ITV

Tag: Prime Minister

  • China’s maiden ‘Big Brother’ shot on Endemol Shine India’s sets

    China’s maiden ‘Big Brother’ shot on Endemol Shine India’s sets

    MUMBAI: The Indo-China memorandum of understanding (MoU), which was signed between the two countries while Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China earlier this year probably showed its first practical prominence as Endemol Shine shot China’s maiden Big Brother season in India.

     

    Big Brother’s Indian adaptation – Bigg Boss is shot in Lonavala, which is in the outskirts of Mumbai. The sets in Lonavala are erected at a factory leased by Endemol. However, the set, which was used to shoot for the first ever Chinese edition was that of the Kannada version of Big Boss. It was on these sets, which were rebuilt to suit the international version where Chinese contestants dramatically fought to win the first ever title.

     

    Endemol Shine India, which has a rich experience of producing eight seasons of Bigg Boss so far with the ninth season set to launch in October, facilitated the Chinese branch of the production house with a 400 member crew. There were 40 representatives from China and together they executed the first edition of Big Brother China, which will be telecast by online platform Youku Tudou.

     

    This is the first time in the show’s global history that it will beam on a digital platform. China’s Youku Tudou platform garners traction of 580 million unique visitors every month and was the ideal choice to showcase the show in order to get maximum eyeballs.

     

    According to sources close to the development, the planning was going on for a very long time and the two counterparts held rounds of talks before the final execution. The decision to shoot in India under the guidance of experienced people who have been associated with various editions of Bigg Boss was primarily to use the infrastructure and expertise, which will eventually result in huge cost savings.

     

    The Chinese team brought in their creative directors, story editors, and remote camera operators, whereas the rest was executed by the Indian crew. The huge lingual differences within the team comprising members from the two respective countries were erased by translators. “Most of the communication were happening in English,” a source present on the sets of Big Brother China in India informs Indiantelevision.com.

     

    According to a senior official in the production fraternity, the two most populous country of the world shaking hands to execute an entertainment project is massive boost for the media and entertainment industry. “I hope this is just the beginning and we have many more such collaborations going forward. Such associations are rejuvenating and certainly a matter of pride for the industry,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

     

    In India, Bigg Boss 9 is set to unveil soon on Colors and the show with Salman Khan as the host is eagerly awaited. “It was not the Bigg Boss India sets, which were used for the Chinese edition shoot. The India set is exclusively used only for India edition,” said a source close to the development.

     

    Endemol Shine China managing director William Tan, Youku Tudou senior director Amy Shundong Xu, Rebecca De Young, who was once a producer of Big Brother UK and Endemol India CEO Deepak Dhar were amongst those spotted around the sets. Big Brother China shoot got over on 18 September, 2015 and the Chinese team will be flying back immediately.

  • TV channels unleash slew of special programming for Independence Day

    TV channels unleash slew of special programming for Independence Day

    The entire nation will be waiting to hear Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech from the historic Red Fort. The country paralysed by deadlock in the Parliament due to constant protest from opposition, will be desperately listening to the PM’s verses via different news channels, radio and other mediums.

     

    While ‘One Rank One Pension’ is already trending on social media, various gallantry awards are also scheduled to be distributed, this Independence Day.

     

    The Independence Day celebrations will not just be restricted to the political class as numerous channels are set to roll out special programming for their viewers. The programming mix on the occasion of India’s 69th Independence Day across television channels of various genres is as follows: 

     

    English News Channels

     

    ET Now

     

    The ET Now special coverage will have half an hour interview with Godrej Industries chairman Adi Godrej. Sandeep Gurumurthi will interview Godrej at 5.30 pm on 15 August. The channel will also relay Prime Minister’s speech in the morning. Live panel discussion on Modi’s ideas with panelists and big voices from the corporate world will also be in the list of special programming of Independence Day from 12 – 12.30 pm and 9 – 10 pm.

     

    India Today Television

     

    Women are going to be at the forefront of India Today Television’s Independence day programming, with topics like ‘Are women as independent as men?’ ‘Chak De Girls – On the Indian Women’s Hockey Team’ and Rajdeep Sardesai with the ‘Unsung Heroes’.

     

    In addition, the channel will also be airing ‘The Greatest Story Ever Told – 40 Years Of Sholay’, ‘I Am Sania’ – Sania Special Context – Getting The Khel Ratna as well as Sumitra Mahajan’s interview with Karan Thapar.

     

    Times Now

     

    Times Nows’ Independence Day coverage will begin with the live coverage of Modi’s speech followed by a special one hour independence day show of TotaI Recall. Stories and vignettes from across India on how Independence day was celebrated will be aired through the day.

     

    English Entertainment & Movies

     

    AXN India

     

    This Independence Day, Jack Bauer will battle and abolish crime with the iconic television series 24 Live Another Day on 15 – 16 August from 12 – 5 pm on AXN India.

     

    Disney

     

    Disney will be bringing in two beloved characters, Captain Tiao and Nikki (from Best of Luck Nikki) to share the meaning of Independence Day and showcase how will they be spending the day this year.

     

    HBO Defined

     

    HBO Defined gears up to celebrate the I-Day weekend with a line-up of movies, which will be 100 per cent ad-free. Beginning 15 August, 10 am onwards, the channel will showcaseThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Ender’s Game, Noah, I, Frankenstein, Gravity andNow You See Me.

     

    “We invite our audience to celebrate the spirit of freedom with their favorite movies on HBO Premium channel, HBO Defined, this Independence Day by not just offering exceptional titles but also presenting them with a completely memorable uninterrupted viewing experience,” said HBO marketing and business development director Shonali Bedi.

     

    Movies Now

     

    The channel will air a day long salute to the bravery with stories of ordinary people who display extraordinary courage to break free from constraints imposed them. The lineup features tittles like Avatar, Life of Pi, Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 and The Dark Knight Rises.

     

    MN+

     

    MN+ will give viewers an in-depth look into the story that shook the world. The line-up features two back to back movies on whistleblower Julian Assange.

     

    Underground: The Julian Assange Story and Steal Secrets: The story of Wikileaks will feature on MN+ as special programming for Independence Day.

     

    Speaking on the programming, Times Network English Entertainment cluster SVP and head Vivek Srivastava said, “For this Independence Day, our theme is saluting and celebrating bravery and the indomitable human spirit. We have stories of ordinary people who display extraordinary courage to break free from constraints imposed on them. On Movies Now, we are screening ‘Fight for Freedom’ from 9 am onwards.”

     

    “Under classifiled section, we will air the popular film – Underground: The Julian Assange Story followed by We Steal Secrets, the story of Wikileaks on MN+. The story emerges the details how a hacker transformed himself to a world saving whistleblower against the worldwide socio-economic and socio-political injustice. It is about freedom of press, speech and rights. By screening these films, we at MN+ and Movies Now want to celebrate the spirit of humanism and the eternal will of our race to stand upright,” he added.

     

    Sony Pix

     

    Exciting series of Indiana Jones based on adventures and mystery of Dr. Henry ‘Indiana’ Jones, a fictional archaeologist by none other than the legendary George Lucas will be Sony Pix’s offering for Indians on Independence Day.

     

    The programming will start with the search for the Ark of the Covenant in the movie The Raiders of the Lost Ark, which will be aired at 11 am. Indiana Jones will take viewers on his classic trilogy ride with The Last Crusade at 1.30 pm, followed by The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull at 4.30 pm.

     

    Star Movies Select HD

     

    Star Movies Select HD – the channel, which has committed to showcasing fresh stories every day of the year, will premier Wes Anderson’s cinematic masterpiece, The Grand Budapest Hotel on the occasion of India’s 69th Independence day. The channel will premier the movie at 9 pm on 15 August.

     

    VH1

     

    This 15 August at 9 am and 10 pm, Vh1 will liberate viewers from the shackles of doubt with Vh1 Artist Select: Independence Day Special. Indian artists will reveal what’s playing on their playlist. From knowing that the B.L.O.T boys love hip hop and to knowing what Dualist Inquiry listens to on their playlist, the channel will give viewers complete dope on Indian artists’ favorite tunes.

     

    Hindi Entertainment & Movies

     

    &TV

     

    For Independence Day, &TV will air four special promos through the day. In addition to that, a special end page carrying Independence Day wishes has been created across all promos on air on 15 August. The logo will also carry Independence Day wishes through the day.

     

    Colors

     

    On 15 August at 8:30 pm, actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui will be seen promoting his upcoming film Manjhi on Colors’ show Udaan. He will be seen partaking in the flag-hoisting ceremony and deliver a speech on inspiration and hope leading to freedom.

     

    Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Reloaded at 9 pm will have a special Independence Day show with the contestants showcasing performances themed around independence and freedom. Most contestants have designed their performances around Indian dance forms.

     

    Epic

     

    The Epic Channel is all set to celebrate the spirit of patriotism this Independence Day by airing back-to-back episodes from the recently launched show Stories by Rabindranath Tagore directed by Anurag Basu. The Independence Day special on 15 August will be aired from 12 – 9 pm.

     

    Sony

    Sony Entertainment Television will premiere the blockbuster Piku starring Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone and Irrfan Khan at 8 pm. The movie will be followed by a special episode of the show Crime Patrol.

     

    Sony Max & Max 2

     

    The combination of Sony Max and Max 2 brings to its viewers a formidable line-up of patriotic movies on the occasion of Independence Day. With movies such as Indian, Chak! De India, Purab Aur Paschim and Kranti, viewers will be privy to an entire day of enjoyable movie watching experience.

     

    Max and Max 2 senior executive vice president and business head Neeraj Vyas said, “To commemorate the nation’s independence, we thought of showcasing films on both channels that are evocative of the struggle and triumph of victory in different realms of life and through different eras. With our endeavour to constantly provide our viewers with the best films, we hope to arouse a feeling of patriotism with an engrossing bouquet of films on both channels.”

     

    Note: The channels are listed in Alphabetical order.

  • BBC Worldwide inks VOD deal with Tata Sky

    BBC Worldwide inks VOD deal with Tata Sky

    MUMBAI: In its first VOD deal in India, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) Worldwide has signed an agreement with direct to home (DTH) provider Tata Sky’s SVOD and TVOD services.

     

    As a part of this deal, subscribers in eight Indian metros will have the opportunity to access the best of the BBC’s drama and comedy via BBC On-Demand, on Tata Sky. Viewers can also access it online via their TVs, PCs, tablets and mobiles.

     

    Programmes that will be available on the service includes Luther, starring Idris Alba, who won a Golden Globe for his role as a brilliant but emotionally impulsive murder detective; The Honorable Woman starring Maggie Gyllenhaal who won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of a powerful businesswoman haunted by events from her past in a thriller set in the Middle East; and Burton and Taylor, based on the legendary acting duo, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor starring Dominic West and Helena Bonham Carter.

     

    The block will kick-start with the classic hit Yes, Prime Minister, contemporary comedy, Citizen Khan and the endearing drama, Being Erica.

     

    “In a study commissioned by BBC Worldwide earlier this year, we found that quality of content, British humour, and a love of original British dramas were the top reasons why people, including Indians, enjoy British television programmes. We are very excited to be working with Tata Sky to bring these award winning and high quality programmes, many never before seen in India, to Tata Sky’s subscribers, where they can access them anytime, anywhere,” said BBC Worldwide India SVP and GM Myleeta Aga.

     

    Tata Sky chief content officer Paolo Agostinelli added, “We are very pleased to be partnering with BBC Worldwide to launch BBC-on-demand, Viewing habits and customer needs in the industry are evolving as fast as ever. We are committed to remain the best choice in the country when it comes to premium entertainment, which means we must be able to offer top branded content and the best viewing experience, including increasingly popular time-shifted and device-shifted binge viewing content. We are confident that this is only the start of a very fruitful relationship with BBC.”

  • COAI’s net neutrality campaign garners support of 40+ lakh Indians

    COAI’s net neutrality campaign garners support of 40+ lakh Indians

    MUMBAI: Cellular Operators Association of India’s (COAI) campaign – ‘Sab ka Internet, Sab ka Vikas’ – for net neutrality, net equality and consumer choice, has received support from over 40 lakh Indian mobile users in under a week.

     

    Launched on 22 April, 2015, the campaign is about making the internet accessible and affordable for every Indian. In addition, it is about ensuring that everyone has the right to choose what they want to access, ensuring access to solutions that make the internet affordable for all, and applying the same rules for the same services to all. 

     

    The campaign was announced by CEOs and representatives of the member companies of COAI on 24 April in New Delhi. 

     

    COAI members had reaffirmed their commitment to the government’s ‘Digital India’ programme and to promote net equality, so as to facilitate an open, inclusive and affordable access to the internet for every Indian.

     

    COAI director general Rajan S. Mathews said, “The campaign championed the cause of customers choosing what they would like to access in the web space, benefitting from affordable internet packages and with the same rules being applicable to services as well. COAI started the outreach effort to ensure mobile customers have the freedom to benefit from the power of the internet in the way they would wish to. This includes the choice of platform, device and technology.”

     

    “We respect the choice of our customers and support the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Digital India.’ #SabkaInternet has always been the essence of our philosophy and the billions of dollars investments made by all the telecom operators in the space,” added Mathews.

     

    SMSes and voice calls were leveraged to promote the core thought of the campaign and to garner the support of a large number of people across the country. To ensure ease of understanding, the messages were conveyed in 12 local languages across India. This medium was intentionally selected so as to be able to reach out to and include the views of the millions of mobile customers who are yet to be connected to the internet.

     

    In the past week, more than 40 lakh people showed their support for the cause, while about 10 per cent chose to opt out.

  • Sports broadcasters expect reforms from budget 2015

    Sports broadcasters expect reforms from budget 2015

    MUMBAI: Private sector is one of the largest contributor to Indian economy the first step towards economic reform would be making an investor friendly scenario. With a vast market like India if private sector is refraining from investing then there are certain issues at the bureaucratic level, which are hampering the economic growth. In such a scenario the biggest challenge is to garner trust, not by compromising with national security independence but by policies. Policies that rejuvenate investors to invest exp. Be it in Madison Square or Sydney Allphones Arena, the entire Indian diaspora was promised a better business friendly India by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which laid foundation to skyscrapers of aspirations.

     

    Now emphasising on the current business workflow in India, a company has to abide by both central state laws, which turns out as an obstacle. Moreover government often intervenes in the financial strategic affairs of a private company. Sports broadcasting industry is one of the sufferer of such obligations. Broadcasters purchase content from  firms by paying the amount demed, but while producing the content they are forced to follow certain regulations, which indirectly decides how much should be charged for the content.

     

    Opposing such intervention Ten Sports CEO Rajesh Sethi told Indiantelevision.com, “In India, private sector is a huge contributor to the economy with digitization process in its final stages sports media can play a key role in economic growth provided we are backed with business friendly policies. The matory sharing of sports feed is something that directly hits us, though it’s not an issue related to the budget, I would certainly like the government to look into such issues. Moreover, we purchase content from somewhere by paying certain amount regulations restricts us when it comes to selling it. So the next level of de-regularisation or de-tarrifisation is something that I expect from this budget. I have high expectations from Arun Jaitley as he is someone who has immense knowledge of finance economics understs the problems that we are facing. He has delivered so far I hope he does in this budget too.”

     

    That somehow sums up the private sports broadcasting industry’s aspirations from budget Jaitley.

     

    The perspective of government broadcasting sector came from Doordarshan (DD) deputy director general C K Jain. Hailing the concept of Make in India he insisted that the government should reduce dependence on Chinese products. “I expect the government to remove service taxes from advertisements as we also have the same functions responsibilities. Also I would request the government to treat us as a government entity exempt us from various taxes liabilities. From sports perspective, service tax on advertisements is certainly a botheration should be dealt with.”

     

    Sharing his personal expectation Jain added, “Make In India has the potential to play a key role in economic growth provided government pays special attention to it. The local manufacturers need to be backed financially with loans tax rebates. The poor of the country needs to be benefited from the budget, as the goal is to uplift the poor to middle class, which will reduce the dependence in subsidies. If subsidies are reduced government will have more money which they can spend other important sectors.”     

     

    The Finance Minster has been criticised as pro private sector in recent past after he decided not to intervene in a legal battle between DD Star regarding World Cup. The Sports Act of Prasar Bharati forces private channels to share feed of any event of international importance with pubcaster DD, which enables them to showcase it live. Now the act was brought to ensure that one who cannot afford private channels gets access to events of such magnitude. Which is a fair call considering every citizen in the country has a right to information should not miss the World Cup or Olympics as they cannot afford private channels. The problem is with sharing the feed with cable subscribers. BCCI, Nimbus Communications the two sports channels (ESPN Star) went to court with a plea that no cable television network could broadcast such sports events without a licence from the content owners. 

     

    In an affidavit, Star Sports had said that it was losing around Rs 290 crore every year by sharing its sports signals with Doordarshan was expecting to lose around Rs 120 crore by sharing the telecast of the World Cup this year. Under the Act, the rights holder gets 75 per cent of the revenue from the telecast on DD. The remaining 25 per cent is retained by DD.

     

    While Jaitley plans to increase GDP reduce fiscal deficit through his financial proposal policies the entire nation’s eyes ears are glued to his words even as you read this report today (28 February, 2015) with immense expectations aspirations. It remains to be seen if Jaitley company makes it or breaks it.

  • Sports broadcasters expect reforms from budget 2015

    Sports broadcasters expect reforms from budget 2015

    MUMBAI: Private sector is one of the largest contributor to Indian economy and the first step towards economic reform would be making an investor friendly scenario. With a vast market like India if private sector is refraining from investing then there are certain issues at the bureaucratic level, which are hampering the economic growth. In such a scenario the biggest challenge is to garner trust, not by compromising with national security and independence but by policies. Policies that rejuvenate investors to invest and expand. Be it in Madison Square or Sydney Allphones Arena, the entire Indian diaspora was promised a better business friendly India by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which laid foundation to skyscrapers of aspirations.

     

    Now emphasising on the current business workflow in India, a company has to abide by both central and state laws, which turns out as an obstacle. Moreover government often intervenes in the financial and strategic affairs of a private company. Sports broadcasting industry is one of the sufferer of such obligations. Broadcasters purchase content from  firms by paying the amount demanded, but while producing the content they are forced to follow certain regulations, which indirectly decides how much should be charged for the content.

     

    Opposing such intervention Ten Sports CEO Rajesh Sethi told Indiantelevision.com, “In India, private sector is a huge contributor to the economy and with digitization process in its final stages sports media can play a key role in economic growth provided we are backed with business friendly policies. The mandatory sharing of sports feed is something that directly hits us, though it’s not an issue related to the budget, I would certainly like the government to look into such issues. Moreover, we purchase content from somewhere by paying certain amount and regulations restricts us when it comes to selling it. So the next level of de-regularisation or de-tarrifisation is something that I expect from this budget. I have high expectations from Arun Jaitley as he is someone who has immense knowledge of finance and economics and understands the problems that we are facing. He has delivered so far and I hope he does in this budget too.”

     

    That somehow sums up the private sports broadcasting industry’s aspirations from budget and Jaitley.

     

    The perspective of government broadcasting sector came from Doordarshan (DD) deputy director general C K Jain. Hailing the concept of Make in India he insisted that the government should reduce dependence on Chinese products. “I expect the government to remove service taxes from advertisements as we also have the same functions and responsibilities. Also I would request the government to treat us as a government entity and exempt us from various taxes and liabilities. From sports perspective, service tax on advertisements is certainly a botheration and should be dealt with.”

     

    Sharing his personal expectation Jain added, “Make In India has the potential to play a key role in economic growth provided government pays special attention to it. The local manufacturers need to be backed financially with loans and tax rebates. The poor of the country needs to be benefited from the budget, as the goal is to uplift the poor to middle class, which will reduce the dependence in subsidies. If subsidies are reduced government will have more money which they can spend other important sectors.”     

     

    The Finance Minster has been criticised as pro private sector in recent past after he decided not to intervene in a legal battle between DD and Star regarding World Cup. The Sports Act of Prasar Bharati forces private channels to share feed of any event of international importance with pubcaster DD, which enables them to showcase it live. Now the act was brought to ensure that one who cannot afford private channels gets access to events of such magnitude. Which is a fair call considering every citizen in the country has a right to information and should not miss the World Cup or Olympics as they cannot afford private channels. The problem is with sharing the feed with cable subscribers. BCCI, Nimbus Communications and the two sports channels (ESPN and Star) went to court with a plea that no cable television network could broadcast such sports events without a licence from the content owners. 

     

    In an affidavit, Star Sports had said that it was losing around Rs 290 crore every year by sharing its sports signals with Doordarshan and was expecting to lose around Rs 120 crore by sharing the telecast of the World Cup this year. Under the Act, the rights holder gets 75 per cent of the revenue from the telecast on DD. The remaining 25 per cent is retained by DD.

     

    While Jaitley plans to increase GDP and reduce fiscal deficit through his financial proposal and policies the entire nation’s eyes and ears are glued to his words even as you read this report today (28 February, 2015) with immense expectations and aspirations. It remains to be seen if Jaitley and company makes it or breaks it.

  • Ecstatic India is all set for World Cup 2015

    Ecstatic India is all set for World Cup 2015

    MUMBAI: New Zealand Prime Minister John Key declared the World Cup open on 12 February, 2015 in Christchurch. With thousands in attendance and millions watching around the world, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 opened in spectacular fashion with star-laden events in both Christchurch and Melbourne.

    Featuring sporting and entertainment icons, cultural performances and impressive pyrotechnic displays, the opening event has set the right tune for the 2015 World Cup.

    With digital being the theme for 2015, a giant robot lit with LED lights is the mascot for this edition of the World Cup.

    The ceremony did not become a talking point in India and the World Cup enthusiasm was missing the ignition, which finally came from none other than the digital savvy Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. He used Twitter to infuse the World Cup enthusiasm in players and spectators’ mind with his emotional tweet, “As the 2015 Cricket World Cup begins, my best wishes to the Indian Cricket Team. Khelo Dil se World Cup Lao phirse.” The rhythmic Hindi line may give tough competition to Star Sports’ campaign slogan We won’t give it back.

    Modi also used the social media platform to convey his best wishes to each and every member of the team by tweeting individually to them. His tweet to captain Dhoni read, “My best wishes to captain cool @msdhoni. Play hard, lead well & make India proud. Knowing you, I am sure you will.” The humorous tweet dedicated to Ravindra Jadeja said, “Who is not a fan of Sir Jadeja? We all look forward to seeing your all round performances take India to victory! @imjadeja.”   

    Modi also took the opportunity to reach out to the leaders of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region. In a series of tweets the PM mentioned, “Spoke to President @ashrafghani, PM Sheikh Hasina, PM Nawaz Sharif & President Sirisena. Conveyed my best wishes for the Cricket World Cup. 5 SAARC Nations are playing & are excited about the World Cup. Am sure WC will celebrate sportsman spirit & will be a treat for sports lovers. Cricket connects people in our region & promotes goodwill. Hope players from SAARC region play with passion & bring laurels to the region.”

    Not only the Prime Minister but the entire media fraternity is also buoyed by the World Cup. Indiantelevision.com took the opportunity to know media stalwarts’ plan for the flagship tournament.

    When asked about the Word Cup plans NDTV executive vice-chairperson K.V.L. Narayan Rao replied, “I am highly excited about the tournament and I will cheer my heart out for India.  I will rate India as my favourites despite their current poor performances. Star India’s ‘We won’t give it back’ campaign was a positive one, it sends a good message to both players and audiences. The players would be playing in Australia and New Zealand and it is very important for us to support them from here in India. Our loyalties will make them stronger.”

    Multi Screen Media president Rohit Gupta added, “Though I don’t follow 50 overs cricket a lot, I will try to catch as much action as possible. The team that plays good cricket throughout the tournament will win. I want the best team to win.”

    Hats Off productions founder J D Majhetia said, “I am ecstatic about the World Cup. Though my heart is always with India, I am supporting Australia and South Africa. It’s high time South Africa wins a World Cup if not India. I have travelled all across to catch World Cup actions live. World Cup is a celebration and I will celebrate with fans and families.”

    Madison Communications COO Karthik Lakshminarayanan asserted, “I am definitely excited about the tournament and will try to see all the India matches. I will support the team that plays good cricket throughout the tournament. I expect this tournament to be one of the finest in terms of discipline and sportsman spirit.”

  • Media gives AAP an upper hand as Delhi goes to poll

    Media gives AAP an upper hand as Delhi goes to poll

    MUMBAI: With 12 million voters, 70 seats and four major national parties contesting elections, New Delhi has become the focal point for all the news channels for the next four days. The entire news fraternity is covering the election with esteem supervision, with not even a single incident staying unreported. Interviews, analysis, opinion polls, poll of polls, panel discussions and debates are the daily offerings.

     

    Narrating the political significance of Delhi, NDTV co-founder Prannoy Roy during his show ‘Battleground Delhi’ where he was joined by Shekhar Gupta and Dorab Soopariwala said, “Delhi election is a big big election and the whole question is will there be a continuation of the impact of Modi juggernaut or the Modi juggernaut will hit the pot holes and take a setback.”

     

     The growth of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the downfall of Indian National Congress (INC) have made life difficult for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). No clear picture is evolving from the battle ground and that makes pollsters’ job extremely difficult. Soliciting tweet came from veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, “Suprabhatam! Feel sorry for pollsters. get it wrong, will be accused of being bazaaru if they get it right, will be called tukka!” is what he tweeted.

     

     When asked about the relevance of opinion polls and exit polls BAG Network chairperson and MD Anuradha Prasad told Indiantelevision.com, “Election is a festival of democracy and the surveys are a part of it. The opinion polls do leave a small impact on voters mind.” On the credibility quotient Prasad added, “We have our own team of surveyors consisting of 70 to 80 specialists who are working hard day and night to get the most relevant figures.”

     

    ABP News managing editor Milind Khandelkar added, “We don’t do any on field survey; Ac Nielsen conducts the survey for us which we telecast on all of our channels. We have a distinguished panel consisting of different expertise, and we analyse the numbers to come to a relevant conclusion.”

     

    With elections, comes opinion polls and this time, like every other time, news channels have given out their verdict much before the counting day. As per the ABP + Nielsen opinion polls, Delhi could see a hung assembly with AAP closest to victory with 35 seats followed by BJP with 29 and Congress with 6 seats.

     

    NDTV on its analysis predicts an absolute majority for AAP with 37 seats, followed by BJP with 29 and Congress with 4.

     

    India Today analysis also gives an upper hand to AAP. The venture predicted 38 – 46 seats for AAP, 19 – 25 seats for BJP and 3 – 7 seats for Congress.

     

    The IMRB survey has got a different data. Its data indicated absolute majority for BJP with 36 seats followed by AAP with 29 and Congress with 4.

     

    The ET/ TNS survey gives Kiran Bedi lead BJP an upper hand with 36 – 40 seats. AAP is predicted to get 28 – 32 while Congress was restricted to mere 3 by the surveyors.

     

    Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “Sources- BJP workers have given up in many places, similar to how cong workers gave up in last elections. They are completely demoralized.”

     

    Prime Minister Modi urged the youth to cast their votes by tweeting, “As Delhi votes today, urging voters to go out & vote in large numbers. I particularly call upon my young friends to vote in record numbers.”

     

    At the time of filing the report, 64 per cent voters had successfully registered their opinion.

  • Rs 64,840 crore expected as revenue from spectrum auction

    Rs 64,840 crore expected as revenue from spectrum auction

    NEW DELHI: The estimated revenue from the auction of spectrum is targeted at Rs 64,840 crore (excluding 2100 MHz spectrum) of which Rs 16,000 crore is expected to be released in the current financial year.

     

    The reserve price approved is Rs 3,646 crore pan-India per MHZ in 800 MHz, Rs 3,980 crore for 900 MHz band pan-India excluding Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Jammu and Kashmir; Rs 2,191 crore pan-India (excluding Maharashtra and West Bengal) in 1800 MHz band.

     

    The union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the proposal of the Department of Telecom to proceed with auction in 800, 900 & 1800 MHz bands.

     

    The quantum of spectrum to be put to auction is 103.75 MHz in 800 MHz band in all service areas, 177.8 MHz in 17 LSAs in 900 MHz band and 99.2 MHz in 15 LSAs in 1800 MHz band. Thus a total of 380.75 MHz in 800,900 & 1800 MHz is being put to auction.

     

    Payment terms, eligibility criteria and auction objectives shall be as in the previous auction of February 2014.

     

    The cabinet also decided that intent to put 2100 MHz to simultaneous auction may be announced along with auction of other bands. Details of this will be announced later on.

     

    The government has set itself the following objectives for the auctions:

     

    •    Obtain a market determined price of apectrum in various bands through a transparent process;

    •    Ensure efficient use of spectrum and avoid hoarding;

    •    Stimulate competition in the sector;

    •    Promote rollout of the respective services;

    •    Maximise revenue proceeds from the auctions within the set parameters.
    Eligibility Criterion

    •    Any licensee that holds a UAS/ CMTS/ UL(AS)/UL licence with authorization for Access Services for that Service Area; or

    •    Any licensee that fulfils the eligibility for obtaining a Unified License with authorisation for Access Services; or

    •    Any entity that gives an undertaking to obtain a Unified License for access service authorisation through a New Entrant Nominee as per the DoT guidelines/licence conditions. Can bid for the Spectrum (subject to other provisions of the Notice).

    Payment Terms

     

    Successful bidders shall make the payment in any of the following two options:

    a)               Full upfront payment within 10 days of declaration of final price or pre-payment of one or more annual instalments; or

    b)               Deferred payment, subject to the following conditions:

    (i)              An upfront payment; of 33 per cent in the case of 1800MHz band, and 25 per cent in case of 900MHz and 800 MHz; of the final bid amount shall be made within 10 days of declaration of successful bidders and final price;

    (ii)            There shall be a moratorium of two years for payment of balance amount of one time charges for the spectrum, which shall be recovered in 10 equal annual instalments.

    (iii)          The first instalment of the balance due shall become due on the third anniversary of the scheduled date of the first payment. Subsequent instalment shall become due on the same date of each following year. Prepayment of one or more instalments will be allowed on each annual anniversary date of the first upfront payment, based upon the principle that the net present value of the payment is protected.

  • Subhash Chandra knew I had a winning concept: Rajat Sharma

    Subhash Chandra knew I had a winning concept: Rajat Sharma

    “In the 21 years of this show, nobody has been forced to reply, Rajat knows the art of extracting a reply through his sweet questioning. Another big quality of Rajat is that he uses his tongue sparingly in his show, but he uses his heart to the fullest. A clever mind works behind this,” is how Prime Minister Narendera Modi described the man who has been for 21 years making the icons of the country answerable.

     

    Rajat Sharma’s journey with ‘Aap ki Adalat’ began with Zee TV in 1994 and from then there has been no stopping. The talk show has seen politicians, sportspersons, celebrities and others pour out their heart as well answer some of the trickiest questions.

     

    Amidst the celebrations, indiantelevision.com’s Meghna Sharma in a freewheel chat with Sharma spoke about what keeps him ticking, his favourite interview and much more.

     

    Excerpts…

     

    21 years is a long time, what do you have to say about the journey? What keeps you ticking?

     

    It still feels that the journey has just begun; all my memories with the show are still very fresh. The type of guests we have hosted on ‘Aap Ki Adalat,’ their replies, the viewers’ response, the in-studio audiences, the ambience that makes me feel at home every time I step into the Adalat Studio, the affection showered upon me, probably the never-ending love of my viewers…all makes me feel really blessed and probably gives me the strength to keep going.

     

    When did you come up with the idea of starting ‘Aap ki Adalat’? Any glitches faced while launching the show?

     

    The idea came up in a casual conversation with Zee TV owner Subhash Chandra on a flight from Delhi to Mumbai, 21 years ago. Without much thinking I told Subhash Chandra how the interviews should be done for TV. I told him about putting politicians in the dock and making them accountable to public. After we landed I forgot about the conversation. Subhash Chandra, however, was quick to realise that I had come up with a winning concept.

     

    Your most memorable interview so far and why?

     

    Like I said, all of my interviews have been really special and still very fresh in my memory, however if you tell me to pick one, I would pick the one with the then PM candidate, Narendra Modi. The reason for my pick is not only did the show created a huge ripple in the broadcast media Industry, when almost India’s 85 per cent news audiences watched the show’s first telecast with competition reduced to negligible numbers but also because of spontaneity and ease with which Mr. Modi responded even to the trickiest questions…given the fact that he had a really bad throat after addressing six-odd election rallies during the hectic campaign spree. We weren’t expecting more than 15 minutes of shoot. We ended up shooting him for over two hours and the result was breathtaking.

     

    Whom/what do you attribute this success to? How do you still maintain the charm of the show?

     

    Talking of success, I am very sure that it wouldn’t have been the way it is now if the director of my show, who also is my wife, Ritu Dhawan wouldn’t have been around. She is the one who has been standing like a rock behind my success…taking care of everything, from my looks to the positioning of the show, she is everywhere.

     

     

    I have always believed in doing my job right and just focus on that. We have been able to create the right mix of depth, detailing and research mixed with the right amount of humour, we have ensured to keep the show relevant to the changing preferences of the audiences over the last two decades, probably that’s what you are referring to as charm.

     

    After 21 years, will we see any changes in the format?

     

    Change is inevitable, however more than planning any such change we would rather keep ourselves adaptive to what our audiences would prefer.

     

    From President to PM to celebs, everyone attended the celebrations. What do you have to say about the support?

     

    One word, I am overwhelmed. Feeling deeply humbled. While just focusing on my work, I never expected the amount of affection and respect showered upon me by all including country’s topmost icons. I am more than grateful to all and most to my viewers who have backed me all through as their advocate while I tried to amplify their voice with who mattered.