ED may fill money laundering charges against Kanimozhi and A Raja

The Enforcement Directorate is set to file a charge sheet against DMK leader Kanimozhi and former Telecom Minister A Raja for alleged money laundering charges in the 2G telecom spectrum case.

The agency is understood to have found evidence with regard to the channelling of Rs 200 crore to the DMK family-run Kalaignar TV through a circuitous route and has relied on a 2010 Jharkhand High Court order to slap the charge of “criminal proceeds” against the accused, including the duo, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

GoM on MTNL, BSNL revival to discuss spectrum-related issues on Aug 1

The Group of Ministers on the revival of loss-making telecom companies BSNL and MTNL is likely to focus on spectrum-related issues at its meeting scheduled for August 1.

“Among few selective points that we have seen, DoT has included spectrum-related issues for discussion in this meet,” a government official said.

BBC News extends usage of “Live u” technology

LiveU, the leader in portable video-over-cellular solutions, has announced that BBC News has expanded its use of LiveU’s technology, deploying both backpack and belt-clip mobile uplink solutions around the world.

 The BBC has broadened its use of the technology to enhance its global newsgathering capabilities. In the US, LiveU’s LU70 backpack and LU40-S belt-clip units have been used to bring coverage of events the scale of Hurricane Sandy, the presidential elections, the Boston bombing and the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornado to viewers with footage supplied to BBC News, BBC World and BBC World America.

The deadliest Anaconda predators come slithering on MOVIES NOW

English movie channel is all set to enthrall its viewers with blockbusters that are high on action-adventure and have a nerve-wracking tension! Every Thursday, starting 1st of August, with the advent of dusk, MOVIES NOW showcases the most hair-raising line-up at 11:00 pm in Anaconda Invasion that will feature all the Anaconda movies ever made.

This intense thriller - Anaconda 1 known to evoke sleepless nights, made Jennifer Lopez a household name. An intriguing and scary script, this movie will most certainly have the audiences on the edge of their seats!

The deadliest Anaconda predators come slithering on MOVIES NOW

English movie channel is all set to enthrall its viewers with blockbusters that are high on action-adventure and have a nerve-wracking tension! Every Thursday, starting 1st of August, with the advent of dusk, MOVIES NOW showcases the most hair-raising line-up at 11:00 pm in Anaconda Invasion that will feature all the Anaconda movies ever made.

This intense thriller - Anaconda 1 known to evoke sleepless nights, made Jennifer Lopez a household name. An intriguing and scary script, this movie will most certainly have the audiences on the edge of their seats!

CVC rejects I&B Minister's request on panel to supervise FM auction

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has turned down a request by Information & Broadcasting Ministry to nominate its representatives on a panel formed to supervise the auction of phase III of FM radio stations.

To pre-empt possible criticism and controversy in the auction of licences for radio stations, the ministry had asked CVC and also the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to name their representatives on a inter-ministerial committee that had been formed to supervise the auction.

BARC to organise open house in Delhi in August

After organising its open house in Bangalore earlier, the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) is all set to hold its second open house in New Delhi. The conference is slated to take place in the first week of August. The conference will be co-organised by ABP News and Lintas Media.

Partho Das Gupta, CEO, BARC said, “This is part of our outreach plan to reach out to stakeholders, update them on what’s happening and take their feedback on our plans. The date for the open house has not been finalised yet.”

TV18 Broadcast posts Rs 5.90-cr net profit in Q1

TV18 Broadcast Ltd has posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 5.93 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2013. The company had a consolidated net loss of Rs 23.45 crore in the same period of the previous fiscal, TV18 Broadcast said in a filing to the BSE today.

Consolidated income from operations stood at Rs 403.17 crore during the April-June quarter compared with Rs 356 crore in the same period of the previous fiscal.

Amagi adds Zee News to its channel roster

Amagi Media has roped in Zee Media as broadcast partner and will now offer geo-targeted TV advertising on Zee News and Zee Business channels. Pioneering the future of Indian TV advertising, Amagi already provides geo-targeting on 15+ TV channels across news, sports, movies, music, lifestyle and GEC genres. Zee Media Corporation Ltd (ZMCL) is one of India's foremost media companies with a strong presence in the national and regional news genre. With the addition of the news leaders Zee News & Zee Business, Amagi’s bouquet becomes indispensable to brands targeting regional eyeballs.

Amagi provides an opportunity to leverage a medium like TV and still advertise only to a relevant geography. Amagi will purchase ad space from ZMCL nationally, split the inventory and provide regional ad inventories to advertisers. This way, the same ad spot gets multiple advertisers, thereby benefitting them since the spot is seen only in the region that they require.

Vodafone tie up with Twitter

Vodafone India has partnered with Twitter to provide subscribers with free access to the social networking site for three months, as part of its initiative to improve mobile Internet adoption in the country.

Under the partnership, Vodafone subscribers will be able to access and tweet without incurring data charges when they visit the Twitter on the official Android app.

DoT to issue 100-Crore notices to Vodafone

After levying a demand notice of 650 crore on Bharti Airtel, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is set to issue two notices totaling 100 crore on Vodafone for allowing its subscribers a local dialing facility which helped them bypass roaming charges in two service areas between 2003 and 2005. 

In spite of the DoT instructions on June 20, 2003, the company hadn't stopped the unauthorised service it was providing in the name of direct connect or optimal routing and continued to provide it till 2005. It was brought to the notice of DoT through a reference from the PMO in 2005," department of telecom has said, while deciding to impose the demand notice on the service provider. 

Government gets Rs 1,770-crore investment proposal for telecom products

The government has received a Rs 1,770-crore investment proposal from a domestic company for the manufacturing of telecom products.

"Our policies have attracted investors. The aim of the government is to reduce dependence on imports. In total investment that we have received so far there is Rs 1,770 crore proposal from an Indian firm for manufacturing telecom products," DEITY Joint Secretary Ajay Kumar said.

BSNL linemen strike over non-payment of wages

Banking and commercial services in Hazaribag Circle of BSNL, comprising five districts -Hazaribag, Ramgarh, Giridih, Koderma and Chatra - remained paralyzed for the fourth day on Sunday, following indefinite strike by more than 300 daily wage telephone linemen. 

They were protesting against the non-payment of wages for the past six months and retrenchment of some casual workers by the BSNL authorities.

Digitisation favouring select firms

The Karnataka State Cable Operators’ Association (KSCOA) has written to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), protesting the treatment meted out to local cable operators (LCO) and consumers in the process of digitising cable TV.

“Very sad to submit that the present digital addressable system (DAS) regulations have been framed only to help some four-five big companies who already enjoy formidable monopoly in the market with their MSO networks, DTH operations and numerous pay channels,” reads a letter to Rahul Khullar, Chairman, TRAI.

Govt mulling to amend rules on filming of animals

The government is considering amending rules to check the trend of filmmakers bypassing norms by filming animals like lions and tigers abroad and then getting approval for showing these movies in India. 

As per a central government notification, bears, monkeys, tigers, panthers, lions and bulls should not be exhibited or trained as performing animals in India. 

Now, a fiction show comes under BCCC scanner

After Bindass' apology scroll for content violation in one of its non-fiction shows, Emotional Atyachaar, now it's time for Zee TV and Big CBS Prime to run apology scrolls for a period of seven and five days, respectively.

Zee TV's show, Qubool Hai, is the first fiction property that has come under the scanner of the Broadcast Content Complaints Council (BCCC) and asked to run the scroll. Episode 89 of the show telecast on February, 28 had attracted a complaint for showing violence against women.

CODA to push ahead with Maharashtra ENT tax issue this week

The ongoing struggle, regarding the entertainment tax, between the Cable Operators & Distributors Association (CODA) and the Maharashtra State government has reached the next level. After postponing the decision to blackout all Hindi, English and Marathi news channels on state revenue minister Balasaheb Thorat’s request a couple of weeks ago, the organisation met with him last week.

“He has asked us to give a detailed presentation about the current cable TV scenario in the state, the revenue generation in the current tax regime and also compare it with what will happen when entertainment tax on subscribers and set top boxes will be brought down," confesses Anil Parab.

Dish TV India reports net loss of Rs.30.4 crore in Q1

Direct to home service provider Dish TV India Limited narrowed its losses for Q1 FY14 to Rs 30.4 crore from Rs 32.3 in the first quarter of the previous fiscal (narrowed by 5.88%).

The company posted revenue of Rs 578.4 crore for the first quarter of the current fiscal (Q1 FY14). This corresponds to growth of 11.2% over the first quarter of the first fiscal (Rs 520 crore).   

Network18, UTV, ETV, Hungama set to withdraw signals from Reliance DTH

Signals of all Network18, UTV Network and Hungama channels will be disconnected from Reliance Big TV, the DTH arm of Anil Dhirubhai Ambani (ADA) Group. This was announced via an advertisement released jointly by Indiacast UTV Motion Pictures Distribution and Ushodaya Enterprise, which was carried in all major newspapers on July 25, 2013.

The reason for disconnection, as stated by the networks, is non-payment of fees by Reliance DTH. As per the ad, the signals will be stopped post July 30, while the signals of all ETV channels (Eenadu TV) will be disconnected post August 10.

TDSAT directs Media Pro to restore signals to Lucknow MSO

In an order that may help multi-system operators whose applications for DAS licence are pending with the government, the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has directed Media Pro Enterprises to restore television signals to Lucknow-9 Cable Network of Lucknow as an interim measure.

The Lucknow-based operator had said that its application for licence under Digital Access System (DAS) has been pending before the Information and Broadcasting Ministry for several months.

DoT seeks TDSAT nod for sharing 3G pacts with CAG

The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) will seek the telecom tribunal's (TDSAT's) consent for sharing the 3G intra-circle roaming arrangements (3G ICR) between private operators with the national auditor. 

This comes after the national auditor wrote to the department, seeking details of the roaming pacts to ascertain the extent of loss to the national exchequer because of a lower 'revenue share' paid by the private operators, if any, through these arrangements. 

DoT to take law ministry views on SSTL operations

Divergent views of two lawyers representing government on Sistema Shyam Teleservices operations between February 15 and March 11, 2013 has prompted DoT to seek the Law Ministry's opinion on the matter.

The Supreme Court on February 15 this year asked telecom companies whose licences were cancelled in 2012 to discontinue their services if they have been unsuccessful or did not give bids in the spectrum auction conducted on November 12 and November 14, 2012.

DigiVive Bags Mobile streaming rights for India-Zimbabwe series

DigiVive bagged mobile streaming rights for live and repeat ODI matches between India and Zimbabwe from Seven3sports. The master distributor of the India-Zimbabwe series is Taj sports. The five ODI match series scheduled to take place in Zimbabwe between July 24, 2013 and August 3, 2013 are streamed on DigiVive’s mobile TV platform nexGTv. Over 14 million users of nexGTv and nexGTv HD will be able to enjoy the live matches right on their handsets. Also, users will be able to watch matches at their convenience by watching repeat matches under the Video-on-Demand section. The service can be downloaded by sending a SMS mytv to 58888, or from any of the app stores and from the nexGTv website www.nexgtv.com

Radio, TV serials to highlight govt's achievements

UPA government has turned to radio and TV serials which will be aired on Doordarshan and All India Radio to highlight its programmes and achievements among the common man. 

The All India Radio is telecasting a radio serial 'Jamunia' from today, sources said, adding that a plan is underway to start a serial on Doordarshan which would feature real life success stories of people who have benefited from the government's policies. 

TV soaps to apologise

'Qubool Hai''s telecast on Zee TV will now run with an apology scroll for five days starting July 29, while the channel Big CBS has been asked to run it every two hours for seven days, by the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC). 

A complaint against Qubool Hai stated that its February 28 episode "showed an elderly woman being tortured", and there were other complaints on violence against women in the soap, including a scene where the vamp mixes acid in the mehendi meant for the heroine. BCCC has stated that "the show depicts and suggests ways of torturing women, which offends good taste and decency." 

NGC to air one hour long documentary on the natural calamity in Uttarakhan

National Geographic Channel is known for inspiring its viewers and satisfying the innate curiosity through its innovative shows that challenge what we know and how we perceive our world. NGC has created award winning documentaries that capture events with a global impact such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Bhopal Gas Tragedy & Hurricane Sandy through shows like "Seconds from Disaster" & "Trapped". These special documentaries go beyond the headlines, explore deep inside the events leading up to the catastrophe as well its aftermath and humanise the tragedy through personal accounts of survival & loss.

Google unveils new Nexus 7

Google, on 24 July introduced a sleeker version of its Nexus 7 tablet as the Internet Company escalated its battle with Apple and Amazon.com in the mobile computing market.

Google also announced a $35 device — Chromecast — that will let you watch Netflix, YouTube and other content on a high-definition TV. Simply plug the Chromecast into the TV’s HDMI port, and it’ll display content from your phone, tablet or laptop.

I&B Ministry mulling adding chip to record data in STBs

In order to get authentic data on viewership of TV programmes, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry is considering adding a chip that can record data in the set top boxes (STBs) being installed as part of its digitisation drive. 

While television viewership measurement continues to be a contentious subject, there is a view in the ministry that digitisation of cable sector could resolve this problem. 

Different ad caps for news, non-news channels: I&B Ministry

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is considering different time limits for advertisements run on news and non-news channels. This is even as news broadcasters are looking for relief from the cap of 12 minutes on ads, which has to be implemented by October, according to telecom and broadcast regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

I&B Minister Manish Tewari said on 25 July 2013, “The carriage fee in the first two phases of digitisation has gone down by 30-40 per cent. ….But, we are looking at a method for difference of cap for news and non-news broadcasters.”

Advertisers and Broadcasters reach Accord on TV ratings system

Advertisers and broadcasters resolved a dispute over television ratings that had raised the prospect of companies withdrawing their commercials.

"TVT captures and reflects growth in TV audiences in the country in absolute numbers. TVT will be the sole rating available in the public domain," a joint statement released by Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF), Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) and TAM said.

Doordarshan to start Hindi news channels in four states

Doordarshan will start Hindi news channels for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, states that will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the national election due in May 2014.

This is an attempt by the public broadcaster to provide localized and region-specific content to the four Hindi heartland states, Manish Tewari, minister of information and broadcasting, told reporters in New Delhi.

ZEEL Q1 profit rises 42% to Rs 224.64 crore

The Essel Group Company Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) posted 42.04 per cent increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 224.64 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2013.

The company had posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 158.15 crore in the same period of previous fiscal, ZEEL said in a filing to the BSE.

Big Flix tie up with Shemaroo Entertainment

Reliance Entertainment Digital's movie-on-demand service, Big Flix, has formed a licensing agreement with one of the leading content houses of the country - Shemaroo Entertainment. The alliance will allow users of Big Flix to stream a wide range of blockbusters movies by Shemaroo Entertainment - ranging from black and white films to some of the most recent releases.

The catalogue offers an assortment of classics to latest hits with a blend of genres in multiple languages - Hindi, Marathi and Tamil. Few of the finest Hindi classics like the iconic film Mughal-E-Azam, Raj Kapoor's Anari, Mithun's Disco Dancer, Rajesh Khanna's Roti to some of the contemporary films like Amitabh Bachchan's Black, Aamir Khan's Sarfarosh, Vidya Balan's Ishqiya & the Dirty Picture and so on form the part of the list.

Sandeep Dahiya joins The Times Group as Director – Brand Extensions

Sandeep Dahiya has joined The Times Group as Director – Brand Extensions. Based in Mumbai, Dahiya will head the brand extension business and work across the group. 

He will be reporting to Shrijeet Misra, COO – the Times Group. 

CNBC-TV18 appoints Siddharth Zarabi as National News Editor

CNBC-TV18 has appointed Senior Editor SiddharthZarabi as National News Editor. In this new capacity, Zarabi’s mandate will be to drive reporting teams nationally, apart from leading special news programming initiatives on the channel. Zarabi earlier was the Economic Policy Editor and the Delhi Bureau Chief for CNBC-TV18.

 Anil Uniyal, CEO, CNBC-TV18 & CNBC Awaaz said, “Siddharth has played a critical role in CNBC-TV18’s leadership so far, and going forward, his expertise will be invaluable in terms of how CNBC-TV18 contributes as well as benefits from our integrated business newsroom.”

Over 5 mn set-top boxes shipped to India in Q1

India registered 5.3 million units of set-top box shipments in the first quarter of 2013, with Skyworth the market leading manufacturer, according to new report.

Research and Markets says that the mandatory introduction of cable TV digitisation, conditional access systems, popularity of direct-to-home (DTH) satellite TV, and the declining prices of set-top boxes (STBs) are fuelling the latter's growth in India.

Telit Selected as Key Representative of the Italian Technology

Telit Wireless Solutions, a leading global vendor of high-quality machine-to-machine (M2M) modules and value-added services and solutions announced on 26 July that the company was selected among various applicant members of the Italian Technology Industry as one of the nation’s key representatives in the global roll-out of Europe’s Galileo ultra-accurate satellite positioning system. The selection reflects the high degree of credibility demonstrated by the Italian Government not only in the bold strategic plan proposed by Telit to accelerate global adoption of the Galileo technology, but also in the company itself.

Eurosport announces new management line-up for Asia-Pacific region

Jean-Thierry Augustin, CEO, Eurosport Group has announced the appointment of Gursharan (Gushi) Sethi as Senior Vice President (SVP), Affiliate Sales & Marketing, Eurosport Asia-Pacific.  

Gushi Sethi, previously Director of Affiliate Sales & Business Development, Eurosport Asia-Pacific, stepped into her new role July 1.  She takes over affiliate sales and marketing duties previously held by Arjan Hoekstra who moved across to join Discovery International last month.   

Time Warner Cable gets new CEO

Time Warner Cable Inc's longtime chief executive and chairman, Glenn Britt, will step down at the end of the year and be replaced by Robert Marcus, the company's second in command. 

Britt has been CEO since 2001. Marcus will become CEO and will join the company's board of directors as chairman starting Jan. 1. He was promoted to chief operating officer and president in 2010. There are no immediate plans to replace him as president.

Time Warner Cable, CBS agree to extend negotiations over fees

Time Warner Cable Inc, which is battling with the CBS broadcast network over the fees it pays to carry certain CBS channels, said the companies will continue negotiating until Monday.

9X Jalwa and 9X Jhakaas now available on Airtel digital TV

9X Media Group channel 9X Jalwa and Marathi music channel 9X Jhakaas will now be available on Airtel digital TV on channel number 389 and 547 respectively. Customers can easily subscribe to the channels by sending an SMS <ADD 389> and <ADD 547> to 54325 from their registered telephone number (RTN).

Launched on 25th February 2012, 9X Jalwa is a preferred destination for all time Bollywood Hits. The Channel is widely available across cable and satellite homes and is also streamed LIVE across digital platforms including the Channel’s website – www.9xjalwa.in, 9X Jalwa promises the best of music, maximum nostalgia and maximum humour.

First DTH private channel goes lives in Sikkim

The northeast’s first DTH (direct-to-home) private satellite TV channel, the North Eastern Television (NETV) was officially inaugurated in the capital, Gangtok, on 23 July.

 Bhim Rawat, president of Press Club of Sikkim, inaugurated the NETV bureau office at Tibet Road at a special function organised on the occasion. A large contingent of the media fraternity in Gangtok was also present.

STAR India to launch Hindi news channel

STAR India is now all set to launch a new Hindi news channel to capture the Hindi market.

Recruitment and test runs are in process now. The name of the channel is not known yet.

There is ambiguity on whether STAR India will form a joint venture with another brand for the initiative. A foreign entity can buy only up to 26 per cent stake as increase in FDI in media to 49 per cent is still under consideration.

24x7 ‘Darshan’ of Lucknow DD – Coming Soon

Lucknow Doordarshan is getting a satellite avatar from the 1st of August. The channel's daily dose of infotainment including 'KrishiDarshan', cultural programmes, talk shows with local authorities and all-time hit dramas are likely to be available 24x7 for viewers across the country in a new channel - DD UP (free to air).

The switchover to satellite mode would enable subscribers to view the channel on cable/ DTH connections. Lucknow Doordarshan would be the third after Patna (DD Bihar) and Bhopal (DD MP) in the Hindi belt to get the satellite avatar. 

Bharti Sihag to be Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser in I&B Ministry

Senior Indian Administrative Service Officer Bharti S. Sihag has been appointed as Additional Secretary and Financial Adviser, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

An officer from Himachal Pradesh cadre of the 1983 batch, she is presently posted in the state.

DGM India launches video content network dgStream

DGM India, an advertising network, has now launched a video content network called dgStream. dgStream will tie up with video content owners to supply content, which will be monetised through DGM India's publisher network, which includes more than 20,000 websites in India.

Though the company didn't divulge the details of its content partners, it claims that talks are on with some content providers across genres such as Bollywood, music, travel, news, regional and devotional. The content will be provided to DGM's publisher partners along with relevant video ads.

CNN-IBN launches new talk show ‘Leader Talk’

At a time when India is looking for young and dynamic leadership in all spheres, CNN-IBN, in association with Gulf Oil, has launched Leader Talk, a unique new talk show that will explore the ever-evolving aspects of leadership, be it in a corporate boardroom or in a sports arena.

Leader Talk, which will be hosted by IBN Network Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai, will feature some of the world’s most well-known corporate leaders and sports legends. Every week, Rajdeep will jointly interview a top sports personality and a corporate icon, who will share their ideas, thoughts and experiences on leadership and talk about their success mantras.

SES tie up with e.tv Sister Company, Platco Digital in Southern Africa

SES announced a 15-year contract with Platco Digital, a sister company of the South African independent broadcaster e.tv, to broadcast a new free-to-air service in South Africa, with future plans to expand across Southern Africa. 

The contract for two transponders, with an option for additional capacity in 2014, will allow the Direct-to-Home (DTH) transmission of a new TV channel platform by Platco Digital to audiences in South Africa’s urban and remote areas. SES will provide the satellite capacity on the SES-5 satellite at 5 degrees East, one of the company’s flagship orbital slots, which supports customers developing the Digital DTH TV markets in Africa. 

Aereo CEO targets 25% household penetration

On the day his company announced that Utah would be its next market expansion, and online entertainment service Netflix confirmed it was looking at an ultimate market potential of 60 million to 90 million US households, Chet Kanojia, CEO of Internet TV streaming service Aereo, has suggested that one in four TV viewers will be using Aereo in the next five years.

FCC: Increased pay-TV provider competition

Findings from the US’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) indicate increased competition in the market for the delivery of video programming.

ESPN Star Sports to telecast the first IBL Tournament

After successful end to the tumultuous auction of players for the six teams in which some iconic players felt cheated, the first IBL tournament will be telecast live from 14 August to 31 August on ESPN in India as well as 100 other countries. The games will be held in the towns of the six franchisees namely Mumbai Masters, Delhi Smashers, Hyderabad Hotshots, Pune Pistons, Lucknow Warriors and Banga Beats.

Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta, Badminton Association of India (BAI) President and MP said, "A generous amount has been spent on Indian players by the Franchisees, which is a very positive sign for the Indian players and the sport as a whole." Only Chinese players won't be participating in the tournament.

Yahoo loses top media executive, Mickie Rosen

MUMBAI: Top Yahoo media executive Mickie Rosen is leaving the Internet giant.

TRAI releases consultation paper on "Valuation and Reserve Price of Spectrum"

NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 23 July released a consultation paper on "Valuation and Reserve Price of Spectrum".

On 10 July 2013 the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) sought the TRAI's recommendations on the applicable reserve price for the auction of spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. In this context, TRAI has issued this consultation paper raising specific issues for consideration of stakeholders. The key issues raised in the consultation paper are quantum of spectrum to be auctioned, eligibility for participation, roll-out obligations, methods to be used for valuation and estimation of reserve price of spectrum, review of spectrum usage charges and spectrum trading.

Hathway Broadband launches Wi‐Fi Broadband Home scheme

Cable broadband company Hathway Broadband Internet has tied up with DLink to offer high speed WiFi routers bundled in the market under the “WiFi Broadband Homes" initiative. Through this, existing and new customers of Hathway Broadband across the country can convert their wired homes into “WiFi Broadband homes “with speed of upto 15Mbps. 

Ministry withdraws Suspension Order for Six Broadcasters

In our last news of June 28, 2013 we had reported that I&B Ministry issued show cause notices to 38 broadcasters, for not intimating it of the changes in their shareholding pattern or on the Board of Directors for not intimating it of the changes in their shareholding pattern or on the Board of Directors as mandated.

This is being done to verify the ownership and directorship details of all the broadcasting companies that held licenses in their exercise. Most of these channels had not started their transmissions or met the licensing conditions.

Broadcasters suggest rolling weekly ratings

According to industry sources, rolling weekly ratings has been proposed as a meeting point between monthly ratings and weekly ratings to resolve the on-going battle between advertisers and broadcasters.

Essentially, rolling weekly ratings will include the ratings for the preceding four weeks of ratings, in addition to the current week. The aim is to provide a buffer for any spikes and provide a holistic view of reasons for changes over the weeks.

Attorney General approves Tata Sky equity changes

Omega TC Holdings and Tata Capital will be the new shareholders in Tata Sky as the Attorney-General of India has given his approval to the new equity structure of the DTH company.

Post the deal, Tata Sons’ share in the company is expected to come down by about three per cent.

Facebook says app for 'simple' phones used by 100 million

US social network giant Facebook said on Monday it has surpassed 100 million users a month using an application designed for “simple” mobile phones widely used in countries like India.

Launched two years ago, the “Facebook For Every Phone” app enables people to connect “no matter what kind of mobile device they use,” the company said in a statement.

HomeShop18 appoints Vikrant Khanna as new CMO

HomeShop18 has announced the appointment of Vikrant Khanna as Chief Marketing Officer for its TV, Web and Mobile businesses. In his new assignment with HomeShop18, Khanna will lead a 360-degree role, which includes Marketing and Communication, CRM, B2B Sales and Alliances.

Khanna has 19 years’ experience in marketing and business roles across FMCG, Telecom, IT and Paints. 

Increased competition in pay TV market in the US

Findings from the US’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) indicate increased competition in the market for the delivery of video programming.

The findings emerged as the FCC adopted its 15th Report to Congress on the status of the market. The Report, which covers 2011 and 2012, measures the market’s progress toward increasing competition and diversity in multichannel video programming distribution, increasing the availability of satellite delivered programming, and spurring the development of communications technologies.

Start rolling out Phase III - I&B secretary tells MSOs

The ministry of information and broadcasting is making efforts to speed up the process of digitizing cable television in India, said Bimal Julka, who’s just taken over as secretary after Uday Kumar Varma left on retirement on 01m July 2013

Julka met representatives of multi-system operators (MSOs), or large cable network companies, recently and asked them to start rolling out the third phase of digitization under the digital addressable system (DAS) programme, which requires televisions to access signals through a set-top box.

TRAI sets deadline for CAF submission in Phase I and Phase II cities

TRAI convened a meeting of the leading Multi-System Operators (MSOs), providing cable TV services in Mumbai, Kolkata and 38 cities covered under phase II of DAS implementation, to review the progress of implementation of DAS. After discussions, TRAI has set the following deadlines for collection of consumer application forms from the subscribers, complete in all respects, including choice of channels/services and entry of complete details in the subscriber management system (SMS) by the MSOs in these cities:

No increase in FDI caps in broadcasting sector

Issue of increasing FDI in media has gone into a limbo after Home Ministry has strongly opposed any increase in the cap. It considers foreign investments in sensitive sectors like media may compromise country’s security.

Apprehending undue influence by big global players, the Home Ministry said opening up of current affairs TV channels, newspapers and periodicals dealing with news and current affairs may lead to meddling in India's domestic affairs and politics, official sources said. 

Media can not be uncontrolled; Justice Markandey Katju

Press Council of India's chairman Justice Markandey Katju on Sunday, 21 July 2013 advised the media to discourage persons and forces raking up issues like 'Hindu Rashtravad' and asked journalists to expose elements trying to divide the society by raising such issues. "Such an act is anti-national in a country with secular structure." However, Justice Katju made it clear that it was his personal view and he was not associated with any political outfit.

Talking to reporters at a meet hosted by Kashi Patrakar Sangh at Paradkar Bhawan on Sunday evening, he said, "I am secular." Stating that the country was passing through a crucial stage wherein feudal structure was being replaced by a new society in the making, he said, "Making of a new society will take at least two decades. It is crucial a phase. Media has to play an important role by encouraging scientific and moral values to keep the society united."

EPIC TV appoints Madison, iContract & Jack in the Box Worldwide

EPIC TV, that aims to offer content centered on Indian history, mythology and folklore through a Hindi entertainment channel, has appointed “Madison” as its media agency to handle media planning and buying duties of the channel.

It has also appointed “iContract”, a part of Contract Advertising and the WPP Group, to manage the creative and brand building duties of the channel.

Channels continue to run ads; are optimistic of resolution mid-week

While the IBF central board meeting on 19 July 2013 did not solve the on-going ratings impasse, channels continue to run advertisements despite cancellation orders issued by leading advertisers. The orders were sent out starting July 12 by advertisers in response to not being consulted by select broadcasters before moving to weekly ratings.

Broadcasters continue to make most of the 14-day clause, but advertisers have said to have given channels a 72-hour notice period as they believe the airing of ads, despite cancellation, is a violation.

Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh make 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag' tax free

Maharashtra government has granted tax exemption to 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag', the Farhan Akhtar starrer biopic on the legendary athlete Milkha Singh.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also announced on 21 July tax exemption in the state to 'Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.’ 

Broadcasters to face Rs 30 lakh penalty on programme code violations

In a meeting of broadcasters with BCCC and ministry officials it was decided that any channel that was found violating the programme code and guidelines laid by BCCC will be penalized Rs.30 lakhs.

This follows the show “Emotional Atyachar” telecasted on UTV Bindass that recently violated the norms set by regulator.