ITV

Tag: Kerala

  • Thought Blurb Lulu Mall’s advertising partner

    Thought Blurb Lulu Mall’s advertising partner

    MUMBAI: The Lulu Group, headquartered in the UAE, is ranked third on the Forbes List of ‘Top 100 companies making an impact on the Arab World’. The group’s flagship mall in India, Lulu Mall in Kochi, has signed on Thought Blurb as their advertising partner to build the brand in sync with the global retail brand image.

    Lulu Mall Kochi CEO Shibu Philips said that the group is initiating an assertive push into other cities in Kerala and expanding its footprint into various other Indian cities, and it’s imperative to have world class branding and communication design.

    Philips said that an analysis of Thought Blurb’s past experience in environmental and space design, graphic design credentials and overall understanding of mall communication and promotion was an essential criterion in their decision. The 3-month pitch process saw The Lulu Group evaluating the presentations of several top-rung ad agencies from Kerala and other cities. The decision eventually hinged on strategy and domain knowledge of retail marketing.

    Philips said, “Thought Blurb’s past work on Quick Service Restaurants, large retail chains and Malls showcased great acumen and promise. Their strategic thinking reflects a layered understanding of today’s retail customer, their fickle loyalties, and what buttons to press to keep them engaged.”

    The Lulu Mall chain of hypermarkets and supermarkets is spread across 31 countries, including India. The company’s most recognizable presence is the Lulu Mall in Kochi, spread over 10,00,000 sq ft of space that can accommodate 100,000 people at a time. By introducing 56 brands to Kerala, the Lulu Mall has changed the way people shop in Kerala.

    Thought Blurb CEO Vinod Kunj said, “We have sharpened our skills in this field for almost a decade and are raring to go with every resource we have at our call. Our design expertise has been awarded and recognised in every forum. Working on a mall chain is different from the norm. People need to stay engaged through programmed events and activations. Newer experiences for the consumers keep an in-demand mall from becoming a has-been. That would never happen on our watch. We are proud to be associated with the Lulu brand, and intend to ensure its dominance in the future.”

  • DAS III: IBF welcomes Delhi HC order

    DAS III: IBF welcomes Delhi HC order

    MUMBAI: The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) has welcomed the order passed by the Delhi High Court on 3 November 2016 dismissing nine DAS-related petitions. The petitions dealt with the time extension for implementing digital addressable system (DAS) in certain areas of Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and Uttar Pradesh under Phase-III, the deadline for which had expired on 31 December 2015.

    There is no change in DAS Phase IV deadline, which continues to be 31 December 2016.

    With the dismissal of these petitions, the stay granted by various high courts in areas covered by the above-mentioned nine cases stands vacated and will no longer apply.

    The Delhi High Court, dismissing these petitions, has also directed the petitioners to switch over to digital addressable systems within three weeks i.e. by 24 November 2016 and inform the subscribers by running a scroll on their networks about the digital switchover deadline

    The high courts in various parts of the country had earlier granted stay in certain matters on DAS Phase III deadline. The stay orders had stalled the implementation of DAS Phase III in those areas. This prompted the MIB to move the Supreme Court to get all the cases transferred to the apex court.

    The SC made Delhi High Court as the designated court for all cases related to DAS Phase III. The above-mentioned order of the Delhi High Court has removed the impediments in implementation of DAS in Phase – III areas.

    The IBF has advised all its member-broadcasters to apprise all its affiliate multi-system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators about the said switchover deadline of 24 November 2016 in these Phase – III areas and make it clear that after the said date the channels can be received only through a digital set-top box. The subscribers in these areas are advised to immediately contact their respective local cable operators (LCOs)/MSOs to ensure the installation of STBs before the expiry of the above-mentioned deadline.

  • DAS III: IBF welcomes Delhi HC order

    DAS III: IBF welcomes Delhi HC order

    MUMBAI: The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) has welcomed the order passed by the Delhi High Court on 3 November 2016 dismissing nine DAS-related petitions. The petitions dealt with the time extension for implementing digital addressable system (DAS) in certain areas of Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and Uttar Pradesh under Phase-III, the deadline for which had expired on 31 December 2015.

    There is no change in DAS Phase IV deadline, which continues to be 31 December 2016.

    With the dismissal of these petitions, the stay granted by various high courts in areas covered by the above-mentioned nine cases stands vacated and will no longer apply.

    The Delhi High Court, dismissing these petitions, has also directed the petitioners to switch over to digital addressable systems within three weeks i.e. by 24 November 2016 and inform the subscribers by running a scroll on their networks about the digital switchover deadline

    The high courts in various parts of the country had earlier granted stay in certain matters on DAS Phase III deadline. The stay orders had stalled the implementation of DAS Phase III in those areas. This prompted the MIB to move the Supreme Court to get all the cases transferred to the apex court.

    The SC made Delhi High Court as the designated court for all cases related to DAS Phase III. The above-mentioned order of the Delhi High Court has removed the impediments in implementation of DAS in Phase – III areas.

    The IBF has advised all its member-broadcasters to apprise all its affiliate multi-system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators about the said switchover deadline of 24 November 2016 in these Phase – III areas and make it clear that after the said date the channels can be received only through a digital set-top box. The subscribers in these areas are advised to immediately contact their respective local cable operators (LCOs)/MSOs to ensure the installation of STBs before the expiry of the above-mentioned deadline.

  • Kerala MSO Asianet launches regional OTT service

    Kerala MSO Asianet launches regional OTT service

    MUMBAI: This is for those folks who gorge on regional content – especially southern Indian language content. And can’t get enough of it.

    Coming up is a mobile app or OTT service that offers them a 50 plus strong bouquet of select popular live TV channels in Malayalam, Tamil and other regional languages besides 100 internet radio channels. And it can be downloaded and played on both Android or iOs devices.

    Called Asianet Mobile TV+, the OTT service has been launched by leading Kerala-based cable TV and broadband service provider in Kerala Asianet Satellite Communciations. It can be downloaded from the Google Play store or Apple App Store. Registration and activation can be done at http://asianetmobiletv.com.

    The OTT platform’s bouquet consists of a mix of channels offering entertainment, news, travel, lifestyle and spiritual segments channels, company officials were reported as saying. The TV channels that are listed on its web site as being part of the subscription pack include: Asianet, ACV, Kairali, Sakhi, Janam, FlowersTV, Jeevan, Amrita, Kamudy, Kappa, People, Reporter, Shalom, Polimer, Captain TV, Kalaignar, Vasanth, Murasu, Enter10, Sankara, and Music India. Hungama, Pling, Box UK are some of the internet radio streaming channels that subscribers can sign on for.

    On offer are various subscription packs ranging from two months to six months and a year. But it is giving away a month’s free subscription of TV and radio channels.

    “It’s our endeavour to entertain the non-resident Malayalee community across the world with our bouquet of popular Malayalam channels. We have made use of the latest technology to enable our viewers to experience the best of Malayalam home entertainment, any time, any where and to access content across multiple platforms. We would shortly be extending our services to other Indian languages also. Additional features like Catch-up TV / Movies, TV Shows, video on demand and live events are being incorporated soon into our OTT service,” says the Asianet Mobile website.

    The company claims it is the first MSO in the country to launch an OTT service. It has partnered with XperioLabs as the platform for the mobile app service. Its management says it is readying to offer value added services through its OTT play to transform itself into a lifestyle services provider.

  • Kerala MSO Asianet launches regional OTT service

    Kerala MSO Asianet launches regional OTT service

    MUMBAI: This is for those folks who gorge on regional content – especially southern Indian language content. And can’t get enough of it.

    Coming up is a mobile app or OTT service that offers them a 50 plus strong bouquet of select popular live TV channels in Malayalam, Tamil and other regional languages besides 100 internet radio channels. And it can be downloaded and played on both Android or iOs devices.

    Called Asianet Mobile TV+, the OTT service has been launched by leading Kerala-based cable TV and broadband service provider in Kerala Asianet Satellite Communciations. It can be downloaded from the Google Play store or Apple App Store. Registration and activation can be done at http://asianetmobiletv.com.

    The OTT platform’s bouquet consists of a mix of channels offering entertainment, news, travel, lifestyle and spiritual segments channels, company officials were reported as saying. The TV channels that are listed on its web site as being part of the subscription pack include: Asianet, ACV, Kairali, Sakhi, Janam, FlowersTV, Jeevan, Amrita, Kamudy, Kappa, People, Reporter, Shalom, Polimer, Captain TV, Kalaignar, Vasanth, Murasu, Enter10, Sankara, and Music India. Hungama, Pling, Box UK are some of the internet radio streaming channels that subscribers can sign on for.

    On offer are various subscription packs ranging from two months to six months and a year. But it is giving away a month’s free subscription of TV and radio channels.

    “It’s our endeavour to entertain the non-resident Malayalee community across the world with our bouquet of popular Malayalam channels. We have made use of the latest technology to enable our viewers to experience the best of Malayalam home entertainment, any time, any where and to access content across multiple platforms. We would shortly be extending our services to other Indian languages also. Additional features like Catch-up TV / Movies, TV Shows, video on demand and live events are being incorporated soon into our OTT service,” says the Asianet Mobile website.

    The company claims it is the first MSO in the country to launch an OTT service. It has partnered with XperioLabs as the platform for the mobile app service. Its management says it is readying to offer value added services through its OTT play to transform itself into a lifestyle services provider.

  • Hotstar rolls out Malayalam content with Mohan Lal as brand ambassador

    Hotstar rolls out Malayalam content with Mohan Lal as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: Indian premium streaming platform, Hotstar reached out to its Malayalam speaking users and fans, accompanied by its new brand ambassador, the superstar of Malayalam cinema yesterday. Hotstar  offers more than 4000 hours of Malayalam content  including a large collection of the latest and classic Malayalam movies, and popular TV shows.

    The launch will be followed by a six-week multi-media campaign featuring iconic Mohan Lal across TV, print, outdoor and digital. Hotstar plans to connect with its strong regional language audiences in the major regional markets of South India.

    Speaking at the event, Mohan Lal said, “I feel proud that Kerala not only has the highest literacy rate, but also boasts of a large number of digitally savvy youth. But what is especially gratifying is that these big audiences are watching and enjoying the most popular and loved Malayalam movies and television series on Hotstar. I am really glad to be associated with a brand as vibrant and pioneering as Hotstar, which is changing the way people get entertained. For a creative person like me, it is very satisfying that our works are finding a legitimate way to reach the ever growing audiences on the digital platform and that fans are connecting with the best of Malayalam entertainment on an exciting new, platform like Hotstar. A marketing campaign of this scale targeted at a state is perhaps a first for any digital brand in the country. I wish Hotstar all the best.”

    Star India MD South K. Madhavan said, “It is a pleasure to be here with Hotstar today and I am grateful to Mohan Lal the Superstar and a befitting brand ambassador for Hotstar in Kerala. With the changing landscapes of the entertainment industry and digitalization of content and consumption, Hotstar, India’s biggest digital content platform, is consolidating its presence in the Southern markets by providing a superior digital service to both the fans and the eco-system of Malayalam movies and television, along with brands in general.”

    Hotstar CEO Ajit Mohan said, “Over the last 15 months, Hotstar has established itself as the primary screen for young India. We are the only platform that showcases and curates the best of Malayam movies and TV shows, all for free to users. We are keen to showcase this extraordinary offering to one of the most extraordinary states in the country. We are grateful that as brand ambassador, Mohan Lal will be helping us showcase our platform to Malayalis across the world in the days to come.”

  • Hotstar rolls out Malayalam content with Mohan Lal as brand ambassador

    Hotstar rolls out Malayalam content with Mohan Lal as brand ambassador

    MUMBAI: Indian premium streaming platform, Hotstar reached out to its Malayalam speaking users and fans, accompanied by its new brand ambassador, the superstar of Malayalam cinema yesterday. Hotstar  offers more than 4000 hours of Malayalam content  including a large collection of the latest and classic Malayalam movies, and popular TV shows.

    The launch will be followed by a six-week multi-media campaign featuring iconic Mohan Lal across TV, print, outdoor and digital. Hotstar plans to connect with its strong regional language audiences in the major regional markets of South India.

    Speaking at the event, Mohan Lal said, “I feel proud that Kerala not only has the highest literacy rate, but also boasts of a large number of digitally savvy youth. But what is especially gratifying is that these big audiences are watching and enjoying the most popular and loved Malayalam movies and television series on Hotstar. I am really glad to be associated with a brand as vibrant and pioneering as Hotstar, which is changing the way people get entertained. For a creative person like me, it is very satisfying that our works are finding a legitimate way to reach the ever growing audiences on the digital platform and that fans are connecting with the best of Malayalam entertainment on an exciting new, platform like Hotstar. A marketing campaign of this scale targeted at a state is perhaps a first for any digital brand in the country. I wish Hotstar all the best.”

    Star India MD South K. Madhavan said, “It is a pleasure to be here with Hotstar today and I am grateful to Mohan Lal the Superstar and a befitting brand ambassador for Hotstar in Kerala. With the changing landscapes of the entertainment industry and digitalization of content and consumption, Hotstar, India’s biggest digital content platform, is consolidating its presence in the Southern markets by providing a superior digital service to both the fans and the eco-system of Malayalam movies and television, along with brands in general.”

    Hotstar CEO Ajit Mohan said, “Over the last 15 months, Hotstar has established itself as the primary screen for young India. We are the only platform that showcases and curates the best of Malayam movies and TV shows, all for free to users. We are keen to showcase this extraordinary offering to one of the most extraordinary states in the country. We are grateful that as brand ambassador, Mohan Lal will be helping us showcase our platform to Malayalis across the world in the days to come.”

  • Negligible rise in MSOs to 840 with 609 provisional licencees

    Negligible rise in MSOs to 840 with 609 provisional licencees

    NEW DELHI: With the second quarter of the last year of implementation of the final phase of the digital addressable system having begun, the government is attempting to speed up the process of clearing licences for multi-system operators and the number has now gone up to 840 including the 231 which have permanent (ten-year) licences.

    The latest list as on 29 April shows that thirteen more MSOs have been given provisional licences in the week after 21 April and the total of provisional licencees has now risen above 600 to number 609 as against 596.

    By 12 January, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had cancelled the licences of 26 MSOs and closed their cases.

    According to the latest list, the area of operation of one MSO has been revised after 21 April. Unlike the last list, none of the new MSOs have been given pan-India licences. The new registrations are for the states of, or specific disctricts in, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Harayana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

    With the Home ministry directive about doing away with security clearances for MSOs not being communicated in writing to the MIB, the pace remains slow.

    The permanent licence issued to Kal Cable of Chennai had been cancelled on 20 August 2014, but this cancellation was set aside by Madras High Court on 5 September the same year. However, Kal Cable’s name continues to be in the cancelled list – presumably because the cases are still pending. 

    Sources denied that denial of security clearance was the reason for provisional licences and said many MSOs holding provisional licences had not completed certain formalities relating to shareholders and so on.

  • Negligible rise in MSOs to 840 with 609 provisional licencees

    Negligible rise in MSOs to 840 with 609 provisional licencees

    NEW DELHI: With the second quarter of the last year of implementation of the final phase of the digital addressable system having begun, the government is attempting to speed up the process of clearing licences for multi-system operators and the number has now gone up to 840 including the 231 which have permanent (ten-year) licences.

    The latest list as on 29 April shows that thirteen more MSOs have been given provisional licences in the week after 21 April and the total of provisional licencees has now risen above 600 to number 609 as against 596.

    By 12 January, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry had cancelled the licences of 26 MSOs and closed their cases.

    According to the latest list, the area of operation of one MSO has been revised after 21 April. Unlike the last list, none of the new MSOs have been given pan-India licences. The new registrations are for the states of, or specific disctricts in, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Harayana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhatisgarh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

    With the Home ministry directive about doing away with security clearances for MSOs not being communicated in writing to the MIB, the pace remains slow.

    The permanent licence issued to Kal Cable of Chennai had been cancelled on 20 August 2014, but this cancellation was set aside by Madras High Court on 5 September the same year. However, Kal Cable’s name continues to be in the cancelled list – presumably because the cases are still pending. 

    Sources denied that denial of security clearance was the reason for provisional licences and said many MSOs holding provisional licences had not completed certain formalities relating to shareholders and so on.

  • Gujarat bags National award for Ease of Doing business in cinema, UP and Kerala get special mentions

    Gujarat bags National award for Ease of Doing business in cinema, UP and Kerala get special mentions

    New Delhi: Gujarat was named the Most Film-Friendly State at the 63rd National Film Awards here today. This is the first time that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has bestowed this award in order to promote film tourism in states.

    Film Festivals Director Senthil Rajan said: “We had 16 entries from different states, and this is a major step by the Indian government to promote film tourism in the states because this sort of an award will enthuse the states.”

    He added: “We chose Gujarat primarily because of the efforts in the direction of ease of doing business and facilitation of films and towards the promotion of Indian cinema.”

    A special mention was also given to Uttar Pradesh for its single window clearance efforts and incentives offered by the government, and to Kerala.

    The awards were selected by a separate jury constituted by the Directorate of Film Festivals.