MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • The show is being aired on Aaj Tak from July 2022

    Sudhir Chaudhary ‘Black & White’ stars for Aaj Tak

    By Our Staff

     

    Sudhir Chaudhary’s DNA show was the #1 news show on Zee News. And so when he moved to Aaj Tak a few months back in July 2022, it was was a no-brainer that ‘Black & White’, his nighltly show on Aaj Tak, will top the ratings roster. As it did in Week 46. Black & White clocked 737 TVTs recently and has topped views on YouTube live since July.

     

    Notes a communique: “Aaj Tak recently launched ‘Mera Swabhimaan’ campaign that helped in restoring the pride of the blue collar workers. The campaign was launched on October 3 during the Sudhir Chaudhary’s ‘Black & White’ show. The campaign was a huge hit and a lot of people participated in it by making a video of themselves talking about their struggles. Sudhir Chaudhary’s latest video travelling with a cab driver crossed 1 million views in just a few days proving that he has a huge fan following among the audience.”

     

  • The inference that NDTV invented newsrooms insulting if it were not so amusing, writes Ranjona Banerji

    Ranjona Banerji: E-NDTV?!

    By Ranjona Banerji

     

    Ranjona BanerjiThe resignations of the Roys from NDTV followed by that of Ravish Kumar, the Hindi channel’s prime and very popular anchor, dominated social media for two days.

    Many viewers were terribly upset and mourned the death of journalism in India forever. Others, including some TV journalists and personalities, wrote obituaries and tributes of NDTV, journalism, newsrooms and so on.

    The pain is understandable. NDTV is the first of the TV “news” channels which expanded to dominate much of India’s news space. I use the present tense deliberately. NDTV has not shut down. It has been taken over by the Adani Group and its founders and one editor – so far – have quit.

    As for the end of journalism in India?

    Well, that’s another story.

    How about asking this question: how much journalism exists in television “news”? In the early days of private television, there were several excursions into various aspects of journalism. But even then, not enough deep investigations, and somewhat suspect ground reporting. And then all too soon, TV reporters, anchors got caught up in the breathless excitement of being on-air.

    TV and this includes NDTV, also reiterated its own cliches and set patterns. For instance, every monsoon in Mumbai, one or more anchors would stand in the rain at a below-road-level subway to describe how much water had collected. But if you have to do a Mumbai monsoon story, you need to go a little, well, deeper, than that. Standing in a low-lying area is just laziness, and going for visual effect over substance.

    But what NDTV and everyone that followed did do was create generations of news-watchers. The CNN 24-hour pattern that they all followed showed up the problems fast enough – news does not follow a pattern of constant news breaks. To capture and retain viewer interest, the debates followed.

    And thus within a decade, TV wrote its own decline as far as journalism goes.

    Why am I being so unfair, do you ask?

    Or am I?

    Regular readers will know that I often state that journalists are scum. Our business is to dig into areas which are uncomfortable and this makes our business intrusive. It’s just that a print cycle means that this intrusion happens once a day. TV news made that intrusion 24 hours. And amplified all the problems with the medium.

    I dismiss the nostalgic reminiscenses of former staffers as being irrelevant to what I am writing here because newsrooms are not unique to NDTV and existed long before TV hit India. I would find the inference that NDTV invented newsrooms insulting if it were not so amusing.

    The huge love showed for NDTV as it was however is heartening for the media as a whole. NDTV still exists. What form it will take under Adani and without the Roys is unknown but most viewers evidently believe that it will collapse. Apart from Ravish Kumar, there have been no big exits as I write this. Many earlier fans of NDTV complain that the channel had already succumbed to government pressure before the Adani buyout – maybe not as much as its competitors but certainly more than before.

    Kumar has a huge burden to bear. To many, he is the one TV journalist who still exists, the lone flag-bearer of that profession. It may be annoying to some of us who work in other mediums that he is being called the “only journalist” but we should not begrudge his fans their immense pain.

    The link below is Kumar’s message to his fans and followers. He is scathing of the media as it exists, as he has been for some years now. The rare TV journalist with courage and convictions.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9K9vpGTofo&t=1001s

    For non-media readers however, I would urge you to think beyond TV as a news source. There are a few journalists out there – real journalists – doing actual work.

    Just not on TV.

     

    Ranjona Banerji is a senior journalist and commentator. She writes on MxMIndia on Tuesdays and Fridays. Her views here are personal.

     

  • Absence of innovation can lead to television growing at a mere inflationary rate over time, writes Shailesh Kapoor

    Survival to Growth: The Long Road for Indian Television

     

     

    By Shailesh Kapoor

     

    Shailesh KapoorAssembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh concluded this week, with results being announced this Thursday. News channels always comes into the focus during elections. The build-up to elections is often more than a month, and the results day is what all channels gear up for. It’s their final equivalent in the World Cup on news ratings.

     

    While the results yesterday, especially in Gujarat, were on predictable lines, I scanned through the coverage looking for signs of freshness and innovation in how news channels have approached the results day this time. After all, they will get only a couple of more shots at it before the big one in the summer of 2024.

     

    I’m disappointed, and entirely unsurprised, to report that there is nothing remarkable to mention about the coverage. The graphics, the discussion format, the ‘massification’ (“Can you show us your best dance move?”, asked one anchor of a BJP worker celebrating outside the party office) … everything evoked déjà vu.

     

    The more I thought of this yesterday, I’m fast realizing that the inability, often coupled with the lack of intent, to innovate has now become a defining characteristic of the television industry in India. Be it GECs, movie channels or news channels, the malaise runs across. There is, from what I’m aware, good innovation on the distribution and advertising sales fronts, which are the B2B arms of the Indian television business. Perhaps the former has been necessitated by TRAI’s incessant interventions, and the latter is an outcome of ad sales being the strategic cornerstone of the television industry in India.

     

    But on the content, branding and marketing front, looking for innovations that can be built as case studies is like the proverbial search for a needle in a haystack. A few language channels in some of the states are doing some interesting stuff. But, by and large, at a national level, there’s really nothing to mention.

     

    Can a medium survive without innovation? Perhaps yes. The story of Indian television today is defined by the context in which the medium operates (wide reach and family viewing), not by what the medium dishes out. Till this context is relevant, which will be the case for at least another decade, the television medium shall continue to be safe, from the growth of digital media, for example.

     

    But surviving is not the same as growing and thriving. Absence of innovation can lead to television growing at a mere inflationary rate over time. The perception a stagnant category creates can be damaging. We saw how IPL’s TV and digital rights went for almost the same amount this year. Brands often seek psychographic target groups who are opinion leaders and influencers, in their respective social spheres. And the more they speak to this TG, the more digital-oriented their marketing will continue to become, given this TG’s disposition to new ideas and innovation.

     

    Much as death of television is a dubious narrative, the medium needs to cover the distance from survival to growth. And signs are that there is not enough gas in the tank.

     

  • In the special episode 'Legends of Aap Ki Adalat', Sharma will share anecdotes from his hugely popular show over the years. 

    Rajat Sharma set to reveal unheard-of stories from Aap Ki Adalat

    By Our Staff

    Rajat Sharma
    Rajat Sharma

    India TV Editor-in-Chief and Chairman Rajat Sharma will be back with new episodes of Aap Ki Adalat in the new year. Sharma, notes a communique, will reveal never-heard-before, behind-the-scene stories that happened during the three decades-long journey of  Aap Ki Adalat. In the special episode ‘Legends of Aap Ki Adalat’, Sharma will share anecdotes from his hugely popular show over the years.

    Beside, political dignitaries the show also has been seeing many celebs from across genres like entertainment and sport.

  • Here's Shailesh Kapoor's wishlist for related to the Indian M&E industry that I’m hoping to see, some of them only wishfully so, in the new year

    From RRR to TRAI… Five Wishes From 2023

     

     

    By Shailesh Kapoor

     

    Shailesh KapoorIt’s a new year, and that’s a legit reason to be excited about what one can expect in the year ahead. Here are five things, in no particular order, related to the Indian M&E industry that I’m hoping to see, some of them only wishfully so, in the new year.

     

    1. RRR at the Oscars

    An Indian film being nominated in the main Best Picture category at the Academy Awards is an exciting thought. It’s never happened before, and there’s more than a decent chance that RRR may be the first. The film also hopes to be nominated in some other categories, especially Best Original Song (Naatu Naatu). I’m eagerly looking forward to January 24, when the nominations will be announced.

     

    2. Box-office revival of Hindi cinema

    2022 has been a tumultuous year for Hindi cinema at the box-office, with collections dropping by almost 30% compared to the pre-pandemic year 2019. Other major Indian languages, especially the South ones, have grown or stayed stable, and the overall India box-office has done quite well in 2022, which is only the second year after 2019 to have grossed more than ₹10,000 crore across languages put together. If Hindi cinema is back on its feet in 2023, starting with Pathaan in January, it is almost certain that 2023 will be the biggest-ever year for the Indian box-office.

     

    3. Better non-scripted content

    After all the exciting developments in the decade of 2000-2009, which saw the import of several international formats and creation of a few homegrown ones, non-scripted content on Indian television, and now streaming, has lost its innovative streak. Even the true crime genre, that saw Crime Patrol, and later Savdhaan India, create a category of their own, is languishing. Shark Tank India (Sony) and Indian Predator (Netflix) have come as beacons of hope. But they stand out more as aberrations, because the streamers are obsessed with fiction, and television is happy launching new seasons of their long-running international formats. It won’t be an over-statement to say that along with comedy, non-scripted content is currently the most under-served category in mainstream entertainment in India. Hope 2023 changes that, at least to some extent.

     

    4. Reboot of Indian television news

    I’m now entering wishful territory, by hoping that 2023 can see rejuvenation of Indian TV news. It’s not a realistic wish given the timing of the recent change-of-ownership at NDTV. Indian television news has slowly but surely acquired a spoof-ish imagery, and even though mass audiences continue to watch it, that’s more a testimony to the reach of television in India, than the quality of the content our news channels are dishing out. One would have used the phrase ‘trash television’ for it, but Indian TV news content is often purposefully idiotic or divisive. The good old days of UFOs lifting cows up from the fields suddenly seem quite acceptable, when you compare it to the communal ideas being spread through the news on primetime every night. While digital news platforms attempt to make a difference, they currently don’t have the reach and the budgets to make the larger national impact.

     

    5. TRAI exits the television business

    This is that joke wish, the kind that a media website can run as a Fool’s Day headline. It’s not going to happen (at least not in 2023), but nothing will make me, and the entire television industry, happier than seeing TRAI’s incessant meddling, which has damaged the business in more ways than one can imagine, stop in 2023.

     

  • The anthem is written by Gulzar and sung by Armaan Malik

    Nickelodeon rolls out new anthem and campaign

    By Our Staff

     

    Nickelodeon rolls out brand-new anthem and campaign ‘#DoTheNickNick’ to usher in 2023. The campaign features India’s favourite Nicktoons, celebrates kids, and encourages them to look forward to 2023 with a positive and exciting outlook. The anthem is written by Gulzar and sung by Armaan Malik.

     

    Speaking on what the franchise has in store for the year, Viacom18 Hindi Mass Entertainment & Kids TV Network Head, Nina Elavia Jaipuria said: “2022 was a year of milestones. We entertained, engaged, and empathized with our young audiences through the highs and lows in new and innovative ways. As we begin the new year, we once again reiterate our promise to our viewers of bringing the best stories and characters. Our new anthem champions exactly what Nickelodeon stands for = ‘Nick for Kids and Kids for Nick.’ We are excited on presenting a power-packed year, further reinforcing our bond with kids.”

     

  • To launch 'Nutrition Campaign' in Bhiwandi, Thane

    Zee TV partners with Sneha Foundation

    By Our Staff

     

    Zee TV has partnered with the Society for Nutrition, Education & Health Action (SNEHA) to launch the ‘Nutrition Campaign in Bhiwandi, Thane.  The campaign is supported by TV actress Aishwarya Khare popularly known by lead role ‘Bhagya Lakshmi’.

     

    This initiative aims to create awareness about the importance of nutrition and with an aim to improve the nutritional status of women and children in Bhiwandi.

     

    Aishwarya Khare said, “I am extremely happy and proud that I got this opportunity from Zee TV and SNEHA to be a part of this noble initiative. I have always wanted to be a part of a cause that helps children and women, and I am glad it has all come together so beautifully via this endeavour. I believe that nutrition is very important in everyone’s life; unless and until you are fit from the inside, you will not be able to live a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy is one of the most important things one should follow.  Zee TV has always been getting me to be a part of such campaigns which enable me to help others, much in sync with my character Lakshmi’s mantra in life of doing good deeds that bring a smile to peoples’ faces and I can never thank the channel enough for that.”

     

  • Kalli Purie, Vice Chairperson, India Today Group, met Gautam Anand, Managing Director of APAC – YouTube, in Singapore to commemorate the special achievement

    AajTak crosss 50 mn subscribers on YouTube

    By Our Staff

     

    AajTak has becomes the first news YouTube channel in the world to cross 50 million subscribers, notes a communique, adding: “This record milestone comes just three years after crossing 10 million subscribers in 2019.”

     

    Kalli Purie, Vice Chairperson, India Today Group, met Gautam Anand, Managing Director of APAC – YouTube, in Singapore to commemorate the special achievement.

     

    “Thank you so much, YouTube! This is just amazing. The team is already planning its way to 100 million so YouTube had better start designing the next button,” Purie, adding: “Trust has always been the foundation for audience engagement at AajTak. It’s no different with our YouTube channel, but on a much wider scale with hundreds of videos getting uploaded every day. We place equal emphasis on having new audiences discover our channel while ensuring loyal viewers revisit, and invest in figuring out what works on YouTube – whether this is a nuanced understanding of thumbnails or producing hero content frequently.”

     

    “Constant experimentation with new formats like Shorts and investment into our Community page has really paid off, and consistently breaking stories has helped create a very loyal fanbase,” explained Purie. “Events like the Presidential Elections of 2022, Solar Eclipse and the Cricket World Cup just kept encouraging us to do better and better.”

     

  • To expand ET Now’s business news offerings to digital viewers

    ET Now launches ETNowNews.com

    By Our Staff

     

    Leading English business News has announced the launch of its digital business news platform, ETNowNews.com.

     

    Rohit-Chadda
    Rohit Chadda

    Said Rohit Chadda, President & COO – Digital Business, Times Network said, “Serving holistic business news to the nation at large, we are delighted to expand ET Now’s unparalleled business news offerings to digital viewers. Powerful content enhanced by visual storytelling and simplified information to deliver easy-to-consume stories on business, stock market and economy, the website has been carefully designed and curated to appeal to the content preferences of all cohorts of users consuming business news online. With powerful and impactful multimedia content and a strong editorial team, I am confident ETNowNews.com will further fuel our mission in driving financial empowerment and will act as an enabler of financial freedom for every discerning Indian.”

     

    Added Nikunj Dalmia, Managing Editor, ET Now and ET Now Swadesh said, “ET Now has been committed to India’s growth story for over a decade and we are now thrilled to launch our digital arm, ETNowNews.com, a multimedia business news platform that truly integrates ET Now’s Live stream, exclusive content, special shows, videos, and compelling analysis. Pioneering a revolution of financial empowerment and progress for millions of Indians, ET Now has delivered breakthrough stories that have redefined the Indian economic landscape. I am confident that ETNowNews.com will resonate with the audience, fulfilling their dreams and aspirations to Rise with India.”

     

  • To make Union Budget accessible and understandable

    India TV to Host ‘Samvad Budget Conclave 2023’

    By Our Staff

     

    India TV is organizing a daylong “Samvad Budget Conclave 2023” on February 3 in New Delhi. Top ministers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Government and senior leaders from the opposition parties will attend the conclave to put forth their views on the Union Budget 2023.

     

    Top-of-the-line political leaders, including Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, and a team of experts and analysts will provide insights and analysis on the Union Budget. Economists, along with income tax and capital market experts, will analyse the budget threadbare, and contextualize it in comparison with previous budgets, while explaining the broader economic and political parameters that influenced the decisions of the government while preparing the Budget.

     

    The focus of ‘Samvad Budget Conclave 2023’ will be on the most critical aspects of the Union Budget that directly impact the daily life of the common man, the middle class, women, youths and farmers. The experts will also explain the nitty-gritty behind changes in income tax slabs, reductions in customs duties, public service spending, and key sector allocations. The conclave will provide a platform for financial experts and political analysts to discuss the budget and provide varied perspectives, through informed debate and discussion.

     

    Said Ritu Dhawan, Managing Director- India TV: “Our goal is to make the contours of the Union Budget accessible and understandable to the audience, enabling them to make informed decisions and hold the government accountable for its financial decisions.  An informed and engaged citizenry is crucial in a civil society, and this will surely promote transparency and good governance.”

     

  • To make Union Budget accessible and understandable

    India TV hosts ‘Samvad Budget Conclave 2023’

    By Our Staff

     

    India TV organised a day-long “Samvad Budget Conclave 2023” on February 3 in New Delhi. Top ministers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and senior leaders from the Opposition parties attended the conclave to put forth their views on the Union Budget 2023.

     

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and a team of experts and analysts provided insights and analysis on the Union Budget. Economists, along with income tax and capital market experts, were in session.

     

    Said Ritu Dhawan, Managing Director- India TV: “Our goal was to make the contours of the Union Budget accessible and understandable to the audience, enabling them to make informed decisions and hold the government accountable for its financial decisions.  An informed and engaged citizenry is crucial in a civil society, and this will surely promote transparency and good governance.”

     

  • With FM Nirmala Sitharaman and industry experts

    India Today-Business Today Budget Roundtable

    By Our Staff

     

    India Today- Business Today is hosting a Budget roundtable today.

     

    It will feature Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with other senior Union Ministers like Nitin Gadkari Minister of Road Transport and highways, Piyush Goyal Minster of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronics and Information Technology. They will present their views on the discussion The Effective Model for Growth in Times of Global Recession.

     

    BT Editors Sourav Majumdar, Siddharth Zarabi, Udayan Mukherjee, Aabha Bakaya and News Director of India Today and Aaj Tak and the Executive Director of Business Today, Rahul Kanwal will conduct the sessions.