ITV

Tag: Europe

  • Animal Planet HD World to air ‘Wild France’

    Animal Planet HD World to air ‘Wild France’

    MUMBAI: France is known for its delicious food and wines, great art and architecture and celebrated culture of all kinds. But there’s another side to this popular destination that is not as visible – its wild side. Journey through Wild France with Animal Planet HD World’s fascinating new series and observe life in Europe’s typical ecosystems.

     

    Travel through the country where the rich, fertile and well-watered soil has given birth to an exceptional wildlife. Deep in the French countryside, it is possible for the adventurous to spot brown bears, wild boar, griffon vultures or wolves.  These are among the creatures getting the chance and space to regain their old hunting grounds in France’s many mountains, valleys and forests. Presenting the highest-quality footage ever seen, Wild France will air from 21 January 2016 every Thursday at 9 pm.

     

    From the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea; from estuaries and wild rivers to marsh lands and wetlands; from high mountains and deep forests to hedged farmland and peri-urban countryside, discover the natural splendour of this beautiful country. Spanning the seasons, this stunning mini-series explores the subtle mechanisms at work in each ecosystem that enable it to flourish. All manner of life, from the minute to the massive, is captured in immersive detail, enabling viewers to examine the incredible range of interactions between species and follow their daily quest for survival.

     

    The show features striking photography and locations all across France, from Alsace and the Alps to the Pyrenees and the island of Corsica, to document the diversity and behaviour of the nation’s wildlife.

  • Fox International Channels names Ratna Siriah as GM – Africa

    Fox International Channels names Ratna Siriah as GM – Africa

    MUMBAI: Fox International Channels (FIC) Europe & Africa has appointed Ratna Siriah as general manager for Africa.

     

    Siriah will report directly to Fox International Channels UK, Nordic region, Turkey and Africa EVP Adam Theiler. She will be based in Johannesburg where she assumes management of the company’s business in the region.

     

    In Africa, FIC operates pay TV channels in the entertainment, factual and sports segments including: Fox, Fox Crime, FX, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild, National Geographic Gold, Fox Sports, Fox Sports 2 and Baby TV.

     

    Prior to joining FIC, Siriah has held several leadership positions in the media industry both in the region and prior to that in India.

     

    On her appointment Theiler said, “The appointment of Ratna reflects our ambition in Sub-Saharan Africa. She brings a vigorous commercial approach to the market and an impressive ability to understand the needs of our fans, affiliate partners and advertisers. Her pure energy and enthusiasm for product driven growth is in line with the culture of FIC. We have invested in the best of Hollywood on Fox, blue chip event television on National Geographic and heart pounding live sport on Fox Sports, and we are thrilled to welcome a leader who can grow our portfolio and extend our reach across the continent.”

     

    Siriah added, “This is an amazing opportunity. Fox International Channels is a dynamic multi-media player and it operates the best brands in the industry. I am extremely excited about the opportunity.”

  • Air China launches live TV streaming in flights

    Air China launches live TV streaming in flights

    NEW DELHI: Air China has launched its first in-flight live television broadcast by streaming pictures showing Beijing’s huge military parade that marked the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

     

    The live broadcast was shown on the Air China aircraft’s TV screens as well as on passengers’ mobiles.

     

    Passengers were able to watch the live broadcast thanks to the satellite TV service provided on the flight, or on their own mobile devices, including tablets and smart phones, which were connected to the plane’s entertainment system, China News Service reported.

     

    Air China said it hoped to mark the occasion with live streaming of the parade to symbolise the “end of an era” when Chinese airlines were unable to broadcast live television.

     

    In partnership with the China’s civil aviation authority, government broadcasting authorities and satellite networks, Air China said it has carried out research and testing for more than a year before making the breakthrough with its in-flight broadcast equipment.

     

    The airline said that in the future passengers would be able to access state TV broadcasts and a variety of provincial-level TV shows on flights.

     

    Many airlines abroad, including those in Europe and the US, have been offering live TV broadcasts streamed via satellite TV, satellite and in-flight Wi-fi for several years.

  • Amagi launches ad monetisation solution in international markets

    Amagi launches ad monetisation solution in international markets

    MUMBAI: Amagi, a targeted TV advertising and cloud-based broadcast infrastructure, has launched its ad monetisation platforms that are uniquely designed for TV networks whose satellite feeds cover countries outside its origin.

    “In the last few months, we have witnessed a surge in demand from TV Networks to monetise their pan-regional feeds. Owing to their unique regional structure and demographics, Europe and the Middle East region are emerging as the priority markets for local ad insertion. As a pioneer in targeted TV advertising, we are best positioned to offer local ad insertion platform for these markets,” commented Amagi co-founder KA Srinivasan.

    For TV networks reaching Europe and the Middle East, Amagi will now deploy its patented content watermark technology with flexible workflows to replace ad breaks on satellite feeds with local ads. Amagi can watermark any content provided by TV channels and replace such content at local headends based on a pre-determined playlist. The entire solution can operate on existing satellite infrastructure of broadcasters using STORM IRD and Amagi’s enhanced satellite receiver.  “STORM IRD can store ads and replace watermarked ads locally while the entire workflow can be managed remotely through a cloud-based user interface. STORM IRD also supports traditional content triggers such as SCTE-35 and DTMF cue tones,” added Srinivasan.

    Using Amagi’s proprietary remote ad insertion technology, TV Networks operating on pan-regional feeds can now monetise their ad inventory in Europe and the Middle East. This can result in new revenue streams from these two markets which until now was left un-monetised.

    The company has successfully monetised ad inventory in Singapore and other countries in the Asia Pacific region for large TV networks. In India, Amagi runs TV ad network with over 1,000 installations and more than 2,000 advertisers, providing geo-specific ad inventory on some of India’s leading entertainment and news channels.

     

  • Xbox One TV tuner to launch in Europe in October

    Xbox One TV tuner to launch in Europe in October

    MUMBAI: Microsoft recently announced that it is going to release a digital TV tuner adapter to allow people in Europe to experience premium live TV features on Xbox One. Launching in October in France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the UK, the digital TV tuner adapter will allow European Xbox One owners to turn their consoles into a TV set-top box.

     

    Announcing the news on its website, Xbox said, “Xbox One users in those markets will get an over-the-air digital terrestrial TV experience through the USB single tuner, an alternative to accessing TV content from a cable or satellite set-top box connected through the HDMI-In port. The new digital TV tuner will also support free-to-air DVB-T, DVB-T2 and DVB-C television standards.”

     

    This will give users the features like voice control through OneGuide, watching TV while in Snap mode, pause live TV, viewing TV listings in the OneGuide, OneGuide on Xbox SmartGlass , creating personal favourite channels and even checking TV On demand.

     

    The Xbox One Digital TV tuner will go on sale priced at Euro 24.99 in the UK and Euro 29.99 in France, Italy, Germany and Spain.

  • Archana Kanade quits Zee TV UK

    Archana Kanade quits Zee TV UK

    MUMBAI: Folks attending MipCom and MipTV were pretty familiar with the petite Archana Kanade. Until she stopped attending the world’s leading TV content markets after being appointed as the business head of Zee Network UK’s free to air channels around three years ago. Now Archana has decided to part ways with Zee after six years with the company. Apparently, the lady is taking up an independent assignment.

     

    She has had a good innings with the network, and was running both Zing and Lamhe (a classic programming channel)  in the UK. At the time of her departure, Zing looks healthy ranking as  England’s No 1 Brit-Asian Bollywood channel. Archana had the responsibility of localizing programming in the UK and introduced shows such as Brit’s Bollywood, Cloud 9, Grinds My Teeth, and Rock the Vibe.

     

    Says the ever-smiling Archana in a press release issued by the network: “Working with Zee and its initiatives has been a great pleasure. I’ve had the opportunity to work on Zee’s channels at the perfect time when the FTA business was still budding – giving me the chance to turn around the channels for growth, focusing on the gaps in the market. I wish Zee Network continues to do well and reaches even newer heights.”

     

    Adds Zee Network CEO Europe Neeraj Dhingra in the same press release: “Archana’s contribution has been valuable to the progress of the organisation at key points in its history. Her experience of 19 long years in the industry has added to the strength of how the network’s products now stand. Her vigour and vision has been a great asset and I offer her my whole-hearted support in her future ventures.”

     

  • Guinness World Records announces ‘Got Talent’ as ‘The world’s most successful reality TV format’

    Guinness World Records announces ‘Got Talent’ as ‘The world’s most successful reality TV format’

    MUMBAI: Got Talentis through to the record books having been commissioned in an impressive 58 territories worldwide. The entertainment show now holds the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the Most Successful Reality TV Format worldwide. Continuing to create a globalbuzz,Got Talent, co-owned by FremantleMedia and Syco Entertainment, has continued to outperform itself by nowmaking history.

    An international ratings phenomenon, Got Talent is leaps and bounds ahead of other reality titles having been adapted in the highest number of territories worldwide. Captivating audiences around the world, the show hasversions across Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle-East, Africa and the Americas. Most recently,the format has launched in Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan 1), Brazil (Rede Record), Moldova (Channel Prime TV) and Iceland (Channel 2). In total, 59 versionsof Got Talentare broadcast in 58 countries (with two versions in Belgium*).

    Simon Cowell said, “I am very proud that Got Talent is a home grown British show. We owe its success to a group of very talented producers all over the world who have made this happen. And of course amazing talent.”

    Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia said: “We are immensely proud of the ever successfulGot Talent and are delighted to add aprestigious GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS titleto its list of achievements. Got Talenthas becomea global phenomenonthat has transcended cultures and excited audiences from all corners of the globe. We look forward to working withSycoEntertainment in continuing to make this brand an absolute triumph.”
    Alistair Richards, President of Guinness World Records, said, “We are delighted to confirm that Got Talent has broken the previous world record and is now the official Guinness World Record holder for the Most successful reality television format, a landmark moment in television record breaking history, congratulations!”

    Got Talenthas seen a spectacular array of talent from the across the world, the range of acts includeSusan Boyle from Britain’s Got Talent,who has gone on to sell over 20 million records worldwide; singer Jackie Evancho from America’s Got Talent;nine-year-old singer Amira Willighagen forHolland’s Got Talent, who’s winning performance of Puccini’s ‘NessunDorma’ and received more than 50% of the television viewers’ votes; SIMA, a Syrian dancing troupe for Arabs Got Talent;circus artist,Simon HeulleforGot Talent France;TetianaGalitsyna, an artist who used painting with sand to tell a story for Poland’s Got Talent; the dazzling dancers, Carolina and Felipe Llanos Almonacid for Got Talent Chile; and joint winners Alexander Magali an acrobatic sword swallower and Nikita Izmailov, a contact juggler, crystal ball dancer and illusionistfor Russia’s Got Talent.Britain’s Got Talent’s first winner, singing sensation Paul Potts, initial audition has had over 121 million views on YouTube and his story was made into a major motion picture, One Chance, by Syco Entertainment and The Weinstein Company, starring James Corden as Potts.  

    Britain’s Got Talent, the UK’s number one entertainment show of the last decade, has notched up eight hit seasons, while America’s Got Talent, the longest running local version of the format,is in its ninth season, with the last series attracting peak audiences of more than 11 million viewers, the series has maintained the position of the #1 summer reality show in the US for eight years.

    Please find images of Got Talent winners from around the world in the below link:https://fmebrandmanagement.box.com/s/3na0x80maqwjvyk594q7

    Please visit the global Got Talent YouTube channel – http://www.youtube.com/user/gottalentglobal

     

  • ISPs in Europe authorised to stop illegal and pirated movie sites

    ISPs in Europe authorised to stop illegal and pirated movie sites

    NEW DELHI: In a judgment that may serve as a precursor to similar action around the globe, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has said that the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Europe can legally block piracy sites that illegally distribute copyright-protected material.

                          

    The Motion Picture Association’s European branch welcomed the decision as a “proportionate and valid measure” in fighting copyright infringement and “an important milestone in the creative industries’ ongoing efforts to curb online piracy.”

     

    The verdict sets a clear legal framework across the European Union territories and confirms national court rulings in several territories. The ruling also sends a strong signal to ISPs that website blocking is an effective measure to reduce overall infringement, the MPA said, and that ISP is typically the best-place to tackle copyright infringement.

     

    The European court ruled on a case filed on 15 June 2012 before the Austrian Supreme Court. Distributors Constantin Film and Wega took action against Austrian ISP UPC Telekabel Wien for not blocking access to kino.to, the largest piracy site in German-speaking Europe with a top 40 ranking on Alexa.com and up to four million visitors per day. The case went all the way to Europe’s Supreme Court, with the CJEU asking to clarify the legality of site blocking, which Internet freedom advocates have compared to censorship.

     

    MPA EMEA president and MD Chris Marcich said the verdict means that rights holders “will continue to have the ability to secure balanced website blocking orders from national courts across the EU to address infringing sites.”

     

    Marcich said: “I am particularly encouraged by the strong stance the CJEU has taken in relation to the responsibility of intermediaries to address copyright infringement. A sustainable internet that benefits all must operate fairly, with proportionate and balanced rules. We must all play a constructive role in this aim, including search engines who continue to lead consumers to illegal money-making sites.”

     

    He cited the hard work the movie industry across Europe is carrying out to “develop new, innovative and consumer-friendly platforms delivering the shows and movies that audiences want to see — whilst ensuring that the creators and makers get compensated for their hard work.”

     

    According to MPA figures, citizens in Europe have access to over 3,000 legal on-demand video services. 

     

  • Scripps Networks UK/EMEA acquires Travels with the Bondi Vet from Fred Media

    Scripps Networks UK/EMEA acquires Travels with the Bondi Vet from Fred Media

    MUMBAI: Chris Brown, one of TV’s best-known vets, is set to take viewers on a whole new adventure. The popular Aussie vet will be seen on Travel Channel, which has picked up his new series “Travels with the Bondi Vet” for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

     

    Chris originally appeared on the iconic “Bondi Vet” series in 2009. The show has been a long-running hit for Network TEN in Australia and for Animal Planet, Europe, where it is aired six nights a week. The show is now seen in 170 countries around the world including CBS in the United States.

     

    “Travels with the Bondi Vet” combines Dr. Chris’ passion for animals and travel. He shares hot springs with snow monkeys in Japan, goes to the edge of a volcano in Vanuatu, swims with whale sharks and survives a medieval battle.

     

    Fred Media’s newly appointed General Manager, Michael Aldrich says, “We are thrilled with the recent partnership with Travel Channel and excited about the future of this new series. “Bondi Vet” has been a great success for us internationally and we are confident that the host, Dr. Chris Brown will cross over into the travel-lifestyle space.”

     

    “We see this new partnership as an endorsement of this decision and are incredibly grateful for the support of such a respected broadcaster.” Scripps Networks UK/EMEA VP, Broadcasting, Steve Fright says, “Travels with the Bondi Vet” was a great match for Travel Channel culturally and shows potential as a renewable and popular series. It has been great to work with Fred and we think their new series will be a great addition to our schedule.”

     

    The program will be broadcast on multiple networks including BskyB, TV4 Sweden, TVB Hong Kong and A+E Networks Asia