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Colors successful run continues; sticks to No.3

August 18, 2008

Newly launched Indian entertainment channel Colors has done what other new services have not been able to!

Colors has further consolidated its position at number 3 in the all-important Hindi channels ranking, three weeks after its launch.

According to TAM Media Research data, in Week 31 and Week 32, Colors has garnered a share of 10 per cent and 11 per cent respectively, in the overall GEC space. STAR Plus stands at number 1 with 27 per cent and ZEE TV is second, with 17 per cent share for Week 32.

Colors has managed to race ahead of Sony Entertainment Television Asia, which, despite its position in the GEC space, was at number three in Week 30. SET India has gathered a share of 9 per cent and is now at number four, along with Star One. The other two new GECs, NDTV Imagine and 9X have settled at number five position with a channel share of 7 per cent each. From 5 per cent in Week 31, Sahara One has gained 1 per cent and stands at number six position with 6 per cent share.

Colors attracted the viewers since the launch week, thanks to its much-hyped reality show, 'Fear Factor- Khatron Ke Khiladi', which concluded in a high note, giving way to the next big reality show 'Bigg Boss 2', hosted by Shilpa Shetty.

Apart from these two reality shows, the channel has a mythological programme 'Jai Shri Krishna' and 'Balika Vadhu', which drew an average TVR of 2.93 and 2.07, in Week 32.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: TelevisionPoint

Monica Bedi leads 'Bigg Boss 2' rat pack

Controversial Bollywood actress Monica Bedi has been confirmed as one of the fourteen contestants starring in the reality TV show 'Bigg Boss 2'.

Monica was the companion of gangster Abu Salem and was arrested with him when trying to enter Portugal on false documents in 2002. After a lengthy three-year battle, they were deported to India and Monica served a further year in jail.

The Indian 'Big Brother' series, which started in India at the weekend has been in the news over the last few days after it was announced Jade Goody was also lined up for it.

Other contestants confirmed for season two are politicians Rahul Mahajan, Congress member Sanjay Nirupam, Ketki Dave, Rakhi Vijayan, item girl Sambhavna Seth, actors Payal Rohatgi and non-celebrity Elina. Model-actor Zulfi Syed, music reality show winner Debojit Saha, MTV Roadies 5.0 winner Ashutosh Kaushik, Raja Chaudhry and famous comedian Ehsaan Qureshi.

'Bigg Boss' is being shown on channel Colors in India. There are no plans to telecast the show in the UK, despite the pairing between Shilpa Shetty (host of the show) and Jade Goody, who had a topsy turvy relationship on 'Celebrity Big Brother' last year.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: Various

NDTV 24x7 lead toppled by Times Now in India

Times Now - India's number 1 news channel India based English news broadcaster NDTV 24x7 has been pushed off from the numero uno slot after years of reign.

Bennett, Coleman & Co service Times Now has been crowned the new market leader in India. According to TV ratings and viewership share provided by TAM Media Research for the two weeks, Week 31 and Week 32, show Times Now to be in the lead.

Times Now GRPs for the two weeks stood at 11 and 10, respectively; NDTV 24X7's GRPs were 9 and 8, respectively. While CNN-IBN managed GRPs of 7 each for the two weeks, in the core TG of CS M 25+ AB, All 1 million+ markets.

Times Now claimed a viewership share of 31.01 per cent and 30.08 per cent, respectively, for the two weeks in the CS 25+ target group; NDTV 24X7 garnered a share of 25.90 per cent and 22.37 per cent, respectively. CNN-IBN stands third with a channel share of 20 per cent for both the Weeks. Headlines Today and NewsX had a viewership share of 10 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively for the Week 32.

Moreover, Times Now has notched up a viewership share of 34 per cent during prime time (8-11 pm). This compares with 27.2% by the NDTV 24X7 and 24.6% by CNN-IBN. With 26 out of the top 100 shows in the English news genre, the channel has emerged as the news leader for the past few months.

Speaking with TelevisionPoint, Sanjay Sharma, senior vice-president, sales and marketing, Times Now, says, "We have been connecting better with audiences both through on-air special programmes and on the ground initiatives. Our recent coverage of Olympics, blasts in Ahmedabad and Bangalore, Indo-US nuclear deal, the pullout of Left parties from the government, to name a few, have helped us to rake in huge viewership, making Times Now the leader in the prime time and week day English news viewing space."

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: TelevisionPoint

Biz Asia Industry Whispers

August 17, 2008

Issue 119

This recently launched TV channel is being taken to court by a film distributor who has claimed that the channel has shown its movies illegally (without rights).

Disclaimer: 'Media 247.co.uk will be unable to respond to inquiries about the identities of parties concerned in Biz Asia's Industry Whispers'.

Editor: Uttam Busawah Source: Ssshhh!

Amir Khan signs multi-fight deal with Sky

August 16, 2008

Amir Khan signs Sky deal Boxing supreme Amir Khan's promoter Frank Warren has signed a multi-fight deal which could take him to a world title on Sky.

This will be the first time Khan's fights will be shown behind encryption after 18 winning streaks free-to-air on ITV1.

Khan follows some of Britain's best known fighters to Sky, and like Lennox Lewis, Prince Naseem Hamed, and Ricky Hatton before him, he could win a world title on Sky Box Office.

Vic Wakeling, Managing Director of Sky Sports, said: "All the big names in British boxing in recent years have won major world title fights on Sky, and we are delighted to welcome Amir Khan to the list. When he fights for a world title will be down to Amir and his advisors, but we shall be there."

Khan said: "I'm really excited to be boxing on Sky and I can't wait to put on my best performances for the viewers tuning in.

"Britain's best boxers and some of the best fights in recent years have all featured on Sky and with the way I fight the viewers will definitely get excitement.

"Since winning silver at the 2004 Olympic Games and turning professional the time has flown by and I'm now so close to achieving my ambition of becoming a world champion - and I hope I can share that defining moment on Sky."

Amir Khan joins Sky as part of a new deal with Frank Warren which will bring a number of live shows to Sky Sports for Friday Fight Night, as well as live shows for Sky Box Office, over the next year.

Warren said: "I'm delighted to have agreed a new promotional deal with Sky, bringing around 20 shows this year, and to return to where I previously spent ten great years creating superstars like Joe Calzaghe, Ricky Hatton and Naseem Hamed.

"Sky viewers are now in for a real treat as they watch an exciting and dramatic phase of Amir Khan's career unfold in front of them as he goes from unbeaten prospect and Commonwealth Lightweight champion to a World champion.

"Along with big world title fights, I'm thrilled that some of the best young and talented boxers in Britain that I promote also feature prominently and will develop into stars of the future - all on Sky."

His first appearance on Sky Box Office will be on Saturday 6th September, when he fights the undefeated lightweight Breidis Prescott at the MEN Arena in Manchester.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: Sky Sports

Jade Goody to join Indian 'Big Brother'

August 14, 2008

Shilpa and Jade to reunite Jade Goody, who sparked a racism row during a stint in the 'Big Brother' house, is to appear in an Indian version of the reality television show, according to reports.

Goody fell out of favour with the British public after intense conversations with Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty live on air.

And in a further twist, the Indian version of the reality show - called 'Bigg Boss' - will be fronted by Shetty.

Goody is set to fly out to Mumbai today in preparation for the show, which begins at the weekend.

She will be paid £100,000 for her appearance, according to today's Sun newspaper.

The 'Celebrity Big Brother' race row in January last year also led to street protests in India, where effigies of Goody were burned.

Goody later said she was "disgusted with herself", but denied she was racist.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: The Sun

UK Prime Minister gets own TV channel

August 13, 2008

Prime Minister Gordon Brown's new website has been hit by teething troubles, Downing Street has confirmed.

Number 10 TV was officially launched as part of Mr Brown's efforts to reach out to a wider public.

The site will feature exclusive video coverage of the prime minister's speeches and media appearances.

But anyone trying to access it was met with a "404 page not found" error message. A Downing Street spokeswoman denied the site had crashed.

But she said users on some servers might experience glitches "for the next 48 hours".

"It is just what happens when you launch a new website," she added.

Number 10 TV is part of a redesigned Downing Street website, which includes news, guided tours of Number 10 and official reports.

Downing Street says the revamp is designed to "boost the amount of video content".

It comes two years after Conservative leader David Cameron launched his own website, Webcameron, which regularly features behind-the-scenes content.

In May Mr Brown launched an online version of prime minister's questions.

He pledged to respond to video-clip questions submitted via the Downing Street Youtube website.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: BBC

Aditya Narayan set to make movie debut

August 12, 2008

ZEE TV's 'Sa Re Ga Ma Pa' host Aditya Narayan will be making his Bollywood debut as a grown up in Vikram Bhatt's new flick.

A Bollywood Hungama reporter got confirmation from the director himself, "Yes, I am launching Aditya. I haven't titled the film yet, but it's an adventure film, besides being a love story. Actually, it's very difficult to describe the genre of the film. Why Aditya? That's because he comes across as a confident lad, he sings well, he has screen presence. But, most importantly, I always go by instinct," Vikram tells me.

Rumours are rife that Vikram is planning to cast two leading ladies, one of them being Deepika Padukone. "Yes, the film will star two ladies, but Deepika didn't cross my mind. I don't know how this rumour originated in the first place. The fact is Deepika wouldn't like to be associated with a project that stars new faces. After all, she's working with established names. I am on the lookout for two fresh faces," he clarifies. Vikram plans to begin filming next year.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: Bollywood Hungama

Month-long comedy festival on ZEE Cinema

ZEE Cinema has temporarily scrapped its daily movie brands in September to make way for a month-long comedy festival called 'Comedy Date at 8'.

From 1st September to 30th September (Monday to Friday), the channel has lined up new and classic comedy movies in the 20:00 band. This is the first time ZEE Cinema has done away with removing the 'Monday Movie Mela', 'Tuesday Talkies', 'Wednesday Classics', 'Thursday Silver Screen' and 'Friday Box Office' slots for one theme.

Some titles that have been confirmed for telecast are 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi', 'Jhankar Beats', 'Sandwich', 'No Entry', 'Andaz Apna Apna' and 'Dhol'.

Incidentally, rival MAX is currently broadcasting its comedy movie festival entitled 'Comedy Is Kinng'.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: ZEE UK

NDTV to launch Imagine Showbiz in India

August 11, 2008

Imagine Showbiz set for India launch After the huge success of its general entertainment channel NDTV Imagine, the NDTV network is gearing to launch a full fledged showbiz service this week.

Imagine Showbiz, as the channel will be known, will be a joint venture between NDTV Imagine and Cinestar Advertising. The channel will go on air in India this Friday (15th August).

The programming of Imagine Showbiz will showcase updates and coverage of the latest happenings and will present complete features and presentations on the people, the products and the business of Bollywood.

Harsh Rohatgi, EVP, Revenue Management and New Ventures, NDTV Imagine, said, “We believe that if it is treated and presented in a meaningful and entertaining manner consistently, Bollywood-based content will definitely find appeal across audiences.”

Abhimanyu Singh and Premnath Rajagopalan of Cinestar Advertising said, "Imagine Showbiz will connect to audiences by providing them in-depth, unbiased, entertaining Bollywood content that goes beneath the skin of the industry and gives viewers a real insight into the world of Bollywood. It is a channel for the Hindi film lover. The pedigree of the NDTV brand and also the impact and awareness created by NDTV Imagine in such a short time, coupled with our experience in the entertainment business combines to create a unique and powerful partnership."

There is currently no word on Imagine Showbiz launching in the UK.

Editor: Lucky Nijjar Source: Business Standard

Biz Bitch - Weekly Column

New to BizAsia.co.uk is our weekly column Biz Bitch. We'll be scouting around for silly blunders in UK Asian TV, radio and press and bringing them to you.

We're watching and listening closer than ever to keep certain organisations on their tod! If you spot anything out of place, the time is here now to name and shame...The Biz Bitch!

A BizAsia.co.uk regular mailed us with a rather amusing anecdote...again, to do with the most infamously amateur programme...'Bollywood Top 20' on Sunrise Radio...He tells us that he messaged the fake Suzi Mann articulating exactly what he felt about the presenter and her show. The smart (or should we say cheeky?) lady actually turned the listener's words around to make it sound like he was enjoying her show!

It must be real desperation, as it seems to have turned into a regular feature on the show now - not only is the chart made up (on 'Sunrise airplay'!!), listeners' mails and texts are too!

'Love Bollywood' (Saturday) on the BBC Asian Network, the two self-proclaimed 'it' boys of Bollywood had soon to-be-married couple on air to review 'Singh Is Kinng'. Their clame to fame? The woman was a random Bollywood lover while the man prided himself in being a Hollywood lover who had barely seen two or three Bollywood films in his life. He couldn't even get the name of the film's actress right (he called Katrina, Kareena!). So much for credibility (or the lack of it) and they call it the most definitive Bollywood show. Ha!!

Do you know of any ridiculous goof-ups? If so, let the Biz Bitch investigate. Tell us the time and date of broadcast or publication and leave the rest to us! Email: bitch@media247.co.uk.

Editor: Lucky Nijjar Source: Biz Bitch

ZEE Radio plans I-Day & Raksha Bandhan specials

ZEE Radio, the UK's newest station available in Greater London has announced a slew of special shows this week to coincide with the ongoing festivities.

Starting on Thursday 14th August through to Friday 15th August, listen out for special patriotic music to mark Pakistan and India's Independence Days. The Bollywood music station will also broadcast a 'Bollywood Takeaway' at 19:00 with history behind the days. Furthermore, ZEE Radio will be taking live updates from its ZEE News reporters on the processions taking place in India.

On Raksha Bandhan on Saturday 16th August, listen for a special 'Bollywood Takeaway' at 19:00, plus special star endorsements greeting all brothers and sisters all the best for the happy occasion.

There's another exclusive - an interview with northern Punjabi lads RDB, who recently arranged the title track in the blockbuster 'Singh Is Kinng'. Listen out for the interview with all three brothers on Saturday (16th August) at 13:00.

Editor: Lucky Nijjar Source: ZEE Radio

KBC & KBC 2 begin video testing on Sky Digital

Upcoming Kashmiri channels KBC and KBC 2 (Kashmir Broadcasting Corporation) have begin video testing off the Sky EPG ahead of their official launches.

The channels, which officially launch on Sky Digital next week will become the second and third channel respectively with a focus on Kashmiri programmes. Aap TV has been available on the platform for the past few weeks.

The KBC channels are being launched by the Afsar Group from Birmingham. Whilst KBC will be added to the Sky EPG next week, live programming on the channels dont begin until Sunday 24th August.

It will be the first Asian TV service to simultaneously launch a secondary channel. Currently it’s unclear what the second channel, known as KBC2, will broadcast. However EPG data testing off the Sky EPG of KBC2 suggests it will be a timeshift channel, telecasting shows one hour later to its flagship service. A first for Asian TV in the UK.

Tests of KBC can be viewed in the following way:

-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter the frequency: 12.525 (V), FEC 2/3, Symbol Rate 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight "53275" service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> "53275" should be listed and available

Tests of KBC 2 can be viewed in the following way:

-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter the frequency: 12.525 (V), FEC 2/3, Symbol Rate 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight "55111" service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> "55111" should be listed and available

Updated: 23:25

Editor: Lucky Nijjar Source: Various

Biz Asia Industry Whispers

August 10, 2008

Issue 118

This channel too has requested voluntary liquidation and now looks uncertain to return.

Disclaimer: 'Media 247.co.uk will be unable to respond to inquiries about the identities of parties concerned in Biz Asia's Industry Whispers'.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: Ssshhh!

Indian shopping channel set for Monday launch

August 09, 2008

WWS Sky Shop launching on Sky Digital The UK's first Indian shopping channel WWS Sky Shop (World Wide Shopping) is set to launch on Sky Digital on Monday (11th August).

The channel, which has been testing off the Sky EPG for the past few days, has confirmed to BizAsia.co.uk that WWS Sky Shop will be available on EPG 681 this week. It will compete directly with mainstream giants QVC and Ideal World as the channel will sit within the main 'Shopping' genre of the EPG.

WWS Sky Shop claims to be the market leader in the Indian teleshopping industry with a full range of unique and innovative products at affordable prices, the products includes a complete range of herbal and health care products including several kinds of fitness equipments.

Whilst the channel promotes it products on ZEE TV India, Sony Entertainment Television Asia India and STAR Plus India, it doesn’t have a 24-hour channel of its own. However this will now change with WWS Sky Shop experimenting a full time service in the UK for the first time. Initially some shows will be shown in pre-recorded format but it is expected a move towards live programming will be implemented later.

Apurva Meratia of WWS Sky Shop told BizAsia.co.uk how excited the team was to launch in the UK. "This is a very happy occasion for WWS and we're looking forward to competing with the other UK shopping channels. This is the first of a kind in the UK market -a teleshopping channel from India. We're hoping this will prove a grand success."

In the UK, there have been two attempts at Brit-Asian teleshopping, both of, which proved unsuccessful. Vectone Mall was the first to step foot into the teleshopping foray, followed by Apna Bazaar. The first closed within weeks of launching, whereas the latter had a longer run but eventually was removed from the Sky platform in April last year.

Full video and audio testing can be tuned in by following the steps below:

-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter the frequency: 11.307 (V), FEC 2/3, Symbol Rate 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight "53340" service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> "53340" should be listed and available

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: WWS Sky Shop

Colors India's number 3 after just two weeks

India's newest Hindi entertainment channel Colors has fast become a superhit with viewers by grabbing a huge share of the market pie.

In just two weeks of the channel launching, Colors has jumped two spots and grabbed the number three position in the exciting GEC space. According to TAM Media Research data, in Week 31 for C&S, 4+, HSM, the week after its launch, Colors has garnered a share of 10 per cent in the overall GEC pie. STAR Plus stands at number 1 with 27 per cent and ZEE TV is second, with 18 percent.

Colors has raced ahead of Sony Entertainment Television Asia, which, despite its unsteady position in the GEC space, was at number three in Week 30. Sony TV has gathered a share of 8 per cent and is now at number four, along with STAR One. The other two new GECs, NDTV Imagine and 9X, which have been striving to beat each other, have settled at number five position with a channel share of 7 per cent each.

Akshay Kumar's first reality TV show 'Fear Factor- Khatron Ke Khiladi' has proved a runaway success, along with the mythological programme 'Jai Shri Krishna'. Incidentally 'Fear Factor...' comes to an end this week to make way for the much talked about Indian series 'Bigg Boss'. The show will be hosted by Shilpa Shetty and will feature a house full of Indian celebrities.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: AgencyFAQs

9XM begins EPG data testing off Sky EPG

August 07, 2008

9XM set for UK launch INX Network's much awaited music channel 9XM is getting nearer to its UK launch, with EPG data spotted today on the Sky Digital platform.

It had been widely expected that 9XM would launch in the UK ever since BizAsia.co.uk revealed, last month, a deal had been struck with an existing broadcaster on Sky Digital.

It now looks certain that 9XM will occupy the DD-India slot as tests are being carried out on their old label. DD-India was removed from the Sky Digital platform mid-June.

9XM has fast become India's leading music channel. Recently 9XM retained a massive lead over its rivals with 54 GRPs in C&S 4yrs+, followed by MTV – 19 GRPs and Channel [V] -7 GRPs.

9XM's flagship Hindi entertainment channel 9X is already available on Sky Digital channel 828. Incidently INX Network purchased the old DD News slot to launch 9X here.

The UK launch of 9XM is expected imminently.

EPG testing of 9XM can be tuned in by following the steps below (audio and video testing soon):

-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter the frequency: 11.427 (V), FEC 2/3, Symbol Rate 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight "DD-India" service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> "DD-India" should be listed and available

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: Various

Is Manoj Kumar taking Sony TV to court?

August 06, 2008

Legendry actor Manoj Bajpai is dragging the team of movie 'Om Shanti Om' (OSO) to court, according to Bollywood Hungama. After months of keeping quiet on the whole controversy surrounding the way he was portrayed in last year's blockbuster, Manoj seems to have raised the issue once again.

It may be recalled that Manoj Kumar was upset with the way he had been made fun of in 'OSO' and had even asked Shah Rukh and Farah Khan to delete the particular scene in which one of his look-alikes is beaten up by the cops at a movie premiere. While SRK and Farah had initially assured the veteran actor that they would do the needful, the scene still continued to be in the film. Now as 'OSO' gets all set to be telecast on Sony Entertainment Television Asia this Sunday (10th August), Manoj Kumar has decided that he has had enough.

Furious by the whole fiasco, Manoj Kumar has reportedly filed a case against Shah Rukh Khan, Farah Khan and even Sony Entertainment Television in a city civil court asking for deletion of the scene or ordering a stay on the telecast of the film on national television. The matter is expected to come up for hearing today.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: Bollywood Hungama

Colors announces launch of 'Bigg Boss'

The newly launched channel Colors is leaving no stone unturned for its big ticket property 'Bigg Boss' - the Indian version of the world renowned 'Big Brother' series.

'Bigg Boss 2' launches on Colors on Sunday 17th August and will dominate the channel's schedule with a daily episode nightly at 22:00 plus a live unedited episode at 00:30 every day.

The reality show will run for three months and as previously reported, Shilpa Shetty will host the show after her successful stint in the UK version last year.

Colors CEO Rajesh Kamat said, "This format show has a loyal audience. Moreover, there are viewers who want something outside soaps. We will be trying to grab the eyeballs of such viewers."

This is the first time Colors will show the series. The first season was aired on Sony Entertainment Television Asia. 14 contestants have been confirmed to take part who will compete for a cash prize of Rs 750,000.

Like the UK series, an eviction will take place every Friday. Saturdays would offer the spin off episode, while the Sunday episode will be used for unseen footage branded as 'Andekha Masala'.

With Colors not being available in the UK yet, it is currently unknown if the show will be screened here.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: IndianTelevision

Ten Sports steps foot into Europe with Roots

One of India's most popular sports channels Ten Sports has begun broadcasting in Europe.

Ten Sports, which has been available in India for six years is owned by Taj Television and ZEE Network jointly.

Ten Sports is available as part of the Pan-European DTH platform Roots Global, formerly known as Spize TV. The service will allow its viewers access to top international cricket series involving India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, South Africa, England and the West Indies.

Says Taj Television CEO Chris McDonald, "After six years of our operations, we are pleased to finally launch our European service. Judging from the number of queries we have had, Ten Sports is already a well established brand in Europe, and we are happy that our viewers there can now watch the best of cricket and other sport on Ten Sports. In Spize TV, we have a very strong partner, who has intelligent and aggressive plans to reach the south Asian population throughout Europe."

Roots Global VP Amitabh Sharma adds, "Ten Sports enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide and there was considerable pent-up demand in Europe. Additionally, Spize was pleased with the synergies Ten Sports offers with the various South Asian bouquets available on Spize TV."

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: Various

Sony buys out Bertelsmann stake in label

August 05, 2008

German media group Bertelsmann AG’s 50% stake in Sony BMG is being sold to Sony Corporation for $1.2 billion.

The move ends a joint venture formed in 2004 by merging Sony Music and Bertelsmann’s BMG as a response to the shock of the Internet and digitisation that spread the power of recording and distributing music from the old hands to all comers.

Howard Stringer, Sony chief executive, said the reborn Sony Music would give the group "far more flexibility" to use music in its film and television units, and in electronics such as PlayStation and the Sony Ericsson Walkman mobile telephone.

Hartmut Ostrowski, Bertelsmann chief executive, said the move was "consistent with our new growth strategy" to reposition the company as a media-services group, possibly buying in to the growing educational market.

Sony said it would pay Bertelsmann $600m and allow it to take Sony’s 50% share of Sony BMG’s $600m cash reserves.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: Financial Times

Indian student shortlisted for new E4 show

An Indian model studying in Bristol has been shortlisted for a new show due to start on E4 soon.

Karthik Nagesan, 26, has previously worked on Indian television, however this could turn out to be his first British mainstream break, if he gets through to the next round.

Nagesan is currently working as a software engineer.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: E4

Bashir apologises for "Asian babes" joke

British television presenter Martin Bashir has apologised after making a series of sexist remarks to a room full of American journalists.

Bashir who now works for ABC in America said he was "happy to be in the midst of so many Asian babes" at the dinner in Chicago last month.

"In fact, I'm happy that the podium covers me from the waist down," he added.

With his co-presenter on ABC's 20/20 news programme, Juju Chang, standing nearby, Bashir went on to say a speech should be "like a dress on a beautiful woman – long enough to cover the important parts and short enough to keep your interest – like my colleague Juju's".

Chang replied: "See what I have to put up with?", as some members of the audience from the Asian American Journalists Association began to boo.

Bashir apologised for his comments in a letter to the organisation published in the latest edition of the New York magazine.

He is known for his interviews with Princess Diana and Michael Jackson.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: MediaGuardian

PTC News bulletins confirm launch date

PTC News has confirmed to BizAsia.co.uk that it will begin broadcasting its Punjabi news bulletins in the UK from later this week.

PTC News bulletins will air four times per day, starting Sunday 10th August. They will broadcast on Music India on Sky Digital EPG 822 at the following times:

08:00
13:00
17:00
21:30

Prashant Chothani, Director & CEO of Music India, spoke to BizAsia.co.uk about this new deal, "Music India serves the latest Bollywood, Asian Pop both Indian as well as British to audiences of the UK. If you look at the local content produced in the UK Asian Music Scene, majority of it is Punjabi Pop.

Since we provide our platform to artists and bands from the UK on Music India, we at Music India felt that there is also a need of quality news from Punjab. Bollywood and Music have been and are the strongest link of connection for the Asians to their culture, roots and homeland, we thought of taking them closer to their homeland too with latest updates on what's happening in their homeland. So we thought of bringing Punjab closer to the UK and since PTC NEWS has the qualitative offering with the perfect perspective for the Punjabi audiences in the UK, it was a perfect match.

It is first time that a frontline free to air channel in the UK is airing news bulletins and we think the audience response is going to positive and encouraging."

PTC News bulletins on Music India will be shown delayed live in the UK.

Related link:
PTC News in negotiations for UK launch

Editor: Lucky Nijjar Source: PTC News

EXCLUSIVE: Channel Punjab's future in doubt

Channel Punjab's future in doubt The future of the flanking service Channel Punjab looks very much in doubt, BizAsia.co.uk can exclusively reveal.

The channel, which went off the air last month, had initially planned to return within a couple of weeks after a programming revamp, this however was shelved due to rumoured "financial issues".

Jasbir Singh Derewal, CEO, Derewals Group, who run Channel Punjab exclusively spoke to BizAsia.co.uk about the difficult decision.

"My Dad and I started this project with great hopes and determination, without any real media experience or any financial help from anyone.

During the last 3/4 years we have spent money creating Channel Punjab.
Since Channel Punjab went on air in September 2006, we have proven without doubt that our programming is on par with any other ethnic channel and even main stream channels, and that there is more than just music in Punjabi culture.

We managed to recruit a successful programming team but unfortunately we did not manage to build a successful sales team, and again unfortunately when we went as a paid Channel in July 2007 we did not get the support of the Punjab community.

Due to these facts and even after putting more funds into the business we as of today are afraid that we must put our hands up and say "we tried our best" even to point where you can say we put our money where our heart is."

There are also unconfirmed reports suggesting the channel could go into liquidation if it fails to find itself a buyer (for its EPG slot/programming/licence) by mid-August. Sources close to BizAsia.co.uk have indicated that a creditors meeting being held on the 15th August will take place to decide the channel's fate.

Wayne Taylor, acting director of communications at Channel Punjab said, "Naturally the management of the channel is extremely upset to have taken this course, which was only taken after professional advice. In the interim however, the channel will continue to seek a rescue package with a number of interested parties with a view to returning the channel to the TV screen and ensure that the loyalty of their thousands of viewers continues. The management want to place on record their thanks for the countless messages of support and good luck they have received during this trying time."

Editor: Lucky Nijjar Source: Channel Punjab

Radio Netherlands joins hands with Radio Misty

August 03, 2008

Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW), the international public broadcaster from the Netherlands, has established a partnership with first and foremost North Bengal and Sikkim FM station, Radio Misty 94.3FM. In the near future Radio Misty will air a variety of RNW music programmes ranging from European pop charts to classical, jazz and world music but also RNW radio books.

After a long-term presence in India with short wave and satellite radio broadcasts, RNW now expands its activities in India. Considering the rapid growth of the number of FM-stations and multimedia platforms in India, RNW is glad to establish a mutually beneficial partnership with Radio Misty 94.3FM and provide them with music and spoken-word programmes.

Radio Misty is the first North Bengal and Sikkim FM station for the local people and has a reach of 80 km. The aim of Radio Misty is to connect the local people with more interactive and innovative shows. "This meets the goals of RNW as well, because we aim at multicultural interaction between different (local) peoples and cultures in the world. One way of doing this is through programmes that interest listeners internationally," says Jan Hoek, RNW’s Director General.

Jan Hoek states that the new partnership marks the start of reaching a new public via radio stations in India. "We are very pleased with the partnership with Radio Misty FM. The swift and decisive way in which we came to this arrangement promises a bright future for our cooperation with this dynamic station."

Amitabh Srivastava, RNW Country Manager for India says: "This partnership is our entry into Indian airspace through radio affiliation and getting the clear message that ‘RNW has arrived in India’. After getting more then 3000 partners globally, we hope more dynamic Indian stations like Misty will be benefiting with informative and entertaining programming through us."

Radio Misty 94.3FM chief executive officer Mr Nishant Mittal says: "It’s great that we are the first FM station in India to partner with Radio Netherlands Worldwide. We hope this new venture between Radio Misty and RNW will open a new chapter. It will bring a lot of innovative programmes to people of North Bengal and Sikkim. We look forward to share new ideas in programming."

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: Radio Netherlands

Biz Bitch - Weekly Column

August 02, 2008

New to BizAsia.co.uk is our weekly column Biz Bitch. We'll be scouting around for silly blunders in UK Asian TV, radio and press and bringing them to you.

We're watching and listening closer than ever to keep certain organisations on their tod! If you spot anything out of place, the time is here now to name and shame...The Biz Bitch!

Maya Mistry must thank her stars... Someone's beaten her in the 'terrible' department on the 'Bollywood Top 20' on Sunrise...last evening, a fake Suzi Mann took the show to a new-found low...screaming kindergarten links into the microphone ("Did you know that Bollywood churns out more films than any other country?" she asked bewildered), the imposter rolled out one random track after another only to realise that she had completed the show well before 19:00 (talk about planning or the lack of it!)...so she had to kill
the remaining time spinning additional tracks from two albums and an
arbitrary request from another album!

The biggest anticlimax? A technical glitch just before the so-called No.1 song...doesn't matter when the entire show is a glitch in itself!

Do you know of any ridiculous goof-ups? If so, let the Biz Bitch investigate. Tell us the time and date of broadcast or publication and leave the rest to us! Email: bitch@media247.co.uk.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: Biz Bitch

ZEE Next to rope in foreign partner

ZEE Network's second entertainment channel ZEE Next, sister station of ZEE TV, will be given a fresh lease of life with help from a foreign partner.

In other news today concerning the channel, ZEE Next is being hived off to its wholly-owned subsidiary Asia Today Limited.

According to IndianTelevision, Hong Kong-based ATL will invest Rs 1 billion in ZEE Next over a three-year period while the partner will put in Rs 4 billion.

ATL's holding initially will be 45 per cent in the company that will hold ZEE Next and kids programming while the investing partner will own the rest. ATL's stake will go up to 55-60 per cent in five years.

"ATL will invest in convertible debentures within five-year period to be issued by ZEE Next. The shareholding of ATL for the purpose of consolidation, prior to conversion of debenture would be 45 per cent and post conversion of CD within 5 year would go up to 55 – 60 per cent," the source adds.

ZEE is hiving off ZEE Next as it doesn't want to capture the start-up losses of the newly-launched Hindi general entertainment channel.

ZEE Next, which was expected to launch in the UK on Sky Digital in July has been pushed back to September/October. More details soon.

Editor: Lucky Nijjar Source: IndianTelevision

EXCLUSIVE: KBC launch details emerge

KBC launch details emerge Details of the soon to launch Kashmiri KBC channel have been released exclusively to BizAsia.co.uk.

KBC, which stands for Kashmir Broadcasting Corporation is being launched by the Afsar Group from Birmingham. KBC has confirmed it has proposed to launch on Sky Digital on Monday 18th August, with live transmissions expected to start on Sunday 24th August.

A spokesman from KBC exclusively gave us an insight into the channel, "KBC is established by a veteran and resourceful British Kashmiri businessman with mature insight and track record of business development and management. It is here to take the broadcasting business to the next level. The core languages of KBC programming include English, Pahari, Pothowari, Hindku, Kashiri, Dogari, Punjabi and Urdu. However, there will be programmes in other languages of Kashmir and South Asia in general. Joined hands by experienced staff and visionary programming team of the Aapna Channel; KBC is now ready to bring back the channel to your television screens with a big bang."

Primarily KBC is being positioned as a lifestyle, information and entertainment channel. Shows will consist of live interactive discussions and chat shows along with pre-recorded soaps, sitcoms, music, spiritual programmes and sports coverage.

Some shows, which will be rolled out in the coming weeks include 'Aapni Bettak', 'Rachiyal Report', 'Aapna Britain, Young Sung', 'Aapni Sehat', 'Watan Aapna Janat Ka Nishan', 'Aapna Vakeel, 'Pothowar Rang', 'Pahar Rang', 'Punjab Rang', 'Kashiri Rang', 'Dogari Rang', 'Gojari Rang', 'Poonch Hour', 'Bhimber Hour', plus others.

KBC's policy has reiterated its stance on being a Kashmiri channel, "While KBC is a Kashmiri channel it is not to propagate any specific political, religious or sectarian viewpoint. KBC is the home to all viewpoints. However, we are strongly opposed to any form of prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, creed, ideology, ethnicity, religion or cultural background. In other words our policy is based on the philosophy of Kashmiriyat that means tolerance, coexistence, peace, justice and progress.

Another feature of KBC policy is to give voice to the voiceless communities across Kashmir, South Asia and the world."

Incidentally KBC launches weeks after another Kashmiri channel Aap TV began its test run replacing DM News on the Sky EPG. It has now come to know that Aapna Channel closed down due to internal politics, which lead to shareholders going their separate ways.

KBC is EPG data testing. Video and audio tests are expected soon.

Tests of KBC can be viewed in the following way:

Tests of KBC 2 can be viewed in the following way:

-> Using your Sky Digi remote, go to Services Menu
-> System Setup (4)
-> Add Channels (4)
-> Enter the frequency: 12.525 (V), FEC 2/3, Symbol Rate 27500
-> Find Channels and Press SELECT
-> Highlight "55111" service and press Yellow button.
-> Return to Services Menu
-> Other Channels (6) on STB / (8) on Sky+
-> "55111" should be listed and available

Updated: 23:25

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: KBC

ESPN STAR threatens ICC over Twenty20

ESPN STAR to look at legal proceedings Premium Indian sports channel ESPN STAR is threatening legal action against the International Cricket Council (ICC) if it authorises the Champions Twenty20 League.

The TV giant is already confirmed as the ICC's official broadcast partner to cover all ICC events, an eight-year deal worth around over half a billion pounds. But in an email circulated to all 10 member boards on Monday, the ICC's chief executive, Haroon Lorgat, warned of ESPN-Star's opinion that the Champions Twenty20 League is a threat to its interests.

The report from MediaGuardian further stated, "Although Cricket South Africa and Cricket Australia are founder members and shareholders, the Champions League's equity arrangement is believed to be weighted so much in favour of the Board for Control of Cricket in India as to effectively be a subsidiary of the Indian Premier League. The IPL has a separate broadcast partner in Sony, leaving ESPN-Star holding a contract to screen tournaments in which there is diminishing interest.

The failure of the 2007 World Cup, the expensive logistics of broadcasting the 2011 tournament from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and the boom in the Twenty20 format have eroded the value of ESPN-Star's ICC contract."

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: MediaGuardian

SAB TV to axe 'Left Right Left' in September

One of SAB TV's longest running shows is coming to an end in mid-September.

Lead actor Gaurav Chopra insists that the army school drama will draw to a logical end. SAB TV, which is slowly switching to a comedy channel, introduced funny elements in 'Left Right Left', but even these didn't work for the channel to win in the GEC race.

When it launched, two years ago, the cast comprised biggies like Rajeev Khandelwal and Shveta Salve and a promising gang of youngsters as the cadets. Rajeev quit, however, the TRPs started slipping.

A few months ago, a new bunch of cadets was introduced, including Diya Chopra and Swati Taldar. Swati blames the weak storyline. "I felt shortchanged," says the actress who plays Shveta Salve's on-screen sister.

Gauri Pradhan and Hiten Tejwani were brought in to raise the TRPs, but that didn't work either. "Even Smriti Iraani couldn't lift the TRPs of Teen Bahuraniyaan," shrugs Diya. She adds that it was a mini-feat on part of the producers to keep the daily going for two years.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: TelevisionPoint

Colors opens up with encouraging figures

The newly launched channel Colors from Viacom 18 Media has opened up to a positive response across India.

Data issued to BizAsia.co.uk for the week ending 26th July saw Colors start with 81 gross rating points (GRPs).

Compared to other recently launched Indian TV channels, Colors has had a spectacular launch. Earlier this year, NDTV Imagine garnered 55 GRPs in its first week of launch (20-26 January). 9X, on the other hand, recorded a GRP of 21, but later climbed the ratings ladder. ZEE Next crawled with a 6 GRP in its opening week.

Colors lags behind market leader STAR Plus, ZEE TV, Sony TV, NDTV Imagine, 9X and STAR One. Colors clarifies that the 81 GRPs have come from five-and-half days of programming while the other channels have captured the ratings for seven days. Observers also say the second week ratings will indicate the actual positioning of the channel.

The GEC market seems to have expanded with the new launches. "Clearly, the market has grown. After the first week of sampling, now the effort is to hold up the stake. The important thing here is that our ratings are not driven by a single show but by three different programmes," says Kamat.

Colors' big ticket reality show 'Fear Factor-Khatron Ke Khiladi' has opened with 1.7 (on 21st July) TVR, which went to a high of 2.27 on 24th July. 'Balika Vadhu' managed a high TVR of 1.26 and mythological 'Jai Sri Krishna' notched a maximum of 0.92 TVR on 21st July.

Colors will launch the second season of 'Bigg Boss' after completion of 16-episodes of its driver show 'Fear Factor'. The channel has already endorsed original format (Big Brother) winner Shilpa Shetty for the show.

Whilst there are plans to launch Colors in the UK, there is no concrete information on this. TV Eighteen's previous channel CNN IBN was available in the South Asia World avatar before ending after its distribution agreement ended with ZEE Network UK.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: IndianTelevision

Sindoora in ZEE TV's 'Dulhann' to be killed off?

The highly popular 'Dulhann Banoo Mein Teri' on ZEE TV is set for a huge shakeup as reports suggest the antagonist character Sindoora (Kamya Punjabi) could be killed off!

A report in TellyChakkar said she could be killed by lead male protagonist Amar (Sharad Malhotra).

A spokesman told the TV website, "Yes, Sindoora's character will come to an end but it's yet to be decided on how it will be done. Probably, it could be Amar or both Amar and Divya (Divyanka Tripathy) who'll do the honours. There's also a possibility that Sindoora may not be killed but she'd be taken to court by Divya, who is a lawyer."

When contacted, Kamya replied, "I'm sorry but we've been strictly told not to speak anything. All I can say is that something interesting is indeed coming up. However, I'm very keen on remaining with the show."

Producer Shyam Bhattacharya was quick to rubbish the news.

Editor: Lakhvinder Baddhan Source: TellyChakkar