ITV

Tag: Surat

  • I&B sec Varma: “DAS Phase II roll-out smooth”

    I&B sec Varma: “DAS Phase II roll-out smooth”

    NEW DELHI: India‘s historical march towards cable television digitisation has taken a giant leap forward with the government expressing satisfaction over the implementation of Digital Addressable System (DAS) that covered 38 cities and towns in phase II.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Information & Broadcasting (I&B) ministry Secretary Uday Kumar Varma said that analogue signals had been switched off in 33 of the 38 towns at the stroke of midnight of 31 March.

    A confident Varma expressed that the success of the first and second phase of digitisation has strengthened his resolve that government‘s digitisation initiative was on track to be completed before the 31 December 2014 deadline.

    Five cities in Gujarat and Karnataka have been left out since there was a stay by Gujarat and Karnataka High Courts on DAS. Overall 75 per cent of the television homes in these 38 cities have been digitised, said Varma.

    In Gujarat, digitisation in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot has reached 50 per cent with Vadodara leading the pack with 70 per cent digitisation.

    Varma also asserted that seven cities including Hyderabad, Amritsar, Chandigarh and Allahabad out of the 38 had 100 per cent digitisation, while another nine had achieved over 75 per cent.

    However, he did confess that towns like Srinagar, Vishakhapatnam and Coimbatore were slow in seeding of STBs. Around 12 million of the 16 million TV households had been digitised, he said.

    He said the Ministry was keeping a watch on the situation with regard to STBs and said his information was that there were enough STBs at present for all the 38 cities in fourteen states and one union territory.

    “It was a mammoth task and I am happy that the switch-over had been smooth, without any law and order problems,” he said in a candid conversation.

    Asked about the 48-hour cable TV blackout in Delhi, Varma brushed it aside by saying that it has been an abject failure. He, however added that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) will look into the grievances of the LCOs.

  • Cinépolis eyes expansion in India

    Cinépolis eyes expansion in India

    NEW DELHI: Cinépolis, which is said to be in talks for acquiring Cinemax, has served six million patrons in India within less than three years of operations.

    The world‘s fourth largest cinema chain and India‘s first international exhibitor is driven by progressive international technology such as 3D screens with Real-D technology, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and 100 per cent digital 2k screens across its outlets in India.

    Cinépolis India MD and country head Milan Saini said, “Our phenomenal growth has inspired us to bring further entertainment options to the country like launching India‘s first Cinépolis VIP, our pioneering luxury cinema brand at Ludhiana. This underscores the acceptance and appreciation of International cinema experience and Cinépolis as a brand.”

    Cinépolis has over one million member strong loyalty programme called ‘Club Cinépolis‘.

    Cinépolis India exhibition head Ashish Shukla said, “Our constant endeavour is to reach the next level and offer our cinegoers the best end to end cinema experience. We have connected with our patrons through their preferred communications channel, facebook even before we launch in the city and include their feedback and expectations in our plan. This has worked magnificently for our cinemas.”

    At present, Cinépolis operates in eight Indian cities namely Amritsar, Patna, Thane, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bhopal, Ludhiana and Bangalore. The company plans to open 500 screens in the country by 2016.

  • Cinemax launches 3-screen multiplex in Surat

    Cinemax launches 3-screen multiplex in Surat

    MUMBAI: Multiplex chain operator, Cinemax India, is launching a three-screen multiplex at Surat.


    The new multiplex will be open to the patrons with screening of movie “Rascals” and has the capacity of 716 seats including 17 recliner seats.


    With the above said launch, the company will have a pan India presence with 126 screens and 31,491 seats across 37 properties.
     

  • Surat’s Radio City celebrates Children’s Day

    Surat’s Radio City celebrates Children’s Day

    MUMBAI: Surat’s Radio City 91.1FM today celebrated Children’s Day with great pomp and fervour! More than 100 lesser privileged children from Surat’s Shri Mahajan Anaath Baalashram were in for a treat as the Radio City along with RJ JJ and Leena (Radio City Breakfast Show) and RJ Rayhaan (Radio City Joyride) visited them with 7 Magic Boxes full of ‘Whatte Fun’ gifts from Surat city! After presenting the goodies to the children, the RJ spent quality time playing and interacting with them.

     

    Taking the lead to ensure a memorable Diwali and Children’s Day for the lesser privileged children of Surat, Radio City 91.1FM had organised a unique campaign ‘Diwali se Baaldivas Tak’ from 6-14 November. Extending the festive sparkle to one and all, Radio City encouraged the people of Surat to spare a thought for these deserving children and allocate a small portion of their Diwali budget towards buying something for them. Responding to this call, Surat contributed wholeheartedly with over hundreds of listeners coming into the studios to drop in brand new toys, clothes and gifts for the children at Shri Mahajan Anaath Baalashram.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rana Barua, National Head – Marketing, Radio City 91.1FM said, “It’s the simpler things in life which allow us to make a difference! We at Radio City have always made an effort to involve our listeners to actively contribute to society and give back in equal measure. Thanks to our listeners, our ‘Diwali to Baaldivas’ celebration this year has been a resounding success.”

     

    Deeply moved by the gesture, Dr. Harikrishna Joshi, Vice President, Shri Mahajan Anaath Baalashram said, “On behalf of our Trust and the children here, I would like to thank Radio City for their efforts in bringing Surat together for this unique Celebration. Thanks to the generosity of Surat’s Radio Cityzens, the Festival of Lights this year has been very memorable for all of us here. This has been a one-of-its kind initiative which has never happened in our city before.”

     

    A sustained focus on understanding listeners and leveraging the synergies of music expertise and innovative programming, allows Radio City to deliver a unique listening experience and be an integral part of the lives of listeners across markets. Aggressively looking at spreading the Radio City experience to new markets across the country, Radio City 91.1FM is committed to growing the market and creating superlative content for premium audiences.

  • Zee News to launch two interactive shows

    Zee News to launch two interactive shows

    MUMBAI: Zee News is coming up with two interactive discussion programmes this weekend, Kitna Bole Baba and Main Azaad Hoon.

    These programmes will primarily focus on two issues – Have religious gurus become the role models of the society today; and Is the society in Gujarat accepting the liberal women. Viewers can send in their queries through SMS.

    The two programmes have been designed in a way to have the highest possible viewer’s interactivity. Main Azaad Hoon initiates the discussion on today’s liberal attitude of women, whereas it is commoner’s increasing dependency on the religious gurus takes the center stage in Kitna Bole Baba.

    The programmes are aimed at clarifying the prevailing misconceptions about the issues. Kitna Bole Baba will focus the society’s current mindset of making larger than life picture of their religious gurus.

    It is going to be a discussion between today’s famous gurus and the social scientists with a view to bring a clearer picture of the thought process the gurus put in, while advising their disciples in their day to day affairs. It will be telecast on 23 December at 8 pm.

    Main Azaad Hoon will focus on the pragmatic situations, which today’s women often find them into. From having a boyfriend to having an extra marital affair, no question is going to be hypothetical, asserts an official release.

    The discussion will further cover the morality factor in the women’s action from society’s viewpoint. Apart from survey and field stories, the guests in the studio will also contribute with their views. Guests would include some social activists, young girls and a psychologist. This will be telecast on 24 December at 8 pm. The survey was conducted in four cities – Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot.

    A deep research was conducted, before zeroing down on these topics. The channel has been frequently providing a platform to discuss the important topics, which will pave way to an open-minded society, adds the release.

  • ADAG’s Big FM radio to roll out its first phase in six metros

    ADAG’s Big FM radio to roll out its first phase in six metros

    MUMBAI: The Reliance ADA Group has finally officially announced today that it will soon launch its radio station under the brand Big FM, which will broadcast on the full powered common frequency of 92.7 across its 45 stations.

    According to an official statement, the first phase will cover the six metros of Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, later spreading to the virgin territories like Jammu, Srinagar, Aligarh and Bikaner.

    In an attempt to offer a fresh new approach to the medium, the Big FM will indulge in high amount of interactivity on the station. Adlabs Radio COO Tarun Katial points out, “We will use it as a platform for consumers, taking on issues which are word of mouth and bring listener emotions to the fore.”

    Adopting a two-pronged launch strategy, Katial says, “While the metros are ideal to establish brand recognition and recall, the other virgin markets are completely new and fresh to explore, giving us an opportunity to provide an entertainment medium to the listeners.”

    “It is our endeavor to enthrall the local audiences and build a brand that connects at the grassroots. Credibility, maturity, relevance, entertainment and aspirational are our pegs for content as a product that reaches into every home and is of relevance to every listener.”

    By early next year, Big FM will be present across India from Srinagar to Trivandrum and Surat to Guwahati. This FM radio station will have its presence in 1000 towns and 50,000 villages across India – reaching 200 million listeners, informs the statement.

    The ADAG has geared up to tap the tremendous market share that is present. This leading corporate house known for its groundbreaking success in very business that it enters, will be positioning its stations in a unique and contemporary way that appeals to more mature audiences.

    The RJs that will give Big FM the voice and personality, have been selected via a careful and selective nationwide hunt. The station will present itself in a larger than life avatar and all morning slots will boast of highly acclaimed celebrity jockeys.
    With an investment of Rs 4 billion dedicated to transmission equipment, infrastructure and licensing, the proposed network for Adlabs Radio will be the largest ever, the release states.

    The overall manpower strength will stand at 1500 employees nationwide. The IP protocol technology being utilized for Big FM has been sourced from AXIA, USA making this station amongst the first to utilize such superior gear in Asia. Extensive research on consumer tastes and moods will ensure that the content aired complements the listeners’ tastes and provides them a dynamic, interactive platform.

  • Star News-A C Nielsen survey says 63% in Gujarat want ‘Fanna’

    Star News-A C Nielsen survey says 63% in Gujarat want ‘Fanna’

    MUMBAI: As Fanaa is all set to release tomorrow across the nation expect in the state of Gujarat, where the film exhibitors are hesitating to screen it till he tenders an apology for his recent anti-Narmada project statements.

    Admits all this Star News in collaboration with A C Nielsen conducted a survey in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat to ascertain the common man’s views on the issue. The findings indicate that 63 per cent of people in Gujarat want to watch the film and also prefers Aamir as a reel life hero as against a real life hero.

    But away from the hum drum of the politics of ‘water’, what does the ‘aam junta’ in Gujarat really want? The survey indicated some findings:

    * 63 per cent of people in Gujarat want to watch the film and only 33 per cent said they would not, 4 per cent said don’t know

    * 52 per cent of the people do not agree with the BJP’s appeal to boycott the film, 40 per cent subscribe to BJP’s statements, 8 per cent were undecided

    * 55 per cent of the respondents feel that Aamir’s statements on Narmada were inappropriate, 32 per cent felt it was appropriate, 13 per cent are undecided

    * 40 per cent of the people said that they do not want the Bollywood star to act like the Rang De Basanti hero in real life, 36 per cent vouch for him and 24 per cent were undecided

  • Fame Raj Empire arrives in Surat

    Fame Raj Empire arrives in Surat

    Surat, June 21, 2006: Shringar Cinemas Limited, one of the country’s leading movie exhibition and distribution companies, has announced its foray into Gujarat with the launch of the unique six-screen FAME Raj Empire multiplex in Surat. Located at Raj Empire Mall (Near Akashwani Tower, Bhatar Road), the new multiplex will commence operations from 23rd June 2006. Designed superlatively, with state-of-the-art technology, FAME Raj Empire is all set to become the most happening movie destination in Surat.

     

    With a capacity of more than 1800 ergonomically designed seats spread across six screens, specially designed lighting, world-class projectors and fully digital sound with 3-way surround system; FAME Raj Empire brings an international movie-viewing experience to cinema-goers in Surat.

     

    Backed with 100% computerized operations, FAME Raj Empire offers the convenience of reserving movie tickets through Internet, SMS as also delivery of tickets at your doorstep. If that’s not enough, the multiplex will also provide the ‘M-ticket’ facility, which enables patrons to book movie tickets through a voice-recognition service from their mobile phone, by calling a hotline number 505 3263 and paying through their credit card. This mobile ticketing service will be available for Hutch, Airtel and Idea subscribers.

     

     

    At FAME Raj Empire, every screen has been designed on a different theme ranging from Roman, Chinese, European, Russian, Egyptian to Arabian, to add to the visual drama. In addition to its special Arabic theme, Screen 6 will offer patrons the luxurious ‘Gold Class’ (Recliner Seats) and a separate Lounge (comfortable sofas) to unwind. The other five screens will provide ‘Premium’ and ‘Silver’ seating arrangements.

     

    Speaking at the launch, Mr. Shravan Shroff, Managing Director, Shringar Cinemas Limited, said,
    “We believe that movie viewing experience at a multiplex should be no less than exhilarating. In our endeavour to take this experience to a whole new level in Surat, FAME Raj Empire promises its discerning patrons a plethora of exclusive offerings including thematic screens, luxurious seating options, exciting movies, delectable cuisine and great interactive contests.”

    The FAME foyer will offer patrons a wide variety of food and snacks to choose from…Continental snacks counters, Chinese food carts, Ice-creams, special batata wada along with the movie must-have’s such as popcorn, samosas and cola.

    As with Shringar Cinemas’ other properties in Mumbai, Kolkata, Nashik and Pimpri (Pune), which have become benchmarks in providing world-class movie viewing experience in India, FAME Raj Empire is all set to become synonymous with the ‘buzz chahiye aa jayiye’ mantra. Red carpet events, opportunities to meet with the biggest Bollywood & TV stars, exclusive ticketed movie previews, innovative & exciting contest and numerous food festivals, are just some of the elements that will keep the buzz going at FAME Raj Empire. On an average, the multiplex will provide a choice of over 6 to 8 movies per day; ranging from Bollywood Blockbusters, Hollywood Hits and best of Regional Movies.

     

    About Shringar Cinemas Ltd.
    Shringar Cinemas Limited, listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange and National Stock Exchange, began with acquiring programming rights for theatres across the country and in a short span of 4 years the Company has set new standards in theater content, service and film viewing experience. April 2002 witnessed the launch of the first ever state-of-the-art five-screen multiplex of Mumbai – FAME Adlabs; followed by FAME Malad at the Inorbit Mall, FAME Nashik, FAME Raghuleela in Kandivali, FAME Hiland Park in Kolkata, and FAME Jai Ganesh in Pimpri (Pune). The latest addition is the new six-screen FAME Raj Empire multiplex in Surat, which will commence operations on 23rd June 2006. Shringar Cinemas Ltd is today growing at a rapid pace with 8 new FAME properties within the next 12 months. By the end of this year, FAME would extend its presence in Thane, Dadar and Ghatkopar (Mumbai), Chandigarh, Aurangabad, Hyderabad and Kolkata. FAME has redefined the movie-viewing experience for cinema patrons and has catalyzed the explosive growth of the multiplex industry across India

    For further information, please contact:
    Hemanshu Mistry/ Mervyn Christian
    Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
    Mobile No.: 98702 24273/ 09898064940

  • Max announces ‘Sabse Bada Deewana’ contest

    Max announces ‘Sabse Bada Deewana’ contest

    MUMBAI: Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy in September, the telecast rights holder Max is attempting to create a buzz in the market. Driving the initiative is a search for the ‘Sabse Bada Deewana’ to be launched across the country.

    Through the hunt, Max will choose the biggest “deewana” from across the country through auditions on-ground across six cities- Lucknow, Jaipur, Bhopal, Surat, Kolkata and Mumbai. Participants could either register by sending a sms “Deewana” to 2525 or turn up for an audition at the venue, said an official release.

    Speaking on the onset of Sabse Bada Deewana, Max EVP & business head Albert Almeida says, “This campaign will capture the true passion and fervor of the viewer and showcase what fuels his or her Deewanapan. The idea is to identify these deewanas, capture their deewanapan and present them to other passionate viewers of the channel.”

    According to Almeida, the on ground activity will be supported by an extensive off air and on air marketing campaign.

    Max will take the biggest deewana and movie fanatic of all times – Sajid Khan across these cities and hunt down the Sabse Bada Deewana of the nation. After rolling out auditions in six cities, the campaign moves further as the six deewanas chosen from the city will then be eliminated by viewer votes and the Sabse Bada Deewana would be chosen from amongst them, adds the release.