MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • The complainant(s) have been told that BARC can release data, and TRAI is where they must head to for a solution to their problems

    Just in: BARC can release data. Eng channels set to return fm Week 22

    By A Correspondent

    We weren’t there for the deliberations ourselves. But according to very reliable information we have received, the law-makers have told a petitioner that BARC can release data in regards to audience measurement of English news channels. The decision, a copy of which we’re going to receive soon, says that the discussion must happen with TRAI and the channels. the audience measurement body set up by the IBF, AAAI and ISA, can release the weekly measurement data.

    With this it’s expected that the English news channels which regressively removed the watermarking necessary for BARC to measure audiences  will now be back for the ratings regime starting Saturday, May 27…. that’s Week 22.

  • A 360-degree marketing campaign, #MachiAreYouReady (Buddy, are you ready), has commenced along with the launch of the channel

    Tamil sports channel launched by Star Sports

    By A Correspondent

     

    Star Sports, leading sports broadcaster has launched Star Sports Tamil, the country’s first dedicated Tamil sports channel.

     

    A first-of-its-kind regional sports channel, Star Sports Tamil will bring fans across Tamil Nadu closer to their favorite sports and heroes. The channel has a rich calendar of sports – starting with the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, moving into Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL 2.0), Vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 5 and Hero ISL. The channel would provide curated Tamil content localised to Tamil Super Stars – R. Ashwin, M S Dhoni, TNPL Stars, and Stars from Chennaiyin FC.

     

    A 360-degree marketing campaign, #MachiAreYouReady (Buddy, are you ready), has commenced along with the launch of the channel. A tribute to the multi-sport culture of the state, the campaign underlines Tamil pride and is rich with nuances such as the presence of the soil of Tamil Nadu in the TVC. The campaign will be supplemented by comprehensive, high-impact promotions on radio, TV, print, digital, and OOH.

     

    Said a Star India spokesperson: “Tamil Nadu is a unique market with high affinity to language content and very distinctive viewing habits. Star India’s strong presence in the state has helped us understand the pulse of the Tamil sports fans. Star Sports Tamil is an extension of our belief to give people more relevant regional sports content and celebrate the ‘Tamizh’ culture. This is another resolute step in our constant endeavour to bring fans closer to sports.”

     

  • MTV, MTV Beats, Vh1, Comedy Central and Colors Infinity create anti-tobacco awareness through the digital medium along with Ketto, an online fundraising website

    Viacom18’s youth & English entertainment brands launch anti-tobacco campaign

     

     

    Viacom18’s youth and English entertainment brands MTV, MTV Beats, Vh1, Comedy Central and Colors Infinity joined hands with Ketto, an online fundraising website, to launch an anti-tobacco campaign on ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on May 31. The campaign was not just aimed at creating anti-tobacco awareness but also encouraged people to donate in support of Kato’s initiative to help cancer patients.

     

    Speaking about the initiative, Ferzad Palia, Head – Youth and English Entertainment, Viacom18 said: “We cater to a young and vibrant audience. And while everyone is aware that smoking or chewing tobacco is harmful, most young people do it anyway because it is perceived as ‘cool’ or sometimes due to peer pressure. What we are aiming to do through this unique five brand campaign is to try and speak to them in a language they understand – humour – to truly drive home the message. However, instead of just telling them to quit smoking, we’re also asking them to go a step ahead and donate to help those in need through our association with Ketto. The message is simple – give up smoking to save yourself and others too!”

     

    Added Varun Seth, Founder, Ketto:“Our intent is to change lives by encouraging people to donate for a good cause. We are sure that our partnership with the youth and English entertainment brands of Viacom18 would help us spread the message. These brands are widely consumed by the young population of India, apt as our target consumers for the campaign is the youth.”

     

  • The sources add that there have been fairly advanced levels discussions with some on the sale of Profit, but none finally ended in a deal

    Curtains for NDTV Profit. Biz programming to now feature on NDTV 24×7

    By A Correspondent

     

    So it’s curtains for NDTV Profit. New Delhi Television, which is listed with the stock exchanges, issued a communique saying: “NDTV has decided to transfer its business programming from Profit to regular business and finance segments on NDTV 24×7. This will mean suspending the current trading hours programming on Profit while Prime will continue as a channel.” According to information received, today (Friday, June 3) will be the last day when Profit will air the trading hours live.

     

    While the statement adds that “NDTV does not rule out reviving a business channel when the circumstances are appropriate”, sources say that it is indeed the end of the channel the way we see it today. The sources add that there have been fairly advanced levels discussions with some on the sale of Profit, but none finally ended in a deal.

     

    Meanwhile, Prime will continue as the primary focus will be on entertainment and infotainment, and advertiser-funded content.

     

    As for NDTV Profit, the going hasn’t been good for a while now. In fact the audience measurement numbers from BARC have seen the channel being a distant third in the pecking order in the 22+-year-males slice of urban and rural markets.

     

  • As a result of TRAI's mandate and action, the rating of Republic TV have gone down by over 50% after the malpractice was discontinued, the NBA statement notes

    NBA backs TRAI move, damns Republic

    By A Correspondent

     

    Ashish Bagga

    Ashish Bagga, President, News Broadcasters Association (NBA) issued a statement on Friday that it was major victory for the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a mandate against Multi System Operators (MSOs) regarding the usage of multiple LCNs.

     

    This mandate was released within two weeks by TRAI on representations made by NBA, notes the statement.

     

    And this is the rest of the statement:

    “NBA had filed a complaint with TRAI against unethical distribution practices adopted by a new entrant in the English news genre: Republic TV, to boost its Rating Points (TVTs). NBA had also appealed to BARC not to release data for the English general news category for Week 19, 2017 as the rating was corrupted due to unfair distribution tactics. Consequently, major English news Channels who are also members of the NBA had opted out of the measuring system to protect themselves from being measured in a non-level playing field and had clarified that they would return only after the unethical practices had been stopped.

     

    “After a series of discussions and complaints to BARC and TRAI, the English news broadcasters have resumed their Watermark last Friday night subjecting themselves to ongoing measurements as they were sufficiently satisfied that due to TRAI’s intervention the malpractices were discontinued. This was confirmed by most MSOs. Mr Ashish Bagga, President, NBA, stated that the NBA’s stance today stands vindicated. Not only had TRAI released this important mandate, it had also aggressively followed up with MSOs about putting a stop to malpractices.

     

    “The NBA is grateful to the TRAI for taking swift measures to stop malpractices. TRAI in its recent mandate to the Multiple System Operators (MSOs), also emphasized on ensuring that all channels falling in a particular genre appear in its (MSO’s) network’s electronic programming guide (EPG) under that genre, to make services more consumer friendly. As a result of TRAI’s mandate and action, the rating of Republic TV have gone down by over 50% after the malpractice was discontinued. This drop in rating brings Republic TV closer to realistic levels of weekly reach of general English news channels which is an average of 0.6 to 0.8 million. MrBagga stated that this would not have been possible without the timely intervention of TRAI on NBA’s complaints.”

     

  • Zee Greenlights Moving Premium Hindi Entertainment Channel Zindagi Exclusively To Its Ott Platform Ozee

    Zindagi to turn OTT-only from July 1

    By A Correspondent

     

    On June 23, Zee Entertainment launched Zindagi with much fanfare. In almost no time, the channel grew in popularity, even though viewership numbers were limited. Not only did the channel rekindle the belief in finite entertainment but also threw up new stars from across the border.

     

    While Zee continued to repose faith in the channel, last year, Zee group Chairman Subhash Chandra announced that the channel would stop airing Made-in-Pakistan software in the wake of the Uri massacre. Given that things didn’t really improve on the border front, the channel launched a slew of Indian and international programming.

     

    And now ZEE has announced the decision to move Zindagi from the television broadcast platform to its video-on-demand platform OZEE from Saturday, July 1. This move has been announced with an objective to expand digital engagement with audiences who thrive on time-shifted viewing, notes a communique.

     

    Said Aparna Bhosle, ZEE’s Business Cluster Head, Premium & FTA GEC channels: “Zindagi is a thought leader in premium entertainment and the shift to digital is yet another example of innovation from Zee. Making it available exclusively on OZEE will enable us to deliver more distinctive and quality content to audiences on the move.”

     

  • … that was possibly the most forgettable episode in recent media history, notes Pradyuman Maheshwari

    10 Takeaways from the recent NBA-Republic-BARC face-off

     

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    The last fortnight has seen many developments on the English news broadcast front, which was decidedly the most forgettable episode in recent media history. MxMIndia has been on the forefront on reporting these and also commenting on them. We believe that as a mature voice of the industry, it is important that we should comment on issues, and even if it means that we are the only ones in the business doing so.

     

    Now that the dust is beginning to settle on the controversy, we list here 10 takeaways from the episode:

    1. The IBF has curiously been very quiet on the entire development. We are sure (and hope) it’s been working in the background, but a public statement would’ve ensured that we know that IBF, as the apex body of broadcasters, is non-partisan on the issue.

    2. The NBA issued a statement on Friday, but there was no remorse or regret on opting out of BARC’s measurement system. This even a day after BARC chairman Sudhanshu Vats issued a statement which said: It is unfortunate that some members have taken issue with the use of multiple LCNs when many have themselves set the precedent for it – either as a promotional or as a defensive tactic.

    3. Multiple LCNs isn’t the only inorganic booster employed by the broadcast fraternity. Landing pages are looked at by not just the newswallahs, but the general entertainment channels too. There needs to be a standard policy for all such inorganic measures for boosting viewership.

    4. Republic TV is not yet a member of the NBA, the apex body of news broadcasters, which is also recognised by the government. The NBA has also promoted a self-regulatory body – the NBSA. That Republic isn’t a member of the body doesn’t augur too well for both. And most importantly given its non-membership, Republic is not subject to a self-regulatory mechanism. This could work against it in the short and long run. In case it chooses not to join the NBA, Republic must have its own ombudsman and self-regulator.

    5. NBA must cease to be seen as partisan. Its statement issued on Friday, specifically points to Republic, which is a non-member and has been serious competition to some key NBA members like Times Now and India Today. The heads of both these organisations are the two top NBA officebearers. Even though the CEOs of both networks are seasoned and respected professionals, there have been doubts expressed about NBA not being exactly neutral in this episode.

    6. Most of the key news channels are members of the IBF. The IBF and NBA must enforce the rules laid by BARC on advertising on all its members. Perhaps either of the bodies must have a ‘fair play ranking’ like the IPL has, with a roster on how members have been faring on certain parameters

    7. BARC has been forgiving and not imposed its own ruling of reprimanding channels that remove the watermark. By doing so, it has possibly lost an excellent opportunity of telling erring channels/networks that what they did was incorrect. Now just in case a single channel or a group does something similar in future, it will have to condone that act too!

    8. Going to the TRAI and MIB for stuff is not good. These are things that broadcasters must settle amongst themselves. But by according TRAI a key role in their lives, the broadcasters  – the newswallahs in particular – could well be playing with fire

    9. The secretariats of the various industry associations must be made stronger and with people who can deal with things independent of their elected masters. That’s the only way associations will be considered neutral and that’s the only way in which industry associations can be relevant.

    10. Lastly, in love and as in war, there are no permanent friends and enemies. In fact often the two sentiments can co-exist. As we saw in the current episode where at one level India Today and Times Now had combined forces on Republic TV’s multiple LCN deployment and on another India Today complained against Times Now for also deploying multiple LCNs. Imagine if Republic was also a member of the NBA… there could’ve been one complainant…

     

    Pradyuman Maheshwari is Editor-in-Chief and Founder, MxMIndia. The views expressed here are his own

     

  • Since MxMIndia has published a comment on the NDTV-CBI raids issue, we thought it’s fair to also carry the CBI response

    CBI clarification on NDTV case and MxM comment

    By A Correspondent

     

    Since MxMIndia has published a comment on the NDTV-CBI raids issue, we thought it’s fair to also carry the CBI response. Here goes:

    Reports in sections of the media have raised certain issues and the statement issued by NDTV has levelled certain allegations against the CBI investigation in the case relating to the promoters of NDTV and others.

     

    It is clarified that searches have been carried out at the premises of the promoters and their offices based on search warrants issued by the Competent Court. CBI has not conducted any search of registered office of NDTV, media studio, news room or premises connected with media operations. CBI fully respects the freedom of press and is committed to the free functioning of news operations.

     

    CBI has registered the case based on the complaint of a share holder of ICICI bank and NDTV after carrying out due diligence. Denigrating the allegations at this stage of investigation and wrongly accusing the agency of acting under pressure is uncalled for and an attempt to malign the image of the CBI. The investigation is being conducted as per the due process of law and under the jurisdiction of the Court of law. The result of investigation will be filed before the competent Court of law based on the evidence adduced during investigation.

     

    It has been mentioned in the statement of NDTV that NDTV and its promoters have never defaulted on any loan. The allegations under investigation are not regarding the default in loan repayment; but relate to the wrongful gain of Rs 48 crore to the promoters – Dr. Prannoy Roy, Smt Radhika Roy, M/s RRPR Holdings Pvt Ltd and a corresponding wrongful loss to the ICICI bank arising from their collusion and criminal conspiracy. It is alleged in the complaint that the promoters of NDTV – Dr. Prannoy Roy, Smt Radhika Roy and M/s RRPR Holdings Pvt Ltd, acting in criminal conspiracy with unknown officials of ICICI bank, violated section 19(2) of the Banking Regulation Act, the Master Circular DBOD No. Dir B90/13.07.05/98-99 dated 28.08.1998 of the Reserve Bank of India and in furtherance of the conspiracy, ICICI bank took the entire shareholding of the promoters in NDTV(nearly 61 %) as collateral and then accepted prepayment of the loan by reducing the interest rate from 19 % p.a to nearly 9.5 % p.a and as a consequence thereof, causing a wrongful loss of Rs 48 crore to ICICI bank and a corresponding wrongful gain to the promoters of NDTV – Dr. Prannoy Roy, Smt Radhika Roy and M/s RRPR Holdings Pvt Ltd.

     

    NDTV in its statement questions the jurisdiction of CBI by stating that ICICI is a private bank. It is clarified that the Honourable Supreme Court in the case of Ramesh Gelli vs CBI of 2016, held that the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 are applicable to the officials of private banks. Therefore, CBI has jurisdiction to take up investigation of the cases of private banks.

     

    We urge all concerned to exercise restraint and to cooperate with the investigation. CBI is committed to carrying out the investigation expeditiously and in accordance with the due process of law. CBI reiterates its commitment to the motto i.e. Industry, Impartiality and Integrity.

     

  • Seven original web series, including popular shows like CM CM Hota Hai and Maid in India to now be available on SonyLIV

    SonyLIV inks a strategic tie-up with Web Talkies

     

     

    SonyLIV has announced a strategic partnership with Web Talkies. Under the association, seven original web series from Web Talkies, including popular shows like CM CM Hota Hai and Maid in India (Season 1 and 2), will now be available on SonyLIV’s web and mobile platforms.

     

    Uday Sodhi

    This association follows close on heels of SonyLIV’s recent partnerships with many original content creators in the country. Said Uday Sodhi, EVP and Head – Digital Business, SonyLIV: “Having pioneered and popularised the concept of original entertainment in India, we wanted to go a step further and curate the best of original content from across the country on our platform. Our partnership with Web Talkies is yet another step in that direction to offer high-quality entertainment to our esteemed viewers. Through our strategic partnerships as well as our own offerings, we have created the biggest repository of premium original content in the country. Complete entertainment offerings across genres of content is our intent and this partnership is a progression in that direction.”

     

    Added Virendra Shahaney, Chairman and Managing Director, Web Talkies: “Our partnership with SonyLIV gives our content a great platform and we are sure that this milestone will be crucial in making Web Talkies content the most watched digital content in India.”

     

  • The channel has a rich calendar of sports, starting with the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, moving into Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL 2.0), VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 5 and Hero ISL

    ​Star Sports Tamil unveils TVC

    By A Correspondent

     

    ​To promote the recently launched Star Sports 1 Tamil, the country’s first dedicated Tamil sports channel​, Star Sports has unveiled a new TVC. ​​India’s first 24×7 regional sports channel, Star Sports 1 Tamil ​promises to bring fans ​who prefer watching their sports with Tamil commentary, closer to their favorite sports and heroes. The channel has a rich calendar of sports, starting with the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, moving into Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL 2.0), VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 5 and Hero ISL​, notes a communique.​

     

  • The Put Chutney Show’ will air on Star Vijay every Sunday, 12 noon

    Culture Machine’s Put Chutney goes to television with Star Vijay

    By A Correspondent

     

    Culture Machine’s ‘Put Chutney’, the leading Tamil digital media brand, is now foraying into television with Star Vijay starting July 2.

     

    Tuhin Menon

    Said Tuhin Menon, President, Culture Machine on the arrangement: “’Put Chutney has grown in the hearts and minds of viewers to occupy a pivotal spot in the cultural milieu of Tamil speaking audiences globally. This deal with Star Vijay represents a major extension of the brand, which now straddles both digital and linear platforms. We could not have found a better partner than Star Vijay to take the Put Chutney brand to the next level, through a unique one hour show that is guaranteed to delight loyal and new audiences alike”.

     

     

    Krishnan Kutty

    Added Krishnan Kutty, General Manager, Vijay TV: “We at Vijay TV believe in partnering with the most exciting creative minds in the business. In Put Chutney, we found a partner who we believe will push the boundary in the comedy genre and who share our commitment in providing the most cutting edge content to Tamil consumers.”

     

  • It is evident from the report that the high timespent of Republic is a sore point for Times Now

    BCCL fires fresh salvo against Republic. ET report raises doubts on timespent in BARC data

    By A Correspondent

    Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd, the owner of The Times of India, Economic Times, Times Now and a slew of topselling media brands, has fired a fresh salvo against former Times Now editor-in-chief and President News’s entrepreneurial venture, Republic TV.

    The clip of the report on Page 8 of The Economic Times Mumbai dated June 12, 2017

    Since the data for the first week of Republic TV’s launch, Times Now, which was the highest rated amongst English news channels, found itself ousted from the top spot by Goswami’s channel. Consequently, the channel along with a few others, prevailed upon the News Broadcasters Association to act on the usage of dual LCNs and advise that they remove the watermarking on their channels thereby opting out of the BARC measurement.

    Other than NBA, many channels are also part of the Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF). Interestingly, IBF in turn is 60 per cent owner of BARC India, which is a joint industry body.

    The channels came back to the BARC fold after they felt assured when Republic TV is said to have told the Court that is not taking multiple LCNs. Interestingly, India Today TV also filed a complaint with TRAI about Times Now using the dual LCN route to boost ratings.

    Last Thursday, BARC released date for Week 22 which marked the return of all English news channels to watermark-led measurement.

    While there is a sentiment that even this data is boosted by channels employing landing pages, an Economic Times report has cautioned media buyers and advertisers that all isn’t well with BARC viewership data. It is evident from the report that the high timespent of Republic is a sore point and Times Now hasn’t gone up in terms of timespent.

    There are questions that need to be addressed now:

    01.Will BARC probe the charges in the ET report?

    02.What does BARC think about the ET report? While ET is not indicting BARC in any direct way, the fact that the timespent data has been questioned, it impacts the reputation and credibility of the joint industry measurement body. What do BARC and owners IBF, ISA and AAAI have to say on this?

    03.Is this a misuse of sibling media by Times Now? If it was such a grave issue, how come other business dailies haven’t taken it up?

     

    It’s perhaps time for NBA and/or IBF to bring order in the house. It should bring together the four or five top English news channels and get them to stop throwing muck at each other and more importantly conduct their business in a fair manner.