Discovery Tamil gets a fresh new look, unveils new logo

Discovery Tamil, India’s only 24-hour Tamil factual entertainment channel, is set to refresh its look and feel from October 1, 2013. Viewers will be presented a refreshing new look which will also include an appealing new logo.

Since its launch in 2011, Discovery Tamil has entertained viewers with programmes from across a variety of genres – survival, engineering, wildlife, natural history, investigation, technology and India. The channel will launch a programming line-up that includes 20 brand new programmes and six new seasons of popular shows.

Prasar Bharati CEO accuses I&B ministry of interference

Accusing information and broadcasting ministry of trying to micro-manage the affairs of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, its CEO Jawhar Sircar has written a letter to Minister Manish Tewari complaining that he does not get enough cooperation. 

In his letter, Sircar also raised questions about the ministry's interference in the affairs of the national broadcaster, official sources said. Prasar Bharati is supposed to be an organization which is autonomous in its functioning. 

Oct 2nd deadline set to clear entertainment tax dues by LCO’s in Nashik

Nashik district collectorate has decided to issue notices to the local cable operators (LCOs) who have not cleared entertainment tax dues since April 1 and has threaded to snap transmission to the cable customers falling under their region from October 2nd.

"The total amount deposited with the collectorate as part of entertainment duty has gone up to Rs 1.25 crore from 150 LCOs, who have filed affidavits of the number of customers with them along with the multi-system operators (MSOs), even as there are nearly 40 more LCOs yet to clear their dues. In the last meeting, we decided to issue notices to the LCOs asking them to either clear the dues or face suspension of transmission for indefinite period, which will affect their customers," district collector Vilas Patil said.

Public TV appoints C K Harish Kumar as COO

C K Harish Kumar, erstwhile vice president, sales and marketing, Public TV has been appointed as chief operating officer in the channel. He will be responsible for driving sales and marketing initiatives, along with strategy planning and spearheading the team pan-India, and paving the roadmap for the overall business. Kumarjoined Public TV in 2012 as vice-president, sales and marketing.

Pubic TV is a Kannada language news channel, owned by Writemen Media.

Mobile games, apps market to touch Rs 2,700 cr by 2016: Report

Mobile games and applications market in India is expected to touch Rs 2,700 crore by 2016, driven by strong smartphone growth and expanding 3G user base, a report by Avendus Capital said today.

“The digital content market (other than caller ringback tones) in India has been sub-scale due to large-scale piracy.

Dawood Ibrahim set to launch TV channel in Pakistan

The most wanted gangster, Dawood Ibrahim, is now all set to lay his hands on the entertainment industry.

Dawood is set to launch an entertainment based television channel by year end. A hefty amount is being offered as remuneration to work in the channel.

BARC Board meets to evaluate the technology options

The Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) Board met in Mumbai on September 27, 2013 to evaluate the technology options and decide on the road ahead. It was recognised that BARC has the opportunity to change the paradigm and the solution should last for the next 15-20 years.

The Board agreed that there is a quantum jump in technology that is being envisaged. Considerable progress has been made in identifying suitable cutting edge technologies available for measurement of present and future broadcast distribution platforms.

Anil Kapoor to receive AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award 2013

The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) bestowed on Anil Kapoor, Chairman Emeritus, Draftfcb+Ulka Group, the AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award 2013 for his contribution to the industry at a glittering event in Mumbai on September 27. The event saw a full attendance from the advertising fraternity, marketing honchos and the media world.

Instituted in 1998, the AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honour given to an individual in India for his outstanding contribution to the advertising industry. Over the years the chosen winners have been leading lights in the industry, built great institutions, contributed to the growth of the industry and pioneered new trends.

Hathway to use Dolby Digital Plus for HD set-top boxes

Multi system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable & Datacom Ltd, has selected Dolby Digital Plus as the audio codec for its HD set-top boxes.

Using Dolby Digital Plus, Hathway HD subscribers will be able to experience up to 7.1 channels of surround sound.   

Give 3 days prior notice to TV channel before action: HC to Centre

The Centre was asked by the Delhi High Court not to take any action without giving three days time to Aastha channel for allegedly telecasting yoga guru Ramdev's political comments. 

Justice V K Jain disposed of the plea filed by Vedic Broadcasting Limited, the parent company of Aastha channel, against the government's show cause notice and directed the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting that the TV channel be given three days notice before taking any action. 

TRAI gives one-year extension to Dish TV

Dish TV viewers get a reprieve after the information and broadcasting ministry gave the company on extension for a year more after its Direct to Home (DTH) telecast licence was to expire on the coming Tuesday.

Dish TV had a 10-year licence to operate the DTH business. It had been repeatedly requesting the I&B ministry’s to decide on the renewal. In the absence of a policy on renewal of DTH licences, the ministry decided to grant an extension while one is prepared.

Den Networks raises Rs 689 cr via pref shares

Cable television services firm Den Networks Ltd said on 27 September that it has raised Rs 689.67 crore from preferential share allotment to affiliates of the Goldman Sachs Inc.

Den Network allotted 3.17 crore equity shares at Rs 217.50 apiece on preferential basis to Goldman Sachs Inc’s affiliates Broad Street Investments (Singapore) Pte Ltd and MBD Bridge Street 2013 Investments (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

MSOs Switch Off Analog Signals in AP

DAS has been implemented in Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam from the 17th September'13 as per the deadline. 

Amongst the MSO's Hathway and Incable have switched off their analog signal completely in the MCH area.

Finance Ministry defers three proposals of FDI in broadcasting sector

The Finance Ministry deferred decision on a proposal by non-resident company P5 Asia Holding Investments, Mauritius, to purchase 50 per cent of the shares in an existing broadcasting company with 100 per cent FDI, from another existing NR investor based on the recommendation of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).

The ministry also deferred decision on a proposal by HBO India, New Delhi, to engage in the activities of down-linking non-news and current affairs television channels.

Srinivasan Swamy continues as IAA president

Srinivasan Swamy, chairman and managing director, R K Swamy BBDO, has been re-elected as president of International Advertising Association's (IAA) India chapter. Neeraj Roy, managing director and CEO, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment, has been voted as vice-president, with Jaideep Gandhi of Jaya Advertising, and HBO India's managing director Monica Tata being re-elected as treasurer and secretary, respectively, for 2013-14. The IAA officials were chosen at the annual general meeting held in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, Swamy was co-opted as vice-president, development, Asia Pacific, on the global IAA Board.

Man Jit Singh re-elected IBF president

The 14 annual general meeting (AGM) of the IBF took place late yesterday in Mumbai, proceeding which multi screen media (MSM) CEO Man Jit Singh was re-elected as the president of the foundation for the year 2013-14.

Discovery Networks Sr VP and GM south Asia Rahul Johri has been elevated as the new vice-president along with existing vice-presidents Zeel MD and CEO Punit Goenka as well as India TV chairman and editor in chief Rajat Sharma. Times Television Network (TTN) CEO Sunil Lulla is the new IBF treasurer.

For Music Channel also get relief on ad cap implementation

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal has passed a stay on the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s 12 minute ad cap rule for four independent music channels/networks after they appealed to the tribunal.

The four channels include Mtunes, Masti, B4U and the 9X Network. The tribunal has informed that it will hear the case on 21 October and until then, these four networks/channels are not obliged to follow the ad cap mandated by TRAI.

Sun TV too knocks on TDSAT's door for ad cap reprieve

As the October 1 deadline for implementation of the 10+2 ad cap approaches, broadcasters are going all out to stall the process. In a latest development, Sun TV has filed an appeal with the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) seeking exemption from implementing the ad cap on October 1.

President of India honored Amitabh Bachchan and forty more from film industry

41 Bollywood actors were honoured at the four-day event by the Indian president at the centenary celebrations of Indian cinema in Chennai. The coveted list included Amitabh Bachchan, Sridevi, Rekha, Javed Akthar, Ramesh Sippy, Kiran and Randhir Kapoor.

S K Barua joins Food Food as CEO

Sanjeev Kapoor's Food Food has got S K Barua on board as chief executive officer. Barua moves to the food and lifestyle channel from Freemantle Media India, where he was managing director. He quit the company after a stint of more than four years.

Barua has worked with Discovery Communications for more than 14 years.

TRAI extends deadline for filling CAF in 38 cities

In a relief to cable subscribers in 38 cities across the country, broadcast regulator TRAI has extended the deadline for collection of Consumer Application Forms (CAF) by Multi System Operators (MSOs) to November 15 from its previous deadline of September 20. 

The regulator, in a meeting held yesterday, felt there was considerable pendency as the forms had not been received from many cable subscribers of the 38 cities where the second phase of digitisation had been ushered in. 

Zee 24 Gantalu , the Telugu news channel of Zee Group

Zee Gantalu has  has filed a writ petition in the Hyderabad High Court, 25 September  to seek relief from the FIR lodged against it by DGP V Dinesh Reddy.

A case of ‘spreading communal tension’ has been lodged in the police against it following which two employees (journalists) had been arrested and remanded in custody for two days. They are currently on bail and several other staff members have also taken anticipatory bail including the chief editor K Siva Prasad and the input editor.

Sahara Samay TV rebrands in Rajasthan, readies for Mumbai launch

Hindi television news channel Sahara Samay NCR has been rebranded as Samay Rajasthan, and will now concentrate on Rajasthan rather than the three Indian states of Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana as before.

The rebranding in Rajasthan comes as the Subrato Roy-promoted Sahara Group readies itself for the official launch on 26 September of the western India-specific news channel Sahara Samay Mumbai.

KIT Digital becomes Piksel

Technology provider KIT Digital has officially changed its name to Piksel.

Headquartered in New York, the company is headed by interim CEO Peter Heiland, while Kevin Joyce has been named as chief commercial officer.

TRAI wants number portability implementation in six months

Telecom regulator TRAI recommended that Mobile Number Portability (MNP) be fully implemented across the country within six months to allow subscribers to retain their numbers even when they shift from one service area to another.

Presently, Mobile Number Portability is available only within the subscribers’ service area.

Zee Café to broadcast Miss World in India for the sixth year in a row

The English general entertainment channel from the Zee stable, Zee Café will yet again showcase Miss World 2013 Live, as stunning women from across the globe fight it out at Indonesia for the esteemed title.

 Zee Café will exclusively telecast Miss World 2013 Live in India on 28 September in the early hours at 5:00 am with a repeat telecast at 7:30 pm on the same night. Miss World will additionally be simulcast on Zee Studio. India's very own Miss India World Navneet Kaur Dhillon will by vying for the crown with the most beautiful women for the title of Miss World 2013.

Trilogic Digital Media to acquire Fashion TV’s Trinity Dream Works

Mumbai-based media and content syndication company Trilogic Digital Media Ltd is buying out the Fashion TV franchisee Trinity Dream Works (TDPL) for an unknown amount.

TDPL, which gains revenue from broadcast advertising, license fees and merchandising royalty income, was created to position the Fashion TV and F brand in India, and is set to do likewise in Europe, Reuters has reported. 

Trilogic Digital Media to acquire Fashion TV’s Trinity Dream Works

Mumbai-based media and content syndication company Trilogic Digital Media Ltd is buying out the Fashion TV franchisee Trinity Dream Works (TDPL) for an unknown amount.

TDPL, which gains revenue from broadcast advertising, license fees and merchandising royalty income, was created to position the Fashion TV and F brand in India, and is set to do likewise in Europe, Reuters has reported. 

Doordarshan eyes makeover, local talent

Doordarshan is set to discard its dowdy and boring image as a public service broadcaster, make its regional channels more attractive and entertaining, expand its reach to remote areas of the country and employ more local talent, all aided by a new study on viewership patterns. The study, being conducted in a few cities by private group TAM Media Research, will be used by Doordarshan and even private channels to take a re-look at their plans, said Information and Broadcasting Secretary Bimal Julka.

"TAM is increasing the size of its Peoplemeter. The data will be useful for us to know which channels are being viewed. This will help Doordarshan and other channels to re-study their plans," Julka said.

Govt. studying ways to ensure greater responsibility in social media

Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari, while regretting that the new media had been used without any sense of responsibility in events like the Muzaffarnagar   riots, feels that one way out of this is to put more credible information in public space ‘to counter mis-information’.

The Minister told the National Integration Council in a meeting that while this was causing concern, the United Progressive Alliance’s policy over the last nine years had been ‘an essay in persuasion rather than regulation as far as the media goes’.         

Star India to launch new channel on September 25

Broadcasting major Star India said that it will launch a new English general entertainment channel — Star World Premiere HD — on 25 September.

Star World Premier HD will air 26 new and returning shows from four of the biggest global television studios in high definition (HD), the company said in a statement.

Verimatrix partners with Slovak Telekom for OTT security

Conditional access module specialist SMiT and content security provider Verimatrix have struck an agreement to integrate a cardless version of SMiT’s CI+ 1.3 CAM with the Verimatrix ViewRight client library.

According to SMiT, the CI+ 1.3 CAM will be a cardless product integrating Verimatrix’s client security technology, enabling end-users to watch encrypted TV programmes with no need for a smartcard. Operators will not need to apply the CAM-smartcard pairing process while ensuring secure transmission.

Kaltura to implement MPEG-DASH support

Open source online video platform provider Kaltura is planning to implement direct support for MPEG-DASH by the end of the year, according to director of product Michael Dale.

Speaking to DTVE at IBC, where Kaltura has been running a proof-of-concept MPEG-DASH demo, Dale said that the firm was pushing forward on emerging standards for live video distribution and that MPEG-DASH support would follow as the industry begins to adapt to the technology.

Rovi hits 1 billion DivX device milestone

Rovi Corporation has reached a 1 billion milestone for shipments of DivX-supported devices, it announced.

DivX technology is now included in more than 30,000 models of devices, including digital TVs, set-top boxes, smartphones and tablets.

Silicon Labs introduces the World's most advanced DVB Demodulators for TVs and Set-Top Boxes

Silicon Labs, a leader in high-performance, analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs introduced a new family of universal digital video broadcast (DVB) demodulators that support the latest worldwide DVB standards for cable, terrestrial and satellite reception. 

Designed to simplify the design of complex, high-performance video front-ends for integrated digital TVs (iDTVs) and set-top boxes (STBs), Silicon Labs' new Si216x/6x2 family includes the industry's first dual-channel DVB demodulators targeting multi-receiver iDTV and STB applications.

TRAI seeks comments on USSD-based mobile banking services

With a goal to provide financial inclusion through mobile phones, telecom regulator TRAI has released a consultation paper seeking comments on use of unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) based mobile banking services.

USSD is a technology used by telecom players to send alerts to their users. It can be used for prepaid callback service, location-based content services and menu-based information services.

BSNL, MTNL to share network, offer some services jointly

India’s two state-run telecommunication carriers—Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL)—signed a pact on 24 September to share their infrastructure and provide joint services to corporate customers.

BSNL operates mobile, fixed-line and Internet services in 20 of India’s 22 telecom zones, while MTNL operates in the key Delhi and Mumbai zones. Hit by intense competition from private sector rivals, both carriers have seen their market share eroding, and lost money in the past four fiscal years.

BSNL, MTNL to share network, offer some services jointly

India’s two state-run telecommunication carriers—Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL)—signed a pact on 24 September to share their infrastructure and provide joint services to corporate customers.

BSNL operates mobile, fixed-line and Internet services in 20 of India’s 22 telecom zones, while MTNL operates in the key Delhi and Mumbai zones. Hit by intense competition from private sector rivals, both carriers have seen their market share eroding, and lost money in the past four fiscal years.

Supreme Court asks TDSAT to decide on Bharti plea by December

The Supreme Court on 23 September asked the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to rule by December on Bharti Airtel's plea against a telecom department order asking it to stop providing 3G roaming services provided through interconnectivity pacts with other operators. 

The top court, however, extended its interim order permitting Bharti to continue providing 3G services in seven circles, but not to enroll new subscribers. 

Sun TV's Kalanithi Maran, wife replace Jindal Steel's Naveen Jindal as top paid India Inc execs

Sun TV promoters Kalanithi Maran and his wife Kavery were the top paid corporates in India in the last fiscal with a salary package of Rs 56.25 crore each among the listed companies, replacing Jindal Steel's Naveen Jindal from the pole position.

However, the impact of slowdown on Indian economy was visible on their pay packages as all three of them took some kind of cut in their packages in the last fiscal.

Doordarshan official faces sex offence charge

An internal probe at Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, has found that a top official sexually harassed a junior employee, prompting the information and ministry to issue an order to book him under relevant laws. This has now snowballed into a turf war.

The ministry wants the matter to be handed to the police at once under “The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013”.

TRAI notifies amendments to the Interconnection Regulations applicable for DAS and Tariff Order applicable for addressable systems

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has notified on 20 September 2013 the amendments to the Interconnection Regulations applicable for Digital addressable cable TV systems (DAS) and Tariff Order applicable for addressable systems.

The amendments in the tariff order modify the 'twin conditions' that regulate the a-la-carte rate of channels vis-a-vis the bouquet rates at retail levee protecting the interests of the subscribers. It also clarifies the position that subscribers can either opt for channels on a-la-caret basis or bouquet or combination of both, as per their choice.

Trendspotters.tv plans $2 milion investment in next 12 months

Reliance Jio raises concerns about TRAI’s proposal on uniform spectrum charges

Mukesh Ambani-backed broadband services company Reliance Jio Infocomm has raised concerns about the telecom regulator’s proposal to introduce uniform spectrum usage charges.

In a letter to the Telecom Department, Reliance Jio said that the TRAI’s proposal goes against the rules specified at the time of auctioning broadband spectrum in 2010.

TRAI recommendations favour incumbent 2G operators: SSTL

Telecom regulator Trai's recommendations for the third round of spectrum auction favour incumbent 2G service providers, a top official of SSTL, that offers services under the MTS brand, has alleged. 

The recommendations for the third round of auction have favoured incumbent 2G service providers and are disrespect to MTS' investments, he alleged. 

Gujarati film 'The Good Road' is going to Oscars

Debut feature filmmaker Gyan Correa's Gujarati film 'The Good Road' will represent India at the Oscars 2013 in the Foreign Language Film category.

The film was picked by a 16-member committee headed by eminent Bengali filmmaker Goutam Ghose appointed by the Film Federation of India.

Gujarati film 'The Good Road' is going to Oscars

Debut feature filmmaker Gyan Correa's Gujarati film 'The Good Road' will represent India at the Oscars 2013 in the Foreign Language Film category.

The film was picked by a 16-member committee headed by eminent Bengali filmmaker Goutam Ghose appointed by the Film Federation of India.

Virgin introduce new blinking technology to skip YouTube ads

The mobile network's YouTube channel has introduced ‘Blinkwashing’ - new software that connects to a user's webcam and registers when they blink.

The channel requires the watcher to give Virgin control of his or her webcam, which is followed by an installation process that registers the user's eyes and asks them to blink so that the software can register the motion.

Zee Café to telecast 65th Emmy Awards

Zee Café to telecast the 65th Emmy Awards which is undoubtedly the biggest event in the English GEC space will showcase it LIVE in India. The event celebrates the year's best television programmes at Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles.

 Neil Patrick Harris is set to emcee these awards on the 23rd of September marking the renowned entertainer’s second time hosting the Primetime Emmys. “I couldn’t be more honored and excited to be hosting this year’s Emmy Awards, And what perfect timing I’ll just do the exact same script I’m about to use for the Tony and the Emmy for best revival of a musical goes to breaking Bad!” said a very excited Neil The major highlights of the star studded night will include piano man, Elton John performing at the 65th Emmy Awards which the channel will broadcast LIVE from LA. 

Romedy Now adds romance and laughter to Indian television

ROMEDY NOW, the brand new English entertainment channel from the Times Television Network, launches on september 22nd at 7 am, giving television buffs a whole new reason to turn on the telly. Encouraging viewers to get back to the key life values, ROMEDY NOW delivers a healthy dose of love and laughter to lighten up your life.

With a top movie line-up of light-hearted entertainment, ROMEDY NOW promises to put you in the greatest of moods. From date nights to bridezillas, sit back and unwind with some of the best feel-good movies from Hollywood.

Telecom mergers and acquisition policy likely by Oct 15

The long-awaited merger and acquisition policy for telecom companies is expected to be in place by October 15, Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal said.

Telecom operators have been waiting for long to see the final guidelines of merger and acquisition (M&A).

I&B ministry's advisory to channels on reporting of Muzaffarnagar riots

Noting that some TV channels have been airing "inflammatory" content while covering Muzaffarnagar riots, the I&B ministry has asked the electronic media to exercise restraint while reporting such matters. 

Three more states to get Prasar Bharati 24X7 TV channels

Prasar Bharati is on a spree of launching regional channels. Public broadcaster is now exploring the possibility of running three round-the-clock channels in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand. Earlier it had soft launched its channels in Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Sources said that in a meeting of the Prasar Bharati Board held here today, officials of the Board appraised the status of the four Doordarshan channels in the Hindi heartland states of UP, Rajasthan, MP and Bihar for which I&B ministry had questioned the pubcaster about receiving approval from the board before the launch. 

KVL Narayan Rao re-elected NBA President for 2013-14

News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has announced the appointment of its office-bearers for 2013-14. 

KVL Narayan Rao has been re-elected as the president of NBA. Rao is executive vice chairperson of the NDTV Group.

PIB's Manish Desai becomes interim CEO CBFC

PIB Mumbai Director Manish Desai has been roped in to oversee the board till the time a new CEO is appointed. He has taken charge of the CBFC from today. 20 September was the last day in office for outgoing CEO Pankaja Thakur. Manish has earlier served as oSD to Prasar Bharati CEO too.

Champions League T20 matches will be aired on Star Gold

Star Sports has announced that Star Gold will broadcast two matches of the Champions League T20 2013, the first and the final game. 

It said that all matches will be aired on Star Cricket with Hindi commentary, and Star Sports and Star Cricket HD with English commentary. 

Colors to broadcast ’24′ in October

Colors long awaited new show ‘24’, will hit the small screen on October 4, 2013 at 10 PM. It will come in the primetime slot on Fridays and Saturdays.

The show revolves around Anil Kapoor as ATU chief Jai Singh Rathod and his race against time. The story, as apparent from the trailer, is about Rathod who has to face certain challenges thrown at him as ATU chief – threats to the nation and his personal problems. There is also a threat to the prime ministerial candidate, Aditya Singhania (played by Neil Bhoopalam). It promises to be an edgy, fast-paced and action-packed series which will notch the bar higher for Indian fiction television.

History TV18 launches ‘Baggage Battles’

History TV18 provides a glimpse into the very profitable business of bidding, buying and reselling unclaimed property in the new original series ‘Baggage Battles’, premiering on Saturday at 10 PM. The half-hour series follows three teams of savvy ‘auction specialists’ who travel to some of the most important and unknown auctions where their bids are based on sheer instincts.

BBC Worldwide launches three new fiction, non-fiction productions in India

BBC Worldwide India announced the premiere of three new fiction and non-fiction productions for the Indian market.

Har Ghar Kucch Kehta Hai (House that made me), Ek Boond Ishq (A Drop of Love) went on air over the recent long weekend in India, while Yeh Hai Aashiqui launched on 25 August. All three series were produced by BBC Worldwide India’s production arm which licenses and produces BBC Worldwide formats in India and works with local networks to develop home grown formats.

I&B ministry asks Prasar Bharati on its Board’s approval to launch Hindi channels

At a time when Prasar Bharati is readying plans to launch four Doordarshan channels in Hindi heartland states, the I&B Ministry has raised questions asking if the Public Broadcaster had got approval from its Board for starting the channels. 

The ministry has written to Prasar Bharati asking whether a "categorical" approval had been given by Prasar Bharati Board to the starting of the channels in Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. 

Reliance Group to delist Reliance Broadcast Network from BSE Listings

Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL), part of Reliance Group (formerly Reliance ADAG), has informed BSE that it plans to delist itself from the BSE Listings.

The board of directors has approved the proposal and is currently seeks approval of shareholders of the company though postal ballot in terms of the SEBI Delisting Regulations. Note that the promoters will have to buy another 18% stake from the public and take promoter holding to 90% to successfully delist. Provided they receive the shareholder approval, Reliance group will have spent Rs 100 crore to buy out the public shareholders at the current market price.

GSAT-7 Transponders become operational

All the 11 communication transponders operating in UHF, S, C and Ku-bands of India's advanced multiband communication satellite GSAT-7 have been successfully switched on and their performance is found to be normal.

GSAT-7 is now positioned at its designated orbital slot of 74 deg east longitude in the geostationary orbit and In Orbit Testing (IOT) of the 11 transponders is in progress.

ABP Group sells Businessworld magazine

ABP Group that owns ABP News TV Channels has sold its business magazine Businessworld to Anurag Batra, owner of media group exchange4media, and Vikram Jhunjhunwala, who runs investment banking and asset management firm Shrine Capital. The deal is expected to be completed within a month.

Batra and Jhunjhunwala have bought Businessworld from ABP on behalf of some unidentified investors, the group said.

Cable TV goes digital in Vishakhapatnam

On 18 September 2013 as the High Court vacated a stay against the conversion to digital signal, Joint Collector Pravin Kumar ordered the MSOs to switch off analogue signals in the court at the city of Vishakhapatnam.

With some 75 to 80 per cent of the cable television subscribers in the 72 wards of the city having installed set top boxes, the MSOs have been instructed to shift to digital transmission as per the directions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, he said.

Cable TV goes digital in Vishakhapatnam

On 18 September 2013 as the High Court vacated a stay against the conversion to digital signal, Joint Collector Pravin Kumar ordered the MSOs to switch off analogue signals in the court at the city of Vishakhapatnam.

With some 75 to 80 per cent of the cable television subscribers in the 72 wards of the city having installed set top boxes, the MSOs have been instructed to shift to digital transmission as per the directions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, he said.

Cable TV goes digital in Vishakhapatnam

On 18 September 2013 as the High Court vacated a stay against the conversion to digital signal, Joint Collector Pravin Kumar ordered the MSOs to switch off analogue signals in the court at the city of Vishakhapatnam.

With some 75 to 80 per cent of the cable television subscribers in the 72 wards of the city having installed set top boxes, the MSOs have been instructed to shift to digital transmission as per the directions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, he said.

Zee Media launches unique crime show ‘Crime Reporter’

Naveen Kumar, a seasoned investigative journalist would take the mantle of anchoring this show. 

The new show is unique in its own way as it not only highlights the crime stories but also educates the audience and creates awareness on how to fight back crime. Crime Reporter will be featured on Zee News, Zee Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand and Zee Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh from Monday to Friday at 11.00 pm and on Zee Rajasthan Plus at 11:30 pm.

Asia Cup set for February 24-March 7

The Asia Cup will be held between February 24 and March 7 in Bangladesh, pending confirmation by Nimbus, which owns the broadcasting rights for the event.

The dates along with the venues and other details of the tournament were discussed at the Asian Cricket Council meeting in Chennai on Saturday. The meeting was attended by the BCCI president N Srinivasan and representatives from Sri Lanka (Nishanta Ranatuga, Sri Lankan Cricket secretary) and Pakistan (Subhan Ahmed, Pakistan Cricket Board chief operating officer) as well as ACC chief executive Syed Ashraful Huq.

Asianet and Amrita TV announce Onam special programmes

Asianet group of channels and Amrita TV are all set to give a gala treat to viewers coming Onam on September, 16. The three channels of the Asianet network - Asianet, Asianet Plus (Malayalam general entertainment channel) and Asianet Movies will have special programming line ups for seven days. The line ups include interviews, films, special programmes and music-based shows. The channels will air interviews with film stars including Suresh Gopi, Jayaram, Dili and Fahad Fazil, amongst others.

Now, watch American shows almost real-time on Star’s new channel

Star India is set to launch a channel that will telecast popular American shows, along with a handful of new ones, within 24 hours of their airing in the US. The general entertainment channel (GEC), christened Star World Premiere, is set to go live in India on September 24.

Star India, promoted by Rupert Murdoch, will offer the new channel on all major direct-to-home platforms in both high definition and standard definition.