MxMIndia

Category: MEDIA

  • Rahul Johri, Senior Vice President & General Manager – South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has been awarded the prestigious "Media Professional of the Year" award at the Global Awards for Brand Excellence 2012

    Rahul Johri is ‘Media Professional of the Year’ at World Brand Congress

    By A Correspondent

     

    Rahul Johri

    Rahul Johri, Senior Vice President & General Manager – South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has been awarded the prestigious “Media Professional of the Year” award at the Global Awards for Brand Excellence 2012.

     

    The award reflects Discovery’s performance and growth in South Asia region under Rahul Johri’s leadership and his contribution in building a robust and varied portfolio of eight unique channels, led by the leading non-fiction network the Discovery Channel.

     

    Having joined Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific in 2001, Mr Johri currently leads its South Asia operations. He is responsible for the overall growth strategy of India’s highest quality factual and lifestyle portfolio including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery HD World, Discovery Tamil and Discovery Kids. He has also been the driving force behind networks’ pioneering localisation strategy and the launch of multiple language feeds across brands and expanding their nationwide penetration. His recent initiative, the launch of the game changing channel in the kids genre Discovery Kids, has received industry wide applaud.

    Mr Johri said, “I am grateful to the jury of the World Brand Congress for honouring me with this prestigious distinction. This award is a recognition of the excellence of my team who have contributed significantly in my journey to build Discovery as one of the most respected networks in South Asia.”

    With over 19 years of experience in the industry, Rahul has worked across media verticals, from news channels, magazines and news dailies., Mr Johri is a Board Member and Treasurer of Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF). He is also a member of the media and entertainment committee of Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and member of the Media & Entertainment Division of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

  • Mr Srivastava will oversee the growth of AIB's membership in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan

    Amitabh Srivastava is South Asia head of Assoc for Intnl Broadcasting

    By A Correspondent

     

    Amitabh Srivastava

    The Association for International Broadcasting has appointed Amitabh Srivastava as its regional head in South Asia. This appointment is the first of a series of expansions of AIB’s work in a number of regions of the world.

     

    As regional head, Mr Srivastava will oversee the growth of AIB’s membership in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan, countries where there is significant expansion in the number of TV channels and radio stations. Significantly, a growing number of these broadcasters are developing international services. He will also be able to assist AIB’s existing members who are seeking to develop their businesses in the South Asia region, drawing on his experience in working for a range of major international brands. He has also developed partnerships between media owners and mobile operators in South Asia.

     

    “I am delighted to welcome Amitabh to AIB,” said Simon Spanswick, AIB chief executive. “He has worked in the media sector in India representing major brands for a number of years and has achieved remarkable successes. Now we look forward to Amitabh leading AIB’s growth in one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing media markets.”

     

    Commenting on his appointment, Mr Srivastava said, “It is great to be joining the world’s leading industry association and supporting major international TV and radio broadcasters as well as service providers. I am looking forward to developing AIB’s membership base in South Asia and to involving more broadcasters from this region in global conversations.”

     

    Mr Srivastava joins AIB from Radio Netherlands Worldwide where he was country manager. While at RNW, he developed the first partnership between All India Radio and an international broadcaster, and achieved significant rebroadcasting and content syndication deals with commercial FM stations and new media platforms in the region. Before RNW, Srivastava worked with Walt Disney, BBC, MTV and a range of other international media houses developing their operations in India and South Asia.

     

  • Hosts Rocky and Mayur explore the Indian coastline's food, in the new edition of Highway On My Plate on NDTV Good Times

    Highway On My Plate returns with ‘Coast to Coast’

    By A Correspondent

     

    The popular peripatetic duo Rocky and Mayur are back with another series of Highway On My Plate – Coast to Coast, in which the hosts travel the shoreline of India in search of the best coastal flavours.

     

    Fishing villages, trawlers, fish markets, plantations and highways provide seafood in plenty as well as herbs, spices, plants and fruit that will make sure the vegetarian host, Mayur, as well as vegetarian viewers have plenty to partake of.

     

    The highway explorers thumb rides, punt lifts and hustle free meals as they make friends and eat their way from Gujarat to Bengal. They travel to Mumbai, Kochi, Pondicherry, Chennai, Puri and Kolkata amongst the many other places along the shoreline.

     

    Highway On My Plate – Coast to Coast is on NDTV Good Times at 8pm.

     

  • 92.7 Big FM announces the 2nd edition of the Big Regional Entertainment Awards, to be held in 7 Indian regions including Central India, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will recognize talent from films, music, dance, theatre, sports and television

    It’s Golden Mikes time again

    By A Correspondent

     

    92.7 Big FM, India’s No. 1 FM radio network and winner of the Golden Mikes Broadcaster of the Year Award, today announced the second edition of the Big Regional Entertainment Awards – the biggest celebration of regional entertainment in the country. Big Regional Entertainment Awards is a first-of-its-kind property which honors regional entertainers who have contributed and brought to the forefront the rich cultural heritage and diversity in India. Being organized across 7 Indian regions including Central India, Punjab, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu the Big Regional Entertainment Awards will recognize exceptional talent from across fields which include films, music, dance, theatre, sports and television.

     

    With close to 18 unique categories of awards being presented, the Big Regional Entertainment Awards are presented to entertainers who have been selected basis votes received from 92.7 Big FM listeners in the region. The Big Regional Entertainment Award will be promoted through a complete 360 degree holistic marketing campaign which includes on-ground activations, OOH, print, television, radio, and digital platforms which enable marketers to increase and maximize their brand visibility and target a wider audience base for their products while ensuring a long term presence in the market. The on ground events are scheduled to take place between December 2012 and January 2013 across all regions.

     

    Commenting on this initiative, a company spokesperson said, “The Big Regional Entertainment Awards is a unique property that celebrates and salutes the regional talent in the country. The Awards received a phenomenal response in every region last year and we are looking forward to replicating the impact while engaging more listeners. We will be deploying a more robust outreach strategy which will include further direct interaction, integration and innovations to ensure an increase in the value created for marketers.”

     

    The Big Regional Entertainment Awards promise to be a bigger and better affair this year while bringing together the biggest names and best entertainers from across genres including movies, music, dance, theatre, television and sports.

     

  • Colors has bought the broadcast rights for an Indian version of popular American action thriller television series '24' from actor Anil Kapoor in a deal pegged at around Rs 150 crore

    Colors buys rights of ’24’ for Rs 150 cr

    By Nandini Raghavendra

     

    Colors has bought the broadcast rights for an Indian version of popular American action thriller television series ’24’ from actor Anil Kapoor in a deal pegged at around Rs 150 crore. Mr Kapoor, who has also acted in the American version of the serial, had acquired the rights of the same from Fox TV more than a year ago.

     

    His production house Anil Kapoor Films will produce the Indian version, where the Indian actor will also play the protagonist, Jack Bauer. This will be Mr Kapoor’s first on Indian television after three decades in Bollywood that included superhit films such as Mr India, Tezaab, Saaheb, Meri Jung, Ram Lakhan and Parinda.

     

    Raj Nayak

    Raj Nayak, chief executive officer of Colors, said this will be a game changer for the entertainment channel from Viacom 18. “So far, content was an area limited financially, which this series will change with its scale, production standards, indoor and large outdoor shoots,” he said.

     

    Mr Nayak is confident of recovering his investment with brand tie-in opportunities as well as advertising, but is willing to wait. “We may do a first look of this series like a movie,” he said.

     

    The award-winning American TV series ran for eight seasons and aired its last episode in May 2010. It had unprecedented success across 43 countries in eight languages.

     

    India is the first country outside of the US to get rights to adapt the espionage thriller. “We hope this will pave the way for many more local versions of this brilliant series in other international territories,” Fox International Television president Marion Edwards said in an email reply.

     

    Unwilling to reveal the deal size, Ameet Naik of Naik & Naik, the lawyers for Anil Kapoor Films, said that Mr Kapoor holds the rights of the 192 episodes for a period of four years extendable to another ten, and this is definitely one of the highest licensee deals for a fiction-format show on Indian TV. Mr Kapoor said the producers of the US show, will be coming and overseeing in the early stages.

     

    “We have put together a dedicated team comprising of director Abhinay Deo (Delhi Belly fame) and writer Rensil D’ Silva who will be writing the Indian adaptation along with Colors, programming team led by Manisha Sharma,” said Mr Kapoor of the show that catapulted him to international fame with his role of Omar Hassan in Season 8 of the international series.

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2012, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

     

  • Star Network has expanded its UK reach with an extended distribution partnership with Sky

    Star Network expanded on Sky

    By A Correspondent

     

    Star Network and Sky have agreed a new multi-year carriage deal that will see an expanded range of Star’s entertainment channels and programming available to Sky’s customers.  The agreement forms part of Sky’s on-going commitment to deliver greater breadth, depth and value for all subscribers, including those audiences who value high-quality programming from overseas.

     

    Now with a monthly reach of over 1.5 million viewers, Star Network’s portfolio of channels respond to the growing demand for high-quality Hindi and Bengali language programming.  In addition to a channel carriage renewal for its existing channels, Star TV will also launch HD and on demand services as well as a brand new channel, Star Jalsha, to better satisfy customers.

     

    The agreement sees Sky renew its distribution partnership for Star Network’s leading range of Hindi-language entertainment and Bollywood film channels, including Star Plus, Star Life OK, and Star Gold. This follows the recent launch of Star Plus HD – the UK’s first Asian TV channel in full high definition.

     

    On 22 November 2012, the renewed carriage deal brought the brand new entertainment channel, Star Jalsha, to Star’s UK channel line-up.  Star Jalsha is the number 1 Bengali general entertainment channel in India, offering premium content including drama and reality series, cultural and religious shows, cookery programmes, comedies and more.

     

    In addition, the partnership between the broadcasters includes distribution rights that will see Sky offer access to Star Network’s programmes through its catch-up platforms, including Sky’s On Demand service.

     

    Yeshpal Sharma, Sr. Vice President UK & Europe, Star Networks said, “It has been a fantastic journey with Sky so far and we are glad that with the multi-year deal Sky has recognised our commitment as the UK’s No. 1 Asian television network offering top quality content to a growing Asian audience. We have built a firm foundation and are committed to taking it to new heights.”

     

    Adrian Pilkington, Director of Partner Channels, Sky, said, “We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with Star TV as viewing amongst the UK’s Asian audience continues to grow strongly. At Sky, we’re delighted to help Star’s programming reach more than 10m homes, and to give viewers more choice, control and flexibility by making Star’s content available in high-definition and on-demand.”

     

  • The Bal Thackeray funeral and Ajmal Kasab execution cause a spike in news TV viewership, notes Ormax Media study

    Thackeray funeral & Kasab execution lead to news viewership spike: Ormax study

    By A Correspondent

     

    All leading news channels benefited from big news events in the week of Nov 18-24, according to Ormax Media’s syndicated research Ormax TV Track. The week saw Bal Thackeray’s funeral on Sunday, Kasab’s execution on Wednesday and start of the winter session of the Parliament from Thursday, besides other regular news events.

     

    Ormax TV Track records viewership of television channels based on day-after recall (DAR). The weekly research covers 1,400 respondents every week, across 17 cities.

     

    Based on the results, the news category showed 34% increase in its viewership, vis-a-vis the previous week (Nov 11-17). Category leader Aaj Tak showed an increase in its average daily reach from 17% to 23%, while ABP News jumped from 13% to 17% average daily reach.

     

    Shailesh Kapoor

    Commenting on the results, Shailesh Kapoor, CEO, Ormax Media, said: “Last week was an unusually busy week for news channels. An increase in recall is indicative of both a higher volume of audience, as well as higher engagement levels with the content. Movie channels were affected the most as a result, while GECs and other niche categories seemed unaffected.”

     

  • The channel won a silver award in the Best PR/Guerilla Marketing Stunt category for Cyril’s Family Vacation (Hawaii Edition)

    AXN bags Silver at 2012 Marketing Events Awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    AXN was recently awarded a Silver at the 2012 Marketing Events Awards in the Best PR/Guerilla Marketing Stunt category for Cyril’s Family Vacation (Hawaii Edition). The award ceremony that took place in Singapore boasted of an impressive line-up of judges.

     

    Says an official communique: ‘Up against stiff competition, it is heartening that the promotional efforts for the show which centered heavily around PR and the guerilla marketing stunts (Cyril hanging from the lamp post) in Kuala Lumpur and Mumbai have been recognized. In total the campaign generated US$4.7+min press value across 302 different media including 24 TV shows, 7 radio shows , 99 print media and 172 articles on line, 30 video uploads, 500,000+ video views and over a million reach on FB updates and buzz. Cyril had visited India earlier this year in June and had performed an outdoor stunt to showcase his illusions at Carter Road, Bandra.’

     

    The Marketing Events Awards recognize and honour the best of Asia’s event marketing, management and planning industry. It is the event for event marketers and planners – giving praise to creative excellence, strategic marketing, and operational precision. Winners of the Marketing Events Awards represent the best in the business.

     

    Some of the categories in the awards were: Best Consistency in Branding, Best Consumer Event, Best Digital Integration, Best Event For Press/Media among many other categories.

     

  • The group has had an award-winning year with multi-year sponsorship renewals

    ESPN STAR Sports’ Event Management Group on new high

    By A Correspondent

     

    ESPN STAR Sports’ (ESS) Event Management Group has announced the multi-year renewals of the sponsorship for two of its marquee events, Tiger Street Football and Achilles Formula Drift Asia. EMG was also awarded the Gold Award for Best Event Production and Silver Award for Best Sponsorship Activation, both for the Tiger Street Football 2012 event, at the recently held Marketing Events Awards, an annual industry event.

     

    Following two successful seasons, Asia Pacific Breweries has extended its partnership with ESS for Tiger Street Football event for the next two years till 2014. The event, which has garnered popularity in Asia, will now expand to new markets such as Australia, Cambodia and Mongolia.

     

    ESS’ Event Management Group has also extended another key partnership with PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk, one of Indonesia’s leading tyre manufacturers. As a result of two very successful seasons of the Achilles Formula Drift in 2011 and 2012, ESPN STAR Sports has renewed a multi-year deal with PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk as title sponsors till 2015 for the event in three markets – Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia, for the very first time.

     

    These wins bring to a close a packed calendar of events that includes Tiger Street Football, Achilles Formula Drift Asian Series, Guinness World Series of Pool and the KIA X Games, as well as new events such as adidas Extreme Power 5s and the upcoming iFly World Championships 2012 in December.

     

    The Tiger Street Football and Achilles Formula Drift Asia events have grown from strength to strength, and we are encouraged by the tremendous support and enthusiasm of Asia Pacific Breweries Limited and PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk. This is a great affirmation of how Sports Marketing, through our event and platforms continue to bring brands alive and we look forward to taking these two exciting sports events to even greater heights with our new partnerships,” said Harvey Davis, ESPN STAR Sports Vice-President, Event Management.

     

    Edmond Neo, Director (Group Commercial), Asia Pacific Breweries Limited said, “Tiger Beer has always thrived on delivering the best ‘live’ football experience to our consumers and we are pleased to partner ESPN STAR Sports’ Event Management Group that shares the same synergies and belief as us. After two successful years of staging Tiger Street Football, we are committed to take Tiger Street Football to the next level with an aim to offer a different dimension to playing street football in Asia. We could not have asked for a better partner to collaborate with to extend this fast-paced, adrenalin-pumping game combined with a unique carnival-like atmosphere across the region, for another two years.”

     

    Pieter Tanuri, President Director, PT Multistrada Arah Sarana Tbk said, “We’re proud of the achievements with ESPN STAR Sports’ Event Management Group over the last two seasons and we’re pleased with how our brand has grown with the event. Our goal has always been to advance the world of drift racing and this partnership aims to elevate our Achilles brand as a premium tyre brand across the region, encourage a high-level of international competition, and feature our flagship products prominently through this exciting motorsport event, and we’re delighted to continue our partnership and take this event to new heights.”

     

     

  • Long-serving DNA CEO KU Rao moves to a corporate role at Zee, as Group CEO Dr Bhaskar Das to take charge

    Bhaskar Das takes charge of DNA as CEO KU Rao to moves to corporate role @ Zee

    By A Correspondent

     

    Bhaskar Das

    After serving as CEO of the six-edition Daily News and Analysis (DNA) for six years, K U Rao is moving to the Zee group in a senior corporate role. It is not known if and when his position will be replaced, but Dr Bhaskar Das, who joined Zee recently as Group CEO, will be in charge of the newspaper.

     

    Mr Rao, who joined DNA from Shell, helped consolidate the paper and weather slowdown storms, ensured a smooth transition from the paper’s management by the Dainik Bhaskar group to Zee in 2008. His move was disclosed internally last week.

     

    Zee is learnt to be launching an English news channel and recently appointed Dr Das from The Times of India group with a specific task of consolidating its news offerings. The Zee group is reportedly in advanced level discussions with Amar Ujala to pick up a significant stake. There could be other acquisitions in the offing.

     

    Although Zee News pioneered independent news bulletins on television and the company has had a reasonable financial statement, it has not fared too well in ratings in recent years.

     

  • Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd in association with Star India have announces the third edition of the 'BIG Star Entertainment Awards' which will be aired on December 31, 2012

    RBNL and Star to usher in 2013 with 3rd ‘BIG Star Entertainment Awards’

    By A Correspondent

     

    It’s the season of awards and Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd in association with Star India have announces the third edition of the ‘BIG Star Entertainment Awards’.

     

    The Awards will feature 31 categories, winners for which will be selected through online and SMS votes sent in by 92.7 BIG FM listeners and Star Plus viewers. The awards night is scheduled for December 16, though the show, which clocked in 6.8 TVRs on Dec 31, 2011, is scheduled to be on air on December 31, 2012.

     

    Tarun Katial
    Nikhil Madhok

    Speaking on the announcement, Tarun Katial, CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited said, “The unique format of BIG Star Entertainment Awards has clicked with audiences as an exceptional usher in to their New Year!”

     

    Said Nikhil Madhok, Senior VP Marketing, Star Plus, “New Year’s eve is a special night that all families like to spend together. Star Plus is back with the 3rd season of BIG Star Entertainment Awards which promises to be a great opportunity for families to bond and bring in the New Year.”

     

  • It will be a month of mandatory digitization in the three metros of Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. MxMIndia spoke to Joydip Kapadia, Business Head, Television Street Maps on the progress made so far

    Jaldi 5 with Joydip Kapadia: As we approach a month of digitization, Mum, Del nearly 95%, Cal: 80%

    It will be a month of mandatory digitization in the three metros of Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. MxMIndia spoke to Joydip Kapadia, Business Head, Television Street Maps on the progress made so far

     

    01. According to Television Street Maps estimates, how much digitization has actually been achieved in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata?

    We cannot comment on the exact numbers as there is too much of flux in these markets between DAS, DTH, Analogue. Hence, we would prefer to give a range estimate as follows: Mumbai and Delhi together are tending towards the 95% mark. Kolkata is trailing with less than 80%.

     

    02. Evidently, a lot of the process is work in progress… how many of the set-top boxes have been installed in the month of November alone?

    Yes. The pace of seeding has been pretty impressive with just under 35 lakh boxes seeded in November. Delhi leads the pack with more than 15 lakhs seedings. Followed by Kolkata with more than 12 lakh boxes. Mumbai was earlier seeded well and has added another 4.5 lakhs boxes in November.

     

    03. Do you see many switchovers from cable to DTH given the confusion?

    In the early part of 2012, we had seen a far greater enthusiasm with DTH expecting a large gain from cable. In a few cases, that expectation was as high as 30% of the total analog base within these metros would switch to DTH. However, the reality has been a little different. Cable has not lost as many homes as many on the DTH side had expected.

     

    04. How has the roll-out of Channel Packs been by the cable MSOs?

    While all major players have now introduced their packs, we have a few observations:-

     

    1. The packs have been rolled out – but not so much to end consumers. Cable Pack sales in the truest sense, in our estimate, is still 8-9 months away.

    2. There are fewer packs per cable operator vis-a-vis their DTH counterparts. This is bound to increase in days to come.

    3. The first approach seems to be National packs even for operators who are expected eventually to move to Regional/ Local packs.

    4. The systems at the MSO end are still not fully/ seamlessly integrated. Hence we are finding strange discrepancies of channels available on packs even when those are not being relayed by the MSO’s headend. We expect some of these teething issues to be ironed out in days to come.

     

    05. Any broad lessons as we embark on Phase 2 of digitization?

    a. The two back-to-back deadlines for Mumbai-Delhi-Kolkata could be avoided in the second phase. If individual MSOs/ Cable operators are known to expedite box seeding closer to the deadline, we need a more effective push for all key players to start seeding in time rather than at the 11th hour.

    b. DTH cannot assume that it will gain automatically due to the flux. They cannot assume that just heavy advertising and price promos will do the trick. Extensive ground efforts/ initiatives will be needed.

    c. The seduction and mating rituals between distributor companies and MSOs should start much in advance. Waiting for the last minute will only mean signal disruption to consumers.

    d. Distributor Companies would have to insist on getting subscriber visibility from the SMS of Regional Operators within the 38 cities as part of their deals. Succumbing to quick wins of minimum guarantee/ fixed deals would again put broadcasters in the same spot where their fortunes remain disconnected from number of subscribers.