ITV

Tag: TV

  • Endemol posts 24% growth in turnover

    Endemol posts 24% growth in turnover

    MUMBAI: Televison format creator and distributor Endemol has announced its results for 2006.

    It recorded a turnover of 1,117.4 million euros. This was a 24.1 per cent growth compared to 2005. Organic growth was 20.9 per cent.

    Net income attributable to the shareholders was 96.8 million euros which is 8.7 per cent of the turnover. This marks a 17.2 per cent growth compared to 2005.

    Earnings per share was 0.77 euros compared to 0.66 euros in 2005. The company says that there was growth in all genres. There was a 22.2 per cent gain in non-scripted, 8.5 per cent growth in scripted and 65.3 per cent rise in digital media. Growth, it says, took place in almost all territories. The standout performers were the UK, US, Italy and Spain.

    Endemol CEO Elías Rodríguez-Viña said, “In the last year we have managed to grow in all areas of our business activities, as well as in almost every territory. We are especially pleased with the performance of Deal or No Deal, which has climbed to second place in our Top 10 formats, and which we believe has a very promising future.

    ” We are also confident about the future prospects of other game shows launched following the success of Dond. For example, 1vs100, a revamped game show from our library, is now being produced in eight countries, and continues to roll out worldwide following successful launches in the US and the U.K.

    “Our creative strength and worldwide distribution network are key assets for creating local and global hits, expanding our business and adding value to our company. The acquisition of Endemol France is expected to be earnings enhancing, before acquisition-related amortization, for Endemol from the first year. With Endemol France back into the Group we are looking forward to another year of strong growth in 2007.”

    Under expected market circumstances, we forecast to grow organically by 5-7 per cent. Including the reintegration of Endemol France turnover is expected to grow by more than 20 per cent in total in 2007.

  • Lifebuoy and ‘Krrish’ star Hrithik Roshan entertain kids

    Lifebuoy and ‘Krrish’ star Hrithik Roshan entertain kids

    NEW DELHI: As part of their ongoing promotional campaign ‘Lifebuoy Main Bhi Krissh’, HLL brought together the movie’s super hero Hrithik Roshan to meet up with ten lucky contest winners. Lifebuoy had tied up with the movie Krrish, for joint promotion.

    The little stars had a fun filled evening playing games, painting cards for Hrithik, solving puzzles and interacting with the star. The kids also had an opportunity to be photographed with Hrithik and receive memorabilia from the Krrish hero.

    Talking about the promotional campaign, HLL marketing manager Punit Misra revealed that Lifebuoy stands for encouraging the hero within us. The germ of the idea began with the thought that super hero Krrish turns into a hero as soon as he puts on the mask, thus the synergy between Lifebuoy & the movie was born. Similarly, bathing with Lifebuoy would give the children unlimited protection against germs.

    The Krrish superhero Hrithik Roshan said that he was delighted with the successful response from the “Lifebuoy Main Bhi Krrish” promotion. He also thanked Lifebuoy for this unique opportunity to meet the little stars.

    Misra also added “The “Lifebuoy main bhi Krrish” promotion had an over whelming response, receiving more than thirty thousand entries, out of which ten lucky winners were chosen. The chosen winners were from different parts of India, as far as Amritsar, Vijayawada, Ahmedabad, Kolhapur etc, traveled to Mumbai from their respective locations to meet their favourite hero. We are over whelmed by the enthusiasm & response received by the kids that we received for this promotion.”

     

  • BBC to kick off search for anthem for 2012 Olympics

    MUMBAI: UK pubcaster the BBC has announced that its radio station BBC London’s Anthem for 2012 Olympics competition launches next week inviting all Londoners to compose an anthem for the capital.

    BBC London in conjunction with Sing London – a festival to take place this summer to is looking for the song which will become synonymous with London.

    Each year from now until 2012, a song will be chosen by BBC London viewers and listeners to compete to be BBC London’s Anthem for 2012. This the BBC is hopinh will be the tune on everyone’s lips when the Olympics take place.

    This year’s winner will be arranged and performed by professionals and will also get huge exposure this summer during the Sing London Festival. It will form part of the programme of singing events around the city in such prestigious venues as The Roundhouse and the South Bank.

    It will also be sung in schools across London as we move towards the Olympics and will be available for download at bbc.co.uk/london and singlondon.org.

    The closing date for entries for this year’s competition is 5 April 2007. bbc.co.uk/london for all entry details. The song should be no longer than three minutes.

    A panel of experts, including BBC London 94.9’s Robert Elms, will select a shortlist of five songs.

    In early May the BBC London audience will hear all five shortlisted songs, arranged and performed by professionals. BBC London listeners and viewers will vote for the winner.

  • Cookie Jar Ent. inks deals with North American broadcasters for ‘Magi-Nation’

    Cookie Jar Ent. inks deals with North American broadcasters for ‘Magi-Nation’

    MUMBAI: Cookie Jar Entertainment has forged a deal with Kids’ WB! on The CW in the US, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and Radio-Canada to be the North American broadcast homes for the new original series Magi-Nation, from the action-adventure brand Coliseum. The networks will broadcast the show’s first 26 episodes.

    “We are pleased to have placed ‘Magi-Nation’ with some of the top broadcasters in children’s entertainment,” said Cookie Jar Entertainment president and COO Toper Taylor. “The addition of ‘Magi-Nation’ to our growing library of action-adventure shows demonstrates Cookie Jar’s commitment to expanding our creative and balanced portfolio of quality programs for kids of all ages.”

    “With the multi-platform capabilities of ‘Magi-Nation,’ the series will organically extend its animated adventures – and Kids’ WB! branded entertainment – far beyond the television screen,” said Kids’ WB! senior vice president and general manager Betsy McGowen.

    A Cookie Jar and Daiwon (South Korea) co-production, Magi-Nation follows the adventures of 15-year-old Tony Jones, whose world is forever changed when he is mystically transported into Magi Nation – a beautiful world far beyond imagination that was created millennia ago by a powerful race known as the Magi. Here Tony meets Edyn and Strag, two young Magi heroes in training, who help him discover his vast new magical environment. Magi-Nation is based on the “Magi-Nation” game originally developed and published by Interactive Imagination Corporation, informs an official release.

    “I’m thrilled to have ‘Magi-Nation’ on the CBC. There is so much strength and appeal in a great fantasy adventure for school-aged kids. I can’t wait to see them get immersed in this property,” said CBC Children’s and Youth Programming creative head Kim Wilson.

    A multi-platform entertainment brand, kids will enter the world of Magi-Nation this fall via the 2-D animated television series, where they can follow the adventures of the three young Magi heroes. From there, fans can experience the continuing action of Tony Jones, Edyn and Strag via mobile and internet platforms as they navigate their way through environmental obstacles and confront the constant challenges and creatures that threaten the vitality of the 12 precious Moonlands of Magi Nation.

  • WWE’s latest stunt involves Donald Trump

    WWE’s latest stunt involves Donald Trump

    MUMBAI: The World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE() has annou8nced that in its pay per view Wrestlemania which takes place next month real estate moghul Donald Trump will face off against WWE chairman Vince McMahon.

    In India viewers can catch WWE on Ten Sports. The two billionaires have been building towards a confrontation for weeks, after Trump upstaged McMahon on WWE fan appreciation night by dumping thousands of dollars from an arena ceiling. They will contest in a hair match.

    Meanwhile more than 63,000 tickets for Wrestlemania have been sold meaning that WWE has earned $5 million.

  • Delta, HBO in alliance

    Delta, HBO in alliance

    MUMBAI: Bolstering its efforts to transform the in-flight travel experience and offer customers more choices, Delta Air Lines will become the first airline to offer HBO content and popular programs on worldwide flights.

    In a few months time, customers can view a 30-minute block of HBO content composed exclusively for Delta. Passengers can also view a new dedicated HBO channel, available on Delta’s seatback in-flight entertainment system, that will offer 40 to 50 hours of content.

    This includes programming, ranging from original series, movies, theatrical films, mini-series, TV movies, stand-up comedies and family programming. This will all be available on flights featuring Delta’s digital on-demand entertainment system. The HBO channel will be available to First class and international BusinessElite customers at no cost and to domestic Economy class customers for $5 per feature film or movie and $2 for all other television programmes.

    The half an hour programme blocks, composed exclusively for Delta, will feature material such as ‘behind-the-scenes’ footage from HBO original series and interviews with actors and directors from the network’s programming slate.

  • Viacom partners with online global TV distribution platform Joost

    Viacom partners with online global TV distribution platform Joost

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom and broadcast-quality Internet television service Joost have announced that Viacom will be a key content partner.

    It will offer a range of brands and programming for free to consumers on the Joost distribution platform.

    Under the agreement, Viacom’s divisions – MTV, Bet and Paramount Pictures – will provide television and theatrical programming on the Joost platform. Founded by Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis who were behind Skype, Joost is powered by an Internet platform that enables premium interactive video experiences while guaranteeing copyright protection for content owners and creators. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    Joost will allow users to have free access to thousands of programs and channels not readily available on the Web. Through Joost, viewers can watch programming from many of Viacom’s brands on their computers through a customizable platform with advanced television viewing features such as links that lead to more information or related websites based on the content; and a variety of plug-in applications, such as instant messaging, message boards, and news tickers.

    Currently available in limited beta, Joost combines TV and the internet by offering viewers a TV-like experience. Joost is the first online, global TV distribution platform, bringing together advertisers, content owners and viewers in an interactive, community-driven environment, according to an official release.

    MTV will offer shows, both past and present, including Laguna Beach, Beavis and Butthead, Real World. Comedy Central will feature episodes from Stella, CCP’s and Freak Show. Nickelodeon, CMT: Country Music Television, MTV2, Logo, Spike TV, mtvU, and Gametrailers.com will also provide content.

    VH1’s offerings will include episodes of Flavour of Love, Surreal Life and I Love New York.

  • Horlicks campaign makes the exam ‘bhoot’ vanish

    Horlicks campaign makes the exam ‘bhoot’ vanish

    MUMBAI: Exams can give nightmares and sweaty palms to some of the bravest kids. As exam fear inches closer, some of the tips put out by Horlicks should help both children and parents get over the ‘ghost’ of exams.

    Horlicks launched a campaign called ‘Horlicks Exam Ka Bhoot Bhagao’ in 14 cities of India in January. As a part of this campaign, Horlicks had conducted interactive sessions in schools where students were provided with valuable exam tips and health tips to prepare better for exams.

    The Horlicks ‘ Exam ka Bhoot Bhagao’ campaign has put out several tips that include how to beat distraction and concentrate better, exam tips for your learning style, techniques to sharpen your memory and maximize concentration and the D-E-T-E-R strategy to crack your exams.

    There’s advice for the almost as nervous parents as well with pointers on how to support your kids during exams and important tips to care of the child’s health. Sample this advice from the campaign: D-E-T-E-R strategy to crack your exams D = Directions

    Read the test directions very carefully.

    Ask the teacher to explain any part of the test directions that you do not understand. Following directions helps you demonstrate what you know better.

    E = Examine

    Examine the entire test to see how much you have to do
    Then break it down into parts that become manageable for you

    T = Time

    Once you have examined the entire test, decide how much time you will spend on each section. If there are different points for various sections, then plan to spend the most time on the sections which would make you earn maximum points
    Planning your time is especially important for essay tests

    E = Easiest

    The second E in DETER reminds you to answer the section you find the easiest first If you get stuck on a difficult section that comes up early in the test, move onto the next question.

    R = Review

    Once you are done, review your answers and make them as complete and accurate as possible. Also make sure to review the test directions to ascertain you have answered all required items.

     

  • Trai faces QoS issue to ensure improved Cas rollout

    Trai faces QoS issue to ensure improved Cas rollout

    NEW DELHI: Many cable households are unhappy with repeated signal failure and Trai is now faced with the issue of what to do about enforcing Quality of Service provisions, sources tell indiantelevision.com.

    One of the major confusions in the market in the national Capital is what are the cable operators doing about the billing of chosen channels.

    At the moment, the operators are giving all the channels that can be shown in India, and they have been telling the subscribers, those who have filled up the forms indicating their choice, that at the end of the month, they would be charged for what they have indicated in the forms.

    “The COs have told us that the programming for each STB is taking time, but they would charge each household what the latter has opted for,” the official said.

    He said also that the COs are watching the scenario. “They feel that in a month or two, subscribers might want to drop some channels and want others, or just want more channels than they have opted for now. So then, they would have to do the programming all over again.”

    The official felt that the COs want the situation to stabilise before they get into programming for “watch what you pay for”.

    However, in many cases, the COs have registered the subscribers and taken the advance charges at the beginning, when they gave the STBs but have so far not returned for collecting the advance fees for February.

    “This means subscribers would suddenly be faced with having to pay for two months if the COs do not take the fees for February now,” said an official, agreeing that all this is causing more confusion than is good for the ongoing Cas rollout to regain the traction it has lost quite a bit of recently.

    One MSO is not showing contact numbers in the appropriate window when the signal goes off, and still signal loss is quite a regular phenomenon and, though less than in the beginning, there is a lot of pixelisation of images.

    The MSOs have so far not raised the issue of QoS being enforced, for reasons best known to them. But they are aware that this is one of the reasons for not just slowdown of Cas rollout, but in many cases, people wanting to return the boxes and settle for just the FTAs.

    In a report last week, indiantelevision,com had reported the worries amongst MSOs on these issues, and their informing Trai that broadcasters and they themselves need to do attractive packaging and ensure QoS, but nothing seems to have materialised so far.

  • Pyramid Saimira board clears plans to raise $100 million via FCCB

    Pyramid Saimira board clears plans to raise $100 million via FCCB

    MUMBAI: Pyramid Saimira Theatre’s (PSTL) board has approved plans to raise $100 million through FCCB. It has also given the nod to float special purpose vehicles (SPV) along with developers of realty companies for setting up 100 malls with multiplexes in South India. A further 100 malls with multiplexes would be set up in the rest of India.

    PSTL will invest up to 50 per cent shareholding in the respective SPVs that are to be formed. Nowhere in these JVs will Pyramid’s holding be below 26 per cent.
    The SPV will create approximately 60 million square feet with an investment of Rs 20 billion spread over four years. The board also discussed and approved the increase in FII (foreign institutional investment) limit to 40 per cent of the paid up capital of the company.

    The agreement signed regarding the formation of a Malaysian joint venture company, Pyramid Saimira Theatre Chain (Malysia) Sdn. Bhd, has been cleared. The Board also approved RM 100 million investment by PSTL into that JV company.

    The Malaysian JV plans to construct 100 new entertainment centres/malls, create a real estate investment trust to acquire the above said assets and also make Pyramid Saimira Theatre Chain (Malaysia) Sdn.Bhd as an asset management company to manage assets created, which is approximately of the value of $ 1 billion. The board deliberated and approved Malaysian JV Company’s plan to acquire an existing theatre chain company and an existing content distribution company in Malaysia for a faster ramp up of operations.

    The board also discussed and approved up to $ 25 million investment into a content fund as a sponsorer. PSTL can also incur consequent expenditure in raising $ 150 million content fund in India and abroad.

    PSTL proposes to create a content distribution and theatre chain in London and North American market. The board authorized managing director PS Saminathan for negotiation and decision with the existing content distributors in London and North American market.