Star Re – brands Maa Network Channels
The Maa network channels have come under the Star brand. Star India has re – branded its Telugu Entertainment Channels under the Maa umbrella with a new logo, positioning & programmes. The channels Maa Music, Maa Gold & Maa Movies are now renamed Star Maa Music, Star Maa Gold & Star Maa Movies. An HD channel, Star Maa Movies HD, is also added to the bouquet. The content offerings will further see a ramp – up. All the Telugu network channels will showcase & launch an array of new shows & innovative programming. Each channel is aimed to create emotional connect with its viewers.
Madras HC Resumes Hearing
After being put off for over 2 weeks, the Madras High Court resumed hearing in the TRAI tariff order matter with the Star India counsel presenting the broadcaster’s side of the case on Tues. The counsel for the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) & the Union of India will be heard later. The Star India counsel is expected to continue on Wed. As per the directives of the Supreme Court, hearing will continue on a day – to -day basis in the Madras High Court.
Sun TV Acquires TV Telecast Rights
Sun TV has acquired the satellite TV telecast rights to Sivakarthikeyan’s new untitled film with director Ponram. The film is produced by 24AM Studios. It comes after the Sivakarthikeyan & Ponram combine have delivered 2 blockbusters in succession. The rural action entertainer, involving actors Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Soori, Napolean, Simran & Yogi Babu, is planned for release in 2018. Sun TV lapped up the rights within the 1st week of the shooting of the film.
Showtime To Examine NBA’s History
US cable network Showtime Networks has announced the start of an expansive project that will examine the modern history of the National Basketball Association and the league’s impact on global popular culture. Executive producers LeBron James & Maverick Carter of SpringHill Entertainment & filmmaker Gotham Chopra have begun production on a 3 parter documentary film series slated to premiere on Showtime in 2018.
BSkyB & Fox Merger Proposal Referred To Competition Authorities
UK’s culture secretary Karen Bradley has averred that she is “minded to” refer Fox’s proposed buying of Sky to UK competition authorities. There is concern by critics that 21st Century Fox having control of BskyB would give it too much influence & power in the UK media market.
ISRO Successfully Launches GSAT – 17
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched GSAT – 17 communications satellite. GSAT – 17 was launched in the early morning hours using the European Ariane 5 Launch Vehicle from Kourou, French Guiana. The 3477 kg GSAT -17 carries communication payloads in C -band, Extended C – band & S – band for providing varied services to the country.
Star Gold Re – Enters Top 5
After failing to be in the top 5 in Week 24, Star Gold re – entered the toppers’ chart by grabbing the 3rd spot, as per BARC India data for Week 25 (urban + rural HSM). The channel pushed Zee Cinema to 4th position, while the previous week’s No. 4 exited the top 5. The top 2 & the bottom positions remained unchanged.
MN+ To Talk Films
MN+ has announced the launch of a special film festival, Talking Films, starting 3rd Jul, 2017. The festival will air every Mon to Fri @ 7 pm. A compilation of movies from Hollywood, Talking Films will encourage cinema lovers to develop a deeper understanding & love for the art of cinema. Lending credence to this special property is actor Kunal Kapoor of Rang De Basanti fame who sheds light on his muses, inspirations & aha moments from his favourite Hollywood movies.
Comedy Central Topmost English Entertainment Channel
Comedy Central ousted Zee Cafe to top the hierarchy of English Entertainment Channels in Week 25, BARC data showed. Comedy Central garnered 431,000 weekly impressions, up 32.21% from the previous week. Zee Cafe also saw an increase in viewership, climbing to 378,000 impressions in the week ended 23rd Jun, 2017. This was 8.62% higher than the previous week’s collection of impressions.
Star To Consider Launching More Regional Sports Channels
Star Sports launched its 2nd Indian language sports channel Star Sports Tamil 1 to coincide with the Champions Trophy tourney. This is the 2nd Indian language sports channel from Star Sports after Hindi. Now depending on the progress that it makes, the company could launch more regional sports channels.
Tata Sky Launches Classic Cinema Service
DTH operator Tata Sky has launched its latest interactive service, Tata Sky Classic Cinema, in partnership with Shemaroo Entertainment. The service aims to turn the clock back & relive the best of Hindi cinema from a handpicked collection of timeless classics of the 1950s, 1960s & 1970s. Priced at Rs 59 per month, Tata Sky Classic Cinema will be given free for the 1st 10 days for subscribers to sample. The service will be available to all Tata Sky subscribers on #318.
Tata Sky & QYOU Broaden The Deal
Tata Sky has expanded its partnership with QYOU, a curator of premium web video for multiscreen distribution, to feature the online video content on TV screens. This feature was previously available through Tata Sky’s mobile app. Now the broader deal will make QYOU’s 24 / 7 service of online video content & short formats available to 17 million Tata Sky connections across television & mobile.
Facebook Plans To Produce Original TV -Quality Series
Social networking site Facebook is planning to produce high – quality television series & gaming shows to broadcast on its platform. The Wall Street Journal & PTI reported that Facebook is willing to pay up to $3 million per episode for centre piece shows. Facebook is hoping to target audiences aged 13 – 34, with a focus on the 17 – 30 age group. The company has already lined up Strangers, a relationship drama, and a game show, Last State Standing, the report said.
WWE Network To Exclusively Stream MYWT
The 1st ever Mae Young Classic women’s tournament (MYWT) will be streamed exclusively on WWE Network. The 1st ever 4 episodes will be available on demand from 28th Aug, 2017 whereas episodes 5 to 8 will be available on demand from 4th Sept, 2017. The final match will stream live from Las Vegas on 12th Sept, 2017 at 7.30 pm.
Sony Liv Announces Partnership
OTT operator Sony Liv has entered into a strategic partnership with Pocket Aces. As per the deal, Sony Liv will have access to content including short videos from the Pocket Aces channels like FilterCopy & food videos from its channel Gobble.
Vivo Pays Rs 2,199 Cr To Retain IPL Title Sponsorship For 5 Years
Chinese mobile company Vivo has retained for 5 years the title sponsorship right to the cash – rich Indian Premier League (IPL) with a winning bid of Rs 2,199 crore. This works out to around Rs 440 crore per season or a jump of 554% on the previous contract signed by the company. Oppo, with Rs 1,430 crore, was the next highest bidder.
Vasindra Mishra Joins Network18
Network18 has appointed Vasindra Mishra as consulting editor. Vasindra Mishra moves in from Zee Media where he was an editor & head of Zee News service. A senior journalist with 29 years of experience, Vasindra Mishra spent 13 years in print & 16 years in television media. He started his career in English newspapers & switched over to Hindi.
Network18 Announces Launch Of Amplify18
Media conglomerate Network18 has announced the launch of its entertainment, lifestyle & brand amplification entity, Amplify18, which will leverage the group’s pan – national television network along with the strong digital properties to drive visibility, awareness & business growth for its clients through innovative advertising & communication formats. The group has appointed Mayur Parekh as assistant general manager to drive the corporate division. He will report to Puneet Singhvi, head – corporate development.
Videocon d2h Adds 71 Channels
Videocon d2h is widening its TV channel portfolio. The direct – to – home (DTH) arm of Videocon Group has added 2 news channels, JK 24×7 & Gulistan News, for its subscribers in Jammu & Kashmir. In fact, Videocon d2h has added 71 new channels in regional languages this calendar year.
TV Today Network Invests In 11.92 Mn Shares
TV Today Network, which runs news channels Aaj Tak & India Today TV, has invested in 11.92 million (11,917,002) equity shares of Mail Today Newspapers aggregating to Rs 119.2 million. This represents 8.33% of the increased paid – up share capital of Mail Today Newspapers. TV Today Network made the fresh investment on 23rd Jun, 2017. Mail Today Newspapers is a wholly owned subsidiary of TV Today Network.
