ITV

Tag: CME

  • CCI approves Sony-Zee merger ‘with certain modifications’

    CCI approves Sony-Zee merger ‘with certain modifications’

    Mumbai: On Tuesday, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) announced the amalgamation of Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEE) and Bangla Entertainment (BEPL) with Culver Max Entertainment (CME), formerly known as Sony Pictures Networks India.

    The amalgamation has been approved “with certain modifications,” the commission said in an official release.

     

     

    According to a statement, CCI stated, “The proposed combination relates to (i) amalgamation of each of Zee and BEPL with and into CME; and (ii) preferential allotment of certain shares by CME to Sunbright International (earlier known as Essel Holdings), and Sunbright Mauritius Investments.”

    Also read: NCLT seeks shareholder nod for Zeel-Sony merger

    Commenting on this development, Sony Pictures Network India said “We are delighted to receive CCI approvals to merge ZEEL into SPN. We will now await remaining regulatory approvals to finally launch the new merged company. The merged company will create extraordinary value for Indian consumers and eventually lead the consumer transition from traditional pay TV into the digital future.”

    In December, Sony and Zee agreed to merge their television channels, film assets, and streaming platforms to form a powerhouse in a key growth market of 1.4 billion people, challenging rivals such as Walt Disney Co.

  • 2006 International Emmy World Television Festival to be held on 18-19 November

    2006 International Emmy World Television Festival to be held on 18-19 November

    MUMBAI: The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences has announced the line-up for its 2006 International Emmy World Television Festival, to take place on 18 and 19 November, at the Sofitel Hotel in New York.

    The International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is an organisation of global broadcasters, with members from nearly 70 countries and over 400 companies. Its mission is to recognise excellence in television programming produced outside of the United States.

    A by invitation kick-off cocktail party hosted by CME founder and chairman Ronald S. Lauder, recipient of the 2006 International Emmy directorate award will launch the weekend of festivities at the Neue Galerie, on Friday 17 November. Home Box Office (HBO) will be hosting the closing cocktail on Sunday 19 November.

    This year’s Festival highlights include panels and presentations by Dubai based news network Al-Arabiya, Discop, KBS (Korea), Ile de France Film Commission, Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting as well as a technology panel entitled: ‘Producing for Cross-Media Platforms’, informs an official release.

    Phoenix Satellite Television chairman and CEO Liu Changle is the 2006 Festival Chairman.

    International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences President and CEO also President of Hearst Entertainment Bruce L. Paisner said, “The International Emmy World Television Festival is now established as the only place where you one can watch television from all over the world and meet with the program makers.It is also a unique platform for organizations wanting to promote themselves to the global television community.”

    The schedule will feature the traditional International Emmy Nominee presentations during which the producers of the nominated programs discuss their program in the nine Emmy categories including: arts programming, best performance by an actress, best performance by an actor, breaking news, children and young people, comedy, continuing news coverage, documentary, drama series, non-scripted entertainment and TV movie/mini-series.

    International Emmy Award nominees will receive their medals at the traditional Saturday morning Nominee Medal Ceremony organised each year at the festival. The Academy will also present the Sir Peter Ustinov Young Scriptwriter Award to Nemer Rashed, for his script The Great Mcginty.

    2006 festival partners include Hong Kong based Phoenix Satellite Television, Al-Arabiya, HBO, The Hollywood Reporter, Ile de France Film Commission, Microsoft, Savvis, La Demoiselle Champagne, Discop, Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting, Sofitel and La Mill Coffee, adds the release.

  • Discovery’s new biz unit to launch Health On-Call VOD service

    Discovery’s new biz unit to launch Health On-Call VOD service

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications has formed a new integrated, multiplatform business called Discovery Health Media Enterprises, with plans to roll out the Discovery Health On-Call VOD service this October.

    This new business unit includes the Discovery Health Channel and FitTV television networks and online assets including www.discoveryhealth.com, as well as its Continuing Medical Education (CME) business.

    The Health On-Call sevice will offer cable viewers access to a slate of health information through short-form videos culled from the Discovery Health Channel and FitTV, as well as from organizations such as the March of Dimes and the American Diabetes Association.

    Also in the coming months, this unit will launch Discovery Health Mobile, a new service that will include programming alerts, expert tips and short-form content as an enhancement to its online, VOD and network program offerings.

    With this initiative, Discovery Health Media Enterprises is the only fully integrated multi-platform health care media entity that provides access to a centralized online, television and mobile community for research tools, expert advice and customized products and services.

    “Built upon a highly trusted brand, Discovery Health Media Enterprises will incorporate a new line of products and services to be the leader in providing consumers with the most relevant and credible health and medical information,” said president and CEO of Discovery Communications Judith A. McHale. “We believe there is a large business opportunity for the company in high quality health media. Our goal is to be the most trusted media source that enables consumers to better manage their families’ health and wellness needs.”

    Discovery Communications has initiated an executive search to recruit a senior level executive from the health care sector to oversee the business unit. Discovery Health Channel and FitTV executive VP and general manager Eileen O’Neill will continue in her role and work closely with the Discovery Networks U.S. division, which currently supports both networks in the production, marketing, sales and research functions.