MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • Our new identity is a direct representation of our vision of fearless news reporting and our limitless ability to inspire people, spark imaginations, and enlighten minds, said CEO Avinash Pandey

    ABP Network gets Saffron to craft new digital-friendly visual identity

    By A Correspondent

     

    ABP Network has unveiled a new identity for all its news channels – ABP News, ABP Ananda, ABP Majha, ABP Ganga, ABP Asmita, and ABP Sanjha, along with the logo of its digital platform, ABP Live. Madrid, Spain-based Saffron Brand Consultants was commissioned to undertake the change.

     

    Notes a communique: “The intrinsic idea behind the change reflects on the potential of India’s unremitting growth story. On its path to greatness, India stands at a unique cusp of contradictions. While the hopes for a new India are defined by limitless aspirations and ambitions; at the same time, Indians are limited by societal beliefs, views, and values. On one hand, India is Limitless in potential with the world’s largest youth force, Limitless in possibilities as pioneers of frugal innovation, Limitless in capabilities with the most diverse range of cultural skill sets. But on the contrary, it is also Limited by access and opportunity disparity.”

     

    On the announcement, Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network said: “We are extremely excited to be initiating this change. The new logos of ABP Network’s news channels and digital platform better capture the passion and purpose of the network. Our new identity is a direct representation of our vision of fearless news reporting and our limitless ability to inspire people, spark imaginations, and enlighten minds. Our new logos stand as a testimony to our relentless pursuit of truth beyond limits. The new arrow in our refreshed logos breaks free from relatively static framework, to make itself better suited for the fast-evolving media landscape.”

     

    Adds the communique: “The word marks and taglines of the new logos have been developed by Prof Fiona Ross, who has a long-standing relationship with ABP, having designed its first digital Bengali font (Linotype Bengali, now known as ABP Bengali) with Tim Holloway, first published in 1982 in its eponymous newspaper Ananda Bazar Patrika. In this reinvigoration, she has helped the scripts retain their diversity and yet work in harmony across the ABP Network – the entire project aligning with ABP’s continued insistence on maintaining the highest typographic standards for visual communication.”

     

    Added Jacob Benbunan, Co-founder & CEO, Saffron Brand Consultants: “Working with Avinash Pandey and his team has been a truly memorable experience. We wanted to come up with something future fit for ABP Network. We were inspired by their inherent qualities of courage and limitlessness, and aimed to deliver a brand strategy and visual language that could be eloquent of the true vision of ABP.”

     

     

  • The countries: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Cambodia, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan

    Eros Now Select on Apple TV in 11 new countries

    By A Correspondent

     

    OTT platform Eros Now is now available through Eros Now Select for Apple TV channels on the Apple TV app on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, iPod touch, Mac, and other platforms in 11 new countries. After its successful launch in the US, Canada and India, Eros Now Select is now available to customers in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Cambodia, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan.

     

    Ali Hussein

    Said Ali Hussein, CEO, Eros Now: “The rise in OTT consumption worldwide opens up immense opportunities for Eros Now Select – widely known for its extensive Bollywood and Indian originals – to expand reach and ramp up distribution in 11 new territories on the Apple TV app.”

     

     

  • Former BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta too suffers collateral damage of Arnab Goswami-Maha govt feud

    By A Correspondent

     

    Partho Dasgupta

    Republic Media Network Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami may be in the comfortable climes of Noida or wherever he is currently, but his colleagues and friends are facing the heat. Collateral damage is perhaps how it could be best described.

     

    The TRP scam, as it’s called, surfaced in October 2020 when the Mumbai police commissioner virtually announced an attack on Goswami and pulled his channel’s name and reputation.

     

    Since then 14 people have been arrested, and on Christmas Eve an arrest warrant was produced for former BARC India CEO and management consultant Partho Dasgupta. Dasgupta, who is said to have been in Goa on a holiday to celebrate the Christmas-New Year break, was reportedly held on the outskirts of Pune. Last week, former BARC COO Romil Ramgarhia was also arrested but was released on Thursday.

     

    Details of what were the reasons cited for the arrest are still awaited, but what we do know is that he will be produced before a Mumbai court on Friday (Dec 25).

     

    Dasgupta, an MBA from IIM Calcutta and an engineer from Jadavpur University, has worked with several leading organisations including The Times of India group, Crisil, Future Group and BARC India where he was the measurement body’s first CEO. He spent six-and-a-half years at BARC India and exited BARC India in November 2019. He is currently President of the Advertising Club. Veteran mediaperson Sunil Lulla is currently at the helm at BARC India.

  • Plus excerpts from a convo via WhatsApp with Chrome DM CEO Pankaj Krishna

    We’re No 1 by OTS, says Republic, quoting Chrome data

    By A Correspondent

     

    Given the recent controversies around ratings etc, the Republic Media Network finds itself with competition out to get at it. Especially on the all-important issue of ratings.

     

    Republic’s contention is that being free-to-air, its reach is phenomenal. And in order to drive that point home, it supplied us with Chrome DM data of over the last four years.

     

    MxMIndia has over recent years not reported on any Chrome DM findings, but given that Republic had a fair point in giving us the data on OTS (Opportunity To See), we examined it.

     

    This is what we got as part of a communique from Republic TV.

    Year Republic Times Now Difference
    Avg. of 2017 61% 65% -4%
    Avg. of 2018 66% 63% 3%
    Avg. of 2019 91% 53% 38%
    Avg. of 2020 86% 60% 26%

    Source: Chrome Live, Mkt- All India Urban, 2017-2020

     

    The Republic TV release added: “As seen the Republic TV OTS in Urban homes has been higher than Times Now since 2019 making it the largest available English brand in Urban Homes in India. Republic TV OTS has been higher than Times NOW since 2018. The distribution and availability of the channel has been extremely high in comparison to any other channel in the genre.  The gap has widened into “Reach” in 2019 and 2020 as the TRAI implemented the New Tariff Order making sure Republic TV’s free to air offering in English increased its footprint across homes through India.  It is very much evident from the chart that the share of news genre got expanded from 2017, post the entry of Republic TV.”

     

    Pankaj Krishna
    Pankaj Krishna

    Said Pankaj Krishna, Founder and CEO, Chrome DM in the communique: “After a point and irrespective of genre, the key differentiator amongst players within the genre boils down to the availability of content. Considering the fact that distribution is still contingent on a 1000+ variables (DPOs/ CNOs) and is one of the biggest cost centres for running a linear TV channel – unless of course it is a hugely appointment led genre, for instance for Hindi GEC. Most of the genres – be it News (Hindi/  English/ Regional), Music, Infotainment, the time spent per viewer limits to less than ten minutes a week and is mostly driven by channel surfing or flirting, if I may call it. A differentiator of 15-20% on distribution between any 2-3 players within a genre would probably be the factor deciding the lead in the consumption / viewership / ratings within the genre. LCN (logical channel number), Placement (where your channel falls), Neighbourhood (the channel that precedes you), the packages that you are on (whether your channel reaches 100% audiences and the penetrations of the packages that your channel is a part of) – all of these factors determine the OTS (Opportunity to See) or the availability of a channel which is the primary key factor in determining the dominance of one over the other.”

    Vikas Khanchandani

    Added Vikas Khanchandani – Group CEO Republic Media Network: “Republic Network has focused and delivered the largest reach platforms in its respective genres. The above data sourced from Chrome DM (also readily available across the industry) is yet another data point that reflects on the growth and leadership that our brand enjoys. There are multiple data points like the engagement of Republic TV on social media which is also highest within its genre reflecting the stickiness of our brand and reflective of high TSV that the brand enjoys. We have similar data points for our humongous consumption on OTT as our brand has very wide availability on connected devices and I am more than confident that we will continue to bring the largest English and Hindi news platforms for consumers and advertisers”.

     

    We chatted with Pankaj Krishna via WhatApp and asked him to validate the data. Our conversation:

    Us: Since I don’t track Chrome data on a regular basis, I would like to know if this data is good to be carried and inferred that Republic TV (English) has better OTS than Times Now. Or has it been sliced in a way that Republic OTS is seen to be better than Times Now when actually the converse is true?

    His answer: The data is fine. Also since Republic is Free to Air…

    Our revert: Thanks. Is there any data like this that could also place Times Now or any other channel ahead?

    Him: Negative – this is Universe data.

    Us, trying our luck: Given that broadcasters are known to slice data so that what is put across is favourable to them?

    Him: Correct. This can’t be discrete to cherrypicked data points

    Last one: Frankly, I don’t want to be seen having a bias in favour of any channel? 🙂

    Him: Same here…. I don’t have any inclination to any channel or newsroom or point of view- but beyond a point with proliferation of content, it does become a commodity – where availability plays a bigger role…

  • He will be responsible for the entire gamut of marketing including brand planning, marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships and corporate communications

    India TV appoints Nikhil Mathur as Head of Marketing

    By Our Staff

     

    Leading news channel India TV has announced the appointment of Nikhil Mathur as Head of Marketing. He will be responsible for the entire gamut of marketing including brand planning, marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships and corporate communications.

     

    Mathur brings with him 17 years of experience. His last assignment was with TV9 Network as AVP Marketing and Events. Prior to TV9, he has worked with Zee Media Corp, PTC Punjabi Network and Focus News Network.

     

    Said India TV Managing Director Ritu Dhawan: “I am glad to have Nikhil on board and I am sure he will add more power to the existing powerful team and set new benchmarks in the Hindi News genre”.

     

    Added Mathur: “I am looking forward to being part of the India TV family as it sets new benchmarks each year”.

     

    Added Ritika Talwar, Head – HR, India TV: “We welcome Nikhil into the India TV family. Look forward to a long and fruitful partnership helping the company grow from strength to strength. Nikhil is a perfect match with our team, working towards enhancing India TV’s standing as one of the most trusted brands in the media industry.”

     

     

  • This is a brainchild of theDish-a-thon 2020 runner-up team

    Dish TV India app gets ‘Scan to help’ feature

    By Our Staff

     

    Leading DTH company Dish TV India has launched a new ‘Scan to Help’ feature for its DishTV subscribers. Executed and conceptualised by the first runner-up team of Dish-a-thon 2020.

     

    With this feature, the company aims to empower all existing and new subscribers for self-help in case of any technical errors on the set-top box.

     

    Said Anil Dua, Executive Director & Group CEO, Dish TV India Limited: “Dish TV India has been continuously investing in cutting edge technology to provide unparalleled service and TV viewing experience to its customers. In this digital era, technology-led solutions and offerings are paramount to achieving customer satisfaction and this new AI-enabled tech feature is a step in the same direction. What makes this feature extremely special is the fact that this idea was proposed by one of the top 3 winning teams of Dish-a-thon 2020. This was an in-house team, Team DishTV and they have taken the idea forward to its solutioning and complete execution. New features like ‘Scan to help’ are set to redefine and shape up the future of the M&E/Broadcasting industry.”

     

     

  • Unveils enhanced brand promise and a new look

    TV9 Marathi refreshes

    By Our Staff

     

    TV9 Marathi, the Marathi news channel from TV9 Network, has unveiled a new look and brand positioning – “Kaalji Tumchi Hith Maharashtrache” (Viewer’s Concern and In the interest of Maharashtra).

     

    The channel is celebrating its 12th anniversary in January 2021 and has evolved from a Mumbai-centric offering to pan-Maharashtra channel.

     

    Said Barun Das, CEO, TV9 Network: “Every business needs to repivot to align itself with the evolving consumer interest. TV9 Marathi, having emerged as the viewers’ choice in the state in the last 12 years, is all set to restage for the Marathi audience. The new brand promise is firmly rooted in the regional pride of Maharashtra and makes a compelling pitch for further progress of the state.”

     

    Added Umesh Kumavat, Editor-TV9 (Marathi): “We try to deliver every news which concerns Maharashtra & its viewers. We will cover every important aspect of news which includes both urban as well rural sector at breath taking speed without compromising its authenticity”.

     

    Said Bhushan Khot, Business Head- TV9 (Marathi): “The new brand positioning is very well aligned with the core philosophy of TV9 Network as a group. Being a part of India’s No.1 News Network, we have a responsibility of delivering news which is not only credible but also concerns with the people of Maharashtra. Be it political, social or day to day happenings, news which provides value to the viewers are at the core of our brand promise. The Brand Campaign, focuses on the new positioning & the programming, will have 360-degree marketing plan which includes TV, Digital, Outdoor, Print & Radio”.

     

  • All 29 matches of the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament will be broadcast on Sony Six (English) & Sony Ten 3 (Hindi) channels and live streamed on SonyLiv

    Sony Sport to be official broadcaster Abu Dhabi T10

    By Our Staff

     

    Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) has returned as the official broadcast partner for the second edition of Abu Dhabi T10. The tournament is slated to take place at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium from January 28 to February 6, 2021.

     

    All 29 Abu Dhabi T10 matches will be telecast live on Sony Six in English and 27 matches on Sony Ten 3 in Hindi and will be livestreamed on its on-demand OTT platform SonyLIV which will allow viewers to watch the tournament on their mobile phones, bumping potential viewership numbers for the event.

     

    This year’s Abu Dhabi T10 will feature eight teams: Maratha Arabians, Bangla Tigers, Delhi Bulls, Northern Warriors, Deccan Gladiators, Qalandars, Team Abu Dhabi and Pune Devils that will face each other in 29 action-packed matches across 10 days.

     

    In addition to its massive subscriber base, Sony Pictures Networks India brings broadcast expertise and strong credentials to its part of the deal. The network is the premier destination for cricket in India, with rights to four international cricket boards – England and Wales Cricket Board, Cricket Australia, Sri Lanka Cricket and Cricket Ireland. The broadcaster is also the official broadcaster of the ongoing India tour of Australia and the Big Bash League.

     

    Said Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India: “Cricket has always been India’s passion and we are excited to partner with this innovative, fast paced format in the Abu Dhabi T10 once again. Abu Dhabi T10 has grown from strength to strength & cricket lovers can look forward to some of the biggest names in the game producing power-packed performances this season.”

     

     

  • Utpal Das will be moving on from the organisation effective March 31, 2021

    @Viacom18: Kunal Gaur to replace Utpal Das as Chief Commercial Officer

    By Our Staff

     

    Viacom18 has  announced the appointment of Kunal Gaur as Chief Commercial Officer. Kunal will be taking over from Utpal Das who ends his stint at Viacom18 on March 31, 2021.

    Through the past 7. 5 years, Das  led the Commercial, Facilities & Corporate Services functions at Viacom18. He was instrumental in not only shaping and leading these functions but also towards building Viacom18 into one of India’s top media networks through his role as a key member of the company’s leadership team.

    Kunal Gaur, a Chartered Accountant by qualification, has over 19 years of experience across organisations like Star India, Netflix & PWC. Prior to joining Viacom18, Gaur was a part of the Netflix India’s leadership team in the capacity of Director, Production Finance where he was instrumental in crafting budgeting strategies and leading production finance for all original series, film, non-fiction and documentaries.

     

    Gaur will be reporting into Rahul Joshi, MD, Network18.

  • The television industry should take part of the blame for the soup it finds itself in, writes Shailesh Kapoor

    Ratings Row: It may Finally be the Time for ‘Less is More’

     

    By Shailesh Kapoor

     

    Early in the new year, there’s a potential storm building up in the television business. Mumbai police has filed its chargesheet in what is now being called the ‘TRP Scam’. This is no ordinary case. It can have far-reaching implications for the television business in 2021, 2022 and even beyond.

     

    Ratings, as we all know, is the primary currency on which ad inventory trading is done in the television industry. Any question mark on the credibility of the ratings system puts a question mark on the currency. It doesn’t matter how many people are involved in the case, or data for how many channels was allegedly manipulated. What matters is that allegations of data distortion are in the public domain.

     

    The Central Government has been largely silent about these developments, perhaps because the case is under the purview of a government from the Opposition. But in parallel, the Central Government has been issuing advisories related to measurement transparency, sample size robustness, etc. This twain shall meet. It’s inevitable. And when that happens, we may be in for some dramatic developments. Dare I say, a larger ratings blackout is not ruled out. If that happens, it may be a treacherous road ahead for the television business, especially given the healthy growth digital advertising is witnessing currently.

     

    The television industry should take part of the blame for the soup it finds itself in. The obsession with ratings has been a constant feature of the sector over the last 25 years. While mass channels like entertainment and movies looking at ratings keenly is understandable, the obsession with ratings for niche genres, where the weekly time-spent by an average viewer (TSV) is in single-digit minutes, is amusing to say the least. At times, weekly changes that translate into 2-3 Peoplemeter homes are analysed in so much detail that you wonder if everyone actually understands the math behind it all in the first place.

     

    Then there is the obsession about slicing the data to segments and sub-segments, e.g., 15-21 yrs. NCCS A in Mumbai. This is where the ratings agencies, current and those in the past, have faulted. By allowing liberal data cuts in the software, they have encouraged a culture of slicing and over-analysis. BARC India has been better on this front compared to its predecessor, limiting the geographical cuts within a state only for the bigger states. But it’s not enough.

     

    Irrespective of how the ‘scam’ unfolds, some structural changes may be in order. All these years, the Indian TV ratings system has been constructed on the ‘more the better’ (and ‘faster the better’) premise. There was even a time when a lot of channels were keen on daily ratings. And who has forgotten the torture of pre-sunrise ratings updates till a decade ago?

     

    From ‘more the better’, we need to shift the mindset to ‘less is more’. By less, one obviously doesn’t mean lesser sample size. One means lesser TG cuts, lesser parameters perhaps, lesser frequency of reporting for some genres, etc.

     

    This shift requires a fundamental change of perspective. It will be unsettling for those who have built their entire careers on the ‘more the better’ premise. But in the long run, ‘less is more’ is the only sustainable solution for the industry. Let’s hope there are enough minds in the industry who are willing to endorse this idea.

  • This is the sixth language news channel from the network

    TV9 Bangla launch revs up WB news market

    By Our Staff

     

    TV9 Network launched TV9 Bangla, a 24×7 news channel beaming out of Kolkata, as promised a few months back. This is the sixth in the language news channels from the network.

    Commenting on the channel launch  TV9 Network CEO Barun Das said: “Inspired by its glorious past and distinct regional pride, West Bengal is finally getting ready to resurrect and revive. And TV9 Bangla is here to chronicle this new development narrative with neutrality and world class presentation. TV9 Network enjoys undisputed regional dominance in language differentiated markets and with Bangla we will extend our lead. We will be a game changer in this robust market.”

    Explaining the rationale behind the channel going with the “Prothom Thekei Prothomey’ pitch (meaning “a leader from birth”), Das said: “The word prothom signifies three broad elements – first it’s an allusion to our beloved state West Bengal. It’s an aspiration to see Bengal at the top of the charts again. Second, TV9 Network will further reinforce its position as the No. 1 news network with TV9 Bangla adding to its already substantial lead over competing networks. And third, we are vying for a lateral entry at No. 1 position in the West Bengal market.”

    On the timing of the launch, Das said: “The state is already into election mode. Given that Bengal’s propensity for free flow of information, news viewership is bound to peak. We believe this is a perfect opportunity for TV9 Bangla to establish its credentials and win the maximum share of voice.”

    Added TV9 Bangla Chief Revenue Officer Amit Tripathi: “We are proud to add another feather to our cap with TV9 Bangla. Thanks to our customer first approach and remarkable deliveries, we enjoy unstinted confidence of our advertisers which was further strengthened by the unprecedented success of TV9 Bharatvarsh. With the launch of TV9 Bangla, we look forward to providing our partners the best media solutions cutting across geographies and priority markets. We are delighted that our esteemed advertisers from all over the country have already given a thumbs up to our Bangla by committing their support for the channel from day one.”

    Said Gautam Sarkar, Business Head, TV9 Bangla: “We are super excited to launch TV9 Bangla from India’s No. 1 news network in Bengal. We have a very experienced, efficient and energetic team that is capable to bring forth this new chapter in the regional news broadcasting industry. Being unparalleled, indomitable and fearless, we promise to leave a lasting impression and be a trendsetter in the electronic and digital platforms. I am very confident that we will hit every TV screens of Bengal to be the No. 1 soon.”

    From the editorial perspective, Amritanshu Bhattacharya, Deputy Managing Editor and Editor-Digital, TV9 Bangla, said: “As we have embarked on this new journey, we shall create a milestone in the regional electronic media fraternity. We are proud to enter into ‘the land of Bengal tigers’ and roar loudest with the latest updates from every nook and corners of Bengal. Our team intends to bring the latest minute-to-minute news updates with correct facts and figures that shall thrive and make a top of the mind recall for the viewers both in the TV as well as digital.”

  • The ABP Network-owned channel has, as per a communique, a reach of 35 mn viewers in the Gujarat market. (Source BARC, TG- 2+, Mkt- Gujarat/DD/DN, Jan-Sep’20, Cume Reach.)

    ABP Asmita celebrates 5th anniv

    By Our Staff

     

    Gujarati news channel ABP Asmita celebrated its five anniversary last week. The ABP Network-owned channel has, as per a communique, a reach of 35 mn viewers in the Gujarat market. (Source BARC, TG- 2+, Mkt- Gujarat/DD/DN, Jan-Sep’20, Cume Reach.)

     

    Speaking on this milestone, Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network said: “It is moment of pride for us, as we mark the 5-year milestone in the growth story of ABP Asmita. Over the years, against all odds, we have provided our viewers with innovative content and memorable shows. For us, our viewers remain at the core of every milestone we achieve. They have supported us and trusted us with every piece of content. And as we embark on a fresh chapter, we plan to add more depth in our programming portfolio through various thoughtful and people-driven initiatives. We hope our viewers will continue to repose their faith in us.”