CQ- Discovery completes Eurosport acquisition

Confirming a move it says strengthens its position as the world’s leading pay-TV programmer by expanding into sports programming, Discovery Communications has announced the completion of its acquisition of a controlling interest in Eurosport International, Europe’s leading sports entertainment group. Discovery increased its interest in Eurosport to 51 per cent from 20 per cent as part of a larger strategic partnership with TF1 Group that began in December 2012.

CQ- Sportitalia to relaunch on DTT in Italy

After a short absence due to brand ownership and management problems, Italian sports TV channel Sporttalia is set to return on June 2nd.

CQ- Raghav Bhal leaves Network 18

Network18 founder-promoter Raghav Bahl’s entrepreneurial innings has come to an end. He and his wife Ritu Kapur have left their shareholding even as Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has taken control of Network18 and TV18. 

CQ- Discovery to bring three channels in India

Discovery Networks Asia Pacific will bring three new channels in India. These will include one Hindi entertainment channel and two HD channels.  

CQ- Hathway reports Q4 net loss at Rs 46 crore

Hathway Cable & Datacom has reported standalone net loss of Rs 49.27 crore (Rs 492.7 million) in the fiscal fourth quarter, wider than the preceding quarter’s loss of Rs 36.86 crore (Rs 368.6 million). 

CQ- Javadekar urges all Ministries to use New Media Wing to connect with people

The Narendra Modi-led Government, known for its active election campaign on social media, said it would ensure that its connect with the people continues even after assuming power.

CQ- 84 % broadband consumers happy to left pay-TV

According to research from nScreenMedia, the leading analyst group covering media’s transition to multiscreen consumption, 84 per cent of US broadband consumers that have cut the cord are at least somewhat happy with their decision; 37 per cent say they are so happy they will never go back to the service.

CQ- HISTORY TV18 Brings Alive the Small Screen with the First ever Second Screen App

HISTORY TV18 has been the epitome of India's broadcast and factual entertainment industry with its unparalleled reach and unrivaled leadership. Cementing this position even further, the channel brings to its audiences India's first truly second screen app experience. The HISTORY TV18 App allows fans to interact with one another around feeds (videos, images, facts), participate in show discussions, and create conversations on various topics. What’s more, through a novel innovation, viewers can see their chats live on TV via a ticker, taking viewer engagement to a whole new realm. 

CQ- DoT wants TRAI suggestion on phase-II of unified licensing

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has started the process to move to the next phase of Unified Licencing (UL) regime, which would delink licencing of networks from delivery of services.

CQ- Airtel may have to pay 406 cr for merging broadband licences

The Department of Telecom will ask Bharti Airtel to pay 406 crore for merging the four Internet licences acquired from Qualcomm with its existing unified licences.

CQ- Idea brings 3G services in Punjab

Idea Cellular has brought 3G services in Punjab, expanding its footprint to 28 States in the country. The country’s third largest mobile operator, which provides 3G services on its own network, covers the rest of the country through intra-circle roaming agreements.

CQ- Ambani's RIL to takes control of Network18

Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) is acquiring a majority stake in Raghav Bahl’s Network18 Media and Investments and its subsidiary TV18 Broadcast through Independent Media Trust (IMT), of which RIL is a sole beneficiary.

Dish to take Bitcoins

US satellite TV operator Dish Network has said it will accept payments in Bitcoins from customers in the third quarter of this year. Dish, which supplies 14 million households with satellite TV, says it will be the biggest company to accept Bitcoin so far.

Users can transfer Bitcoins to each other online and store the currency in digital “wallets”. However, the virtual currency has faced challenges. Its value against traditional currencies has fluctuated wildly, and it is not backed by a central bank.

Chromecast launches in 6 more countries

Google has launched Chromecast – its HDMI dongle – in Australia, Belgium, Japan, Korea, Portugal and Switzerland.

The device first launched in the US last July costing $35, and is now available in 18 countries including the UK, Germany and France.

Apple confirms Beats Music buy for $3bn

Apple has agreed to buy subscription streaming music service Beats Music, as well as Beats Electronics, which makes the popular Beats headphones, speakers and audio software. As part of the acquisition, Beats co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre will join Apple.

Apple is acquiring the two companies for a total of $3 billion, consisting of a purchase price of approximately $2.6 billion and approximately $400 million that will vest over time.

Streamhub comes on tap to deliver real-time video analytics

A new real-time video analytics service, Streamhub, has been launched to give media firms actionable insights that can increase viewer acquisition and stickiness in key markets.

The platform is designed to deliver a 'comprehensive' view of how a video or live channel is performing minute-by-minute and across each and every viewer. By consolidating and displaying live feedback from multiple platforms on a dashboard, Streamhub is said to enable greater data-driven decision-making for content owners.

Kansai TV demos UltraHD broadcast over ISDB-T

Weeks before the first 4KTV World Cup, leading Osaka commercial broadcaster Kansai TV has demonstrated an UltraHD TV terrestrial broadcast delivery service over ISDB-T.

Kansai Telecasting Corporation is the leading commercial broadcast television station in Osaka and serves the Kansai region of Japan. Affiliated with the Fuji Network System, Kansai Telecasting Corporation caters to both local and nationwide audiences, providing drama, sports, news, documentary and variety programmes, as well as live entertainment, mobile content and feature film production.

CQ- Govt amends TRAI Act to appoint Nripendra Misra as principal secretary to PM

The Ministry of Law and Justice has amended the TRAI Act through an ordinance route to allow former Chairpersons to hold Government jobs after retirement. This has been done to pave the way for Nripendra Misra to take over as the principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

CQ- Sony SIX expects big viewers on FIFA

Sony SIX, official broadcaster for the FIFA, expects nearly 65 million viewers to watch the tournament from the Indian sub-continent.

CQ- Cisco reaches to 40 million digital homes across India

Cisco today announced that it now reaches more than 40 million digital homes across India with its industry-leading VideoGuard conditional access (CA) and digital rights management (DRM) solutions.

CQ- Dolby Digital Plus selects Digi JPR Network for its HD set-top-boxes

Dolby Digital Plus on 29th May has selected Mumbai based cable TV network operator Digi JPR Network as the studio solution for its HD set-top-boxes. With Dolby Digital Plus, Digi-JPR HD subscribers will experience the capability of up to 7.1 channels of surround sound, designed to transform the way people experience their favorite sports, movies, and television programs.

CQ- Siti Cable reports Q4 net loss at Rs 228 mn

Essel Group’s MSO Siti Cable Network has reported the fiscal fourth quarter revenue jump, while net loss rose marginally. 

CQ- YuppTV brings Star Plus and Life OK in Australia

OTT platform YuppTV on 27th May has brought Hindi general entertainment channels Star Plus and Life OK in Australia. 

CQ- Star Sports and Twitter together brings instant sports replays

Star Sports and Twitter have tied up with TenTenTen Digital Products to launch a new real-time interactive experience on Twitter called ‘Tweeplay’, which will enable sports fans to watch replays of major sporting events by just sending a tweet. 

CQ- India to have third largest Twitter population by 2014

India will account for the third-largest user base on micro-blogging site Twitter at 18.1 million by the end of this year, research firm eMarketer said.

CQ- TAM SVP Pradeep Hejmadi resigns from post to join Zee TV

TV rating agency TAM Media Research’s senior vice-president has given his resignation from the post to join Zee TV as business head early next months.

CQ- Ajay Chacko resigns from Network 18 as COO

It was indeed a busy day at Network18. The company lost its CEO and COO on the very same day—their resignation came a few days after the Lok Sabha election verdict and a day after the declaration of the fiscal and fourth quarter financial results. 

CQ- Digital cable subscribers can pay bills online: TRAI

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has directed Multi-System Operators (MSOs) who operate in digitalised regions to ensure delivery of individual subscriber bills and provide the option for online payment.

CQ- B. Sai Kumar quits Network 18

B Sai Kumar chief executive officer of Network 18 has given his resignation from the post on 28th May after serving for 14 years. 

CQ- APAC compensates for North American pay-TV losses

Global pay-TV revenues [subscription fees and on-demand movies and TV episodes] will climb to $209 billion in 2020, up fr0m $193 billion in 2013, according to a new report fr0m Digital TV Research. The Digital TV World Revenue Forecasts report states that the fast growth years are over as a point of comparison revenues grew by $24 billion between 2010 and 2013.

CQ- APAC compensates for North American pay-TV losses

Mediaset Spain, owner of Tele 5 and Cuatro, and WhatsApp have signed a pioneering agreement that will enable the broadcaster to interact with users via messages, video clips, photos and audio clips with content from the Football World Cup in Brazil.

CQ- Telecable elects NAGRA for Multiscreen TV offering in Mexico

NAGRA, the Kudelski Group’s digital TV business and the world's leading independent provider of content protection and multiscreen television solutions, on 27th May has announced that its end-to-end multiscreen solution, NAGRA MediaLive, was selected by one of Mexico’s largest cable companies, Telecable, of the Hevi Group to enable its next generation TV services. NAGRA MediaLive features NAGRA’s best-of-breed technologies including NAGRA Media Access conditional access and studio-grade DRM, OpenTV 5 HTML5 Client Connect Ware, and the MediaLive service platform.

CQ- TV 18 Broadcast records 88 per cent up in operating profit in FY 14

TV 18 Broadcast has recorded 88 per cent up in its operating profits for the financial year ending March 31, 2014 at Rs 2010.5 crore.

CQ- Press freedom essential, no external regulation: Prakash Javadekar

Prakash Javadekar newly appointed Information and Broadcasting Minister, just after assuming charge on 27th May has stated that Modi government believes in freedom of press as it is the essence of democracy and no "external" regulation has worked in media 

CQ- List of newly appointed Union Minister with their portfolios

Narendra Modi: Prime Minister, retains with him the portfolios of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; Department of Space; all important policy issues and all other portfolios not allocated to any Minister.

CQ- Dish TV reports Q4 loss for FY 14

India’s leading direct-to-home (DTH) service provider Dish TV India has reported net loss for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2014. The Company had registered a standalone net loss of INR 43.62 crore for the January-March quarter of the last fiscal.

CQ- Shweta Purandare becomes secy general of ASCI

Advertising watchdog Advertising Standard Council of India (ASCI) has appointed Shweta Purandare as secretary general. She will assume charge from 1st June 2014.  

Manhattan joins Freetime STB roster

UK subscription- free digital TV service Freesat has revealed that long-term partner Manhattan Technology intends to manufacture a new line of Freetime set-top boxes.

Manhattan supplies thousands of independent retailers via its sister company Eurosat, as well as all the major retailers and supermarkets, including Dixons, Argos, John Lewis, Amazon and Tesco.

Gulli to launch SVoD app, 8 YouTube channels

Looking to boost digital developments and forecasting 20 million views (vs 14 million now) for its GulliReplay service by the end of this year, Lagardère Active’s DTT family channel Gulli has revealed plans that include the launch of its first SVoD app on June 26th.

Available for €4.99 a month on iOS, Androïd, Windows 8 and Mac, GulliMax will give unlimited access to “edu-taining” apps and hundreds of episodes of the channel’s key programmes.

Latest UK local TV station goes live

Undeterred by the travails of the companies who have begun operating, Notts TV has become the latest in the UK's local TV stations.

The brainchild of former UK Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, the local TV programme was set up by the Conservative-led coalition government as an alternative in an industry that it regards as having a metropolitan bias. The much-delayed project has suffered a number of embarrassments since being proposed in 2010 with delays in franchise holders launchingand some having to merge, problems at infrastructure provider Comux and not least the whole project's general financial viability always being questioned.

Envivio enables 4K first at French Open Tennis

In what is a major win for the video processing and delivery firm, Envivio has revealed its part in enabling French DTT provider TDF's 4KTV broadcast of the French Open tennis tournament.

The project is said to be the world's first transmission of its kind using HEVC (H.265) compression, and the 4K video is being distributed is encoded at 50 frames per second using Envivio Muse Ultra HD encoding software on Envivio G5 appliances. Coverage of various matches from the Centre Court will be broadcast by TDF in DVB-T2 format to TNT France's national DTT service, and will be viewable on compatible Panasonic 4KTVs as well as other compatible 4K television sets. This will include TV sets at the RG Lab on France Televisions' booth as well as at French Tennis Federation's facilities on the Champs de Mars near to the Eiffel Tower transmission facility.

CQ- MEASAT-3b launch postponed

Satellite operator MEASAT has revealed that the MEASAT-3b launch, previously scheduled for 6 June GFT (7 June Kuala Lumpur time), has been postponed. The postponement was called after Optus Networks informed launch service provider Arianespace that its OPTUS 10 satellite, one of the two payloads being carried by Arianespace flight VA218, originally scheduled for June 6, required additional verifications.

CQ- Manhattan Digital purchases Wizard Media

Manhattan Digital, the digital arm of full-service agency Manhattan Communication, has bought the complete business of digital agency Wizard Media. 

CQ- Netgear launches DSL Modem Router for high-speed Net connection

Netgear has launched its N150 Wi-Fi DSL Modem Router-Essentials Edition (D500), which allows sharing of the high-speed Internet connection at Wireless-N speeds for surfing the Internet, e-mail, online chat and Facebook.

CQ- PM Oath ceremony gets global reach through television and social media

India television channels on 26th May have globally beamed live the swearing in of Narendra Modi as the 15th Prime Minister of the India, along with his team of 44 Ministers.

CQ- Prakash Javadekar becomes new I & B minister

Prakash Javadekar, becomes new minister of state (independent charge) for Information and Broadcasting (I&B). 

CQ- IBN Network appoints Avinash Kaul as CEO

IBN 18 Network has appointed Avinash Kaul as chief executive officer (CEO).  He has recently quit as CEO of Times Now, ET Now and Zoom.

CQ- Nripendra Misra could be Modi Principal Secretary

As per the media report Former Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) chairman and UP-cadre IAS of 1967 batch, Nripendra Misra will be appointed as new Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. 

CQ- Asianet brings Sony Six HD to its digital platform

Asianet Satellite Communication, Kerala’s leading multi-system operator (MSOs) has brought Multi Screen Media’s (MSM) sports channel Sony Six HD to its digital bouquet.

CQ- Esha Media Research plans to expand its service

Esha Media Research, a media monitoring and research company, which currently monitors 140 channels, across the nation in all languages is planning to expand its services. The company has plans to foray into giving out television rating points (TRP) data soon, like Television Audience Measurement (TAM).

CQ- Videocon DTH arm plans to float IPO

Bharat Business Channel Limited, the DTH arm of Videocon group, would come with an initial public offer any time, a top official of the company said.

CQ- Sun photographer sued Rupert Murdoch for age discrimination

Rupert Murdoch's News UK is facing a six-figure lawsuit by a Sun newspaper employee for alleged age discrimination.

CQ- Media and entertainment M&A tipped to rise

Media and entertainment companies are more confident in the global economy than ever before, according to a recent survey of senior executives conducted by advisory firm EY for the 10th Capital Confidence Barometer: Media & Entertainment. The report shows 64 per cent of executives believe the state of the global economy is improving, compared with 59 per cent one year ago. Executives are more confident in the likelihood of closing deals (33 per cent compared with 23 per cent a year ago), and coupled with a narrowing valuation gap, this is creating momentum to get deals done.The report is a survey of senior executives from large media and entertainment companies around the world that gauges corporate confidence in the economy, identifies boardroom trends and provides insight into companies’ capital agenda.

CQ- Spanish pay-TV decline intensifies

Spain’s pay-TV remains in free-fall according to the latest report from the Competition Watchdog CNMC. Over the last year, the pay-TV market lost 374,167 subscribers, down 8.8 per cent year-on-year. As of December 31st, pay-TV had 3,774,777 subscribers, down 7 per cent from the previous year with 4,077,101 and somewhat short of its peak of over 4.4 million in 2011.

CQ- Zee TV to Available on Singapore’s mio TV service

Zee TV will be available on Singapore Telecommunications Ltd’s (SingTel) mio TV service from 16 June. 

CQ- Sun Direct brings 200 ‘Sunshine’ customer service centers

Sun Direct, DTH player of the Kalanithi Maran-owned Sun Group, has launched 200 'sunshine centres' in South India aimed at providing end-to-end services to customers. 

CQ- Sun TV net profit increases by 11.3% in Q4

Sun TV Network has reported an 11 per cent growth in net profit for the fourth quarter of 2013-14 at 197.57 crore (177.50 crore) on a total income of 533.35 crore (494.30 crore). 

CQ- Aaj Tak touches highest ever news channel reach in counting week

Aaj Tak continued hold its No.1 position of news channel in India with a clear leadership on 16th May, the counting day, the counting week and the entire election season. 

CQ- Facebook brings privacy policy to help new users

Facebook has unveiled changes in its privacy policy, helping new users limit the information they share on the 1.2 billion people-strong social networks.

Frost & Sullivan to host Digital Media India Summit on 24 June

Frost & Sullivan is all set to host the third edition of its ‘Digital Media India Summit’ on June 24, 2014 at Le Meridien, Delhi. The summit aimed towards participants from broadcasters, pay TV operators, digital media service providers, digital equipment manufacturers, and production houses, will seek to address trends such as collaborative workflows, asset management, multiscreen video acquisition, and distribution.

STMicroelectronics Nurtures Young Talent in Smart Sensor Technology

STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, the world’s top MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) manufacturer and the leading supplier of MEMS for devices for consumer and mobile applications , announced the winners of its University iNEMO Design Contest 2014. The announcement concludes a year-long technology mentoring engagement with final-year engineering students fr0m the National University of Singapore and The Nanyang Technological University. The students were mentored by ST engineers in using the iNEMOMEMS smart-sensor module to create prototypes of innovative and original applications. 

Giuseppe Noviello, Marketing Director High-End Sensors and Analog Division, STMicroelectronics, explained the objective of the project, “Smart sensor technology will significantly change the world we live in, fr0m Smart Homes, Smart Cars and Smart Cities to Healthcare, Wellness and Fitness. Smart sensor technology is also a key building block for the upcoming major trends in Internet of Things and Wearable Technologies. It is therefore vital for young engineers in Singapore to get hands-on experience with world-class sensor technology.”

CQ- TDSAT put off DTH license case till 8 July

The direct-to-home (DTH) operators can breathe easy for a few more weeks as the Telecom Dispute Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on 22nd May has put off the license fee case till 8th July as it is busy in handling other matters. 

CQ- ZMCL’s FY14 performance sink due to new channel launches

Zee Media Corporation Ltd (ZMCL) fourth quarter and financial year March 2014 performance sink due to new channels launches. 

CQ- OTV gains in week 20 of TAM TV Ratings

Infotainment channel OTV has gained in the week 20 of TAM TV ratings, thanks to its election coverage. The Odiya channel garnered 7,526 gross viewership in thousands (GVT).

CQ- Hindi music channel 9XM to bring new look

Hindi music television channel 9XM is aiming to up the music viewing experience with an all new look, emphasising a super large video area, enhanced audio quality and brighter bolder vibrant colours.

CQ- Hindi News channels witness massive viewership spike on 16 May

The last two months have been a festival for news channels as elections took place across the country. It all boiled down to the orgasmic climax of counting day, 16 May. 

CQ- Citic Telecom plans to acquire RCom’s submarine cable assets

China’s Citic Telecom has initiated exclusive talks with debt-laden Reliance Communications (RCom) to acquire its submarine cable assets, with the Indian company making another attempt to pare debt. The deal, which is expected to conclude within a month, values RCom’s cable assets held by its unit Global Cloud Exchange (earlier known as Reliance Globalcom) at $1 billion (about 5,900 crore).

CQ- UltraViolet boosts movie viewership

Well over half of the 16 million UltraViolet (UV) users in the US are now viewing their content on a TV. TVs with an integrated Internet-connection and connected Blu-ray players are among the favoured platforms for this activity, according to Wave 2 of global information and advisory service The NPD Group’s exclusive UltraViolet report.

MSM and Scan International inks a pact to launch Sony Mix in Thailand

Multi Screen Media (MSM) has inked an agreement with Scan International Company Limited, to launch its music channel Sony Music on their SMATV platform in Thailand. 

DoT requests new govt for lighter rules

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has finalised a list of priorities for its new minister that included a suggestion for lighter regulation of the sector.

ZEEL to invest 100 cr for new channel

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) will invest 100 crore to launch a second Hindi general entertainment channel, Zindagi.

Facebook to gives smartphone app an ear for music

Facebook on 21st May has announces that its mobile application will be getting an ear for music, as well as for film or television show sound tracks.

Jobs in Australian TV network slashes by half

Struggling Australian TV network Ten cut its news division on 21st May, reportedly axing 150 out of 300 jobs.

CQ- Rajshri Entertainment and Believe Digital inks music distribution deal

With a motive to spread Indian music to a global audience, Rajshri Entertainment has inked a pact with distribution company Believe Digital. 

CQ- Jitesh Rajdeo resigns from ZEE Media

After spending more than fourteen years in the company Jitesh Rajdeo chief sales officer of Zee media has decided to move on. 

CQ- Yahoo Japan cancels $3.2 bn plan to buy eAccess

Internet giant Yahoo Japan has cancelled its plans to buy domestic telecom company eAccess from its parent SoftBank Corp in a deal valued at about $3.2 billion.

CQ- Aapka Colors and Verizon FiOS TV inks a distribution deal

Viacom 18’s flagship Hindi general entertainment channel in the US, Aapka Colors has signed a distribution deal with Verizon FiOS TV. 

CQ- Three Geo TV channels suspended for allegations on ISI

Pakistan electronic media watchdog, Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) on 20th May has suspended the license of three television channels of the Geo TV network for leveling allegation the country’s powerful spy agency ISI.

CQ- ZEE to bring Thai Bollywood channel Zee Nung

With motive to build its presence in Thailand, Zee will launch a Thai Bollywood channel Zee Nung on 22 May.

CQ- Star Sports moves SC against TDSAT interim order in Dish TV case

Star Sports went to Supreme Court against the Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal’s (TDSAT) recent order that had asked the sportscaster to enter into a fresh agreement with direct-to-home (DTH) operator Dish TV by dropping certain clauses.

CQ- Tata Sky and Technicolor inks agreement for supplies of 4K STBs

India’s leading direct-to-home (DTH) service provider Tata Sky has inked an agreement with Technicolor for volume supplies of 4K set-top-boxes (STBs) to be delivered by early 2015.

CQ- Zee Media appoints Samir Ahluwalia as interim CEO

Zee Media Corp has appointed Zee Business editor and business head Samir Ahluwalia as interim CEO at ZEE Media Corp (ZMCL), the company which houses all the news channels of the Zee Group.

CQ- RBNL appoints Ajit Singh as nation sales head SME

Reliance Broadcast network Ltd (RBNL) on 18th May has appointed Ajit Singh as the national sales head, small and medium enterprises (SME). 

CQ- ETV Bangla ropes Hitesh Anil Unadkat in its sales team

Network 18 regional general entertainment channel (GEC), ETV Bangla has appointed Hitesh Anil Unadkat in its sales team.     

CQ- NBA criticize attack on Journalists in Chennai

The News Broadcaster Association (NBA) has criticized the attacked on Times Now and Headlines Today journalist by the Dravida Munetra Kazhagam (DMK) cadre in Chennai on 18 May.

CQ- NBA rejects Jindal’s plea against ZEE

The News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) has rejected industrialist Naveen Jindal’s plea for restricting Zee Media Corp for airing news stories against him and his company. 

CQ- B4U and Relativity Media inks JV for TV and films

General Entertainment Channel B4U, owned by steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, on 17th May has set up a $100 million joint venture with Relativity Media LLC, the US film  and television production company.

CQ- India to overtake US to become 2nd largest digital TV household nation in 2015: Study

According to the Digital TV World Household Forecasts report India will overtake the US to take second place in 2015.  India will add 118 million digital TV homes between 2013 and 2020.

CQ- Govt. plans to amend Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 to enhance safety standards in mobile handsets

To enhance safety standards for mobile handsets, the Government is planning to change the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951, to ensure all mobile devices, whether made in this country or abroad, display the specific absorption rate (SAR) value, measuring the radiation emitted by a cellphone, like the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) display.

CQ- Zee backs off-beat fare

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited's (Zee) new channel, Zindagi, could be the start of re-inventing of the network's entertainment channel bouquet. Zindagi is a mass general entertainment channel (GEC) that will showcase content from neighbouring Pakistan and is Zee's attempt at making international content mass-ready.

CQ- Some political persons spreading wrong information for elections result

Some aggressive political persons are spreading provoking news that it is the first time since independence of India that single party has won the largest number of seats in any general election. But historically this is not true, Indian National Congress (INC), most oldest political party had won 7 time much bigger numbers of seats previously than what BJP has won in this election. In the 1951 when the first Lok Sbaha election was held, it was the Congress party who had won 364 seats. Similarly in 1957 Congress party won 371 seats, in 1962- 361 seats, in 1967- 283 seats, in 1971- 352 seats, 1980- 351 seats, in 1984 414 seats. 

CQ- AT & T acquires Direct TV for 48.5 bn USD

AT&T Inc. on 18th May agreed to buy satellite TV provider DirecTV for $48.5 billion, or $95 per share, a deal both companies described as transformational as they seek to take on cable companies and online video providers, delivering content to multiple screens —on living room TVs, PCs, tablets and mobile phones.

CQ- Ten Sports gets 4-year media rights for Germany’s DFB Cup

Ten Sports, owned by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) on 16th May has acquired media rights for Germany’s DFB Cup. 

CQ- BARC is still a dream

The delivery of Broadcast Audience Research Council’s (BARC) is still requires few months to come into function, if we believed Punit Goenka, Chairman BARC.

CQ- Only today's Chanakya got exit poll figures right

Except for Today's Chanakya, none of the organisations that conducted exit polls were able to correctly predict the final tallies of the BJP or the Congress in the Lok Sabha election.

CQ- Sun News crew attacked

In perhaps the only major incidence of violence against presspersons on the day of counting, a crew from Sun News was brutally assaulted outside the AIADMK headquarters around 1 p.m.

CQ- Reliance Jio and Tower Vision India inks a tower sharing pact

It seems Reliance Jio Infocomm, the data services venture of Reliance Industries signs a new tower infrastructure partner every month, to launch its 4G services in India.

CQ- Modi sweeps social media too

The Bharatiya Janata Party swept not only the 2014 general election but the social media as well.

CQ- Yahoo purchases mobile messaging application Blink

Yahoo Inc has bought Blink, a mobile messaging startup whose app lets users send messages that will self-destruct at a time set by the sender.

CQ- Another Russian rocket disaster

Parts of a Russian satellite appear to have crashed into the Australian bush in Queensland) late on May 15th following its lift-off from the Baikonur cosmodrome. The giant Proton rocket itself failed after nine minutes and crashed into an uninhabited part of the countryside downrange from the Kazakhstan launch site. But it would seem the satellite, or portions of the Express-AM4R communications and broadband satellite, continued on its trajectory for some minutes. Most of the satellite burned up in the atmosphere.

CQ- Tata sky hikes subscription rates of select packages

Due to increasing content costs, direct-to-home (DTH) operator Tata sky on 15th May has increased the subscription rates of its select annual excluding the base pack. 

CQ- Airtel Pocket TV allows free viewing for election results

Bharti Airtel’s DTH service arm Airtel Digital TV has allowed two days of free viewing for consumers of its mobile application Pocket TV. 

CQ- News channels charges advertisement rates 20 times more for poll verdict

With the expectation of record viewership on 16th May, the day the 2014 Lok Sabha poll results are to be declared, most of the news channels has increased up their advertising rates. For a 10-second slot, rates have shot up from around 10,000 to up to Rs 2 lakh. 

CQ- All major GECs registers decline in week 19 ratings

As the Lok Sabha election has reached in final stage and the Indian Premium League (IPL) is progressing into the next week, the general entertainment channels have shown decline in viewership in week 19 (May 6-12) of 2014.

CQ- FCC proposes new 'net neutrality' rules

US telecommunications regulators on Thursday formally proposed new "net neutrality" rules that may let internet service providers charge content companies for faster and more reliable delivery of their traffic to users.

CQ- New Latin America neighborhood for SES

Satellite operator SES has launched a new video distribution neighborhood for Latin America and a new antenna seeding programme for the NSS-806 satellite located at 47.5 degrees West. The new neighbourhood will provide fresh capacity for expansion of video channel delivery to cable head-ends throughout Latin America, as well as much-needed capability to accommodate the increasing number of HD channels in the region.

CQ- Ultra-HD shipments top 1m

The market for Ultra-HD TV panels reached a significant new benchmark in March when global shipments exceeded 1 million units for the first time, driven by vastly increased deliveries from the industry’s three largest makers of the high-end panels, according to a report from IHS Technology.

CQ- Tata Sky to air 65 news channels free to its subs on the eve of election result

India’s direct-to-home (DTH) operator Tata Sky has decided to air 65 news channels cutting across various languages free of cost to its subscribers with immediate effect as the country gear up for general election 2014 result day on 16 May.  The news channels are being offered free for seven days. 

CQ- MSM associates with First media to bring Sab and Sony Mix in Indonesia

Multi Screen Media (MSM) Network has associated with PT Link Net- First Media to brings Sab and Sony Mix on its First Media Platform in Indonesia. The platform already carries Sony, Sony MAX and Sab.

CQ- DoT draft rules do not allow 3G spectrum sharing

Department of telecom on 13th May has brought a draft guidelines on spectrum sharing, according to this draft guidelines telecom operators, having third-generation (3G) spectrum, will not be permitted to share spectrum among themselves.  

CQ- ITV audience down 8 %

ITV is anticipating a World Cup boost after revealing that its share of TV viewing has fallen by 8 per cent so far this year.

The UK commercial broadcaster said total revenue was up 2 per cent to £585 million in Q1 2014 whilst broadcast and online revenues were up 3 per cent to £480 million, and predicted that the football World Cup in Brazil could help lift advertising revenues by as much as 13 per cent later this year.

CQ- TDSAT orders Manthan to clear dues of IndiaCast UTV by 15 July

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has ordered Kolkata based multi-system operator (MSO) Manthan Broadband Services to clear content aggregator IndiaCast UTV’s dues of Rs 23 million in three installments by 15th July.

CQ- Raj TV records 39 per cent profit in FY 14

Chennai-based Raj Television Network has recorded a net profit of Rs 12.91 crore (Rs 129.1 million) for the fiscal ended 31 March 2014, up 39 per cent from the earlier-year. 

Home Digital Media and BesTV launch worldwide IPTV & OTT services

BesTV of Shanghai has partnered with Home Digital Media, a subsidiary of Home Cable Network [P] Limited. An independent Delhi NCR based MSO and an ISP in India, that’s considered nation's one of the most experienced, advanced and innovative company in this business, spearhead by Mr. Vikki Choudhry a visionary entrepreneur & Managing Director of the company,  where BesTV and Home Digital Media  have come together  to have their OTT (Over the Top) IPTV services launched  globally  that will be targeting the 25 Million Indian Diaspora living outside of India by using the CDN  of Akamai  that has already been integrated and successfully tested,  BesTV and Home Digital Media have been working in close association on this partnership for the past 3 years now and  have rolled out or integrating its global OTT services  on the various application platforms of  Intan TV, MyTVapp, Relay TV. AnytimeTV, Anywhere TV and also on Amazon Fire TV.  

AT&T plans to acquire DirecTV for 50 billion USD

Telecom giant AT&T is in plans to purchase satellite TV service DirectTV for 50 billion USD, making it possibly the largest deal by a telecom player in the years. 

The move comes in the backdrop of Americans increasingly opting for streaming services. For DirecTV, partnering with AT&T will provide it with solutions to its problems of declining subscribers and pressure from cord cutters. 

Suhasini Haider resigns from CNN-IBN

Suhasini Haider, deputy foreign affairs editor and prime time anchor of CNN-IBN on 12th May had given her resignation for her current position. Sources reveal that she is likely to join the Hindu Group as she want to go back to long-format journalism.    

 Haidar began her career in 1995, with CNN International, working at the Delhi bureau that also covered Pakistan at the time (CNN subsequently opened its Islamabad bureau).Later on she moved to CNN-IBN. In her 18 years of journalism, Haider has covered issues concerning Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Lebanon and Libya. She regularly contributes as a columnist on Indian Foreign Policy for various newspapers.