ITV

Tag: Sky

  • Ireland clears Fox’ proposed acquisition of Sky

    MUMBAI: 21st Century Fox has welcomed the decision by the Republic of Ireland’s Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to clear the company’s acquisition of the outstanding shares of Sky that the company does not already own, ruling that the proposed transaction will not result in insufficient plurality for any audience in the Republic of Ireland. The decision was communicated to 21st Century Fox by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

    The decision follows rulings clearing the transaction on public interest grounds including plurality by authorities in all of the markets in which Sky operates outside of the UK, including Austria, Germany, Italy and now the Republic of Ireland.

    The decision also follows unconditional clearance of the proposed transaction by all competent competition authorities, notably the European Commission on 7 April 2017, covering both the UK and the rest of the European Economic Area, as well as by the Jersey competition authority.

    The UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has confirmed that she has now received the reports from Ofcom and the CMA on the specified public interest grounds, media plurality and commitment to broadcasting standards. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has stated that the Secretary of State will make her initial “minded to” decision, publish the reports and return to Parliament to make an oral statement by 29 June.

    AlsO Read :

    Fox-Sky deal: UK to assess implications by 29 June

  • Fox-Sky deal: UK to assess implications by 29 June

    MUMBAI: United Kingdom broadcast regulator Ofcom, on 20 June, submitted a public interest report to the Government on the proposed acquisition of Sky by 21st Century Fox.

    In mid-December 2016, Fox stated that Sky had agreed to a takeover offer worth USD 14.8 billion as the media tycoon Rupert Murdoch attempted to create a global media giant across the U.K., U.S, and Europe. Fox said it had reached an agreement with Sky plc on the terms of a recommended pre-conditional cash offer to buy the rest of the European pay broadcaster, beyond the 39 per cent it already owns. The terms of the formal offer, Sky News stated, meant Fox paying 10.75 pounds per Sky share, for the remainder 61% of Sky.

    On 16 March 2017, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport had issued a European intervention notice, which asked Ofcom to report on public interest considerations in respect of plans by 21st Century Fox to acquire the shares in Sky it does not already own.

    Specifically, Ofcom was asked to consider whether there would be sufficient plurality of persons with control of the media enterprises; and whether the parties would have genuine commitment to the attainment in relation to broadcasting of standards objectives.

    Ofcom has now submitted the public interest report. The Secretary of State will now decide whether to refer the proposed deal to the Competition and Markets Authority for a ‘phase two’ inquiry. The Secretary of State hassaid she intends to announce – by 29 June – whether or not she is minded to refer the merger, and to publish Ofcom’s public interest report at the same time.

    Ofcom has an ongoing duty to be satisfied that broadcasting licensees are fit and proper holders of a licence. “This means that we can assess a licensee at any time, on our own initiative, as well as being able to respond to concerns raised by third parties. On 6 March 2017, we announced that we would examine any implications of a change of control over Sky for its holding of broadcast licences. Because, the issues we have considered in the public-interest and fit and proper assessments overlap, we have considered these matters within the same timeframe,” Ofcom stated.

    “We have today (on 20 June) provided our fit and proper assessment to the Secretary of State. Ofcom will publish that assessment when the Secretary of State announces her ‘minded-to’ decision and publishes the public interest report,” Ofcom added.

    Proposed merger between Fox and Sky:

    Culture Secretary Karen Bradley has confirmed receipt of Ofcom and Competition and Markets Authority reports on the proposed merger between Sky and 21st Century Fox.

    In a statement, the Culture Secretary said:
    “Today I can confirm that following my intervention in the proposed acquisition of Sky plc by 21st Century Fox Inc., I have received reports from Ofcom on two public interest grounds, and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on jurisdiction, as set out in the European Intervention Notice (EIN) issued on 16th March 2017.”

    “The EIN issued on 16th March required Ofcom to assess and report to me on two public interest grounds: 1) the need for there to be a plurality of persons controlling media enterprises; and 2) for those carrying on or in control of such enterprises to have a genuine commitment to the attainment of broadcasting standards objectives. It also required the CMA to report to me on jurisdiction. The reports were originally due on the 16th May and, on the 21st April, I extended this deadline to 20th June in light of the announcement of the General Election,” she added.

    “The decision before me now, which I am required to take acting in a quasi-judicial capacity, is whether – taking account of the specified public interest grounds – it is, or may be the case, that the merger operates, or may be expected to operate, against the public interest and therefore whether or not to refer for a fuller phase 2 investigation by the CMA. I will consider these reports in detail before coming to an initial view on whether or not I am minded to refer the merger,” she stated.

  • Half of video production may see greater RoI migrating to IP

    MUMBAI: Ooyala, a global provider of video monetization technology and services, and the Digital Production Partnership (DPP), the media industry’s business change network, launched the industry’s first report analyzing the benefits of adopting Internet Protocol (IP)-based processes and technologies in video production, “The Business Benefits of IP Production.” The findings show that by 2022, more than half of the video-production environments analyzed in the report will recognize greater business benefits, efficiencies and return-on-investment (ROI) by adopting IP.

    Surveying nearly 30 companies across the video supply chain, including ITV, Sky, BBC and Sony, the report shows where IP migrations will result in greater cost savings, cost avoidance, creative benefits and competitive advantages. Tracking against ten different production environments, five will see the greatest ROI by adopting IP, including:

    ● IP Distribution: Companies with internet-first distribution services, OTT

    ● Live Streaming: Companies distributing live content across devices and social
    platforms

    ● Single Camera Shooting: Companies accessing on-site footage via the cloud

    ● Media Management: Companies managing, moving and storing media

    ● Cloud Playout: Linear TV stations adopting cloud-based services

    The findings show media companies with online distribution at the heart of their business, particularly OTT services, will find the greatest value and ROI in adopting IP-based technologies. Other areas that IP disruption will impact are asset management, cloud playout and post-production, benefiting from technologies that reduce manual-labor costs such as automating metadata insertion.

    “The fact is, the move to IP has inherent benefits for many processes, but only specific environments will see the greatest benefits and highest returns today,” said DPP Managing Director, Mark Harrison.

    “Within a few years, IP infrastructure may be essential in doing business because of the impact it is having across media companies and distribution.” “As the first in the industry, the report brings to light the ROI opportunities for producers, broadcasters and media companies to adopt IP processes,” said Ooyala Co-founder and SVP of Products and Solutions, Belsasar Lepe. “Media logistics solutions like Ooyala Flex provide the ability to connect inherently disconnected and on-premise systems so companies can take
    advantage of IP benefits immediately or incrementally as needs change over time.”

    Ooyala and the DPP will host a special NAB morning event on Tuesday, 25 April at 8am PST in Ooyala’s booth, SV1000, to discuss the report and the future of IP production alongside BT Sport and PBS.

    Built with superior analytics capabilities for advanced business intelligence, Ooyala’s solutions help broadcasters, operators and media companies build more engaged and more profitable audiences, with personalized experiences across every screen.Vudu, Star India, Sky Sports (U.K.), ITV Studios (U.K.), RTL Group (Germany), M6 (France), TV4 (Sweden), Mediaset (Spain), America Television (Peru), and Media Prima (Malaysia).

  • Free Colors HD on Sky in UK from 14 Feb

    MUMBAI: IndiaCast, a joint venture of Viacom18 and TV18, announced the launch of the high-definition (HD) feed for Colors UK on leading DTH platform, Sky. Available on the same EPG number as the SD feed (No. 786), Colors UK HD will adapt to the HD set top box and will be available to viewers starting 14 February 2017.

    Launched in the UK in January 2010, Colors UK SD feed offers variety content from the Colors bouquet of offerings. Its HD feed, to be available to Sky subscribers across Europe, will feature shows including Devanshi, Dil Se Dil Tak, Ek Shringaar…Swabhimaan, Shakti…Astitva Ke Ehsaas Kii, Udann, Karmphal Data Shani, and many more. The channel will also feature well-appreciated weekend content including Naagin 2, Rising Star, upcoming proposition Chhote Miyan, and blockbuster films.

    Commenting on launch, Viacom18 Group CEO Sudhanshu Vats said, “We started out by increasing the footprint of our content offering, across general entertainment and Indian movies, through our channels in the UK. We now want to dial up the experience for our discerning viewers and the launch of Colors HD is a step in that direction.”

    Speaking about this development, Viacom18 CEO – Hindi entertainment Raj Nayak said, “Colors has been the leading entertainment provider to the audience not only in India, but also in international markets. We continue to push the envelope as far as our offering to the South Asian diaspora is concerned. The announcement of the launch of the HD feed for Colors UK will go a long way in enhancing the viewing experience, bringing the audience a slice of home, with better visual clarity, in the comforts of their living rooms.”

    Commenting on the launch, IndiaCast Group CEO Anuj Gandhi said, “Colors UK has been an unprecedented audience entertainer which has provided diverse options for the South Asian audience for over seven years. We are committed towards showcasing top-notch content on our channels and are glad to join hands with Sky to bring HD quality content to viewers in the region, thereby making Colors UK HD the preferred entertainment destination for the audience. We are also in talks with other service providers and distributors in Europe to launch our HD service.”

    Adding further, IndiaCast SVP & business head – UK Govind Shahi said, “As one of the top entertainment brand for the South Asian diaspora, Colors is constantly innovating and this free offering of Colors HD on Sky works on the smart swap technology which enables the HD feed to be available on the same EPG as before. To ensure that no viewer is left out, we continue to provide the SD feed as well. This launch of Colors in HD coincides with the launch of all-new exciting shows as well as the new 9-10pm slot.

    To promote the Colors UK HD feed, IndiaCast has devised a high-intensity marketing campaign with “We are coming closer to you” as its core messaging. The campaign will be delivered via cross-network promotions on Rishtey Cineplex and Rishtey Europe as well as spots across radio stations. In terms of off-air promotions, Colors UK HD communique will be highlighted through innovative print and outdoor mediums.

  • LG, Sony to stop making 3D TV sets

    LG, Sony to stop making 3D TV sets

    MUMBAI: At one stage it was touted as the future of television. Thanks to the stupendous success that James Cameron’s 3D version of Avatar achieved at the box office with its spectacular 3D graphics and colors. A rash of manufacturers rushed in rolling out 3D TV sets which could be watched with either wearables or with a screen to make the images jump out at viewers. 3D channels by DirectTV, Sky, ESPN, Comcast, Sony and other players in different parts of the world were launched.

    But 2017 will be the year when 3D TV was given a quite burial or cremation if you so like. The world’s largest manufacturers of TVs – LG, Sony – informed CNET last week that they were going to stop integrating 3D capabilities into the TV sets they manufacture from 2017.

    The reason: the technology required viewers to sit stationary and view the programming from a specific angle. Which consumers did not buy into at all.

    The channels that were launched were shuttered quickly but 3D TV capabilities continued to be offered by manufacturers. Until this year, that is.

    “3D capability was never really universally embraced in the industry for home use, and it’s just not a key buying factor when selecting a new TV,” said LG’s director of new product development Tim Alessi, to CNET. “Purchase process research showed it’s not a top buying consideration, and anecdotal information indicated that actual usage was not high. We decided to drop 3D support for 2017.”

    Manufacturers will now be focusing on 4K, UHD, HDR and smart TV features going forward.

  • LG, Sony to stop making 3D TV sets

    LG, Sony to stop making 3D TV sets

    MUMBAI: At one stage it was touted as the future of television. Thanks to the stupendous success that James Cameron’s 3D version of Avatar achieved at the box office with its spectacular 3D graphics and colors. A rash of manufacturers rushed in rolling out 3D TV sets which could be watched with either wearables or with a screen to make the images jump out at viewers. 3D channels by DirectTV, Sky, ESPN, Comcast, Sony and other players in different parts of the world were launched.

    But 2017 will be the year when 3D TV was given a quite burial or cremation if you so like. The world’s largest manufacturers of TVs – LG, Sony – informed CNET last week that they were going to stop integrating 3D capabilities into the TV sets they manufacture from 2017.

    The reason: the technology required viewers to sit stationary and view the programming from a specific angle. Which consumers did not buy into at all.

    The channels that were launched were shuttered quickly but 3D TV capabilities continued to be offered by manufacturers. Until this year, that is.

    “3D capability was never really universally embraced in the industry for home use, and it’s just not a key buying factor when selecting a new TV,” said LG’s director of new product development Tim Alessi, to CNET. “Purchase process research showed it’s not a top buying consideration, and anecdotal information indicated that actual usage was not high. We decided to drop 3D support for 2017.”

    Manufacturers will now be focusing on 4K, UHD, HDR and smart TV features going forward.

  • 21st Century Fox buys out Sky in USD 14.8-bn deal

    21st Century Fox buys out Sky in USD 14.8-bn deal

    MUMBAI: 21st Century Fox has stated that Sky had agreed to a takeover offer worth USD 14.8 billion as the media tycoon Rupert Murdoch attempts to create a global media giant stretch across the U.K., U.S, and Europe.

    21st Century Fox is one of the world’s largest entertainment companies, with a broad portfolio of broadcast, cable, pay TV, film, and satellite assets across six continents.

    Fox group said in a statement that it had reached an agreement with Sky plc on the terms of a recommended pre-conditional cash offer to buy the rest of the European pay broadcaster, beyond the 39 per cent it already owns. The deal is worth USD 14.8 billion (Rs 1004 billion) in total for the cash purchase, the statement said. The terms of the formal offer, Sky News stated, would mean Fox paying 10.75 pounds per Sky share, for the remainder 61% of Sky.

    The new deal will create an improved balance between affiliate fee, subscription, advertising and content revenues.

    Fox’ cable and broadcasting properties include include STAR India, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FOX, National Geographic Channels, 28 television stations in the U.S and over 300 international channels.

  • 21st Century Fox buys out Sky in USD 14.8-bn deal

    21st Century Fox buys out Sky in USD 14.8-bn deal

    MUMBAI: 21st Century Fox has stated that Sky had agreed to a takeover offer worth USD 14.8 billion as the media tycoon Rupert Murdoch attempts to create a global media giant stretch across the U.K., U.S, and Europe.

    21st Century Fox is one of the world’s largest entertainment companies, with a broad portfolio of broadcast, cable, pay TV, film, and satellite assets across six continents.

    Fox group said in a statement that it had reached an agreement with Sky plc on the terms of a recommended pre-conditional cash offer to buy the rest of the European pay broadcaster, beyond the 39 per cent it already owns. The deal is worth USD 14.8 billion (Rs 1004 billion) in total for the cash purchase, the statement said. The terms of the formal offer, Sky News stated, would mean Fox paying 10.75 pounds per Sky share, for the remainder 61% of Sky.

    The new deal will create an improved balance between affiliate fee, subscription, advertising and content revenues.

    Fox’ cable and broadcasting properties include include STAR India, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FOX, National Geographic Channels, 28 television stations in the U.S and over 300 international channels.

  • FIA Formula One: Tata readies Sky for UHD telecast

    FIA Formula One: Tata readies Sky for UHD telecast

    LONDON: Tata Communications, the official connectivity provider of Formula 1®, Formula One Management, and Sky, have tested in action live ultra high-definition (UHD) broadcasting at the 2016 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Grand Prix. Following this, the first ever end-to-end broadcast of an F1® race in UHD, Sky will show all races of the 2017 season in UHD.

    The successful proof of concept involved the installation of multiple state-of-the-art UHD cameras at the Singapore circuit. The footage from these was mixed in the FOM Broadcast Centre onsite, and the UHD output distributed live to Sky’s HQ in Osterley in the UK using Tata Communications’ Video Connect service. Video Connect enables broadcasters to deliver live video feeds over the world’s largest wholly-owned subsea fibre network, ensuring the highest quality experience for viewers.

    “This proof of concept with Sky and Tata Communications demonstrates our ongoing commitment to make F1® the ultimate sports experience by harnessing the power of cutting-edge broadcasting technologies,” says John Morrison, chief technical officer of Formula One Management.

    “Delivering the race action seamlessly in UHD from any Grand Prix location to homes requires superfast, reliable connectivity on a global scale,” says Mehul Kapadia, managing director of F1® business at Tata Communications. “And, other game-changing technologies like virtual reality will rely on ubiquitous, superfast connectivity too. As the break-neck speed of technology innovation continues, we’ll work with the Formula One management to enable fans to experience the exhilarating world of F1® in new ways.”

    “We pride ourselves on being an extremely forward-thinking F1® broadcaster with a special focus on innovation,” says Keith Lane, director of operations at Sky. “UHD offers four times higher resolution than HD, making F1® a more powerful, immersive experience for fans than ever before. The success of this proof of concept in Singapore shows that we’re on track to show every race live in UHD next season using our next-generation Sky Q home entertainment service, and to continue to give our customers the action-packed F1® experiences that they crave.”

    The UHD test in Singapore follows a series of other ambitious proof of concepts by Tata Communications and Formula One management around live over the top content delivery and 4K broadcasting.

  • FIA Formula One: Tata readies Sky for UHD telecast

    FIA Formula One: Tata readies Sky for UHD telecast

    LONDON: Tata Communications, the official connectivity provider of Formula 1®, Formula One Management, and Sky, have tested in action live ultra high-definition (UHD) broadcasting at the 2016 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Grand Prix. Following this, the first ever end-to-end broadcast of an F1® race in UHD, Sky will show all races of the 2017 season in UHD.

    The successful proof of concept involved the installation of multiple state-of-the-art UHD cameras at the Singapore circuit. The footage from these was mixed in the FOM Broadcast Centre onsite, and the UHD output distributed live to Sky’s HQ in Osterley in the UK using Tata Communications’ Video Connect service. Video Connect enables broadcasters to deliver live video feeds over the world’s largest wholly-owned subsea fibre network, ensuring the highest quality experience for viewers.

    “This proof of concept with Sky and Tata Communications demonstrates our ongoing commitment to make F1® the ultimate sports experience by harnessing the power of cutting-edge broadcasting technologies,” says John Morrison, chief technical officer of Formula One Management.

    “Delivering the race action seamlessly in UHD from any Grand Prix location to homes requires superfast, reliable connectivity on a global scale,” says Mehul Kapadia, managing director of F1® business at Tata Communications. “And, other game-changing technologies like virtual reality will rely on ubiquitous, superfast connectivity too. As the break-neck speed of technology innovation continues, we’ll work with the Formula One management to enable fans to experience the exhilarating world of F1® in new ways.”

    “We pride ourselves on being an extremely forward-thinking F1® broadcaster with a special focus on innovation,” says Keith Lane, director of operations at Sky. “UHD offers four times higher resolution than HD, making F1® a more powerful, immersive experience for fans than ever before. The success of this proof of concept in Singapore shows that we’re on track to show every race live in UHD next season using our next-generation Sky Q home entertainment service, and to continue to give our customers the action-packed F1® experiences that they crave.”

    The UHD test in Singapore follows a series of other ambitious proof of concepts by Tata Communications and Formula One management around live over the top content delivery and 4K broadcasting.