MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • 2015 to see public broadcaster hosting new TV dramas from big production houses. One of the concerns though is private TV channels are Mumbai-headquartered and hence uplinking shows for Delhi-based DD is more expensive

    DD set to combat GECS with big-bang shows

    By Vasudha Venugopal

     

    Watch out private television broadcasters, in 2015 Doordarshan is entering the soap war.

     

    DD, the host of shows such as Buniyaad, Hum Log and Nukkad in prereforms India, had long lost the ratings and advertising game for serialised TV dramas to private channels.

     

    But under Modi Sarkar, it is firming up plans to commission and broadcast quality serials. And the process has begun in earnest with a recent meeting chaired by Arun Jaitley, who, apart from heading the finance ministry, also holds the information & broadcasting portfolio.

     

    The meeting presided over by Jaitley also had I&B junior minister Raghavendra Rathore, senior Doordarshan officials and senior executives of TV production houses in attendance. Among production companies represented in the meeting were Balaji Telefilms and Hats Off productions, outfits that have produced some of the longest running soaps on private channels.

     

    More such meetings are planned over the next few weeks, EThas learnt. Officials at the broadcaster hope new shows and a new look for DD’s entertainment section will be in place early 2015.

     

    Officials familiar with DD’s new plans spoke on the condition they not be identified.

     

    TV production executives are learnt to have assured Mr Jaitley that they will soon send pilot shows to DD. And I&B ministry and DD are learnt to have assured executives that complicated bureaucratic procedures DD is typically associated with will no longer apply.

     

    Crucially, officials said, the ministry and DD told production houses that the sarkari broadcaster will work on an “incentive model” that will reward shows that do well. It is also learnt that DD has accepted that its revenue sharing model will need to be changed to make doing business with the public broadcaster more profitable for producers. DD, it was said by officials, will be revising its guidelines and will seek producers’ inputs before issuing new rules.

     

    “We want to revive producers’ trust in DD,” one I&B official said. The meeting also discussed issues such as budget constraints, decision-making time, production timelines (producers complain DD offers shorter contracts than private channels) and revenue generation.

     

    TV show production houses were enthusiastic about DD’s new efforts. “Daily soaps are Indian TV’s main revenue earners. It is encouraging that DD is looking at shows but DD needs to be revived first,” said Sunjoy Waddhwa, CMD, Sphereorigins, which produced the hit show Balika Vadhu. Waddhwa said his team is ready to work with DD. “Udaan on DD was a memorable serial. We are in talks with our writers to come up with something that can reflect the aspirations of a new India.”

     

    JD Majethia of Hats Off Productions said the mood of the meeting was optimistic and that all production houses were invited to make suggestions on improving DD. “At least top officials are interested in reviving DD’s old glory,” he said but also pointed out what DD needs to do: “Better telecast technology, simple systems and better offers than others.” Another issue flagged during discussions was the Delhi-Mumbai problem — DD’s headquarters and bosses are all in Delhi while the talent hub for TV productions is Mumbai. Private TV channels are Mumbai-headquartered. Uplinking shows for Delhi-based DD is therefore more expensive.

     

    But I&B ministry and DD officials are optimistic all problems can be solved. Fuddy-duddy DD is serious about becoming the king of TV soaps again.

     

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2015, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

    Licensed to republish

     

  • While some high-profile shows failed to make an impact, a few did influence the category. Shailesh Kapoor picks the Top 5

    Top 5 Gamechangers on Hindi GECs in 2014

     

    By Shailesh Kapoor

     

    2014 will not go down in Indian television’s history as a particularly memorable year. It was the year when the industry waited for its new ratings system, amidst possibilities of a ratings blackout. Some new channels launched, but none of them proved to be gamechangers, though Zindagi’s launch campaign was amongst the best in recent years.

     

    The sports genre saw more action than most others, with Kabaddi and Soccer leagues in the second half of the year. While they passed muster in their first essay, only time till prove if they have longevity.

     

    Established shows like Diya Aur Baati Hum, Saathiya, Jodha Akbar and Sasural Simar Ka remained strong in the Hindi GEC space. While high-profile launches like Yudh and Everest (particularly the former) struggled to make an impact, there were some other launches that influenced the category in 2014.

     

    Here’s a look at the Top 5:

    5. Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyaar

    In what was an otherwise forgettable year for Sony, the last quarter saw a mini-revival with the launch of Balaji Telefilms’ Itna Ka Karo Mujhe Pyaar. Mounted of familiar principles as Bade Achhe Lagte Hain (mature love story with a strong starcast), the show has emerged as one of the more ‘sticky’ show on primetime television today, albeit on a small audience base. Itna… looks very “written”, but its squeeze-the-emotion-out treatment and excellent use of obscure Bollywood songs as the background score makes it stand out. Let’s see if it emerges as the pivot around which Sony makes a comeback in 2015.

     

    4. Ek Hasina Thi

    Star Plus moved out of its comfort zone to dwell into the grey zone of a revenge thriller dished out in a soap format. Ek Hasina Thi was loosely based on the hit series ‘Revenge’. Though the show had a short lifespan of about eight months, it managed to catch the young audience’s fancy very early in this period.

     

    3. Udaan

    Colors revisited its roots, with child protagonist programming centred around a social issue (bonded labour this time), with Udaan. The show built a strong viewer base on the back of the growing popularity of its lead protagonist Chakor, who entered the list of Top 5 popular fiction characters on television within three months of launch. Udaan was also the prime reason why Colors managed to stay ahead of Zee TV in the second half of 2014.

     

    2. Kumkum Bhagya

    Balaji’s Kumkum Bhagya had a slow start, but gathered momentum once the story of its lead pair (SritiJha and Shabbir Ahluwalia) came into the forefront. This love story has been aided by great chemistry between its leads, aided by some good writing and treatment. Zee TV’s fate in early 2015 will hinge a lot on Kumkum Bhagya’s ability to keep the magic going.

     

    1. Yeh Hai Mohabbatein

    Launched in December 2013, this 11pm show is a mature inter-caste love story between a single father and a woman who can never become a mother. As it turns out, the potential of Yeh Hai Mohabbatein was considerably underestimated. Within weeks, it had opened up the 11pm slot, rating more than several shows airing in the thick of the primetime. Once Star Plus gave it the additional 7.30pm slot, Yeh Hai Mohabbatein found new wings, sailing over everything else, with combined ratings of the two airings making it the top show on television today. But for Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Star Plus’ leadership position in 2014 would have been under considerably more threat.

     

    Another Balaji show (third on this list), Yeh Hai Mohabbatein has emerged as the quintessential all-in-one programme, that has good casting, performances, social messaging, family values, comedy etc., all rolled into it. But at the heart of it is a story of two cultures (Punjabi & Tamil in this case), a subject that would find increasing resonance with viewers in 2015-16, in both cinema and television.

     

  • Interacts with over 200 young entrepreneurs and management students at Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, Mumbai

    DSC dedicates show to young entrepreneurs

    By A Correspondent

     

    Dr Subhash Chandra, Chairman, Essel Group and Zee dedicated a special episode of the Dr Subhash Chandra (DSC) Show to young entrepreneurs of India. Dr Chandra addressed over 200 budding and established entrepreneurs as well as Management students from Mumbai’s Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research on Saturday, January 3.

    Dedicating the episode to the topic of entrepreneurship, Dr Chandra engaged in a lively and interactive session with the entrepreneurs. By sharing key insights and examples from his own entrepreneurial journey, Dr Chandra discussed several important facets of entrepreneurship including the traits required to become a successful entrepreneur, how to develop entrepreneurs in an organisation, risk assessment and analysis.

    Commenting on the special qualities that make an entrepreneur, Dr Subhash Chandra said, “Experience can be acquired, knowledge can be transferred but talent cannot be acquired nor transferred. Either you have it or you don’t have it.” He furthermore inspired the audience to pursue their dreams by encouraging them to “break all the rules, to follow new practices and to have self-confidence.”

    Besides entrepreneurship, Dr Chandra also touched upon various significant issues that affect an organisation like attrition, how to retain and motivate employees and corruption. While discussing these pertinent concerns, he also emphasized on “Better India” a dream seen by most Indians.

    The Dr Subhash Chandra (DSC) Show is aired every Saturday at 10 pm on Zee News and 7pm on Zee Business and on Sundays at 11 am on both Zee News & Zee Business.  This show is also aired on other channels of Zee Media.

     

  • Awards to be given across multiple categories in the two and four wheeler segments

    Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards to be held on 9th January

    By A Correspondent

     

    Bloomberg TV India and Autocar India will host the Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards 2015 nest week. The seventh edition of the awards will be presented by Reliance General Insurance and will be held in Mumbai on 9th January, 2015. The event will host distinguished corporate leaders and personalities, who will come together, to salute achievers from the automotive sector.

     

    The Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards 2015 recognizes evolving needs of the industry and how the automotive companies are keeping pace with them, by innovating better, using technology more intelligently and creating designs that are customized for Indian roads.

     

    Lavneesh Gupta, COO – Bloomberg TV India said, “Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards are regarded as the Oscars of the Automobile industry. The Awards have become the benchmark of performance for the industry and with each passing year the bar has been raised by the players. We proudly salute the achievements of the sector as well as individual players who have strived hard to keep pace with the evolving needs of the fast paced Indian.”

     

    Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor – Autocar India Magazine commented, “These awards have unmatched credibility thanks to an exhaustive evaluation process and a jury that is the best in the business. Consumers can rely on these awards to make an informed car buying decision. We expect the 2015 awards to be a keenly fought battle across all categories and wish all nominees the very best.”

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Rakesh Jain, CEO, Reliance General Insurance, said, “Indians today are moving towards a smarter world, well-equipped with the latest technology and innovation. This year’s Award’s theme ‘Recognizing the evolving needs of the fast-paced Indian’ is a contextual theme. The needs and desires of the fast-paced Indian has evolved keeping in pace with any of the global citizens. We are mindful of these trends and have always endeavoured to provide customized products and solutions. We are proud of our association with Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards 2015 and through this Award platform we wish to promote the cause of on-road customer safety & protection with our valued motor customers.”

     

    The Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards 2015 will be given across following categories to the best and the most deserving contributors to the auto industry. The categories are: Car Of The Year, Bike of The Year, Viewer’s Choice Car of The Year, Viewer’s Choice Bike of The Year, Best Design & Styling, Premium Bike of The Year, Import Bike of The Year, Car Dealer of The Year, Best Value For Money Car, Best Variant of The Year, Car Manufacturer of The Year, Best Driver’s Car, Performance Car of The Year, Compact Sedan of The Year, Sedan of the Year, Luxury Sedan of The Year, Compact Luxury Car of the Year, Hatchback of the Year, SUV of The Year, Engine of The Year.

     

    The jury panel comprised of experts like Hormazd Sorabjee (Editor – Autocar India); Renuka Kirpalani (Editor – Autocar India show); Shapur Kotwal (Deputy Editor – Autocar India); Narain Karthikeyan (India’s first Formula 1 Driver); Kartikeya Singhee (Consultant Editor – Autocar India Show); Manvendra Singh (India’s leading Automotive Historian & Restorer); Rishad Cooper (Two Wheeler Editor – Autocar India); C S Santosh (Motocross Rider).

     

    The entire methodology and process is validated by knowledge support partners PricewaterhouseCooper.

     

     

  • Compared to all the previous World Cups, the upcoming 2015 World Cup offers the best marketing opportunities to everyone with a stake in the game, writes Shailesh Kapoor

    Shailesh Kapoor: World Cup 2015: The Lull Before The Marketing Storm

    By Shailesh Kapoor

     

    February 14 is only 35 days. No, I’m not counting it down to Valentine’s Day. That’s also the date when the ICC Cricket World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand. The following day, February 15, is when India kicks off its campaign to defend the World Cup, with a clash that has a history of being a mini World Cup in itself, versus Pakistan.

     

    If you have followed World Cup Cricket and the hype and the hoopla surrounding it over the last two decades, you would tend to agree that we are in an inexplicably inert period, like the proverbial lull before the storm. No major media campaigns have kicked off. The current Test series has been focus of most cricket conversations. Dhoni’s Test retirement and Kohli’s giant steps towards batting greatness have kept the cricketing community, experts and fans alike, in India preoccupied.

     

    From 1992 to 2011, we saw six World Cup campaigns where the pitch, be it from brands or the broadcaster, hinged around patriotism and India’s campaign to bring the Cup back home for the first time after 1983. In 2007, it all went wrong when India made an unceremonious exit in the first week itself. I distinctly remembered a Visa ad (featuring Shankar Mahadevan et al), where the colours in the tricolour were changed to neutral colors, along with a copy edit, to ensure the ad could run in the second half of the tournament to burn the committed ad inventory.

     

    2011 was a World Cup at home and it had a momentum of its own. But compared to all the previous World Cups, the upcoming 2015 World Cup offers the best marketing opportunities to everyone with a stake in the game. Finally, it’s about defending the Cup, and keeping it home, than about “bringing it back”. The creative opportunities a “Defending the Cup” campaign allows are enormous. You can pack in pride, patriotism, optimism and heroism, all at one time, and yet not come across as trying to say too much.

     

    But where are these ads? Are they still in production or post production? Hopefully so, because we’ll then get to see them sooner or later. The Tendulkar ad released by Star Sports about two weeks ago may as well be a pre-cursor. But it builds the man more than the campaign idea, which is why I hope it’s just a stop-gap and there are better things planned.

     

    Traditionally, brands like Pepsi (remember ‘Nothing Official About It’ and ‘Change The Game’?) have spearheaded advertising innovation around the World Cup. I’m almost certain they are about to unleash something remarkable soon.

     

    India’s is a top ODI team. Yet, winning the World Cup is always a tough ask. The next time we play to defend the title may be as early as 2019, but could be as late as a couple of decades after that. That’s what you call a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, right?

     

    So, let the drums roll, please!

     

  • The awards saw a fierce competition amongst the most reputed names in the auto sector

    Autocar India Awards honours achievers in Indian auto

    By A Correspondent

     

    Bloomberg TV India and Autocar India magazine presented the ‘The Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards 2015’ in Mumbai recently. The winners were felicitated at a ceremony in the august presence of chief guest, Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Honourable Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping and guest of honour Smt. Shaina NC, National Spokesperson & National Executive Council of the BJP and Shri. Quaiser Khali, Additional Commissioner of Police –Traffic, Mumbai. The awards also witnessed an elite list of personalities from the corporate world, who came together to honour achievers from the automotive sector.

     

    The awards based on the theme “Recognizing the evolving needs of the fast-paced Indian”; saw a fierce competition amongst the most reputed names in the auto sector. A total of 24 awards were given away across two and four wheeler segments. The Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards 2015 was presented by Reliance General Insurance.

     

    At the awards, in the four wheeler segment, Hyundai i20 made a sensational debut by winning the ‘Car of the Year (Jury’s Choice), while Honda won the ‘Car Manufacturer of the Year’. In the two wheeler segment, Suzuki Gixxer won the Bike of the Year (Jury’s Choice) while Hyundai i20 & KTM RC 390 bagged the Viewer’s Choice Award in the Car and Bike segment. The list of award winners across all categories is annexed.

     

    Lavneesh Gupta

    Lavneesh Gupta, COO – Bloomberg TV India while speaking about the Awards said, “The Indian Auto Industry, which has always been the economy’s growth dynamo, is once again revving up. This acceleration in growth holds the promise of “Achhe Din” for the manufacturing sector and millions of youth seeking quality jobs. As a business news channel that gives in-depth understanding of various industries, it is about walking that extra mile to give the viewer an unbiased understanding of various industries including the Indian Automotive sector, which has contributed enormously to the country’s economy over the last decade. We at Bloomberg TV India are proud of our association with the Autocar India team that helps us build and maintain a close relationship with the sector and celebrate its success.”

     

    The Bloomberg TV India Autocar India Awards sets the standard for the Automotive Industry and honors the best-in class vehicles launched by the industry over the last one year. The winners were selected by an eminent jury on the basis of extensive & grueling track tests and a detailed methodology validated by knowledge support partner, PricewaterhouseCooper.

     

  • The upcoming edition of the tournament will be played in Equatorial Guinea from 17th January to 8th February 2015

    Sony Six acquires the rights for the Africa Cup of Nations

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Six has bagged the rights to air the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 live in South Asia. The tournament is the international football championship of Africa held every two years and organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The upcoming edition of the tournament will be played in Equatorial Guinea from 17th January to 8th February 2015.

     

    One of the biggest international tournaments, the Africa Cup of Nations is counted in the same league as the European Championships and the Copa America. This year’s edition will be the first ever to be shown live in India and will feature the star-studded line-ups of teams such as Ghana, Ivory Coast & South Africa. Some of the superstars headlining the Africa Cup of Nations this year include Christian Atsu, Papiss Cisse, Asamoah Gyan (Ghana),Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure, Cheick Tiote, Wilfried Bony (Ivory Coast) and Diafra Sakho (Senegal).

     

    Prasana Krishnan

    Commenting on the acquisition, Prasana Krishnan, Business Head, Sony Six said, “The rights for the Africa Cup of Nations is without doubt a great addition to our exciting bouquet of live sports programming. This only reinforces our position as the home for the top international football tournaments. Furthermore, most of the matches from the tournament are going to be telecast here at prime time, which will only boost its viewership in our region.”

     

  • Experience the world's largest Cricket tournament in 4K clarity at home

    Tata Sky launches India’s first 4K set-top box

    By A Correspondent

     

    Tata Sky has announced the launch of India’s first 4K set top box (STB). The set top box will be available for existing and new subscribers to enjoy the forthcoming Cricket matches in ultra HD 4k picture clarity.

     

    Prospective subscribers can now book their Tata Sky 4K set top box at just Rs 6,400 while existing subscribers can avail the box at Rs. 5,900. Subscribers can enjoy it as their first connection or an additional STB at home with the Tata Sky MultiTV connection option. Apart from relaying 4K content, the box will also showcase Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) channels. The 4k set top boxes can be pre-booked through the Tata Sky 24X7 helpline, Tata Sky website and dealers.

     

    Tata Sky 4K is a new generation set top box with the capability of delivering Ultra High Definition picture quality and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound. 4K at 8.3 Megapixels (3840×2160) has approximately four times the pixels as that of 2K (1920×1080) the current HD standard, thus brings far greater clarity and more vivid colors on screen for viewers.

     

    The launch of the Tata Sky 4K set top box has been timed just before the cricket matches. This will ensure that cricket and sports enthusiasts are well in time to own Tata Sky 4k STBs to witness the cricketing extravaganza for the first time in 4K picture quality.

     

    The launch plans were unveiled in July last year when Tata Sky showcased the first ever live FIFA World Cup Quarter final match in 4K. Believing in taking innovation and customer needs to newer summits, Tata Sky has always been a step ahead of the industry, with launches such as the HD PVR (Personal Video Recorder), Video-On-Demand (VOD) service, unique interactive services, Everywhere TV, the Karaoke service and now the 4K set top box.

     

  • At Sakal, she will be responsible for the overall content strategy for Saam TV and will be actively supporting the marketing and sales initiatives for the same

    Simmi Karna joins Sakal as Content Head, Saam TV

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Pune-based Sakal Media Group has announced its second senior appointment in the last fortnight with senior television professional Simmi Karna joining the group’s Saam TV as Content Head. She will report to Abhijit Pawar, Managing Director of the group and will work closely with Chandramohan Puppala, Business Head of the channel. She will be based out of the Andheri office of the channel.

     

    While Ms Karna was busy with two movie projects before joining Saam, she was earlier Programming Head of the Big Magic channel of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited from April 2012 till Jan 2014.  She also looked after the P&L of Big Productions.

     

    In her 17-year experience, Ms Karna has Balaji Telefilms, Zee, Channel V and IMG, many of these as profit centre head.

     

    At Sakal, she will be responsible for the overall content strategy for the channel and be actively supporting the marketing and sales initiatives for the same.

     

  • The channel is today synonymous with the best in international music and entertainment

    Vh1 completes a successful decade in India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Vh1, the channel that came into existence with all of 40 music videos, has completed a decade of existence in India. The channel is today synonymous with the best in international music and entertainment, and the home to the greatest awards shows in the world.

     

    From the launch days when the consumers misread Vh1 as Vhr or VHI and clients misheard Vh1 sales guys, rather embarrassingly as “Which one?” 3650 days later, the channel has become a super-power brand which attracts the best talent from across the world. Playing home to every big awards ceremony from the Grammy’s to the Golden Globes to the Billboard awards, getting the biggest and the best names from international music to India for live performances, to two successful houseful years of the dance music extravaganza Vh1 Supersonic, the channel has come a long way from its early days.

     

    Speaking further, Ferzad Palia, EVP & Business Head, English Entertainment, Viacom18 said, “This is a significant landmark for all of us as a team, as an organization and as individuals. Our first English child, Vh1 India has turned 10 years old. Ten glorious years is how I’d like to remember them. January 1, 2005 was when it all began, with humble beginnings. From just a 40 music video channel in 3 cities to being the #1 English entertainment channel across India, we’ve come to become a household name. From doing indoor gigs to now having 15,000 fans sing ‘Happy Birthday Vh1’ on the sands of Goa during Vh1 Supersonic 2014, it’s been an exciting and fulfilling journey. I genuinely want to thank each and every one who has participated in this fantastic journey, directly or just as a well-wisher. It is indeed, a very proud moment for team Vh1”

     

    In addition to the eclectic television content, Vh1 has also created its own on-ground property, Vh1 Supersonic, the biggest dance music festival in India and Vh1 Sound Nation, a multi-genre music extravaganza featuring home-grown, independent artists.

     

  • The channel will air the Grand Slam exclusively for 5 years starting 2015

    Sony Six bags broadcasting rights for Australian Open

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Six is set to telecast the Australian Open – The Grand Slam of Asia-Pacific, in India for a duration of five years. The channel will exclusively telecast all matches of the tournament live from 2015 till 2019.

     

    NP Singh

    The Australian Open will be the channel’s first entry into broadcasting a Grand Slam event, having shown select ATP tournaments earlier.

     

    Commenting on the development, NP Singh, CEO, MSM said, “Over the years, the Australian Open has established itself as one of the most watched tennis Grand Slams across the world. Going by the strong equity that the sport enjoys, we are committed to expand the distribution of the tournament further and thereby strengthen our position in the market.”

     

    Prasana Krishnan

    Prasana Krishnan, EVP & Business Head, Sony SIX commented, “The Australian Open is yet another offering that stands for our diverse sports programming DNA. The tournament is seen as a season opener which sets the context for all tennis competitions that follow during the rest of the calendar year. Needless to say, we are proud to have this prestigious event as part of our bouquet of international sports content.”

     

  • Star Utsav's brand new refreshed logo is in line with STAR India's Crystal Ruby star

    Star Utsav refreshes logo

    By A Correspondent

     

    Star Utsav has announced a new refreshed look for the channel. Star Utsav will launch a new channel logo graphic along with the launch of Mahadev at 7pm on January 12, 2015. Star Utsav’s brand new refreshed logo is in line with STAR India’s Crystal Ruby star.

     

    Also, changing from the current programming schedule of six days a week, the channel will now be available to the viewers for the entire week. Star Utsavs’ seven days a week programming format is the first of its kind in the history of Indian television industry.

     

    The refreshed look of Star Utsav channel is aimed at taping and engaging the rural corners, while keeping at pace with the urban audience. Star Utsav is also known as the ‘King of Middle India’ because of its reach in every nook and corner of the country, and its affordability. Catering to primarily the women audience, the channel’s new arrangement is in sync with a schedule designed to mirror the daily routines of its viewers.