ITV

Tag: ESPN

  • PlayStation Vue inks content deal with Disney, ESPN, ABC

    PlayStation Vue inks content deal with Disney, ESPN, ABC

    MUMBAI: Disney and ESPN Media Networks and Sony Network Entertainment International LLC (SNEI) have entered into an agreement to bring the company’s media networks to PlayStation Vue, the cloud-based live TV service.

     

    Disney will offer ESPN, ABC-owned local stations, Disney Channel, ABC Family, and more networks on PlayStation Vue with the service’s unique features, including the ability to play multiple streams from one account and a powerful, intuitive user interface.

     

    In addition, local ABC affiliate stations will also have the opportunity to opt-in to the PlayStation Vue service with their live linear programming.

     

    “This deal demonstrates our continued commitment to offer the best content on TV to PlayStation Vue users. The addition of Disney and ESPN’s primetime programming and live marquee sports to our portfolio ensures subscribers will have access to the most popular network programming on television today. We’re also proud to be the first Internet-based pay TV service to offer Disney’s networks with the streaming features that set PlayStation Vue apart from the industry, making TV viewing a more enjoyable experience for the whole household,” said SNEI vice president, head of PlayStation Vue Dwayne Benefield.

     

    Disney and ESPN Media Networks EVP of affiliate sales & marketing Justin Connolly added, “PlayStation Vue provides a unique way to engage with our content and an opportunity to reach a segment of viewers who want a different kind of television experience. The addition of our content to the PlayStation Vue platform will make the offering more compelling as consumers navigate their video options.”

     

    Users will be able to watch content from Disney and ESPN Media Networks on a pay TV service over the Internet, using features like on demand offering, unmatched viewing experience and simultaneous streaming.

     

    Additional details, including launch timing, will be announced at a later time.

     

    Disney and ESPN Media Networks will offer the following networks on PlayStation Vue: ABC Owned Stations Group, ABC Family (becoming Freeform in January), Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN College Extra, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Classic, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN Buzzer Beater, ESPN Bases Loaded, Fusion, Longhorn Network and SEC-ESPN Network.

  • FY-2015: Disney revenue up 7.5%; net income up 11.7%

    FY-2015: Disney revenue up 7.5%; net income up 11.7%

    BENGALURU: The Walt Disney Company Inc reported 7.5 per cent YoY increase in consolidated revenue at $52,465 million for the year ended 3 October, 2015 (FY-2015, current year) as compared to the $48.813 million reported for the year ended 27 September, 2014 (FY-2014, previous year). Net income in the current year increased 11.7 per cent YoY to $8.382 million from $7,501 million.

     

    “We had a strong quarter, with adjusted EPS up 35 per cent, completing our fifth consecutive year of record performance. In Fiscal 2015 we delivered the highest revenue, net income and adjusted EPS in the Company’s history, reflecting the power of our great brands and franchises, the quality of our creative content, and our relentless innovation to maximize value from emerging technologies,” said Disney chairman and CEO Robert A Iger.

     

    For the quarter ended 3 October, 2015 (Q4-2015, current quarter), consolidated revenue increased 9.1 per cent YoY to $13.512 million as compared to $12,389 million in the quarter ended 27 September, 2014 (Q4-2014). Net Income in Q4-2015 increased 7.3 per cent to $1,609 million as compared to $1,499 million.

     

    Segment Results

     

    Four of the five Disney’s segments – Media Works, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment and Consumer Products reported growth in revenue in FY-2015 and Q4-2015 as compared to FY-2014 and Q4-2014 respectively, while the fifth segment – Interactive – reported decline in revenues. However, all the five segments reported growth in segment operating income in the current year and quarter as compared to the previous year and year ago quarter respectively.

     

    Media Networks

     

    Media Networks revenue in FY-2015 increased 10 per cent to $23,264 million from $21,152 million in the previous year. Segment Operating income increased 6.4 per cent in the current year to $7,793 million as compared to $7,321 million in FY-2014.

     

    The segments revenue in the current quarter increased 11.7 per cent YoY to $5,286 million from $5,217 million. Operating income for the segment increased 26.6 per cent YoY to $1,819 million from $1,437 million.

     

    Disney says that Operating income growth at Media Networks was driven by higher affiliate fees, increased advertising revenue at ESPN and the ABC Television Network and higher operating income from program sales. These increases were partially offset by an increase in programming and production costs at ESPN and, to a lesser extent, the Disney Channels and the ABC Television Network.

     

    Two sub-segments contribute to Disney’s Media Networks – Cable Networks and Broadcasting.

     

    Cable Networks

     

    Cable Networks revenue in FY-2015 increased 9.7 per cent to $16,581million from $15,110 million in the previous year. Segment Operating income increased 4.9 per cent in the current year to $6,787 million as compared to $6,467 million in FY-2014.

     

    The sub-segments revenue in the current quarter increased 12.4 per cent YoY to $4,245 million from $3,776 million. Operating income for the sub- segment increased 29.8 per cent YoY to $1,655 million from $1,275 million.

     

    For Q4-2014, Disney says that Operating income at Cable Networks increased due to an increase at ESPN and, to a lesser extent, A&E Television Networks (A&E) and the Disney Channels. The increase at ESPN reflected higher affiliate and advertising revenues, partially offset by an increase in programming costs. Affiliate revenue growth was driven by contractual rate increases and an increase in subscribers. The increase in subscribers was due to a full quarter of the SEC Network, which launched in August 2014, partially offset by a decline in subscribers at certain of Disney’s networks.

     

    Growth in advertising revenue reflected higher units sold, partially offset by lower ratings. Higher programming costs reflected a full quarter for the SEC Network, additional rights for the US Open Tennis tournament and contractual rate increases for Major League Baseball and NFL rights, partially offset by the absence of rights costs for NASCAR.

     

    Higher equity income from A&E was due to lower programming and marketing costs, partially offset by lower advertising and affiliate revenue. The increase at Disney Channels was driven by higher affiliate revenues, partially offset by higher programming costs. Affiliate revenue growth reflected contractual rate increases domestically and subscriber growth internationally. The programming cost increase was driven by higher costs for original programming, including more hours of new series in the current quarter.

     

    Broadcasting

     

    Cable Networks revenue in FY-2015 increased 10.6 per cent to $6,683 million from $6,042 million in the previous year. Segment Operating income increased 17.8 per cent in the current year to $1,006 million as compared to $854 million in FY-2014.

     

    The sub-segments revenue in the current quarter increased 9.7 per cent YoY to $1,581 million from $1,441 million. Operating income for the sub-segment was flat YoY to $164 million from $163 million.

     

    For Q4-2014, Disney says that growth in advertising and affiliate revenue was offset by higher programming costs, lower operating income from program sales, an equity loss from Hulu and higher marketing costs for the fall season launch. The increase in advertising revenue reflected higher units sold, including the benefit of the extra week of operations, and higher rates. Affiliate revenue growth was due to contractual rate increases and new contractual provisions. Higher programming costs reflected the impact of an additional week of operations. Lower operating income from program sales was driven by an increase in cost amortisation and lower sales. Program sales reflected decreases for My Wife and Kids and America’s Funniest Home Videos, partially offset by the sale of How to Get Away with Murder in the current quarter. The equity loss from Hulu was due to higher content and marketing costs.

     

    Parks & Resorts

     

    Parks and Resorts segment revenue in the current year increased seven per cent to $16,162 million as compared to the $15,099 in FY-2014. Segment Operating income increased 13.8 per cent in the current year to $3,301 million as compared to $2,663 million in FY-2014.

     

    The segments revenue in the current quarter increased 10.1 per cent YoY to $4,361 million from $3,960 million. Operating income for the segment increased 7.4 per cent YoY to $738 million from $687 million.

     

    Growth at Parks and Resorts was driven by Disney’s domestic operations due to higher average guest spending, attendance and occupancy, partially offset by increased costs driven by inflation and volumes. Results at Disney’s international parks and resorts operations reflected lower attendance and occupancy at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and higher pre-opening expenses at Shanghai Disney Resort.

     

    Studio Entertainment

     

    Studio Entertainment segment revenue in the current year increased 1.2 per cent to $7,366 million as compared to the $7,278 in FY-2014. Segment Operating income increased 27.4 per cent in the current year to $1,973 million as compared to $1,549 million in FY-2014.

     

    The segments revenue in the current quarter was flat (increased 0.3 per cent) YoY to $1,783 million from $1,778 million. Operating income for the segment more than doubled (2.09 times) YoY to $530 million from $254 million.

     

    At Studio Entertainment, operating income growth was due to a higher revenue share with the Consumer Products segment reflecting the success of Frozen merchandise, an increase in television distribution revenue and higher domestic theatrical results. This growth was partially offset by a decline in home entertainment units sold reflecting the success of Frozen in the prior year.

     

    For Q4-2015, Disney says that Operating income growth was due to increased TV/SVOD distribution results, lower film cost impairments, improved theatrical results and a higher revenue share with the Consumer Products segment. These increases were partially offset by lower home entertainment results.

     

    The increase in TV/SVOD distribution was driven by a lower average production cost amortisation rate, the timing of title availabilities in international pay and domestic free television markets as well as SVOD revenue growth internationally. Lower production cost amortisation reflected a higher sales mix of catalogue titles in the current quarter.

     

    Operating income growth in theatrical distribution was driven by the performance of Inside Out and Ant-Man in the current quarter compared to Guardians of the Galaxy, Maleficent and no Pixar title in the prior-year quarter. Theatrical distribution revenues were lower in the current quarter as the prior-year quarter also included Planes: Fire and Rescue and The Hundred-Foot Journey, whereas the current year included no Disney feature animation or DreamWorks titles in release. Increased revenue share was due to the performance of Frozen merchandise in the current quarter.

     

    The decrease in home entertainment was due to lower net effective pricing and unit sales reflecting the prior-year quarter performance of Frozen internationally and Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier worldwide, partially offset by Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron and Cinderella in the current quarter. These decreases were partially offset by lower per unit costs as well as decreased marketing spending in the current quarter.

     

    Consumer Products

     

    Consumer Products segment revenue in the current year increased 12.9 per cent to $4,499 million as compared to the $3,985 in FY-2014. Segment Operating income increased 29.2 per cent in the current year to $1,752 million as compared to $1,356 million in FY-2014.

     

    The segments revenue in the current quarter increased 11.5 per cent YoY to $1,195 million from $1,072 million. Operating income for the segment increased 9.8 per cent YoY to $416 million from $379 million.

     

    Consumer Products operating income growth was due to higher merchandise licensing revenue reflecting the strength of Frozen, Avengers and Star Wars Classic merchandise.

     

    Interactive

     

    Interactive segment revenue in the current year reduced 9.6 per cent to $1,174 million as compared to the $1,299 in FY-2014. Segment Operating income increased 13.8 per cent in the current year to $132 million as compared to $116 million in FY-2014.

     

    The segments revenue in the current quarter reduced 4.1 per cent YoY to $347 million from $362 million. Operating income for the segment increased 72.2 per cent YoY to $31 million from $18 million.

     

    Interactive growth was driven by the ongoing success of the Tsum Tsum mobile game and lower product development and marketing costs, primarily at Disney’s mobile businesses, partially offset by lower operating income from Disney Infinity console games.

  • What the MSM-ESPN deal means

    What the MSM-ESPN deal means

    MUMBAI: When the enemy looks extremely threatening, you bring in allies to help you do battle. And if your ally is a friend-turned-foe of your enemy, it makes the war that much more interesting. And combative.

     

    We are referring to what’s about to happen in the Indian sports television ecosystem. Multi Screen Media India (Sony Entertainment Television India) has struck a deal with the US-based mega sportscaster ESPN Inc under which it will be helping bring in the brand once again into the country as its partner. 

     

    ESPN was Star TV’s former mate in Asia until 2012 wherein they ran and distributed channels in several Asian countries jointly including in India.

     

    The current MSM-ESPN agreement is for the long term and will be for India and the Indian sub-continent. The joint venture will see new co-branded sports channels, a multisport website and an app rolling out over the next few months. The companies will also be working together to develop original sports programs, something which has been sorely lacking in India, with the exception of a couple of them on Star India’s sports channels.

     
    As a first step of the union, MSM’s sports channel Sony Kix is being rebranded as Sony ESPN.

     

    It’s interesting that the two are exchanging vows at the time they are.

     

    The IPL bids are slated to take place next year and the buzz is that Star India is likely to take the bidding to close to the $4 billion mark for all rights. With Sony-ESPN combining their resources and putting up a common front, they are quite likely to put up a stiff fight against Star India. (Others who could throw in a bid include Zee Telefilms and Discovery’s Eurosport). And not just at the IPL auctions but also for all the other sports rights when they come up for renewal.

     

    “However,” a high ranking Sony International Television executive told Indiantelevision.com, “there is no way pricing for the IPL could go up four times. A multiplier of two times or three times over the previous bid is conceivable but above that will make it a big losing proposition.”

     

    What’s also of interest is how Disney is shaping its presence in India. Its family entertainment initiatives got a leg up when it invested in acquiring Ronnie Screwvala’s UTV a few years ago. This deal gave it access to UTV Motion Pictures as well as channels such as Bindass and Hungama.

     

    Disney India recently severed its distribution alliance with IndiaCast Media – part of Viacom18 and has been reaching out to satellite and cable TV platforms to strike deals with them directly.

     

    Now with Disney’s sports offshoot ESPN partnering with MSM, one will have to see whether the latter’s distribution arm MSM Media Distribution resources will be used to shore up the efforts of the distribution team at Disney India. Or will the two work totally independently?

     

    Sports programming in India is likely to also get a shot in the arm. ESPN is renowned for its studio-based shows and live coverage of events. Live sports content in the deal includes major US college football (including the College Football Playoff and comprehensive coverage of the college football bowl season); major US college basketball (including the March Madness NCAA Championship Tournaments); NCAA college sport championships from baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer; Boxing (including Premier Boxing Champions and ESPN’s Big Fights Library); X Games; ESPN Films Emmy-Award Winning 30 For 30 documentaries amongst others.

     

    What’s also relevant is the fact that both ESPN and MSM are going hell for leather after digital content properties too. The duo has its eyes on developing a co-branded localized multi-sport website and app, which will provide coverage of cricket, football, tennis, the NBA, badminton, field hockey and more. The sports content – both video and text – will be delivered on MSM’s OTT platform Sony Liv, and sonyliv.com as well as highly popular cricket portal espncricinfo.com.  

     

    Each of these websites, television channels and OTT platforms will be used to cross promote each other, giving it tremendous marketing heft.  Additionally, their social media presence is to be beefed up in order to give sports lovers a destination to engage with each other and with their sports stars.
     
     

    The whole in this case is going to be greater than the sum of the two parts. With the entry of a rejuvenated ESPN into India, the entire sports broadcasting ecosystem is likely to see rapid improvements as more money will be pumped in by both Star and the American sportscaster along with MSM.

     

    And this is going to be a win-win for the various administrations, associations, players and professionals,   team owners, and vendors involved in sports and sports broadcasting – and ultimately the sports fan.

  • MSM & ESPN collaborate to launch sports channels in India; Sony Kix rebranded

    MSM & ESPN collaborate to launch sports channels in India; Sony Kix rebranded

    MUMBAI: Disney’s sports broadcaster ESPN, which exited the Indian market in 2012, is yet again eyeing the lucrative market here albeit with a different joint venture partner. 

     

    After dissolving its 50:50 joint venture with Star India in 2012, ESPN has now joined hands with Multi Screen Media (MSM). The two companies have entered into a long-term agreement in India and the Indian subcontinent.

     

    Through the collaboration, MSM and ESPN will bring new offerings including new co-branded sports channels and as well as a multi-sport website and app. The companies will also be exploring avenues on developing original sports programs.

     

    As a part of this deal, MSM’s sports channel Sony Kix will be rebranded as Sony ESPN. The two companies will also launch other new channels in the coming months. Along with Sony Six, all the channels will deliver a powerful sports lineup to sports fans.

     

    In collaboration with MSM, ESPN will launch a co-branded localized multisport website and app, which will provide coverage of cricket, football, tennis, the NBA, badminton, field hockey and more.

     

    MSM’s OTT platform Sony Liv will also benefit from the collaboration, increasing its current sports offerings significantly. 

     

    ESPNcricinfo, the digital cricket destination in India and globally, will continue to deliver comprehensive coverage and will complement and cross-promote the new digital properties and sports channels.

     

    Among the new co-branded multisport website, sonyliv.com and espncricinfo.com, sports fan will receive sports content from across categories, geographies and time zones.

     

    There will be a robust social media presence for the new co-branded media platforms and, an online programming guide for television.

     

    Components of the collaboration require regulatory approvals, for which the process is currently underway.

     

    Multi Screen Media CEO NP Singh said, “Our partnership with ESPN is just what the sports aficionado has been waiting for. Stylized, insightful sports content presented by the best sportscasters in the business. For consumers in India and the subcontinent, sports television viewing will change dramatically since they will soon have access not only to more content but also the widest array of sports lineup, ever available.”

     

    He further added, “MSM’s association with ESPN is holistic and embraces both television and digital formats. Not only are we about to set the frontiers in sports content and distribution but we will most likely set the trends as well. Going further, both companies will also explore collaboration on the development of other original sports programs.”

     

    ESPN International executive vice president and managing director Russell Wolff said, “ESPN’s focus around the world is simple: to serve sports fans. This exciting, long-term collaboration between ESPN and MSM will serve Indian sports fans with exceptional products, content and coverage through the combined strengths and expertise of our two companies, which each have a strong heritage of leadership and innovation in India. We are very excited to be working with Sony, one of the leading television channels in India, on the opportunities that lie ahead.”

     

    MSM’s current sports rights portfolio in India includes the UEFA Euro 2016, top European football leagues (including La Liga, The FA Cup and Serie A), the NBA, the NFL, the IRB Rugby World Cup, UFC, TNA Wrestling and NASCAR amongst others.

     

    ESPN will add to that by delivering more than 1000 hours of programming per year from its portfolio of sports rights, original programming and studio programs. Live sports content in the deal includes major US college football (including the College Football Playoff and comprehensive coverage of the college football bowl season); major US college basketball (including the March Madness NCAA Championship Tournaments); NCAA college sport championships from baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer; Boxing (including Premier Boxing Champions and ESPN’s Big Fights Library); X Games; ESPN Films Emmy-Award Winning 30 For 30 documentaries amongst others.

     

    In its previous 16 year long stint in India via the joint venture with Star India, ESPN Software India operated ESPN Star Sports’ India ops. The channels under it included ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket. Over the last few years post the exit of ESPN, Star India’s sports game has been upped by several notches with the launch of multiple sports channels under the Star Sports brand name as well as lucrative leagues for sports  such as Kabbadi, football et al.

     

    With MSM and ESPN’s ambitous plans to launch multiple sports channels as well as original sports properties, the sports broadcasting scenario is likely to receive a major impetus. Moreover, with competition heating up in the space, when the rights for the marquee tournament – Indian Premier League (IPL) come up for bidding again in 2019 the acquisition price is likely to sky rocket.

  • WWE surpasses half a billion social media followers

    WWE surpasses half a billion social media followers

    MUMBAI: WWE has eclipsed half a billion fans through its global social media platforms, further cementing its position as one of the most-followed brands in the world.

     

    WWE’s Facebook page has more fans than the NFL, ESPN, Marvel, Google and UFC, and WWE superstar John Cena is the No.1 most followed active American athlete on Facebook with more than 36 million likes.

     

    On Twitter, @WWE has more followers than MLB, Disney, Sony and Pepsi and according to Klout, is the No. 1 most influential brand on Twitter. 

     

    On Instagram, WWE’s fastest-growing platform, @WWE has more followers than ESPN, HBO, NHL and Gatorade. With nearly five billion video views on YouTube in the past year alone, WWE is the No. 1 Sports channel ahead of the NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, ESPN and NASCAR.

     

    WWE’s Social Media Snapshot:

    • Facebook: 354 million total likes, including 98 million new likes, an increase of 38 per cent year-over year.

    • Twitter: 108 million total followers, including 18 million new followers, an increase of 20 per cent year-over-year.

    • Instagram: 26 million total followers, including 25 million new followers, an increase of 2,955 per cent year-over-year.

    • YouTube: 6.2 million total subscribers, including 2.8 million new subscribers, an increase of 82 per cent year-over-year.

     

    Earlier this year, WWE won awards for Overall Social Media Excellence and Social Media Dream Team at the 2015 Cynopsis Sports Media Awards and 2015 Cablefax Digital Awards, respectively. WWE’s 12 social media platforms include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, Periscope, Google+, Vine, Foursquare, Tumblr, Pheed and Pinterest.

  • Dentsu to acquire 33.3% stake in Californian sports agency

    Dentsu to acquire 33.3% stake in Californian sports agency

    MUMBAI: Dentsu Inc’s subsidiary Dentsu Sports will be acquiring a 33 per cent stake in sports agency Athletes First, LLC, which is headquartered in California.

     

    Founded in 2001, Athletes First is a full-service agency, which represents National Football League (NFL) players, NFL and college coaches, professional baseball players, individual athletes in other sports, and other sports-related clients, including broadcasters, with regard to individual contract negotiations, marketing/commercial endorsements, and other client services.

     

    The firm’s core expertise involves the representation and management of athletes and coaches associated with the NFL, a sports league, which boasts a popularity and economic scale that is unparalleled even among the four major professional sports leagues in the US. Its championship game, the Super Bowl, holds nine out of the top ten rankings for the most watched television broadcasts in the US.

     

    Athletes First has more NFL clients than any other privately-owned representation agency including the reigning NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, as well as several other high-profile NFL players including Clay Matthews, Carson Palmer, Earl Thomas, Von Miller and Jamaal Charles. Athletes First also represents ESPN broadcasters Steve Young, Ray Lewis, and Trent Dilfer, as well as NFL head coaches Chip Kelly and Jason Garrett.

     

    The Dentsu Group has to date been involved in business with sales of marketing and broadcasting rights for professional sports leagues in the US, and the investment in Athletes First will enable it to expand its array of services to its client base in terms of sports marketing and related endeavors in the United States.

     

    Going forward, Dentsu will work toward the further expansion of Athletes First’s agency business and the diversification of its sports representation, sports marketing and consulting business across the United States, and internationally as well. 

  • Disney’s Q2-2015 revenue up 7%, income up 10%

    Disney’s Q2-2015 revenue up 7%, income up 10%

    BENGALURU: The Walt Disney Company Inc reported an increase of seven per cent in its revenue in Q2-2015 (quarter ended 28 March, 2015, current quarter) to $12461 million from $11649 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Net income during the current quarter improved 10 per cent to $2108 million from $1917 million reported for the quarter ended 27 March, 2014 (Q2-2014).

     

    Of the five segments that add to Disney’s numbers, three – Media Networks, Parks & Resorts and Consumer Products showed improvement in revenue, while the other two – Studio Entertainment and Interactive segments showed decline in revenues. Segment Operating Income from three – Parks and Resorts, Consumer Products, and Interactive increased, while segment operating income from Media Networks and Studio Entertainment declined in Q2-2015 as compared to Q2-2014.

     

    “Our second quarter performance, marked by increased revenue, net income and EPS of US 1.23, demonstrates the incredible ability of our strong brands and quality content to drive results. The power of this winning combination is once again reflected in the phenomenal worldwide success of Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, which has opened at number one in every market so far,” said Disney chairman and chief executive officer Robert A Iger.

     

     

    Segment Results

     

    Media Networks

     

     

    Media Networks revenues for the current quarter improved 13 per cent to $5810 million from $5134 million reported for Q2-2014. Operating Income from this segment declined two per cent to $2101 million in Q2-2015 from $2133 million in Q2-2014.

     

    Two sub-segments – Cable Networks, and Broadcasting contribute to this segment.

     

    Cable Networks reported a growth of 11 per cent in revenue to $4030 million in Q2-2015 from $3633 million in Q2-2014, but reported a drop of nine per cent in Operating Income to $1799 million in Q2-2015 as compared to the $1974 million in Q2-2014. The drop in income was due to a decrease at ESPN, which was driven by higher programming and production costs, partially offset by growth in affiliate and advertising revenues. Programming and production cost increases were due to higher rights costs for college football programming and the addition of an NFL wild card playoff game and the SEC Network, which was launched in August 2014.

     

    Disney says further that the increase in affiliate revenues was due to contractual rate increases, an increase in subscribers, taking into account the new SEC Network, and a reduction in revenue deferrals as a result of changes in contractual provisions related to annual programming commitments. ESPN advertising revenue growth was due to higher rates and units sold.

     

    Broadcasting reported 19 per cent hike in revenue in the current quarter to $1780 million from $1501 million and reported a massive 90 per cent increase in operating income to $302 million from $159 million in the corresponding quarter of last year due to growth in affiliate fees, higher program sales and an increase in advertising revenues. These increases were partially offset by higher marketing costs for the launch of new series.

     

    Parks and Resorts

     

    Parks and Resorts reported a growth of six per cent in revenue to $3760 million from $3562 million in the corresponding year ago quarter and a 24 per cent increase in Q2-2015 operating income to $566 million from $457 million in Q2-2014. Operating income growth for the quarter was due to an increase at Disney’s domestic operations, partially offset by a decrease at its international operations.

     

    Studio Entertainment

     

    Studio Entertainment reported decline in revenue to $1685 million in Q2-2015 as compared to the $1800 million in Q2-2014, and segment operating income decreased 10 per cent to $427 million from $475 million in Q2-2014.

     

    Lower operating income was driven by decreases in domestic home entertainment and international theatrical distribution, partially offset by a higher revenue share with the Consumer Products segment, reflecting performance of Frozen merchandise in the current quarter, and lower film cost impairments. The decreases in domestic home entertainment and international theatrical distribution both reflected the performance of ‘Big Hero 6’ in the current quarter compared to Frozen in the prior-year quarter

     

    Consumer Products

     

    Consumer Products Q2-2015 revenue increased 10 per cent to $971 million from $885 million in Q2-2014 and operating income improved 32 per cent to $362 million from $274 million in Q2-2014.

     

    Higher operating income was primarily due to an increase at Disney’s Merchandise Licensing business due to the performance of merchandise based on Frozen and, to a lesser extent, The Avengers.

     

    Interactive

     

    Revenue from this segment fell 12 per cent to $235 million in Q2-2015 from $268 million in Q2-2014, but segment operating income increased 86 per cent to $26 million from $14 million in Q2-2014.

     

    Improved operating results were due to lower marketing and product development costs and the success of its mobile game Tsum Tsum, partially offset by lower ‘Disney Infinity’ performance and decreased sales of mobile game catalogue titles due to fewer titles in release. Lower marketing and product development costs were driven by fewer mobile game titles in development and the benefit of previous restructuring activities.

  • DataVideo eyes 50% revenue from Indian market in 5-10 years

    DataVideo eyes 50% revenue from Indian market in 5-10 years

    MUMBAI: With the proliferation of digital devices and today’s ever changing market of always–on connectivity, broadcasters are looking beyond TV to stream and monetise their content.

     

    Keeping this in mind Broadcast Asia 2015 will unveil its new TV Everywhere! zone presenting the latest solutions to address increasing consumer expectations. One of these solutions is being offered will be from DataVideo, which has been participating in the summit for the last 17 years. With its slogan “Live in Seconds” it offers mobile video solutions.

     

    While currently India contributes to less then 10 per cent of the company’s overall revenues, DataVideo Singapore managing director Frank Lin is bullish on the Indian market and expects it to jump up to 50 per cent over the next five to ten years.

     

    Lin, who is optimistic about the various sports leagues coming up in India, tells Indiantelevision.com, “A lot of equipments, which are state of the art are required in sports broadcasting. How does one set up a studio? We offer a studio in a box. Through our integrated solutions, we can set up sports broadcasting equipments in 10-30 minutes of a day.”

     

    The target industries for DataVideo are broadcasting, audio video and weddings sectors along with educational and religious sectors. “Presently north, east and west regions of India are served by our Noida office and south India is served by our Cochin office,” informs Lin.

     

    Established in Taiwan in January 1985, the company has more than 200 employees worldwide. It also has close to 90 distributors in various countries.

     

    In India, Data Video works with channels like Doordarshan, ESPN, ACT TV, TV9, ETV, Zee TV etc. In the education sector, the company works with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Calicut Medical College and Manipal University.

     

    Some of their new line of products includes OBV-2800CCU, HRS 30 Field Recorder, NVS 25 Streaming Server and a SE 700 4-CH HD Switcher for the wedding video market.

     

    Broadcast Asia 2015 will be held from 2-5 June, 2015 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

     

  • ESS to air Kartikeyan’s tryst with the Malaysia track

    ESS to air Kartikeyan’s tryst with the Malaysia track

    Over the weekend ESPN Star Spotrs (ESS) will air the second race of the F1 season 2005. The race takes place in Sepang, Malaysia . Karthikeyan finished the race in Australia as the fastest debutant and is confident that the state-of-the-art Sepang circuit will suit his driving style.

    Star Sports will have live action on 20 March at 11:30 am. Michael Schumacher and the Ferrari team will be looking to salvage their pride after a poor performance in the opening Australian GP. While Barrichello managed eight points with the second position, Schumacher and the Ferrari team would not be too happy with the unfortunate spin out of the titleholder.

    The Renault team will look to maintain their winning streak with both the first and the third position going to their drivers Fisichella and Alonso respectively. World Championship leader after the first race, Giancarlo Fisichella believes that he can increase his advantage in the points table, while team mate Fernando Alonso is determined to increase his challenge.

    Besides the main race, Star Sports' comprehensive coverage of F1 also includes the action of the Qualifying Race. And 45 minutes before the main race Star Sports will have the preview show Race Day. There will be interviews, race preview together with track and weather update. In the post-race show Chequered Flag there will be post-race interviews and highlights, plus a preview of the next race.

  • SC adjourns Doordarshan’s telecast of WC 2015 case to 19 Feb

    SC adjourns Doordarshan’s telecast of WC 2015 case to 19 Feb

    NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati was asked today by the Supreme Court to examine the feasibility of starting a new Doordarshan channel exclusively to telecast 2015 World Cup cricket matches without the compulsion of the must-carry clause.

     

    The bench sought this view on a suggestion made by Star and ESPN who had won a case in Delhi High Court to the effect that Doordarshan should not share the World Cup Cricket telecasts with cable operators.

     

    During the hearing of the appeal by Prasar Bharati which was adjourned to 19 February, Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose asked Prasar Bharati to examine the technical feasibility and otherwise of starting a new channel, subscription of which could be regulated for the cable operators.

     

    The Court meanwhile extended the interim order allowing DD to telecast all matches till the next hearing.

     

    The bench also asked Star, ESPN and the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) to give an estimate of losses they were likely to suffer in case DD was permitted to beam matches after sharing live feeds with cable operators.

     

    During the hearing, the bench observed that it wanted people to enjoy cricket matches without any hurdles and that the revenue dispute should be resolved amicably between the parties.

     

    The Court also accepted an intervention by multi-system operator Home Cable through Vikki Choudhary and asked him to file an additional affidavit on the formula suggested by ESPN and Star Sports.

      

    While admitting the case last week, the Apex Court had said in its interim order: “This arrangement of DD showing free feed has been there for the last seven years. Let it continue.” 

     

    In its judgment, the High Court had refused to strike down the must carry clause of 2000 under which cable operators have to carry signals of Doordarshan, and also the Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act 2007.

     

    A bench of Justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Sanjeev Sachdeva passed the order on the plea of BCCI, ESPN and Star who had contended that cable TV operators were getting live feeds through DD channels free of cost, resulting in loss of revenue for them.