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UTV partners with Astro, CNN International makes new appointments in its international news gathering operations in Asia Pacific and, of course, crying time on the small screen continues. Here's the low-down on the entertainment industry.
UTV Software Communications Ltd. has announced a joint venture with Malaysia-based Astro. A rough investment figure is Rs 200 crore. The tie-up will shift focus towards the youth segment. According to Zarina Mehta, COO (broadcasting) of UTV, 23 per cent of the viewership of cable and satellite television comes from the youth space "which is currently under-served by existing broadcast offerings". Zarina emphasises the achievements of Hungama TV in the sector. The new venture will operate across multiple platforms, including a television channel, gaming, mobile, licensing and merchandising, and the Internet. The first television channel in Hindi should air in the second quarter of 2007.
UTV also presents a "sub-brand" of UTV Motion Pictures ~ UTV Classics. It will promote "experimental and unconventional cinema". The first film to be released under the banner will be The Blue Umbrella, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. It's set to hit theatres on 5 January. Based on a Ruskin Bond novel, the film features Pankaj Kapur and Shreya Sharma.
Now, here's some good news for Aamna Sharif and Ram Kapoor fans. This news is for those who haven't followed the Sixth Indian Telly Awards. Presented by Sony Entertainment Television, the awards were recently held in Mumbai. Aamna Sharif bagged the "best actress" award for her performance as Kashish in Kahin To Hoga on Star Plus, while the "best actor" award went to Ram Kapoor for essaying the role of Jai Walia in Zee's Kasamh Se. The evening also saw dance sequences by Sangeeta Ghosh, Eijaz Khan and Akashdeep Saigal, Mona Singh, among others.
Star's Kumkum will now see the appearance of Sanjeet Bedi. He will feature in a few episodes, essaying the role of Mohit Kapadia, who is engaged to Niti (Megha Gupta). But when Niti realises that she is in love with Sharman, the drama begins.
Staying on with Star network, it has announced the launch of Star One and Star Gold on the Sky digital TV platform in the UK. Sky is the leading pay television service provider in the UK. The launch expands Star's Indian channel offering on BSkyB to a total of four channels.
CNN has appointed Aneesh Raman the Middle East correspondent, who will be based in Cairo. CNN's Jerusalem correspondent, John Vause will now cover China. Atika Shubert moves to Jerusalem and joins the team led by bureau chief, Kevin Flower and correspondent, Ben Wedeman. Finally, Asia-Pacific managing editor, Jill Dougherty, will now be based in Washington DC and will be the US affairs editor.
MP
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