ITV

Tag: CBS

  • Comcast launches HD ESPN 2 on 9 June

    Comcast launches HD ESPN 2 on 9 June

    MUMBAI: Just in time with the Fifa World Cup, Comcast, the country’s leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services launches ESPN2 HD, the high-definition simulcast of ESPN2.

    ESPN HD, ABC HD and ESPN2 HD will combine to present live coverage of all 64 matches of the 2006 Fifa World Cup in high definition from 9 June. In addition, the high- definition services will feature the 2006 World Cup studio programmes including the pre-match, halftime and post-match segments, states an official release.

    “We’re thrilled to expand our leading HDTV lineup with the addition of ESPN2 HD,” said Comcast executive VP content acquisitions Matt Bond. “Watching events like the World Cup and the NCAA College World Series in crystal-clear HD is the next best thing to being in the stadium for all of the action.”

    “We look forward to ESPN2 HD joining ESPN HD on Comcast’s lineup to enhance viewing for high-definition subscribers and sports fans across the country,” said Disney and ESPN Networks affiliate sales and marketing president Ben Pyne. “Comcast has a proven focus on high-definition television with its robust package of compelling high-definition content.”

    Comcast now offers an average of 15-17 HD channels per market, including ESPN HD and ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD, TNT HD, HBO HD, Cinemax HD, Showtime HD, Starz HD, INHD, INHD2, regional sports networks and local affiliates of ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, WB, UPN and PBS.

  • Channel7 re-launches with new on-air look

    Channel7 re-launches with new on-air look

    MUMBAI: Starting 5 June, Hindi news channel Channel7 will relaunch donning a new on-air look.

    Florida-based VDO has developed the new look for the channel where the management control was recently taken over by the Television Eighteen Group from Jagran TV.

    The new logo, look and packaging are designed to contemporize the network, informs an official release from Channel7.

    The entire on-air environment, which includes the channel identity, show openers and on-air graphic packages, has been created keeping in consideration the changing preferences of the viewers, the channel claimed.

    The channel’s director marketing Dilip Venkatraman said in a statement, “The idea behind the new logo is to give it a contemporary look. The new logo is also aimed at communicating the core brand values of the channel and its
    philosophy.”

    According to VDO senior producer Dianne Streyer, “The idea behind changing the on-air look of the channel was to make it more modern and connect with the viewers. The Indian market is cluttered with plethora of news channels and it was important to give it a distinctive look to create a unique identity for Channel 7.”

    VDO was also instrumental in developing the on-air look for CNN-IBN. The company designs brand packaging solutions for networks, broadcast groups, stations and cable channels. Its client portfolio boasts of well known
    broadcasters such as NBC, CBS, ABC and Fox.

  • ABC, Fox up on Upfront, CBS flat, NBC to drop: Merrill Lynch report

    ABC, Fox up on Upfront, CBS flat, NBC to drop: Merrill Lynch report

    MUMBAI: Will it stay flat or will there be another fall? And how much longer will the annual highpoint event for television networks in the US – the broadcast upfront presentations – even matter to executives taking the call on where to put their advertising buck?

    As new digital media options open up, these are issues that TV execs in the US are having to grapple with increasingly in the upfront season but a report just out from investment firm Merrill Lynch does offer a window into what the future could hold. At least in the near to medium term. And contrary to the doomsayers, it is not all gloom for the networks in an age where a new generation of consumers are increasingly getting their entertainment fix outside of the TV screen.

    To quote from the report: “Generally speaking, we believe that traditional broadcasters may be better positioned for this market than credited given their multiple touch points with consumers, experience in content production, already large inventory of much sought after video content and strong relationships with advertisers.”

    The report further said that if advertisers opted to shift their spends to new digital platforms like broadband or mobile, “broadcasters are primed to attract a significant share of that spending with their offerings in the new arenas”.

    On the dollars gained front, the report predicts the major networks should wind up about flat or slightly lower than the $9.1 billion booked in 2005, when upfront spending fell 2 percent from the previous year. Among the networks, ABC again leads its rivals on the continued momentum delivered by its three big hit shows – Desperate Housewives, Lost and Grey’s Anatomy. Upfront commitments are predicted to increase 7 per cent to $2.23 billion. News Corp’s Fox meanwhile, shows the biggest projected growth of 12 per cent to reach $1.78 billion.

    Though CBS will only be up 1 per cent this year, by virtue of its having the largest ad pie share among the top four US networks means it will rack up $2.63 billion from the upfront.

    NBC continues the slide after seeing its prime-time ratings drop 14 per cent over the last year. Merrill Lynch predicts that NBC will decline 3 per cent this year, to touch $1.84 billion. Some consolation for the ratings challenged former numero uno network is that it has somewhat bottomed out from the disastrous 33 percent free fall it suffered last year.

  • CBS unveils ‘real-life cross platform media event’ ‘Gold Rush’

    CBS unveils ‘real-life cross platform media event’ ‘Gold Rush’

    MUMBAI: In a significant online, offline and on-air partnership, AOL and Mark Burnett announced a partnership with CBS television to bring the online reality game Gold Rush to life.

    An official release explains, “This is not a television show; this is a real-life cross platform media event where each week new clues will be found within CBS television programs, sponsor commercials, AOL.com and other media properties. After identifying and combining the clues, real-life treasure seekers will embark on a race to find the gold, resulting in a national treasure hunt.”

    Gold Rush begins as thirteen armored trucks laden with gold head off into the darkness, their caches are about to be hidden somewhere in America. Twelve of these trucks contain $100,000 in solid gold and the thirteenth, $1 million dollars in solid gold. Together, over $2 million in solid gold is up for grabs.

    “Gold Rush is a massive cross platform reality event,” says Mark Burnett. “Unlike reality TV shows, where 16 hopefuls can take part to win, Gold Rush will allow potentially millions of players to look for the gold in mediums which are omnipresent, such as the Internet, radio, network television and print magazines. It is a game-changer in the way that the first survivor changed the game.”

    “The combination of the reach of AOL.com, our next-generation free broadband portal, with CBS and the talent of Mark Burnett will make Gold Rush a landmark interactive event not to be missed,” says AOL EVP Kevin Conroy.

    CBS, the exclusive broadcast partner, will work collaboratively with Gold Rush producers to promote the network’s new Fall lineup by integrating aspects of CBS programs and advertising into the game. At the same time the companies will work together to develop online, offline and on-air marketing and cross-promotional activities, states the release.

    “We are thrilled that CBS will be the broadcast home of Gold Rush, which is sure to be this season’s most innovative integrated marketing event,” says CBS Marketing president George Schweitzer. “We believe this partnership will excite our viewers while also attracting new treasure-seeking players who tune into our fall premieres, like what they see and come back for more.”

    Gold Rush, available through the free AOL.com portal, will give players the opportunity to find gold treasure. CBS Television will be deeply integrated into the Gold Rush challenges enriching the game experience by engaging casual players, pop culture junkies, and truly devoted treasure seekers through an integrated web of challenges and entertainment.

    The hunt for gold begins this Fall on AOL.com. For more information, check out www.aol.com/goldrush and www.goldrush.aol.com.

  • ‘Dance Revolution’ to debut on CBS in September

    ‘Dance Revolution’ to debut on CBS in September

    MUMBAI: CBS and DIC Entertainment (DIC), in collaboration with Konami Digital Entertainment Inc., are set to produce a new dance competition series, Dance Revolution, to debut on 16 September 2006 on CBS’s Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party branded programming block.

    Dance Revolution (previously titled Dance, Dance, Dance!), a live-action television series inspired by Konami’s hit video game franchise Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), will join the new schedule of programming on CBS’s Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party.

    The series will encourage physical activity. Dance Revolution complements the programming block’s overall theme of promoting healthy, balanced active lifestyles.

    The line-up of previously announced programming to debut on CBS’s Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party includes Cake, Horseland, Kooky Kitchen, Sabrina: The Animated Series, Trollz and Madeline, informs an official release.

    In Dance Revolution, ‘tweens’ and teens bring their freshest moves to this sensational new dance competition where teams of dancers display their innovative routines.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Konami to create a program that will entertain kids of all ages, and get them motivated, active and off the couch,” comments DIC Entertainment chairman & CEO Andy Heyward.

    “We are focused on using CBS’s Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party as a vehicle to address the national concern of obesity and inactivity among children by providing motivating and innovative entertainment.”

    He adds, “We are excited to add this unique series to our schedule and to the international markets.”

  • Banff Outstanding Achievement Award goes to CBS

    Banff Outstanding Achievement Award goes to CBS

    MUMBAI: CBS Television will be the recipient of the 2006 Outstanding Achievement Award at the Banff World Television Festival. CBS Paramount International Television president Armando Nuñez, Jr., will be accepting the award on the company’s behalf.

    The Banff World Television Festival takes place 11 to 14 June at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff, Alberta.

    According to a Banff press release, CBS is being honoured for “its groundbreaking programming, consistently solid ratings and overall contribution to the television industry.”

    Nuñez said, “I am pleased to accept the award on behalf of Leslie Moonves and the entire team at CBS. This honour reinforces the high regard to which the international community holds for CBS’s legacy of high quality and successful programming.”

  • CBS launches broadband television network ‘Innertube’

    CBS launches broadband television network ‘Innertube’

    MUMBAI: US network CBS has launched a new broadband television network to capture a greater share of the booming internet advertising market.

    The network Innertube will offer streaming video of programmes developed specifically for the internet, programmes that serve as companions to existing CBS shows, as well as material from the media group’s vast library.

    The revenue model for Innertube, which is offered as free to viewers, is based on paid advertising. “In every discussion we’re having with advertisers, the discussion includes interactive possibilities,” CBS Digital president Larry Kramer has been quoted in media reports as saying.

    Kramer supported the new revenue model, describing CBS’s recent success offering an advertising-supported webcast of the annual college basketball tournament. Reportedly, the webcast drew 5 million visits, and led to more than 15 million downloads.

  • Mark Burnett, MSN renew interactive relationship for CBS’ ‘Rock Star’

    Mark Burnett, MSN renew interactive relationship for CBS’ ‘Rock Star’

    MUMBAI: MSN will be renewing and enhancing its relationship with Mark Burnett Productions by again providing exclusive programming online for the second season of CBS’ Rock Star, the reality show that revived the fortunes of international rock band INXS. For the first time, weekly behind-the-scenes episodes containing
    all original footage will be streamed exclusively on the web on MSN.

    Following last year’s success, MSN will again create dynamic content and provide interactive online features such as domestic and international online voting, extending the interactive experience for the CBS TV audience and MSN customers.

    Just as in season one, four types of content will be available each week: extensive and immersive behind-the-scenes unscripted drama (produced exclusively for MSN); one performance show and one results show (both produced exclusively for CBS); and, like last year, extensive original wireless content. The MSN behind-the-scenes unscripted drama will allow viewers to learn what it takes for the contestants to choose their songs and prepare for their weekly performances, and follow the characters as they develop and grow under enormous pressure. It will be available at http://rockstar.msn.com, enabling on-demand viewing via streaming.

    In addition, MSN will again host the official website, providing visitors with an experience through exclusive video footage that includes outtakes, the opportunity to replay contestant performances, music downloads, profiles of contestants, and MSN Spaces contestant blogs. During the show’s first season, MSN drew a tremendous number of visitors streaming over 20 million clips of superstar hopefuls competing to become the new lead singer of INXS. Recordings by all finalists appeared in the top 100 most downloaded tracks on MSN Music, and more than 14 million votes were cast online for
    contestants in the competition.

    “MSN did a fabulous job of extending and enhancing the Rock Star experience for consumers with fantastic online content. Our TV ratings increased as viewers used MSN to learn more about the contestants and chat with other fans in forming opinions. They began to learn way more than is possible in a traditional TV experience. Fans were taken deep inside the competition using MSN’s impressive array of online content properties. By increasing our online unscripted drama content and providing an even more immersive experience through behind-the-scenes episodes exclusive to MSN, we expect ratings to grow even further. In this day and age, content needs to be multiplatform, and I am excited about our growing relationship with MSN,” said CBS Rock Star creator and executive producer Mark Burnett.

    This year, a lead singer will be selected for a new band, Supernova, featuring famous musicians such as drummer Tommy Lee (Motley Crue), Jason Newsted (Metallica) and Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses). Butch Walker, Rolling Stone’s 2005 “Hot” Producer of the Year responsible for the breakout albums of Pink and Avril Lavigne, is slated to produce the band’s first album. Dave Navarro and Brooke Burke will return as hosts, and each week the series will feature guest appearances by various celebrities and rock personalities.

    “We’re delighted to again work with Mark Burnett and his team on Rock Star. Millions of music fans will have the digital equivalent of an all-access pass to the backstage excitement and suspense of the band’s search for a lead singer. We welcome this opportunity to deliver an extraordinarily rich and varied entertainment experience to our customers and to once again provide advertisers with multiple platforms to reach a very attractive audience,” said MSN general manager entertainment and video Rob Bennett.

  • CBS unveils a slew of children’s shows

    CBS unveils a slew of children’s shows

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster CBS and entertainment firm DIC have announced the programming slate for their new 2006/2007 children’s programming line-up.

    CBS’ Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party a three-hour, branded programming block will premiere on 16 September 2006 with six series comprised of animated properties and two new live-action shows.

    From animated adventures and dance-mania to a pair of do-it-yourself innovators, the slate includes three new series – Horseland, Kooky Kitchen and Littlest Pet Shop, as well as Sabrina: The Animated Series, Trollz and Madeline. DIC is also in pre-production on two new, live-action, reality-based series Cake and Dance, Dance, Dance!. The shows are targetted at children ages 6 through 12.

    All the above mentioned shows will broadcast 26 episodes per year, compared to the previous scheduling pattern which averaged 12 episodes per season, providing viewers with more original programming. To ensure that the programming meets FCC regulations, each of the series is being created under the specific educational supervision of Donald F.
    Roberts, PhD., a Stanford professor of communications and children’s media expert, and Gordon Berry, EdD. who is the chief consultant for the CBS Television Network’s programmes created for children.

    Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party will also feature unique animated and live-action interstitials threaded throughout the morning block to promote healthy eating and balanced, active lifestyles for kids. The messages, which will promote nutritious eating habits, will be created in consultation with Baylor College of Medicine’s Children’s Nutrition Research Center (CNRC), an institute devoted to pediatric nutrition studies.

    Dance, Dance, Dance! is designed to teach contestants a variety of styles of dance, the cultural inspiration for the various dance styles and encourage home viewers to get up out of their seats to dance along. A pop music act will also perform a fresh new song each week.

    Horseland featuring CGI and traditional animation, is set in a stable, where kids and their horses compete and have adventures, and the horses and other animals can talk to each other — about the humans. Each episode features themes that deal with issues such as compassion, honesty and cooperation – both human and equine.

    Kooky Kitchen is an animated comedy action series that brings the ultimate cooking adventure for kids. From a magical secret kitchen hidden beneath a famous restaurant, a chef takes his special guests on culinary trips around the world through the Magic Recipe book to find the necessary ingredients for his masterful creations.

    Littlest Pet Shop revolves around tiny pets that help their adolescent owner explore big issues through their parallel life experiences in the fantasy world of Petopia. Jasmine Valentine is a typical 12 year old girl dealing with the same kinds of problems that challenge adolescent girls everywhere. Jasmine does have one distinct advantage when it comes to coping with the daily dramas: her extraordinary group of feathered, furry and finned little friends that occupy her bedroom. As the pets work through their relationships and challenges in magical Petopia, Jasmine comes to understand her own situations better.

    DIC Entertainment chairman, CEO Andy Heyward said, “As a children’s entertainment producer for over 25 years in the industry, the launch of the CBS’ Saturday Morning Secret Slumber Party offers a tremendous opportunity to apply our experience in producing and distributing quality kids’ series to programming a rich schedule that we believe offers an unprecedented viewing experience”.

    Sabrina: The Animated Series is a companion to the show Sabrina: The Teenage Witch. It follows Sabrina Spellman, a 12-year-old with a big heart and an even bigger secret: she’s half mortal and half witch! While her lessons in
    how to be a good witch are demanding, they pale in comparison to what she must learn to be a good person and that human attributes such as loyalty, honesty, tolerance and perseverance are the true lessons to learn.

    Madeline is based on Ludwig Bemelmans’ classic books. The protagonist is a clever little red-headed girl whose capricious antics have won the hearts of children, parents and educators everywhere. The show is narrated in rhyme by actor Christopher Plummer.

  • Dic Entertainment debuts new animated TV series ‘Horseland’ at MipTV

    Dic Entertainment debuts new animated TV series ‘Horseland’ at MipTV

    MUMBAI: Dic Entertainment (Dic) will debut an all-new, adventure-driven animated series, Horseland, at MipTV 2006. The announcement was made by Dic Entertainment chairman and CEO Andy Heyward.

    Horseland, which is currently in production on 26 half-hour episodes, is based on the world’s premiere web community for horse lovers, www.horseland.com, on which kids can interactively buy, sell, breed and train virtual horses, and compete with themselves and each other.

    Featuring CGI and traditional animation, Dic will also debut the series in the US this August as part of the new CBS branded kids programming block, CBS’s Secret Saturday Morning Slumber Party.

    Dic currently plans to synchronise the interaction between the Horseland series and the website for maximum synergy with each character having their own personal page on the site, allowing users to interact with the characters and animals from the series. Additionally, players will be able to watch past episodes as streaming video and may submit story ideas. Dic is currently also developing a unique entertainment and consumer products program for the property that will incorporate Dic’s signature “360 Degree” approach to brand building.

    “Our goal is to tap into girl’s love of horses, the outdoors and adventure with this new television series that will extend the experience beyond the web community. We are thrilled to launch Horseland at MIP-TV, and look forward to working with our broadcast partners to make it a global success,” said Heyward.

    Horseland is set in the greatest stable ever, where kids and their horses compete and have adventures, and the horses and other animals can talk to each other – about the humans! In this new series, virtual reality horses come together with action adventure storylines.

    The episodes follow the relationships of five girls and two boys who have become fast friends trough their love of horses. Each episode features themes that deal with issues such as compassion, honesty, cooperation—both human and equine. But, like all friends, they occasionally have conflicts too.

    Each character owns a unique horse, and the horses and stable dogs can talk to each other. All of the horses will be rendered very faithfully to their breeds, with precise, accurate depictions of training, grooming, riding and competition.