ITV

Tag: Surat

  • TRAI won’t withdraw call drops penalty, to carry another audit in Dec

    TRAI won’t withdraw call drops penalty, to carry another audit in Dec

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has reiterated that the newly-introduced penalty for call drops slated to come into effect from January will not be withdrawn.

     

    In a meeting with the chief executive officers of Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to apprise them about the findings of the drive tests conducted recently in Delhi and Mumbai, TRAI said an audit of networks in Mumbai and Delhi had shown showed unsatisfactory network quality.

     

    TRAI, which had carried out special independent drive tests for Cellular Mobile Telephone Services in the Mumbai and Delhi in June and July and then in September this year, will carry out fresh audits in December to review the situation. There were no significant improvement in the performance of the TSPs.

     

    The findings of these tests along with a consolidated analysis of the reports were uploaded on TRAI website.

     

    The service providers had stated in their meeting with TRAI that they had taken and continue to take a number of steps to improve the quality of network in these areas and that the quality of service had improved.

     

    In the meeting, the findings of the test drive were discussed and the service providers were requested to take action for further improvement of the network conditions.

     

    TRAI officials agreed to share with service providers and other stakeholders the independent drive tests carried In other major cities – Surat, Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Ahmedabad.

     

    The service providers had stated that there are a number of other issues affecting quality of service of the network resulting in call drops. The Authority assured it would extend whatever help possible to the telecom service providers.

  • KBC ties up with Radio Mirchi for ‘Kaun Banega Lakhpati’

    KBC ties up with Radio Mirchi for ‘Kaun Banega Lakhpati’

    MUMBAI:  Back with a grand opening, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) has not left any stone unturned to stay true to its tagline, ‘Yahan sirf paise nahi dil bhi jeete jaate hai’ .

     

     After a stellar opening in Surat, the channel has now joined hands with the leading radio station Radio Mirchi 98.3 FM for an exclusive on air contest ‘Kaun Banega Lakhpati’ in several cities across India.

     

    With this unique innovation, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) intended to bring their fans closer to the show through a different yet successful medium. Radio Mirchi gave listeners and KBC loyalists a chance to not only be part of the mega franchise but also be a double lakhpati.

     

    Speaking about this unique contest, SET senior VP and head  marketing Gaurav Seth said, “This unique contest with Radio Mirchi was specially conceptualised to give our viewers an opportunity to play this great game and engage with our show. Sitting on a hot seat is a dream come true for every viewer and this contest was the perfect platform for them. I am extremely happy at the overwhelming response that the contest has received.”

     

    For the contest, morning RJ’s floated questions from the previous night’s telecast episode on air inviting Mirchi listeners to answer. All they had to do to become a lakhpati was SMS the correct answer to the question. The first person to send across the message with the correct answer (Fastest Finger First) became eligible to be a contending participant in the radio show on that day. The shortlisted contestant was then asked a series of five questions. Prize money for correctly answering the first question was Rs 10000, for the second question it was Rs 25000, for third it was Rs 50,000, fourth was Rs 1,00,000 and finally by answering the fifth and final question the participant became eligible to win the bumper prize of Rs 2 lakh.

     

    Amongst many contest winners, Sultan Mohammedbhai Dalal won Rs 2 lakh on Hi Mumbai and Sunita Pokhriyal won Rs 1 lakh on Hi Delhi.

     

    Commenting on this, Radio Mirchi Mumbai cluster head Preeti Nihalani said, “KBC is one of the biggest and most admired shows on television. Radio Mirchi is delighted to associate with a show that is so close to the hearts of people around the country. The tie-up amplified the interest level of the TV audience as well as the radio listeners and gave them a chance to be a lakhpati sitting at home.  We received a tremendous response on air and appreciation from our listeners on Twitter and Facebook. This activity has definitely got the audiences closer to the show.”

  • Kaun Banega Crorepati to shoot an episode in Surat!

    Kaun Banega Crorepati to shoot an episode in Surat!

    MUMBAI: The years’ most awaited television quiz show ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ is here and this time the game show will commence in great style and grandeur in the city of Surat with mega star and phenomenal host, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. The knowledge based show aimed at touching lives of millions across the country for the first time ever will be uniquely shot LIVE amidst citizens of Surat and telecast on Sony Entertainment Television.

     

    Like every year the launch of the KBC is one of the most celebrated events of the television industry and this year it is the fans of Surat who will not only get the opportunity to experience the show first hand but also participate in it LIVE. The event is scheduled for Saturday, 2nd August at Surat International Exhibition & Convention Centre, Althan-Sarsana Road, Surat.

     

    The registrations have commenced from July 22nd 2014.The selection of contestants to qualify will be done in two rounds and the  shortlisted participants  will get a chance to play the fastest finger round. The person who answers the question correct in the quickest time will get an opportunity to be on the much celebrated KBC hot seat and play with Mr. Bachchan.

     

    The hospitality partner for this event is Amaazia Group.

  • LCOs challenge TRAI DAS order in High Court By Seema Singh

    LCOs challenge TRAI DAS order in High Court By Seema Singh

    MUMBAI: The Gujarat Cable Operators Association (GCOA) has approached the High Court of Gujarat against the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the central government of India and state government against the ruling on digitisation.

     

    In the petition submitted to the HC, the petitioner has challenged the legality of Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Tariff and the Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable Services) Interconnection Regulations.

     

    In the current scenario, as defined by the regulator, the revenue share ratio between the MSOs and LCOs is 55:45 for free-to-air channels and 65:35 with respect to pay channels. The LCOs in Gujarat find it discriminatory and prejudicial to their interest.

     

    “We have challenged all the notifications passed by TRAI. This includes revenue share, consumer application forms (CAFs) and billing,” informs Gujarat Cable Operators Association president Pramod Pandya. The laws, according to Pandya are complicated and aim at completely removing the presence of LCOs from the cable industry. “We feel that every order passed till date with regards to digitisation is one-sided. All the laws have been drawn up against the LCOs,” he adds.

     

    The association on 2 September 2013 moved to the Supreme Court with the matter. The SC then ordered them to address the issue to the High Court first. “We then filed a petition to the Gujarat HC on 10 September,” he informs.

     

    The court during its 13 November hearing has asked the TRAI and government to declare the reasons for formulating the existing laws pertaining to tariff and interconnection in the next 15 days.

     

    “I don’t understand the basis of these laws. It is the LCOs who build the customer base and now all of a sudden we have been asked to transfer our rights to the MSOs,” says Pandya.

     

    The LCOs also feel that the issues relating to digitisation have never been discussed with the registered 60,000 cable operators.

     

    “None of the state cable operator associations were called before the process of digitisation was enforced.”

     

    The cable operators in Gujarat, say they are only asking for their rights. “If I don’t have a right, then why should I collect revenue or collect CAFs from consumers? We have built the customer base for all these years. The MSO give us the signal, for which we pay them a rent and then bill the customer. How can government all of a sudden ask us to not do the billing?” questions Pandya.

     

    According to the petition filed, of which indiantelevision.com has a copy of, the members of the petitioning association under the said provisions work under the MSOs as their revenue collecting agents while at the same time provide maintenance and services to the subscribers on behalf of the MSOs at their own cost since the entire cable network has been laid down by them over a number of years.

     

    The association has some 2500 cable operators as its members. “We are not targeting MSOs…they are only following what the TRAI has asked them to do.”

     

    The LCOs feel that their roles have been reduced to mere commission agents.

     

    “We are being forced to depend on the MSOs,” opines Pandya. Under digitisation, it is mandatory for the LCOs to collect and submit CAFs. “This is harsh and oppressive since it would compel the LCOs to share their subscriber’s base with the MSO’s making them more vulnerable,” says Pandya.

     

    He is clear that till there is no clarification on the notifications passed by TRAI, the cable operators in Gujarat will not even seed set top boxes. When asked if the operators will meet the CAF deadline he says, “It is a court case now. We have challenged every aspect of digitisation. So till this is resolved and the court passes an order on this, there will be no CAF collection or billing in Gujarat.”

     

    The association had in the beginning of DAS phase II approached the High Court, which had then given a stay order for 16 days for implementation of DAS. “The process of digitisation started only from 16 April in Gujarat. So far only four cities of Gujarat: Surat, Baroda, Ahmedabad and Rajkot have moved ahead on this,” he concludes.

  • 9 days of non-stop fun with Radio Mirchi

    9 days of non-stop fun with Radio Mirchi

    MUMBAI: It is that time of the year, where people across India gear up for the biggest dance festival of the country.  Be it children or adults, everyone’s busy planning costumes, learning new dance moves and ascertaining latest gujarati and bollywood songs on the music list. To add to the festive fervor, Radio Mirchi, India’s leading radio station, is leaving no stones unturned to make sure, revelers have a gala time this Navratri. With their exciting navratri pandal and line-up of the best music list, the channel will entice the entire Gujarat to dance till they drop.

    This year Radio Mirchi gives its listeners access to the most celebrated navratri pandals across Surat, Rajkot, Baroda and Ahmedabad. While in Ahmedabad, the radio station is organizing a raas-garba at YMCA Club, in Surat it is at Grand Bhagwati and at Neel City Club in Rajkot. If this isn’t enough, then Radio Mirchi has tied up with World’s Biggest Garba pandal in Baroda. In association with United Way of Baroda, Radio Mirchi will give an opportunity to over lakhs of revelers to have the best navratri experience.

    But it doesn’t stop here, Radio Mirchi will ensure a musical treat for it’s on-air listeners. For those who like to continue enjoying the festivities even post midnight, Radio Mirchi promises its listeners non-stop fun with garba songs playing till 3 am in morning along with some interesting campaigns. These 9 days of the festival, the listeners will get to hear some of the peppiest songs. Beginning with Achko Machko  Bollywood, Radio Mirchi has exclusively lined-up singers like Sukhwinder Singh, Alka Yagnik, Yo Yo Honey Singh, Shaan. These musical genius’ will sing their favourite garba songs. To make it more interactive, listeners will also get to know about their Gujarati connect and experience. To tickle the fan’s funny bones, RJs across stations will have special like Rajnikant’s Navratri that will add a fun element to on air listening.

    How can any festivals be complete without goodies? To add on the festivities, Radio Mirchi’s RJs across Gujarat are all stocked-up with exciting giveaways ranging from Midnight Buffets Gift Vouchers to Spa Gift Hampers.

    Commenting on the celebrations, Sumit Aggarwal, VP – Cluster Head – Gujarat at Radio Mirchi says, “We are really excited about Navratri which is the biggest dance festival in the world and our on ground partnerships and radio content will be a delight for our sponsors and listeners alike. We have never before had integrations like Mirchi Pushpak – A helicopter ride during Navratri in Ahmedabad which will create a lot of excitement for the associated brands”
    Mr. Narendra Somani, CMD – The Grand Bhagwati says, “We are proud to be associated with Radio Mirchi, the biggest media vehicle in Gujarat for Navratri.  This event will be extremely vibrant, full of Entertainment with celebrity visits & renowned orchestras on all 9 days. The energy, vibrancy & festive feel will make you revisit us everytime you are in Gujarat during the festival.”

    Samarth Mehta, MD – Neel Club says, “We have some unqiue features in our Garba which makes it stand out from other routine garba events such as Rain Dandiya, exemplary blend of Orchestra and DJ, best lawn in Rajkot to play Garba, special Events everyday during the break and a pool side food court.

    We tie-up with Radio Mirchi was because it is the number one radio station in the city and we are the best Navratri in town. So, it is a partnership of equals.”

  • Kalyan Jewellers gets Aishwariya Rai Bachchan to inaugurate its new showroom in Surat on Ghod Dod Road

    Kalyan Jewellers gets Aishwariya Rai Bachchan to inaugurate its new showroom in Surat on Ghod Dod Road

    SURAT: The effervescent Kalyan Jewellers, keeping its discerning customers in mind have moved to a bigger and more accessible showroom in Surat on Ghod Dod road. The showroom was inaugurated by Kalyan Jewellers brand Ambassador Smt. Aishwariya Rai Bachchan on today.  

    Kalyan Jewellers new location is more than double the size of the previous location, providing much needed space for Kalyan Jewellers to increase inventory to better service clients.  The company has doubled its already unmatched inventory, to fulfil the needs of all its customers and to provide the best customer service possible.

    “We are very excited about the relocation of our new store and we are confident that our customers will be thrilled with our expanded inventory and more convenient centralized location,” said Mr. T. S. Kalyanaraman Chairman & Managing Director Kalyan Jewellers.

    Kalyan Jewellers had opened its first showroom in Surat in April 2013; the response to the same by Suratvasis was overwhelming. However, due to some technical snarls the company had to relocate to the new area. In Keeping with the Kalyan policy of enhancing the customer experience, the new showroom on Ghod Dod road will stock double the gold and diamonds than the previous showroom.

    Kalyan Jewelers is now present in Surat, Ahmadabad, Vardodara and Rajkot in Gujarat. Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan are the brand ambassadors for the group. Kalyan Jewellers is the single largest retail chain in the country with 51 stores spread across in India with an annual turnover of Rs. 10000 crores last year.

    As the company’s reputation of having the best selection and prices in the jewellery industry has grown throughout Gujarat, Kalyan Jewellers is attracting more and more clientele in the state. Kalyan Jewellers has built a loyal clientele. The people of Gujarat has accepted brand Kalyan in their hearts and Kalyan is now a house hold brand and am very happy for that added Mr. Kalyanaram

  • UTV Stars takes “Parachute Advansed Tender Coconut Hair Oil Presents Stars in Your City” on air With Travel Partner – Jet Airways

    UTV Stars takes “Parachute Advansed Tender Coconut Hair Oil Presents Stars in Your City” on air With Travel Partner – Jet Airways

    MUMBAI :In continuation of its efforts to bring Bollywood closer to its audiences, UTV STARS – the official channel of Bollywood will extend its hugely successful on-ground property to an on air show titled “Parachute Advansed Tender Coconut Hair Oil Presents Stars In Your City” premiering on Sunday 19th of May 2013. “Parachute Advansed Tender Coconut Hair Oil Presents Stars in Your City” is a unique format wherein the stars will go on a journey for a day to a city of their choice from across the country. Each episode will feature one star and their journey along with a special meet and greet with five of their biggest fans from the city.

    UTV Star’s and Bollywood fans viewers will get to see their favorite celebrities experience the specialties of cities such as Lucknow, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Indore, Bhopal, Pune, Surat, Kolkata and many more as they try local street foods; go shopping and sightseeing and indulge in various cultural activities much like their fans. The show will be a 10 part series hosted by Garima Kumar, a popular name in the entertainment journalism and a host on UTV Stars.

    “UTV Stars brings Bollywood closer to its audiences and Stars In your City is a continuation of this philosophy. This initiative is a unique opportunity for our viewers to experience Bollywood – Touch Feel believe. ‘Stars in Your City’ has been a successful multi-city on-ground activation the show is a natural extension to take the experience of the stars and their fans on air. The show will reach out to a much larger audience and the fan base of each of the stars featured in the episode”, said Indrajit Ray, Director – Content Disney UTV Media Networks.

    Stars that will be seen on the show are Huma Qureshi, Richcha Chadha, Yami Gautam, Amrita Rao and many more. Huma will be seen visiting the land of Nawabs, Lucknow. Richcha Chadha will be seen enjoying the experiences offered by the pink city of Jaipur. Yami Gautam will be seen exploring her own home town of Chandigarh, and delve into some farming and enjoying the local treats, while actress Amrita Rao enjoys Ahmedabad through a shopping trip at the local markets, a kite making lesson and kite flying with a fan family.

    The property is supported by an extensive marketing campaign comprising outdoor, digital and radio promotions in the respective cities by UTV Stars. While the Travel Partner for this initiative is Jet Airways.

  • DAS extension pleas quashed in Karnataka and Gujarat

    DAS extension pleas quashed in Karnataka and Gujarat

    NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: The information & broadcasting ministry can heave a sigh of relief as the the high courts in Karnataka and Gujarat today dismissed petitions filed by cable operators seeking extension of digitisation.

    The court orders mean that the government can go about systematically switching-off analogue signals in the cities that are covered in the Phase II of the rollout of cable TV digitisation in the two states.

    The Karnataka high court today dismissed a petition filed by Karnataka State Cable TV Operators Association (KSCOA) seeking extension of deadline for implementing digital addressable system (DAS). The KSCOA petition was trashed as the HC found no merits in the case.

    Similarly, the Gujarat high court also dismissed two petitions seeking postponement of digitisation in the four cities in the state. The court also vacated the stay ordered on 28 March in the cities of Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara.

    The decision by the high courts paves the way for switch-off analogue signals in the cities that are covered in Phase II of DAS.

    Expressing satisfaction, Information & Broadcasting ministry secretary Uday Kumar Varma told Indiantelevision.com that the judgements vindicated the government‘s stand that the advent of new technology could not be stopped. He also said that there was no truth in reports about the shortage of set top boxes (STBs).

    KSCOA president Patrick Raju said that he and his legal team would look at a copy of the court order before commenting about further action that his association would take in the matter.

    Among the contentions of the cable operators association in Karnataka was that a large number of cable homes in Bengaluru and Mysore would go dark if DAS is implemented since there isn’t enough supply of STBs.

    The KSCOA and MCOA (Mysore Cable TV Operators Association) had filed separate petitions, which were later clubbed together, seeking relief in the digitisation deadline due to shortage of STBs and lack of clarity on box ownership and many other issues.

    The Cable Operators Association of Gujarat (COAG) in its petition had contended that there was a shortage of STBs and no clarity on acquisition of these boxes. COAG president Pramod Pandya said STBs ordered from China had failed to arrive because of internal problems in that country and therefore the local cable operators could not be penalised for this.

    Also read:

    Gujarat HC dismisses petitions seeking DAS extension

    Karnataka HC dismisses KSCOA petition, paves way for analogue cable switch-off

  • DAS extension: Karnataka HC reserves order till 16 April

    DAS extension: Karnataka HC reserves order till 16 April

    BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: The Karnataka High Court is set to decide on 16 April whether the stay on Digital Addressable System (DAS) roll-out in Bengaluru and Mysore will continue after the hearing in the matter concluded today.

    The HC reserved its order after hearing arguments of Union of India represented through Information & Broadcasting (I&B) ministry and the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), which had impleaded itself in the case on Monday.

    Earlier, the HC had heard arguments from petitioners Karnataka State Cable TV Operators (KSCOA) and Mysore Cable TV Operators Association (MCOA) and Multi System Operators (MSOs), the respondents in the case.

    The interim order restraining MSOs from disconnecting analog signals continues in both the cities.

    The KSCOA and MCOA had filed petitions, which were later clubbed together, seeking relief in digitisation deadline due to shortage of Set Top Boxes (STBs) and lack of clarity on STB ownership.

    The MSOs and IBF have sought the dismissal of petition on the ground that a large number of homes have already been seeded and there is no need for an extension to seed STBs in the remaining homes.

    Hearing in Gujarat adjourned till 16 April

    Meanwhile, the hearing of digitisation extension case in the Gujarat High Court could not take place as the court was pre-occupied with other matters. The HC has adjourned the case till 16 April which means that the stay in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat and Vadodara will continue.

    The Cable Operators Association of Gujarat (COAG) had filed a petition seeking postponement of digitisation due to shortage of STBs. The COAG through its president Pramod Pandya has filed a rejoinder to an affidavit filed by I&B ministry.

    Pandya said STBs ordered from China has failed to arrive because of internal problems in that country and therefore the local cable operators (LCOs) should be given more time to seed STBs in all the homes.

    The Government has already switched off analogue signals in the remaining 30 cities that were covered under phase II of digitisation beginning 1 April.

    Along with Karnataka and Gujarat, digitisation has also been stayed in two cities of Andhra Pradesh – Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam – where the hearing is expected to commence next week.

    Also read:

    Stay continues in Karnataka and Gujarat as courts adjourn hearing to 10 April

    IBF joins MSOs to oppose DAS extension in Bengaluru and Mysore

    Stay continues in Bengaluru and Mysore as HC pushes hearing to 8 April

    DAS Phase II: Karnataka HC extends hearing to 5 April, stay to continue in Bengaluru

  • Stay continues in Karnataka and Gujarat as courts adjourn hearing to 10 April

    Stay continues in Karnataka and Gujarat as courts adjourn hearing to 10 April

    NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: The stay on digitisation of cable television will continue in six cities of Gujarat and Karnataka as the High Courts in both the states decided to continue hearing tomorrow of the petitions filed against the digital addressable system (DAS) on the ground of shortage of set top boxes (STBs).

    The stay on switching off analogue signals has been put off till further orders in the cities of Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, and Vadodara as the counsel for the Union of India could not appear for the hearing due to personal reasons. The matter has been adjourned for tomorrow.

    Justice Rajesh Shukla of the Gujarat High Court directed the petitioner Cable Operators Association of Gujarat through its president Pramod Pandya to file by tomorrow his rejoinder to the affidavit filed by the Information & Broadcasting ministry.

    Justice S Abdul Nazeer of the Karnataka High Court also extended the stay in Bengaluru and Mysore after the hearing writ petition filed by the Karnataka State Cable TV Operators Association (KSCOA) remained inconclusive. The hearing will continue tomorrow.

    The petitioners, Karnataka State Cable TV Operators (KSCOA), and one set of respondents -the MSOs‘ legal representatives – finished their arguments in the matter that ran throughout the day.

    It is now the turn of the other respondents – the Union of India through I&B ministry and the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) to present their arguments against the writ petition tomorrow.

    The IBF has impleaded itself as a party in both Gujarat and Karnataka, primarily to argue that there should be no delay in implementation of DAS.

    In its petition, the Cable Operators Association of Gujarat has said that there is shortage of set top boxes and no clarity on acquisition of these boxes.

    The Government has already switched off the analogue television signals in Phase II from the midnight of 31 March.
    Pandya said over phone from Ahmedabad that STBs ordered from China had failed to arrive because of internal problems in that country and therefore the local cable operators could not be penalized for this.

    As reported earlier, KSCOA filed a writ petition against the implementation of the second phase of the Digital Addressable System (DAS) that was to be implemented on 1 April onwards in Bengaluru. Other petitions filed against DAS in Mysore and some other LCOs were clubbed together.

    Meanwhile, digitisation has also been stayed in Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam and the case is coming up for hearing before the Andhra Pradesh High Court next week.