MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • Curated for quarantine, the channel will showcase best of comedy, mythology, reality, fantasy, and drama

    Colors broadens its content spectrum with mythology and movies

    By A Correspondent

     

    General entertainment channel Colors has finetuned its content line up for the quarantine period. The channel will have a range of content across genres including comedy, fantasy, drama, mythology, and reality in the prime time and non-primetime hours.

     

    Said Manisha Sharma, Chief Content Officer, Hindi Mass Entertainment, Viacom18: “Due to the nationwide lockdown, the television landscape is changing quite significantly. We at Colors are constantly and very closely evaluating how the viewership habits are evolving and designing our programming. With no fresh daily or weekly shows being put on air due to limitations, viewers are looking at alternate options for entertainment and non-prime time band has gained momentum. People staying indoors and spending time with the families has boost movie consumption on TV and hence we have consciously added it to the mix along with mythology. Through challenging times, Colors continues to stay connected with its loyal viewers through a carefully curated mix of shows for wholesome entertainment.”

     

     

  • Over 16 million DTH customers of Airtel can now enjoy award-winning factual entertainment

    Airtel Digital TV launches CuriosityStream shannel

    By A Correspondent

     

    Bharti Airtel and CuriosityStream announced that they have deepened their content partnership to bring premium content from CuriosityStream to TV homes in India. Airtel Digital TV has launched an exclusive channel with the full catalogue of CuriosityStream’s factual entertainment films and series.

     

    Said Sunil Taldar, CEO – DTH, Bharti Airtel: “We brought CuriosityStream content to India about six months back on our mobile platform offering our customers the exciting array of exclusive content. Today, we are further strengthening this partnership to become the first and only DTH provider in India to offer the content to customers on their television via the set-top-box enabling an easy access to all the exclusive content to the entire family. As a brand, we are always innovating to expand our offerings with a discerning array of specially curated content to fulfil the preferences of each of our customers and we promise to continue to delight our customers.”

     

    Added Clint Stinchcomb, President and CEO of Curiosity Stream: “Building on the success of our launch on the Xstream app, CuriosityStream is thrilled to have a home on Airtel’s next-gen Digital TV. Airtel is a global leader in finding innovative ways to deliver programming to its viewers whenever and wherever they want it. Now more than ever, viewers are searching for engaging and entertaining factual shows and CuriosityStream is proud to offer our channel to consumers in India who are looking for high-quality programming that ignites their curiosity and can’t be found anywhere else.”

     

     

  • Over 3500 employees of Zee have joined the initiative with personal contributions

    Zee intensifies drive for Covid-19 relief, offers financial relief to 5k+ daily wage-earners

    By A Correspondent

     

    Media and Entertainment conglomerate Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zee) has announced a financial relief to over 5000 daily wage-earners, working directly or indirectly for the company in its overall production ecosystem.

     

    In order to further support Prime Ministers’ Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM Cares Fund), ZEEL will leverage the strength of its global media network across encouraging people to contribute. Over and above this step, Zee has also provided an opportunity to all of its 3500 employees to offer voluntary contributions towards the PM Cares Fund through an intranet portal. The Company will match the corpus collected from the employee contribution and the collective amount will be donated to PM Cares Fund.

     

    Speaking on this announcement, Punit Goenka, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Zee Entertainment said: “We stand committed to financially support all the daily wage earners working in our production ecosystem. We firmly believe in the extraordinary power of coming together and fighting against a situation. In these challenging times, it is extremely critical for India Inc. to come together and support the National level initiative undertaken by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi. Apart from the financial support, we will also contribute in creating nationwide awareness about the noble initiative. Leveraging our strong reach across the Nation and World at large, we are urging our esteemed viewers to join this movement. This is a time where the entire Nation needs to come together as One Family.”

     

    Earlier, Zee had implemented an initiative titled #BreakTheCoronaOutbreak where content across 40+ channels was paused for a 30-second break throughout the day, encouraging viewers to wash their hands. In line with the decision undertaken by Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), television channel Zee Anmol has also been available free-of-cost to all viewers across all DTH platforms and cable TV networks for a period of two months.

     

    On the company’s digital side, Zee5 ensured that the internet bandwidth across the country was optimized by replacing High Definition (HD) content to Standard Definition (SD) content. Zee5 also ensured that the viewers remained calm and composed during the lockdown phase with its #BeCalmBeEntertained initiative.

     

     

  • Network’s advertising inventory is being utilised for PSAs

    Sony Pictures pledges Rs 10cr to daily wage-earners

    By A Correspondent

     

    In response to the nationwide lockdown, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has decided to contribute a fund of Rs 10 crore to support the daily wage workers in the Media & Entertainment industry.

     

    The network is reaching out to the daily wage-earners identified by their respective trade associations with free coupons which they and their families can exchange for their daily necessities like food and essential items at select retail stores. SPN is also working with its various commissioned production houses to disburse a month’s salary to each daily wage earner.

     

    Said NP Singh, Managing Director and CEO, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN): “In light of the global pandemic, we are witnessing large communities across the world coming together to tide over the crisis. These unprecedented times have had a cascading impact on the media and entertainment industry, which employs a huge number of daily wage workers. As a conscientious conglomerate, it is our responsibility to direct efforts towards ensuring aid reaches our primary beneficiaries who have contributed to the success of the network.  Besides this initiative, we are also providing coupons to the migrant workers from this daily wage workforce, which they can trade off at certain retail outlets for groceries and essential supplies. We will leverage every opportunity to help our country at large to get through trying times like these.”

     

    Additionally, in sync with some other networks, Sony Pictures has made its channel Sony PAL, available free of charge on all DTH and cable networks to its viewers for a period of two months.

     

     

  • Curates special lineup of popular shows to make April fun

    Comedy Central unveils its #HappyPlace special programming

    By A Correspondent

     

    Comedy Central has curated ‘Quaran-binge’ which will air a marathon lineup of popular shows such as shows Two and Half Men, Mom, Superstore, Mike & Molly and Impractical Jokers, all the way till April 14th.

     

    Commenting on the incredible line up, Hashim D’souza – Head of Programming, English Entertainment, Viacom18 said: “Recording its highest ever rating and claiming a market share of 77 per cent, Viacom18’s English Cluster has positioned itself as the viewers primary destination to curb away boredom this quarantine. The channels continue to be at full throttle airing the most enjoyed shows around the globe for the Indian audience. Continuing this stride, Comedy Central India is gearing up to bring more of such shows that promise high acclaim. With the current situation of quarantine, we wanted to ensure uninterrupted entertainment for our audience with multiple marathons with ‘Quaran-binge’. With a broad array of shows that both inspire and entertain, there is something for everyone to watch.”

     

     

  • It can be viewed on LCN #64

    9X Jalwa now available on Free Dish

    By A Correspondent

     

    Bollywood music channel 9X Jalwa is now also available on DD Free Dish. 9X Jalwa can be viewed on LCN #64.

     

    Said Nitin Sharma, Executive Vice-President, Distribution, 9X Media: “We are pleased that 9X Jalwa will now be widely available across a large number of households through DD Free Dish. The subscribers of DD Free Dish can now enjoy their daily dose of hit Bollywood songs, which are aired on 9X Jalwa. The channel has received good response from the viewers since the very beginning making 9X Jalwa one of the most preferred channels for all time hit Bollywood music.”

     

     

  • Vats will be serving till tomorrow, April 15, 2020.

    From yesterday: Sudhanshu Vats resigns as Group CEO & MD. Rahul Joshi to take charge

    By A Correspondent

     

     

    Sudhanshu Vats
    Rahul Joshi

    Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO and MD of Viacom18, has decided to move on from Viacom18 after eight years at the helm. In his tenure, the network grew from a six-channels to a 54-channel one,, with a strong regional and digital presence. Rahul Joshi, Managing Director of the Network18 group of which Viacom18 is a subsidiary, will take charge. The leadership team will will continue to manage their respective verticals under Joshi’s leadership. Vats will be serving till tomorrow, April 15, 2020.

     

    Speaking on the development, Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman of the Board, Network18 said, “Sudhanshu is a dynamic and admired leader in corporate India today. Not only has he led from the front in shaping up Viacom18’s growth story, he has also championed the cause of the sector at the various industry bodies that he has captained. While we are sad to lose him, it is equally reassuring to know that we have a strong second line that’s raring to go. I’d like to wish Sudhanshu all the very best for his future endeavours.”

     

    Added Vats: Speaking about his journey at Viacom18, Sudhanshu Vats said, “It has been an extremely challenging and satisfying 8 years at the helm of Viacom18. I have had the privilege of working with some of the best minds in M&E industry to chart the growth story of Viacom18. We have together built one of the most admired media company of brilliant storytellers with diversified presence across screens and platforms. As I look forward to taking up newer challenges, I shall always cherish the learnings in leading India’s youngest and fastest-growing media and entertainment company.”

     

    According to sources, Zainubhai wrote a mail to Viacom18 employees in the evening after which the media was informed. “Sudhanshu has built a distinct culture at Viacom18 – one that marries creativity to structure and forments a strong sense of employer brand affinity. This is evinced by the long service records of many of our employees as well as through the growth of our leaders.”

  • The show airs Monday through Friday at 6pm and 10.30pm

    Sony Sab brings back iconic television series ‘Office Office’

    By A Correspondent

     

    Office Office has been one of the most iconic series on Indian television. Sony SAB is now bringing back the comedy show to “give viewers a much-needed dose of happiness amidst these challenging times”. The show airs Monday through Friday at 6pm and 10.30pm.

     

    Said Neeraj Vyas, Business Head, Sony SAB: “We are bringing Office Office back on Indian Television in an attempt to put smile on the faces of our viewers. We proudly call ourselves as ‘Happiness Enablers’ and during these tough times, our intention is to continue to deliver quality content that families across India can enjoy together. Office Office is one of the most beloved shows on Indian television and we are extremely happy to bring it back for our discerning viewers. The show’s highly relatable content and humor will attract both sets of audiences – the ones who cherished and loved the show when it first aired as well as the younger viewers who might be discovering the show for the first time ever.”

     

     

  • The money will be donated for several initiatives currently underway at various states of India

    Sun TV Group donates Rs 10 cr towards Covid-19 Relief Fund

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sun TV Network Ltd and its group companies has donated a sum of Rs 10 crores to Covid-19 relief funds. In an expression of solidarity with the nation’s collective fight against the dreaded virus, the employees of Sun TV and other affiliated Group companies numbering more than 6,000 will also contribute one day’s salary.

     

    Notes a communique: “The said money will be donated for several initiatives currently under way at various states of India including donations to the various programmes initiated by Government of India and state governments; partnering with NGOs that are providing succour to migrant labour displaced from their livelihoods and other initiatives related to Covid-19 relief work; financial assistance to daily wage earners, working either directly or indirectly associated with TV, movie industry and other allied activities.”

     

     

  • The channel has created a strong resonance with UP & UK viewers in the past year

    ABP Ganga completes a year

    By A Correspondent

     

    ABP Ganga, ABP News Networks’ regional Hindi news channel for Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, is celebrating one year of operations. Through local news coverage, viewer-driven content and on-ground initiatives, ABP Ganga has carved a niche for itself in the highly competitive regional news market, notes a communique.

     

    Speaking on the milestone, Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP News Network said: “We are elated to achieve this milestone, having created a strong resonance with the viewers in such a short span of time. Over the past year, ABP Ganga has been fiercely pursuing pertinent issues, both of local and national importance with cutting edge reporting. And as we embark on a fresh chapter, we plan to add more depth in our programming portfolio through special initiatives and wholesome content. We will leave no stone unturned in creating an even more enhanced viewing experience.”

     

     

  • The summer line-up comprises over 100 hours of fresh content introducing kids to new stories

    Disney announces 100 hours of fresh content for summer

    By A Correspondent

     

    Disney Kids Channels in India is bringing in fresh content to entertain kids this summer. The line-up comprises over 100 hours of fresh content introducing kids to new stories in addition to their existing favourites across all the channels, including Disney Channel and Hungama TV.

     

    Said Anuradha Aggarwal, Head – Infotainment, English and Kids, Star India:” “Summer is a fun-time for children and with the lockdown in place, they are especially looking to us to be their constant companion; someone who understands their entertainment needs and is there for them through the day. We have curated special campaigns for Disney Channel and Hungama in line with this thought and notwithstanding the unprecedented situation, bringing them a range of new and differentiated stories and memorable characters.”

     

     

  • The PM’s address on the lockdown extension garnered 4 billion viewing minutes, notes the report

    10 Takeaways from BARC India-Nielsen Media TV/Smartphone consumption given Covid-19

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    Some four weeks back television audience measurement joint industry body BARC India and Nielsen Media unveiled the “Crisis Consumption on TV and Smartphones” series of reports with in a web-based presentation. The fourth edition of the report was presented on Thursday (April 16) and over 950 professsional from across industry were present.

     

    BARC India, as we know, is the official currency on television measurement in India and Nielsen Media runs a 12,000 strong smartphone panel in India passively capturing smartphone behaviour.

     

    Some of the key highlights of TV and Smartphone consumption during the fourth week of the 40-day National Lockdown are as follows: –

    1. COVID-19 is taking the most mind space with ~40% of top 100 Google searches last week being in COVIDand 1 in 8 consumers accessing the AAROGYA SETU app

    2. PM’s addresson Lockdown extension garnered 4 Bn viewing minutes  – the highest of the 4 addresses on COVID-19

    3. TV consumptions grows 38% over pre-COVID periodnow at 2 Trillion minutes

    4. Hindi GEC attains all time High Viewership of 4 Bn since 2015 in HSM Urban this week

    5. Movies show an increase across HSM, while GEC maintains share and continues to lead in South markets

    6. Top 5 content for digital audiencesis a mix of Fiction, History, Mythology and Supernatural

    7. Premium audiences onDigital clock remarkable growth in time spent on News, Chat, Fitness and Streaming

    8. The News franchise on Digital is close to 50% now (+25% over PreCovid period) – Video News consumption shows a huge growth of 75% over the PreCovid period

    9. COVID Lockdown  gives a big fillip to Education Apps, Surge by 30%+

    10. Overall FCT on TV drops by 26% over the PreCovid period- however a 142% increaseseen in FCT for Social Ads – Digital ads also showing a slowdown in last week

     

    Considerations: