Dishtv bags an ITV Award for its interactive services

ITV Awards have been instituted by AFDESI, whose objective is to promote the growth of the interactive television industry

The winners of the seventh edition of the ITV (International interactive TV) Awards, organised by AFDESI (Association for the Development of Enhanced TV Services and Interactivity) have been announced.

Dishtv was the sole entry from India and has bagged the Special Award for its interactive services. Dishtv competed in the News and Information category and won the award for four of its interactive services -- ICICI Active, Monster Jobs Active, Shaadi Active and Travel Active.

Dishtv bags an ITV Award for its interactive services

For the award, India was up against two entries from the Netherlands and one from Korea. In an official communiqué, Salil Kapoor, chief operating officer, Dishtv, says, "The award recognises the strength of our technological prowess and strongly supports the value of our services, while differentiating our brand from others in the marketplace. We strongly believe in offering 'Sabse Zyaada' to our subscribers. Our focus is on ensuring customer delight through continuous innovation in value-added services, a potent tool for consumer engagement and superior customer service."

Kapoor adds that providing Internet services on TV, to reach out to masses across India, is an effective way to enable anytime access to interactive services like job search, matrimony, travel and banking. At present, six million Dishtv subscribers benefit from these value-added services.

In addition to the News and Information category, ITV Awards also recognised work in the following categories: Advertising, T-Commerce and Services, Design and Graphics, Special Interactive Games, Guide and TV Portal, Innovation and Technology, Mobile Interactive Applications, On Demand. The winning entries in these categories were from Korea, USA, UK, France and the Netherlands.

France's tally was the highest, as it won five awards including the Grand Prix; while the remaining countries won one award each.

AFDESI instituted the International ITV Awards in 2003, with an aim to promote new programme formats and anticipate the Future of TV.

Have news to share? Write to us atnewsteam@afaqs.com

dishtv Salil Kapoor