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  • Ad Cap case adjourned till 20 November

    Ad Cap case adjourned till 20 November

    MUMBAI: The Delhi High Court once again adjourned the ad cap case, this time to 20 November.

     

    The News Broadcasters Association (NBA), the lead petitioner in the matter, had sought 10 days adjournment as senior counsel S Ganesh, was not present in view to other pending cases in Mumbai.

     

    “We had requested to accommodate the case for 10 days as the senior consel had to go to Mumbai,” said the lawyer for NBA.

     

    However, the HC postponed the case till 20 November since it didn’t have any dates before that to hear the case.

     

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) advocate Saket Singh emphasised that the matter has already been pending for more than 10 months.

     

    During the last hearing on 15 July, the HC had adjourned the case as the final hearing of the bunch of petitions challenging the ad cap sort to be imposed by TRAI as the authority has not finalised its rejoinder.

     

    The case had been previously heard in the High Court on 17 December last year and 13 March this year.

     
    The NBA had challenged the ad cap rule, contending that TRAI does not have jurisdiction to regulate commercial airtime on television channels.

     
    Apart from the NBA, the petition have been filed by Sarthak Entertainment, Pioneer Channel Factory, E24 Glamoru, Sun TV Network, TV Vision, B4U Broadband, 9X Media, Kalaignar, Celebrities Management, Eanadu Television and Raj Television.

     
    The news and regional broadcasters fear that the capping of commercial airtime will curtail their ad revenues. They also argue that the ad cap must be brought only after the benefits of cable TV digitisation start kicking in.
     

    Earlier this year, the Court also granted interim relief to Hyderabad-based MAA Television Network against the ad cap regulation. However, the court had also observed that the cap on advertisements is a ‘reasonable exercise’.

     
    Four major broadcast networks—Star India, Zee Entertainment, Multi Screen Media and TV18 Group—are following the regulations.

  • Rajat Sharma named as new NBA president

    Rajat Sharma named as new NBA president

    MUMBAI: The News Broadcasting Association (NBA) has just concluded its annual general meeting. India TV chairman and editor in chief Rajat Sharma has been named as the new president of the association for the year 2014-2015.

     

    Meanwhile, MCCS CEO – ABP News Ashok Venkatramani continues to be the vice president of NBA and News24 Broadcast India chairperson and MD Anurradha Prasad has been named as the honorary treasurer. She takes the place of former Network18 group CEO B Sai Kumar who quit the company a few months ago.

     

     The other members of the board are NDTV group executive vice chairperson KVL Narayan Rao who was the president for four consecutive years, TV Today Network director Ashish Bagga, Times Global Broadcasting Company MD and CEO MK Anand, Zee Media Corp CEO Bhaskar Das, Odisha Television director Jagi Mangat Panda, Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing whole time director MV Shreyams Kumar.

  • NBA, Sony Six and Jabong.com partner to expand NBA JAM in India

    NBA, Sony Six and Jabong.com partner to expand NBA JAM in India

    MUMBAI: National Basketball Association (NBA) and Sony Six have come together yet again for the second edition of NBA JAM in India. Powered by Jabong.com, the touring sports event which last year visited only four cities will be travelling four times that number now- Yes, 16 cities!

     

    The event which will take place from 22 September to 6 December 2014 features a 3-on-3 tournament format with more than 3,000 teams and more than 600 colleges participating. NBA talent, including a legend, dance team and mascot, will travel to select cities to engage fans.

     

    NBA India managing director Yannick Colaco said, “Through this edition of NBA JAM, we look forward to bringing the NBA experience to college students and youth in these 16 cities. From the largest ever 3-on-3 tournament ever held in India to shooting and graffiti competitions, I know sports fans across India will be excited to participate.”

    Six will telecast important highlights and the finals of JAM. Sony Six business head Prasana Krishnan said, “We take immense pride in partnering with the NBA in bringing the second season of NBA JAM to India. With a remarkable format, NBA JAM will not only boost basketball participation in the country, but also strengthen the footprint of sports and drive viewership for NBA programmes available exclusively on Six.”

     

    The 3-on-3 national tournament, part of NBA 3X events will be conducted in 14 countries and 52 cities this year and will include divisions for both men and women aged 16-24. 

     

    The event will be divided into four zones with four cities in each zone. The winning team from each city will play the winning teams within their zone for the chance to compete in the national finals, which will take place in Pune. 

     

    Jabong.com, the new powered by partner for the property, has started an online event registration and a microsite www.Jabong.com/nbajam.  At each of the venues the e-commerce platform will create an NBA store in experience zone which will feature the latest NBA merchandise and exciting games for youngsters.

    Sprite which is the official beverage partner will use its digital programme; ‘Sprite Till I Die’ to engage with students. This includes the ‘Sprite Graffiti Challenge’ where artists can upload their work on www.spritetillidie.com to take part in ‘Sprite Till I Die Art’ competition.

     

    The official outfit partner Adidas, will provide players with jerseys for the tournament.  In addition, Adidas will bring back the ‘Adidas Hoopstars’ a shooting competition to find the best shooter in each city who will earn Adidas basketball gear.

     

    Jabong.com founder and MD Praveen Sinha informed, “Following our association with the NBA that started earlier this year, we have seen a great response from our customers who are fashion and sports-oriented.  We are yet again elated to join the NBA for these events, which again give us an opportunity to showcase how Jabong is contributing to the basketball enthusiasts in the country and increasing awareness of the sport. We extend our full support to the NBA’s initiative.”

     

    The event will feature a variety of exciting contests to engage students such as: ‘Jabong.com NBA College Ambassador’ programme – as part of this programme, Jabong and the NBA are looking for the biggest NBA fan in each city.  Fans in each city can register to be a part of the contest by posting an image of themselves on the NBA India Facebook page and Twitter using the #JabongNBAicon. Participants that generate the most likes and retweets will win in their respective city.  Winners from each city will receive exclusive NBA merchandise and be entered into a national competition to find India’s biggest NBA ambassador. 

    ‘Jabong.com Internship Challenge’ – Through this, the e-commerce platform will provide one talented student with the opportunity to intern at the company’s headquarters in Gurgoan.  To qualify, participants in each city can submit an application on Jabong.com.  The 16 city winners will interview with Jabong’s senior management, after which one winner will receive a three-month internship.

    Besides these two programmes, head-to-head dance and war of the DJ competitions will take place at each venue, allowing students to showcase their skills.

    As reported first by indiantelevision.com, Six aired a record 14 games per week during the 2013-14 season, up from four the previous season.  More than 50 million viewers tuned into NBA programmes during the season, with an average per game viewership increase of 300 per cent year over year, according to the channel.

     

     

  • NBA condemns Telangana CM for threatening media

    NBA condemns Telangana CM for threatening media

    NEW DELHI: The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has expressed shock at the threats made by the Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao that he would “bury alive television channels that have dared to insult the Telangana assembly, its MLAs, and Telangana self-respect.” and “won’t hesitate to break their neck and then throw them out.”

     

    NBA stated that such remarks by the Chief Minister are a ‘direct attack on the right to freedom of speech and expression enshrined as a fundamental right under Article 19(1) (a) of the Constitution.’

     

    NBA has appealed to the Chief Minister to desist from making such inflammatory charges against the media and keep the discourse civil and sane.

    NBA also condemned the illegal and arbitrary actions by cable operators in switching off some news channels and urged the government to take cognizance of the same and also take necessary action against such cable operators and individuals.

     

    Blacking out a licensed channel is an anti democratic action that goes against the Constitutional principles of free speech, the NBA said.

     

    Meanwhile, journalists covering functions of the Chief Minister after his remarks covered their mouths with black cloth in a silent protest against the remarks.

  • I&B Ministry may relax FTA channels from proposed 10+2 ad cap

    I&B Ministry may relax FTA channels from proposed 10+2 ad cap

    NEW DELHI: The News broadcasters, music channels as well as a few general entertainment channels are still fighting the case against the 12 minute advertising cap per hour proposed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). While they await the decision of the Delhi High Court, news is that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B) may consider a relaxation in the proposed ad cap for the Free to Air (FTA) channels as these channels depend only on commercials for survival.

     

    A source from the Ministry confirmed the news to indintelevision.com while adding that the ad cap fixed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, was in view of the international practice in other countries.

     

    It was in March 2013, when the TRAI had notified the regulations, which restricted advertising time on TV channels to a maximum of 12 minutes per hour. The Regulator had then said that the move was to protect the interest of consumers and quality of service being offered to them.  

     

    I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar has assured the FTA channels at various forums that he would favourably consider their plea of scrapping the proposed 12 minute ad cap.

     

    The FTA channels claim that as they are pitted against pay channels, that also get subscription fee, there is a need for the government to intervene to create a level-playing field.

     

    Of the 810 channels approved by the government as of 31 August 2014, close to 548 are FTA, which include both news and non-news channels.

  • WKL announces Li Ning as apparel partner

    WKL announces Li Ning as apparel partner

    MUMBAI: World Kabaddi League has found its apparel partner with Li Ning Company which will now be the official apparel partner for its opening edition. The company will provide a wide range of clothing for the games related personnel, including the team kits.

     

    World Kabaddi League CEO Raman Raheja said, “It’s a matter of pride for World Kabaddi League to announce Li Ning Company as the official Apparel Partner for league. They are known for their professional approach & expertise in making apparel and sports equipment as per international standards. We believe Li Ning will join our efforts and share the vision of delivering best game in World Kabaddi League.  We hope this will be long and fruitful partnership.”

     

    Li-Ning India business head Ram Malhotra commented “World Kabaddi League provides athletes, from across the globe, with a unique and professional platform to showcase their talent and sportsmanship and to promote Kabaddi on an international scale. This is something that resonates with Li Ning because as a brand, we are continuously seeking to establish strong relationships with world – class athletes across all sports and to support initiatives aimed at popularizing various sports. We are excited to be a part of an initiative that brings together Kabaddi champions and enthusiasts alike, on a global scale, to share and revel in their passion for Kabaddi.”

     

    In the international arena, Li Ning Company has been a strategic partner of NBA, ATP and other top international event organizers and institutions offering its equipment and services to several eminent athletes like Shaquille O’Neal, Ivan Ljubicic, Jose Calderon, Asafa Powell, Yelena Isinbayeva, Andreas Thorkildsen, Marin Cilic, Ivo Karlovic to name a few.

     

    World Kabaddi League is slated to kick start on August 9. With 94 matches and matches scheduled across 3 continents in UK, US, Canada, Dubai and India; the WKL will follow F1 format. WKL will present the sport to its fans in a completely new avatar by adding more action-oriented elements. The maiden Indian contact sport which has committed fan following across the globe will soon be pegged amongst the most followed game amongst enthusiasts. WKL will be played in Circle style which is the most popular kabaddi format followed across 26 countries globally.

     

    WKL aims to become the go-to brand when it comes to sports entertainment or delivering value to its partners and sponsors. WKL as a brand embodies strength, power, agility, tactic, entertainment, masculinity and aggression. It promises to take the indigenous Indian sport to the world and redefining it for the Indian audience.

  • NBA makes changes in its board of directors

    NBA makes changes in its board of directors

    MUMBAI: Even though the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) holds an election for office bearers every year, a few changes have been made mid way due to various reasons.

     

    With Zee Media CEO Alok Agrawal stepping down from his position, Zee Media Group CEO Bhaskar Das has been appointed in his place on the board of directors (BOD) of NBA. The replacement for NBA honorary treasurer B Saikumar, the former Network 18 Group CEO has not yet been finalised.

     

    Another change in the board of directors is Times Television Network MD and CEO MK Anand taking charge in place of the network’s former MD and CEO Sunil Lulla.

     

    Other members on the BOD include president and NDTV executive vice chairperson KVL Narayan Rao, vice president and MCCS CEO Ashok Venkatramani, India TV chairman Rajat Sharma, India Today group CEO Ashish Bagga, BAG network chairperson and MD Anurradha Prasad, Mathrubhumi director MV Shreyams Kumar and Odisha Television MD Jagi Mangat Panda.

  • NBA seeks remedy from new I&B Minister

    NBA seeks remedy from new I&B Minister

    MUMBAI: With the new Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Prakash Javadekar taking charge of changing the way the Ministry works in the country, the entire media fraternity is keen to meet him and make him aware of the issues concerning them.

     

    The latest in the queue to meet the Minister is the News Broadcasters Association (NBA), a body that represents various national and regional news channels of the country. The group included NBA president and NDTV executive vice chairperson KVL Narayan Rao, vice president and MCCS CEO Ashok Venkatramani, India TV chairman Rajat Sharma, Zee Media group CEO Bhaskar Das and India Today group CEO Ashish Bagga.

     

    The main issues that were put forth were regarding carriage fees and the ad cap. “These are huge problem areas that need to be addressed because all news broadcasters are adversely affected. The minister has said that he would do whatever he can about our problems,” says a source.

     

    The NBA had challenged the ad cap regulation by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in TDSAT which was then taken to the Delhi High Court where it is currently pending trial. News broadcasters say that they have been severely affected due to carriage fees.

  • NBA gets a regional competitor

    NBA gets a regional competitor

    NEW DELHI: Even as the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) is looking after the affairs of larger news broadcasters, an All India News Broadcasters Association (AINBA) has been established by regional news players to ensure ethical journalism.

     

     

    Azad News chairman MS Walia is the chairman of the new organisation, with Total TV chief managing director Anil Gaba as vice chairman.

     

     

    However, it was clarified that this is the interim committee of office bearers and fresh elections will be held within six months to form a permanent committee.

     

     

    The other office bearers are: general secretary Tejinder Pal Singh of Patiala based Channel 2, treasurer S K Gupta of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh channel TV100 and joint secretaries Dr Prakash Sharma (Jabalpur’s SMBC Insight Channel) and Amit Agarwal (Raipur’s Channel TSN).

     

     

    Members of the governing body are: I D Garg (Gurgaon’s Khabrein Abhi Tak), Pushpendra Singh Baghel (Khabar Bharti, Noida), Vikram Newaar (Tazaa TV, Kolkata), A K Sama (Fast News, Rohtak), and Naresh Mehta (Khoj India, Gurgaon).

     

     

    A spokesperson told indiantelevision.com that a number of Indian news channels had tied up with the government and various agencies to put together a unified platform to look at a collective solution for ridding the industry of the various problems that continue to plague it without a workable solution in sight.

     

     

    The AINBA comprising of heads/owners of small and medium news channels held its first meeting in Delhi where it elected the interim committee of founding office bearers. The office will be located in the national capital. Currently having about 15 or 16 members, it will soon start approaching other broadcasters to join.

     

     

    This is the first such association or representative body of regional news players in the country, which will work towards creating a level playing field in the country at par with the national news channels.

     

     

    Apart from focusing on the problems of the industry, the association will work towards ensuring clean and ethical journalism, work towards curbing paid news and ensuring guidelines for self-regulation.

     

     

    The association will also work towards creating a platform for news syndication and exchange amongst member organisations, collective marketing and distribution.

     

     

    The AINBA will also act as a unified body working in conjunction with the government and representing the views, issues and concerns of the broadcasting industry, and play an exemplary role in finding workable solutions.

     

     

    The current body that exists is the NBA that has 57 news channels including a few regional ones such as Sakshi TV, ETV, Mathrubhumi, People TV, Kairali, Odisha TV, Sun network news channels and others.

     

     

  • NBA, DUJ condemn AAP’s remarks about media

    NBA, DUJ condemn AAP’s remarks about media

    NEW DELHI: The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has expressed shock at what it described as ‘the unverified and objectionable’ allegations being made by Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal and his associates against news television channels. The leaders of AAP have been alleging that news channels have been “paid” by rival political parties to drive their agenda in the run up to the general elections.

     

    NBA has reminded Kejriwal and his associates that the electronic media is independent and is discharging its responsibilities in a fair, transparent and balanced manner and urged AAP not to hurl unsubstantiated and unverified charges at the electronic media.

     

    NBA requested Arvind Kejriwal, the convener of AAP, to immediately refrain from making such preposterous allegations failing which NBA members would be forced to reconsider coverage of the activities of the Aam Aadmi Party.

     

    The Ethics Council of the Delhi Union of Journalists also condemned both repeated vile sniping against select media channels and the equally venomous threats to select media by the AAP.

     

    It said the DUJ is deeply concerned at the falling standards of objectivity in media coverage of the current elections by some TV channels, working on the assumption that they are key players in deciding who will rule the country.

     

    Sensationalism and hype are very evident these days in election reporting, particularly in coverage by television channels and other electronic media. Attempts to influence and manipulate the media through various means are also in evidence.

     

    The DUJ said: “As journalists, we cannot condone the AAP Party’s strong language against the media in various papers on 15 March but we also recognise that the media itself loses credibility if it carries paid news and biased views. Hence we demand an impartial inquiry by the Election Commission into the allegations made into the election coverage so far.”  

     

    The Press Council too must objectively examine the election coverage to detect any irregularities rather than just issue guidelines which these days are not followed.

     

    The DUJ further demanded that the Election Commission conduct an impartial inquiry into the ostensibly objective election polls being flashed by various media. The allegations of manipulation of poll results on behalf of various political parties need to be addressed.

     

    The DUJ added that the economic crisis has made the media, particularly the electronic media, vulnerable to influence from big advertisers. It is well known that the election propaganda budgets of the two main political parties are enormous and that much of this money is being fuelled into the media, whether in the form of advertising or otherwise. Some other parties also have substantial budgets for media campaigns. The spate of government advertising over the past months has been clearly aimed at influencing the voting patterns in favour of the ruling party.  The increasing ownership of media by powerful corporate houses is also adversely influencing the media’s objectivity.          

     

    DUJ president Sujata Madhok and General Secretary S K Pande said: “We uphold the right of all journalists to report news and views freely and fearlessly. We call for greater vigilance within the media to ensure that the highest standards of professionalism prevail.”