According to The Economic Times, Bharti Airtel is in talks with American media and communications giant Liberty Media to sell a stake in its unlisted direct-to-home (DTH) business, as compulsory digitisation and higher foreign ownership limits drive firms to seek capital and market reach. Several private equity funds were in independent discussions with the company to buy a minority stake in the DTH business, which commands an 18% market share in subscribers. … [Read more...] about Bharti Airtel in talks to sell DTH arm
Comcast
Hulu’s CEO Jason Kilar resigns
Hulu’s Founding Chief Executive, Jason Kilar, has announced on Hulu’s blog that he will be stepping down from his role in the next three months. The New York Times reported that his departure comes just several months after Providence Equity Partners, the only independent owner of Hulu, sold its 10% stake originally bought for US$100 million, for US$200 million. The report also added that Kilar’s departure is certain to raise speculation about the future of Hulu due to … [Read more...] about Hulu’s CEO Jason Kilar resigns
Comcast close to selling stake in A&E
Comcast is close to selling its stake in the A&E cable networks, which would bring in nearly $3 billion for just 15 percent of the company, according to The New York Times. The deal has been in the works for many months, and now awaits approval from banks. A&E Networks, whose majority 85 percent stake is co-owned by ABC-Disney and the Hearst Corporation, will make the purchase of the Comcast stake and will pay back the loan from the networks’ profits. According to The New York … [Read more...] about Comcast close to selling stake in A&E
Cable subscribers to get free Asian movies, music in celebration of APAHM
International Media Distribution (IMD) has announced that Comcast and Cox will provide select Asian movies, music and related content free of charge in celebration of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) throughout the month of May. Comcast and Cox will offer more than 11.5 hours of content to digital cable subscribers without a subscription during this time. Among the free content to be showcased are Bollywood Hits On Demand, which will be available in Hindi with English subtitles, … [Read more...] about Cable subscribers to get free Asian movies, music in celebration of APAHM
Xbox moves beyond gaming
Microsoft has announced a slew of deals that will put TV content from 50 content providers in more than 20 countries onto its Xbox console. Subjected to geographic restrictions, these will be available to the existing 35 million users of the service. The BBC, Channel 4, Lovefilm (UK), Telefónica (Spain), Mediaset (Italy) and ZDF (Germany) join North American partners that include Bravo, Comcast, HBO Go, Verizon FiOS and Syfy in an updated version of the Xbox Live, which will launch before … [Read more...] about Xbox moves beyond gaming
Top Divas earn Emmy nominations
Singapore – The leading ladies on DIVA Universal have racked up an impressive 30 nominations in the upcoming 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. This haul makes up the bulk of the 38 Emmy nominations picked up by Universal Networks International-owned Asia channels. Downton Abbey, which premieres in September, has earned 11 nominations, with its veteran actress Maggie Smith vying for the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Mini Series or a Movie award. The Good Wife, which is first and … [Read more...] about Top Divas earn Emmy nominations