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Tag: India

  • Delhi HC accepts Prasar Bharatis plea for clean feed of sports signals

    Delhi HC accepts Prasar Bharatis plea for clean feed of sports signals

    NEW DELHI: Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justice Pradeep Nandrajog of the Delhi High Court have said that any channel telecasting a live television broadcast of sporting events of national importance must share the same with national broadcaster Doordarshan without any commercials.

     

    Upholding Prasar Bharati’s view, the Court made the observations while dismissing ESPN’s plea seeking a direction to Prasar Bharati not to insist on the live signal of international cricket matches of India without any commercials. “We find no merit in the writ petition which we dismiss but without any order as to costs.”

     

    Prasar Bharati had on 6 April told ESPN that “it is not in a position to share the live signals which are not clean” and insisted that the channel provide the feed of the matches without any commercials.

     

    Filing a petition before the High Court, ESPN had claimed to be the exclusive distributor of cricket matches of national importance. Furthermore, it said as a matter of practice it had offered the live signals of several matches with commercials as mandated by the Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act 2007 and relevant rules, but the pubcaster had imposed a condition relating to clean feed.

     

    Seeking the court’s intervention, the channel had said, “Refusal of the respondent to accept the feed has resulted in a stalemate or impasse which may deprive millions of viewers of watching the international cricket tournaments.”

    ESPN had argued that it did not have control over the “Commercial inserts” that were attached to the feed received by it from the event organisers. ESPN had further argued that its “obligation under the law was to share the live broadcast signal as it was received” by it from the sporting event organiser; and since the feed received by it contain certain advertisements by the organiser of the sporting event, their obligation were limited to share the signal as it is. 

  • Why Star sponsored Indian cricket for 2013-14?

    Why Star sponsored Indian cricket for 2013-14?

    MUMBAI: It came as a bolt from the blue – actually in this case the greens on which the sport of cricket is played. The BCCI has decided to award the title sponsorship of all domestic and international tournaments in India for 2013-2014 for a reported price of Rs 2 crore per match, around Rs 1.5 crore less than that paid by the previous sponsor Airtel.

     

    What goes? Why is Star going hell for leather putting money behind the game? One can’t but forget that the Star Group beat competition from Multi Screen Media (Sony) to bag the six-year broadcast and digital rights of India’s international cricket matches at home and domestic events like Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and the Irani Trophy. The Rupert Murdoch-owned company’s six-year contract is valued at Rs 3,851 crore and will cover 96 matches in all.

     

    One of the reasons, Star India COO  Sanjay Gupta says is that the network is going all out to promote not just cricket but also other sports. Says he: “We are betting big on sports and even more betting on cricket. Currently we have the rights to telecast the matches on television as well as on other multi-screens.”

     

    As a strategy the Star group, he says, is ideally looking for something similar to what it did for IPL, Star sponsored IPL through its brand – Star Plus. Plans are focused on deepening its relation with cricket and also using cricket to promote its brands in a big way.

     

    “So looking from the Star brand point of view we would like to use this sponsorship, for obviously Star Sports and also Star Plus and Life OK,” expounds Sanjay.

     

    He further states that Star will use its entertainment network to build the awareness and enthusiasm for cricket likewise. And then conversely use the cricket platform to build awareness for other sports in the country. “So when people are watching cricket we should be able to sample other sports to them, and thus give them more to watch, so that is the strategy we are putting in place,” says Gupta.

     

    Telecasting the action on the field in different languages is another tack. “One of the major challenges of sports in the country has been that for the last 10 years, sports were being telecast in only one language and that’s English, but that is not the primary language for consumption in most of India.”

     

    Research has revealed that TV viewers would be better served if they get to consume sports coverage in either Hindi or their local languages. “As we know that in entertainment the language used makes a big difference, so our attempt is to build content for both key sports – cricket and football – in Hindi, so that people are able to consume the content in a much better manner,” exults Gupta.

     

    Star will continue the English commentary for both cricket and football as it has a great panel of commentators for both these sports and the content is enjoyed by a huge chunk of its viewer base. “But we are equally building affinity with the content in the Hindi speaking markets (HSMs) and the response has been really encouraging and proves that our strategy is working well with our loyal fan base,” Gupta explains.

     

    With digitisation still an ongoing process what kind of changes can be witnessed in the near future? Reveals Gupta, “It hasn’t really brought about a fundamental change, but people who were in analogue had limited access to content as they could only see 20-30 channels, and some of the sports channels were hit at that time as many of the operators would replace it with some other channel if a live match was not on, may be a movie channel or something else. But with digitisation kicking in not only sports but the content for overall channels has improved dramatically and that’s a welcome change as people will be able to watch the sports channels everyday rather than on a need-be basis.”

     

    Star is striving to build its sports portfolio, and that is the reason that it is trying to get in other sports like football with the Barclays Premier League, motor-racing through F1 and several other sports.

     

    Giving his view on HD as a format Gupta says, “It is very powerful, and we initiated it a couple of years back, as the quality of experience goes up, and with roughly two million HD households consuming HD content across different platforms, the growth of HD will only accelerate.”

     

    Star has recently also launched Star World Premiere HD only strengthening the fact that it believes that is a very big opportunity for all premium content including sports. “We are going to be investing heavily in HD content across genres as we seriously believe HD is the way ahead,” says Gupta.
    Bringing about interactivity with the audience is also something that Star plans to bring about in the near future. “We have already seen that with www.starsports.com when we put cricket, there is a lot of interactivity even in content consumption and not only commenting & social networking but people can see the match and equally see the players’ performances and enjoy highlights even as the live action is going on in the field. So we do see interactivity as a very big tool for the younger generation of the country to connect with sports,” ends Gupta.

  • Krrish 3 launches Facebook Stickers

    Krrish 3 launches Facebook Stickers

    MUMBAI: India’s homegrown superhero Krrish is making leaps and bounds and attaining a cult status across the board with his exciting and engaging promotions for the forthcoming film Krrish 3. The latest is the collection of Facebook Stickers, a special set of emoticons which will make chatting with friends on Facebook even more fun. This is part of the digital marketing campaign for Krrish 3 spearheaded by Hungama Digital Media Entertainment. The Krrish characters join a league of international favorites including the ‘Minions’ from Despicable Me 2 and ‘Snoopy’ from Peanuts.

     

    The Krrish 3 stickers include common expressions and activities people use every day like happy, sad, drinking coffee, working late or partying with friends. Each emotion has been created with one of the three central characters – Krrish (HrithikRoshan), Kaya (KanganaRanaut) and Kaal (Vivek Oberoi). The emoticons also include special phrases like ‘I Love You’, ‘Call Me’ and very special ‘Krrish- The Protector’ sticker. These sticker packs will be made available for free in all regions, on the Messenger and Facebook
    apps for both web and mobile.

     

    Hungama Digital Media Entertainment MD and CEO Neeraj Roy said, “The promotions for Krrish 3 have a massive digital footprint right from the word go, with the worldwide first look and poster launch via a Facebook chat. With the world constantly connected via mobile internet and a social media becoming integral mode of communication, our endeavor is to make Krrish an integral part of your daily interactions.”

     

    Some of the iconic stickers on Facebook include the Minions from Despicable Me 2 and Snoopy- the famous Peanuts character. Hungama Digital Media entertainment is the digital partner for Krrish 3. In the coming weeks, Hungama a digital blitzkrieg around Krrish 3 with the launch of a game, a karaoke app and an augmented reality campaign that can be experienced around high footfall locations in India.

     

    Speaking on the launch of the Krrish 3 Facebook stickers, superstar Hrithik Roshan said, “Here’s presenting yet another digital innovation from the team of Krrish 3. To add more life and fun to your conversation, we’ve come up with these exciting new Krrish 3 stickers. You can now tease your friends, fight with them or challenge them in your chats.”

  • 69% Indians feel SMS is an easier way to express than in person: Ipsos Study

    69% Indians feel SMS is an easier way to express than in person: Ipsos Study

    MUMBAI: Seven in ten (69 per cent) Indians admit they say things in that they would not say voice-to-voice or person-to-person; compared to 43 per cent globally, finds a new poll conducted by Ipsos OTX – the global innovation center for Ipsos.

     

    “Text or Email is comparatively an impersonal medium and people feel less hesitant to speak their mind. Perhaps that is the reason why majority of Indian would rather avoid saying things in person or over phone,” said Ipsos – head marketing communication Biswarup Banerjee.

     

    “For example people prefer to share sensitive comments like – “I love you.” “Our relationship is over.” “You are fired.” “I failed in exam.” in writing rather than saying over the phone or face-to-face to avoid embarrassment when they are physically involved,” added Banerjee.

     

    Demographically in India, age appears to be the most significant variable as those under the age of 35 (75 per cent) are considerably more likely than those aged 35-49 (67 per cent) and those 50-64 (52 per cent) to text/email things they won’t say out loud. Education is also a significant factor as seven in ten (69 per cent) of those with a high level of education say they do so compared with 100 per cent among those with low education. Both Indian women (70 per cent) and men (68 per cent) feel more comfortable texting or emailing sensitive subject rather than voicing it out.

     

    Strong majorities in China (90 per cent) and South Korea (80 per cent) say they text or email things they would not say over the phone or in person. Seven in ten of those in Indonesia (76 per cent), India (69 per cent) and Saudi Arabia (67 per cent) say so. Following next are Turkey (58 per cent), Brazil (48 per cent), Japan (46 per cent), South Africa (45 per cent), Argentina (42 per cent), Mexico (42 per cent) and Russia (39 per cent). Only three in ten or less in most of the countries surveyed say they reserve some communication for text or email: Canada (34 per cent), Australia (33 per cent), France (33 per cent), Great Britain (32 per cent), Poland (32 per cent), Belgium (31 per cent), Italy (31 per cent), United States (30 per cent), Germany (25 per cent), Hungary (24 per cent), Spain (24 per cent), Norway (22 per cent) and Sweden (22 per cent).

     

    Ipsos conducted this study among 18,502 adults in 25 countries in the month of August.

  • Focus on Spanish delegation at Mumbai Film Mart

    Focus on Spanish delegation at Mumbai Film Mart

    With a reputation of being the platform for opening up new non-traditional markets for Indian cinema, the Mumbai Film Mart (MFM), held during the Mumbai Film Festival, is all set to further fuel the business of films. MFM 2013 will be held at Vivanta by Taj President, Cuffe Parade, Colaba between 18-20 October 2013.

     

    Among the numerous initiatives being launched this year, the MFM will welcome and host the official Spanish delegation for co-productions with a delegation from the Spanish Federation of Producers (FAPAE) along with senior decision makers from the Spanish Ministry, Tourism and Film Commission.

     

    As a founder trustee of MAMI, ex-president of the Film & Television Producers Guild of India and ex-chairman of Reliance Entertainment, Amit Khanna said, “As we move towards a global cinema, co-production and collaborative cinema achieve a huge significance. Spain and India share a passion for cinema and make natural partners to work together in the field of cinema and TV for mutual advantage.”

     

    Indian producers, directors, investors and film commissions who may have projects they wish to develop and co-produce in Spain or if keen on co-producing the official delegation’s projects set in India, have been invited to register for the Mumbai Film Mart and attend a special presentation on 18 October followed by one-to-one meetings over the next two days at the MFM.

     

    Speaking on the same, MFF festival director Srinivasan Narayanan said, “Our aim with this initiative is to foster greater cultural and cinematic ties with Spain through an exchange of ideas between the visiting Spanish producers and film commissioners with their Indian counterparts.”

    Additionally, registered MFM delegates will have the opportunity to promote, meet and interact with leading global buyers, broadcasters, exhibitors, festival programmers, producers and sales agents amongst others. As an added advantage, MFM delegates can submit DVDs of up to four projects to ‘The Filmy Room’, an exclusive viewing facility accessible to the invited guests and buyers of the MFM.

  • Siti Cable’s Q1-2014 losses almost quintuple Q1-2013 losses

    Siti Cable’s Q1-2014 losses almost quintuple Q1-2013 losses

    BENGALURU: Siti Cable Network Limited (Siti Cable), the erstwhile Wire and Wireless (India) Limited, reported for Q1-2014 a negative PAT of Rs 27.07 crore, almost five times (467 per cent) the negative PAT of Rs 4.77 crore the company had reported during the corresponding quarter (Q1-2013) last year.

     

    However, Siti Cable’s consolidated operating profit (EBITDA) for Q1-2014 was Rs 31.18 crore as compared to Rs 27.74 crore during corresponding quarter last fiscal, showing a 12.4 per cent growth.

     

    Siti Cable paid Rs 61.80 crore towards carriage sharing, pay channel and related costs during Q1-2014 as compared to NIL during Q1-2013 and Q4-2013. The cable service provider had paid Rs 234.345 crore towards this expense head during FY-2013.

     

    Let us look at some of the other results for Q1-2014

     

    Operating revenue in Siti Cable’s case is primarily generated from subscriber related income especially from Digitisation, income from bandwidth charges, income from advertisements, STB activation charges and other operating revenues.

     

    The company reported a 27 per cent growth in consolidated revenues to Rs 144.29 crore for Q4-2014 as compared to Rs 113.5 crore for Q1-2013. Siti Cable’s consolidated revenues for Q1-2014 were slightly lower (2.1 per cent) than the Rs 147.44 crore reported for Q4-2013.

     

    Siti Cable’s main operating expenses include cost of goods and services, employees’ cost, selling and distribution expenses and other expenditure. Its major cost item was cost of goods and services recorded as Rs 77.83 crore during the quarter representing 54 per cent of the total revenue in comparison to Rs 60.04 crore in Q1-2014, representing 53 per cent of the total revenue. Another major cost item was Foreign Exchange Fluctuation due to Rupee devaluation during the Q1-2014, which has been recorded by Rs 5.11 crore.

     

    Total operating costs for Q1-2014 at Rs 113.1 crore (78 per cent of consolidated revenues for Q1-2014) were higher by 32 per cent than the Rs 857.6 crore (76 per cent of consolidated revenues for Q1-2013) for the corresponding quarter last year, and were 6.9 per cent lower than the total operating costs of Rs 121.42 crore reported for Q4-2013.

     

    Employee benefit costs for Q1-2014 at Rs 9.11 crore, though two per cent lower than the Rs 9.29 crore reported for Q4-2013, were 17.3 per cent higher than the Rs 7.69 crore reported for the corresponding quarter last year (Q1-2013).

     

    Other expenses for Q1-2014 at Rs 39.90 crore also saw a steep reduction of 48.3 per cent as compared to the Rs 77.18 crore in Q1-2013 and were lower by 67 per cent than the Rs 121.12 crore during Q4-2013.

     

    Siti Cable paid Rs 26.13 crore towards finance cost for Q1-2014, 48 per cent more than the Rs 17.57 crore it paid in Q1-2013, but 15.4 per cent lower than the Rs 30.9 crore it paid in Q4-2013.

     

    Siti Cable chairman Subhash Chandra said, “The on-going digital revolution in Indian cable television distribution industry is set to bring in all round gains for the entire industry value chain. Digitisation will transform the way television is seen, consumed and marketed. For customers, digitisation brings an enhanced viewing experience, expanded channel pool, power to choose and pay only for the chosen channels. For MSOs like Siti Cable, the digitisation will bring digitally addressable consumer base leading to higher revenues and profitability.”

     

    Despite uncertain environment Siti Cable has done well in this quarter and has driven higher revenue through relentless focus on operational excellence. Siti Cable is EBITDA positive in this quarter as well, which clearly indicates continuing growth path”, Chandra said.

     

    Siti Cable executive director and CEO V D Wadhwa said, “Our focus area is to increase the collection of monthly subscription revenues from the ground. We made healthy progress in metros cities where we are present. We are far ahead of other operators in terms of subscriber wise billing and collection. In phase-II cities the collection are likely to improve in coming quarters. We have also collected significant numbers of Subscriber Application form (SAF) and Channel/Package selection form from Delhi & Mumbai.”

     

    Wadhwa added, “Digitisation marks the beginning of an organised and professional way of conducting business and opens up possibilities of multiplier revenues from television and numerous value added services (VAS). The encouraging growth trends make us more confident of further accelerating the growth momentum and serving the cable TV viewing needs of many more million Indians on Siti Cable Network.”

     

  • DJ Roane spins his way to DMC World DJ Championships 2013

    DJ Roane spins his way to DMC World DJ Championships 2013

    Resident DJ at Hard Rock Cafe and Shiro, India to represent India at finale in London

     

    The perfect balance of music and cuisine – this is one of the many reasons Shiro and Hard Rock Cafe, India has maintained a special place with customers across India. The two most popular brands of JSM Corporation Ltd’s portfolio have been known to encourage talent in the music industry.

     

    Resident DJ Roane Acey has proved to be quite the superstar! He will represent India at the Disco Mix Club (DMC) World DJ Championships set to be helped in October this year.  Roane was chosen as the winner by an esteemed jury comprising Luke Kenny, DJ A-Myth and Sumit Shenoy at the India Finale held in August.

     

    One of the most popular resident DJs at Hard Rock Cafe and Shiro, India, DJ Roane has numerous loyal fans walk in on ‘Rock Your Fridays’ night at Hard Rock Cafe  for his collection of the choicest rock and an even larger following at Shiro where he knows exactly which songs get the crowds moving. Roane battled it out with 13 top DJs from all across the country to be crowned national winner.

     

    Roane began his career at the age of thirteen in the city of Mumbai, India. In his early days he experimented with hip-hop and R ‘n’B and the turntable style. His contagious energy and refreshing music earned him accolades at each platform he performed – colleges, lounges, clubs, private parties – DJ Roane had a fast growing fan base.

     

    Having a come a very long way since then, he has opened for a number of international acts such as WHY NOT, Daniel Bedingfield, Simon Webbe from the band Blue, Wyclef Jean, Jay Sean, Prime Circle, Saving Abel, a four city tour with DJ Bob Sinclair, two city tour with ‘Yves La Rock’ as the opening DJ for them, Sean Kingston, Kardinal Official, Karl Wolf, Raghav, ‘DJ Judge Jules’ and many others. His involvement with JSM had given him many golden opportunities to spread the joy of his music across the world. Things can only get louder and better. Here’s wishing our DJ all the very best for the World DJ Championships!

  • First episode of Homeland season 3 to premiere exclusively on the Star World Premiere website

    First episode of Homeland season 3 to premiere exclusively on the Star World Premiere website

    Star India’s latest offering Star World Premiere HD brings to India some of the world’s best TV shows enabling Indian audiences to watch their favorite TV series along with America, before the rest of the world. Star World Premier HD will air 26 new and returning shows from 4 of the biggest television studios in the world, creating a revolutionary television viewing experience in High Definition (HD). The channel will also air the latest season (S3) of award-winning show Homeland starring Claire Danes and Damien Lewis.

     

    With the brand new GEC debuting on air earlier this week on Tata Sky HD, Star World Premiere HD will showcase an exclusive web premiere of the first episode of the latest season of the drama-thriller several hours before the series airs on television in India.  The critically acclaimed show has won a host of awards including the 2012 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, and the 2011 and 2012 Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama. Claire Danes also clinched her second consecutive best drama actress Emmy award on Sunday for Homeland along with the late Henry Bromwell who won a posthumous writing Emmy for the show’s intense ‘Q&A’ episode

     

    Tune in to watch the opening episode of the 3rd season of the show on the Star World Premiere HD website www.starworldpremiere.inon Monday, the 30th of September between 11 am to 7 pm.
     

  • Final week for 2013-14 ANZ International Series media accreditation

    Final week for 2013-14 ANZ International Series media accreditation

    Media accreditation for the 2013-14 ANZ International Series has one weekto go and will close on 4 October 2013 at 5pm.

     

    The accreditation application covers both the ANZ International Series v the West Indies (December-January) and the ANZ International Series v India (January- February).

     

    For more information and to begin your application.

     

    You will receive an email by 15 October to confirm your application has been received. It will confirm the matches you are scheduled to attend and give details on how you will receive your accreditation.

     

    NZC is expecting to receive a large number of applications for the 2013-14 international season. Please note that an application does not guarantee accreditation. No applications will be approved prior to 4 October 2013.

  • Hema Malini joins ace designer Neeta Lulla at her flagship store to give us a sneak peak of her kanjeevaram and kalamkari collection

    Hema Malini joins ace designer Neeta Lulla at her flagship store to give us a sneak peak of her kanjeevaram and kalamkari collection

    Celebrated fashion designer, Neeta Lulla gives you a sneak peak of her Kanjeevaram and Kalamkari collection by showcasing a Kanjeevaram Sari on her favourite muse, Hema Malini at her Flagship Store in Santacruz West. Neeta Lulla goes back to her roots and focuses on reinventing Kanjeevaram and Kalamkari by giving it a chic and contemporary look.

     

    Ever since the inception of the weave, Kanjeevaram has been worn in its original or print form, which is the basic sari. Kanjeevaram as a sari is celebrated in the entire south India so much so that women wear it for every occasion and it is always held on for prosperity thereby making it one of the most cherished fabrics ever. Traditionally, Kanjeevaram is very thick because of the weave and the zari used. As of recent past and over the decade, we have seen a transition in the weight of the Kanjeevaram, which has become more lightweight. Today Kanjeevaram is combined with uparas to create a very soft and sensual feel to it without losing its appeal.

     

    With the Kalamkari collection, Neeta Lulla pays patronage to an Indian art that needs no introduction. The collection brings out the marriage of Kalamkari’s rich inspirations of renaissance with a modern take to the overall ensemble.

     

    Neeta Lulla’s new collection is a tribute to the rich textile crafts of the south. She uses traditional weaves of Kanjeevaram and the age old technique of hand painting that is kalamkari and transforms them into contemporary designs teamed with various fabric textures. The line is constructed into simple silhouettes and embellished with applique of Kanjeevaram or Kalamkari on rich silks, organza and chiffons. The well crafted lehangas, saris, dresses, skirts, cropped tops, multi-gored Kurtas come in an assorted palette of colours, keeping with the richness that exudes from the garment.