MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • Maharaj will head the business for Dangal TV, Bhojpuri Cinema, Enterr10 TV and other media brands

    Enterr10 TV to launch 2 more regional GECs, appoints Shrutish Maharaj as CRO

    By A Correspondent

     

    Shrutish Maharaj

    Enterr10 TV Network has announced aggressive growth plans for its flagship channels Enterr10 TV, Dangal TV, Fakt Marathi and Bhojpuri Cinema with plans to launch two more specialised regional GECs in this financial year. The Network has decided to withdraw its revenue mandate from external partners and set up an in-house sales team led by industry expert Shrutish Maharaj as Chief Revenue Officer.

     

     

    Manish Singhal

    Said Manish Singhal, MD, Enter10: “At this critical growth juncture of the network, it gives me great confidence to have an accomplished revenue leader like Shrutish taking charge.”

     

    Added Maharaj: “I am thrilled to be a part of this competitive, dynamic and exciting space. All the channels of the group are at a crucial stage of their life cycle and ready to be catapulted into a deservedly giant growth trajectory, if backed with the right strategy and implementation. I look forward to being a propellant to Manish’s vision for the network and to creating new benchmarks along the journey.”

     

    Maharaj will head the business for Dangal TV, Bhojpuri Cinema, Enterr10 TV and other media brands to be launched soon, comes with over 15 years of experience leading revenue teams at India Today, TV 18, HT Media, Times Network and UTV. He was most recently the Chief Sales Officer of Helios Media with the revenue, content and back-end operations teams reporting in to him.

     

     

  • Colors Infinity to showcase over 1100 hours of fresh content

    Colors Infinity, Comedy Central to air on Jio TV

    By A Correspondent

     

    Colors Infinity has announced its plans to make a significant foray in digital with a multi-platform experience concurrently to an additional 250 million subscribers of Jio TV.

     

    Said Ferzad Palia, Head – Youth, Music and English Entertainment, Viacom18: “In a very short span of time, Colors Infinity has come a long way, unthwarted by the challenging environ in English entertainment. Aiming to continuously meet the expectations of our current viewers, while attracting new viewers at the same time, we’ve boldly experimented with our programming. This radical approach has established a distinct identity for the brand, which endorses our leadership position in the category. Proud to be a truly multi-platform brand, we are now making Colors Infinity and Comedy Central available for simultaneous viewing on Jio TV. A significant growth in the advertiser base and revenue, is testament to our solid performance.”

     

     

  • Former Twitter India Business Head logs on to new role at Zee5

    Zee5 appoints @taranjeet24 as CRO & Biz Head – New Projects

    By A Correspondent

     

    Taranjeet Singh

    OTT platform Zee5 may have been a late entrant, but is galloping ahead and ramping up quick at all levels. It has now announced the appointment of Taranjeet Singh as Chief Revenue Officer & Business Head – New Projects.

     

    Commenting on the new appointment, Tarun Katial, CEO, Zee5 India said: “The consumption patterns of the Indian audience are rapidly evolving. Taranjeet’s extensive experience in the media sector across print, television and digital will hold us in good stead in the times to come. His robust track record and insights will go a long way in advancing ZEE5 India’s focus to achieve new milestones.”

     

    Said Singh on his new role: Engaging with the content consumer has been an exciting journey for me. The OTT space is definitely booming and working with a brand like Zee5 from the Zee Group, a media powerhouse is indeed an honour. Within months of launch, the brand is already No 2 in the OTT space and I am looking forward to joining the team to take it to newer heights.”

     

    Singh comes with extensive experience in the media and entertainment space. Prior to joining ZEE5, he was leading business for the Indian operations of Twitter. He has also worked in the past with BBC Worldwide, Outlook Publishing and The Pioneer amongst others.

  • The channel launch was announced in the presence of Punit Misra, CEO, ZEEL, in Kochi

    Zee Keralam to launch in Nov

    By A Correspondent

     

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) has announced its entry into Kerala with the launch of its fifth channel in the southern region, Zee Keralam. The channel was unveiled by the ZEEL leadership team comprising Punit Misra, CEO, ZEEL, Siju Prabhakaran, South Cluster Head, ZEEL and Deepti Sivan Pillay, Business Head, Zee Keralam in Kochi, in the presence of artists from the Zee Keralam family. Zee Keralam will go on air in November 2018.

     

    Commenting on the launch, Siju Prabhakaran, South Cluster Head, ZEEL said: “The South Cluster has been growing exponentially for Zee as a network in the last few years and with the launch of Zee Keralam, we are certain that the region will continue to perform at a high growth rate. We set foot in the South with our first GEC – Zee Telugu in 2005, followed by Zee Kannada, Zee Tamil and Zee Cinemalu.”

     

    Added Deepti Sivan Pillay, Business Head of the new channel: “Zee Keralam aspires to reflect the beliefs, ideas and attitudes of every middle-class Malayali today. With a well-balanced programming mix based on consumer insights, the aim is to ignite a sense of self-transformation among our audiences to achieve the extraordinary. With inspiring stories of a girl whose nakshatram and physical appearance doesn’t limit her from taking charge of her life in Swathi Nakshatram Chothi to Zee’s most popular dance format Dance Kerala Dance where we blur the lines between aspiration and stardom, we believe that Zee Keralam will be a platform for every Malayali to be inspired to weave wonders in their lives.”

     

     

  • The brand will be handled by the agency’s Mumbai office

    Zee5 partners Publicis Capital for global communications mandate

    By A Correspondent

     

    Zee5, the OTT platform of the Zee group, has partnered with Publicis Capital to help drive its global strategy. The brand will be handled by the agency’s Mumbai office.

     

    Archana Anand

    Commenting on the plans for Zee5, Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, Zee5 Global said: “The launch of Zee5 globally has catapulted us into our next phase of growth and we needed a partner to help us quickly establish ourselves as the largest global platform for Indian language entertainment. Publicis specialises in transformative, effective and data-driven communication solutions, which is integral to our growth plans for Zee5. Their data-led strategic approach, strong creative framework and robust network will enable us to efficiently develop an integrated, universally resonant, and holistic brand identity globally and we are thrilled to partner with them.”

     

    Srija Chatterjee

    Sharing her views on the partnership with Zee5, Srija Chatterjee, Managing Director, Publicis Worldwide (India), said: “Clearly, OTT has become the entertainment buzzword across the world these past few years. Little wonder then that we’re so proud to be partnering with Zee5 as a  leader brand and even more privileged to be entrusted with the challenging yet exciting responsibility of taking the brand global and making it the go-to destination for the South Asian diaspora and beyond. We are currently working on putting together an effective brand campaign, which through its distinct appeal will surely succeed in achieving the stated communication objective. Watch this space for more!”

  • The new brand image was revealed by actor Yash at the Zee Kutumba Awards 2018

    Zee Kannada unveils new brand proposition and identity

    By A Correspondent

     

    Zee Kannada has unveiled a new brand identity and launched its HD Channel. The channel has revealed its new brand proposition, ‘Bayasid’dha Bāgilu Tegiyōṇa’, which translates to ‘Open Doors to Possibilities’.

    Commenting on the new brand identity, Raghavendra Hunsur, Business Head of Zee Kannada said: “Over the last 12 years, Zee Kannada has earned the dominance of being the entertainment hub in the Kannada television market. With a refreshed brand purpose, we strive to inspire our viewers to break their barriers and look beyond their limits to achieve the unachievable. Synonymous with the Kannadiga pride, Zee Kannada will stimulate women with progressive and onward-looking entertaining content, featuring bold and determined characters that echo the channel’s new brand image. We are bringing new shows and extending our prime time shows on weekends to amplify the viewing experience. Our fiction shows will be taking dramatic turns to bring alive the brand proposition and the journey going forward is going to be very exciting and inspiring.”

  • Discovery has collaborated with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for Project C.A.T.

    Anushka Sharma to promote Tiger Conservation Movement for Discovery

    By A Correspondent

     

    Actor Anushka Sharma has joined hands with Discovery to promote a global awareness movement to save tigers from extinction. Anushka will promote Project C.A.T: Conserving Acers for Tigers, aimed at raising awareness to preserve the habitat of the declining numbers of the wild tiger. Discovery has collaborated with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for Project C.A.T.

     

    Said Karan Bajaj, Senior Vice President & General Manager – South Asia, Discovery Communications India: “It is disturbing to know that the population of tigers has shrunk 96 per cent over the last century and only as few as 3900 are left in the wild across the world. We are excited to partner with Anushka Sharma to ignite awareness about tiger conservation and help promote the global movement to save them. We will use the collective power of our media brands to amplify the message of tiger conservation.”

     

     

  • Zee group’s decision to shed up to 50% equity to turn a media-tech major sets the market aflutter

    Who will be ‘extraordinary together’ with Zee?

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    In October 2017, the Zee group unveiled its new corporate identity. Extraordinary Together was to be the new credo.

     

    While making the announcement on Zee’s new corporate brand ideology last year, Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, ZEEL had said: “Our Chairman, Dr. Subhash Chandra’s vision and pioneering efforts caused a revolution in the country 25 years ago. Over time, Zee has evolved from a television broadcaster into a media and entertainment conglomerate with businesses spanning across the spectrum, from broadcasting to music, movies, digital, live entertainment and theatre, providing an extraordinary range of entertainment to audiences around the world. Our new brand ideology – ‘Extraordinary Together’ is rooted in the philosophy that from collaboration comes strength to deliver the extraordinary. In a global company like ours with interests across diverse verticals and businesses, we believe that our ability to win lies in us being able to effectively come together and harness this strength to be extraordinary in the market.”

     

    Chairman Subhash Chandra is known to be a man in a hurry to achieve his goals. And realising that the content-led broadcast play could be a cul de sac, if not merged with technology, he and his family took this significant decision that has indeed sent the market aflutter – not just M&E and M&A but Corporate India as well.

     

    So as the world was just done with Diwali, Subhash Chandra and family along with its advisors met in Mumbai over the Diwali weekend to undertake a strategic review of its businesses in view of the changing global media landscape. The strategic review underscored the importance of technological advancements such as AI, lOT, 3D printing AR, VR and many more. It was observed that these developments will impact virtually all businesses across sectors and business practices will be driven by technological innovation.

     

    The review showed that the family needs to accelerate efforts to stay ahead of fast changing trends. The review noted that with the current 1.3 billion viewers and close to 50 million digital viewers growing at a fast pace, ZEEL is well placed to benefit from current market trends due to its strong brand & bouquet of domestic & international channels. Adding to that strength, Zee5 will further enable the company to leverage the benefits of changing video consumption trends, contributing significantly over the coming years.

     

    Speaking on where the business stands today, Jawahar Goel said, “Punit and Amit have made the right sustainable investments for the future and the business is growing ahead on all fronts in a focused and disciplined way.”

     

    A communique issued notes: “On its own, ZEEL would remain a leader in both linear and digital distribution. It has the consumer insights and knowhow to produce and deliver content for the South Asian diaspora globally. The management depth the Company has built over last two decades distributing content globally in 12 foreign languages puts the Company in a unique position. It has strong revenue streams including advertising and subscription – domestic and international. However, there is recognition that a right global strategic partner will help in transforming ZEEL further, and maximise long term value. It will transform it into a global media-tech player with a unique offering of content to the main stream audiences in 170-plus countries putting it into A KING POSITION globally. It has been decided to undertake a strategic review of Essel’s shareholding in ZEEL with a view to maximise value for the business. The proposed transaction to divest upto 50% of Essel’s holding to such a partner, is expected to address the Essel Group’s capital allocation priorities and will allow ZEEL shareholders to capture the full value of India’s largest entertainment broadcaster with an ever strengthening bouquet Essel has decided to appoint Goldman Sachs Securities (India) Ltd. as their investment banker and US and Europe-based LionTree as an international strategic advisor for this exercise. Essel expects the outcome of the strategic review to be concluded by March/April 2019. We hope that this transaction will meet the objectives of the Essel Group as well as the minority shareholders of ZEEL. India remains a priority market for Subhash Chandra and the Essel Group and the family believes that India is at the cusp of significant growth. The family will continue to invest in growth opportunities in India. Regardless of the outcome of this exercise, Essel is committed to create significant long term value in ZEEL and shall keep on contributing in every possible way going forward.”

     

    The Zee management has had a Call with analysts and Goenka has also had detailed conversations with the business media on this latest gambit. Market analysts and observers MxMIndia  spoke have all been taken by surprise by the move. “Subhash Chandra is known to be master strategist and a maverick, but the decision to shed equity in the most profitable broadcast business in the country is a surprise,” said one analyst who has been tracking the company for over a decade. “However, Chandraji has foresight. Global trends are clear indicators that a content-only play has no long-term future. It has to be a marriage between content and technology. Even internationally, that’s where the wind is blowing.”

     

    The question though the analyst we spoke with as well as others is whether the new suitor will be willing to play a junior role in Zee. “Anyone investing serious dosh will want to play a centrestage role in how the business is going to be conducted. In media, just a few seats on the Board aren’t enough.”

     

    While Goenka said in an interview with CNBC TV18, that he’s happy to exit entirely and start life anew, that’s possibly not the route that global players are looking at. “They realise that only the Subhash Chandra family can run such a lean, mean and successful enterprise. They will want them to continue to drive the business at least in the short run. While technology requires the money, content requires an acumen that Zee has in plenty,” said one more analyst, again speaking on anonymity.

     

    Extraordinary Together is indeed an appropriate credo for the state of things to come.

     

     

  • The appointment will see Hill+Knowlton Strategies rollout strategic communications solutions for the network’s channels

    H+K Strategies wins Discovery PR mandate

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hill+Knowlton Strategies has been awarded the communications mandate for Discovery Communications India and its portfolio of channels in India including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery HD World, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Kids, Discovery JEET, Animal Planet HD World, TLC HD World and Discovery Tamil. The appointment will see Hill+Knowlton Strategies rollout strategic communications solutions for the network’s channels to drive greater engagement with viewers across India. The PR firm already has Times Network and a part of Sony Pictures Network on its roster.

     

    Sameer Bajaj

    Confirming the appointment, Sameer Bajaj, Director, Corporate Communications & External Affairs, Discovery Communications India, said: “We are delighted to partner with Hill+Knowlton Strategies, India as our strategic communications partner to deliver our vision as a brand, better engage with viewers and drive our narrative in a more compelling manner. Their strong experience in media & entertainment, in-depth understanding of our market requirements and passion gave us the confidence to award them this mandate. I believe, together as a team, we will further strengthen the Discovery brand in India.”

     

    Kavita Rao

    Said Kavita Rao, President & CEO, India, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, on the win:“We are thrilled that Discovery Communications has chosen us to partner them in managing their strategic communications of their corporate brand as well strong portfolio of brands in the country. With committed teams and our in-depth domain knowledge and experience across sectors, H+K India is well positioned to drive the desired impact and outcome for Discovery Communications India.”

     

     

  • A unique interactive second screen experience, “Extraaa Innings” for passionate cricket lovers

    SPN launches programming initiatives for India tour of Australia

    By A Correspondent

     

    For the upcoming cricket series between India and Australia (Nov 21 to Jan 18), Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has announced several initiatives to enhance the viewing experience.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer Distribution and Head – Sports, Sony Pictures Networks India: “Cricket is more than just a sport; it is an emotional experience for Indians. Being the one-stop destination for international bilateral series, with rights to eight cricket boards, we are always looking for ways to elevate this experience. The superb line-up of panellists and commentators will give our viewers a holistic perspective on the matches. Along with that, our second screen initiative – Extraaa Innings – will ensure that the fans have a more immersive experience during the series.”

     

     

  • The channel is a unit of KIIT Group of Institutions

    Kalinga TV appoints Aidem Ventures as their ad-sales partner

    By A Correspondent

     

    Aidem Ventures has been mandated to handle adsales for Kalinga TV, a 24-hour Odia news channel. Launched in 2015 by Kalinga Media and Entertainment, the channel is a unit of KIIT Group of Institutions.

     

    Said Himansu Sekhar Khatua, MD, Kalinga TV: “Aidem has a proven track record of creating success stories for its partners. They not only have a strong sales force but also offer end to end solutions to the broadcaster which makes them different from competitors and the most preferred choice in this space.  I am confident that this collaboration will help us position the channel’s potential rightly in the advertiser market and monetise our advertising inventory better.

     

    Added Karan Gupta, MD, Aidem Ventures: “It’s an honour to be the exclusive partner of Kalinga TV. Kalinga has a strong foothold in Odisha and I’m sure that their rich group legacy will give us an in-depth access to the Odia Market, further enhancing our overall sales bouquet for the benefit of advertisers and agencies. With our strong infrastructure of teams across the country, we are confident of the channel’s success”.

     

     

  • He joined the jv in April 2011

    Viacom18 confirms Raj Nayak exit. To stay on till Feb 2019

    By A Correspondent [updated]

     

    Inarguably one of the most high profile names in the Indian television business, Raj Nayak has decided to move on from Viacom18. He has been Chief Operating Officer from May 2017 after having helmed Hindi General Entertainment Channel Colors as CEO since he joined the joint venture in April 2011. In September 2018, he was entrusted with the responsibility of revenues of the Viacom18 network.

    In an official statement released to the media on Tuesday evening, Viacom18 confirmed the departure of  Nayak. Speaking about the development, Sudhanshu Vats – Group CEO and MD Designate, Viacom18 said,: “Raj is one of the most admired leaders in the media and entertainment industry.  While on one hand, it is our loss to see a committed and capable leader leave, on the other, it is reassuring to know that he will always keep Viacom18’s flag flying high. On a personal level, I would like to thank Raj for partnering me as Viacom18 scaled newer heights. On behalf of everyone at Viacom18, I’d like to wish Raj all the very best for his future endeavours.”

    Speaking about his journey at Viacom18, Nayak said: “The last seven-and-a-half years at Viacom18 have been most exciting, challenging and rewarding. I have a wonderful team and they helped propel the company to new heights. The Viacom18 leadership has always been supportive and for that, I will always be grateful. These are exciting times for the media industry, the pace of change is remarkable, and I feel energised about the opportunity to do something new in this new landscape.”

    Nayak will be serving at Viacom18 till February, 2019.

    So where’s he moving to? An entrepreneurial venture yet again or another broadcast network. There have been rumours of his moving to helm Sony Pictures Network, a broadcaster that can do with a refresh in strategy. The top job at Discovery Network has also fallen vacant but the affair with running a Hindi GEC was shortlived. There is also a player like Netflix which is currently without an India head. A lot of this is based on what’s in the air, and we await a confirmation of his resignation from Viacom18 and some indicator of his next steps.

    Nayak – LS Nayak being his official name –  joined Viacom18 from Aidem Ventures, an entrepreneurial venture he set up as a media outsourcing and sales consuling firm. Earlier, he was CEO of NDTV Media for over seven year and before that he was Executive VP – Sales and Marketing at Star TV. At Star, where he worked for nearly a decade, he also did a stint at ESPN Star Sport from 1996 to ‘99.

    Nayak started his media career in print, having worked with stylish newspapers like Sunday Mail, The Indian Post and The Pioneer. Nayak has helmed various industry bodies and initiatives, the more recent being The Advertising Club where he helped raise the bar on the annual Goafest convention and awards.