ITV

Tag: Turner

  • Warner’s revenues for the year rise marginally

    Warner’s revenues for the year rise marginally

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Time Warner has announced that its revenues rose four per cent over 2005 to $44.2 billion, reflecting increases at the company’s cable and networks segments.

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Dick Parsons said, “I am delighted that 2006 proved to be a good year for Time Warner. Taken together, our businesses performed well, and we achieved all of our announced financial objectives. We successfully executed on our strategy – enabling us to lead our industry and lay the foundation for creating significant new value. At the same time, we returned billions of dollars directly to our shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases.

    “We expect 2007 to be another superb year for Time Warner. Our businesses are well positioned to generate strong operating and financial performances. On the strategic front, we aim to create substantial incremental value by completing the integration of our recently acquired cable systems, further developing AOL’s online advertising business, and driving digital initiatives across the entire company.

    “In addition, we will continue to allocate our capital effectively, including the expected completion of our current $20 billion stock repurchase programme during the first half of 2007.”

    Fourth-quarter revenues climbed by eight per cent over the same period in 2005 to $12.5 billion, driven by increases at the cable and networks segments. In its networks division which comprises of Turner Broadcasting and HBO revenues for the year rose by seven per cent ($703 million) to $10.3 billion, benefiting from growth in subscription, ad and content revenues, including the consolidation of Court TV ($253 million) from January 1, 2006.

    Subscription revenues climbed nine per cent ($498 million), due to higher rates and, to a lesser extent, increased subscribers at Turner and HBO, as well as the consolidation of Court TV ($84 million). Included in the prior year results was a $22 million benefit from the resolution of certain contractual agreements at Turner. Ad revenues were up four per cent ($111 million), led by a 13 per cent increase at Turner, including Court TV ($164 million), offset primarily by the cessation of The WB Network’s operations in September 2006.

    Content revenues increased seven per cent ($70 million), due mainly to higher sales of HBO’s original programming, including the domestic cable sale of The Sopranos, offset partially by lower syndication sales of Sex and the City and the prior year licensing revenues from Everybody Loves Raymond, which ended its broadcast run in 2005.

    At AOL revenues for the year declined by five per cent ($417 million) to $7.9 billion, due to a 14 per cent decrease ($971 million) in Subscription revenues, offset in part by a 41 per cent increase ($548 million) in ad revenues.

    The lower subscription revenues resulted mainly from a decline in domestic AOL brand subscribers, which related partially to AOL’s strategy, implemented in August 2006, of offering its e-mail, certain software and other products free of charge to Internet users. Ad revenues reflected strong growth in display advertising, advertising run on third-party Web sites generated by Advertising.com and paid-search advertising.

    In the film segment revenues decreased by 11 per cent ($1.3 billion) to $10.6 billion, due to difficult comparisons to the prior year record performance at Warner Bros. In 2005, Warner Bros. finished number one in worldwide theatrical box office, driven by the success of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Batman Begins.

    In addition, a strong theatrical slate contributed to a record performance at Warner Home Video during 2005. These difficult comparisons and the lower performance of the theatrical slate in 2006 led to a decline at Warner Home Video in 2006.

  • Tata Sky, Zee Turner case: TDSAT asks for Trais’s position on DTH operations

    Tata Sky, Zee Turner case: TDSAT asks for Trais’s position on DTH operations

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (Tdsat) today asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to look into the issue of transponder capacity as raised by direct-to-home (DTH) service provider Tata Sky as a limiting factor.

    The Tdsat has also asked Trai whether it would like to regulate prices for channels on DTH operations, as it has done in the case of cable operations in the Cas regime, or let market forces operate as they are now, in terms of broadcasters fixing their own prices.

    Trai had been asked to state the time they would need to do so, and their counsel wanted two weeks. Trai has been asked to file an affidavit by 19 January.

    Tdsat was hearing the ongoing case between Tata Sky and Zee-Turner, regarding the fixing of channel offered by the latter, which Tata Sky found too high. Tata Sky had filed the case earlier also because according to it, Zee-Turner had not acceded to its request to stream signals over the issue of prices, violating Trai regulation.

    The matter came to head when Tata Sky alleged that Zee-Turner was indulging in cartelisation, since it was not only a MSO, but also part of a broadcaster on behalf of Turner.

    While the Tata Sky counsel was addressing the court, the Zee counsel intervened to say that though Tata Sky was challenging Zee’s contentions on the ground that it was an arm of broadcaster Turner, the same was the case with Tata Sky, which had an agreement with Star television, and could simply not seek to plead as just a DTH operator.

    Tata Sky had said during the arguments that it had to operate through various transponders, and the total capacity of these was limited; but Zee rebutted that over and above the channels Zee was giving Tata Sky, the latter was still able to beam local channels, so the issue of a limited capacity of transponders did not hold good.

    This is when the court decided to rise and discuss the issue between the brother judges.

    On resumption of hearing, the court, instead of allowing the parties to continue arguments, directly addressed the Trai counsel and said that there are “larger issues that are worrying us”, and asked Trai to come out with their position.

    While the counsel for Tata Sky referred to an earlier judgement of the same court (July 14, 2006), the court said certain issues may have been overlooked and hence, it was only Trai that would first need to state its position.

  • Turner to launch broadband network in the US in January

    Turner to launch broadband network in the US in January

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) is further expanding its portfolio of consumer businesses on emerging platforms.

    It will launch Super Deluxe, an online comedy channel combined with interactive online-community tools, will launch on broadband in January 2007. Super Deluxe will be ad-supported, making the network entirely free to consumers, and will integrate advertising in different ways.

    Turner Entertainment Group president Mark Lazarus says, “Super Deluxe is not only the latest innovation from Turner Broadcasting, which pioneered such concepts as the basic cable network and the 24-hour news channel, but also the most recent addition to the company’s growing broadband network portfolio that includes CNN Pipeline and GameTap, among others. Its combination of original content and extensive online community tools will make it an ideal destination for young adults eager for this type of material in a dynamic interactive environment.”

    Drew Reifenberger will be Super Deluxe senior VP, GM. He said, “Today, the online comedy experience is largely comprised of random clips and homemade movies contained within a generic experience. Super Deluxe is focused on original, ‘television-quality’ programming, presented with a distinct editorial voice and in a highly interactive and social environment. It will deliver an experience more akin to watching your favorite TV show with friends – hanging out and sharing a laugh.”

    Super Deluxe will offer original comedy from both established and rising comedy stars, developed exclusively for the network and celebrating the artists’ creative spirit, providing comedic talents a forum to showcase and share their own inspired concepts and performances. Each artist will have his/her own personalised area featuring exclusive content, a blog and opportunities to promote appearances and projects or further customize their part of the network.

    Original programming will range from short films and sketches to episodic series and more. In addition to being available online, Super Deluxe content will be available via cable VOD, wireless devices and personal media players.

    Programming is just the beginning, however. Super Deluxe’s community tools will allow fans to interact with artists and each other, adding an extra dimension of value for the consumer. Through these tools, fans can express their own sense of humuor and interact with artists and others by creating their own profiles, uploading their own videos, rating and sharing content, making comments, sending messages and more. Fans can even join or create groups with other artists and users to share and discuss their favorite humorous topics, comedians or anything else that strikes their interest.

  • Turner inks deal with Nokia for Cartoon Network mobile content

    Turner inks deal with Nokia for Cartoon Network mobile content

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting and Nokia have announced that high-quality content from Turner’s Cartoon Network will be made available for consumer downloads through the Nokia Content Discoverer client, embedded in Nokia devices available in markets globally. The territories covered under this agreement include United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Belgium, The Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and Norway.

    Under this multi-country deal between the companies, mobile subscribers will be able to browse, download and purchase over-the-air Cartoon Network games, video clips, and other content from a dedicated Cartoon Network mobile content “storefront” available to consumers through the device-resident Nokia Content Discoverer client, part of Nokia’s complete mobile content ecosystem, informs an official release.

    A selection of Cartoon Network favourites – ranging from Johnny Bravo to Dexter’s Laboratory will be offered on the service. The new agreement provides a method for people to quickly access and enjoy Cartoon Network entertainment on buses, at school or in the office, according to Turner Broadcasting vice president Commercial Distribution and Digital Media Sales Phil Lawrie. 

    “Turner is delighted to offer a Cartoon Network catalog as part of the exciting Nokia Content Discoverer initiative,” said Lawrie. “Accessing and buying mobile content can often be challenging for the end-user. Having an embedded showcase for our Cartoon Network content as part of Nokia Content Discoverer will eliminate these barriers and provide a shop window for games, video clips, wallpapers and much more in the future. In a nutshell, it’s content purchase made easy – with a positive commercial outcome for all stakeholders: Turner, Nokia and the network operator. And our consumers will now be just a few key-strokes away from Cartoon Network favorites like The Powerpuff Girls and Dexter’s Laboratory.” 

    “Offering popular entertainment from Cartoon Network will greatly enhance the value of the Nokia Content Discoverer program to network operators and to the end consumers,” commented Forum Nokia (Nokia’s global developer program) director business development and channels Brad Brockhaug.

    “We’re excited by the addition of this outstanding new content catalog and look forward to working closely with Turner Broadcasting to address the enormous opportunities for content consumption in the global mobile marketplace.” 

    Nokia Content Discoverer facilitates easy access to downloadable content by mobile subscribers through a collection of shopping mall “stores” run by branded content providers, leading content aggregators and mobile service providers. Operators are able to build their own branded mobile shopping mall, with better positioning of content and the presence of the operator’s brand on the device, generating higher adoption. Consumers’ experience of content shopping is greatly enhanced through Nokia Content Discoverer’s advanced on-device caching of content catalog metadata which allows free browsing of the content stores in the mobile mall, as well as automatic content updates, integrated preview/prelisten and proficient content installation capabilities, adds the release.

    Nokia Content Discoverer is currently embedded in select S60 and Series 40 devices, including the Nseries multimedia devices (Nokia N70, N71, N72, N73, N80 and N93), Eseries devices for enterprise users (Nokia E50, E60, E61 and E70), Nokia 5500, and Nokia 3250 handsets currently available in mainland China and on Nokia 6131 devices in China and other Asia-Pacific markets. Nokia Content Discoverer is expected to be in the hands of over 20 million consumers worldwide by the end of 2006.

  • Time Warner 2Q revenue grows marginally

    Time Warner 2Q revenue grows marginally

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Time Warner has reported financial results for its second quarter ended 30 June 2006.

    Revenues rose by one per cent over the same period in 2005 to $10.7 billion, led by growth at the cable and networks segments. Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortisation climbed seven per cent to $2.7 billion, reflecting double-digit increases at the cable and filmed entertainment segments as well as a gain at the networks segment.

    This growth was offset partly by declines at the publishing and AOL segments. Operating income rose to $1.8 billion from a prior year loss, reflecting primarily higher adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortisation and the absence of the $3 billion in legal reserves related to securities litigation recognized in the prior year quarter.

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Dick Parsons said, “We are pleased with this quarter’s results, which put us firmly on track to achieve our full-year financial objectives. Especially significant was our generation of Free Cash Flow over the first half of the year, totaling more than $2.6 billion, or 49 per cent of our Adjusted OIBDA. Our cable, filmed entertainment and networks segments delivered standout operating performances, while AOL posted a better-than-expected quarter. Key to these results were impressive strength in AOL’s advertising revenues and across-the-board subscriber and profit growth at Time Warner Cable.

    “With the closing of the Adelphia-Comcast transaction, Time Warner Cable is now focused on integrating and upgrading the acquired systems and setting the stage for an aggressive deployment of Time Warner Cable’s advanced digital video, high-speed data and digital phone services in the coming months. In addition, we are continuing to return substantial value directly to our shareholders – including repurchasing 14 per cent of our outstanding common stock for approximately $11.7 billion since starting the programme last year.”

    Television networks (Turner Broadcasting, HBO and The WB Network) revenues rose by nine per cent to $2.7 billion, reflecting higher subscription and ad revenues – including the consolidation of Court TV ($65 million). Subscription revenues climbed nine per cent due to higher rates and increased subscribers at Turner and HBO as well as the consolidation of Court TV ($20 million), offset in part by a favorable audit claim settlement in the prior year quarter.

    Ad revenues were up eight per cent led by an 11 per cent growth at Turner, including Court TV ($43 million), offset partly by a nine per cent decrease at The WB Network. Content revenues increased by seven per cent due primarily to higher ancillary sales of HBO’s original programming.

    At AOL, revenues declined by two per cent to $2.0 billion, due to an 11 per cent decrease in subscription revenues, offset in part by a 40 per cent increase ($129 million) in ad revenues. The decline in subscription revenues was due primarily to a decrease in domestic AOL brand subscribers and an unfavorable impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The growth in ad revenues reflected strong growth across each of the major ad categories – display, pay for performance and paid-search.

    Revenues from movies declined by 10 per cent to $2.4 billion, due primarily to difficult comparisons to higher home video revenues in the prior year quarter, which included Ocean’s 12 and The Aviator as well as several seasons of Seinfeld. Additionally, the second quarter of 2005 had benefitted from revenue from theatrical product on television, including various Harry Potter availabilities.

  • Turner to launch Cartoon Network in Korea

    Turner to launch Cartoon Network in Korea

    MUMBAI: Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) has teamed up with South Korea’s media group JoongAng Ilbo (JAI) to launch Cartoon Network Korea.

    The agreement was signed by TBS Korea vice president Ron Lee and JoongAng Broadcasting Corporation (JBC)- a JAI media group company- president and CEO Mun-Yeon Kim.

    In keeping with the Korean broadcast regulations, the majority stake in the joint venture will be held by JAI’s JBC, with Turner holding a 49 per cent stake in the partnership. Cartoon Network Korea will be languaged in Korean.

    To debut later this year, Cartoon Network Korea will showcase the best in animation, offering both Korean and international animation. Predominantly an animation channel, it will bring together a unique mix of new as well as recognised programming to Korean kids.

    Kim said, “The launch of Cartoon Network Korea is a very significant event for us and for the Korean television industry as the launch of the Network officially kicks off. Cartoon Network Korea will combine the unique strengths of both partners, and will build on our unrivalled knowledge and expertise to create a kids’ channel that will raise the bar and set new standards of excellence in the kids’ entertainment genre. Cartoon Network Korea will offer a variety of multi-genre animation titles from its world-renowned library, and will provide more than just Japanese titles or a single style of animation genre.”

    Lee added, “To successfully operate in a highly developed market such as Korea, it is imperative to enter into an alliance with a local partner. In JoongAng Ilbo, we are partnering with an acknowledged leader in the Korean media business. The partnership is a natural extension of our long standing relationship with JAI and is further strengthened by JAI’s deep understanding of our brand philosophy. By making this strategic investment to create a unique kids’ entertainment channel in Korea, we are demonstrating our commitment to cater to the specific viewing preferences of the young Korean audience.”

    “As a leading player in the kids’ entertainment genre in Asia-Pacific, we understand that effective localisation is key for a network to resonate with the audience. Given our experience in successfully delivering specialised Cartoon Network services across the Asia-Pacific, we are confident that our compelling and diverse array of content, specially engineered for kids in Korea, will open up a whole new viewing experience for them,” said Turner Entertainment Networks Asia senior vice president and general manager Ian Diamond.

    Cartoon Network Korea will provide a diverse mix of content drawn from production companies from around the world including Japan, Korea and Cartoon Network’s own library – comprising more than 14,000 Warner Bros., MGM, Hanna-Barbera and Cartoon Network Originals series and shorts. Cartoon Network Korea will also work closely with JAI to examine opportunities for the development of animation in Korea.