ITV

Tag: UK

  • BBC to air Fifa World Cup matches on broadband in the UK

    BBC to air Fifa World Cup matches on broadband in the UK

    MUMBAI: UK pubcaster the BBC has signed a deal with Infront Sports & Media, the company responsible for the worldwide marketing and sales of the broadcast rights to the 2006 World Cup.

    This will allow internet users in the UK to watch all the games online.

    All of the BBC’s TV games will be live and free-to-air with online viewers able to access the games at bbc.co.uk/worldcup and bbc.co.uk/sport – viewing of these matches will be restricted to those that live in the UK.

    All of the BBC’s group games as well as all the subsequent games that the BBC has in the knockout stages will be available on these sites.

    The BBC will also have the exclusive rights to England’s second round and quarter-final games should they reach that stage.

    Furthermore, the BBC has non-exclusive rights to short highlights from every 2006 World Cup game. There will be four-minute clips from all of the 64 matches available on-demand whenever users want to view them.

    For the BBC’s matches, viewers will be able to stream the same coverage and commentary as on TV as will appear on terrestrial television.

    Also, in addition to watching the games, online users will be able to hear and read about the latest action – BBC Radio Five Live will have an audio stream from 2006 World Cup game and there will also be live minute-by-minute reports on every match written by BBC journalists.

    BBC director of sport Roger Mosey said, “Our audiences now expect to get BBC Sport on television, on radio and online – and the World Cup on broadband is our biggest commitment yet to bringing people major events where and when they want them.

    “You can watch the World Cup from the BBC at home on TV – or listen in the car on your radio – and now also see full live coverage on your PC. We know that a lot of online viewing is done in the office, so we suspect this will allow people both to do their job and to keep up with the very latest action from Germany.”

    BBC director of sports rights Dominic Coles says, “The BBC has great traditions in sport but we also want to be the most modern provider of content, and our move into broadband reflects this.”

    The BBC has successfully broadcast football over the internet before, but this is by far its biggest-ever single commitment.

    In 2005 the BBC showed the final of the Fifa Club World Championship Toyota Cup Japan between Liverpool and Sao Paulo online to UK internet users.

    Similarly the BBC also broadcast online all the interactive streams from Athens 2004 Olympics.

    This latest deal follows this week’s announcement that the BBC will provide UK broadband users with access to five courts of live tennis action during the 2006 Wimbledon Championships.

    The service will replicate coverage from the BBC’s live terrestrial coverage plus the remaining digital interactive feeds. The BBC already has the broadband rights to the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.

  • Qualcomm initiates patent infringement proceedings against Nokia in the UK

    Qualcomm initiates patent infringement proceedings against Nokia in the UK

    MUMBAI: Qualcomm Incorporated, a developer and innovator of CDMA2000, WCDMA and other advanced wireless technologies, today commenced patent infringement litigation in the UK against Nokia Corporation.

    The proceedings, issued in the Patents Court of the High Court of England and Wales, allege infringement of two patents by Nokia in the UK in relation to mobile devices which are capable of operating in accordance with the GPRS and/or Edge standards but not having a capability to operate with CDMA technology. The proceedings seek an injunction against Nokia, as well as damages in relation to phones already sold.

    This litigation is a geographic extension of the patent infringement litigation filed by Qualcomm against Nokia in the US on 4 November, 2005. Both cases involve infringement of Qualcomm’s patents by Nokia’s GSM/GPRS/Edge products.

    Qualcomm’s extensive patent portfolio includes more than 4,000 US patents and patent applications and more than 20,000 patents and applications around the globe.

  • 3G operator in UK to launch mobile World Cup TV show

    3G operator in UK to launch mobile World Cup TV show

    MUMBAI: 3G, the UK-based mobile media company, is set to launch the first commissioned sports programming for Mobile TV. Berlin or Bust, which airs on 5 June, will be an irreverent and entertaining look at the tournament, providing fans with previews and reviews of every day’s action throughout the year’s most important event.

    Fronted by presenter Sam Delaney and with a host of footy-loving celebrities on the guest list, from the Kaiser Chiefs to Ray Winstone, Berlin or Bust will be a riotous magazine show, in contrast to the BBC and ITV suited and booted studio commentary teams. Football legend Ray Wilkins will join Sam to analyse the day’s play and news from the tournament, states an official release.

    3 customers will be able to tune in to two daily editions of Berlin or Bust’s flagship show, timed to ensure fans are kept entertained while on their way to watch games or on their way back from the pub.

    The show will be available free to all 3 customers throughout the tournament. 3’s World Cup related mobile TV programming also includes free 4-minute highlight packages of all 64 matches just five minutes after each match ends, adds the release.

    The preview show does what it says on the tin – previewing what could happen during the day’s matches, players to watch out for and refs that could prove tricky. The show will also include special reports from Ally McCoist “Man in Germany”, reporting on the latest gossip from the England camp and updates on what is happening on the ground in Germany. Preview Show special features include:

    * The Jock Report – 3’s embittered Scottish correspondent gives his unashamedly biased and abusive assessment of the day’s England news.
    * Ref Watch – A potted biog of the referees of the day’s key matches as the presenters pick holes in their performance so far.
    * Face-Off – The worst pre-match painted faces and comedy hats.
    * Journo-balls- Sam’s pick of the strange stuff, outrageous predictions and general news from the morning’s papers.
    * Flashpoint – The two players in the game most likely to clash.
    * Fan Updates – Video rants, messages, crazy celebrations; a round-up of the best amusing World Cup related content sent in by 3 customers.

    Fans will be able to access further updates throughout the day until the Review Show airs after the final match with more features and frank opinions on the day’s action. Features include:

    * Seven Faces of Sven – A gallery of the seven separate facial expressions of the England manager as he manages the team in his last major tournament.
    * The Furniture Store – A quick look at the World Cup tables to see who’s on the up, who’s struggling and who’s already heading home.
    * Ref Rant – The fans get their say about the refs of the day, with prizes for the best.
    * Table top analysis – pub-style tactical analysis featuring pint pots and ashtrays as the key players.
    * The Sub Plot – The hidden theme of the match, noticed by “the 3 sofa” whilst everyone else was focusing on the main action.

    3G UK marketing director Graeme Oxby says, “This is the first World Cup since the launch of 3G and we expect to see a massive difference in the way fans keep up with the action when compared to 2002. 3 has been keeping football fans up-to-date for the last three seasons with Premiership highlights, match updates and news and now its time to take this expertise into the World’s biggest sporting tournament. The launch of Berlin or Bust means that fans can now enjoy their best ever World Cup by making sure they are never out of touch with the action.”

    3’s free World Cup content will also include match highlights made available following every game, five minutes after the final whistle. A new match centre application for the 2006 Fifa World Cup will also offer minute-by-minute text commentary and in-match statistics from every game.

  • CNN Worldwide appoints Seth Doane as New Delhi correspondent

    CNN Worldwide appoints Seth Doane as New Delhi correspondent

    MUMBAI: CNN Worldwide has appointed award-winning journalist Seth Doane to be the news organization’s New Delhi-based video correspondent. This was announced by senior VP- International newsgathering, Tony Maddox.

    Doane joins CNN from Channel One News where he won a 2004 George Foster Peabody Award for his reports from Darfur and the on-going humanitarian crisis, informs an official release.

    “Seth has shown the kind of commitment and endeavour we look for in our correspondents,” said Maddox. “In the past five years, he has reported around the world from challenging locations and he will be a real addition to the reporting ranks of CNN. He will be working in a great bureau in a country which is making news on many levels.”

    Doane is the sixth video correspondent appointed by CNN; he joins DNG-equipped correspondents strategically based in South Africa, Colombia, UK, Iraq and Russia.

    “CNN is known around the world for its international news coverage and its use of leading-edge technology that allows correspondents to offer context to news events immediately. It’s a privilege to join a network with such a strong journalistic reputation,” said Doane.

  • Ntl:Telewest to acquire Virgin Mobile in $1.7 billion deal

    Ntl:Telewest to acquire Virgin Mobile in $1.7 billion deal

    MUMBAI: In another major buy out deal in the global telecom arena, UK cable company Ntl:Telewest has agreed to buy Virgin Mobile for 984.9 million pounds ($1.7 billion).

    The new company will operate under the Virgin brand following a 30 year licensing agreement.

    Richard Branson, whose Virgin Group owns 71.2 per cent of Virgin Mobile, has agreed to receive a mix of cash and Ntl:Telewest stock worth 378 pence per share for his stake, plus a licence fee for the Virgin brand worth about 9 million pounds a year.

    Reportedly, Branson will be the largest shareholder in the combined company with a stake of about 10 per cent, and he will have a representative on the Ntl:Telewest board.

    Virgin Mobile’s operating business will continue to be led by members of Virgin Mobile’s current management team, and it is intended that a marketing director from Virgin will join Ntl:Telewest, bringing Virgin’s brand expertise to the Ntl:Telewest management team.

  • ‘Rainbow’ voted best children’s TV show in UK

    ‘Rainbow’ voted best children’s TV show in UK

    MUMBAI: A survey conducted by BBC Worldwide in the UK to celebrate the launch of the new CBeebies Weekly pre-school magazine, takes a nostalgic look at the favourite kids programmes of yesteryear.

    George, Zippy and Bungle came out soaring up above the roofs and houses as Rainbow was voted number one show most fondly remembered from early childhood (3-6 years old). The show aired in the UK from 1972 to 1992. It was a children’s puppet programme featuring music and stories.

    The study confirms that they are still as cherished as today’s the Teletubbies, Tweenies and Charlie & Lola, all featured in the new weekly magazine.

    1000 people took part in the Omnibus survey, which asked 25-45 years old to take a trip down memory lane and select their favourite kids programme of all time.

    The Magic Roundabout with Zebedee, Ermintrude and Dougal came in a close second, and as if by magic, bowler-hatted Mr Benn and his costumed world of adventures grabbed joint third position with Little Ted, Big Ted, Jemima and Humpty still holding a firm place in Play Schoolers’ hearts. Slumbering Bagpuss came in at number five.

  • BBC Worldwide plans to launch bbc.com for users outside UK

    BBC Worldwide plans to launch bbc.com for users outside UK

    MUMBAI: Online medium is growing to be a powerful mode of communication, providing unlimited opportunities to extend interactions. BBC Worldwide is proposing to launch bbc.com to capitalise on the popularity of BBC content abroad.

    The BBC website for users outside the UK is likely to have advertisements, according to the corporation’s commercial arm BBC Worldwide. The corporation is looking at launching bbc.com in spring 2007.

    According to information posted on the bbc.co.uk, a spokesperson said a ‘limited level’ of ads would be ‘a very viable option’. TV shows could be sold to international users on the new site.

    It must first be approved by the BBC Trust, which will replace the corporation’s governors. Before that, proposals will go through the BBC’s internal journalism board and executive direction group. But it will not be subject to the public value test, which will ensure the BBC’s non-commercial ventures do not adversely affect commercial markets in the UK.

    “Our hope would be to have the site fully up and running in a year’s time,” the spokesperson continued. The site is also proposing to offer ‘video on demand’. According to BBC Worldwide, the bbc.com site will not feature pop-up promos, animated commercials or the sort of ads that “give the web a bad name”.

    The television news channel BBC World, which is broadcast outside the UK, carries advertisement and could be used as a model.

    The corportion is also hoping that in due course, the site will offer direct consumer downloads via the proposed Integrated Media Player, or iMP. “At a later date it might become a portal for video on demand for international users,” the BBC Worldwide spokesperson said.

    iMP is an application in development offering UK viewers the chance to download TV and radio programmes they may have missed for up to seven days after they have been broadcast.

  • BBC to have an Easter parade in the UK

    BBC to have an Easter parade in the UK

    MUMBAI: UK pubcaster the BBC will celebrate Easter, a significant event in the Christian calendar, next month.

    It will take viewers and listeners from traditional worship through to a modern interpretation of the Passion of Christ; a forensic examination of history’s most noteworthy religious paintings and an emotional return to the communities blighted by the Balkan War.

    Live from Manchester city centre on Good Friday 14 April, Keith Allen presents a contemporary re-telling of the last few hours of Jesus’ life for BBC Three. Manchester Passion tells the Easter story through the music of Manchester, including classic sounds such as New Order’s Blue Monday and Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now by The Smiths.

    In The Private Life of An Easter Masterpiece on BBC Two, three great paintings – The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci; Salvador Dali’s The Christ of St John of the Cross and Resurrection by Piero della Francesca – are forensically examined and explained. Each programme shows how particular techniques have been mastered by the artist, how complex ideas are conveyed to the viewer and how each work is a unique reflection of its own life and times.

    In The Cross and the Bomb (Good Friday Liturgy on Radio 4) the Bishop of London, Rev Richard Chartres, reflects on religious conflict in the context of Jesus’ Passion on the Cross. The programme comes from St Ethelburga’s – the medieval city church nearly destroyed by the Bishopsgate bomb in 1993 and rebuilt as an innovative Centre for Reconciliation and Peace. Set against the backdrop of the recent terrorist attacks in London, this is a powerful and thought-provoking meditation.

    Greater Love Hath No Man on BBC One explores the impact of the Great Plague on one small village in Derbyshire. The plague was transported to Eyam from London in 1665 and claimed its first victim soon after. As the devastating disease took hold, the villagers isolated themselves to protect the surrounding village communities. Their self-sacrifice saved thousands of lives and is a fitting theme for Good Friday.

  • Discovery’s revenue grows by 13 per cent

    Discovery’s revenue grows by 13 per cent

    MUMBAI: Global media firm Discovery Communications has announced its results for 2005. DCI’s revenue for the fourth quarter increased by 11 per cent to $772 million and 13 per cent in 2005 to $2.7 billion. DCI’s operating cash flow increased by one per cent in the quarter to $184 million and four per cent in 2005 to $687 million.

    In the US, its revenue increased by eight per cent in the quarter to $444 million and nine per cent in 2005 to $1.7 billion. Operating cash flow increased by six per cent in the quarter to $148 million and eight per cent in the year to $643 million. The growth in revenue was due to increases in distribution revenue for both periods combined with a five per cent decrease in ad revenue in the quarter and flat ad revenue for the year.

    Net distribution revenue increased by 24 per cent in the quarter and 22 per cent for 2005 as the US networks had a 10 per cent increase in paying subscribers in 2005 combined with contractual rate increases. Operating expenses increased by eight per cent in the quarter and 10 per cent in the year due to an increase in programming expense as the company continued its investment across all US networks in original productions and series and specials.

    Internationally, its revenue increased by 25 per cent in the quarter to $214 million and by 24 per cent in the year to $731 million. Operating cash flow increased by 27 per cent in the quarter to $33 million and 10 per cent for the year to $109 million. The increases in revenue were due to growth in distribution and advertising revenue. Net advertising revenue increased by 26 per cent in the quarter and 28 per cent in the year primarily due to higher viewership in the UK and an increased subscriber base in the UK and Europe.

    Net distribution revenue increased by 29 per cent in the quarter and 25 per cent in the year due to increases in paying subscription units in Europe and Asia combined with contractual rate increases in certain markets. Operating expenses increased by 25 per cent in the quarter and 27 per cent for 2005 due to an investment in the lifestyles category designed to develop and grow that market opportunity combined with an expected increase in headcount as the business expands.

  • Tim Bowen is Sony BMG Music Entertainment COO

    Tim Bowen is Sony BMG Music Entertainment COO

    MUMBAI: Tim Bowen has been named chief operating officer of Sony BMG Music Entertainment. The announcement was made by the company’s CEO Rolf Schmidt-Holtz. Bowen will be based in New York and will report to Schmidt-Holtz.

    Bowen will work closely with Schmidt-Holtz in overseeing all aspects of the global music company’s operations. This will include direct responsibility for Sony BMG’s international operations, as well as the company’s global digital business, strategic marketing, legacy,

    masterworks and sales enterprise divisions. Bowen will also direct the company’s expanding audio-visual and TV interests on a worldwide basis and oversee human resources.

    “Tim brings to this role a deep understanding of both the creative and
    business aspects of the music industry. He has extensive experience with both of the companies that came together to form Sony BMG, and the dedication, passion and vision that are necessary to lead the joint venture into the future. He is clearly the right choice for this key post, and it is a true pleasure to announce his appointment,” said Schmidt-Holtz.

    “I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity. With a dynamic roster of current artists, a catalogue that includes an incredible number of legendary recordings, and impressive capabilities in the areas of marketing, distribution and digital initiatives, we have everything we need to establish Sony BMG as the clear leader in the global marketplace. I look forward to continuing my close working relationship with Rolf, as well as with managing directors from around the world and the entire Sony BMG team, as we realise the full potential of the joint venture,” added Bowen.

    Most recently Bowen served as chairman, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, for Sony BMG Music Entertainment International, a post he had held since February of 2004. He joined BMG in 2002 when he was appointed COO, BMG Europe by Schmidt-Holtz and carried out a number of international assignments before he was appointed chairman, BMG UK and Ireland in 2003. In the role of chairman he handled the operations of BMG and Zomba in the UK and Ireland and SYCO, Sony’s TV production company with Simon Cowell.

    Prior to joining BMG, Bowen worked for Universal Music International as senior vice president of marketing and business affairs and following the merger of Polygram and Universal Music he became executive vice president of Universal Music International.