ITV

Tag: India

  • India – US to increase cooperation in cyber R&D to combat cyber crimes

    India – US to increase cooperation in cyber R&D to combat cyber crimes

    NEW DELHI: India and the United States have agreed to improve cooperation among technical, law enforcement, cyber research and development, and capacity building.

    Both countries have supported an open, inclusive, transparent, and multi-stakeholder system of internet governance. They have planned to work together to promote cyber security, combat cyber-crime, and advance norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace.

    This was stated in a joint statement after External Affairs Minister and Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met US Secretary of State John Kerry and Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker for the first US – India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue held in Washington yesterday.

    Both sides commended the resumption of the US-India Cyber Dialogue. The Sides welcomed the decision to convene a Track 1.5 programme to further cooperation on internet and cyber issues and contribute to the goals of Digital India initiative.

    In the first meeting of the US – India Information and Communication Technology Working Group US presented a draft work plan to facilitate collaboration and development in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Digital India” initiative.

    The joint statement renewed the US-India Technology Safeguards Agreement to facilitate the launch of US satellite components on Indian space launch vehicles.

    The statement also referred to outer space collaboration and noted the launch of a new Space Security Dialogue in March 2015 and the exchange of technical data from both countries’ national Mars orbiters, and upcoming Civil Space Joint Working Group in Bangalore.

    The US side applauded India’s proposal to launch a satellite for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in order to expand information sharing and connectivity within the SAARC region.

  • Star Sports pockets Rs 150+ crore in sponsorship for India – SA cricket series

    Star Sports pockets Rs 150+ crore in sponsorship for India – SA cricket series

    MUMBAI: Star India president – sports Nitin Kukreja is a happy man. With three co-presenting sponsors and seven associate sponsors on board for the India – South Africa cricket series, Star Sports has so far pocketed more than Rs 150 crore in sponsorships, even as more deals are being negotiated.

    Beginning 2 October, the Mahatma Gandhi – Nelson Mandela series will have three T20s, five ODIs and four Test matches, which will be played over a span of two months. This in turn offers the channel a huge inventory to generate revenue.

    A source close to the development informs Indiantelevision.com that the three co-presenting sponsors for the series namely PayTM, Raymond and Lava have paid approximately Rs 20 crore each. On the other hand, the seven associate sponsors – Maruti Suzuki, Airtel, Idea, Intex Led TV, Hero, Pernod, and OLX have shelled out approximately Rs 13 crore each, taking the total amount that Star India has earned in sponsorship to Rs 151 crore. Moreover, the broadcaster is in final stages of negotiations with a few more brands for the India – South Africa series.

    In terms of ad rates, the 10 second slot during T-20 matches has been priced between Rs 2.5 – 3 lakhs. ODIs and Tests have been priced at Rs 1 lakh and Rs 70 thousand respectively, the source adds.

    This is PayTM’s first series in the four years title sponsor deal, which it earned by outbidding Micromax. PayTM sealed the deal for Rs 203.28 crore, which is to be paid over the four year term. Maxus in association with GroupM ESP properties was instrumental in cracking the deal for PayTM.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Maxus managing partner Navin Khemka says, “We could not have asked for a better series to kickstart the deal. It’s bang in the middle of the festive season, a period where brands spend maximum. The success or failure of the cricket series will be decided by the quality of cricket played on the field.”

    CAA Kwan COO Indranil Das Blah is of the opinion that the series will spell success for BCCI and broadcaster Star Sports. “India VS South Africa is a marquee contest and hence advertisers and sponsors will show interest in the initial stages but the annual fate will depend on the performance. The festive season is when brands unveil a lot of new launches, so timing-wise, it cannot be better,” he says.

    Another media planner with condition of anonymity adds, “To me, the Rs 20 crore figure seems inflated. I think Rs 13 – 14 crore is what they are getting and that’s a good bet. If the series starts well, the numbers will be delightful for Star. The ad rates are realistic and can go much higher for last moment entrants if the series gets poised.”

  • National award winning Marathi film ‘Court’ is India’s entry for Oscars

    National award winning Marathi film ‘Court’ is India’s entry for Oscars

    NEW DELHI: The National Award winning Marathi film Court, written and directed by first-time filmmaker Chaitanya Tamhane, is India’s official entry for the Oscars in the foreign language category.

     

    The decision was taken by a 16-member committee headed by Amol Palekar set up by the Film Federation of India (FFI), which met in Hyderabad. Other contenders included Masaan, PK and Baahubali.

     

    Court, which has already been to several international film festivals and won national and international awards, is the story of a radical poet who is accused of waging war against the state. It follows the never-ending trial of a balladeer who is accused of encouraging a municipal worker to commit suicide through his fiery songs. The multi-lingual arthouse drama examines the Indian judicial system from the perspectives of the accused, the lawyer defending him, the public prosecutor, and the judge presiding over the case.

     

    Court was premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2014 where it won the Lion of the Future Award for the best first feature as well as the top prize in the non-competitive Horizons category. Court also won the National Award for Best Feature Film at this year’s National Film Awards.

     

    The movie’s cast includes its producer Vivek Gomber, Marathi stage veteran Geetanjali Kulkarni, and Vira Sathidar. It has been shot by Mrinal Desai and edited by Rikhav Desai. Tamhane and Gomber are in Japan at the Fukoka International Film Festival where the film is being screened.

     

    This is the third Marathi film to be sent for the Oscars. The first was Sandeep Sawant’s Shwaas in 2004, while the second was Harichandrachi Factory by Paresh Mokakshi.

     

    India has never won an Academy Award in the best foreign language movie category though it has figured in the nominations thrice: for Mehmoob Khan’s Mother India, Mira Nair’s Salaam Bombay and Ashuthosh Gowarikar’sLagaan.

  • Bhaarat Today beams test signals in India, gets formal launch in US

    Bhaarat Today beams test signals in India, gets formal launch in US

    NEW DELHI: Bhaarat Today, a channel aimed at showing the glory of Hinduism and the integrity of the country, has been launched simultaneously in the United States and India.

     

    A Telugu and English channel, it is the initiative of Swami Paripoornananda who has succeeded in launching the channel after two years of planning.

     

    Paripoornananda wants the channel, which is a news-cum-general entertainment channel (GEC), to emphasise the need to trace back the richness of the Indian philosophy that survived the onslaught of many religions and many countries. 

     

    The channel’s test signals have commenced on the Intelsat20 satellite at 68.5 degree east. Bhaarat Today channel will telecast programmes in test trail soon. The formal launch of the channel in the United States was on 12 September.

     

    Parameter Details:

    Satellite: Intelsat20@68.5E(C-BAND)

    Freq Rate: 3754

    Symbol Rate: 9300

    Polar: Vertical

    Modulation: Mpeg4/dvb s2

    Mode: Free To Air (FTA)

  • India wants greater democratisation & broad-basing of Internet governance

    India wants greater democratisation & broad-basing of Internet governance

    NEW DELHI: Stressing that it wanted democratisation and broad-basing of the global affairs of telecommunications and internet governance, the Government has begun a series of meetings with stakeholders in relation to the ongoing overall review by the General Assembly of the implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+10 Review). 

     

    In pursuance of its declaration towards multi-stakeholder approach to Internet governance, the Information Technology Ministry recently organised discussions involving business, civil society, government, academia and technical community.

     

    The recent meeting on this issue was held in New Delhi on 18 September. There has also been remote participation from Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) and Learning Initiatives on Reforms for Network Economics Asia (LIRNEasia) in these meetings.

     

    The discussion by the Department of Electronics and Information Technology was in collaboration with National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under Internet Governance to discuss the priorities and concerns of Indian stakeholder in relation to the ongoing UN review. 

     

    India wants that the International Telegraphic Union should take leadership and partner with UN and other International/Regional organisations in executing the Information and Communication Technology projects and programs in developing countries. India also wants the ITU to be the supervisory authority of Space Assets. India expressed its desire that ITU should play a more active role in the global Internet governance as envisaged during the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS). 

     

    The entire Review process will be concluded by a high-level meeting of the UN General Assembly on 15-16 December, 2015 in New York. Currently, the United Nations is facilitating a preparatory process for the WSIS+10 Review in consultation with Member States and relevant stakeholders.

  • Zee is India’s most attractive media brand: MAB 2015

    Zee is India’s most attractive media brand: MAB 2015

    BENGALURU: Dr Subhash Chandra’s Zee has been ranked no 1 in the media category in Blue Lotus Communications’ Most Attractive Brands 2015 Report (MAB 2015) by the TRA (formerly Trust Research Advisory), which was released recently. 

     

    Zee also ranks no 1 in the Media TV category with MAB rank of 209, out of the 1000 listed brands. The Times of India (TOI) too found a place far behind at 704, which is ranked fourth in the Media-Print category.

     

    Further, among the Hindi GECs Zee is placed first followed by Star Plus with a MAB 2015 rank of 273. Colors is at no 3 within the category with a MAB 2015 rank of 312.

     

    As per the MAB 2015 report, the print media segment is headed by – DNA, which again is a brand that has a Zee (Essel) connect. DNA with an overall MAB 2015 rank of 468 was followed by Mid-Day with a MAB 2015 rank of 512. Dainaik Bhaskar ranked at 670, followed by TOI.

     
    English News channel from the Times Network – Times Now helmed by Arnab Goswami is conspicuous with its absence in the top 1000 brands. In the Hindi News category, ABP News is placed first with a MAB 2015 rank of 349, Zee News with a rank of 498 and Aaj Tak with a rank of 564. BBC with a MAB 2015 rank of 20 finds a place in Media –TV category, while CNN IBN (Media TV category rank 25) finds a place among the top 25 in the same category with a MAB 2015 rank of 972.
      

    The Radio industry is represented by the big three in the Top 1000: 92.7 Big FM takes the lead with a MAB rank of 607, Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM is placed second in the category with a MAB rank of 652, whereas Red FM 93.5 took the third spot in the category with a MAB rank of 760.

     

    The MAB 2015 was released as an attempt to bring the world of brand communications in India to a measurable matrix. The second in its series, the 2015 report is the result of comprehensive primary research conducted on the proprietary 36-traits of Attractiveness Quotient of TRA (formerly known as Trust Research Advisory) says TRA CEO N Chandramouli.  

  • DW News eyes greater coverage on S. Asia riding on reach in India

    DW News eyes greater coverage on S. Asia riding on reach in India

    NEW DELHI: German public service broadcaster Deutsche Welle, which launched its 24-hour English news channel in India on 22 June, 2015, is committed to increase its coverage on south Asia from the current 30 per cent, riding on its large scale reach in India. While the company’s flagship channel DW had started out with 300 TV homes in India, DW News now beams in 71 million TV households across direct to home (DTH) and cable platforms.

     

    DW News is aiming to increase its coverage in India of local issues as well as highlight local heroes and has appointed two India correspondents for the same. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, DW head of news and current affairs Carsten von Nehman said, “Now that we have two correspondents in India, we hope that there will be greater coverage.”

     

    DW News India head Sudeep Malhotra added that the channel is available on DTH platforms namely Dish TV, Airtel and DD Freedish. It is also available on cable networks including Asianet, Hathway, DEN Network, InCable Network, Ortel and GTPL. The programmes are beamed via ASIASAT 7 satellite. According to him, the channel’s viewers included teens to people in their mid or late forties.

     

    According to von Nehman, the channel’s morning slots were generally devoted to Europe, while the early afternoon slots were about news from south Asia. The late afternoon slots were on African news and the night shows related to North America. This had been planned meticulously based on the time zones in these respective countries.

     

    He said apart from news on the hour, highlights included the lifestyle shows like Euromaxx, Arts 21 and Tomorrow Today. Other show include Discover Germany, Global 3000, In Good Shape, Kick-off (DW has a tie-up with the German Football Association) and the political talk show Conflict Zone with Tim Sebastian.

     

    Asked about the marketing of the channel, von Nehman said that there would be no advertising in newspapers or elsewhere. Marketing was being done more subtly through involving viewers via contests and interactions.

     

    “The new DW TV opens a window to the world for our viewers in South Asia. DW offers a unique perspective that is especially valued by local business and opinion leaders and DW News will now provide them with insights into international head-lines and the details behind regional issues,” said DW head of distribution Asia Dorothee Ulrichs. 

     

    German ambassador Martin Ney and Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar were the main speakers at the formal launch in India.

     

    It may be recalled that Prasar Bharati had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with DW last year paving way for distribution of DD India on DTH platform of Hotbird-13B Satellite and the reciprocal distribution of DW-TV on DD Freedish. 

     

    According to Ney, India had Germany had many things in common, including federalism, a free press and healthy trade relations. “Germans are curious to know more about India and this is evident from the growing number of tourists to Germany from this country,” he said.

     

    Sircar said the primary aim of a public service broadcaster should not be to impose any news or information on the viewers, and leave it for the consumer to decide.

     

    “India has over 400 news channels and so there’s ample choice, but the real challenge lies in getting to the 150 million cellphones since the consumer is not using the mobile to get information,” Sircar said.

     

    DW is Germany’s international broadcaster with content in 30 languages. The flagship channel DW provides analysis and insights to viewers around the globe, reporting on important issues in English 24/7.

  • Razorfish India names Dinesh Swamy as senior creative director

    Razorfish India names Dinesh Swamy as senior creative director

    MUMBAI: Razorfish India has appointed Dinesh Swamy as senior creative director, based out of Mumbai.

     

    Speaking on the appointment, Razorfish CEO Charulata Ravi Kumar said, “With his credentials already preceding him, what struck me most about Dinesh was his childlike curiosity and energy that evidently add interesting dimensions to his creative ideas. His passion for photography and dancing tell me that he sees beyond the obvious and uses the insight for a story worth swinging to.”

     

    Razorfish India COO Gaurav Pathak added, “Dinesh is not only an excellent creative talent but also brings with him the strategic bent of mind that makes his work stand out with an innovative relevance that aligns perfectly with our philosophy at Razorfish.”

     

    Swamy said, “Razorfish has always inspired me and been on my list; it’s a great opportunity to breathe pure Digital. Razorfish has the passion to blend idea and technology to create innovative solutions. I want to take it ahead and showcase great case studies along with the team and be part of taking it to its next level of creative excellence that transforms business.”

     

    Swamy’s portfolio spans strategic innovations and integrated solutions across CRM, Social Media and Online Integrated campaigns for multiple clients. He has previously worked with companies like Flip Media Corp, Tribal DDB India and Digital Law & Kenneth. Most recently he was with BBDO Proximity as digital creative leader.

  • Bulldog to bring ‘The Apprentice’ & ‘Space Race’ to India in 2016

    Bulldog to bring ‘The Apprentice’ & ‘Space Race’ to India in 2016

    MUMBAI: After India’s Next Top Model, Bulldog Media and Entertainment is gearing up to bring two more international formats to India.

     

    Even as Donald Trump is standing for the next US Presidential elections in 2016, the television show synonymous with him – The Apprentice – will make its India debut as Bulldog Media and Entertainment will be bringing the Indian adaptation of the game show. Additionally, the company has also acquired the format rights of NBC’s ambitious series – Space Race.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Bulldog Media and Entertainment co-founder and executive producer Akash Sharma said, “We are very excited about the new reality shows that we will launch soon. The Apprentice is an American reality game show that has also been launched in several countries; it’s a very successful show in America.”

     

    Sharma further added, “Our plan is to expand ourselves in different genres. For the next 18 months we will work on bringing quality content and international formats to India. We are also looking at bringing back People’s Choice Award.”

     

    The Apprentice is an American reality game show hosted by Trump, which has been created by American television producer Mark Burnett. The format has been licensed across the world in Africa, Australia, Brazil, Germany, United Kingdom, Malaysia and Russia amongst others. 

     

    On the other hand, Space Race is an unscripted series produced by NBC along with Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and Burnett. It is an elimination competition series where everyday people compete for the ultimate prize – a trip for the winner into space on Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo for a life-changing experience few people have ever enjoyed, all captured on camera. However, NBC was said to have been seriously assessing the probability of launching the show in the light of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo spacecraft crash in October 2014, which killed one pilot and seriously injured the other.

     

    Talking about this unique show, Sharma says, “Space Race will be the most aspirational show ever on Indian television. It basically takes contestants from different walk of life to space. Putting them into physical and mental challenges will give them chance to go in space in the Virgin Galactic spaceship. The show will be produced by Mark Burnett and Virgin Galactic. We are waiting for the official clearance from Virgin Galactic.”

     

    “We will have very intense challenges in store for contestants and the winner will get a chance to board space port America in Virgin Galactic space port. In the finale they will have a chance to represent India in space,” he adds.    

     

    Bulldog Media’s bid to bring Space Race to India will indeed be worthy to watch.

  • CNN International to air special coverage on growing India

    CNN International to air special coverage on growing India

    MUMBAI: CNN International will be featuring a special coverage week starting from 20 September on Growing India.

     

    In this special programming week, CNN will look at the auto sector as a barometer of India’s growing consumerism, its indigenous Silicon Valley changing gears to become a front running technology hub, the revival of ancient art form for modern markets and e-commerce lessons from traditional dabbawallas.

     

    CNN International correspondent Mallika Kapur will explore how India has evolved in the last decade and examine its growth indicators.

     

    CNN International South Asia sales director Sonali Chatterjee said, “Special theme weeks garner immense interest from both audiences and advertisers. India is at a very crucial cusp in its growth trajectory and our viewers will get to see its many emerging facets, while our advertisers will have the opportunity to engage with an audience of decision makers and influencers. We are proud to have the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as a major advertiser with Growing India on CNN’s linear and digital platforms.”

     

    Growing India’s stories will be aired from 20 – 24 September in Connect The World at 8:30 pm and from 21-25 September in The Business View at 3:30 pm.