Monday 31 March 2014

Hathway Cable & Datacom

Hathway Cable & Datacom

Live web TV news conversation brings IndiaPost Live

Live web TV news conversation on 29th March has brought country’s first live web TV news conversation channel- ‘IndiaPost Live’. 
This media initiative offers interactive video journalism through news conversations on a variety of topics, with the focus and emphasis on comprehensive interactivity of the people. Based in Delhi, IndiaPost Live will go live at 11:30 hours on March 31, 2014.

Yonex Sunrise India Open 2014 to telecast on Sony Six

Sony Six, Multi Screen Media’s channel will telecast the Yonex Sunrise India Open 2014. The tournament will take place at Siri Fort Indoor Sport Complex in New Delhi from 2-6 April.    
The tournament will witness the best of international badminton talent, including Men’s singles world champion Lee Chong Wei and current Women’s singles world champion Ratchanok Intanon. 

TDSAT orders Hathway Cable to pay Rs 37.5 crore to MediaPro

The Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on 29th March has directed multi-system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable & Datacom to pay Rs 37.5 crore, as subscription fee dues to content aggregator MediaPro.   

MCMC issued notice against two cable channels

Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) on 30th March in Jalandhar had issued notice against two cable channels namely ‘Hulchul’ and ‘Khabarnama’ for favouring candidates of political party, through news programmes. 

TRAI notifies inflation linked hike in the tariff ceilings for non-addressable cable TV systems.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 31st March 2014 through a notification of the Tariff Order namely the “Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Second) Tariff (Eleventh Amendment) Order, 2014”, TRAI has allowed 15% inflation linked hike in the tariff ceilings. These revisions are applicable both at the wholesale and retail levels. This is the first of the two installments the Authority has decided to allow.

Saturday 29 March 2014

Sunil Gavaskar becomes BCCI interim president

In a major relief to stakeholders of Indian Premier League (IPL), the Supreme Court has allowed the event to go ahead as per schedule. However, Supreme Court in its interim order has directed for the appointment former Indian opening batsman Sunil Gavaskar as BCCI’s interim working president. 

NovelSat Free Band for free satellite bandwidth

Switzerland based NovelSat, a specialist in satellite transmission technologies, on 27th march has announced the availability of NovelSat Free Band – a new solution that gives broadcasters free satellite bandwidth for video contribution. Broadcasters who lease satellite bandwidth for their video distribution needs understand the costs connected with the space segment. Unfortunately, broadcasters also need to lease additional bandwidth every time they deploy a remote contribution unit, including DSNGs and flyaways.
With NovelSat FreeBand, broadcasters use the same bandwidth, transmitting at the same frequency, both to send video to the point-to-multipoint distribution network and to receive video from DSNGs and the like. In essence, with NovelSat FreeBand, broadcasters no longer have to pay for satellite bandwidth every time they deploy a remote contribution unit within the footprint of their satellite distribution network. This translates into huge savings in operational costs. If you consider that satellite bandwidth for a DSNG can typically cost $250 per hour or more, NovelSat FreeBand can pay for itself in a matter of weeks.

Verimatrix Wins TV Connect Industry Award

Verimatrix, the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-network, multi-screen digital TV services around the globe has been recognized for its highly successful VCAS™ for Internet TV as the Best Multiscreen TV Solution at the 2014 TV Connect Industry Awards in London. This achievement marks the second year running Verimatrix has been recognized in this category.

Direct TV and Dish plans to merger

The two largest satellite television companies in the country are planning about joining forces as a way to combat the pending merger of the country’s two biggest cable companies. 
These two companies in the year 2002 also had tried to merge, but could not succeeded. One reason why merger could not reach to conclusion was federal government objections.  But Dish this time has been saying that times have changed, and the company has a point. 

Aereo’s survival depends on Supreme Court verdict

The survival of internet video service provider Aereo’s depends on the Supreme Court verdict in the case against US broadcasters. If it does not win, then it will shut down.
Aereo CEO Chet Kanojia in a statement said, “The broadcasters are asking the Court to deny consumers the ability to use the cloud to access a more modern-day television antenna and DVR. They are asking the Court to confine consumers to outdated equipment and limit their access to lawful technology in order to protect a legacy business model, the success of which is built on eliminating consumer choice and competition in the marketplace.” 

JWT plans to buy stake in Social Wavelength in India

WPP on 27th March has announced that its wholly-owned operating company, JWT, the global marketing communications agency will acquire a majority stake in Social Wavelength, one of the media leading social media agencies in India.  
Founded in 2009, Social Wavelength is headquartered in Mumbai, with offices in Delhi and Chennai. The company employs over 170 people and key clients include Franklin Templeton, Apollo Hospitals, Idea Cellular and GE India Industrial.

Star Plus and Zee TV lose weight in ratings

The new TAM TV ratings, has come as a shocker to the leader of the ratings chart. Star Plus has seen a major drop in its ratings with 649,249 GVTs, down from 726,516 GVTs a week earlier.  

Karan Thapar joins Headlines Today

Veteran Journalist Karan Thapar, famous for his aggressive interviewing style on his popular show ‘The Devil Advocate’ on 28th March has inducted into Headlines Today.

Friday 28 March 2014

MIB issues notice to Colors regarding content of ‘Big Boss’

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on 27th March has sent an advisory to Colors’ most popular, and possibly the most controversial, show ‘Bigg Boss’, which concluded its seventh season in December last year.

Broadcasters accept Rs 150 crore from election ad spends

Television Broadcasters are accepting a windfall profit from ad spends that the political parties will be making for the upcoming general elections scheduled for April. 
Although there are no available estimates on the quantum of ad spends on television channels by political parties, report in the media say that  ZEEL chief sales officer Ashish Sehgal and Multi Screen Media (MSM) president (network sales, licensing and telephony) Rohit Gupta believe that the ad spends would be anywhere in the region of Rs 100 crore to Rs 150 crore. 

MHA orders MSOs to give details for security clearance

Ministry of Home and Affairs on 27th March has issued a notice to all MSOs, in the notice Ministry has asked them to provide the details of the company and its directors in order to get the requisite security clearance.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) said that the MHA has issued an additional format in which the details have to be provided for grant of security clearance for MSOs. 

Amrita TV gets warning from MIB for airing ‘A’ rated film

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on 27th March has sent a warning to Kerala Based Malayalam general entertainment channel Amrita TV for violating the programming Code by airing an ‘A’- certified film in June 2012.   
On 28 May last year, the MIB had served a show-cause notice (SCN) to Amrita TV for airing ‘The Don’ on 3 June 2012 for violation of the provisions of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. 

CCI imposes Rs 1 crore as fine on Google

The Competition Commission of India on 27th March has imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on Google for not cooperating in an investigation.
Google is charged of abusing its dominant position in online search and search advertising. The CCI is investigating this matter. 

MIB demands self-certified declaration from IPTV ops

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on 24th March has issued a circular to all IPTV operators to give self-certified declaration that they shall abide by all the conditions contained in the policy guidelines for provisioning of IPTV services as formed by the ministry in 2008.
The ministry in circular has stated that the Clause (ii) of the IPTV guidelines provides that all telecom licensees/cable operators before providing IPTV will give self-certified declaration to MIB, Department of Telecommunication (DoT) and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). 

DTH operators plans to challenge I & B Ministry’s notice on arrears

As the MIB on 26th March had issued a notice to all direct-to-home (DTH) operators to submit license fee dues amounting to Rs 2,066 crore, operators are now planning to challenge the notice on the ground that the matter is subjudice and is pending in the Supreme Court.  
However, the DTH Operators Association of India is yet to decide whether the challenge will be in the form of a reply to the Ministry or an application in Court.

Thursday 27 March 2014

Hathway Cable launches broadband service in Bengaluru

With the great result in Mumbai and Pune, multi-system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable & Datacom on 26th March has launched 50mbps broadband service on its Docsis 3.0 ultra high speed network in Bengaluru. 

Sony Liv and Box TV signs a distribution deal

Multi Screen Media’s (MSM) premium service providers Sony Liv and video streaming service providers Box TV on 25th March has inked a distribution deal.  
As per the deal, Sony Liv’s content will now be available on-demand on Box TV’s website for its users worldwide. 

Facebook bought virtual reality gaming firm Oculus for $2 bn

World most promising social networking site Facebook on 25th March has bought virtual reality gaming company Oculus for $2 b.

NDTV India Migrates to MPEG-4 Uplink Chain

New Delhi Television (NDTV), one of India's most-watched TV news networks, has migrated its satellite uplink infrastructure from MPEG-2 to a complete MPEG-4 multiple-channel-per-carrier (MCPC) chain based on Thomson Video Networks' advanced encoding, MPEG processing, and transport stream (TS) monitoring equipment. Driven by the award-winning ViBE™ EM4000 premium HD/SD encoder, Net Processor 9030 MPEG processor, XMS network management system, and Granite Sentinel DTV monitor, the new MCPC chain replaces aging SD MPEG-2 equipment and provides an HD-ready platform to support NDTV's future technology requirements.

Disney Junior reaches out to 26.5 mn subscriber

Disney Junior, the globally acclaimed entertainment destination designed especially for the youngest members of the family, their parents and caregivers, will now be available on two of India’s leading Direct-to-Home (DTH) platforms – Tata Sky and Airtel digital TV. The channel which showcases both classic and new Disney characters, will now reach out to all the subscribers of Tata Sky and Airtel digital TV with the same magical storytelling with a heart that generations of Disney fans have come to know and love. 
“Disney Junior is an engaging, learning-focused and unique Disney destination with elements that encourage early childhood development, wrapped in strong emotionally connected storytelling. Over the past year, we have been committed to bringing wonderful stories through shows such as ‘Mickey Mouse Clubhouse’, ‘Jake and the Never Land Pirates’, along with recent additions such as “Sofia The First” and “Henry Hugglemonster”. These shows have not only been the hallmark of the Disney experience but have also served as a learning and development tool for our young viewers. We are very happy to bring Disney Junior to the Tata Sky and Airtel digital TV viewers”, said Nikhil Gandhi, Vice President and Head of Revenue, Media Networks, Disney India.

Conax and Anevia inks a deal

Anevia, a market leader in video streaming and infrastructure solutions for OTT, live TV and Video on Demand (VoD) on 27th March announced a new collaboration with Conax, a global leader in total service protection for media and entertainment services over multiple devices and networks. Integrating Anevia’s ViaMotion Plus and CDN solutions with the Conax Contego Unite™ content protection platform, this collaboration simplifies the OTT equation for operators worldwide: they can now accelerate and monetize the deployment of OTT services over a wide range of devices and formats while ensuring optimal content, service and device protection.  
 Anevia is a leader in software infrastructures for the delivery of live television and video-on-demand services. Renowned for its performance and flexibility, ViaMotion is a complete multiscreen Over-the-Top (OTT) video solution for telcos, broadcasters and content owners. Designed to empower next-generation video content delivery networks (CDNs), Anevia’s OTT solution includes the Viamotion Plus server for multiplexing and streaming live on-demand content over the internet using adaptive-bitrate streaming.

Reliance Digital TV brings 9X Tashan on its platform

Reliance Digital TV, Asia’s most promising brand & fastest growing DTH service on 25th March has brought ‘9X Tashan’ on its platform. 
Available on EPG #956, Tashan is already available on other DTH platforms including Tata Sky, Airtel and Videocon. Reliance Digital TV is the DTH service arm of Reliance ADAG Group. 

Preet Dhupar quits BBC Global News

Preet Dhupar BBC Global News chief operating officer for India on 26th March has given his resignation from the post.  
Confirming the news to media Dhupar says, “Yes I have decided to leave but I’m around in BBC for some time.”

Govt orders DTH operators to pay outstanding license fee Rs 20.7 bn

Although the case is still pending in the Supreme Court, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 24th March has sent a letter to all the six private direct-to-home (DTH) operators asking them to pay outstanding license fee dues within the next 15 days. 

Hatway Cable brings HD service in Bengaluru & Mysore

Hathway Cable & Datacom on 26th March has brought its high-definition (HD) service in Bengaluru & Mysore. 
The HD set-top boxes (STBs) are a mix of Sky Worth and Technicolor, the middleware has been provided by NDS/Cisco. The HD set-top boxes are priced at Rs 2,000 each.

Wednesday 26 March 2014

After nine years of digitisation 18.39 million still analogue in the US

Despite recent findings suggesting the US multichannel segment posted its first full-year decline in subscriptions for 2013, and amidst continued talk about cord-cutting, a new report from Digital TV Research forecasts that the number of pay-TV subscribers in North America will continue to increase despite a small decline last year.
The Digital TV North America report estimates that nearly 5 million more subscribers will be added between 2013 and 2020. However, pay-TV penetration will drop from 87.0 per cent in 2010 to 83.8 per cent by 2020.

TO THE NEW and IBN LIVE launches ‘Social Tracker 2014’

As the social media is playing very crucial role in political campaigning for the upcoming General Elections 2014, IBN LIVE and TO THE NEW , a social and mobile first digital service provider on 24th March 2014 has launched a real-time tracker programme that evaluates digital conversations, the programme is coined as “The ‘Social Tracker 2014”.

Sanjeev Bakshi joins Videcon as COO

Videocon on 25th March has appointed Sanjeev Bakshi as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for their firm. With this news role he is responsible for establishing Videocon as a preferred brand for consumer, with major focus on product development and distribution expansion. 

ETV plans to bring a Punjabi news channel

With a motive to spread its presence in the regional news market, TV 18 Group-owned ETV News Network is palaning to bring Punjabi news channel. 

JAINHITS plans to install 3,000 mini downlink hedends by year end

India’s only Headend-in-the-sky (HITS) service provider JAINHITS is planning to install over 3,000 mini downlink headends across 640 districts in India by the end of 2014.
Currently, JAINHITS offers 250 channels. The company also plans to roll out its full high-definition (HD) and multi-screen services for consumers. For this, it has partnered with some of the leading technology outfits such as Motorola (now ARRIS) and Intelsat as its satellite partner. 

I&B Ministry orders broadcasters to submit contact information

The Information & Broadcasting Ministry (MIB) on 24th March has ordered the broadcasters and teleport operators to provide full details relating to the companies operating them. The stakeholders will need to furnish the report by March end.
The I&B has pointed out that it is the responsibility of the company to intimate any changes to the Ministry promptly.

Tuesday 25 March 2014

BARC starts commercial distribution of audio watermarking technology

s the trial period has been completed, Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) is all set for the commercial deployment of Civolution’s audio watermarking technology to broadcasters.  

ETV launches regional Hindi news channel

With a motive to build its presence in the regional news market, TV 18 Group-owned ETV News Network on 24th March has announced to launches of regional Hindi news channel ‘ETV News Himachal Pradesh/Haryana’.

Network 18 and Google ink a deal to organise hangout with politicians

With the general elections 2014 round the corner, Network 18 and Google on 24th March has inked a deal to help connect prominent politicians with voters across the country. The agreement involves a series of Google Hangouts with politicians titled ‘In conversation"    

Lionsgate and Endemol ink a deal to co-produce Warrior in Hindi

To build its presence in Indian TV market US-based film and television company Lionsgate on 24th March has inked an agreement with Endemol to co-produced the sports drama film ‘Warrior in Hindi’. 
Inspired by the American film of the same name, ‘Warrior’ tells the story of two estranged brothers and deals with their struggling relationship with each other and their father. The film will be adapted for Indian audiences and re-written for Indian tastes. Its focus on contact sport will be integral to the storyline and will position ‘Warrior’ as one of the few sports dramas made in India. 

Disney India announces to brings the Mahabharata

Disney India’s studio on 24th March has announced to bring the Indian Mythology’s greatest epic, The Mahabharata on the big screen. 

T Sarkar brings Bengali channel- Orange TV

Kolkata-based T Sarkar on 24th March has announced to launches of Bengali channel-Orange TV. 
Orange TV content will include a mix of music, non-fiction and film content. Their 50% of content will comprise music, the remaining half include shows, events and movies.    

Monday 24 March 2014

Star Sports launched ad free service on Tata Sky

Sportscaster Star Sports along with direct-to-home (DTH) service provider Tata Sky on 21st March has launched an ad-free premium high-definition (HD) service called as- Star Sports Premium HD. 
The service has made its debut on 21 March, with the high-profile India-Pakistan match of the ongoing ICC Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh, the service will be ava1ilable till 6 April. Subscribers will have to pay an HD access fee of Rs 125 per month to view this channel.

Cable TV association demand investigation against Rupert Murdoch entities in India

Nation two prestigious Cable TV Association- National Cable and Telecommunication Association (NCTA) and Cable Operators Federation of India (COFI) has made an allegation on Rupert Murdoch entities and associated partner companies are violating the Indian law and influencing digitisation process in India. 

Plan of Action

According to Vikki Choudhry, President, NCTA, the new Union government should conduct an enquiry on the implementation of the compulsory Digitization of Cable TV and should take strict penal action against those included in the scam (if there is any).
The associations have jointly listed out a number of steps that should be taken by the government to correct the situation.

Dispute erupt between Hathway Cable & Star Sports over DAS deal

The dispute has erupted between multi-system operator (MSOs) Hathway Cable & Datacom and India’s biggest sports network Star Sports India, as the Hathway Cable decided to put the Star sport channel on a la carte in DAS Phase II cities.  
The DAS Phase II deal between Hathway and Star Sports ends on 31 March. Hathway is already offering Star Sports channels on a la carte in DAS Phase I cities. 

JAINHITS conducts first ever Tri state meet in Simla

JAINHITS, India’s first and only HITS based Direct to Network (DTN) service attracted a large number of local cable operators (LCOs) across the states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana at its first ever tri state business meet in Simla. The satellite based solution for digitization of cable service was an instant hit with the operators. The meeting was held on 21st march 2014. 
At the meet senior members of JAINHITS breifed cable operators about JAINHITS’ services and offerings. They further briefed on JAINHITS cost effective solutions to LCOs for running fully DAS compliant digital cable TV services. During this interactive meet the LCO’s were interested to know more on the entire spectrum of consumer products and services that will be provided by JAINHITS such as high speed, cloud and hybrid broadband TV (HBB TV). While the number of channels being offered by the company stands at 250 including all major pay TV, JAINHITS will soon roll out its full HD and multi-screen services for consumers. 

Saturday 22 March 2014

ASCI to fast track ad complaints in 12 days

The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has taken effective action to reduce the complaint processing turnaround time from 45 days to just 12 days on an average currently, the self-regulatory body said in a statement.
ASCI said there have been demand from the public and regulators that the advertisements which are misleading or make false claims; indecent; showing hazardous activities and unfair to competition should be promptly removed or modified.

BBC to launch first-ever mobile site for India

Public service broadcaster British Broadcasting Corp. (BBC) is set to launch its first India-specific mobile site ahead of the general election next month, according to a senior BBC executive.
“What we are launching is a special mobile version for the Indian marketplace and that’s to be in time for the Indian elections. The site will reformat the service with Indian stories and things that are more relevant and prominent to the local market,” said Tom Bowman, vice-president, strategy and operations, global advertising sales, BBC Worldwide.

Neeraj Sanan moves on from MCCS

Media Content and Communication Services (MCCS) for nearly six years, chief marketing officer (CMO) Neeraj Sanan has decided to move on from the company that holds three big news channels under the brand name ABP- ABP News, ABP Majha and ABP Bangla.

Den Networks appoints Sheetal Garg as VP – finance

Multi system operator (MSO), DEN Networks appointed Sheetal Garg as the vice president finance for its broadband division. The announcement has come at a time when the MSO is gearing at launching its broadband services, soon. 

Friday 21 March 2014

BBC plans to build its presence in Italy TV market

With the launches of BBC Lifestyles and BBC Beebies on DTT, The BBC is looking the possibility to build it presence in the Italy TV market.

Measat HD platform reaches 50 channels

Measat on 20th March 2014 has stated that the Measat-3/3a platform has become the first Asian C-Band satellite platform to exceed 50 HD channels.

Ajay Bhalwankar joins Sony Entertainment Television

Sony Entertainment Television on 19th February has appointed Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) content head for Hindi general entertainment national channels Ajay Bhalwankar as chief creative director.   

Sheetal Garg joins DEN Networks

India’s leading multi-system operator (MSOs) DEN Networks on 20th March 2014 has appointed Ernst & Young’s Sheetal Garg as vice president finance for the broadband division. 

Tata Sky brings HBO on Demand for premium subscribers of HBO

The direct-to-home (DTH) operator Tata Sky is all set brings HBO On Demand for its premium channel subscribers at no any extra cost. The offer is for subscribers of HBO Hits HD and HBO Defined HD. 

Thursday 20 March 2014

More DTH troubles in Iran

There were localised demonstrations in western Iran when police confiscated satellite dishes in a small town. Reportedly the police were forced to leave the town with three policemen injured.

ZEEL may brings two GEC in next FY

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) may bring two general entertainment channels in the next financial year.
The first channel would be launched in the next three months is Zee Zindagi. This channel will target Tier II and Tier III towns, Zindagi will mainly air Pakistani syndicated content which ZEEL had acquired at MipTV.   

TV 18 brings Kannada news channel- ETV News Kannada

With a motive to spread its presence in the regional news market, TV 18 Group-owned ETV News Network on 19th March brings Kannada news channel ‘ETV News Kannada’.

Videocon d2h brings Star Sports2 on its platform

Videocon d2h, Asia’s Most Promising Brand & Fastest Growing DTH Service on 19th March has added star sports 2 on its bouquet. On an a la carte basis, Videocon d2h has priced Star Sports 2 at Rs 40 per month.

JAINHITS to build its presence in East India

JAINHITS, India’s only HITS based service provider announced their strategy to spread their service in already growing East India market. The announcement came on the occasion of three days cable TV show 2014. 

Wednesday 19 March 2014

Madras High Court curb Zee Media, News Nation in defamation suit filed by MS Dhoni

The Madras High Court on 18th March restrained Zee Media Corporation Limited and News Nation Network from publishing or telecasting any news content on Indian cricket team skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni in connection with alleged acts of betting, spot-fixing and match-fixing.

Zee Media Corp refurnish UP news channel as Zee Sangam

After successful launches of Zee Kalinga in Odisha and refurnished of Maurya TV as Zee Purvaiya for Bihar and Jharkhand, Zee Media Corp on 18th March refurnished its Uttar Pradesh and Uttarkhand news channels as Zee Sangam.  

Zee Media brings hybrid model for smaller markets

Zee Media Corp is planning to build hybrid model for its regional news channels in the smaller and developing markets, offering them space to grow in two different areas. 
Called ‘terrestrial entertainment network’ or TEN, the model is a concept whereby the channel offers a mix of news and current affairs with a punch of localised general entertainment content. 

ZEEL appoints Rajesh Iyer as Business Head

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) on 19th March announced the appointment of Rajesh Iyer as Business Head – New Initiatives|Hindi Broadcast. Rajesh will be responsible for the overall functioning of the New Initiatives|Hindi Broadcast and will report in to Mr. Bharat Ranga, Chief Content & Creative Officer, ZEEL.

Jaipur LCOs may brings their own headend

The fight between the multi-system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators (LCOs) has reached to the Jaipur. Pressures from MSOs to pay more from what they collect from their subscribers, forcing LCOs to break away from the MSOs fold and set up their own headend.

Tuesday 18 March 2014

MSM moves to India from Singapore for telecast operations

Multi Screen Media (MSM) is planning to shift its telecast operations of all channels from Singapore to India, to simplify tax structure.   
Since its inception, all MSM channels—Sony Entertainment Television (SET), SAB, Max, Mix, Six and Pix—have been running from Singapore and the exercise is putting a lot of tax burden on the company. 

Star Sports gets TV rights to Mahindra’s kabaddi league

With motive to promote local sports of India, Star Sports on 14th March has acquired media rights to Pro Kabaddi League for ten years.
Star India COO Sanjay Gupta said, “Our association with kabaddi is in line with our stated objective of transforming the sports landscape and enabling the growth of a multi-sport culture in India. Pro Kabaddi will build an ecosystem that can potentially take this game to the next level. We plan to offer an impressive and engaging experience for kabaddi viewers.” 

Hathway Bhawani appoints Samson Jesudas as joint MD

Samson Jesudas has appointed as joint managing director of Hathway Bhawani Cabletel & Datacom for a period of three years.          
Jesudas’ appointment is effective from 12 March 2014 to 11 March 2017. 

NBA, DUJ criticize Kejriwal remarks for media

News Broadcasters Association (NBA) on 15th March made a statement, in which it has critisised Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal and his associates for their unverified and objectionable’ allegations made against television news channels. The leaders of AAP have been alleging that news channels have been “paid” by rival political parties to drive their agenda in the run up to the general elections.
NBA has reminded Kejriwal and his associates that the electronic media is independent and is discharging its responsibilities in a fair, transparent and balanced manner and urged AAP not to hurl unsubstantiated and unverified charges at the electronic media.

TDSAT orders Hathway Cable to pay Rs 9 crore to Star Sports

Telecom Dispute Settlement Authority and Tribunal (TDSAT) on 14th March in its interim order directed nation leading multi-system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable and Datacom to pay Rs 9 crore to Star Sports. 
Hathway Cable and Datacom and Rupert Murdoch-owned sports broadcaster Star Sports are engaged in two legal battles in the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

Friday 14 March 2014

China’s Shenzhen Coship may set up STB manufacturing unit in India

Shenzhen Coship Electronic Co Ltd, Chinese based cable television and broadband equipment maker, is planning to establish a set-up-box (STB) manufacturing unit in India.  
Vipin Sharma Country Manager, India, Coship while speaking with media stated that we are planning to establish a set-top-box manufacturing unit with a capacity to make 2.5 lakh units a month in India to start with and the scale up the operators on the back of demand.     

Delhi High Court put off entertainment tax case till 27 May

Delhi High Court on 13th March put off entertainment tax case hearing till 27 May as the Entertainment Tax Department’s reply in the case was not on record due to late filing. 
The court had ordered the state entertainment tax authority not to take any coercive measures against the three MSOs till final orders. These MSOs are- Hathway, DEN and IMCL.

Videocon d2h brings Focus Odisha on its bouquet

Videocon d2h, Asia’s Most Promising Brand & Fastest Growing DTH Service on 13th March has added another regional news channel of Odisha “FOCUS ODISHA” on its bouquet.
Focus Odisha is a popular 24/7 news and current affairs channel catering to the state. With this channel addition, Videocon d2h now offers 10 Oriya channels and services.

Delhi High Court adjourn ad cap case till 6 May, stay continues

Delhi High Court on 13th March put off ad cap hearing till 6th May. The interim order of court prevents Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) from taking any coercive action against petitioners. 
Filing its affidavit in the case on 10 March, TRAI sought early hearing in the case but the matter was deferred till 6 May. 

Thursday 13 March 2014

Cable Industry of Europe records landmark growth in 2013

According Caroline van Weede, Managing Director of Cable Europe, Cable industry of Europe has recorded an unprecedented growth as the number of digital subscribers overtook analogue subscribers for the first time. 
The digital TV customer has the opportunity to consume more services, which generates more revenue for cable, Caroline stated further. 

Etisalat and Tata Communications ink a deal to launch Video Connect Service for Media customers

Etisalat, UAE based leading telecom operator and Tata Communication on 11th March signed a deal to provides Video Connect Service for Media customers in Middle East.  
Etisalat, with its partner, has established a Video Connect node hosted in Dubai, UAE. This global video network is designed to help broadcasters, studios and production houses deliver video content flexibly and cost-effectively to media hotspots worldwide. Video Connect is designed with on-demand and customisation capabilities, enabling media personnel to deploy specialised feeds based on location and time zone.

MSM Discovery issues disconnection notice to cable operators

MSM Discovery on 12th March had issued a disconnection notice to cable operators for non-payment of outstanding dues and for renewal of agreement.
The consumers falling under the umbrella of theses cable operators will face disconnection of following channels, Set , Sab, Pix, Mix, Six, Axn, TLC, Animax, Discovery channel, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science, AAj Tak, Headlines Today, Times Now, Movies Now, Set HD, etc.

Broadcasters still awaiting to get benefit of digitisation

The year 2013 has been a tumultuous year for the media and entertainment industry marked by a lack of clarity- be it digitisation, ad cap, CAF or other regulations. These were the hot topics discussed on day one of FICCI FRAMES 2014 the 15th chapter of the annual convention held on 12th March.
The panel comprising, Star India CEO Uday Shankar; Viacom18 Group CEO Sudhanshu Vats; FCC commissioner Ajit Pai; MIB secretary Bimal Julka; discussed various aspects of ongoing process of mandatory digitisation and regulatory hurdles in the implementation.

NewsX brings brand new look

With great performance in the year 2013 and now in 2014, India’s new news leader NewsX on 12th March has brought a brand new look.
Presently the channel is evolving needs of today, viewer and with its new features provides viewers a clean and crisp news viewing experience. The new on-air presentation features a lively and contemporary appearance with vivid blue & red colors. The enhancements also include new type and font sizes and greater depth to images and video. The new look is in line with the channel’s profile, which caters to the young, affluent and urban viewers within the SEC AB category in the 25-44 age group. With its differentiated strategy and a broader spectrum of content mix, the channel has managed to create a unique place in the minds of viewers and advertisers.

HBO approaches MIB to get license transfer from Turner

HBO India on 12th March has approached to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to get license for transfer itself from Turner International India.
The application is made for the three HBO channels the ad-free HBO Hits and HBO Defined, and the basic HBO channel. 

Broadcasters request for regulations that benefit consumers

Broadcasters panel constituted on the eve of FICCI Annual Conference held on 12th March coined that, government   has no right to push media organization into regulations that are unrealistic, don’t solving the issues that are long term, and are not beneficial for consumers.    
Taking about the Regulatory hurdles, the broadcasters brings three issues- revisiting the licensing system, providing addressability following the completion of digitisation and taking a hard view on carriage fee.  

MIB may distribute free DTH spectrum, ease licensing

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is planning to gives free spectrum to direct-to-home broadcasting service providers. 
Bimal Julka Secretary to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting while speaking at annual FICCI Frame conference stated that, our ministry is in talk with other ministries to free spectrum for direct to home broadcasting services and to expedite process of granting of broadcasting licences.    

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Cable TV Show 2014 at Kolkata

Kolkata-based Cable TV Equipment Traders and Manufacturers Association (CTMA) is all set to host the 17th edition of Cable TV Show 2014 that will take place on 12, 13 and 14 March at Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata. 
The cable TV Show is the biggest exhibition of it nature for CATV sector in the South Asian region.

Aadhaar leak: EPFO discontinues services provided through Common Service Centre

Following fear of Aadhaar data leak, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on May 2 said it has discontinued services provided t...