`Date-wise News`

In Mumbai, Tokyo, or London, feel at home with your favourite newspaper

On-demand is in demand. We are talking newspapers here. Most popular in the hospitality industry, this facility lets a guest use his credit card to pay for a newspaper of his choice, print it, and read it instantly. The amazing thing about the newspaper on-demand technology is that geographical location does not matter. Whether you are in the US, UK or India, just print your favourite newspaper, which could perhaps be a little smaller than a broadsheet, and read it, provided it is part of the network! You pay anything from $1 to $3, for reading a newspaper hot from the printer.

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:56 AM

`Celebrity tax' puts cos, ad agencies in a bind

The Government's decision of levying an 8 per cent service tax on celebrity brand ambassadors is causing ripples in the corporate and ad worlds. Industry representatives indicate that it is inevitable for corporates to rework contracts with their brand ambassadors, in accordance with the Central Excise department's notification to bring brand ambassadors under the service tax net.

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:55 AM

Telecom sector poised for 96% growth; cellular operators dial ‘innovation’

2004 is all set to witness new records in the Indian mobile market, driven by aggressive competition among GSM operators. Observing industry trends, innovation and differentiation rules, which helps drive the market.

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:53 AM

Durables firms expect to hit paydirt in 2004

Consumer electronics companies, after riding on the feel-good sentiment in the second half of 2003, are hoping that the good times spill over on to 2004 as well. According to Consumer Electronics and TV Manufacturers Association (Cetma), close to eight million colour televisions were sold last year and the target for 2004 is 9.5 million — an increase of nearly 20 per cent.

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:52 AM

Lack of transparency mars CAS: Report

A field report submitted by the Delhi Government on the implementation of conditional access system (CAS) has said that lack of transparency and information had led to confusion and anxiety among consumers living in South Delhi.

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:51 AM

Spat over new annual contract: ESS threatens to switch off signals

The fight seems to be a never-ending one. What seemed to have ended amicably during the fag end of 2003, has started again. ESS has again indicated that it may switch off its signals to Incable Net if it fails to sign the new annual contract for the year 2004 - effective from January 1, 2004. But, this time the switching of signals could be across the country and not for Mumbai alone.

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:50 AM

“At the premium end, it’s the blend and brand image, which matters.” Harish Moolchandani, Allied Domecq

“We are already witnessing mergers in the industry between MNCs and Indian brands. At the premium end, it’s the blend and brand image, which matters. Indian brands are poised well on both these parameters.” Harish Moolchandani, MD, Allied Domecq Spirits and Wine (I).

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:49 AM

Sahara tries to create intrigue around Malini Iyer

The wait is finally over. Sahara’s <I>Humaari Bahu Malini Iyer</I> makes its television debut on January 19, 2004. Though the promotions have started to roll out, they are far subtler than the ones for Karishma… Employing a Bollywood star in a serial is one of Sahara’s prominent strategies. With Sridevi doing the honours in <I>Humaari Bahu Malini Iyer</I>, the strategy is in action again.

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:47 AM

CNBC-TV18's 'That's Entertainment' showcases Dev Anand in its second episode

'That's Entertainment' is CNBC-TV18's comprehensive annual look at the world of entertainment. The show was launched on December 31, 2003. It showcases actor Dev Anand in its second episode, where the actor speaks about the reception of 'Dadasaheb Phalke award'.

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:45 AM

Media Planners assert - good times ahead for Radio

Television killed the radio star. Or did it really? Even with innumerable channels, planners predict a rapid increase in ad spends towards radio and swear by the effectiveness of the medium. In the complete absence of timely and credible research, and the license fee issue hanging in balance, coupled with the closed mindset of the advertisers, it’s not surprising that radio is not getting its rightful due. But the New Year could be the first step towards changing things, assert media planners.

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:44 AM

‘Same stories, new packages’ kept the ‘K’ factor high in 2003

Ratings are the name of the game for television networks. Star has maintained its numero uno position for three years and Sony, the distant second. Star’s supremacy is due to serials from the Balaji stable, and even Sony has most winners from this content provider. With all criticisms about mundane saas bahu themes, it’s worth seeing how the ‘K’ factor performed in 2003.

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:44 AM

K Sera Sera bags contract for 10 Sahara films

K Sera Sera Productions has entered an Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding with Sahara India Mass Communication (SIMC). The company, along with Varma Corporation, has bagged a contract for approximately Rs 27 crore from SIMC to make 10 Hindi feature films. K Sera Sera Productions has also entered a Share Subscription Agreement with Sahara India.

exchange4media Staff Jan 5, 2004 6:42 AM