MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • Supported by the State Election Commission, a first of its kind and biggest initiative to galvanize voters across Mumbai

    BTVi associates with Mumbai First for the #Vote4Mumbai initiative

    By A Correspondent

     

    In an effort to persuade people across Mumbai’s corporate sector to vote during the forthcoming civic elections, business channel BTVi has associated with Mumbai First for a initiative to galvanize people across corporates, institutions and individuals to participate in the #Vote4Mumbai challenge – Vote Kar, Mumbaikar.

     

    Through this initiative, BTVi aims to induce corporate in Mumbai to go out and vote. BTVi has rolled out an extensive on-air, online and social media campaign to support the cause.

     

    Monica Tata

    On this initiative, Monica Tata, COO, BTVi, said:“We at BTVi are extremely excited to associate with Mumbai First for #Vote4Mumbai initiative. We have high hopes that this challenge in turn will influence many corporates to vote and bring in a change in the society. Through our channel we urge everyone in Mumbai to go out and vote.”

     

    The initiative #Vote4Mumbai is an inter-corporate/institution and team as well as inter-department challenge to go out and vote, en masse.

     

    Statistics of the last four elections shows that every time elections are held in Mumbai, less than 45 per cent of registered voters have cast their franchise. This initiative will recognise institutions who manage to lead their employees to a 100 per cent voter turnout and would be rewarded to a unique incentive of participating in a round table on key challenges facing Mumbai. Winners will be announced on BTVi as well.

     

    Representatives of the winning institutions/ individuals would get an opportunity to present a white paper to the Government. This initiative is well supported by a digital campaign where an individual can post videos and social messages to provoke others to go out and vote too.

     

  • The owners of the stores will be summoned to Court to identify the source and locations of the manufacturers of these seized goods

    Viacom18 cracks down on counterfeit merchandise in Mumbai

    By A Correspondent

     

    In its bid to counter the growing menace of counterfeit merchandise, Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd had undertaken an investigation that led to a raid in Mumbai of two stores that were reported to be selling counterfeit Dora the Explorer products.

     

    “We see this as an essential step towards ensuring that our characters are not represented on inferior, unlicensed products – which may pose health and safety risks. We are extremely grateful for the cooperation of the judiciary and the police who have executed the appropriate legal action to protect our intellectual property and to prevent inferior, and potentially dangerous products from being sold to unsuspecting consumers,” said a spokesperson on behalf of Viacom18.

     

  • Isobar will handle the digital and social media mandates of the two channels

    Isobar India bags digital mandate for Fox Life and NatGeo India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Isobar India has been appointed as digital partner for Fox Networks Group India’s flagship channel brands, National Geographic and Fox Life, to handle their digital and social media mandates.

     

    Speaking on the appointment, Aparna Deshmukh, Vice President, Content and Communications, Fox Networks Group, said,“We are committed to iconic storytelling and delivering experiences; both for National Geographic and FOX Life viewers. We look forward to partnering with Isobar and bringing the exciting world of television to our audiences on digital mediums.”

     

    Added Gopa Kumar, Vice President, Isobar India:“We’ve had a fantastic start to 2017. We are delighted to partner with Fox Network Group in India. It is an interesting category and there is huge opportunity to create great brand narratives through digital for National Geographic and FOX Life. The team is looking forward to create amazing work with our newest client.”

     

  • Unique second screen experience for fans for the first time in India across any sport

    Sony Pictures acquires broadcast rights for Nexa P1 Powerboat

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) is the broadcast partner for the inaugural edition of Nexa P1 Powerboat, Indian Grand Prix of the Seas, the global series in powerboat racing being launched from India. This will be the first time globally that powerboat racing will be telecast live, notes a communique. In addition, in a first-of-its-kind across all sports, fans will experience a “second screen”, which will provide personalised content that will elevate the race experience to a whole new level for viewers.

     

    SPN will bring home to millions of fans the thrilling action from the shores of Marine Drive in Mumbai during the race weekend. The telecast repertoire includes nine hours of live programming on SONY ESPN, SONY ESPN HD, SONY Pix, and SONY Pix HD channels commencing on March 3 until March 5, 2017. In addition to this, the event will be live streamed on SonyLIV.

     

    The second screen is a gamified graphics interface to be followed live on an internet-connected device for real-time access to gamified positions, telemetric race data and analytics, in addition to the television broadcast.

     

    Said Prasana Krishnan, EVP and Business Head, Sports Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN):“Powerboat racing is one of the latest adventure sports that is gaining momentum all over the world. The inaugural edition of the Nexa P1 Powerboat, Indian Grand Prix of the Seas is a grand scale International lifestyle event that will potentially transform the way marine sports is consumed in India. In addition to this, for the first time, viewers will get to experience the thrills of powerboating with the live telecast of the Nexa P1 Powerboat, Indian Grand Prix of the Seas.”

     

  • 'Star Plus Dopahar' is scheduled to start on April 3 and will run from 12.30 to 2.30pm

    Star Plus announces return of ‘dopahar’ band

    By A Correspondent

     

    Star Plus has announced the return of its afternoon band with four shows in what is called ‘Star Plus Dopahar’.  It is scheduled to start on April 3 and will run from 12.30 to 2.30pm.

     

    Said Narayan Sundararaman- General Manager, Star Plus: ”We at Star Plus are constantly striving to reframe and reinvent Hindi entertainment television. Our goal is to make compelling content available to consumers across all parts of the day. There is a sizeable television viewing audience in the afternoon. Currently the only options available to these viewers are repeat telecasts. Our aim is to present viewers with a spectrum of original content thereby growing the entire category. The insight that has fuelled the proposition is a simple one : afternoons are the only time of the day when the woman of the house has a few moments to herself. Today’s woman values her ‘Me-time’ and Star Plus is committed to engage her with original stories specially created for her.”

     

    The software is being produced by well-known names like Shashi and Sumeet Mittal, SandipSickand and Balaji Telefilms, Ved Raj, DheerajSarna, PurnenduShekhar, NanditaMehra and BhairaviRaichura

     

    Added Gaurav Banerjee, President and Head of Content Studio, Star India on programming lineup: “We believe that it is compelling stories which will draw viewers to the channel in the afternoon. We have seen this with several breakaway hits in the past where we have changed viewership habits by offering cutting edge and differentiated content. Our endeavor is that the four shows with varied storylines and different backgrounds strike a chord with viewers, moving them emotionally so that they connect with the characters thus truly being companions in their special ‘Me Time’.”

     

  • Certain other operations and assets will be included in the final phase of the acquisition, subject to certain closing conditions, which is expected to be completed in the next few months

    Sony completes 1st of 2-phase acquisition of Ten Sports

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and its affiliates have completed the first phase of a two-phase acquisition of the TEN Sports Network from Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEE) and its subsidiaries, according to communiques received from both networks.

     

    Following the completion of this phase of the acquisition, SPN’s cluster of nine sports channels will now include: Sony SIX and Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD, TEN 1, TEN 1 HD, TEN 2, TEN 3, and TEN Golf HD.

     

    Certain other operations and assets will be included in the final phase of the acquisition, subject to certain closing conditions, which is expected to be completed in the next few months.

     

    Commented NP Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India commented: “I am delighted that the teams from SPN and ZEE have completed this core phase of the transaction in good time. SPN is now equipped, better than ever, to offer its viewers premium sporting content with a sports portfolio that includes every major sport and many international as well as domestic leagues. We are now stepping into the integration process to facilitate a seamless transition.”

     

    Added Punit Goenka, Managing Director, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited: “Great job done by the teams from SPN and Zee in facilitating the closure of this phase of the transaction. I am confident that the Ten Sports Network will reach new levels of consumer engagement under the nurturing guidance of SPN. I wish them the best. I’ll be tuning in regularly.”

     

  • Exclusively for Den Cable and Broadband subscribers, it is available for download on all the devices which are on Android and iOS platforms

    Den Networks launches Den TV+, OTT services for its subscribers

    By A Correspondent

     

    Den Networks, one of the largest cable MSOs in India, has launched its online/live-streaming platform – Den TV+ where users canaccess content on the go. Exclusively for Den Cable and Broadband subscribers, it is available for download on all the devices which are on Android and iOS platforms.

     

    Commenting on the launch, SN Sharma, CEO DEN Networks Pvt. Ltd said: “We are excited to launch Den TV+ where our viewers can now watch TV on their mobiles and tablets. Being a leading distribution platform, the idea is to complement our CATV offering to consumers and make it available for our customers on the move anytime, anywhere. Den TV+ provides live streaming of 130 TV channels, 2500+ movies and recorded videos including popular shows/serials, devotional content, lifestyle content and much more. The service is currently free of cost as an initial launch offer. We are always exploring newer ways to provide value for money to our viewers and today’s evolving technology helps us cater to their changing lifestyle needs.”

  • Willow previously broadcast the IPL in 2014, at the time setting cricket viewership records in the United States

    Willow TV strengthens portfolio with IPL 2017

    By A Correspondent

     

    Willow TV, the Times Internet-owned broadcaster for cricket in North America, has acquired the exclusive media rights in the United States for the VIVO IPL 2017 Twenty20 tournament.  Willow previously broadcast the IPL in 2014, at the time setting cricket viewership records in the United States, notes a communique from the company.

     

    “Willow is delighted to bring exclusive live coverage of the VIVO IPL 2017 to our viewers across television and digital platforms,” said Vijay Srinivasan, CEO of Willow. “Viewer interest for cricket in the US stands at unparalleled levels, as over 1.4 million households watched the ICC World Twenty20 on Willow in 2016. We look to continue to set new all-time high ratings this year. The IPL is the crown jewel of professional Twenty20 tournaments, and cricket fans in the US are in for a treat when the tournament kicks off on April 5.”

     

  • The channel will go live at 8pm on Monday and will be available in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and in SD and HD

    Sony BBC Earth to launch on March 6

    By A Correspondent

     

    N P Singh, CEO, Sony Pictures Network, India, Paul Dempsey President, Global Markets, BBC Worldwide, Saurabh Yagnik, EVP and Business Head, Sony English Cluster

    The Sony BBC Earth channel will go live on March 6, 2017 at 8pm.The premium factual entertainment channel is being launched by MSM Worldwide Factual Media, a joint venture between Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and BBC Worldwide.

     

    The channel will bring award-winning, premium factual content from the BBC and will feature acclaimed film-makers and storytellers like Sir David Attenborough, Steve Backshall, Ben Fogle and Gordon Buchanan.  It will be available in both SD and HD in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

     

    As a run-up to the launch, the channel has created a brand film with its ‘Feel Alive’ Ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan Said NP Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Sony Pictures Networks India on the launch: “Sony Pictures Networks is known to create compelling and differentiated brands across all genres that it operates in. Nurtured as a JV partnership, Sony BBC Earth, combines the strengths of both partners; including fascinating content, estimable brand equity and superior sales and distribution prowess.This gives Sony BBC Earth a distinct positioning and watchability. I am confident that this channel will be amajor player in its category.”

     

    Added Paul Dempsey, President Global Markets, BBC Worldwide:“Our relationship with Sony has been a long one, built in the first instance on our production business, and one that has since grown across all key areas of BBC Worldwide’s operations.  We partner with them to bring top programmes like Sherlock, Orphan Black and Top Gear on AXN to our fans in India, and now, this joint venture which is a pioneering model for us. By working with a respected local partner of the caliber of Sony Pictures Networks, we look forward to bringing BBC Earth’s world class content to a new audience who we know has a huge appetite for premium factual programming.”

     

    Said Saurabh Yagnik, EVP and Business Head, English Cluster, Sony Pictures Networks India, while expressing his bullishness on the channel: “SPN’s philosophy is to create brands based on deep consumer understanding. We have worked extensively with viewers to sharpen our insights into what they want and have synergised this understanding with our compelling content and storytelling. Our brand positioning of ‘Feel Alive’ captures the emotion of subliminal happiness which viewers experience when they consume our content. This has been brought to life through a clutter-breaking film featuring our ‘Feel Alive’ ambassador, Kareena Kapoor Khan – whose persona embodies positivity, happiness and full of life demeanour that naturally blends with what our channel and its content stands for.”

     

  • This is Star India's fourth Hindi movie channel

    Premium Hindi movie channel Star Gold Select HD to also launch today

    By A Correspondent

     

    It’s not just Sony BBC Earth that’s launching today. Star India has announced  its fourth Hindi movies channel – Star Gold Select HD. An HD-only channel, Star Gold Select will serve carefully curated, meaningful stories from Indian cinema on television to a discerning audience, notes a communique. The channel will go live today, March 6, albeit with a much lesser blitz than Earth.

    Said Hemal Jhaveri, General Manager, Hindi movies cluster at Star India: “From a Hindi movie content-consumption point of view, it’s safe to say that India is at its best stage so far. Movie lovers across the country are looking for differentiated content in films, television and digital. With the launch of this channel, we will cater to this need with our handpicked movies that have a compelling storyline”.

    “Each of our movie channels offers a unique proposition to our consumer. With Indian cinema taking a leap with regards to content, we believe that there is a growing need for movies with great storytelling to have their own destination on television. This is the genesis of Star Gold Select HD. The channel packaging is clean and minimalistic making it easy to navigate through content. , with just one interval in every single movie, every day, delivering an enjoyable in-home movie experience” added Jhaveri.

    An integrated marketing campaign on television, leveraging the STAR network strength, on digital, and radio will mark the launch.

     

  • First of its kind board comprises eminent leaders from corporate, digital media and public policy

    Discovery Networks appoints India Advisory Board

    By A Correspondent

     

    Now this is a first in a business which is driven essentially by ratings and revenues than just strategy. Or perhaps all the strategy is about chasing better ratings and revenues. Discovery Networks Asia Pacific has appointed a special India Advisory Board comprising pioneers and experts from corporate, digital media and public policy. The Board will provide counsel and insight to the India leadership team on strategic matters pertaining to business innovation and help Discovery navigate and tap into new growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

     

    Members of the India Advisory Board include Dr S Narayan (chairman) – Former Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister and former Secretary to Government of India, Naina Lal Kidwai, celebrated banker and industry leader and Ali Hussein, digital media evangelist and former Head of Entertainment Partnerships, South Asia at Google/YouTube.

     

    Said Arthur Bastings, President and Managing Director, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific said: “Discovery is thrilled to have such respected industry leaders advising our India leadership team and myself on matters crucial to the design and execution of our ambitious India strategy. The insights from this eminent group will be invaluable as we look to accelerate the transformation of our business and leverage new growth opportunities across South Asia.”

     

    Interesting, especially since former partner Sony has jved with the Beeb on BBC Earth.

  • Launches the new VIVO IPL marketing campaign “10 saal aapke naam” on a celebratory note

    Sony Pictures pays tributes to fans in the tenth season of VIVO IPL

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sony Max, Sony Six and SONY ESPN, the official television broadcasters of the Indian Premiere League (VIVO IPL) have unveiled a new campaign titled “10 saal aapke naam” to coincide with the tenth edition of the tournament and the network’s association with it.

     

    The series of six ad films with the key message “10 saal aapke naam” encapsulate the fervor and madness of the fans across gender, generations and geographies.

     

    The creative agency continues to be DDB Mudra and the films have been directed by Hemant Bhandari of Chrome Pictures Media. For the anthem the broadcaster has roped in music composer duo, Salim-Sulaiman and singer Benny Dayal.

     

    Said Neeraj Vyas, Senior EVP & Business Head, Sony Max cluster at SPN: “Over the last nine years we have seen the tournament grow in terms of stature, viewership and the buzz that it creates and hence it was only logical to make the tenth year a grand celebration. The marketing campaign borrows from real life insights on how viewers engage and involve themselves with the game. We believe that the fans are instrumental in making this tournament the mega blockbuster that it is and that is why this year’s campaign is an ode to the Vivo IPL Fan”.