From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 2 15:51:03 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 21:21:03 +0530 Subject: [icernet] TV Plays Babysitter For Overworked Moms Message-ID: <3E3D3E67.4080406@vasnet.co.in> Whoever said that two-year-olds don’t need television to entertain themselves? A survey conducted by Cartoon Network to assess the need for tailormade programmes for pre-schoolers shows that not only is there a need for entertainment amongst children as young as 2-6 years, but television also helps mothers to balance the rearing needs of such young children with their often chaotic home life. Simply put, while the kids watch TV, mothers can tidy and up and cook the family dinner! Surprised? These are the findings of a qualitative research conducted by the popular children’s channel in the three metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=27197 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 2 15:50:52 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 21:20:52 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Cabinet to decide on uplinking facilities for foreign channels Message-ID: <3E3D3E5C.4020702@vasnet.co.in> The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is formulating the policy regarding foreign news channels and would seek the opinion of the Union Cabinet on giving them uplinking facilities, the new Information and Broadcasting Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, said here. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/02/01/stories/2003020102991400.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 2 15:51:13 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 21:21:13 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Star TV not part of CAS panel Message-ID: <3E3D3E71.5050601@vasnet.co.in> Star TV, the country's largest network of channels on satellite, is conspicuously absent from the task-force set up by the government to advise on the implementation of the conditional access system-based cable television rollout. Star's rivals such as Zee, Sony and Sun are members of the taskforce. However, Star TV was part of the earlier taskforce that was set up by the government to frame the Bill to implement CAS. The taskforce would also specify the timeframe for the rollout of the CAS systems across the country. At present, the government has set 14 July deadline to roll out the CAS system in the metros. Source: http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/feb/01star.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 2 15:51:22 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 21:21:22 +0530 Subject: [icernet] 'Market economy serious threat to domestic media' Message-ID: <3E3D3E7A.30400@vasnet.co.in> Union Human Resources Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi on Sunday expressed concern about the impact of globalisation on domestic media and said concerted efforts should be made to protect it from market forces. Stating that majority of Indian newspapers offered less news items and more advertisements to the readers, Joshi said the media "should not be allowed to become yet another market product". Referring to the demand for a model code of conduct for media-persons, the HRD minister said that he was not in favour of the government formulating such a code. Instead, they should frame a code of conduct for themselves so that they can follow it without feeling that it has been imposed on them by the political establishment, he said. Source: http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=18831 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 3 23:29:25 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2003 18:29:25 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Dept of Space wants fee for DD channels Message-ID: <55711.203.90.115.194.1044314965.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Prasar Bharati Corporation is now learning that autonomy comes for a price. The Department of Space (DoS) has asked it to part with Rs 500 cr for using its transponders or face a blackout. Doordarshan beams its 20-odd channels through INSAT 3-C, PAS-10, 2 DT and Thiacom, to name a few — all courtesy DoS. Corporation officials are trying to remind DoS that it is a public service broadcaster and not another PSU. But this argument worked when DD and AIR were little more than mouthpieces of the Government and the DoS didn’t mind. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=17733 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 3 23:31:41 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2003 18:31:41 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Conclave 2003 - The Business of Media Message-ID: <56744.203.90.115.194.1044315101.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Year 2002 was a landmark for the Indian media, for with it came several policy decisions that will ultimately change the face of media. CAS was passed, FDI was finally allowed in print media, and 2003 should see several foreign players making their way into India. Newspapers, to ward off stiff competition from news channels and make themselves more lucrative, have trimmed down and added in more graphics and colour. But while all this has been played out in the public eye, media's second child, advertising, has been going through its own quieter upheaval. Growth, as was witnessed in the 90s, now seems a beautiful dream intruded upon by a nightmare. "There is so much happening in advertising, the industry is going through so many changes, and there is the need to document it," thought Anurag Batra from the portal exchange4media. Source: http://dailypioneer.com/vivacity1.asp?main_variable=MEDIA&file_name=med1%2Etxt&counter_img=1 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 3 23:34:32 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2003 18:34:32 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Saffron selections Message-ID: <57964.203.90.115.194.1044315272.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Three years in power and the BJP is into media appreciation big time. It thinks journalists ought to be in the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister's Office, heading government institutions, and on committees. Its faith in my tribe is truly touching. It pops like-minded scribes into committees and they help to spread saffron cheer by selecting others like themselves, or doing what is expected of them. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/mag/stories/2003020200660300.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 3 23:37:18 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 3 Feb 2003 18:37:18 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Study finds many rely on Web for news Message-ID: <58911.203.90.115.194.1044315438.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> As many as 61% of people surveyed say that the Internet is just as important a news source as TV and newspapers, according to Editor & Publisher Online. The UCLA Center for Communication Policy conducted the telephone survey of 2,000 households from April to June. Participants put more importance on Web info than radio and magazines; however, only 53% of those who deem the Web important say they trust most of what they read online, down 5% from the year before. Amid worries over increased identity theft, Beau Brendler, director of the nonprofit Consumer WebWatch online credibility project, said, "It should be a potent signal to Web sites that they should do a better job ensuring that information is credible and Web sites are safe and secure." Some subjects said that the key to finding trustworthy information was to look it up from credible new sources and journals. According to the study, 30% of those surveyed don't use the Internet because they don't have access to it, but half of them plan to get it within the next year. Source: http://www.editorandpublisher.com/editorandpublisher/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1807342 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 4 22:25:10 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 4 Feb 2003 17:25:10 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] The politics of Bollywood Message-ID: <40447.203.90.115.194.1044397510.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> "This industry is too politicised," we've heard actors say it over and over again. Politics known customarily as the 'dirty game,' has in recent times become a term used colossally more in a negative sense than a positive one. Today, it relates more to anarchy, distrust and fraud instead of sole concept of being there to serve the people and govern a nation. Bollywood or should we say the Hindi film industry –so as to be 'politically' correct on the other hand - is a field of 'gold' corn that's aglitter thanks to its glamour, not to discredit the illicit 'gold coins' being pumped into magnum-opuses. But underneath this dazzle lies a questionable truth that leaves the starry-eyed hoi-polloi thankful that they aren't a part of this 'bad world' either. Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=36464590 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 4 22:28:54 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 4 Feb 2003 17:28:54 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] STAR scores with new shows Message-ID: <42172.203.90.115.194.1044397734.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> STAR Plus has firmed up its grip over audiences in Cable & Satellite homes with it's newly launched shows, as per the latest television audience viewership data (January 19th - 25th, age-group four plus) from TAM India. The highlight of the week has been the entry of Eenadu TV into Top 100 list and the conspicuous absence of Zee from the popularity sweepstakes. Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=36367616 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 4 22:31:38 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 4 Feb 2003 17:31:38 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] 'Minimal impact of new channels on CNBC's ad share' Message-ID: <43144.203.90.115.194.1044397898.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> With a series of channels in the process of being launched over the next few months, the advertising pie for the industry will be divided amongst many more players now. However, CNBC India CEO Haresh Chawla told eFE that the new channels would have a minimal impact on CNBC. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=27330 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 5 23:27:00 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 18:27:00 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Frontiers of the thin black line Message-ID: <49192.203.90.115.194.1044487620.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> What accounts for this unusual herd instinct among the cartooning tribe? Unusual, because cartoonists normally present a variety of views. They are no less divided on politics, economics and ecology than the rest of the media and the readers. Some love to target the Republican elephant and some the Democratic donkey and some gun for the visual hybrid of the two. And many can’t escape the occupational hazard of contradicting themselves over weeks and months of having to combat the newsbreak of the day. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=17817 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 5 23:29:30 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 18:29:30 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Hollywood's piece of cake in India Message-ID: <50270.203.90.115.194.1044487770.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Hollywood accounts for a mere 3 per cent of the Indian movie business. Thanks to the steady burst of multiplexes in urban areas, there is hope its future will shine brighter. Says Uday Singh, managing director, Columbia Tristar India, "The market is at a beautiful stage right now. Smaller theatres are easier to fill up. The advent of multiplexes allows us to bring in niche films that may appeal to a select audience. Also, we believe a good marketing and promotional campaign can swing business by 40 per cent." Source: http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/feb/05holly.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 5 23:31:31 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 18:31:31 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Nat Geographic sees major revenue rise via localisation Message-ID: <51093.203.90.115.194.1044487891.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Zubin Gandevia, managing director, National Geographic Channels Network, South Asia, said, “We have already succeeded in expanding the channel’s reach from 5 million homes when we started out to around 23 million homes currently. However, the average viewership time spent on the channel is still relatively small as compared to mainline channels.Significantly, National Geographic, unlike the other mainline channels, derives almost 60 per cent of its overall income from subscription revenue and just 40 per cent from advertising sales. The ratio for other channels including those from the Star, Sony and Zee networks is about 85:15 in favour of advertising revenues. Source: http://www.business-standard.com/archives/2003/feb/50050203.017.asp From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 6 13:36:25 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 06 Feb 2003 19:06:25 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Fourth, not fourth-rate, Estate Message-ID: <3E4264D9.4070909@vasnet.co.in> In the Indian media over recent years, crass commercial considerations have increasingly eclipsed journalistic ethics and editorial authority. Form has sidelined, if not displaced, content. Packaging is routinely mistaken for the product. Thanks to the conspiracy between the movers and shakers of the media and the unhidden persuaders masterminding the orgy of consumerism — with the PR agencies acting as middlemen — the legitimate quest for profit has led to profiteering. This cannot but strangulate professionalism and deprive the reader of his or her due. Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_156309,00120002.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 6 13:36:15 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 06 Feb 2003 19:06:15 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Study reveals business overpowers pleasure online Message-ID: <3E4264CF.9070904@vasnet.co.in> If employers are annoyed that employees use the Internet for fun at the o= ffice, they should know that those with Web access at home spend even mor= e time doing work from their houses, reports the Washington Post. The stu= dy, conducted by the Center for E-Service at the University of Maryland i= n conjunction with Rockbridge Associates, Inc., found that workers spend = two more hours each week doing work at home than they do using the office= computer for non-work related matters. It's the workers without home Web= access that take the most advantage, spending up to 6.5 hours a week on = non-work related Web pursuits with no homework time to counterbalance it.= Charles Colby, president of Rockbridge Associates and co-author of the s= tudy says that the Web's accessibility can blur the line between work tim= e and personal time. "People may do things [on the Internet] at work, and= then feel they should compensate for that at home," said Colby. "Or they= may work late on a work pr oject, and then go into the office anyway and feel, 'Well, I'm entitled t= o go check ESPN.com today." However, some companies believe the Internet = can be a detriment to office productivity, so they've installed software = to police employees' personal time online. Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26443-2003Feb4.html From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 6 13:36:33 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 06 Feb 2003 19:06:33 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Why isn't the media accountable? Message-ID: <3E4264E1.7010001@vasnet.co.in> The issue here is the sheer irresponsibility of the media. Whether it is Godhra, Tehelka, petrol pump allocations or the Ansal Plaza killing of terrorists, our media seems to believe it will attract its audience only if it dresses to kill, or, as some newspapers have patented, it undresses models in colour. That it is not accountable to anyone in the country except to its proprietors' profit and loss account abets that belief. No wonder the ICE World section of Business Standard dated January 29, 2003, says The Times of India charges fees to PR agencies for publishing their releases. Are we then headed for editorials charged at so many rupees per column centimetre? Our media demands foolproof accountability from every institution in our land, including the judiciary. Why then doesn't it demand the same from itself? Source: http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/feb/05arvind.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 7 13:07:07 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 07 Feb 2003 18:37:07 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Television viewing figures slashed by web use Message-ID: <3E43AF7B.6030606@vasnet.co.in> More people are choosing to go online instead of watching television. A study by the University of California has shown that the internet is fast eclipsing TV as the primary medium for entertainment and information, in a pattern identical to when TV replaced radio. Web users watched an average of 4.8 fewer hours of TV each week than non-users, the study found. And it said that the decline in TV viewing hours grew more dramatic as internet users gained online experience. Internet 'veterans' watched about 5.8 fewer hours of TV than non-users. The study found that more than 70 per cent of US citizens spend an average of 11.1 hours online a week - up from 9.8 hours a year ago - checking email, reading news and doing research for work or school. At the same time, television viewing among internet users fell from an average of 12.3 hours a week to 11.2 hours. Details at: http://nl2.vnunet.com/News/1138398 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 7 13:07:28 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 07 Feb 2003 18:37:28 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Bollywood biggies set to woo US Message-ID: <3E43AF90.6090501@vasnet.co.in> They may not have tasted much success scripting stories here but it will be Hollywood calling for 15 filmmakers from Mumbai as they spend ten days looking to script success stories preferably with collaboration from Big Brother US. Big-time movers and shakers of Indian films  Subhash Ghai, Sudhir Mishra, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Ronnie Screwaala, Kandaswamy Bharatan, Kaizad Gustad, Dhiren Ghosh, Ramoji Rao to name a few  are being pitched in by the CII, hoping that they will make the right splash at the American Film Market. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=17982 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 7 13:21:04 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 07 Feb 2003 18:51:04 +0530 Subject: [icernet] 'Cartoon network on track' Message-ID: <3E43B2C0.7000706@vasnet.co.in> Even as pre-school cartoons have been a subject of international debate, Cartoon Network has introduced a block for children below three in India. The pre-school block is part of the new thrust for 2003 that the channel is talking about. Cartoon Network is turning up the volume of the channel in the India market this year, according to senior vice-president and general manager of Turner Entertainment Networks Asia Ian Diamond. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=27545 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 7 13:21:13 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 07 Feb 2003 18:51:13 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Newspapers outdo magazines in advertising revenues Message-ID: <3E43B2C9.8080009@vasnet.co.in> Magazines are not raking in as much ad revenues as newspapers, but they are also less dependent on a few specific sectors. And, while lifestyle products such as readymade apparel and watches have emerged as some of the biggest spenders in magazines, they still spend only a small part of their overall print ad budget on magazines, according to a report by TAM-AdEx. Overall print ad revenues are estimated at Rs 4,400 crore. Magazines currently have a 12.5 per cent share, while newspapers make up for the rest. Source: http://www.blonnet.com/2003/02/01/stories/2003020101190600.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 7 13:21:21 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 07 Feb 2003 18:51:21 +0530 Subject: [icernet] `Media plans need sharper focus for more impact' Message-ID: <3E43B2D1.7030307@vasnet.co.in> With the proliferation of specialist channels, the fragmentation of TV viewership and the fast pace at which audiences are evolving, advertisers are having to work harder. Source: http://www.blonnet.com/2003/02/06/stories/2003020601630600.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 14:02:00 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 09 Feb 2003 19:32:00 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Media personality may head body on TV channels Message-ID: <3E465F58.5070600@vasnet.co.in> The Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Ravi Shanker Prasad, today mooted the possibility of placing the proposed statutory body for regulating electronic channels under the authority of an eminent media personality for professional supervision of their content. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/02/08/stories/2003020808321100.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 14:01:53 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 09 Feb 2003 19:31:53 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Toeing the U.S. media line Message-ID: <3E465F51.8030409@vasnet.co.in> Throughout the coverage of the rising tension in Iraq, no channel or private news network has been able to do anything more than repeat what has already been said, heard and seen from America. Well, we don't need Aaj Tak or Star News to tell us what Bush and his accomplices are saying. CNN does that just fine. Thank you. What we need, and don't get from our satellite channels, is the coverage of global anti-war protests. And the possible causes of the war. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/stories/2003020700810100.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 14:02:05 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 09 Feb 2003 19:32:05 +0530 Subject: [icernet] `Contempt action will deter press' Message-ID: <3E465F5D.1070500@vasnet.co.in> The publications facing suo motu criminal contempt of court action by the Karnataka High Court with regard to the "Mysore episode" today submitted before the court that initiation of the contempt proceedings had a "chilling effect" on people and the press. At one point, the court felt that there was no effective "checks and balances" for the press, except the Press Council of India.It questioned whether the press did not have any conscience and whether it thought it could write anything and everything. A limit had to be defined. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/02/08/stories/2003020803891300.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 14:02:12 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 09 Feb 2003 19:32:12 +0530 Subject: [icernet] No move to ban PTV: Prasad Message-ID: <3E465F64.2010006@vasnet.co.in> "PTV has launched a campaign of hatred and calumny against India and is keen to see NDA defeated but there is no proposal to ban it", Union Information and Broadcasting minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told newsmen here making a special reference to coverage of Gujarat elections by PTV. Prasad said the visual media should voluntarily evolve a code like that in print media and exercise restraint in reporting sensitive issues like riots, security and terrorism. Source: http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=118628 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 14:02:18 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 09 Feb 2003 19:32:18 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Moves to curb Hollywood dominance in films Message-ID: <3E465F6A.4040605@vasnet.co.in> Hollywood's global dominance is well known. So too are its subtle and not-so-subtle methods to elbow out local films. The problem may not be visible in India, where, thanks to a large population which does not speak English, Indian language movies continue to enjoy good patronage. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/02/09/stories/2003020900811300.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 14:02:24 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 09 Feb 2003 19:32:24 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall... Message-ID: <3E465F70.8030201@vasnet.co.in> Prime time in news channels is dominated by men in their prime even if they are balding, greying and gaining weight while women journalists who can match them in experience, expertise and age are nowhere in the picture. For all the 30-something women who are getting older by the day (men, it seems, do not age as fast on news channels), it is not exactly boom time, even as half-a-dozen news channels wait to take off in a months time. The BBC has a fair share of the young and the old, and as one of its programme head says, Our criterion for the selection of our presenters and correspondents is not specific to their age. BBC World looks for top-class journalists with a great deal of expertise and experience and this takes time to acquire. But Indian news television channels, it seems, are indifferent and untouched by such concerns, as the soon-to-be-launched news channels begin their frenetic hunt for girlish, bright-eyed, contestants. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=18062 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 10 13:49:48 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 19:19:48 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Indian films winning French hearts at festival Message-ID: <3E47ADFC.9020600@vasnet.co.in> Raj Kapoor's Awaara, Guru Dutt's Pyaasa and Kamal Amrohi's Pakeezah are winning French hearts all around as these masterpieces of Indian cinema are being screened together for the first time in a film festival in France. These films form part of a special section on Indian cinema, "Un regard sur cinema Indien" -- A look at Indian cinema -- which is the centrepiece of the 9th International Festival of Asian Films, currently under way at Vesoul. The Vesoul festival started in 1995, the centenary of cinema with the first motion picture made by the French Lumiere brothers. Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_158931,00050003.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 10 13:50:05 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 19:20:05 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Bar code: channels to display viewer advisories Message-ID: <3E47AE0D.80206@vasnet.co.in> TV channels will soon begin beaming viewer advisories, resort to sensitive scheduling of programmes during family viewing hours (between 4 am and 12 midnight) and mature audience hours (midnight to 4 am) and adhere to a self-imposed content code. The code would vary depending on the programme, targeted viewers, context and time-of-day with editorial responsibility vested with broadcasters. There would be no preview or pre-censorship of programmes by the council. The content code will be in conjunction with relevant legislation and licence conditions of the government and IBF would not try to interpret these laws in its code and guidelines. Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=36999733 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 10 13:50:13 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 19:20:13 +0530 Subject: [icernet] PR is not cheaper advertising Message-ID: <3E47AE15.9050606@vasnet.co.in> What strikes me about this debate is that in the battle of two giants, Hindustan Times and The Times of India, not only have the fundamentals of journalism been challenged but also another less-understood but nevertheless legitimate business-like public relations has been trashed. One of the contributors calls public relations a cheaper alternative to advertising. Just how wrong this perception is should become plain from the following: Details at: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_158743,00120002.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 10 13:49:57 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2003 19:19:57 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Govt to promote Indian films in a big way Message-ID: <3E47AE05.8060302@vasnet.co.in> India plans to promote its films in a big way, taking them to China, South East Asia and Latin America. Saying there was great demand for Indian films in these countries, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad assured all possible support to the industry as "these films reflect our society in a big way." Prasad asked private television news channels to exercise self-restraint while covering riots and terror attacks, like that done by BBC, CNN, Fox News and NBC. To drive home his point, the minister said during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the US, the channels did not show "piles of dead bodies or blood-soaked faces." Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=37037337 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 11 15:38:24 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 21:08:24 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Gujral urges media to build faith Message-ID: <3E4918F0.4030108@vasnet.co.in> The former Prime Minister, Inder Kumar Gujral, today called upon the media to revive its social relationship and build faith among the people about its own credibility as well as that of the system in which it lives and thrives. ``Otherwise, both the media and the system of which it is a part tend to lose,'' he said, addressing the valedictory session of the two-day conference on `Media and Right to Development' held here to coincide with the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Press Institute of India. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/02/10/stories/2003021001561300.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 11 15:38:49 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 21:08:49 +0530 Subject: [icernet] World Media Trend: Current events attract more readers to online papers Message-ID: <3E491909.90805@vasnet.co.in> Current events such as those surrounding a possible war with Iraq and the Columbia crash drew a 112% increase (or 863,000 viewers) to Time.com during this time. It claimed the number one spot for this week, with MSN Slate in second place with an increased viewership of 101% (or 953,000 unique visitors). Other big gainers were Newsday.com and Netscape News, followed by CBS News; these sites are featured as the top five fastest-growing sites. MediaDaily News quoted Carolyn Clark, senior Internet analyst, Nielsen/NetRatings saying, "By delivering up-to-the-minute content along with supplemental information, the Web is a primary source of news for many Americans." Source: http://www.mediapost.com/dtls_dsp_news.cfm?newsId=195089 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 11 15:39:01 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 21:09:01 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Journalism award entries requested Message-ID: <3E491915.7000108@vasnet.co.in> Applications are being accepted for the 2003 Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism. Two prizes worth $10,000 (9,279 euros) each will be awarded to a freelance journalist covering foreign news and a reporter in a developing nation or country in transition. The 2002 local reporting award was given to a team from Gazeta Wyborcza (Poland) and the freelance journalist award was given to Carlotta Gall. The prizes were established in honuor of American journalist Kurt Schork, who was killed in 2000 while on an assignment for Reuters in Sierra Leone. The awards are supported by Reuters and administered by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Source: http://www.jrn.columbia.edu/events/schork - Columbia University From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 12 23:17:37 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 18:17:37 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Bollywood now prefers suspense to romance Message-ID: <39922.203.90.115.194.1045091857.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Hit by mounting losses from popular candy floss romances and social drama formulas, Bollywood has turned to suspense and thrillers to recoup its coins at the box office. The industry is witnessing a crop of a hitherto neglected genre of films in the tradition of Hollywood's "Scream" and "I Know What You Did Last Summer". The trend is backed up by the success of director Vikram Bhatt's spooky whodunnit, "Raaz". one of only a handful of hits last year. "Raaz" was made on the moderate budget of about Rs 40 million but went on to earn Rs 200 million. It was a standout in the 132 Hindi films made in India last year, as 124 were flops which incurred total losses of Rs 2.90 billion. Source: http://news.sify.com/cgi-bin/sifynews/news/content/news_fullstory_v2.jsp?article_oid=12605627&category_oid=-20614 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 12 23:19:49 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 18:19:49 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Star Plus extends reach to kids Message-ID: <41013.203.90.115.194.1045091989.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> While Cartoon Network definitely is the first choice among both boys and girls with 46 per cent of them favouring it, it is followed by Star Plus with numbers put at 22 per cent. Discovery channel comes a poor third with 5 per cent. These are the findings of the research ‘New Generations 2002’ conducted in December 2002 by Cartoon Network in association with NFO. A total of 3,218 kids in the age group of 7-14 years and their mothers, across 14 Indian cities were surveyed out of a total sample size of 6,436. While Cartoons, sports and movies are the top favorite genres among boys and girls, sports show a strong preference among boys. Source: http://www.business-standard.com/today/story.asp?Menu=2&story=7767 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 12 23:22:20 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 18:22:20 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Oscar tragedy for Devdas Message-ID: <41935.203.90.115.194.1045092140.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Last year, the unlikely 11 of Lagaan made it to the Oscar finals but lost the match. This year, India’s official entry into the Oscar Foreign Film category, Devdas, lost out in the nomination shortlist itself In the foreign film category, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Rs. 38-crore blockbuster "Devdas" starring Shahrukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai and Jackie Shroff in the lead, lost out to the "Crime of Father Amaro" from Mexico, "Hero" from China, "Man without a Past" from Finland, "Nowhere in Africa" from Germany and "Zus and Zo" from The Netherlands. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=18254 http://hinduonnet.com/2003/02/12/stories/2003021205030100.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 12 23:24:36 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 12 Feb 2003 18:24:36 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] DD set for war, says no CNN Message-ID: <42707.203.90.115.194.1045092276.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Anyone other than CNN and Reuters, says CEO Prasar Bharati Corporation (PBC) K.S. Sarma. He is referring to war dispatches from Iraq, if and when America wages a war on that country. If this sounds like a major policy shift, then PBC has shifted its stand in ways more than one. Unlike the Afghanistan war when DD relied on a battery of correspondents from print and TV to send dispatches from Ground Zero, this time it has been decided to commission the war to one company. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=18288 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 13 23:33:18 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 18:33:18 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] NDTV to launch English, Hindi channels Message-ID: <54139.203.90.115.194.1045179198.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> NDTV on Thursday announced that its news channels in English and Hindi will be distributed by The One Alliance from April 1 as part of the Alliance bouquet comprising Discovery, Sony Entertainment, HBO, AXN, Animal Planet and CNBC India. Roy said NDTV's news programmes would be of international standards, while at present Indian news programmes are assigned only six points on a scale of ten. For the first time in India, NDTV channels would introduce ''breakaway period'' programmes comprising state and city specific weather and traffic situation which would be beamed only for particular regions, with other places receiving such programmes relevant only to them. Source: http://news.sify.com/cgi-bin/sifynews/news/content/news_fullstory_v2.jsp?article_oid=12616672 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 13 23:34:51 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 18:34:51 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Crime & punishment in cyberspace Message-ID: <54923.203.90.115.194.1045179291.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> As we leap into the digital age, policymakers, judges, law-enforcement agencies and lawyers are confronted with the pressing need to reorient their traditional thinking about crime and punishment in the light of the challenges posed by the convergence of new communication technologies and computer networks which has given birth to cyberspace. And, the number of people advocating the inclusion of cyber crimes as part of criminal law is increasing. While criminal conduct should not go unpunished whether committed online or offline, before undertaking this exercise of creating new criminal liability, the basic issues involved should not be lost sight of. Source: http://hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/02/12/stories/2003021200041000.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 13 23:36:52 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 18:36:52 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Uplinking norms likely to be relaxed Message-ID: <55646.203.90.115.194.1045179412.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday said the government was looking into issues like high licence fees for FM radio companies and relaxation of uplinking norms for broadcasters. He said the government wanted to develop India as a hub for the entertainment sector. Asking the entertainment sector to learn a lesson from the infotech sector, the minister said, "The infotech sector has been successful in educating policy makers about their problems and has benefited from it. I want the entertainment sector also to educate policy makers about the issues they face." Source: http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/feb/13uplink.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 13 23:43:30 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 18:43:30 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Some Times news smells of money Message-ID: <57844.203.90.115.194.1045179810.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Bennett, Coleman & Co has made a pitch to liquor multinational Seagrams — and Seagrams finds the idea seductive. Says Bikram Basu, brand manager for Royal Stag at Seagrams: “We haven’t used the service yet but it has been pitched to us and we are open to using it. The final decision will depend on where they draw the line and will also be a function of editorial content.” The idea is, of course, one of the most controversial to have been implemented in the annals of journalism by any media establishment — asking advertisers to pay hard cash for the possibility of their figuring in the news columns of a publication. Source: http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=4&theme=&usrsess=1&id=11574 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 13 23:45:14 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 18:45:14 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] 'Govt may regulate media content' Message-ID: <58615.203.90.115.194.1045179914.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad cautioned television channels and entertainment industry that government may have to "regulate" content if they did not exercise "self-restraint". "I am not for moral policing but one must not be insensitive to our Indian culture. Why should MTV lampoon Gandhi and then apologise when we object? in this country, we revere Gandhi as the Mahatma. MTV's caricature was in very poor taste," Prasad said. Source: http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=19106 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 13 23:47:21 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 13 Feb 2003 18:47:21 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] 'National e-learning project ready for take-off' Message-ID: <59144.203.90.115.194.1045180041.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> The e-learning pilot project undertaken last year by the Central Government in 20 schools spread across seven districts, is now ready to be launched nationally and will encompass 60,000 schools during the Tenth Plan period, says Rajeeva Ratna Shah, Secretary, Union Department of Information Technology. The Indian Government had set a target of Rs. 12,000 crores spending over the next four years in e-governance projects — but this was not something it could address alone, he said. With industry help, it was hoped to put in place a national Indian portal; State level; citizens' services portals as well as an e-business interface between all Indian suppliers and their government customers. Source: http://hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/02/12/stories/2003021201150900.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 14 12:34:14 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 18:04:14 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Bollywood scouts US market for funds Message-ID: <3E4CE246.1070909@vasnet.co.in> After the commercial success of films like Laagan, Monsoon Wedding and The Guru in the global market, Indian filmmakers are now turning towards international markets for funds. As a step towards that direction, a motley group of filmmakers, exhibitors, venture capitalists, lawyers, and government officials, would travel to Santa Monica, California, next week, to be part of the American Film Market, touted as the largest motion picture trade event in the world. Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=37461288 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 14 12:34:03 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 18:04:03 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Web media gurus predict vibrant, lucrative future Message-ID: <3E4CE23B.7030509@vasnet.co.in> The results of an online journalism industry meeting recently held in Swi= tzerland are published in a report that bodes well for the future prospec= ts of Web media, Editor & Publisher Online reports. "IP Zurich Report: In= teractive Publishing Industry Europe 2003 =13 2005" is the result of 20 e= xperts' findings, including former Wall Street Journal Online (WSJ.com) p= ublisher Neil Budde. The report makes many predictions, including increas= ed revenue, efficient ad sales and more importantly, online news content = specifically designed for the Web, rather than borrowed from print and br= oadcast. These boosts are attributed to the prediction that online news w= ill eventually be run by people with a strict Internet background. The on= ly debate is whether these positive changes will take place within the ne= xt three years or if it will take longer. Steve Outing, E & P reporter an= d senior editor at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, says that thi= s evolution in=20 Web media has been discussed since the mid-1990s, but he hopes that this = report is the end of lip service and the beginning of action. Source: http://www.editorandpublisher.com/editorandpublisher/features_columns/art= icle_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=3D1814881 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 14 12:34:22 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 18:04:22 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Yash Chopra receives Dada Saheb Phalke Award Message-ID: <3E4CE24E.8000800@vasnet.co.in> Yash Chopra, producer of Bollywood blockbusters like Deewar, Kabhi Kabhi and Dil to Pagal Hai, received the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award, the topmost honour in the film industry, from President APJ Abdul Kalam amidst standing ovation. Kalam also gave away the 49th National Film Awards in several categories, eight of which went to Aamir Khan's Lagaan, which lost out in the race for Oscar last year. Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_165786,00140003.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 14 12:34:30 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 14 Feb 2003 18:04:30 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Was Devdas right choice for Oscars? Message-ID: <3E4CE256.2090606@vasnet.co.in> The Rs 50 crore extravaganza, Devdas, adapted from Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyays novel about a frustrated lovers masochistic journey into despair, alcoholism and death didnt make it to the final five at the Oscars. While most of the industry still stands by Devdas, there are those who believe that we should have picked another film to send to the Oscars. The Legend of Bhagat Singh would have been a better choice, thinks director David Dhawan. Its not only a well-made film with great performances, it echoes a sentiment Western audiences understand. Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=37409493 Devdas: A victim of prejudice? http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=37441912 Devdas has a complaint http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=18417 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 16 13:44:59 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 19:14:59 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Male bonding making bold comeback in Bollywood Message-ID: <3E4F95DB.1040205@vasnet.co.in> While relationships between men and women have always fascinated mainstream Indian cinema, male bonding was mostly treated with mawkish sentimentality. In films like Rajshris' Dosti and Raj Kapoor's Sangam in the 1960s, male friends were either shown crying on each other's shoulders or biting their tongues and wringing their hands over the girl they loved. Now, in the new millennium, male bonding found a new definition and direction in Farhan Akhtar's Dil Chahta Hai, where the cool camaraderie between Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna and Saif Ali Khan won over a whole nation. The penchant for looking at male relationships with healthy interest has also extended to regional cinema. Kamal Hassan's Anbesivam in Tamil is one of the best films on the theme of male bonding to have made it to Indian theatres. Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_167470,0011.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 16 13:45:05 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 19:15:05 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Licence to bet Message-ID: <3E4F95E1.6060401@vasnet.co.in> Even today, every single day, television channels and self-proclaimed leading newspapers continue to give their viewers and readers an update on the betting business and the rates for forthcoming matches. Of course, these very same television channels and newspapers are also the first to cry foul every time the outcome of a game does not match 'expectations'. This raises two important questions. The first relates to the credibility of these channels and newspapers. The second is: whose interests are these self-proclaimed leaders guarding? Is it the interest of the readers or that of the betting syndicates? Source: http://www.rediff.com/wc2003/2003/feb/15bet.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 16 13:44:53 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 19:14:53 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Offensive images, offensive realities Message-ID: <3E4F95D5.9030609@vasnet.co.in> A fresh controversy has broken out over satellite TV channels carrying offensive advertisements. The information and broadcasting ministry has threatened once more to use its power to compel cable-operators to drop certain channels if they fail to live up to certain standards. It goes without saying that ‘offensive’, in this context, almost invariably refers to advertisements, mostly for underwear, particularly those which show women in suggestive postures. The official view, it is clear, is that such images undermine the sanctity of womanhood and excite sexual feelings among young people. There is, no doubt, some truth in this; but there is also an even greater measure of hypocrisy and denial. Source: http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=4&theme=&usrsess=1&id=12000 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 16 13:45:09 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 19:15:09 +0530 Subject: [icernet] The media debate Message-ID: <3E4F95E5.6010508@vasnet.co.in> So, why then are some Indian newspapers willing to sell editorial space? Why are they so ready to cheat their readers into believing that stuff that has been paid for has the credibility of news? And why are papers turning into blackmailers, demanding money from politicians before agreeing to cover their campaigns? The only explanation that makes sense is this: greed. Newspapers prostitute their pages because they can. The people who run them have no commitment to the truth; no interest in the greater good; and no respect for the readers. As far as they are concerned, they are in this business to make money. And if they can increase revenues by blurring the distinction between editorial and advertising, by accepting money from politicians to feature them  then they dont see why they shouldnt go ahead. Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_167407,00300001.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 17 13:13:44 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 18:43:44 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Good guys light up more often Message-ID: <3E50E008.3050802@vasnet.co.in> Indian film stars are smoking more on screen. And now it is the good guy who is smoking more. This was the finding of a World Health Organisation (WHO) study that reviewed top box-office films from 1991 to 2002. WHO's survey of 395 Hindi, Tamil and Telugu films showed that the instance of good guys smoking has gone up from 22 per cent to 53 per cent in 10 years. Shah Rukh Khan topped the chart, having smoked or mentioned smoking in all his films. According to the Central Board of Film Certification, 15 million people watch films  on television and in theatres  everyday. The WHO report says that given the huge fan following the film industry has among the young, it has a responsibility to discourage life-threatening habits like tobacco use. Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_167399,00110003.htm Bollywood blamed for teenage smoking India's lavish and gushingly romantic Bollywood movies may be the world's most watched but they are also, it now appears, bad for your health. Three out of four films produced by India's prolific film industry over the past decade show their stars smoking, according to a new World Health Organisation survey. Teenagers who watch Bollywood characters smoke are three times as likely to do so themselves. If young people see one of their idols light up on screen they are 16 times more likely to think positively about smoking, the survey found. The WHO survey found that 76% of the most popular films produced between 1991 and 2002 showed some form of tobacco use. In 72% of cases this was cigarette smoking. But the film industry in Bombay is unlikely to react well to the survey. Mahesh Bhatt, one of India's leading film-makers, said tobacco companies, not movie stars, were to blame."When crime increases, when rape increases, the easiest people to blame are the movie stars. How long can you blame the virtual world for your real problems?" Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,896911,00.html From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 17 13:13:34 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 18:43:34 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Andhra STD Booths Are E-governance Delivery Points Now Message-ID: <3E50DFFE.1040606@vasnet.co.in> In a last-ditch effort to offer good-governance at its citizens doorsteps, the Andhra Pradesh government is spearheading the concept of converting STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialing) booths into Service Delivery Points (SDPs). The state government has recently issued an e-government order with an administrative sanction of Rs 3.75 crore offering either 15 per cent of the cost or a maximum of Rs 7,500 per unit as subsidy towards the cost of conversion. The SDPs will offer services to the customers through a revenue-sharing arrangement with government portals like APOnline, eSeva and eProcurement. The state government will issue guidelines on service charges to be collected by the SDPs. The SDPs may also be allowed to offer services for private portals and a separate revenue model may be worked out for those services, officials said. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=28274 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 17 13:13:53 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 18:43:53 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Daring to be different, Hinglish leads Indian films Message-ID: <3E50E011.5080403@vasnet.co.in> As Bollywood and its candy-floss romances flounder at an all-time low, a new breed of sometimes disturbing films is wowing Indian audiences with taboo tales of incest, homosexuality and religious violence. Dubbed Hinglish -- Hindi-English -- these low-cost productions are cashing in on the growth of a large urban elite whose first language is English and newer, smaller cinemas that give niche movies a longer shelf-life. Hinglish spurns box-office names -- it can't afford them, anyway -- experiments with camera angles and tackles issues many find prickly in a deeply conservative society where nudity has yet to make it on-screen and a kiss can still stir controversy. Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=37743684 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 17 13:14:01 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 18:44:01 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Sponsors ahoy Message-ID: <3E50E019.1020302@vasnet.co.in> The Times of India started the trend of bringing advertising up front long ago, and having made its point, and its money, is moving on to push the boundary on frontiers that the others have not yet got to. It now has an online company called Medianet to negotiate rates for editorial space on different sections of the newspaper's online edition. Just as the rise of PR has influenced news, the ascendance of media buying as a separate service industry is driving the flowering of ads all over the media, and the push for unusual positioning on hitherto conservative news pages. Minute calculations are gone into to decide where to put a client's money. Pushing advertising then, is deadly serious business. Maintaining editorial primacy is increasingly a losing proposition. Source: http://hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/stories/2003021600070300.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 17 13:18:18 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 17 Feb 2003 18:48:18 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Is it no man's land in the entertainment industry? Message-ID: <3E50E11A.7070406@vasnet.co.in> Yes. Roles are reversing, men merely fill the blanks in stories. PIALI BANERJEE http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=37590374 It's a woman's world out there in the entertainment industry today. It is, of course, most apparent on television, but a closer look at the film and music industries shows the same trend brewing there too. No. Women are hurtling towards an all-time low in pop culture. NIKHAT KAZMI http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=37590546 First the good women. Parvati's mission of life? To get back to husband Om and the Agarwal household (Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii). Tulsi's raison d'etre? Mihir, her husband, and the Virani family's welfare (Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi). From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 18 22:52:37 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 17:52:37 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] World Bank Puts Rural India On Bus To IT Message-ID: <57204.203.90.115.194.1045608757.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> The World Bank is launching a pilot project to spread IT literacy among rural school students in Maharashtra’s Pune district using buses as mobile computing classrooms. The project, with an initial investment of $ 1 million, will be jointly funded by World Bank, a Japanese aid agency and the district administration of Pune. World Bank vice-president and chief information officer Mohammed V Muhsin, said, “This is part of our initiative to end the digital divide. One of our current programmes in India is on educating farmers about the benefits of new technologies. Pune district authority approached us with the project and we thought it was a good idea to spread IT literacy using mobile computing unit concepts.” Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=28273 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 18 22:56:11 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 17:56:11 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Analysis: The Net not conducive to propaganda Message-ID: <59021.203.90.115.194.1045608971.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> In the age of the Internet, it is much easier for people to get news from different viewpoints than even as recently as the 1991 Gulf War -- and therefore, it's much harder for governments to make propaganda work, writes Owen Gibson in MediaGuardian. Web users have not limited themselves to checking out news TV like CNN or BBC in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Netizens have been able to get information and views on the war against terror, the Iraq controversy and everything that surrounds them from a multitude of online sources. Noting the huge increase in popularity of sites such as Afghanistan Online, Islamic Gateway, Stopwar and Amnesty International, Gibson writes that, "interested parties were able to flick from the French press to the U.S. tabloids and back again to see how differing views on the war were taking shape." Plus, it has become harder for governments to mislead people, as proven when it was discovered that the Iraq dossier presented by the British government contained parts from a student thesis written three years ago, ready to download from the Net. "After all, when you can see opposing views at the click of a mouse, controlling the nation's perception of a conflict becomes a lot more difficult," Gibson writes. Source: http://media.guardian.co.uk/mediaguardian/story/0,7558,896874,00.html From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 18 23:21:54 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 18:21:54 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Filmmaking is my means of protest: Patwardhan Message-ID: <35471.203.90.115.194.1045610514.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan has a formula to screen his films on state television; win a national award, then go to court and get an order to show the film. Patwardhan said he now prefers making films on subjects that are close to his heart to actually participating in the issues. "Filmmaking has become my means of protest. I prefer it over actual participation." Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=37747109 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 18 23:25:10 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 18:25:10 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Can Prasad carry out Swaraj's agenda? Message-ID: <36430.203.90.115.194.1045610710.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Could we say Swaraj has been the most successful I&B minister? Probably yes, if we take into account the number of policies she has managed to push through - quantity-wise that is. However, a few high profile editors of national dailies, who had been running shows on DD News, which closed down in early 2002, would say Swaraj's best shot was at kickstarting the still floundering DD Bharati channel (a children's, arts and culture channel), at the expense of public money. Now comes the big question. What will be the new I&B minister's priorities and will he be able to complete his predecessor's unfinished work? Prasad, a trained lawyer, has dropped enough hints and signs during his various public appearances. He has reiterated the importance of the role played by public service broadcasters in disseminating constructive information, an example that, he feels, should also be followed by private satellite channels, to some extent. Source: http://dailypioneer.com/vivacity1.asp?main_variable=MEDIA&file_name=med1%2Etxt&counter_img=1 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 18 23:28:59 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 18:28:59 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Piracy a huge menace Message-ID: <37386.203.90.115.194.1045610939.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Piracy, be it of films, music or software, is turning into a huge menace the world over. The Indian film industry has been specially affected. Each year, Bollywood loses several thousand crores to the menace. But over the last year or so, attempts have been made to tackle the problem head on. Says Smita Thackeray, Head Indian Motion Picture Producers Association Piracy Vigilance Forum, "Last year alone, the film industry lost Rs 135 crore. Thanks to our efforts, there has been an almost 60 per cent decline in that figure in Mumbai and its adjoining areas this year. All this takes a huge effort since cable operators and video parlours have to be strictly monitored." Source: http://dailypioneer.com/vivacity1.asp?main_variable=MEDIA&file_name=med2%2Etxt&counter_img=2 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 18 23:32:09 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 18 Feb 2003 18:32:09 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] 'No gory pictures please, this is terrorism' Message-ID: <37843.203.90.115.194.1045611129.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Jonathan Fighel, Israeli expert on counter-terrorism, who flew in and out of Mumbai on Monday, didn’t have much to offer on the Indian situation, but he certainly offered interesting tips on media coverage of terrorist attacks during his lecture. “Never shoot close-ups of limbs and terror-stricken faces. As far as possible, get wider angles of the scene of violence. A bomb blast lasts for a millisecond, an attack from terrorists a few minutes, but the impact of close-ups of the victims’ mutilated bodies lasts much longer. People are intelligent enough to understand when they are told a blast took place." He said the coverage by the American media in the first two days after terrorists flew planes into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York on September 11, 2001 should serve as a role model for the media. Source: http://www.mid-day.com/news/city/2003/february/45099.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 19 14:05:53 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 19:35:53 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Is there a correlation between press freedom and development? Message-ID: <3E538F41.6020304@vasnet.co.in> There are two aspects of the print media worth probing. One, does press freedom have a positive relationship with key development indicators such as per capita product, life expectance and literacy? Two, what could be the philosophy and structure of a development oriented newspaper? A development oriented newspaper keeps the development of the nation and preservation of freedom as important objectives and may follow some do’s and don’ts. The do’s could include a relative emphasis on development news: the stories, for instance, of the successful children of the poor, or of a new innovation that has come from a remote village. It is not that such news is never reported at present; it is just that it never gets front-page status. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=18668 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 19 14:06:04 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 19:36:04 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Censors kill creativity Message-ID: <3E538F4C.4080005@vasnet.co.in> Creativity cannot be censored. Television has become a very popular medium, with increasing accessibility, and needs to be monitored, Government censorship is not acceptable. That doesn't work, as we have seen to our cost. Censorship tends to curb creativity-and it is a crime to see a beautiful thought or moment, or a work of art hacked to death because it is vulgar in someone's view. Responsible programming is the answer. Unfortunately, as we are witnessing, that is hardly the case. Our television serials are regressive and have pregnant women keeping Karvachauth and even glorifying sati. For God's sake, we live in 2003, not in the medieval age. But commercial interests rule programming. What is the message producers are trying to convey? Source: http://www.dailypioneer.com/agenda1.asp?main_variable=sundaypioneer%2Fdialogue&file_name=dial2%2Etxt&counter_img=2 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 19 14:06:13 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 19:36:13 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Government, Broadcasters Slug It Out Over CAS Message-ID: <3E538F55.8070205@vasnet.co.in> With less than five months remaining for the rollout of the conditional access system (CAS), the government and broadcasters are caught in a chicken and egg situation. The CAS stakeholdersbroadcasters, cable operators, multiple service operators (MSOs), set-top box manufacturers and consumer groupsdeliberated over some of the thorny issues at the taskforce meeting, but reached no conclusion. While, broadcasters asked for the basic tier pricing before revealing their business plans, the government wanted to know what private channels had in mind. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=28385 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 19 14:06:21 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 19:36:21 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Media and lure of the lucre Message-ID: <3E538F5D.6010301@vasnet.co.in> Considering its growing importance to public life, the media definitely needs to be brought under greater scrutiny and has to be more accountable to its consumers. The marketing section alone was not to blame for palming off trivia and promotional material ("plugs" in journalistic parlance) as news. Most readers (and that includes the cream of society such as industrialists, bureaucrats and professionals) have no clue of the peculiar nature of newspaper economics. Many don't believe that circulation income is a mere fraction of a newspaper's revenues. The gap has to be filled by income from advertising. Only after covering all costs does the question of profit arise.The line between readability and liveliness on one side and trivialisation on the other is rather thin. But all those with a stake in the continued blossoming of the Indian media must be conscious of the difficulties of treading it. Source: http://www.dailypioneer.com/foray1.asp?main_variable=SUNDAYPIONEER%2FBACKBONE&file_name=bkbone1%2Etxt&counter_img=1 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 20 22:55:06 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 17:55:06 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] Indian channel restrained to use word 'BBC' Message-ID: <39174.203.90.115.194.1045781706.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> On a plea by British Broadcasting Corporation, the Delhi High Court has restrained Videocon Group-promoted Bharat Business Channel from using the abbreviation "BBC". "The plaintiff (British Broadcasting Corporation" has made out a good prima facie case against the defendant (Bharti Business Channel) from projecting themselves as BBC," Justice Manmohan Sarin said in an ex-parte order restraining the Videocon-promoted channel from using the trade mark "BBC" of the broadcasting giant as an abbreviation for their proposed channel. BBC said that launch of the channel was of no concern but the claim in the media by the Directors of the proposed channel that they were launching "a desi BBC" was a great worrying factor. Stating that the Videocon group has already tied up with SingTel Group, a leading integrated communication service provider in the Asia Pacific, BBC's counsel Rajiv Nayar alleged that the adoption of the identical abbreviation was a deliberate attempt by the proposed channel to tread upon the reputation and goodwill of British Broadcasting Corporation. "The Bharat Business Channel field of proposed activity, i.e TV broadcasting, being the same as the BBC's area of business and catering to the same class of customers through common trade channel, is bound to cause confusion and deception amongst the trade and public who may wonder whether there is any business connection between them," the BBC submitted. "Such confusion would, no doubt, lead to passing off the defendant's (Bharat Business Channel) broadcast under the name 'BBC' as that of Plaintiff's (BBC)," the counsel said. Source: PTI 20/02/2003 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 20 23:01:10 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 18:01:10 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] A town goes virtual, and reaps in real time Message-ID: <41418.203.90.115.194.1045782070.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> In the home port of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, a facility of a different kind has been making waves. Today it’s the pride of the city, a model for governance since it guarantees instant delivery of civic services. It has even caught the international eye, winning the UNDP award and a nomination for the Stockholm Challenge. People can settle their bills online, check the status of building and water supply plans, receive direct information on births and deaths, track garbage clearance, even scan tender notices — in short, all basic services that seemed so elusive because of the time, money and energy involved. Saukaryam delivers online, a public-private venture created through broadband leased circuits. Banks where payments to the corporation can be made have also been linked to the metro area network. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=17805 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 20 23:06:09 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 20 Feb 2003 18:06:09 -0500 (GMT+5) Subject: [icernet] All the news space that's fit to sell Message-ID: <42850.203.90.115.194.1045782369.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Most publishers have now given up the business of having an independent editor. In more and more cases, the publisher or the person who owns/controls the shares has become the editor: The Statesman, The Telegraph, Deccan Herald, etc. In other cases, the distinction was never there, as in the Indian language press and others like The Hindu — which is not to say that editorial standards are necessarily worse in such publications, for in some cases they are better. And where a newspaper with editorial attitude is struggling financially, the shareholder has taken revenge by asking the editor to pay for his joys by taking on the publisher’s burden of finding the money: The Indian Express, Business Standard. In other words, the editor who is responsible solely for the editorial output is an endangered species and non-existent in the Indian language media. So much then for the Chinese wall between church and State! Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_170262,00120002.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 21 13:15:57 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 18:45:57 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Policy on foreign news agencies may be reviewed Message-ID: <3E56268D.4080205@vasnet.co.in> The Government is contemplating review of the 1956 Cabinet resolution that made it mandatory for foreign news agencies to distribute news in the country through Indian agencies. "We are governed by the policy of 1956 regarding news agencies. Much water has flown since then. Certainly, it is a case of review," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/holnus/02202012.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 21 13:15:47 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 18:45:47 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Battleground Cyberspace Message-ID: <3E562683.30904@vasnet.co.in> Close on the heels of the new Homeland Security Department taking charge of all cyber security functions in the US, India is also positioning its cyber security plans in an organised form. The Information Technology Act 2000 (IT Act) set the tone for such activities and also provided the legal focus to cyber security efforts, albeit in a very small way. The September 11 attacks in the US and accompanying fears across the globe have provoked governments and corporations to think that cyber protection should be an integral part of all security measures. For the first time, there is an understanding that cyber security is a capital investment, not an ancillary affair. In India cyber security is being addressed at various levels. The setting up of the high-powered National Information Board (NIB) under the chairmanship of the national security adviser is a major initiative. Recently, the report of the working group on information technology for the 10th Five Year Plan in India positions cyber security as a major focus area. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=18771 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 21 13:16:16 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 18:46:16 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Govt Taking A Relook At DTH Guidelines Message-ID: <3E5626A0.7060603@vasnet.co.in> The government is taking a relook at the Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcasting guidelines, according to the information and broadcasting minister, Mr Ravi Shankar Prasad. On whether some of the DTH guidelines would be changed, he refused to comment, adding that review and relook are quite distinct from each other. But, a meeting of group of ministers (GoM) is expected to recommend an increase in the foreign direct investment (FDI) in DTH operations. The GoM is likely to recommend a 49 per cent FDI cap in DTH, up from the current 20 per cent. It may be recalled that broadcasters had earlier asked for a relaxation in the sectoral cap and foreign holding limit in DTH. But, the government had so far refused to give in to their demands. In direct-to-home, theres a sectoral cap of 20 per cent for broadcasters, and the total foreign investment permitted is 49 per cent (20 per cent FDI and the remaining in institutional and NRI investments). Two applicationsSpace TV and Agraniare pending with the government for starting DTH operations. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=28516 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 21 13:18:59 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 18:48:59 +0530 Subject: [icernet] IBF all set to finalise 'Self-Regulation' report Message-ID: <3E562743.2030103@vasnet.co.in> Before the launch of a series of news channels, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) is planning to ready its self-regulation report. Even as the IBF has prepared a draft, it is likely to finalise the report on February 27. Among the news channels to be launched sometime soon are from the Star, NDTV, TV Today, Sahara and Videocon groups. Although television programmes of various genres have often been criticised for showing vulgarity, crime, and content unsuitable for family viewing, the focus is clearly on news now. The information and broadcasting minister Ravi Shankar Prasad is of the view that television channels must exercise self-restraint while covering news, referring specifically to the Gujarat riots. According to the minister, in the absence of self-regulation, the government would be forced to regulate content. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=28523 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 23 14:02:25 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2003 19:32:25 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Viewers watch ICC cup despite Indian performance Message-ID: <3E58D471.8070209@vasnet.co.in> The cricket World Cup is moving ahead on a sturdy pace. Eighty per cent of Indians intend to continue watching the World Cup even if India doesnt make it to the Super Sixes, according to the latest findings from AC Nielsen India Customised Research Services syndicated survey Cup of Life, on the impact of media activity during the high-profile event. Given these findings, marketeers could now shed their anxieties about the unimpressive performance of the Indian cricket team affecting the effectiveness of their advertising and promotional expenditure in cricket-related advertising during the ICC World Cup. Source: http://www.business-standard.com/today/story.asp?story=8679 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 23 14:02:16 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2003 19:32:16 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Will TV shows make the changeover? Message-ID: <3E58D468.7070501@vasnet.co.in> A turmoil could be in the offing in India's primetime TV profile, but it might get nipped in the bud by the romp of opulent and sinister family sagas. While producer Ekta Kapoor's Balajee Telefilms with its mother-in-law-daughter-in-law tales continues to rule the airwaves with around 15-16 serials, small competitors are beginning to promise a change. "Of course I'd love to move away from my patent formula. But how can I?" asks Kapoor, who produces the all-time hit "Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi". Source: http://www.newindpress.com/Newsitems.asp?ID=IE420030222011252 Being Ekta Kapoor Asiaweek magazine places her among the 50 most powerful communicators in the continent. Last week her company, Balaji Telefilms, in its quarterly report, revealed an increase in net profit of 105 per cent. With three shows topping the cable and satellite television charts, her hold over the Indian market remains undiminished even as she seeks to conquer new markets abroad with her library of software. She is probably the most successful 27-year-old in the country. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=18868 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 23 14:02:33 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2003 19:32:33 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Why Did Google Want Blogger? Message-ID: <3E58D479.8030508@vasnet.co.in> Forget war and strife, the only news that mattered on the Web this week was Google's acquisition of Pyra Labs, the scrappy San Francisco startup behind the Blogger weblogging tool. News of Pyra's sale for an undisclosed sum broke on Feb. 14, but details about the deal have so far been scant. Neither Google nor Prya is saying much about it. Evan Williams, Pyra's co-founder, blogged his day-to-day life for the last three years right up until it got interesting. Williams pulled his blog offline earlier this week. Meanwhile, thousands of weblogs and weblog indexes like Daypop and Blogdex have been loaded with debate about what the deal meant for the Web, for searching and for blogging. The acquisition has puzzled some onlookers: what would a search company want with a tool for making weblogs? Source: http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,57754,00.html From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 24 12:58:48 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2003 18:28:48 +0530 Subject: [icernet] The Oscar's political script Message-ID: <3E5A1708.6000701@vasnet.co.in> Devdas cannot weep any more. He has done enough of that in the Sanjay Leela Bhansali's celluloid version of a Bengali novel by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. Despite its opulent sets, beautiful people and a desperate attempt to create a fantasy that Bhansali might have hoped would sweep selectors off their feet, "Devdas" failed to be nominated in the foreign film category for the 2003 Oscar awards. Not surprising at all. Unlike Ashutosh Gowariker's "Lagaan", which got a nod last year, but failed to win a statuette, "Devdas" is just pomp and show. It clearly lacks the punch and excitement of "Lagaan". The Film Federation of India, which chooses the movie for possible nomination, is perhaps the least equipped for the job: it certainly lacks imagination and knowledge. It has little idea of how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences works, and what its priorities are. Source: http://hinduonnet.com/thehindu/mag/stories/2003022300750300.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 24 12:58:42 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2003 18:28:42 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Govt allays fears on FDI in print media Message-ID: <3E5A1702.1070904@vasnet.co.in> Asserting security and other concerns of the country will be kept uppermost while allowing FDI in print media, Government Monday told the Rajya Sabha that approval had been given to two of the five proposals received for starting an Indian edition of foreign specialised magazines. The approvals have been given in the non-news non-current affairs category, while no proposal has yet been received for FDI in newspapers, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said during Question Hour. In reply to a query whether the government would reconsider the policy of allowing only Indian news agencies owned and managed by Indians to distribute news of foreign news agencies within the country, he said there was a need for consultation on this issue. "It is felt necessary to consult mediapersons and industry connected with the news agencies in order to ascertain if 1956 policy on news agencies needs a detailed review given the rapid technological and other changes noticed in the meantime," he said in a written reply. PTI 24 Feb 2003 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 24 12:58:36 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Mon, 24 Feb 2003 18:28:36 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Bollywood, TV, aur woh Message-ID: <3E5A16FC.2040808@vasnet.co.in> First it was veterans turning to television for ‘meaty’ roles and now we have a host of actors cashing in on the medium. Be it a security blanket when the Bollywood glitter fades away or an exciting challenge for someone who’s cutting his teeth into the new medium, stars have realised that television spells big bucks. Source: http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=44697 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 25 13:51:08 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 19:21:08 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Profile: R K Laxman, the uncommon creator of the omnipresent Common Man Message-ID: <3E5B74CC.6090901@vasnet.co.in> R. K. Laxman, the famous Indian cartoonist, the man credited with elevating the post of the common man in India. Profile: Laxman became the political cartoonist for The Times of India, despite having no formal training in fine arts. He managed to develop his cartooning to such a fine art that has undoubtedly made him one of the most popular cartoonists in India. His interest in cartooning began at a very young age and even as a student he managed to establish a market for his freelance work among many journals and periodicals. After graduation, he joined the Free Press Journal in Mumbai as its political cartoonist. A few months later, he left it to join The Times of India. Since then he has been its political cartoonist, for the last 50 years. Nine volumes of his pocket cartoons as well as a book, The Eloquent Brush containing a selection of political cartoons from the Nehru era to Rajiv Gandhi have been brought out. Books of his drawings of his travels in Madhya Pradesh and Kolkata have also been published. He has to his credit a novel called Hotel Riviera and a collection of short stories and travelogue called the Idle Hours. Another book, The Messenger, has been published by the Penguins, recently. Despite being a severe critic of the establishment, he was still conferred with the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government. The University of Marathwada conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Literature on him and many other awards, including the Magsaysay award, revered as the Asian Nobel prize. Besides writing novels, short stories, he has also conceived and directed a film called Wagle’s World, based on the life of the Common Man for national television. He has also published his autobiography, The Tunnel of Time, and a selection of 50 years of political cartoons. Source: Times of Oman 25/02/2003 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 25 13:50:56 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 19:20:56 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Slew Of Cos Waiting For Uplinking Approval Message-ID: <3E5B74C0.40604@vasnet.co.in> Even as several news channels are in the process of being launched, uplinking permission is a hurdle for many of these broadcasters. Star, as is known, has not been granted uplinking permission yet, because of its 100 per cent foreign broadcaster status. But, Star is not alone. Among those waiting in the wings for uplinking permission are TV Today Network, NDTV World, Bharat Broadcasting Channel (from the Videocon group) and Mr Rajat Sharmas Independent News Service Pvt Ltd. Before going to the Cabinet over uplinking issues, the government asked various crucial ministries for their inputs on the same. According to sources in the government, the ministry of external affairs has recommended a limit of 26 per cent foreign equity for channels to be able to uplink from the country. Among others, home and finance ministries are in favour of 49 per cent foreign equity cap. The Cabinet is expected to take up the issue sometime this week to take a holistic view of the uplinking policy. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=28793 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 25 13:51:18 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 19:21:18 +0530 Subject: [icernet] After films and music videos... Brands look to TV serials for placements Message-ID: <3E5B74D6.5070809@vasnet.co.in> According to the buzz in the ad industry, companies have started approaching television networks to permit brand placements in the various soaps and family dramas shown on the small screen. In India, there have been some brand placements in game shows such as Khulja Sim Sim or Jeeto Chappar Phaad Ke. These shows not only displayed the products but also briefly described them to the viewers. According to Mr Rajesh Pavithran, Chief Operating Officer, Balaji Telefilms, the benefits on product placement in TV serials are huge. Source: http://thehindubusinessline.com/2003/02/24/stories/2003022401900100.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 25 13:51:27 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue, 25 Feb 2003 19:21:27 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Budget means business for media Message-ID: <3E5B74DF.1080109@vasnet.co.in> The Budget season is likely to be a happy one for the media, particularly the television channels which are expecting an increase in viewership and advertising. A TAM India study indicates that 2002 saw a 15 to 20 per cent jump in advertising revenue in the two weeks leading up to B-day -- the budget week itself and the previous week. According to TAM, last year, the Budget week - which includes the Railway Budget, Economic Survey, and pre and post-Budget analysis - saw news channels' share of overall TV viewership spurt to 6.5 per cent, compared with just 2.5 per cent four weeks before the Budget.The average time spent by a viewer on news channels almost doubled to 10 minutes per day in the Budget week, up from the pre-Budget average of 5.15 minutes. Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=38571961 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 26 14:56:47 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 20:26:47 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Get set for some more Action Message-ID: <3E5CD5AE.2020608@vasnet.co.in> Buy software from the international market, hire some satellite space and you're on air. That seems to be the route the yet-to-be launched Action TV is taking. The channel will air not only movies but also shows with heavy doses of action. Currently, besides movie channels such as Star Movies, HBO, Zee MGM and AXN, the UK-based Reality TV has recently forayed into the Indian market. So, is there really space for so many channels? According to a TAM- India study, in 2002 some specialist channels in news, Hindi film channels and music channels have done well compared with previous years. For instance, English entertainment channels had a 1.6 per cent share of viewership and 4 per cent share of revenues. And that is what Action seems to be trying to capitalise on. Source: http://www.blonnet.com/2003/02/25/stories/2003022501790600.htm From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 26 14:56:34 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 20:26:34 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Uplinking imbroglio Message-ID: <3E5CD5A2.3090308@vasnet.co.in> The Cabinet cannot take a policy decision and have it effected for any sector or anybody, even if the new Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad is keen to be done with the uplinking issue as soon as possible. However, there are two schools of thought here, too. One says the Cabinet decision on uplinking need not go to Parliament, as it is a remodification of an existing policy that anybody can uplink from India after having got governmental permission. Good for Star and the others, then.The other school of thought opines that since the existing policy on uplinking is being changed, and that too in a major way, envisaging the capping of foreign investment in news channels, it needs to be referred to Parliament. What does the law say? In simple language, it states that any Indian channel can uplink content from India via VSNL or directly to a satellite. How do foreign channels such as the BBC and CNN uplink? These uplink to a satellite from where content is bounced to another satellite and then downlinked at London or CNN headquarters in the US, from where the content is packaged differently and uplinked again, to be beamed back to India via a PanAmSat satellite. Source: http://www.dailypioneer.com/vivacity1.asp?main_variable=MEDIA&file_name=med1%2Etxt&counter_img=1 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 26 14:56:58 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 20:26:58 +0530 Subject: [icernet] AIR Tunes Into Digital Broadcast, May Face A Hurdle In Set Price Message-ID: <3E5CD5BA.1080803@vasnet.co.in> Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) is coming to India for the first time. It is already present in the UK, France, Spain and Singapore. All India Radio (AIR) has got the government clearance to start the project. So far, India has been receiving digital audio in satellite mode from US-based service provider WorldSpace. But, DAB will be digital broadcasting in terrestrial mode. To begin with, it will be rolled out in Delhi at an initial cost of around Rs 4 crore, to be followed by other metros. Although the four metros were expected to see a simultaneous launch of DAB, now the rollout will be done in a phased manner. But there are disadvantages too. For instance, one has to buy a new radio set to access DAB. Thats not all. For, these sets come for a price. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=28851 From vikas.nath@undp.org Wed Feb 26 20:34:03 2003 From: vikas.nath@undp.org (Vikas Nath) Date: Wed, 26 Feb 2003 15:34:03 -0500 Subject: [icernet] global public goods Network (gpgNet) www.gpgNet.net Message-ID: <3E5D24BB.6A7B21C9@undp.org> Dear Colleague, I invite you to visit the new website of global public goods Network (gpgNet) at http://www.gpgNet.net gpgNet intends to serve researchers, policymakers, business and civil society as a platform for information exchange and discussion on issues concerning the theory, policy design and practice of providing global public goods. On gpgNet you will find references to research and studies, information on forthcoming events as well as commentaries, policy statements and media reports concerning global public goods issues. I would like to invite your special attention to the discussion forum. The inaugural debate is on the topic of "What is Public? What is Private?" Please join us for this debate at http://www.gpgnet.net/discussion.php and share with us -and the global public- your observations on this topic. Your suggestions and feedback on the gpgNet website would be very much appreciated, and can be sent to info@gpgnet.net Yours sincerely, Inge Kaul Director Office of Development Studies United Nations Development Programme Vikas Nath gpgNet.net Manager Office of Development Studies United Nations Development Programme 336 East 45 Street New York NY 10017 USA Email: info@gpgnet.net URL: http://www.gpgNet.net From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 27 15:59:02 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2003 21:29:02 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Condom ads rankle Parliament Message-ID: <3E5E35C6.6070806@vasnet.co.in> Thirty-four notices have been issued asking companies or television channels to explain the ads, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told parliament. Prasad singled out leading condom brand KamaSutra, a joint venture between an Indian company and US-based latex maker Ansell. KamaSutra has three commercials on air in India. Other members of parliament joined in the denunciation of the KamaSutra commercials. "The KamaSutra ad is certainly vulgar. Our children don't need education in this," said Krishna Bose of the Trinamool Congress party. Prasad stressed that condom use was still encouraged by India, which has struggled to slow the growth of its billion-plus population. "I believe in self-regulation. I have asked the channels to follow self-regulation and they are formulating a code," Prasad said. "I don't want to be a moral police but I am open to advice from the house." He said a decision to ban the ads would be taken only after consultation with the health ministry, headed by Sushma Swaraj, who until last month held Prasad's position. Swaraj has in the past blasted the state-run television channel Doordarshan for airing condom ads, saying they encouraged sex, and has called for a ban on Fashion TV, which brings images of scantily-clad models into the Indian living room. Source: http://news.sify.com/cgi-bin/sifynews/news/content/news_fullstory_v2.jsp?article_oid=12649947&category_oid=-20612 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 27 15:58:47 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2003 21:28:47 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Us, Them and the Media Message-ID: <3E5E35B7.4050406@vasnet.co.in> Allegations of partisanship or corruption by themselves are, of course, not new. Fending scoffing references to bribes and planted stories is a professional hazard one has long lived with. But now it seems to get harder and harder to defend the media from the sort of blanket criticism it is subjected to these days mainly for two reasons. One is, changing circumstances in the media itself. Though, by and large, the media continues to be a vital institution, some of the rhetoric that surrounds it is far from healthy. The notion that the media is a business like any other, for instance, may still be one that only a few openly subscribe to, yet its effects are clear in the sort of trivialisation and excess that has afflicted the media in general. And indications are that the trend is likely to grow with profit being defined more and more as the sole benchmark of success. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=19129 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 27 15:59:15 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2003 21:29:15 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Uplinking issue to be taken to Cabinet Message-ID: <3E5E35D3.4030501@vasnet.co.in> The issue of allowing uplinking to a wholly owned foreign company for a 24-hour news channel from India is proposed to be taken to the Union Cabinet for consideration, the Lok Sabha was informed today. "Consultations with various Ministries have been undertaken and it is proposed to take the matter to the Cabinet for consideration," Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply. The Minister said Government has for the first time received an application from a wholly owned foreign company for uplinking a 24-hour news channel from India which is India focused. This has necessitated a re-look at the existing uplinking policy in so far as it relates to news and current affairs channels and technology neutral guidelines for uplinking, he said. As per the policy, all TV channels irrespective of their ownership (including equity structure) or management control aimed at Indian viewership are permitted to uplink from India subject to fulfilment of eligibility criteria and adherence to various terms and conditions including adherence to programme and advertisement codes, the Minister said. PTI 27 Feb 2003 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 28 14:59:24 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 20:29:24 +0530 Subject: [icernet] I & B warning to TV channels on 'vulgar' ads Message-ID: <3E5F794C.1060905@vasnet.co.in> The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has told television channels to exercise self-restraint while telecasting advertisements that are vulgar or suggestive of gender discrimination. Minister of State for I&B Ravi Shankar Prasad told the Lok Sabha during Question Hour that 34 showcause notices have been served on various agencies with regard to such advertisements. In 13 cases, TV channels have been told not to telecast programmes or advertisements violative of the programme and advertising codes prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, he said. Prasad said he had called senior functionaries of TV channels and asked them to exercise self-regulation. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=19242 From arulselvan@vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 28 15:00:45 2003 From: arulselvan@vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Fri, 28 Feb 2003 20:30:45 +0530 Subject: [icernet] Radio Ujjas, Kutch's Community show, still popular after three years Message-ID: <3E5F799D.7010506@vasnet.co.in> Radio Ujjas has become extremely popular in the remote Kutch region of Gujarat since it was launched three years ago. It uses folklore not only as a tool for entertainment, but also to spread social awareness. In the Kutch region of Gujarat, farmers and fishermen wait for Sunday evenings, which is when their favourite weekly radio show goes on air. They gather around radio sets wired to car batteries to listen to Radio Ujjas -- the community show that tackles such important issues as alcoholism, dowry and corruption. Kutch, a sparsely populated region on the west coast of India, shares a porous border with Pakistan. Kutchis speak their own dialect. The literacy rate for women in the region is among the lowest in the country; in some areas it is as low as 1%. A rural womens group called Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan (KMVS) came up with the idea of a radio show in a bid to communicate with thousands of villagers across the region. They learnt about radio production from a group of media professionals, and since then they havent looked back. KMVS launched its show with help from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. They bought airtime from the state-owned All India Radio (AIR), which has a monopoly over Indias airwaves. The show now receives support from the United Nations Development Programme and the Indian government. Radio Ujjas uses local language, song and soap-opera-style dramas to raise social awareness. Almost two thirds of Kutchs 1.5 million inhabitants tune in to the programme that discusses the burning issues of the region. We wanted to bring out the real issues that people dont talk about in the open, says Preeti Soni, the programmes producer, who hails from a Kutchi village. So we created an imaginary village named Ujjas, and gradually it became the most popular programme in Kutch. Initially, the programme addressed important issues through a serialised weekly soap opera that drew heavily on Kutchi folklore. Its main star was a Siberian crane -- a popular figure in Kutchs folk stories -- with a birds eye view of the region. Three years down the line, besides the ever-popular serial, the show hosts a weekly newsmagazine that broadcasts investigative reports and a segment that explores the history and art of the region. `Parda Fash, a programme about investigative exposes, is one of the shows most popular segments. A team of 15 trained reporters, mostly school dropouts, visits remote villages in Kutch to ferret out muckraking stories. That these reports do have an impact is borne out by the fact that Batti Ahmat Bacchu, a 52-year-old fisherman whose plight was aired on the show won a legal battle against a company that was about to oust him from his land. But the aim of Radio Ujjas is to teach media skills to villagers, particularly women. We believe that we should impart the skills to the local people so that they can, in turn, impart them to somebody else, explains Nimmi Chauhan of the Drishti Media Collective, who co-founded the project. Thats how you truly can be (called) community radio. Source: The Nation February 9, 2003 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 2 21:21:03 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] TV Plays Babysitter For Overworked Moms Message-ID: <3E3D3E67.4080406@vasnet.co.in> Whoever said that two-year-olds don?t need television to entertain themselves? A survey conducted by Cartoon Network to assess the need for tailormade programmes for pre-schoolers shows that not only is there a need for entertainment amongst children as young as 2-6 years, but television also helps mothers to balance the rearing needs of such young children with their often chaotic home life. Simply put, while the kids watch TV, mothers can tidy and up and cook the family dinner! Surprised? These are the findings of a qualitative research conducted by the popular children?s channel in the three metropolitan cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=27197 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 2 21:20:52 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Cabinet to decide on uplinking facilities for foreign channels Message-ID: <3E3D3E5C.4020702@vasnet.co.in> The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is formulating the policy regarding foreign news channels and would seek the opinion of the Union Cabinet on giving them uplinking facilities, the new Information and Broadcasting Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, said here. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/02/01/stories/2003020102991400.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 2 21:21:13 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Star TV not part of CAS panel Message-ID: <3E3D3E71.5050601@vasnet.co.in> Star TV, the country's largest network of channels on satellite, is conspicuously absent from the task-force set up by the government to advise on the implementation of the conditional access system-based cable television rollout. Star's rivals such as Zee, Sony and Sun are members of the taskforce. However, Star TV was part of the earlier taskforce that was set up by the government to frame the Bill to implement CAS. The taskforce would also specify the timeframe for the rollout of the CAS systems across the country. At present, the government has set 14 July deadline to roll out the CAS system in the metros. Source: http://www.rediff.com/money/2003/feb/01star.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 2 21:21:22 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] 'Market economy serious threat to domestic media' Message-ID: <3E3D3E7A.30400@vasnet.co.in> Union Human Resources Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi on Sunday expressed concern about the impact of globalisation on domestic media and said concerted efforts should be made to protect it from market forces. Stating that majority of Indian newspapers offered less news items and more advertisements to the readers, Joshi said the media "should not be allowed to become yet another market product". Referring to the demand for a model code of conduct for media-persons, the HRD minister said that he was not in favour of the government formulating such a code. Instead, they should frame a code of conduct for themselves so that they can follow it without feeling that it has been imposed on them by the political establishment, he said. Source: http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=18831 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 3 18:29:25 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Dept of Space wants fee for DD channels Message-ID: <55711.203.90.115.194.1044314965.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Prasar Bharati Corporation is now learning that autonomy comes for a price. The Department of Space (DoS) has asked it to part with Rs 500 cr for using its transponders or face a blackout. Doordarshan beams its 20-odd channels through INSAT 3-C, PAS-10, 2 DT and Thiacom, to name a few ? all courtesy DoS. Corporation officials are trying to remind DoS that it is a public service broadcaster and not another PSU. But this argument worked when DD and AIR were little more than mouthpieces of the Government and the DoS didn?t mind. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=17733 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 3 18:31:41 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Conclave 2003 - The Business of Media Message-ID: <56744.203.90.115.194.1044315101.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Year 2002 was a landmark for the Indian media, for with it came several policy decisions that will ultimately change the face of media. CAS was passed, FDI was finally allowed in print media, and 2003 should see several foreign players making their way into India. Newspapers, to ward off stiff competition from news channels and make themselves more lucrative, have trimmed down and added in more graphics and colour. But while all this has been played out in the public eye, media's second child, advertising, has been going through its own quieter upheaval. Growth, as was witnessed in the 90s, now seems a beautiful dream intruded upon by a nightmare. "There is so much happening in advertising, the industry is going through so many changes, and there is the need to document it," thought Anurag Batra from the portal exchange4media. Source: http://dailypioneer.com/vivacity1.asp?main_variable=MEDIA&file_name=med1%2Etxt&counter_img=1 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 3 18:34:32 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Saffron selections Message-ID: <57964.203.90.115.194.1044315272.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Three years in power and the BJP is into media appreciation big time. It thinks journalists ought to be in the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister's Office, heading government institutions, and on committees. Its faith in my tribe is truly touching. It pops like-minded scribes into committees and they help to spread saffron cheer by selecting others like themselves, or doing what is expected of them. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/mag/stories/2003020200660300.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 3 18:37:18 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Study finds many rely on Web for news Message-ID: <58911.203.90.115.194.1044315438.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> As many as 61% of people surveyed say that the Internet is just as important a news source as TV and newspapers, according to Editor & Publisher Online. The UCLA Center for Communication Policy conducted the telephone survey of 2,000 households from April to June. Participants put more importance on Web info than radio and magazines; however, only 53% of those who deem the Web important say they trust most of what they read online, down 5% from the year before. Amid worries over increased identity theft, Beau Brendler, director of the nonprofit Consumer WebWatch online credibility project, said, "It should be a potent signal to Web sites that they should do a better job ensuring that information is credible and Web sites are safe and secure." Some subjects said that the key to finding trustworthy information was to look it up from credible new sources and journals. According to the study, 30% of those surveyed don't use the Internet because they don't have access to it, but half of them plan to get it within the next year. Source: http://www.editorandpublisher.com/editorandpublisher/headlines/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1807342 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 4 17:25:10 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] The politics of Bollywood Message-ID: <40447.203.90.115.194.1044397510.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> "This industry is too politicised," we've heard actors say it over and over again. Politics known customarily as the 'dirty game,' has in recent times become a term used colossally more in a negative sense than a positive one. Today, it relates more to anarchy, distrust and fraud instead of sole concept of being there to serve the people and govern a nation. Bollywood or should we say the Hindi film industry ?so as to be 'politically' correct on the other hand - is a field of 'gold' corn that's aglitter thanks to its glamour, not to discredit the illicit 'gold coins' being pumped into magnum-opuses. But underneath this dazzle lies a questionable truth that leaves the starry-eyed hoi-polloi thankful that they aren't a part of this 'bad world' either. Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=36464590 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 4 17:28:54 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] STAR scores with new shows Message-ID: <42172.203.90.115.194.1044397734.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> STAR Plus has firmed up its grip over audiences in Cable & Satellite homes with it's newly launched shows, as per the latest television audience viewership data (January 19th - 25th, age-group four plus) from TAM India. The highlight of the week has been the entry of Eenadu TV into Top 100 list and the conspicuous absence of Zee from the popularity sweepstakes. Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/articleshow?artid=36367616 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Tue Feb 4 17:31:38 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] 'Minimal impact of new channels on CNBC's ad share' Message-ID: <43144.203.90.115.194.1044397898.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> With a series of channels in the process of being launched over the next few months, the advertising pie for the industry will be divided amongst many more players now. However, CNBC India CEO Haresh Chawla told eFE that the new channels would have a minimal impact on CNBC. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=27330 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 5 18:27:00 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Frontiers of the thin black line Message-ID: <49192.203.90.115.194.1044487620.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> What accounts for this unusual herd instinct among the cartooning tribe? Unusual, because cartoonists normally present a variety of views. They are no less divided on politics, economics and ecology than the rest of the media and the readers. Some love to target the Republican elephant and some the Democratic donkey and some gun for the visual hybrid of the two. And many can?t escape the occupational hazard of contradicting themselves over weeks and months of having to combat the newsbreak of the day. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=17817 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 5 18:29:30 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Hollywood's piece of cake in India Message-ID: <50270.203.90.115.194.1044487770.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Hollywood accounts for a mere 3 per cent of the Indian movie business. Thanks to the steady burst of multiplexes in urban areas, there is hope its future will shine brighter. Says Uday Singh, managing director, Columbia Tristar India, "The market is at a beautiful stage right now. Smaller theatres are easier to fill up. The advent of multiplexes allows us to bring in niche films that may appeal to a select audience. Also, we believe a good marketing and promotional campaign can swing business by 40 per cent." Source: http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/feb/05holly.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Wed Feb 5 18:31:31 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Nat Geographic sees major revenue rise via localisation Message-ID: <51093.203.90.115.194.1044487891.squirrel@mail.vasnet.co.in> Zubin Gandevia, managing director, National Geographic Channels Network, South Asia, said, ?We have already succeeded in expanding the channel?s reach from 5 million homes when we started out to around 23 million homes currently. However, the average viewership time spent on the channel is still relatively small as compared to mainline channels.Significantly, National Geographic, unlike the other mainline channels, derives almost 60 per cent of its overall income from subscription revenue and just 40 per cent from advertising sales. The ratio for other channels including those from the Star, Sony and Zee networks is about 85:15 in favour of advertising revenues. Source: http://www.business-standard.com/archives/2003/feb/50050203.017.asp From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 6 19:06:25 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Fourth, not fourth-rate, Estate Message-ID: <3E4264D9.4070909@vasnet.co.in> In the Indian media over recent years, crass commercial considerations have increasingly eclipsed journalistic ethics and editorial authority. Form has sidelined, if not displaced, content. Packaging is routinely mistaken for the product. Thanks to the conspiracy between the movers and shakers of the media and the unhidden persuaders masterminding the orgy of consumerism ? with the PR agencies acting as middlemen ? the legitimate quest for profit has led to profiteering. This cannot but strangulate professionalism and deprive the reader of his or her due. Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_156309,00120002.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 6 19:06:15 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Study reveals business overpowers pleasure online Message-ID: <3E4264CF.9070904@vasnet.co.in> If employers are annoyed that employees use the Internet for fun at the office, they should know that those with Web access at home spend even more time doing work from their houses, reports the Washington Post. The study, conducted by the Center for E-Service at the University of Maryland in conjunction with Rockbridge Associates, Inc., found that workers spend two more hours each week doing work at home than they do using the office computer for non-work related matters. It's the workers without home Web access that take the most advantage, spending up to 6.5 hours a week on non-work related Web pursuits with no homework time to counterbalance it. Charles Colby, president of Rockbridge Associates and co-author of the study says that the Web's accessibility can blur the line between work time and personal time. "People may do things [on the Internet] at work, and then feel they should compensate for that at home," said Colby. "Or they may work late on a work pr oject, and then go into the office anyway and feel, 'Well, I'm entitled to go check ESPN.com today." However, some companies believe the Internet can be a detriment to office productivity, so they've installed software to police employees' personal time online. Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A26443-2003Feb4.html From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Thu Feb 6 19:06:33 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Why isn't the media accountable? Message-ID: <3E4264E1.7010001@vasnet.co.in> The issue here is the sheer irresponsibility of the media. Whether it is Godhra, Tehelka, petrol pump allocations or the Ansal Plaza killing of terrorists, our media seems to believe it will attract its audience only if it dresses to kill, or, as some newspapers have patented, it undresses models in colour. That it is not accountable to anyone in the country except to its proprietors' profit and loss account abets that belief. No wonder the ICE World section of Business Standard dated January 29, 2003, says The Times of India charges fees to PR agencies for publishing their releases. Are we then headed for editorials charged at so many rupees per column centimetre? Our media demands foolproof accountability from every institution in our land, including the judiciary. Why then doesn't it demand the same from itself? Source: http://www.rediff.com/news/2003/feb/05arvind.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 7 18:37:07 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Television viewing figures slashed by web use Message-ID: <3E43AF7B.6030606@vasnet.co.in> More people are choosing to go online instead of watching television. A study by the University of California has shown that the internet is fast eclipsing TV as the primary medium for entertainment and information, in a pattern identical to when TV replaced radio. Web users watched an average of 4.8 fewer hours of TV each week than non-users, the study found. And it said that the decline in TV viewing hours grew more dramatic as internet users gained online experience. Internet 'veterans' watched about 5.8 fewer hours of TV than non-users. The study found that more than 70 per cent of US citizens spend an average of 11.1 hours online a week - up from 9.8 hours a year ago - checking email, reading news and doing research for work or school. At the same time, television viewing among internet users fell from an average of 12.3 hours a week to 11.2 hours. Details at: http://nl2.vnunet.com/News/1138398 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 7 18:37:28 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Bollywood biggies set to woo US Message-ID: <3E43AF90.6090501@vasnet.co.in> They may not have tasted much success scripting stories here but it will be Hollywood calling for 15 filmmakers from Mumbai as they spend ten days looking to script success stories preferably with collaboration from Big Brother US. Big-time movers and shakers of Indian films  Subhash Ghai, Sudhir Mishra, Ashutosh Gowarikar, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Ronnie Screwaala, Kandaswamy Bharatan, Kaizad Gustad, Dhiren Ghosh, Ramoji Rao to name a few  are being pitched in by the CII, hoping that they will make the right splash at the American Film Market. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=17982 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 7 18:51:04 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] 'Cartoon network on track' Message-ID: <3E43B2C0.7000706@vasnet.co.in> Even as pre-school cartoons have been a subject of international debate, Cartoon Network has introduced a block for children below three in India. The pre-school block is part of the new thrust for 2003 that the channel is talking about. Cartoon Network is turning up the volume of the channel in the India market this year, according to senior vice-president and general manager of Turner Entertainment Networks Asia Ian Diamond. Source: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=27545 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 7 18:51:13 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Newspapers outdo magazines in advertising revenues Message-ID: <3E43B2C9.8080009@vasnet.co.in> Magazines are not raking in as much ad revenues as newspapers, but they are also less dependent on a few specific sectors. And, while lifestyle products such as readymade apparel and watches have emerged as some of the biggest spenders in magazines, they still spend only a small part of their overall print ad budget on magazines, according to a report by TAM-AdEx. Overall print ad revenues are estimated at Rs 4,400 crore. Magazines currently have a 12.5 per cent share, while newspapers make up for the rest. Source: http://www.blonnet.com/2003/02/01/stories/2003020101190600.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Fri Feb 7 18:51:21 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] `Media plans need sharper focus for more impact' Message-ID: <3E43B2D1.7030307@vasnet.co.in> With the proliferation of specialist channels, the fragmentation of TV viewership and the fast pace at which audiences are evolving, advertisers are having to work harder. Source: http://www.blonnet.com/2003/02/06/stories/2003020601630600.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 19:32:00 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Media personality may head body on TV channels Message-ID: <3E465F58.5070600@vasnet.co.in> The Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Ravi Shanker Prasad, today mooted the possibility of placing the proposed statutory body for regulating electronic channels under the authority of an eminent media personality for professional supervision of their content. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/02/08/stories/2003020808321100.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 19:31:53 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Toeing the U.S. media line Message-ID: <3E465F51.8030409@vasnet.co.in> Throughout the coverage of the rising tension in Iraq, no channel or private news network has been able to do anything more than repeat what has already been said, heard and seen from America. Well, we don't need Aaj Tak or Star News to tell us what Bush and his accomplices are saying. CNN does that just fine. Thank you. What we need, and don't get from our satellite channels, is the coverage of global anti-war protests. And the possible causes of the war. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/stories/2003020700810100.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 19:32:05 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] `Contempt action will deter press' Message-ID: <3E465F5D.1070500@vasnet.co.in> The publications facing suo motu criminal contempt of court action by the Karnataka High Court with regard to the "Mysore episode" today submitted before the court that initiation of the contempt proceedings had a "chilling effect" on people and the press. At one point, the court felt that there was no effective "checks and balances" for the press, except the Press Council of India.It questioned whether the press did not have any conscience and whether it thought it could write anything and everything. A limit had to be defined. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/02/08/stories/2003020803891300.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 19:32:12 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] No move to ban PTV: Prasad Message-ID: <3E465F64.2010006@vasnet.co.in> "PTV has launched a campaign of hatred and calumny against India and is keen to see NDA defeated but there is no proposal to ban it", Union Information and Broadcasting minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told newsmen here making a special reference to coverage of Gujarat elections by PTV. Prasad said the visual media should voluntarily evolve a code like that in print media and exercise restraint in reporting sensitive issues like riots, security and terrorism. Source: http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=118628 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 19:32:18 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Moves to curb Hollywood dominance in films Message-ID: <3E465F6A.4040605@vasnet.co.in> Hollywood's global dominance is well known. So too are its subtle and not-so-subtle methods to elbow out local films. The problem may not be visible in India, where, thanks to a large population which does not speak English, Indian language movies continue to enjoy good patronage. Source: http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2003/02/09/stories/2003020900811300.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Sun Feb 9 19:32:24 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall... Message-ID: <3E465F70.8030201@vasnet.co.in> Prime time in news channels is dominated by men in their prime even if they are balding, greying and gaining weight while women journalists who can match them in experience, expertise and age are nowhere in the picture. For all the 30-something women who are getting older by the day (men, it seems, do not age as fast on news channels), it is not exactly boom time, even as half-a-dozen news channels wait to take off in a months time. The BBC has a fair share of the young and the old, and as one of its programme head says, Our criterion for the selection of our presenters and correspondents is not specific to their age. BBC World looks for top-class journalists with a great deal of expertise and experience and this takes time to acquire. But Indian news television channels, it seems, are indifferent and untouched by such concerns, as the soon-to-be-launched news channels begin their frenetic hunt for girlish, bright-eyed, contestants. Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=18062 From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 10 19:19:48 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Indian films winning French hearts at festival Message-ID: <3E47ADFC.9020600@vasnet.co.in> Raj Kapoor's Awaara, Guru Dutt's Pyaasa and Kamal Amrohi's Pakeezah are winning French hearts all around as these masterpieces of Indian cinema are being screened together for the first time in a film festival in France. These films form part of a special section on Indian cinema, "Un regard sur cinema Indien" -- A look at Indian cinema -- which is the centrepiece of the 9th International Festival of Asian Films, currently under way at Vesoul. The Vesoul festival started in 1995, the centenary of cinema with the first motion picture made by the French Lumiere brothers. Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_158931,00050003.htm From arulselvan at vasnet.co.in Mon Feb 10 19:20:05 2003 From: arulselvan at vasnet.co.in (Arul Selvan) Date: Tue Jan 4 13:40:48 2005 Subject: [icernet] Bar code: channels to display viewer advisories Message-ID: <3E47AE0D.80206@vasnet.co.in> TV channels will soon begin beaming viewer advisories, resort to sensitive scheduling of programmes during family viewing hours (between 4 am and 12 midnight) and mature audience hours (midnight to 4 am) and adhere to a self-imposed content code. The code would vary depending on the programme, targeted viewers, context and time-of-day with editorial responsibility vested with broadcasters. There would be no preview or pre-censorship of programmes by the council. The content code will be in conjunction with relevant legislation and licence conditions of the government and IBF would not try to interpret these laws in its code and guidelines. Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/cms.dll/html/uncomp/arti