YuppTV launches Zee TV in Singapore

YuppTV has announced the launch of Zee TV for the Singapore region. The leading general entertainment channel will be available in Hindi in Singapore, known to have a large population of Indians.

ZeeQ to launch ‘The Kahaani Express’

ZeeQ has announced India’s first-ever inter-school storytelling event ‘The Kahaani Express’ to provide children an exciting opportunity to use their imagination and bring out their creativity. The channel is reaching out to children from classes 2nd – 7th, in over 200 schools across 10 cities. Keeping in mind that the children are highly observant and imaginative, ZeeQ is looking at giving them a platform to express themselves.

TRAI extends submission date for comments on delinking of license for networks by way of VNO till 15 Jan

The   Telecom  Regulatory  Authority  of India  (TRAI) which had issued  a  consultation paper  on   ‘Delinking  of   the  license  for networks from delivery of service by  way  of virtual network operators (VNO)’ on 5 December 2014 inviting comments by 5 January 2015.

DAS MSO registration Phase III may be extended

As revealed in the 4th Task Force meeting on 29 December, The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is planning to extend the deadline for multi-system operator (MSO) registration by four to five weeks. 

Sun Network COO arrested for sexual harassment

The Chief Operating Officer of Sun Network, Praveen C. (49), was arrested by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) on 26 December on charges of sexual harassment of a woman colleague. The CCB team picked up Praveen from his house at Anna Nagar.

TRAI may regulate HD channels subscription charges

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is planning to review the freedom given to direct-to-home service providers in deciding subscription charges for high definition channels.

TRAI Releases Report on Audit and Assessment of Quality of Service of Telecom Services

TRAI has conducted Audit and Assessment of Quality of Service being provided by the service providers through independent agencies for Cellular Mobile Telephone Services, Basic Services and Broadband Services.

Delhi HC issues notice to DTH operators for value-added services

The Delhi High Court on 24 December sought a response of the Centre (MIB) and six DTH operators on a PIL seeking to restrain direct-to-home (DTH) service providers from carrying any channel or value added service which are not registered with or permitted by the government.

Telcos cagey about govt's plans to set up free wi-fi hotpots

The government has tweaked some policy terms to speed up the rollout of Wi-Fi hotspots in public places. However, telecom operators have expressed reservations about the government's intent. They argue that putting up such public networks will require huge infrastructure and financial support. Contrary to the government's plan to cover 25 cities in entirety, telcos feel these spots can only be successful at select popular locations within the city.

Ravi Shankar Prasad likely to give incentives to BSNL, MTNL on Dec 25

Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad is likely to announce some "incentives" to BSNL and MTNL on December 25 ‘Good Governance Day’ in a bid to accelerate the revival of the two state-owned loss-making telecom firms.

Reliance Communications, Huawei launch 2GB free data offer

Chinese device maker Huawei and Reliance Communications on 23 December partnered to offer 2GB of free 3G data on Huawei's new 3G Wi-Fi dongles and 3G Mi-Fi devices.

Tanuj Garg quits Balaji Motion Pictures

Tanuj Garg, CEO of Balaji Motion Pictures, has decided to move on. 

Aatish Srivastav quits NewsX to join CNN-IBN

Aatish Srivastav, National Bureau Chief at NewsX, has put in his papers. He will be joining CNN-IBN as senior editor next month. 

Hungama partners with VH1 Supersonic

Hungama.com has announced a strategic partnership with Vh1 Supersonic that will see the content across the formers’ digital properties over the first quarter of 2015.

Snapdeal launches The Agri Online Store for farmers

Snapdeal.com launched The Agri Store, a comprehensive online store offering access to farming and agriculture products for farmers across India.

Hathway Launches High Definition Personal Video Recorder

The Cable and Broadband Service Provider Hathway has launched a High Definition Personal Video Recorder (HD PVR). Hathway is the first national MSO to launch a HD PVR.

Muvi Studio launches Video on demand Platform-as-a-service technology

Muvi Studio, a technology start-up in India launched their Video on Demand (VoD) platform for the worldwide entertainment industry. The platform is a one-of-its kind offering in the entertainment market which allows video content owners like movie and TV productions, TV channels and video content aggregators to launch their own-branded Video on demand (VoD) platform in just a few hours with a ZERO CapEx cost! Along with the launch of the platform Muvi Studio has also partnered with Maa Television Network, Hyderabad and ISKCON Television, Mumbai to launch their VoD platforms.

TDSAT refused to stay Tariff hike in Non-DAS areas

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has declined to stay hike of 27.5% in tariff of Cable TV services in Non-DAS areas and adjourned the case to 5 January 2015.

Sun TV disconnection notice to GTPL Hathway for non-DAS areas

Sun Distribution Services (SDS), the agency distributing Sun TV Network channels has issued disconnection notice to multi-system operator (MSO) GTPL Hathway for non-signing of agreement in non-DAS (digital addressable system) areas. 

Love doesnt say do you love me. Love only says I love you.

Telecom operators can continue providing 3G roaming facility to mobile phone subscribers beyond their allotted zones through pacts with other service providers after the Supreme Court on 18 December turned down the Centre's plea to stay an appellate tribunal decision allowing them to provide the facility.

Vodafone launches free Wi-Fi in Delhi

The India unit of UK's Vodafone Group on Friday launched free Wi-Fi services in Delhi's Khan Market area.

Ajit Thakur resigns from Star India

Ajit Thakur has resigned from his position as EVP and General Manager, Life OK, and has decided to move on after a three-year stint with Star India.  

S Balasubramanian Chairman of Vikatan group passes away

Veteran journalist and media personality, S Balasubramanian, Chairman, Vikatan group of publications passed away on December 19, 2014. He was 78.

9XM to launch ad-free music block

Bollywood music channel 9XM is collaborating with DJ Chetas to create a special two-hour, ad-free music block ‘9XM House of Dance’. 

Percept Sports and Entertainment appointed as Official Marketing Activation Agency of the 35th National Games

Percept Sports and Entertainment, the integrated Sports Management and Entertainment Company of Percept Limited, has been appointed as the Official Marketing Activation Agency of the 35th National Games, India's premier sporting event. The 35th Edition of the National Games will be held over a span of 15 days beginning from 31st January 2015 to 14th February 2015 in the staggeringly beautiful state of Kerala.

Vikas Gupta quits MTV India as Programming Head

Vikas Gupta, Programming Head MTV India has now decided to move on. He was joined the company in January this year.

Volicon Announces Collaboration with Adobe to Accelerate Capture and Editing of Broadcast Content

Volicon announced that it has collaborated with Adobe to enable an exceptionally rapid workflow for capturing aired content and making it instantly available in Adobe® Premiere® Pro CC video editing software. Using Volicon's Observer Media Intelligence Platform® along with Adobe Premiere Pro CC, broadcasters and other content producers can radically accelerate the repurposing of aired audio and video for rebroadcast, bringing breaking news promos, sports highlights, weather updates, and other timely pieces to air very quickly and simply. 

Kelly Fair Named Wohler Vice President of Sales

Wohler Technologies announced the appointment of Kelly Fair as the vice president of sales, Wohler. In this role, Fair will take on responsibility for Wohler's baseband and stream-based products, including the company's acclaimed AMP2 Series audio and video monitors and MPEG Series transport stream monitoring and analysis systems. He will work alongside Craig Newbury, vice president of sales, Radiant Grid, the division of the company responsible for Wohler's file-based product portfolio.

BBC and The Hindu sign a content syndication deal

BBC World Service has recently inked a deal with The Hindu Group for its Tamil-language content where the text content from the BBC Tamil website, www.bbctamil.com, will directly be available to users of the web version of The Hindu-Tamil.

Sankara TV to celebrate seventh anniversary

The Sankara Television will be celebrating its seventh anniversary by organising a two-day ‘Sankara Mela’ in Coimbtore, Tamilnadu from December 20. 

Priyanka Chopra to appear in an ABC series on American TV

Priyanka Chopra the bollywood actress has sealed a one-year TV development deal with ABC Television Studios of the US.

Balaji Telefilms joins Indus Media to enter American TV market

A production company known for its Saas-Bahu’ soaps Balaji Telefilms, has marked its foray into the American television market by inking an American television series production deal with Indus Media. This deal will see Balaji secure rights to the TV series Brown Nation, a satirical comedy based on the lives of Indian Americans.

Turner’s kids cartoon channel Toonami launches in Thailan

Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific has announced that Toonami, its kids channel, is slated to launch in Thailand on January 14, 2015 and will be seen in 11 million households as a cable and satellite channel across the country.

Broadcast Solutions GmbH opens office in Bangkok

Beginning in January 2015 Broadcast Solutions GmbH, German-based specialist in OB Vans and leading provider of broadcast and multimedia solutions, opens a new office in Bangkok. As Sales & Marketing manager and head of the subsidiary the company appointed Mr. Tevarit Dolorfino. For the company opening a new office in South East Asia is a logical step to foster its local customer relationships and to take a step forward in this vibrant area.

Rajiv Khattar resigns Dish TV

Rajiv Khattar, President, Dish TV has resigned from the direct to home (DTH) platform after spending more than nine years.

I&B Minister released Calendar 2015 ‘Clean India Green India’

Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley on 17 December released the new Government of India calendar 2015 ‘Clean India Green India’. The calendar seeks inspiration from PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachh Bharat’ and ‘Digital India’. While the theme of ‘Swachh Bharat’ was portrayed visually in the conventional mode, the Mobile Application of the Calendar reiterated the government’s vision of taking the idea of ‘Digital India’ forward. Jaitley stated this while releasing the official Calendar of the Government for the year 2015 along with its Digital version.

ISRO successfully launches GSLV Mark-III

In another booster to India's space programme and braving major technological challenges, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully demonstrated its capability to launch its heaviest rocket GSLV-Mark III on 18 December from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

Nickelodeon gears up for action-packed 2015

Leading kid’s entertainment channel Nickelodeon hopes to start the New Year with a bang, by getting its popular animated property ‘Oggy and the Cockroaches’ back on the channel. Also, ‘Pakdam Pakdai’, its other show, will shift to Sonic, thus setting the stage for the franchise’s journey towards creating new milestones.

Dinesh Akula quits TV9, joins Express TV

Dinesh Akula has quit TV9 as executive editor and he has joined a Hyderabad based start up channel Express TV as senior VP-editorial and operations. He spent close to seven years in TV9.

ITV Network appoints Manoj Jagyasi as Business Head, Regional Channels

ITV Network has appointed Manoj Jagyasi as Business Head, Regional Channels. 

Shailesh Kumar joins Focus News as managing editor

Veteran journalist Shailesh Kumar has joined Focus News as the managing editor of its regional news channels.

Tata Docomo launches Photon Max Wi-Fi Duo data card

Tata Docomo, a brand of Tata Teleservices Ltd, on 16 December launched advanced Photon Max Wi-Fi Duo data card priced at Rs 2899.

ErosNow tie up with Chromecast

ErosNow, an on-demand entertainment platform, has forged a content tie up with Chromecast, on the latter's launch in India. The partnership will bring ErosNow's content from a phone, tablet or laptop to the television through Chomecast.

Google introduces Hindi ads on its Display Network

Google launched Hindi ads across the Google Display Network, in order to extend support to more languages around the World. It’s a part of Google’s Indic Language initiatives, announced in November 2014, which included the launch of the recent Indic Language Internet Alliance (ILA).

Ditto TV partners with Hull.io to power customer engagement

Ditto TV, the Over-The-Top TV distribution platform from Zee New Media, the digital arm of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has announced its partnership with the unified customer engagement platform, Hull to strengthen its customer engagement activities.

Vanitha TV wins UNICEF awards

Vanitha TV won in three categories of the 11 UNICEF Awards for Children-Related programmes, for best discussion and documentary. The awards were given to the channels at a ceremony held by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Centre for Media Studies (CMS) here on 16 December.

MIB issues remainder notice to broadcasters to furnish details

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) on 11 December issued a notice reminding broadcasters to submit details that need to be furnished for licence renewal. The MIB has directed broadcasting companies to submit details of company and board of directors by 26 December for security clearance before the renewal of permission for the next 10 years. Notice was issued on 19 November.

Doordarshan adopts integrated system for better services

Doordarshan has launched a software-based application which will integrate its different operations, including billing and sales, which were earlier done manually.

Telangana Cable TV Operators Association stage a protest against pay channels

Member of Telangana Cable TV Operators Welfare Association staged a ‘Maha Dharna’ on 14 December 2014 to protest against highhandedness of pay channels who are increasing their rates arbitrarily. 

Sunil Punjabi quits AXN as Business Head

Sunil Punjabi has quit Multi Screen Media (MSM) as Business Head of AXN. He spent more than two years at MSM. 14 December was his last day at the company. 

MediaTek eyes entry-level 4G devices in India

Taiwanese mobile chipmaker MediaTek is hoping to increase its market share in India with a slew of LTE chips to enable entry and mid-level 4G devices, which could fuel wider adoption of the high speed broadband technology in the country.

MIB issues remainder notice to broadcasters to furnish details

Reliance MediaWorks proposed transfer of entertainment business to Prime Focus has been cleared by fair trade regulator CCI, paving the way for one of the biggest deals in this sector in the country.

Delhi HC Refuses to Ban Astrology-Based TV Shows

The Delhi High Court has refused to prohibit astrology-based shows on television while saying it was not in its domain to prescribe what the programming code should be.

News Nation appoints R K Arora as CEO

News Nation Network has been appointed R K Arora as Chief Executive Officer. He will report to the Board. 

MSOs looted LCOs in Jabalpur creating bad name to LCOs

The payment collected in Jabalpur from Cable TV subscribers by the MSOs is far too high.  This was stated by Cable Operators Welfare Association in Jabalpur in a meeting on 14 December 2014. Multi-System Operators have increased subscription rates 100% in a year, but the administration or TRAI has not taken any action against any MSO as stated  by Cable Welfare Association. 

YouTube launches buffer-free offline video service in India

YouTube has launched an offline feature in India as part of a larger initiative to make YouTube easier to enjoy on mobile devices, while lessening the burden of data for its growing base of mobile users. This is part of YouTube’s first release of its ad-supported offline feature on Android and iOS, which was announced earlier this year with the launch of Android One smartphones.

Indians most addicted to smartphones: survey

Nearly 57 per cent of Indians admitted they cannot live without their smartphones, making them the most addicted group of respondents in a survey of users from top five smartphone regions globally.

YouTube offline viewing goes live in India

Video-sharing website YouTube on 11 December launched an offline viewing service to help users download videos they can watch later, to overcome handicaps posed by low bandwidth and high costs of data plans. 

Zee Entertainment strengthens its Digital Team

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) aspires to strengthen its digital presence by creating brand solutions for clients on the digital platforms. ZEEL announced the appointment of Anjana Kshetry as Head - Brand Solutions, Zee Digital. In her new role, Anjana will report to Mr. Debashish Ghosh, Chief Knowledge Officer, Essel Group. 

India News launches ‘fastest’ new bulletin

Hindi news channel India News has launched its ‘fastest’ news bulletin that features 222 news stories in just 22 minutes. The news bulletin paraphrases all the big stories that are making headlines in the country in a niftier format. The bulletin will be aired everyday at 7 AM & 9 AM.

Times Group launches Huffington Post India edition

US-based news and blogging platform Huffington Post on 8 December launched its Indian edition in association with Times of India Group.

Telit wireless solutions enters into a strategic alliance with Thiagarajar Telekom Solutions Limited (TTSL)

Telit Wireless Solutions, a global enabler of the Internet of the Things (IoT) announced on 9 December that it has entered into a strategic alliance with Thiagarajar Telekom Solutions Limited (TTSL) to provide Telit customers antenna design & development and testing services. TTSL is India’s leading research-driven wireless design company offering state-of-the-art antenna design, RF component & system design and transmitter & receiver design services for a range of current and emergent wireless applications like space, defense, vehicular tracking and in-building solutions.

NETIA Strengthens Global Presence with Sales Manager Appointments in Western Europe and Middle East/Africa

NETIA today announced that Mathieu Poussin has been appointed to the new role of sales manager for the Middle East and Africa, and that Séverine Olivier will shift into his former position to serve as NETIA's sales manager for Western Europe. With these new appointments, NETIA reinforces both its global sales force and its ability to deliver its software solutions worldwide.

Envivio’s Newest Head-End ‘Guru’ Monitors Video Operations on Any Network Worldwide

Envivio a leading provider of software-based video processing and delivery solutions, on 9 December announced a new option for its Guru™ head-end monitoring solution  - - a new ‘service-oriented’ approach to monitoring that results in faster and more efficient troubleshooting of video delivery networks, including cable, IPTV, satellite and OTT.

Amagi Launches Ad Monetization Solution for TV Networks

Amagi, the leader in targeted TV advertising and cloud-based broadcast infrastructure has on 8 December announced the launch of its Ad monetization platforms that are uniquely designed for TV Networks whose satellite feeds cover countries outside its origin.

TS Panesar joins Hathway as head video business

TS Panesar, who recently quit Star India as EVP distribution has joined Hathway Cable & Datacom as head-video business.

RK Arora resigns from ITV Network

R K Arora, who was made the Group CEO in August 2014, has resigned from the post. He was responsible for strategic and operational management of the ITV Network and oversee the group’s diverse portfolio of assets spanning news broadcasting.

Dish TV tie up with Concentrix Corporation

Direct-to-Home service provider Dish TV has tied up Concentrix Corporation to enhance business services for its premium customers, specifically bringing in the customer engagement expertise of Concentrix.

Airtel Digital TV launches self-care app for TV sets

Airtel Digital TV, the Direct-To-Home (DTH) service, has launched an innovative and easy to use Self-Care Application for television sets, a first-of-its kind by a DTH service provider. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative by a DTH service provider, where an app will enable customers with an Airtel Digital TV HD set-top-box to access their Airtel Digital TV account details real-time on their television sets, without the need to reach out to a customer support centre in its press release.

TRAI releases Consultation Paper on Delinking of the license for networks from delivery of services by way of VNO

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has on 5 December released a Consultation Paper on "Delinking of the license for networks from delivery of services by way of Virtual Network Operators (VNO)".

Times Television Network gets licences for 3 news channels

Times Television Network, a part of Bennett, Coleman and Company Ltd (BCCL) has been awarded three new licences by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) for news and current affairs channels. 

Doordarshan to hold 19th online e-auction for 4 vacant slots on DD Freedish on 12th December, 2014

19th online e-auction for filling up 4 vacant slots on Doordarshan’s direct-to-home Freedish platform will be conducted on 12th December, 2014.

Tata Sky and UNICEF join hands to promote 'Child-Friendly Schools and Systems'

Tata Sky, the leading Direct-to-home service provider in the country and UNICEF announced their joint initiative to promote quality learning in a protective environment using the 'Child-Friendly Schools and Systems' (CFSS) package.

Number of TV channels in the country goes up to 821: I&B

According to latest official data by  the Information and Broadcasting Ministry as on 30 November 2014, the number of permitted satellite television channels has jumped to 821 by November 2014 end from 784 in December 2013. 

Two broadcasters sought exemption from 12-minute ad cap: MoS, I&B

Two broadcasters have sought exemption for their free-to-air news and current affairs channels from the 12-minute advertisement cap stipulated by TRAI and all such such representations will be considered on merit, according to Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

Govt plans setting up Film & Television institute in North East

The government is considering setting up a Film and Television institute in the North East and consultations are on in this regard.

GSAT-16 launched successfully

Communication satellite GSAT-16 was successfully launched on board an Arianespace rocket from Kourou in French Guiana early on 7 December, after a delay of two days due to bad weather.

Karnataka to approach Centre to start cable TV network

Karnataka state government is also planning to start its cable television services if the union government permits it. Minister for Information and Public Relations, Roshan Baig to reports in Bangaluru. 

Copyright violation FIR filed against Fastway

An FIR has been filed against Fastway MSO for illegally transmitting Taj Television channels form 15 July 2014 to 07 December 2014 in its network in Karnal in spite of TDSAT having directed it to file an undertaking that it shall not transmit any Taj Television channels in city of Karnal vide its order dated 13 August 2014.

Thomson Video Networks Presenting France's First DTTV Demonstration for Delivery of Five HD Channels

This week, Thomson Video Networks is conducting France's first demonstration of high-quality video broadcast of five HD channels in a DTTV 24.8 Mbps multiplex, enabled by the company's industry-leading ViBE™ EM4000 premium HD/SD encoder and NetProcessor multiplexer/video processor. The demonstration, which began on Nov. 30 and will continue through Friday, Dec. 5, is being managed by the HD Forum at the NRJ main broadcasting facility in Paris. 

Snapdeal launches virtual store for the differently

Snapdeal.com launched a specialty online Rehab and Support Store to cater to the special needs of persons with disabilities.

India TV celebrates 21 years of ‘Aap Ki Adalat’

India TV celebrated 21 years of India’s longest running Television show ‘Aap Ki Adalat with Rajat Sharma’ at a gathering of icons from politics, sports, business and spirituality in New Delhi on 2 December 2014. Star Plus was also part of the celebrations. The event will be simulcast on both the channels – India TV and Star Plus – on December 7 at 10 PM. 

SVG Media acquires SeventyNine and NetworkPlay

SVG Media, a Gurgaon-based digital media network company that runs Tyroo, DGM and Precision Match, on 3 December acquired mobile video technology platform Seventynine and digital agency Networkplay from Gruner+Jahr, one of Europe's largest printing and publishing firm based in Germany. 

Piyush Gupta quits Network18

Piyush Gupta, The Group’s Head of Operations and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Network18 to exit the company. The exits have been from both managerial and editorial positions. 

Delhi High Court questioned I&B Ministry over complaints on Astrology based TV shows

On 3 December, Information and Broadcasting Ministry was questioned by The Delhi High Court for failing to regulate astrology-based shows on television.

MEASAT appoints Jarod Lopez as Vice President – Broadcast

MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. on 4 December announced the re-appointment of Jarod Lopez as Vice President – Broadcast.

Vivo smartphone enters into strategic partnership with Viacom18

Vivo Mobile will be entering India through a strategic marketing and communication partnership with Viacom 18 Integrated Network Solutions (INS), a division of Viacom18.

YuppTV appoints Damon S Johnson as Senior VP

YuppTV has appointed Damon S Johnson as SVP Business Development. Johnson will lead the development of distribution partnerships and explore, and build new content and entertainment options for the over-the-top (OTT) internet TV market.

Bollywood actor Deven Verma passes away

Veteran actor-filmmaker Deven Varma passed away following a heart attack on 2 December.

Doordarshan launches new show

Doordarshan on 2 December launched ten new shows in prime time on DD National. 

Oregan joins RDK community(International News dated

Oregan Networks, a specialist in pay-TV systems, has become a member of the RDK (Reference Design Kit), a pre-integrated software bundle that provides a common framework for powering customer-premises equipment from TV service providers, and announced a strategic intent to align its engineering expertise and services with RDK’s initiatives.

CASBAA Research Reveals Over 500 Million Multichannel TV Homes in Asia Pacific

According to CASBAA’s recently updated Asia Pacific Multichannel TV Advertising 2015 book, the Asia Pacific now boasts 500,639,000 multichannel homes across the region. An annual compendium of regional facts and figures and advertising research culled from a variety of sources, the Asia Pacific Multichannel TV Advertising 2015 is updated every year to provide essential data for the region’s broadcasting industry.

DoS gave 'certain benefits' to Tata Sky: CAG

The transponder lease agreement Department of Space had with Tata Sky gave "certain benefits" to the company which were not offered to any other DTH service providers, the Comptroller and Auditor General said. 

TN cable operators intensify DAS licence demand

Cable TV operators in the State have threatened to walk out of Arasu Cable network if the State government fails to obtain a digital addressable system (DAS) licence from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting within 15 days.

DD has no plans for new terrestrial transmitters in view of Freedish: MoS

A total of 19 digital transmitters have been installed in 17 states including Delhi ‘to keep pace with the advancement in broadcasting industry in the world’, Parliament has been informed.

Owner of Geo TV, Veena Malik and others get 26 years in Jail

The owner of Pakistan’s biggest media group, Geo TV, along with actor Veena Malik and her husband, was sentenced to 26 years in prison by an anti-terrorism court for allegedly airing a blasphemous programme.

Huawei Introduce Its Flagship Products and Solutions at Enterprise ICT Carnival 2014

Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, commenced its two-day Enterprise ICT carnival 2014 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Pacific Place, Jakarta. Indonesia is one of the most dynamic market growths in Enterprise space. Through dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, Huawei is committed to serve as the most innovative and optimal partner for Indonesian enterprises, accelerating their ICT development and improving their operational efficiency. Having confidence in Huawei means our customers in Indonesia deserved 'A Better Way' to unleash the businesses to thrive in this digital age.

Globecast and MEASAT to Distribute HGTV across Asia

MEASAT Satellite Systems announced an agreement with Globecast to distribute top U.S. Network, HGTV, on MEASAT-3. HGTV will debut as the first regional channel dedicated to the growing home and lifestyle category in Asia. It is wholly owned by Scripps Networks Interactive, one of the world’s leading producers of engaging lifestyle content in the home, food and travel categories.

ICT to make significant impact in rural areas: Report

Over three billion people are now online and information and communication technology (ICT) growth remains buoyant in just about every country worldwide, according to ITU’s flagship annual ‘Measuring the Information Society Report’.

Old TV frequencies can be turned into free ‘super WiFi’

Old television frequencies are becoming available for other uses around the world due to a switch from analogue to digital transmission.

Net neutrality suits expected: FCC Chairman

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has admitted that major cable and telecoms industry players are likely to sue the Commission whatever rules it proposes following its consultation on net neutrality.

Bharti Airtel launches 4G service in Seychelles

Bharti Airtel has launched 4G service in Seychelles, which is the operator's first commercial LTE network in Africa.

StarHub Styles up with Fashion One

StarHub TV and Fashion One, the international channel for fashion, entertainment and lifestyle television jointly announce the launch of Fashion One on StarHub TV Channel 442 and StarHub TV Anywhere. The channel will hit the catwalk in high definition starting 4 December 2014. In addition, a free preview will be held from launch to 18 December 2014.

Tata Sky launches ID on its basic pack

ID-Investigation Discovery, the first genre-specific Hindi entertainment channel is now available on basic pack of one of India’s leading DTH platforms, Tata Sky with immediate effect. All customers of TATA SKY can now watch ID on channel no. 135. 

Jabalpur Operators protest new RIO rates of Star TV

Hike in rates of Star TV group channels after it migrated to RIO agreement system is facing lot of protest from Cable Operators and MSOs.

No progress in Tamil Nadu runs MSO Arasu application for DAS licence: MoS

There is no progress in the application of Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation Limited for the MSO licence, if one goes by the reply given in Parliament by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore.

SC stays Delhi HC ban on Comedy Central to resume broadcast this evening

The Supreme Court stayed on 28 November, Delhi High Court’s decision to ban the transmission of entertainment channel Comedy Central for six days, beginning from 26 November 2014. The apex court also issued a notice to the Central government that challenges constitutional validity of certain sections in the Cable Television Networks Act based on Viacom18’s petition.

Ultra-superfast 5G broadband comes closer

Researchers are investigating how software-defined cellular networking might be used to give smartphone users the next generation of super-superfast broadband 5G. 

TV18 Broadcast appoints Hariharan Mahadevan as CFO

Hariharan Mahadevan is the new chief financial officer (CFO) of TV 18 Broadcast.

Punjabi News channel, ABP Sanjha to go off air

MCCS has plans to wind up its Punjabi News Channel ABP Sanjha. The channel applied for a license in early 2013 but the clearance was given only on 31 July this year after more than 18 months.

Discovery Turbo refreshed as premium channel for Men

The first of its kind 24-hour multi-genre channel “just for males” will beam into Indian homes from December 1st. Discovery has transformed its existing channel Discovery Turbo into a Premium English Entertainment Channel for Men expanding its content offering to reflect the new and emerging passions, desires and interests of the aspirational male audience. 

Rupert Murdoch-led News Corp acquires stake in Property Portal PropTiger.com

Murdoch’s News Corp announced on 25 November, an investment of $30 million (Rs 186 crore) in a real estate website, PropTiger.com. The Portal was started by Dhruv Agarwal with two friends, Kartik Varma and Prashan Agarwal. 

K Sanjay Murthy appointed Jt Secy (Films)

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a notification on 24 November appointing K Sanjay Murthy as joint secretary of Films Division with effect from 21 November.

Justice C K Prasad replaces Markandey Katju as PCI Chairman

Justice Markandey Katju, known for his sharp comments on many actions of the government, will be replaced as Chairman of Press Council of India by ex-Supreme Court Judge C K Prasad. Justice Katju’s term ended on October 11.

MSM-Discovery distribution JV ends on Jan 1

Following the TRAI Regulations on aggregators of TV channels MSM and Discovery have decided to part ways with effect from January 1, 2015.

Three railway stations to become Wi-Fi covered

Railway Stations of Agra, Ahmedabad and Varanasi will soon get the Wi-Fi hotspots. Russia's Sistema JFSC that operates under the MTS brand in India has partnered with the Indian Railways to create these Wi-Fi hotspots by the first quarter of 2015.

Cable Operators block two channels in Karnataka

TV9 Kannada and News 9 (English) were taken off air by cable television operators across Karnataka for 24 hours at 6 PM on 24 November.

Children watch half as much live TV as adults, says Ofcom

Children aged 11 to 15 watch half the amount of live TV and six times more short online video clips per day compared to adults, according to new research by Ofcom.

The UK broadcast regulator found that 11 to 15 year olds watch 1 hour and 32 minutes of live TV per day and 33 minutes of short online video clips, compared to 2 hours and 58 minutes of TV and five minutes of clips for adults.

More than 7000 Participants of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon recovered at Volini “Recovery Zone”

For participants of Airtel Delhi Half Marathon, the finish line also meant heading towards Volini “Recovery Zone”. The 6,750 sq ft “Recovery Zone” at the finish line, had professional therapists and sports injury counselors tending to the tired muscles.

Omar Qureshi quits Zoom

Omar Qureshi, editor-in-chief and creative head of Times Television Network's Bollywood news channel - Zoom, has quit the channel after a stint of over six years.

Alok Nair quits CNBC-TV18

Alok Nair, Senior VP and National Revenue Head, CNBC-TV18, has put in his papers after eleven years with Network18. 

Reliance Digital TV announce partnership with The Vedic Maths Forum of India

Reliance Digital TV announced on 25 November its partnership with The Vedic Maths Forum of India to provide premium mathematics teaching on television. The new channel—The World of Vedic Maths—will be available on Channel # 559 on Reliance DTH at just Rs 112, on a pay-per-subscription basis for a period of five weeks.

Comedy Central to go off-air for 6 days: Delhi HC

Entertainment channel Comedy Central will have to go off air from 12.01 am on 26 November for six days after the Delhi high court upheld a ban imposed on it for broadcasting offensive content. 

DD Free Dish to conduct 18th e-auction on Nov 28

Prasar Bharati has decided to conduct its 18th online e-auction on 28 November for filling up the slots on Doordarshan’s free direct-to-home (DTH) service, DD Free Dish. 

Kolkata TV to launch a GEC ‘Kolkata 24x7’ by March 2015

The Bengali TV lovers are in for some dose of entertainment. And attempting this is a 24 hours Bengali News channel Kolkata TV.

Murli Deora, former union minister passes away

Senior Congress leader and former Union minister Murli Deora passed away in Mumbai on Monday, 24 November after prolonged illness.

Government may merge broadband, e-services delivery projects

The Narendra Modi-led government could merge two key broadband ventures into a jumbo Rs 60,000-crore project to speed up delivery of high-speed internet and government services to the common man under the ambitious Digital India drive. It is weighing the pros and cons of mandating Bharat Broadband Networks (BBNL) to implement the national broadband and government-to-citizen e-services projects as a single venture on a turnkey basis, said, a telecom official.

Times Internet announces strategic partnership with Electus Digital

Times Internet (TIL), a premiere digital product company and the digital arm of India’s largest media conglomerate, The Times of India Group, has added another partnership to its Times Global Partners (TGP) portfolio by inking a deal with Electus Digital, the digital creative and distribution arm of Electus. The strategic partnership for India includes Electus Digital websites CollegeHumor.com, Dorkly.com and WatchLOUD.com. The alliance was brokered by TGP, who will be responsible for growth and monetization of the three Electus Digital websites sites in India as part of the deal.

TTN appoints Anup Vishwanathan as marketing head English Entertainment cluster

Times Television Network (TTN) has appointed Anup Vishwanathan as the marketing head of the English Entertainment cluster which includes channels such as Movies Now and Romedy Now.

RBNL makes two new appointments for Big Magic

Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) has made two new additions to its senior management team for the growth of its TV business. 

TRAI exempts small Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from tariff reporting requirement

TRAI has released 59th Amendment to the Telecommunication Tariff Order (TTO), 1999 on 21 November. TRAI decided to exempt internet service providers from the tariff reporting requirement during a financial year if the total number of its subscribers is less than ten thousand (<10,000) on the last day of the preceding financial year.

Former (DoT) official Anil Kaushal may be appointed TRAI member

Former Department of Telecom (DoT) official Anil Kaushal is likely to be appointed as the new full-time member of TRAI with tenure of three years.

MIB to decide meeting of DAS task force on 2nd Wednesday of every month

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has decided to hold Task Force meeting for Phase III of Digital Addressable System (DAS) on second Wednesday of every month. 

French Embassy hosts seminar on ‘Reinventing Network and Security Orchestration’

Service providers in Telecom Industry have long struggled to control operational costs and increase the speed of service delivery. Incremental networking technology cost reduction and marginal service delivery improvements have not led to dramatic cost savings or improved time to service launch. In fact, the exponential growth of function-specific networking devices in the past decade made matters worse.

Delhi HC adjourns ad cap hearing to 21 January 2015

Broadcasters are lucky as they continue to enjoy advertising on their channels as they wish the ad cap regulation of TRAI being sulyudice and not implements this time again the hearing has been adjourned to January 21, 2015 the Delhi High Court has no time for the hearing. 

Netflix to expand in Australia and New Zealand in March

Video streaming service provider Netflix Inc said it would expand into Australia and New Zealand in March.

Xiaomi invests $300 million in online video firm iQiyi

Xiaomi Technology Co Ltd said on 19 November it had made $300 million investment in online video provider iQiyi.

Mehraj Dube quits NDTV to joins Reliance Industries as Assistant VP, Media

Mehraj Dube, Associate Editor at NDTV has resigned down from his job at NDTV to take charge as Assistant Vice President, Media at Reliance Industries.

MIB issues format of security clearance for TV channels

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has set the format of security clearance for new TV channels as well as those seeking fresh security clearances before renewal of permission for next 10 years. 

TRAI releases recommendations on Regulatory Framework for Platform Services

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released on 19 November, its recommendations on the 'Regulatory Framework for Platform Services (PS)’.

Nagpur Cable Operators to pay Rs 30 per month to MSO: TDSAT

In an ongoing case between LCOs of Nagpur and their MSO GTPL regarding hike in subscription fee paid every month, TDSAT ordered the LCOs to continue paying Rs 30/- per month per subscriber till the next hearing of the case on 10 December 2014.

MIB appoints Puneet Kansal as Joint Secretary Broadcasting II

Effective November 05, Puneet Kansal, who was a director in the Ministry of Power, has been appointed as Joint Secretary (Broadcasting II) in the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB). 

Discovery brings an ultimate endurance test of survival

Discovery Channels survival series Dual Survivor is back with all new episodes in its exciting new season. The series will witness Cody, one of the world's foremost experts in self-reliance and living off the land and Joe Teti, a former Force Recon Marine and Army Special Forces soldier using their skills to devise extraordinary ways to survive. Their aim is to demonstrate, in their own way, how the right skills and some creative thinking can keep you alive in the remote corners of the world.

DoT for commencing spectrum auction from February 23

As per a PTI report, spectrum auction for mobile services is expected to start from February 23, a few days later than suggested by a ministerial group, according to official sources.

Tikona raises $45 mn in funding

Internet service provider Tikona has raised funds to the tune of $45 million from investors including International Financial Corporation (IFC).

Bloomberg TV India appoints Amol Maheshwari as National Sales Head

Amol Maheshwari has been appointed as National Sales Head of Bloomberg TV India.  As a part of his new portfolio, Maheshwari will be responsible to drive the business development for the premium business news channel across India. 

Amagi becomes international leader in cloud based channel-playout

Amagi, the leader in cloud-based TV broadcast platforms has announced the opening of its sales and support office in Tokyo, Japan on November 17, 2014. The office will oversee Amagi’s progression into the Japanese TV broadcasting industry, giving TV networks in the region improved access to its path-breaking channel playout and monetization solutions.

Epic Channel goes on air today

The Epic Channel, a TV channel of mythology and history is being launched today on all digital platforms, including DTH and digital cable networks.

SC refuses to stay trial against Raja and others in 2G case

The Supreme Court on 18 November refused to stay the trial in the 2G case relating to Indian Penal Code offences and under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against former Telecom Minister A. Raja and 18 others.

TDSAT to hear IBF case on tariff on 12 December

TRAI’s tariff order dated 16 July for commercial establishments TDSAT has been further adjourned to 12 December. The petition filed by the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), Viacom 18 and MSM India challenging the tariff order amendment of 16 July came up for hearing on 18 November.

NBA condemns brutal assault by policemen on journalists and cameramen today at Hisar

News Broadcasters Association (NBA) vehemently condemns the brutal assault by policemen on journalists and cameramen who were covering the police action outside the ashram of self-styled godman Baba Rampal in Hisar, Haryana today.

Tamil Nadu Cable operators protest against rate increase

Cable TV operators belonging to the Tamil Nadu Cable TV Operators Public Welfare Association (TCOA) are protesting against increase in monthly subscription for every cable TV connection from Rs. 70 to Rs. 150.

DD Kisan to launch in January 2015

Doordarshan's 'Kisan TV' channel, which would air programmes on agriculture for farmers, is likely to be ready for launch by mid-January next year.

Calcutta HC extends DigicableComm interim stay by eight weeks

The Calcutta High Court has extended the interim stay on the cancellation of DigiCablecomm Services’ DAS Regulation for eight more weeks. 

Amit Tripathi joins Focus TV as COO and National Sales Head

Amit Tripathi, COO, New Express has now joined Focus TV as COO and National Sales Head for Focus Bangla & Focus NE.

Rajshri Entertainment launches online animation channel Peekaboo

Rajshri Entertainment, the digital entertainment studio, has launched Peekaboo, a kids channel on digital media with HD animation content. The videos can be viewed across devices desktops, laptops, tablet computers and mobile phones.

Rightster partners with Lehren Networks to manage its YouTube channels

Rightster, the cloud-based global video distribution and monetisation network that simplifies delivery to TV scale audiences in the complex online video market, announced a partnership with Lehren Networks, one of the most popular media and entertainment network devoted to India’s film industry, to manage its 77+ YouTube channels.

Cloud services market to reach $200 bn in 2018; Google, IBM, Amazon lead

Infonetics Research said on 12 November that Google, IBM and Amazon lead the Cloud services market that the firm forecasts will reach $200 billion by 2018.

Cisco investing $1.7 bn in India in 2014, India Q1 FY 2015 revenue up 6%

Enterprise networking vendor Cisco is investing $1.7 billion in India this year.

CASBAA Welcomes Frank Rittman to Its Board of Directors

During its Council of Governors Meeting concluding the CASBAA Convention 2014, CASBAA announced the election of Frank Rittman of the Motion Picture Association to its Board of Directors.

Hathway recorded revenue up in Q2 FY15

Multi System Operator (MSO), Hathway Cable & Datacom recorded a 20 per cent hike in revenues in Q2 FY 2015. The MSO’s revenue went up from Rs. 2,202 million in Q2 FY14 to Rs 2,635 million in Q2 FY15.

Department of Consumer Affairs joins hands with ASCI

Strengthening its mission towards self-regulation in advertising, Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, has officially partnered with Advertising Standard Council of India (ASCI) to augment the efforts on stopping misleading advertisements. The collaboration will see joint efforts to evaluate and pass strictures against the violators. The six priority sectors that would be covered are agriculture and food, health, education, housing, financial services and e-commerce.

Nokia Networks bags 3G contract from Bharti Airtel

Nokia Networks has bagged a 3G contract from Bharti Airtel that will help Airtel enhance its 3G network in the Mumbai, West Bengal and Bihar telecom circles using Nokia’s latest Single RAN (radio access network) Advanced platform. The deal includes an India-first dual band, dual carrier 3G-network implementation, refarming 900 MHz to complement Mumbai’s existing 3G network on 2100 MHz. This will enable higher throughput and thus improved 3G services for Bharti Airtel’s customers

TRAI schedules Open House Discussion on Migration to IP based networks on December 2

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) announced an open house discussion to discuss Migration to IP based Networks on December 02, 2014. The discussion will be organised in India International Centre, New Delhi.

Sandeep Bharadwaj leaves Star to join Times TV

MUMBAI: Sandeep Bharadwaj, Star India SVP distribution, an old hand in the group has put in his papers. He is likely to join Times Television Network as distribution head for cable. 

Veteran film and TV director Ravi Chopra passes away

Veteran film and TV director Ravi Chopra is no more. He passed away on Wednesday, Nov 12, 2014 at the age of 68 following a lung ailment.

Aircel tie up with RCom to launch 3G services in Mumbai

Aircel has launched 3G services in Mumbai, making the metro its third circle after Delhi and Rajasthan. The company, which does not hold 3G spectrum in the circle, had entered into an intra-circle roaming agreement (ICR) with Reliance Communications (RCom) to launch the services in Mumbai.

YuppTV launches app on Sharp Smart Central TV

YuppTV, the over-the-top (OTT) content player for South Asian content, has launched its application on Sharp Smart Central TVs, which are available in 60- and 70-inch screen sizes. 

BES celebrates Public Service Broadcasting Day

Broadcast Engineering Society (India) (BES (I)), celebrated National Public Service Broadcasting Day today at Constitution Club, New Delhi on 12 November 2014. Shri Kailash Satyarthi, the Noble Peace Prize Laureate 2014 from India was the Chief Guest. 

Operators of Jabalpur protest against hiked in Star TV rates

‘Mahakoushal Cable Operators Sangh’ and Jabalpur Cable Operators Welfare Association of local cable operators protest against the new RIO (Reference Interconnect Offer) of Star TV channels in Jabalpur (MP) on 12 November 2014.

SITI Cable selects Cisco DOCSIS 3.0 technology to launch high speed broadband service

Cisco announced that SITI Cable, one of India’s leading cable TV multiple-system operators (MSO), has selected Cisco® DOCSIS 3.0 technology for the introduction of next-generation cable broadband services in the country. With DOCSIS 3.0 technology, SITI Cable will be offering its subscribers Internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps, as well as high speed data networks and access to more content online compared with that offered by existing telecom Internet service providers (ISPs).

Harmonic Makes Strategic Investments in Cloud Technology Companies

Harmonic the worldwide leader in video delivery infrastructure announced that the company has made significant investments in Encoding.com, the world's largest video transcoding service, and VJU, one of the first companies to provide cloud-enabled playout solutions to the broadcast and pay-TV industries. Having a financial stake in Encoding.com and VJU strengthens Harmonic's ability to offer highly flexible and scalable cloud-based services that provides amazing video quality and dramatically simplified cloud-based operations.

"To manage the complexity and enable the scalability of broadcast and multiscreen workflows, our customers are increasingly embracing flexible cloud technologies. Investing in Encoding.com and VJU, two key innovators in the cloud services market, aligns with Harmonic's strategic vision, enabling us to better support our customers' business and operational requirements," said Patrick Harshman, president and CEO, Harmonic. "With Encoding.com and VJU, Harmonic can deliver VOS™ technologies both on-premise and in the cloud, for seamless and highly elastic customer operations."

First Meeting of Consultative Committee attached to Ministry of Information & Broadcasting held

Shri Arun Jaitley, Union Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs and Information & Broadcasting today chaired the First meeting of the Consultative Committee of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting to discuss the issue of Digitisation of Cable TV Network, Phase III and IV. Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, MoS for Information & Broadcasting was also present in the meeting. 

Welcoming the members, Shri Jaitley in his opening remarks emphasised the importance of the digitisation programme in providing better quality of service, wider choice of content and its important role in bringing about transparency within the subscriber base. As a process it had also brought about a change in the Broadcasting landscape as well as enabled broadband penetration within the country.