GECs
Kagan Research: 59 % of US TV households to be ITV-equipped by 2009
MUMBAI: More than half the TV households in the US, 59 per cent or a projected 69 million digital subscribers to be be more precise, will be equipped with interactive platforms by 2009, Kagan Research has predicted in its latest report.
Growing competition for video customers has focused cable operators, satellite operators and telco carriers on developing interactive services capable of generating revenue, reducing churn and providing differentiation in the marketplace.
“The debate over the future of interactive TV has shifted from if there is a marketplace to what applications should be introduced first and how quickly,” reports Kagan Senior Analyst Ian Olgeirson.
Additional findings from the Kagan Research report, “State of Interactive TV 2005”, include:
Kagan estimates total revenue for electronic transactions conducted via games, television or t-commerce and interactive advertising will reach $2.4 bil. by the year 2009. The interactive services segment will also contribute to the bottom line for cable, DBS and telcos. Kagan estimates interactive services will generate $780 mil. in operator revenue by 2009.
“State of Interactive TV 2005”, provides a comprehensive view of the ITV sector and offers five-year revenue projections for three categories: TV-based gaming, television commerce and interactive or direct response advertising. While the revenue outlook for these types of interactivity is limited when compared to VOD and DVR technologies, the three categories outlined in the report will help drive subscribers to the platform and are expected to generate significant incremental revenue.
The report outlines the enabled universe on three levels, starting with projecting growth of digital subscribers; then delineating the outlook for the installed base of digital set-top boxes; and finally forecasting the potential for interactive software-enabled set-top boxes. The three layers form a complete five-year profile for interactive capability in the U.S. market and define the footprint upon which services can be launched.
The study also includes operator profiles for the major US providers of multi-channel video packages and how they intend to deliver ITV services. Profiled companies include Cablevision, Charter, Comcast, Cox, Insight, Time Warner, DirectTV and EchoStar.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
