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Tag: Tony D

  • Tony D’silva draws up wishlist for MIB

    Tony D’silva draws up wishlist for MIB

    MUMBAI: The Information and Broadcasting Minister (I&B) Prakash Javadekar wants a happy Media and Entertainment industry. And for the same, he has been meeting the members of the industry personally to understand their concerns and devise a way forward.

     

    The cable TV industry, which is currently undergoing digitisation, is looking up to the Minister for a better tomorrow. While digitisation of the 120 million cable TV homes in phase III and phase IV took a backseat with the general elections, so did the launch of the Headend in the Sky (HITS) by Grant Investrade, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Hinduja Ventures.

     

    Now with the Ministry throwing some clarity on the next two phases of digitisation, Hinduja group on Monday paid the Rs 10 crore licence fee to the Ministry to move things forward. But, this isn’t all, with this, the expectations from the Ministry has also risen.

     

    In a conversation with indiantelevision.com, IMCL MD & group CEO Tony D’silva lists down his wishlist from the new government and especially the I&B Minister.

     

    • The I&B must demonstrate its commitment to digitisation by immediately announcing the future dates of the remaining two phases.

     

    • According to me, unlike phase I and phase II of digitisation, the government should consider digitising not phases, but complete states. This will also avoid the confusion of neighbouring markets like Hyderabad / Secunderabad, Mumbai and suburbs, Delhi and surrounding markets as well as prevent piracy of signals.

     

    The advantage of doing state-wise digitisation is that if the whole state is involved, the state government can easily estimate its revenues and join forces to ensure implementation. (Similar method was followed in some other countries).

     

    • Broadcaster pricing needs to be worked out more meaningfully in states that are not yet digitised. From my understanding for most broadcasters, phase I and II contribute at least 75 per cent or more of their existing revenues that is from approximately 30 million homes. This means that the rest 25 per cent or so of their business comes from the 100 million- 120 million homes that fall in the next two phases. So when you look at the ratios, then what really should be the pricing of the broadcasters? Broadcaster pricing is the key to the success of digitisation in phase III and IV.

     

    • The broadcaster pricing has to be different. It has to be territory wise and therefore, digitising a complete state is more feasible. The MSOs, broadcasters and the TRAI can sit and discuss in an environment which is more transparent and also come up with pricing which is more viable for phase III and IV.

     

    •  The Hinduja group is committed to invest over $100 million, to set up its HITS business, which is a white label backend service provider to support the smaller operators and help them retain their business and livelihood (the industry employs a few million people), hence it’s important to support the LMO. The group has already invested a couple of crores on the project, but needs a confirmed date for digitisation, before its expense meter starts ticking (transponder payments etc).

     

    • While we do support the government’s effort to encourage indigenisation of set top boxes (STBs), the government should also ensure that it is offered at comparative or better terms than international suppliers (price, credit facilities, repairs, servicing etc). A roadmap for future high end STBs should also be provided.

     

    • One of the key players in the value chain is the LMO. Enough by way of regulation and processes has not been done for them as yet. This needs a complete relook in light of the present situation in phase I and II markets.

     

    • I believe that one of the key objectives of digitisation is consumer choice. Government must insist on the prepaid model along with packaging of channels from day one of digitisation in phase III and IV markets, or else we will face the same problems like the ones in phases I and II.

     

    • The LMO has been the backbone of the C&S industry. In view of this, the government must find a way to encourage them to grow their business. The current licencing policy is completely against the interest of a small LMO. I fail to understand why an operator who has existed for years in the market is asked to get a fresh licence from the centre?  I can’t understand if he is a pan India operator, who already has a licence and has a registered business and is even paying his taxes, then why should digitisation change his status?

     

    If he does not comply with the guidelines, action can be taken by the regulator or the market forces will anyway drive him out of business as there are alternatives to consumers like DTH etc. This needs some immediate intervention.

     

    • The industry is heavily burdened with huge investments due to digitisation. Investments have been made in headends, backend services and STBs, among other things. I earnestly request that the C&S business be given an industry status. Also a relief from double tax: service tax and entertainment tax is needed. Reduction in import duties is also a necessity as it directly affects the customer. Also the entertainment tax needs to come down. It should be a percentage of the package the customer chooses, rather than have one set rule for all the households.

     

    • Another issue is of TRAI’s current regulation on de-aggregation. While the regulation was supposed to help the MSOs, it has had an adverse effect. So, I would like to appeal to the broadcasters and the authorities to intervene and bring about the reasonable pricing model that facilitates business. The broadcasters need to take a long term view of how they can monetise the content, because the old theory of everyone wanting to be on the basic pack cannot work anymore.
  • Ravi Mansukhani to handle content business for IMCL associate Indusind Entertainment

    Ravi Mansukhani to handle content business for IMCL associate Indusind Entertainment

    MUMBAI:  For quite a while now, multi-system operator (MSO) IndusInd Media and Communications Limited (IMCL) has been focused on distribution though it started out with local content. However, the MSO has decided to revisit its core strength, with none other than former MD Ravi Mansukhani taking up the gauntlet.

     

    Ever since Ravi stepped down from his position in February, making way for Tony D’Silva, speculation has been rife about his next move. In the midst of all this, indiantelevision.com found out that he will be returning to the fold, albeit in a new role. “Digitisation has new content challenges and that content needs to be segmented,” Hinduja group sources say.  “He has played a crucial role in IMCL in the last decade, but prior to that, he was also in charge of content. So, he has experience in different spheres. Now, it is up to the promoters to utilize his services.”

     

    The Hinduja Group is looking at developing content as a major international vertical.

     

    Ravi meanwhile said, “Yes, I will be taking up the role. But nothing is finalized yet. The exact role still needs to be discussed,” before clarifying that there would be clarity on his new job profile only after a couple of more meetings.

     

    The Hinduja Media group , according to industry sources, is not only interested in localised content but also animation and some of this would be sourced from Indusind Entertainment.  If they are to be believed, Ravi may be involved with content related to animation and might be working closely with Ambika Hinduja. Further, the company may also be looking at setting up an animation facility with Ravi working on it.

     

    With the Hinduja group acquiring the license for its Headend In The Sky (HITS) project, and phase III and phase IV to be tapped by both the MSO and the HITS platform, will foraying into content help? “Content can do well, only if the distribution does,” said a source.

  • IMCL makes managerial changes

    IMCL makes managerial changes

    MUMBAI: It was in January this year when the IndusInd Media & Communications Limited (IMCL), a subsidiary of Hinduja Ventures Limited (HVL) brought in huge top management changes, which sent shock waves to the entire industry.

     

    The media arm of HVL, which appointed Tony D’silva as the group CEO-media of HVL and also the IMCL MD and CEO had then said that the restructuring is to enhance synergy across its various media initiatives.

     

    Now, the multi system operator (MSO) has got in more resources to build the business as it goes in the phase III and phase IV of DAS markets. Strengthening team D’silva is Amar Chintopanth who has joined as the new group chief financial officer – Media of HVL. Chintopanth will report to  D’silva.

     

    Commenting on the appointment,  D’silva said: “I am delighted to welcome Amar to the team at Hinduja Ventures and I’m sure his rich experience in the financial space will help us immensely as we work towards the next phase of digitisation and growth.”

     

    “I am honoured to be part of the Hinduja Group and thank the HVL Board for entrusting me with this responsibility,” said Chintopanth on his new role. He added, “My immediate focus is to continue the emphasis on taking advantage of opportunities presented by digitisation in the cable business.”

     

    Not only this, the company has also roped in Rouse Koshy, a former Hathway hand who is now IMCL- All India- head of operations. IMCL has also appointed Aslam Mulla as its vice president operations west region. The trio joined the company in mid-March.   

     

    With D’silva having to juggle between the new HITS project and also looking at IMCL, the new entrants in the company will surely help him take IMCL to new heights.   

  • IndusInd Media undergoing complete top management overhaul

    IndusInd Media undergoing complete top management overhaul

     MUMBAI: Hinduja Ventures Limited-owned IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd is going in for a complete overhaul of its top management.

     

     After having appointed Tony D’silva as the MD and CEO of IndusInd Media and also as Hinduja Venture’s Group CEO – media, the company is also looking at bringing in fresh faces in other key positions, sources said.

     

     D’silva’s appointment has combined the positions of the managing director and chief executive officer at IndusInd Media, which were earlier held by two persons – Ravi Mansukhani as the MD and Nagesh Chabria as the CEO.

     

     Ravi Mansukhani’s resignation has already been accepted by the company’s board of directors. Chabria’s position as CEO has become untenable with D’silva’s appointment.

     

     According to sources in the company, Chabria has resigned and is currently serving a notice period. Indiantelevision.com could not reach Chabria for a comment.

     

     The company sources also said IndusInd Media’s chief financial officer Dilip Panjwani and chief technology officer Vivek Garg too could be replaced soon.

     

    When contacted, Panjwani denied rumours that he has resigned. “This isn’t true. I haven’t resigned and neither am I serving my notice period,” he said.

     

     Hinduja Ventures reported that for the nine months ended 31 December, 2013, IndusInd Media and Communications had revenues of Rs 21.86 million, down 50 per cent from Rs 43.73 million a year ago.

     

    Surprisingly, IndusInd Media and Communications’ revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2013 has been shown as nil.

     

     For the nine months ended 31 December, 2013, IndusInd Media Communications had a loss of Rs 84.47 million against profit before tax of Rs 16.72 million a year ago.

     

     The poor operational performance and the appointment of D’silva comes in the midst of IndusInd Media’s plans to launch new digital cable services like HD services, hybrid set-top boxes for cable TV and internet and other value-added services.

     

     IndusInd  Media has an estimated 8.5 million subscribers across 36 cities and offers over 350 channels in digital mode. It has a backbone of 10,000 kms of hybrid fibre optic network through which it also offers broadband services.

  • Tony D’silva to spearhead Hinduja Group’s media business

    Tony D’silva to spearhead Hinduja Group’s media business

    MUMBAI: Cable TV industry is undergoing major changes and in this wave of change has come a shocker. IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd. (IMCL) managing director Ravi Mansukhani, has stepped down from his position. Mansukhani, who has been associated with IMCL for more than seven years, had earlier expressed the desire to relinquish his services, which was accepted by the board of directors in the board meeting held on 31 January.

     

    “Yes, I have stepped down,” confirmed Mansukhani without commenting further.

     

    The board has now appointed Tony D’silva as IMCL MD and CEO with immediate effect and also approved certain other key management changes. D’silva who is currently the president of Hinduja Ventures Limited (HVL) has also been re-designated as Group CEO- media of HVL. As Group CEO –media and MD and CEO of IMCL, D’silva will hold the responsibility to restructure entire media business and value creation.

     

    It is notable that HVL is restructuring its media vertical in order to enhance synergy across its various media initiatives. And to support this initiative, Rs 300 crore is being invested in the media business.

     

    D’silva has been associated with HVL for the past one and a half years and comes with more than four decades of rich experience spread across media, FMCG and pharma sectors holding senior positions. He has a creditable track record of setting up and scaling up media ventures. D’silva began his media foray in 1992 as Modi Entertainment CEO and in 1997 helped Zee TV launch its international business in UK. Upon his return to India in 2001, he joined Star as executive VP and consolidated its TV business. He joined the Sun Group in 2007 to set up Sun Direct DTH as CEO, and then took over as the Group CEO, overseeing its entire media business including TV, print and radio.

  • MCOF to hold seminar for LMOs

    MCOF to hold seminar for LMOs

    MUMBAI: With Last Mile Operators (LMOs) viewing digitisation as a threat and legal tussles between them and Multi System Operators (MSOs) on the rise, the Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation (MCOF) has organised an educational and business seminar on ‘challenges and opportunities post DAS’ to address their growing concerns.

    To be held on 23 November at the Prabhodhankar Thakarey Krida Sankool in Vile Parle, Mumbai, the seminar will see the who’s who of the industry educate LMOs about the kind of business opportunities lying in wait.

    Addressing operators from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Goa will be Castle Media director Vynsley Fernandes, who will speak on ‘global industry standards and trends’; HSBC Securities (Telecom and Media) lead analyst Rajiv Sharma, who will touch upon the financial aspects; former Sun group CEO Tony D’Silva, who will discuss HITS (Headends in the Sky) technology, UPASS managing director Ravindra Deshmukh and PING Network founder Prashanto Das, who will talk about global trends in broadcasting.

    Also among the invitees are small scale industries and the State Bank of India (SBI) regional head.

    Says MCOF president Arvind Prabhoo: “There is a lot of confusion about digitisation and LMOs feel the business is going out of their hands but if you understand what digitisation is and how to go about it as well as reorient yourself to the changing scenario, then you don’t look at it as a challenge but as an opportunity. I want LMOs to know that digitisation is not a threat and remove the fear factor from their mind.”

    A few women cable operators are also expected to attend the seminar that will be conducted in both Hindi and English. Nearly 500 to 600 LMOs are likely to participate with registration fees fixed at Rs 500 per head. Leading Marathi and Gujarati newspapers will be carrying advertorials tomorrow and day after to promote the event.

    Apart from challenges and opportunities post DAS, the seminar will also cover topics such as maximizing broadband penetration, optimised network architecture in DAS and future proof, Value Added Services (VAS), identifying right equipment and spares, supply tie ups and employee training.