

    Comcast Cable Communications closed the current quarter with 24.316 million video customers, an increase of 32,000 video customers from the immediate trailing quarter. High Speed Internet customers increased by 320,000 to 24.316 million, while Voice customers increased by 2,000 to 11.6413 million in the current quarter vis-a-vis the immediate trailing quarter.

    In Q3-16, single play customers increased by 72,000 to 8.488 million, double play customers increased by 141,000 to 9.54 million, triple play customers increased by 4,000 to 10.273 million as compared to the immediate trailing quarter.

    NBCUniversal (NBCU)

    NBCUniversal (NBCU) revenue increased 28.3 percent in Q3-16 to $9,178 million from $7,151 million in Q3-15. Revenue for NBCUniversal increased 22.5 percent, primarily driven by 2016 Rio Olympics revenue of $1.6 billion included in the Broadcast Television and Cable Networks segments.

    Cable Networks revenue in Q3-16 grew to $2,942 million from $2,412 million; Broadcast Television revenue increased 56.6 percent y-o-y to $3,087 million from $1,971 million; Theme Parks revenue increased 60.7 percent y-o-y to $1,440 million from $896 million.

    The segment saw 31.4 percent y-o-y increase in operating cash flow or OCF in Q3-16 at $2,146 million as compared to $1,633 million. OCF from Filmed Entertainment segment declined 6.1 percent) in Q3-16 to $353 million from $376 million.   OCF from Cable Networks in Q2-16 increased 7 percent y-o-y to $893 million from $835 million in Q3-15. OCF from Theme Parks increased 62.7 percent to $706 million from $434 million.

    Company speak

    Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts said, ” “I’m pleased to report that our businesses generated double digit revenue and operating cash flow growth for the third quarter of 2016. Cable delivered solid operating cash flow growth coupled with great customer metrics, and has now added 170,000 video subscribers over the past twelve months. The Rio Olympics were the most profitable and successful games in our history, and demonstrated our ability to deliver an unparalleled entertainment experience through NBCUniversal together with Comcast Cable and the X1 platform. NBCUniversal reported operating cash flow growth of over 30%, benefitting from the Olympics, continued growth at our Theme Parks, and the theatrical success of The Secret Life of Pets this quarter. I’m proud of our consistent execution and excited about the opportunities ahead for Comcast NBCUniversal.”

     

  • Q2-16: Comcast Cable Communications video revenue up 2.8 percent

    Q2-16: Comcast Cable Communications video revenue up 2.8 percent

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) Cable Communications division (Comcast Cable, Cable) reported 2.8 percent increase in video revenue for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter.

    The division reported video revenue at $5,581 million for Q2-16 as compared to $5,431 million in Q2-15

    Overall, Cable Communications revenue, which includes revenues from video, high speed internet, voice, business services advertising and ‘other’ segments increased 6.3 percent y-o-y in Q2-16. The growth in revenue was driven by increase in high speed internet, business services and video revenues.

    Cable Communications reported revenue of $12,444 million in the current quarter, while it was $11,740 million in Q2-15. Video revenue is the major contributor to Comcast’s Cable Communications segment, followed by high speed internet.

    Operating Cash Flow (OCF) from Comcast Cable Communications increased 5.7 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $5,048 million from $4,777 million.

    Cable Communications business services stream had the highest y-o-y growth in Q2-16 among all the other streams at 16.9 percent (grew to $1,360 million from $1,163 million).  High speed internet revenue grew 8.6 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $3,369 million from $3,101 million.

    Overall, Comcast consolidated revenue also increased 2.8 percent year-over-year (y-o-y) to $19,269 million in the current quarter as compared to $18,743 million. Consolidated operating income declined 1 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $4,066 million from $4,105 million. Net income attributable to Comcast declined 5.1 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $ 2,038 million from $2,137 million.

    Cable Communications segment subscription numbers

    Overall, Comcast Cable Communications reported a q-o-q (quarter-over quarter) addition of 115,00 customer relationships to 28.085 million in Q2-16. During the corresponding year ago quarter, customer relationships were 26.265 million with net additions of 31,000.

    Comcast Cable Communications closed the current quarter with 22.396 million, a decline of 4,000 video customers from the immediate trailing quarter. High Speed Internet customers increased by 220,000 to 23.987 million, while Voice customers increased by 64,000 to 11.641 million in the current quarter vis-a-vis the immediate trailing quarter.

    In Q2-16, single play customers increased by 6,000 to 8.416 million, double play customers increased by 53,000 to 9.399 million, triple play customers increased by 56,000 to 10.269 million as compared to the immediate trailing quarter.    

    NBCUniversal (NBCU)

    NBCUniversal (NBCU) revenue declined 1.8 percent in Q2-16 to $7,103 million from $7,230 million in Q2-15. The slide was attributable to a 40.4 percent decline in NBCU’s Filmed Entertainment segment revenue in the current quarter to $1,351 million from $2,266 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    NBCU’s other segments – revenue from Cable Networks, Broadcast Television and Theme Parks –grew 4.7 percent, 17.3 percent and 47 percent, respectively.

    Cable Networks revenue in Q2-16 grew to $2,566 million from $2,450 million; Broadcast Television revenue increased to $2,128 million from $1,813 million; Theme Parks revenue increased to $1,136 million from $773 million.

    The segment saw almost flat y-o-y operating cash flow or OCF (declined 0.2 percent) in Q2-16 at $1,689 million as compared to $1,692 million.

    OCF from Filmed Entertainment segment declined to almost one eighth (declined by 86.7 percent) in Q2-16 to $56 million from $422 million.   OCF from Cable Networks in Q2-16 increased 8.3 percent y-o-y to $944 million from$872 million in Q2-15. OCF from Broadcast Television increased 70.5 percent y-o-y to $394 million from $231 million and OCF from Theme Parks increased 40.5 percent to $469 million from$334 million.

    Company Speak
    Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts in a statement said, “I am pleased to report excellent results as our momentum continues across our businesses. Our Cable subscriber and financial performance during the quarter was outstanding. We more than tripled our customer relationship net additions, with our best second quarter Internet customer results in eight years and our best second quarter video customer results in over ten years, and we successfully balanced this with strong operating cash flow growth.

    “Despite an expected difficult comparison to last year’s record second quarter film slate, NBCUniversal achieved solid results, driven by strength in our TV businesses and Theme Parks, which benefitted from the successful opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood. I am excited about the opportunities ahead for our company as we work together to bring people incredible technology, and memorable experiences, and there is no better example than the Olympic Games. “

    Dwelling on the Olympics coverage, he said that the entire organization  was gearing up to deliver the most comprehensive and innovative Olympics coverage in history starting next week, which will showcase the incredible breadth of NBCUniversal together with Comcast Cable and the X1 platform

  • Q2-16: Comcast Cable Communications video revenue up 2.8 percent

    Q2-16: Comcast Cable Communications video revenue up 2.8 percent

    BENGALURU: Comcast Corporation’s (Comcast) Cable Communications division (Comcast Cable, Cable) reported 2.8 percent increase in video revenue for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter.

    The division reported video revenue at $5,581 million for Q2-16 as compared to $5,431 million in Q2-15

    Overall, Cable Communications revenue, which includes revenues from video, high speed internet, voice, business services advertising and ‘other’ segments increased 6.3 percent y-o-y in Q2-16. The growth in revenue was driven by increase in high speed internet, business services and video revenues.

    Cable Communications reported revenue of $12,444 million in the current quarter, while it was $11,740 million in Q2-15. Video revenue is the major contributor to Comcast’s Cable Communications segment, followed by high speed internet.

    Operating Cash Flow (OCF) from Comcast Cable Communications increased 5.7 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to $5,048 million from $4,777 million.

    Cable Communications business services stream had the highest y-o-y growth in Q2-16 among all the other streams at 16.9 percent (grew to $1,360 million from $1,163 million).  High speed internet revenue grew 8.6 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $3,369 million from $3,101 million.

    Overall, Comcast consolidated revenue also increased 2.8 percent year-over-year (y-o-y) to $19,269 million in the current quarter as compared to $18,743 million. Consolidated operating income declined 1 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $4,066 million from $4,105 million. Net income attributable to Comcast declined 5.1 percent y-o-y in Q2-16 to $ 2,038 million from $2,137 million.

    Cable Communications segment subscription numbers

    Overall, Comcast Cable Communications reported a q-o-q (quarter-over quarter) addition of 115,00 customer relationships to 28.085 million in Q2-16. During the corresponding year ago quarter, customer relationships were 26.265 million with net additions of 31,000.

    Comcast Cable Communications closed the current quarter with 22.396 million, a decline of 4,000 video customers from the immediate trailing quarter. High Speed Internet customers increased by 220,000 to 23.987 million, while Voice customers increased by 64,000 to 11.641 million in the current quarter vis-a-vis the immediate trailing quarter.

    In Q2-16, single play customers increased by 6,000 to 8.416 million, double play customers increased by 53,000 to 9.399 million, triple play customers increased by 56,000 to 10.269 million as compared to the immediate trailing quarter.    

    NBCUniversal (NBCU)

    NBCUniversal (NBCU) revenue declined 1.8 percent in Q2-16 to $7,103 million from $7,230 million in Q2-15. The slide was attributable to a 40.4 percent decline in NBCU’s Filmed Entertainment segment revenue in the current quarter to $1,351 million from $2,266 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    NBCU’s other segments – revenue from Cable Networks, Broadcast Television and Theme Parks –grew 4.7 percent, 17.3 percent and 47 percent, respectively.

    Cable Networks revenue in Q2-16 grew to $2,566 million from $2,450 million; Broadcast Television revenue increased to $2,128 million from $1,813 million; Theme Parks revenue increased to $1,136 million from $773 million.

    The segment saw almost flat y-o-y operating cash flow or OCF (declined 0.2 percent) in Q2-16 at $1,689 million as compared to $1,692 million.

    OCF from Filmed Entertainment segment declined to almost one eighth (declined by 86.7 percent) in Q2-16 to $56 million from $422 million.   OCF from Cable Networks in Q2-16 increased 8.3 percent y-o-y to $944 million from$872 million in Q2-15. OCF from Broadcast Television increased 70.5 percent y-o-y to $394 million from $231 million and OCF from Theme Parks increased 40.5 percent to $469 million from$334 million.

    Company Speak
    Comcast chairman and CEO Brian L. Roberts in a statement said, “I am pleased to report excellent results as our momentum continues across our businesses. Our Cable subscriber and financial performance during the quarter was outstanding. We more than tripled our customer relationship net additions, with our best second quarter Internet customer results in eight years and our best second quarter video customer results in over ten years, and we successfully balanced this with strong operating cash flow growth.

    “Despite an expected difficult comparison to last year’s record second quarter film slate, NBCUniversal achieved solid results, driven by strength in our TV businesses and Theme Parks, which benefitted from the successful opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Hollywood. I am excited about the opportunities ahead for our company as we work together to bring people incredible technology, and memorable experiences, and there is no better example than the Olympic Games. “

    Dwelling on the Olympics coverage, he said that the entire organization  was gearing up to deliver the most comprehensive and innovative Olympics coverage in history starting next week, which will showcase the incredible breadth of NBCUniversal together with Comcast Cable and the X1 platform

  • Ministry of home affairs spikes FDI hike in telecom, media

    Ministry of home affairs spikes FDI hike in telecom, media

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s proposal to increase foreign direct investment in the information and broadcasting and telecom sectors may never see the light of day.

    The reason: the ministry of home affairs has not agreed to increase FDI caps and/or entry routes in respect to “aviation, telecom and information and broadcasting sectors on account of their sensitivity and security concerns,” Minister of State for Home R P N Singh said in reply to a written question in parliament today, according to agency reports.

    Singh said the Home Ministry has also raised issues pertaining to “investments of concern” and in respect of different categories of investors and investments; source of investments and instruments of investment.

    Trai had earlier this year recommended hiking FDI caps for news television (TV) and private FM radio services to 49% from the current 26%. It had also proposed a FDI hike to 100 per cent (from 74 per cent currently) in distribution and carriage services such as direct-to-home (DTH) TV, cable networks and mobile TV.

  • Channel NewsAsia relaunches; adds Mumbai bureau

    Channel NewsAsia relaunches; adds Mumbai bureau

    MUMBAI: Asian news broadcaster Channel NewsAsia is ramping up investments and has set up new bureaus in Mumbai and across Asia as it expands its programming lineup.

     

    Channel NewsAsia has relaunched and moved from a live broadcast of 20 hours a day to a 24-hour cycle. The channel also has a new look and new programmes to help viewers better “Understand Asia”.

     

    The free-to-air channel already has a bureau in New Delhi. Going forward, it will add more bureaus. This will enable the channel to produce more original content and news stories for the additional hours of “live” broadcasting

     

    The channel is banking on digitisation that it hopes will reduce carriage fees paid to cable networks.

    The broadcaster has an on-going deal with news agency ANI in India. From India one will see more news on different topics like finance, business and entertainment.

     

    Channel NewsAsia MD Debra Soon said, “As the locus f the world economy shifts towards Asia, we believe we are well-positioned to deliver what we’ve been doing daily since 1999, and help audiences around the world better understand Asia. We have made substantial investments to provide more business content about Asia, from Asia. We intend to increase our lead in covering South East Asia better than other broadcasters operating here, and we will cover South Asia better. This is all part of the drive to deliver insightful documentaries and programmes for viewers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

     

    Channel NewsAsia’s re-launch was celebrated today with a Champagne Lunch with the channel’s partners and friends at its new Marina Bay Studio. Simultaneous parties were also held in Mumbai and Hong Kong to mark this milestone occasion.

     

    Increased news and business content and documentaries

     

    Business news at prime time is more than doubled. A new one-hour financial programme, ‘Business Central’, airs at 8 pm featuring key stories from the region’s financial hubs – Singapore, Mumbai, Hong Kong and Shanghai. The show will give viewers insights into daily developments in other key world financial centres from the bureaus in London and New York.

     

    Day-time market reports and key interviews will be conducted out of Channel NewsAsia’s latest facility in the Marina Bay Financial Centre, at the heart of Singapore’s new financial district.

     

    The Marina Bay Studio will be featured during a new one-hour lunchtime show, ‘Asia Connect’, which will bring together the market action from every trading day in Mumbai, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore and keep viewers on the pulse of Asia. This studio is a result of the collaboration with DBS Bank.

     

    News content is increased by more than one-third. A daily additional newsbelt called ‘News Pulse’ from midnight to 6 am, tracks world developments overnight for Asia, with breaking news from the US and Europe. This will be followed by a new start to Asia’s day, with ‘First Look Asia’ from 6 am.
        

              
          

    With a line-up of new programmes interspersed throughout the channel, viewers are given an uninterrupted flow of news through the day:

     

    (1) First Look Asia

    (2) News Now
    (3) Asia Connect
    (4) Singapore Connect (Only on Channel NewsAsia, Singapore)
    (5) Business Central
    (6) Business Singapore
    (7) News Pulse

     

    Beyond the news, Channel NewsAsia is raising the depth of content about Asia with nearly 30 per cent more hours of current affairs programmes focused on the dynamism and progress of Asia. An example is ‘Power List Asia’, which looks at the core of Asian success stories through interviews with top CEOs and tycoons.

     

    ‘Extraordinary Asians’, meanwhile, profiles the exceptional Asians who inspire the community by contributing in extraordinary ways. ‘Boomtown Asia’ offers a preview of what Asian cities of the future might look like and what is being done now to help make existing cities sustainable, liveable and future-proof.

     

    New branding and on-air look: The launch is marked by the channel’s new branding and on-air look. “To be the Voice of Asian Progress” describes Channel NewsAsia’s unique positioning of capturing the exclusive stories unfolding in the region in all its diversity. The fresh graphics and colours reflect the channel’s celebration of the dynamism and energy in Asia, while the channel will stay true to its mission of helping viewers “Understand Asia”.

     

    All platforms: In such a dynamic environment, consumers would expect to have information whenever and wherever they are. Channel NewsAsia is already available via the iPhone, iPad and Android Apps. Its Android App will have enhanced features when relaunched later this year.

     

    The channel is also streamed “live” on both Channel NewsAsia (url: channelnewsasia.com ) and Livestation (url: livestation.com/en/cna_en) websites. It has entered into a strategic partnership with YouTube to provide even better quality services for viewers.

     

    Marketing initiatives: On the marketing front, Channel NewsAsia has launched a series of initiatives in the region, such as the partnership for the CEO World Forum held in Ho Chi Minh City on 11 January 2013.

     

    In March 2013, the channel is taking its discussion programme, ‘Perspectives’, on the road in Jakarta. To be recorded on location live, a panel has been invited to discuss the topic of Indonesia Rising. Speakers include Indonesia’s Investment Coordinating Board chairman Dr. M. Chatib Basri; Garuda Indonesia president, CEO Emirsyah Satar, the World Bank’s Country Director for Indonesia Stefan Koeberle and Indonesia’s Pertamina president, director and CEO Karen Agustiawan. The channel will launch more of such initiatives, like the Luminary Awards Forum in Singapore at the end of March.

  • Viacom’s Q3 revenues up 7% to $2.66 billion

    Viacom’s Q3 revenues up 7% to $2.66 billion

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom Viacom has reported financial results for the third quarter ended 30 September, 2006.

    The company reported revenues and operating income of $2.66 billion and $655.5 million, respectively, for the quarter, compared with revenues and pro forma operating income of $2.48 billion and $744.5 million, respectively, in the third quarter of 2005.

    The seven per cent growth in revenues was driven by a 10 per cent revenue increase in the cable networks segment. Operating income however declined 12 per cent versus 2005 pro forma operating income, as a 14 per cent gain in the cable networks segment operating income was more than offset by a decline in the Entertainment segment.

    Viacom executive chairman Sumner M. Redstone said, “Considering the short time that Philippe Dauman has been in place as CEO, I am truly impressed with our solid third quarter results, particularly the performance of our well-known cable brands. I am confident that you will see further operational success in the not too distant future. Viacom will continue to expand on its creative heritage and move rapidly to the forefront of emerging digital markets, keeping us on the path to outstanding long term financial performance and free cash flow generation.”

    Viacom president and CEO Philippe Dauman said, “We achieved significant financial and operational progress in the third quarter and we remain on track to deliver on our goals for the full year. I see even greater opportunities to build for future growth as we harness Viacom’s powerful brands, popular content and unique connections with the audiences that are driving the digital revolution. Viacom is rich in the short-form content that is highly attractive to online consumers, underscored by our position as a leading entertainment content property on the Internet today with an aggregate 37 million monthly unique visitors in September.

    “We intend to continue to invest in our future and enhance profitability for the long term, as well as for the short term. We are making rapid progress and are intensifying our focus on continuing to grow our industry- leading flagship brands both here and in promising markets abroad, on accelerating the growth of our less-developed cable channels and underutilized content libraries, and on driving existing and newly created programming to audiences across every platform.

    “In addition to internal development, we will continue to apply a rigorous and selective approach to acquisitions that emphasizes coordination and execution and will add businesses in core areas that offer compelling experiences for our consumers.”

    Revenues increased by $182.3 million, or seven per cent to $2.66 billion. Cable networks segment revenues increased 10 per cent to $1.84 billion. Worldwide ad revenues at the Cable Networks segment increased by seven per cent to $1,090.1 million and affiliate fees climbed 12 per cent to $510.4 million. Cable networks segment acquisitions contributed $23.7 million of revenue growth, principally internationally, or 1.4 points of the segment’s total growth.

    The entertainment segment revenues were up one per cent or $11.9 million. DreamWorks and the distribution activities for DreamWorks Animation and DreamWorks live-action library films acquired on 31 January, 2006 contributed $279.2 million which was almost entirely offset by the box office success of War of the Worlds in the third quarter of last year. Films released in the current quarter included World Trade Center, The Last Kiss.

    The company reaffirms its full year 2006 guidance to deliver double digit revenue and operating income growth compared to 2005 revenues of $9.61 billion and 2005 pro forma operating income excluding unusual charges of $2.60 billion.

  • Disney reports Q4 profit of $782 million

    Disney reports Q4 profit of $782 million

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Disney has reported a fourth-quarter net profit of $782 million, or 36 cents per share, compared with $379 million, or 19 cents per share, a year before.

    Disney’s revenue rose 14 per cent to $8.78 billion from last year’s $7.73 billion. Analysts expected a top line of $8.69 billion. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the fourth quarter increased 89% to $0.36, compared to $0.19 in the prior-year period, reflecting growth at studio entertainment, parks and tesorts, and media networks. For the year, EPS increased 34 per cent to $1.64, compared to $1.22 in the prior year, reflecting growth at each operating segment.

    Disney president and CEO Robert Iger says, “Disney had a spectacular year, posting record revenues, record net income, and record cash flow. It is a result of the incredible creativity at our company.” Media networks revenues for the year increased 11 per cent to $14.6 billion and segment operating income increased 12 per cent to $3.6 billion. For the quarter, revenues increased 10 per cent to $3.7 billion and segment operating income increased 18 per cent to $883 million.

    Operating income at cable networks increased $259 million to $3.0 billion for the year primarily due to growth at ESPN from higher affiliate and advertising revenues. Higher affiliate revenues were due to contractual rate increases and, to a lesser extent, subscriber growth while advertising revenue growth was driven by higher ratings and rates. The revenue increases at ESPN were partially offset by higher programming expenses primarily due to the new Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Football League (NFL) rights agreements and an additional NFL game.

    Increased costs for the ESPN branded mobile phone service, which the Company recently announced would be transitioned into its existing wireless licensing business, and higher general and administrative costs also impacted results for the year.

    For the quarter, operating income at cable networks increased $156 million to $854 million due to growth at ESPN. The increase at ESPN was driven by higher affiliate and advertising revenues and lower marketing expenses. Higher affiliate revenues were due to the recognition of increased deferred revenues and higher contractual rates. During the quarter, ESPN recognized $171 million of previously deferred programming commitment revenues compared to $84 million in the prior-year quarter.

    These increases in ESPN operating income were partially offset by the higher programming expenses from the new MLB and NFL rights agreements and the additional NFL game.

    Operating income at the broadcasting sector increased by $142 million to $606 million for the year driven by improved primetime performance at ABC and increased sales of Touchstone Television series, partially offset by higher costs at the Internet Group and radio, and the increased number and costs of pilot productions.

    The improved primetime performance at ABC was driven by higher ad rates, strong upfront sales, and continued strength in ratings, partially offset by higher programming expenses. The increase in sales at Touchstone were driven by higher international syndication revenues and DVD unit volumes of dramas Lost, Grey’s Anatomy and Desperate Housewives as well as higher license fees for Scrubs, which completed its fifth season on network television.

    Ad revenues for the year at broadcasting also benefited from the Super Bowl, however this revenue increase was essentially offset by related programming expenses.

    The cost increase at the Internet Group was primarily due to the launch of Disney branded mobile phone services as well as the costs of other new initiatives. Higher costs at Radio included an impairment charge related to FCC licenses, primarily at ESPN Radio, reflecting an overall market decline in certain radio markets in which we operate.

    However for the quarter, operating income at broadcasting decreased by $19 million to $29 million as improved performance at ABC and higher DVD unit sales of Touchstone Television series were more than offset by the increased costs associated with the roll-out of Disney branded mobile phone services and the FCC license impairment charge. The improved performance at ABC Television Network was driven by higher advertising rates, increased advertising spots from programming changes, and benefits from replacement programming for Monday Night Football, partially offset by the impact of lower ratings.

    On the film front revenues for the year decreased by one per cent to $7.5 billion and segment operating income increased from $207 million to $729 million. Operating income growth was primarily due to improvements in worldwide theatrical motion picture distribution and worldwide home entertainment.

    For the quarter, revenues increased by 33 per cent to $2 billion and segment operating income increased $527 million to $214 million. The increase in operating income was primarily due to improvements in worldwide theatrical motion picture distribution and worldwide home entertainment.

    The improvement in worldwide theatrical motion picture distribution for the year was primarily due to lower distribution costs resulting from fewer domestic Miramax releases and the performance of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest. Other successful current year titles included The Chronicles ofNarnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Disney/Pixar’s Cars.

    Worldwide home entertainment growth for the year was primarily due to reduced marketing and trade programs, lower distribution costs driven in part by fewer returns, and improved margins from increased sales of television series DVD box sets, partially offset by a decline in unit sales resulting from a higher number of strong performing titles in the prior year. Significant current year titles included The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Cinderella Platinum Release, and Chicken Little, while prior-year titles included Disney/Pixar’s The Incredibles, National Treasure, Aladdin Platinum Release, and Bambi Platinum Release.