BULGARIA: CME rebrands for its Bulgarian channels

Capital Weekly reports that two years after it acquired TV2 for over 172 million USD, Central European Media Enterprises has decided to shut down the station effective December 1. The channel will be relaunched as bTV Action, a name which bTV Media Group is currently testing with focus, groups according to the weekly.

Capital notes that PRO.BG will not only change its programming schedule and rebrand itself but also drop its national license. Instead of a general entertainment Free TV station with national coverage, it will be a cable and satellite niche channel, skewed towards men. The channel has already asked the Communications Regulation Commission in July to drop its 13 licenses which allowed it to air its program in 13 smaller cities.

It is also known that the Bulgarian sports channel "Ring.bg" will change its name to bTV Sport from 1 January 2011. The channel will continue to broadcast the sports related content on Bulgarian DTH-platforms Total TV (16 ° E), Bulsatcom (39 ° E) and Vivacom (45 ° E).

Sources: CEETV and Televesti.Ru

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from DISCOP BLOG

UKRAINE: "Inter" TV channel begins transmissions in HD

On December 1, 2010 viewers of "Inter" will be able to enjoy the undeniable advantages of HD television, providing them with better picture quality. "Volia" (Ukrainian cable operator) became the first telecommunications company that will provide its subscribers with the opportunity to watch the channel "Inter" in high definition.

As for the programming of the channel, "Inter HD" will fully duplicate the regular channel, but some programs will be available in the Full HD format.

Source : VseTV

Posted via email from DISCOP BLOG

POLAND: 'n' adds 4 new channels and goes 3D.

TVN-owned pay-TV platform ‘n’ added four channels from BBC Worldwide to its programming line-up (BBC Knowledge HD, BBC
Entertainment, BBC Lifestyle, Cbeebies). “As we approach another new year, we aim to grow Platform ‘n’ in a number of ways, with channel expansion a vital component of this strategy,” said ‘n’ chief operating officer Christian Anting".

In addition, on December 4, "n"  will launch the country’s first regular 3D transmission. Known as "nShow 3D", it will make its debut with a screening of a boxing match between Albert Sosnowski and Alexandr Dimitrenko. NShow 3D will be made available for no additional charge to all ‘n’ subscribers until the end of 2011 and offer a range of concerts, movies, documentaries and leading sporting events in 3D.

Sources : BroadbandTVNews and Digital TV Europe

Posted via email from DISCOP BLOG

KAZAKHSTAN: A new TV channel launched

On Thursday, Nov. 25, the broadcasting of the new television channel "Summit TV" began.  It is based on the first national satellite channel “Caspionet.” During the preparation and the OSCE Summit itself in Astana, "Summit TV" will be broadcasting around the clock in English. Therefore, the main content in the coming days will be news from the Summit. The channel is available to more than 100 million viewers across Europe, Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa. Internet users will be also able to follow events in Astana on http://caspionet.kz/eng/online/

In addition to operational newscasts, viewers of "Summit TV" will see  new educational and entertainment programs, and the best concerts of classical and pop music, as well as best feature films from Kazakh film makers, with English subtitles which will be broadcast in the evenings. Additionally, some 60 documentaries about Kazakhstan will be shown in 2011. Other projects appearing in the viewing grid include: "Steppe Tales" – Kazakhstan in the eyes of foreign visitors, "Persona Grata" – TV portraits of foreign diplomats in Republic of Kazakhstan, "The Real Economy" – in-depth analysis of important business-news and others. The main goal is a wider representation of  the country in the international informational space.

Specifically for the new channel, a series of images spots about Kazakhstan were created to promote the country as the government intends to highlight tourism there with a 1.5 billion dollar investment in the image project.

(Source: Kazakhstanskaia Pravda)

Posted via email from DISCOP BLOG

GEORGIA : "The First Caucasian" TV channel changes its name

Russian-language TV channel "The First Caucasian" is planning to rename itselft "First Interactive Caucasian," and for short - FIC, reports Georgia Online, with reference to the televisions' website pik.tv. The "new" channel will be fully operational in early 2011.

"The First Caucasian" TV channel began broadcasting in January 2010 in Georgia in a test mode on Eutelsat, but after a slow start the Georgian authorities decided to transfer the TV company to private hands. Currently, the television channel is operated by "Kay 1" company.

(Source:  http://pik.tv/)

Posted via email from DISCOP BLOG

RUSSIA: Russia & China exchange TV channels

"CCTV-Russian," a Russian language Chinese TV channel, which is produced specially for the Russian audience who want to learn more about China, its culture, economy, lifestyle and business as well, was added to the "Basic" package of the Russian NTV-PLUS DTH platform.

Russia reciprocated by broadcasting to its neighbours as many as five channels in one as - "RTR-Planeta." The grid of broadcasting consists of the best information and entertainment programs from VGTRK. "RTR-Planeta" will be the only Russian channel that broadcasts officially to China, as according to certain local laws, it is not possible to watch foreign satellite channels.

All these cultural exchanges and developments are made in relationship to the  "Year of Chinese Language in Russia."

Posted via email from DISCOP BLOG

UKRAINE: SCM to launch 3 new thematic channels

Rinat Ahmetov, the owner of System Capital Management (SCM) which holds "Ukraina" TV and Radio Company ,  plans to launch 2 new thematic channels this year: "Futball+" and a movie channel which the name has not yet been disclosed.  As per Ekaterina Lapshina, Director of Media at SCM, the group will continue to build its portfolio of niche, thematic channels in 2011 to start with a  news channel and some additional Internet projects such as a new on-line newsroom.

System Capital Management (SCM) is Ukraine’s leading financial and industrial group whose activity is focused on six core business areas:mining and metals, electric power generation and distribution, finance, telecommunications, media and real estate. It is 100% ownedby Rinat Ahmetov, Ukrainian tycoon. 

Posted via email from DISCOP BLOG

BULGARIA: FAN TV redefines its distribution

The viewers of FAN TV (a Bulgarian music FTA channel) were informed  that the channel currently broadcast on Eutelsat Sesat 1 ( 16 ° E )  is changing satellite frequencies and will go to the Greek satellite Hellas Sat 2 (39 ° E).

Bulgarian FAN TV was founded in 2003. The channel broadcasts 24 hours a day, and is centred on musical programs consisting of Bulgarian and international pop and rock music, folk pop, folk and ethnic music. FAN TV offers video clips in addition to concerts, movies and other musical events.

In addition satellite, FAN TV broadcasts via cable networks and covers 95% of the territory of Bulgaria, 75% of Macedonia and 60% of Albania. The operator station is managed by TV FAN OOD, a company which owns Balkanika Music Television, started in August 2005.

Posted via email from DISCOP BLOG

CZECH REPUBLIC: New CEO for CET 21

Executives of CET 21, the owner of TV Nova, Nova Cinema, Nova Sport and MTV today announced the appointment of John Andruško as the CEO of CET 21, effective 1 January 2011.

In connection with the appointment, Adrian Sarbu, President and CEO of CME, said: "I have known John Andruško for more than five years and I am confident that he will use his experience and great business talent to further strengthen the leading position of CET in the market.

(Source: Parabola.CZ)

Posted via email from DISCOP BLOG

Sub-Saharan Africa | 10-17 nov. 2010

If this email looks weird, view it in your browser. DISCOP ACCRA BRIEF  86 companies registered  (+12)  List of participants: BUYERS | SELLERS  BUYERS : take advantage of our EARLY BIRD free registration! BROADCAST NEWS  KENYA: NGB TO LAUNCH NEW PAY TV STATION Next Generation Broadcasting AB (NGB) will launch a new pay TV station next month in Kenya in a move that is set to upset the local television landscape. NGB, a Swedish firm, says it has finalised the process after testing frequencies inJune. Dubbed SMART TV, the channel will use Kenya Broadcasting Corporation's digital platform to reach customers. READ MORE... (Source :Business Daily Africa )  UGANDA: A24 MEDIA partnership with M-NET A24media, Africa's online content aggregator, has entered into a partnership with M-Net, a subscription-funded television channel in South Africa, APA learns in Kampala. Kwela Funnies is a hilarious collection of amateur home videos capturing incredibly funny and unscripted humour. The funny clips are drawn from submissions to Kwela by viewers from across the world. Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Agence de Presse Africaine)  NIGERIA: KIDSCO BRANCHES OUT IN NIGERIA International children's channel KidsCo has extended its presence in Nigeria, where earlier this year it launched its older-skewing network BigTV. The NBC Universal, Corus Entertainment and Cookie Jar joint-venture channel will debut in Nigeria on Cable Africa Network Television (CANtv) beginning next month. |  Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : C21Media)  ZIMBABWE: Iran to help Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corp go digital Zimbabwe and Iran have resuscitated a deal to digitalise the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation as the national broadcaster moves to comply with a 2015 Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) deadline. Media, Information and Publicity Ministry Permanent Secretary Mr George Charamba said a technical team from Iran was expected in Zimbabwe soon to start work. | Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Media Network)  RWANDA: RTV TO BROADCAST CHALLENGE CUP Television (RTV) has secured broadcasting rights for the upcoming Senior Challenge Cup in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. "They (RTV) are expected to pay $20000 (approx.Rwf11.7m) so as to broadcast the games," the official said.| Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : The New Times)  SOUTH AFRICA: The return of the Holiday Channel The M-199 channel, previously known as the M-Net Holiday Channel, will again be available on the DStv Premium bouquet from 10 December to 9 January, daily from 8AM to 1AM. This will give subscribers the opportunity to catch up on their favourite series or movies that they might have missed during the year. Says Aletta Alberts, General Manager Content at MultiChoice: "This time of the year is all about providing the whole family with great entertainment. We believe that M-199 will add to the overall experience and give our subscribers more choice this festive season." | Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Screen Africa)  NIGERIA: 'HEIR APPARENT' SHOW RELAUNCHED Nigeria has been described as coming back on course with the introduction of HEIR APPARENT (Nigeria's Leadership Reality Television Show) conceived by IMS Advertising Limited for the National Orientation Agency (NOA) as a platform for producing capable Nigerian future leaders. | Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : The Independent)  SOUTH AFRICA: SUPERSPORT LAUNCHES A NEW SERIES DEDICATED TO BASKETBALL Basketball Africa, is a 30 minute show that showcases basketball on the African continent. In November SuperSport will broadcast a total of four episodes of Basketball Africa on SuperSport Maximo, with the first broadcast on 6 November at 8PM.| Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Screen Africa)  SOUTH AFRICA: Branding Africa via Studio 53 Extra MNet relaunches Studio 53 Extra, a programme focused on the glitzy and glamourous side of Africa. The programme is aimed at growing the continent's entertainment industry but the impact is much larger than that.| Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Screen Africa) DO YOU KNOW AFRICAN CINEMA? (INTERVIEW WITH COTE OUEST) Ask the average American, European or Asian person to give you African film titles ("Out of Africa" does not apply), and you're lucky if they can quote just one. African films are not well-known outside of Africa, but there is a legitimate and growing interest around the world for good quality African audiovisual content.| Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Balancing Act) MEDIA RESEARCH NEWS RWANDA, CAPE VERDE, ZAMBIA AMONG GLOBAL LEADERS IN IMPROVING BUSINESS In the past year, 27 economies in Sub-Saharan Africa implemented 49 regulatory reforms to improve their business environment, according to Doing Business 2011: Making a Difference for Entrepreneurs, the eighth in a series of annual reports published by IFC and the World Bank. | Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Word Bank) Africa hits 500 million mobile subscribers The number of active mobile subscriptions in Africa reached 506 million at end-September, according to research by Informa Telecoms & Media. | Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Screen Africa)  SOUTH AFRICA: Mobile broadband and related industries will generate 1,8% of SA's GDP by 2015 Mobile broadband and related industries will generate 1,8% of SA's GDP (R72bn) and as many as 28 000 jobs by 2015, according to a new survey. But this will only be possible if roadblocks to mobile boadband deployment are removed. | Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : TechCentral)  TANZANIA: TIGO partners with DStv to ease payments Tanzania's premier mobile telecommunication company, Tigo, has partnered with DStv to provide Tigo Pesa registered customers to subscribe to the television services using their handsets. | Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : BusiWeek.com) In this issue Broadcast News NGB to launch new pay-TV station in Kenya A24 MEDIA partnership with M-NET KidsCo branches out in Nigeria Iran to help Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corp go digital Rwanda Television to broadcast Challenge Cup The return of the Holiday Channel 'HEIR APPARENT' show relaunched in Nigeria SUPERSPORT launched new series dedicated to basketball Branding Africa via Studio 53 Extra Do you know African cinema? Media Research News Rwanda, Cape Verde, Zambia among global leaders inimproving business Africa hits 500 million mobile subscribers Mobile broadband and related industries will generate 1,8% of SA's GDP by 2015 TIGO partners with DStv to ease payments   Our other events DISCOP Istanbul DISCOP Budapest The Remakes Market Grow Your Own Food Market   Contact us France: 12, rue Faraday 75017, Paris, France T.: +33 1 42 29 32 24 USA: 8230 Beverly Blvd., #25, LOS ANGELES, CA. 90048 T.: + 1 323 782 13 001 Email: info@basiclead.com   Forward Know someone who might be interested in this email? Forward it. Unsubsccribe Not interested in this email? Unsubscribe. THE DISCOP™ MARKETS ARE ORGANIZED BY BASIC LEAD LOCATED AT 12 RUE DE FARADAY. 75017. PARIS. FRANCE. | 8230 BEVERLY BLVD., SUITE 25. LOS ANGELES, CA. 90048 - USA

Posted via email from DISCOP BLOG

MENA and Central Asia | 10-17 nov. 2010

If this email looks weird, view it in your browser. DISCOP ISTANBUL BRIEF  117 companies registered (+3)   List of participants: BUYERS | SELLERS  PARTICIPANTS : it is high time to think about your accommodation in Istanbul! BROADCAST NEWS  TURKEY: Dogan Media Ad Revenues Increase 30% Turkish media company Dogan Media has just released its results for the 9-month period ended September 30, 2010. The company recorded respective growths of 56% and 359% in Gross Profit and EBITDA. These results were led by an increase in revenues and a focus on costs. Total consolidated revenues in 9M10 increased by 10% yoy from TL1.7 bn (€0.86 bn) in 2009 to TL1.9 bn (€0.96 bn) in 2010. | READ MORE... (Source : Dataxis News)  TURKEY: Changes on the Turkish Series Scene Two new dramas will bedut on Turkish channel FOX and Kanal D. Though both channels are looking for success with their new dramas, Kanal D is also looking to add comedy to its repertoire. Additionally, a local series with production cooperation from Middle East producers, will soon being filming in Syria...| Back to summary READ MORE... (Source : CEETV)    UAE: Impressions from IP&TV Forum A conference featuring over 20 platform operators, content providers and systems integrators, all discussing IPTV service deployment issues, took place in the beginning of November in Abu Dhabi. Ben Schwarz, an audiovisual consultant, gives his summary of the event which includes some interesting revelations.| Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Videonet)  UZBEKISTAN: Interactive Russian TV channels banned in Andijan The authorities in Andijan Region have banned local cable television studios from offering many Russian television channels to their subscribers because of one of them ran a rolling caption with a local resident's complaint about problems with gas supplies in winter. Locals can now watch only Russia's Channel One and Telekafe and a Western fashion channel. | Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Uz News)  IRAQ: Iraqi broadcaster migrates to IP Alsumaria, an independent privately-owned Iraqi TV broadcaster, has invested in Newtec's modulation equipment for a third time to complete its migration to a tapeless workflow. Newtec's DualFlow and FlexACM technologies have been deployed at the broadcaster's hub and in its fleet of DSNG vans to support Alsumaria's IP and ASI operations, provide greater efficiency in bandwidth use and also enable the broadcaster to achieve a return on investment (ROI) within six months. Alsumaria, which established operations in September 2004, has 500 staff working across Iraq, Kurdistan, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates and Jordan.| Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : BroadcastPro ME)  AFGHANISTAN: Etisalat subsidiary inks deal to service rural Afghanistan Etisalat Afghanistan, a 100% owned subsidiary of Etisalat Telecommunications, UAE, has signed an agreement with Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATRA) to provide telecommunication services in rural and far flung areas of the country. | Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Arabian Business) TURKEY: CROATIA´S OBSESSION WITH TURKISH SOAP Just like the movie "Eat,Pray,Love" has popularized travel tours by the same name, the Turkish soap opera "1,001 nights" has Croatians learning Turkish and flying to Istanbul. Retailers, tour operators and language schools are cashing in on Croatia's obsession with the romantic affair between gorgeous architect Scheherazade and her boss, Onur. The two protagonists have the nation glued to their TV sets every night of the week at 8PM| Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Croatian Times) MEDIA RESEARCH NEWS  TURKEY: Film as a cultural bridge between Turkey and France At a cultural program in Istanbul last week, supported by the EU and intended to bring French and Turkish directors together, Turkish director Reha Erdem said there are currently Turkish movies that break box office records and appeal to audiences all over the world. Erdem praised the funding generosity of the EU, and is particularly grateful to France for its support of independent cinema.| Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Hurriyet Daily News) : GEORGIA: Bollywood representatives to shoot movie in Georgia After Hollywood, representatives of Indian Bollywood have also got interested in Georgia. Movie producers and actors are now expected in Georgia. The team, which shot Slumdog Millionaire winning 8 Oscars, is now going to work in the country. /p> Representatives of Bollywood are going to visit Georgia in the end of the year. They will supposedly start shooting films there from 2011.| Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : News Az) UAE: twofour54 intaj expands facility 350m² studio, 3D capabilities and high-end colour grading edit suite part of the new project. twofour54 intaj has added a sixth HD studio and invested in 3D stereoscopic kit and a Baselight edit suite as part of its efforts to cater to the needs of its clients. In addition, the media entity has a full-fledged team to conceive set designs and construct sets for its clients.| Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : MediaMe) SAUDI ARABIA: STC expresses interest for Syria's 3rd mobile licence Saudi Telecom (STC) announced on the Saudi bourse website its interest in bidding for the third mobile licence in Syria. Syria tendered the licence back in September and sat Nov 14th as the deadline for submitting a prequalification application. Among other interested parties is Turkey's Turkcell and Kuwait's Zain.. Syria is one of the few countries in the Middle East with low mobile penetration with a population of more than 20 million people and about 9 million mobile phone users. | Back to summary READ MORE… (Source : Dataxis News) In this issue Broadcast News Dogan Media Ad Revenues Increase 30% Changes on the Turkish Series Scene Impressions from IP&TV Forum MEA, Dubai Uzbekistan bans interactive Russian TV channels Iraqi broadcaster migrates to IP Etisalat subsidiary inks deal to service rural Afghanistan Croatia´s obsession with Turkish soap Media Research News Film as a cultural bridge between Turkey and France Bollywood representatives to shoot movie in Georgia twofour54 intaj expands facility Saudi Telecom expresses interest for Syria's 3rd mobile licence   Our other events DISCOP Accra DISCOP Budapest The Remakes Market Grow Your Own Food Market   Contact us France: 12, rue Faraday 75017, Paris, France T.: +33 1 42 29 32 24 USA: 8230 Beverly Blvd., #25, LOS ANGELES, CA. 90048 T.: + 1 323 782 13 001 Email: info@basiclead.com   THE DISCOP™ MARKETS ARE ORGANIZED BY BASIC LEAD LOCATED AT 12 RUE DE FARADAY. 75017. PARIS. FRANCE. | 8230 BEVERLY BLVD., SUITE 25. LOS ANGELES, CA. 90048 - USA

Posted via email from DISCOP BLOG