BARC India & TAM form meter Management Company to supply raw data

Indian television ratings monitoring agencies BARC India and TAM India have joined hands to form a new meter management company.

Sun TV signs content deal with HOOQ

Sun TV and HOOQ, the video-on-demand service has signed a content deal to offer several regional movies and TV shows on the VOD platform.

RBI granted Hathway’s FDI proposal

Hathway Cable and Datacom has received approval from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to increase the foreign direct investment in the company from the current 49% to 74%. The MSO had earlier received a nod from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB).

MIB grants two permanent MSO and 20 new provisional licences, registered MSOs gone up to 375 of which 146 are provisional

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has granted two permanent and 20 provisional multi-system operator licences.

FM Phase III auction Day 24: Rs 1143 crore bid for 94 channels

E-Auction of the First Batch of Private FM Radio Phase III Channels re-commenced today on 27th August 2015 at 09.30 AM and during the day, four rounds of bidding took place. Till now, 96 rounds of bidding are over.

Half US Internet homes own connected TV device

The CE industry reached a milestone in the second quarter with half of US Internet homes now owning a Connected TV device. This includes connected TVs, video game consoles, streaming media players, and Blu-ray Disc players that consumers connected to the Internet allowing them access to apps such as Netflix and Hulu.

Lebara Play adds Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi content

Lebara, the universal brand for the world’s migrant community, is continuing the rapid expansion of its new entertainment service, Lebara Play.  Customers can now subscribe to watch free and premium, fully licensed Hindi, Bengali and Punjabi live television and on-demand movies, in addition to existing Tamil, Turkish, French West African and English West African content.  Additionally, the Lebara Play app can now be downloaded in 39 European country app stores.

DTH leads HD boom in the SAARC region

The high-definition television (HDTV) segment in the SAARC region is expected to boom over the next three years, according to a research report published by Dataxis. The report notes that the steady increase in HDTV subscribers and the number of HDTV channels in the region, driven by the digitisation drive, could lead to robust growth in the segment.

Magicsky to Showcase Amimon’s CONNEX at 2015 BIRTV Show

CONNEX, Amimon’s zero-latency HD wireless video link, will be shown by Magicsky, an Amimon reseller, at booth 1B122 during this year’s Beijing International Radio, TV & Film Exhibition (BIRTV) show, which will be held August 26-28 at the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing.

TV channels say they reported the Yakub hanging story to inform the Public

The three television news channels ABP News, NDTV 24×7 and Aaj Tak, which were issued showcause notices by the MIB for showing disrespect to the judiciary and the President by airing certain content on the day 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon was hanged, have replied that the story only to inform the public, which is their duty.

Ex-Star TV CEO Peter Mukerjea’s wife Indrani Mukerjea arrested for murder

The Mumbai Police arrested Indrani Mukherjea, former chief executive officer of INX Media Ltd., and wife of Ex-CEO, Star TV and her driver for allegedly murdering her sister, Sheena Bora, and dumping the body in Raigad district, near here, three years ago.

FM Phase III auction Day 23: Rs 1139.3 crore bid for 94 channels

E-Auction of the First Batch of Private FM Radio Phase III Channels re-commenced today on 26th August 2015 at 09.30 AM and during the day, four rounds of bidding took place. Till now, 92 rounds of bidding are over. 

ALi Introduces Innovative Set-top Box plus Sound Bar Application

ALi Corporation, a leading Set-Top Box (STB) chipset solution provider, introduced a pioneering application of its chipset product—DVB set-top box with sound bar. The innovation features ALi’s STB chipset supporting DVB-C/T2/S2 and IPTV video streaming and combines capability of premium-quality streaming music delivery to bring ultimate home entertainment experience.

Videocon d2h adds two Malayalam Channels Flowers TV and People TV

In celebration of Onam, the largest harvest festival in the Indian state of Kerala, Videocon d2h has announced the launch of two new Malayalam channels, Flowers TV and People TV. 

CBI to inquire Karunanidhi’s secretary

The Central Bureau of Investigation has reportedly asked DMK MP Kanimozhi, party leader M. Karunanidhi’s personal secretary K. Shanmuganathan, IPS officer M.S. Jaffar Sait and former CEO of Kalaignar TV Sarath Kumar Reddy to appear before it for voice analysis. This is in connection with a few audio tapes containing conversations allegedly between Mr. Sait and others that went viral.

Sanjeev Srivastava resigns Focus TV, Shailesh Kumar replaces

Sanjeev Srivastava has resigned as Group Editor of Focus TV after two years. Srivastava made this announcement on Twitter on 25 August.

Pavithra KR promoted to National Sales Head of Colors

Pavithra KR has been promoted and made the National Sales Head for Colors and Pritesh Magodia has been promoted to National Sales Head for Rishtey & Colors HD. 

Anupama Mandloi resigns as Fremantlemedia India MD

Fremantlemedia's India operation Anupama Mandloi has resigned from the post of managing director.

Viacom18 wins 5 awards at Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards 2015

Viacom18, the joint venture between TV18 and Viacom Inc, has won the ‘Dream Companies To Work For’ award at the recently concluded Sixth Edition of Asia’s Best Employer Brand Awards 2015, at Singapore. 

FM Phase III auction Day 22: Rs 1136.6 crore bid for 94 channels

E-Auction of the First Batch of Private FM Radio Phase III Channels re-commenced today on 25th August 2015 at 09.30 AM and during the day, four rounds of bidding took place. Till now, 88 rounds of bidding are over.

Asianet launches mobile app

Asianet, the leading Malayalam entertainment channel, has launched Asianet Mobile TV, an app for live streaming of Malayalam channels.

Amol Palekar appointed chairman of India’s Oscar jury

Veteran actor-filmmaker Amol Palekar has been appointed the chairman of India’s Oscar jury by the Film Federation of India (FFI), which will select the country’s official entry in the best foreign film category of the 88th Academy Awards.

TDSAT pulls up MSO for demanding advance subscription as pre-condition to give signals to LCO

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has asked Sun Distribution Services to show cause as to why action should not be taken against it for denying signals to local cable operator (LCO) Prabhu Cable Network despite the Tribunal’s orders.

Cable Mahabharat in Mathura, UP

A dispute created by DEN MSO in handing over control of their Mathura Operations from one JV to another lead to shooting incurring many. A large posse of police persons from a number of police stations had to rush to the spot to take things under control.

Removed of satellite channels Puthiya Thalaimurai and Thanthi TV

DMK treasurer M. K. Stalin on 22 August said it was condemnable that the Arasu Cable TV Corporation Ltd had removed satellite channels Puthiya Thalaimurai and Thanthi TV from its cable network.

Doordarshan Freedish adds Slots to 6 TV Channels for Rs. 23.2 Crore in 21st e-Auction

Doordarshan Freedish has added its 6 slots to different TV channels and earned Rs. 23.2 crore from the 21st e-auction were held on 12-13 August, 2015. The e-auction was conducted by Noida-based C1 India on behalf of Prasar Bharati.

Yakub Memon’s coverage: Only NDTV replies to I&B notice

Only one of the three TV news channels that were issued a show-cause notice for their coverage related to the hanging of the 1993 Mumbai blasts convict Yakub Memon, has replied to the I&B ministry. The ministry had asked three leading TV news channels ABP News, NDTV 24x7 and Aaj Tak to explain why action should not be taken against them, alleging that their coverage of the issue was inappropriate.

DD India set to go off air at end of the month as its satellite licence expires

DD India is set to go off air from August 31 as its satellite licence expires. The channel was launched in 1995 as DD World and was later renamed as DD India in 2002.

Govt planning more Doordarshan channels for North-East

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is planning to increase the number of Doordarshan channels in the North-East region.

Vikas Gupta to join &TV as head of fiction programming

Vikas Gupta is set to join &TV, Zee Entertainment Enterprises’ new Hindi GEC, as head of fiction programming. 

FIC elevates Keertan Adyanthaya as EVP Hong Kong & Southeast Asia

Fox International Channels head of entertainment and factual channels for Hong Kong & Southeast Asia Keertan Adyanthaya has been elevated as executive vice president – content and communications – Hong Kong & Southeast Asia with effect from 1 September.

Delhi HC stays TV telecast of film ‘Grand Masti’

On 21 August, Delhi High Court has stayed the premiere of Indra Kumar’s adult comedy ‘Grand Masti’ on television, which was scheduled to premiere on ZEEL’s Hindi movie channel &pictures on 22 August 2015 @10 PM.

BBV is first to sign on to ABOX42-powered IPTV service

ABOX42 and Zattoo for a while label IPTV multiscreen service for its members, German broadband provider BBV has signed to become the service’s first adopter.  BBV’s new multiscreen offering will go live this autumn.

SC stays ED order attaching Sun TV’s assets in Aircel-Maxis case

The Supreme Court on 21 August stayed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from provisionally attaching Sun TV Networks’ assets worth Rs742 crore in the Aircel-Maxis deal case.

TDSAT to examine Patna MSO's allegations over LCOs shift

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Arbitration Tribunal (TDSAT) has appointed an Advocate Commissioner to probe allegations made by Patna-based multi-system operator (MSO) Siti Maurya Cable Network that seven local cable operators (LCOs) have been trying to migrate to another MSO.
[CQ Spreading Spiritualism Indian Spiritual & Religious Website | EN]

FM Phase III auction Day 20: Rs 1130.51 crore bid for 94 channels

E-Auction of the First Batch of Private FM Radio Phase III Channels re-commenced on 21st August 2015 at 09.30 AM and during the day, four rounds of bidding took place. Till now, 80 rounds of bidding are over.

Minister inaugurates three day North East film festival

The Directorate of Film Festival under the aegis of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is organising the three day festival “Fragrances of the North-eastern films”.  The festival provides a platform to cine lovers to view films from the North East. The festival is being held at the Siri Fort Auditorium Complex from August 21st – 23rd, 2015.

9 Story Media takes hold of Brown Bag Films

Animated children's series producer 9 Story Media Group has swooped to acquire award-winning animation studio Brown Bag Films.

WWE launches mobile service on Vuclip

Mobile video-on-demand (VOD) service Vuclip has announced a partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) to engage WWE fans in emerging markets of the world with video clips on their mobile phones.

Discovery channel completed 20 years in India

Discovery Channel celebrated the completion of its 20 years in India with a special line-up of its most iconic programmes on August 15 and 16, from 8 AM to 6 PM.

DishTV launched its first Home Video System–DishFlix in India

DishTV launched ‘DishFlix’ a push VOD service that will redefine the home movie viewing. With the introduction of one of its kind and innovative Push VOD service, “DishFlix,” DishTV aims to empower consumers to enjoy uninterrupted Ad-Free (No Commercials) entertainment.

TDSAT directs Hathway to pay Rs. 14.56 cr to MSM

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has directed Hathway Cable and Datacom to pay Rs. 14.56 crore towards subscription fee dues to MSM Media Distribution.

ZEEL appoints Ruchir Tiwari and Ali Zaidi as biz heads

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has made two senior level changes in its Hindi Cinema Cluster and English Cluster.

Ruchir Tiwari has been elevated to Business Head – Cinema Cluster. Prior to this, he had been heading the Hindi Cinema Cluster as Deputy Business Head. He will continue to report to Sunil Buch, Chief Business Officer, Zee.

Ali Zaidi, who has been handling the English Cluster as Deputy Business Head, will now take charge as Business Head – English Cluster, heading Zee Studio and Zee Café. Zaidi too will continue to report into Sunil Buch.

The two promotions are effective immediately.

Source: http://cablequest.org/index.php/news/m-s-news/item/7719-zeel-appoints-ruchir-tiwari-and-ali-zaidi-as-biz-heads

Source: http://cablequest.org/index.php/news/m-s-news/item/7719-zeel-appoints-ruchir-tiwari-and-ali-zaidi-as-biz-heads

ZDCL names Sharlton Menezes as biz head of digital content

Zee Digital Convergence Limited (ZDCL) has named Sharlton Menezes as business head of original digital content.  Menezes was earlier heading programming and marketing at Zee Café and Zee Studio. 

AFL signs new six-year, $2.5 billion broadcast rights deal with Murdoch's Seven & Foxtel

The AFL will reap a major financial windfall after striking a colossal new six-year broadcast rights agreement for $2.508 billion. The new deal will see Channel Seven, Foxtel and Telstra continue as the League's broadcasters, which will run from 2017 to 2022.

FM Phase III auction Day 17: Rs 1116 crore bid for 93 channels

E-Auction of the First Batch of Private FM Radio Phase III Channels re-commenced on 18th August 2015 at 09.30 AM and during the day, four rounds of bidding took place. Till now, 68 rounds of bidding are over.

First Lady Mrs Suvra Mukherjee, President Pranab Mukherjee's wife, passes away

India's first lady President Pranab Mukherjee's wife Suvra Mukherjee passes away on 18 August. She left for her heavenly abode at 10:51 am and died after a cardiac arrest. She was 74.

Grant Investrade to invest $20 mn to expand digital network

Hinduja Group's Headend-In-The-Sky (HITS) network NXT Digital is targeting 2000 operators across five cities Hyderabad, Kurnool, Vijayawada, Vishakhapatnam and Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

TRAI Open House becomes a battleground for stakeholders

The Open House Discussion (OHD) on commercial tariffs held on 18 August at PHD Chambers of Commerce, because a battleground between broadcasters and distribution platform, with broadcasters demanding more revenue from commercial establishment and distribution companies wanting no distribution between commercial and domestic subscribers.

Linear TV viewing continues decline in UK

Average daily viewing on the TV set fell by 11 minutes in 2014 compared to 2013 according to Ofcom’s latest Communications Market Report. This is the second consecutive year of decline, following a nine-minute decline in 2013 compared to 2012.

Key findings from the report, using BARB measurements, include:

TV audience data informs online campaigns

Research carried out by converged TV and video advertising software provider Videology has found that advertisers are increasingly using TV audience data better to inform their digital video campaigns and produce more cohesive cross-channel advertising campaigns.

Envivio’s innovations help service providers accelerate ROI for their video services

Envivio a leading provider of software-based video processing and delivery solutions, will demonstrate its latest 100% software-based innovative video products at IBC in Amsterdam, Sept. 11 to 15, in Stand 1.D73.

MediaPower to launch AirGo simultaneous SDI and IP support at IBC

MediaPower returns to the 2015 IBC Show, the premier annual event for professionals engaged in the creation, management and delivery of entertainment and news content worldwide.   On its third year, MediaPower highlights feature-packed improvements to its award-winning products that include NewsTouch touch-based live presentation apppliance, Arkki cost-effective MAM appliance with editing capabilities, and AirGo production and playout system.  MediaPower also puts focus on IP workflows as it aims to help broadcasters and content providers bridge the gap to IP playout by supporting simultaneous SDI and IP ingest & playout on its AirGo video server.  

At the heart of the Indian Broadcast & Film industry lies a show that keeps pulses racing – celebrating 25 glorious years of the Broadcast India Show

Saicom Trade Fairs & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. takes immense pride announced that the Broadcast India Show 2015, celebrating 25 glorious years, will be held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon (E) in Mumbai, India from 15 – 17 October 2015.

TDSAT IBF’s application in commercial subs matter to October 29

The Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has adjourned the hearing on the Indian Broadcasting Foundation’s (IBF) application in commercial subscriber matter to 29 October. 

MIB issues notice to ABP News, Aaj Tak, NDTV over Yakub execution coverage, BEA takes up the issue

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s (MIB) issued a show-cause notice to Aaj Tak, ABP News and NDTV 24×7, the Broadcast Editors’ Association (BEA) today said that it would take up the issue with the government. 

MIB issues show-cause notice to news channels, BEA takes up the issue

MUMBAI: Concerned about the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s (MIB) show-cause notices to Aaj Tak, ABP News and NDTV 24×7, the Broadcast Editors’ Association (BEA) today said that it would take up the issue with the government. 

New TRAI Chairman Ram Sewak Sharma to take charge on August 10

The newly appointed Chairman of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Ram Sewak Sharma, will take charge on August 10 following government's approving his request for early retirement.

TRAI Releases Telecom Consumers Protection (Eighth Amendment) Regulations, 2015

On 7th August, TRAI issued the "Telecom Consumers Protection (Eighth Amendment) Regulations, 2015" to protect the interest of consumers using wireless data service.

Arun Jaitley chairs Consultative Committee Meeting of Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

On 7 August, Arun Jaitley, Union Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting chaired the meeting of Consultative Committee of the I&B Ministry to discuss the issues “All India Radio and DD News”. Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Minister of State for I&B was also present in the meeting.

FM Phase III auction Day 10: Rs 946 crore bid for 86 channels

E-Auction of the First Batch of Private FM Radio Phase III Channels re-commenced today on 07th August 2015 at 09.30 A.M. and during the day, four rounds of bidding took place. Till now, 40 rounds of bidding are over.

Amagi Revolutionizes Broadcast Operations with Launch of Next-Generation Managed Playout Service at IBC2015

Amagi, a leader in cloud-based broadcast infrastructure and targeted TV advertising, announced a new managed playout service designed to simplify video content preparation, management, and delivery for broadcasters by leveraging cloud capabilities. Utilizing the end-to-end cloud-based service for content delivery, playout management, ingest, asset and archival management, quality control, traffic and scheduling, and 24/7 monitoring, broadcasters can dramatically increase workflow efficiency, reduce costs, and gain complete visibility of and control over their playout. Amagi will showcase its complete technology offering at IBC2015 in Amsterdam, September 11th -15th, at stand 2.C23.

TDSAT directs Digicable to pay Rs 10 mn to IndiaCast UTV by 15 August

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has directed multi-system operator (MSO) Digicable Network India to pay Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) to IndiaCast UTV Media Distribution by 15 August in an interim arrangement. 

DEN Snapdeal TV-Shop inks carriage deal with Siti Cable

Home shopping channel DEN Snapdeal TV-Shop, a joint venture between e-commerce major Snapdeal and multi-system operator (MSO) DEN Networks, has expanded its footprint by inking a carriage deal with Siti Cable. 

Star Network sells entire 26% stake in Balaji Telefilms for Rs 108 crore

Star Network has sold its entire stake of 25.99 per cent in Balaji Telefilms through a block deal on Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI) for price expected at Rs.108 crore. 

IBF appoints Girish Srivastava as secretary general

The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) said it has appointed Girish Srivastava as its secretary general.

FM Phase III auction Day 9: Rs 900 crore bid for 85 channels

E-Auction of the First Batch of Private FM Radio Phase III Channels re-commenced today on 06th August 2015 at 09.30 A.M. and during the day, four rounds of bidding took place. Till now, 36 rounds of bidding are over.

SDM restrains SITI Cable from Charging STB repair cost

In a first of its kind case SDM Faridabad on 03 August has directed Siti Cable Network not to charge the repairing charges of Set-Top-Boxes from the local cable operators within a period of three years from the date of installation, as provided in the TRAI Tariff Order of 2013.

BBC Worldwide announces deal with Tata Sky to launch BBC content in India

BBC Worldwide has announced its first VOD deal in India. The deal with Tata Sky comprises SVOD and TVOD services and gives subscribers in eight metros in India access to the best of the BBC’s drama and comedy via ‘BBC On-Demand’, a branded property on Tata Sky’s platform. Viewers can now also access it online via their TVs, PCs, tablets and mobiles.

Tata Sky issues notice to drop six regional channels due to non-payment of dues

Direct-to-home (DTH) operator Tata Sky has issued two separate notices saying it will drop six channels from its platform due to non-payment of dues by the broadcasters. 

Sisir Pillai joins Lukup Media as COO, quits Digicable

Lukup Media has appointed Sisir Pillai as its Chief Operating Officer. In his new position he will lead business operations for the company across the India region.

Telangana to take leadership in cable and broadband transition through digital skilling with SCTE and ESSCI

The Telangana Cable Association, SCTE and ESSCI, supported by industry leaders like Arris (formerly Motorola) hosted an intellectual seminar at the Youth Hostel, Secunderabad on 29th July, 2015. The seminar was organized to promote skill development in the state and to potencially certify more than ten thousand technical resources in the cable and broadband industry.

FM Phase III auction Day 8: Rs 869 crore bid for 83 channels

E-Auction of the First Batch of Private FM Radio Phase III Channels re-commenced today on 05th August 2015 at 09.30 A.M. and during the day, four rounds of bidding took place. Till now, 32 rounds of bidding are over.

DoT to take up special audit of telcos on call drops: Ravi Shankar Prasad

The Department of Telecom will undertake special audit to assess the coverage and quality of service of all mobile operators in the metro cities to assess the gravity of problem to call drops.

FM Phase III auction Day 5: Rs 714 crore bid for 80 channels

E-Auction of the First Batch of Private FM Radio Phase III Channels re-commenced on 31st July 2015 at 09.30 A.M. and during the day, four rounds of bidding took place. Till now, 20 rounds of bidding are over.

Viacom Inc acquires 50% stake in Prism TV for Rs 940 crore

US-based media firm Viacom Inc on 31 July acquired 50 per cent stake in Prism TV an entity of Reliance Industries-owned Network18 Group which owns and operates regional entertainment channels in India, including ETV Marathi and ETV Gujarati, for Rs 940 crore.

20 TV channels Transmission prohibited last three years: Jaitley

There have been 20 cases in the last three years in which certain television channels were asked to prohibit transmission for specific time ranging from one to 30 days, Minister of Information & Broadcasting Arun Jaitley said in Lok Sabha on 31 July.

Disney India against IndiaCast case terminated in TDSAT

Disney India has terminated its agency contract with IndiaCast Media Distribution, and has set up an internal team to manage the distribution for all eight of its channels.