MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • Will the India-Pakistan cricket series live up to expectations? Or will advertisers and punters be disappointed? MxMIndia asks industrywallahs

    Indo-Pak series: Another historic thrash-a-thon?

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    Tensions of other sorts are usually forgotten when India and Pakistan meet on the cricket pitch. This time it is a battle of one-upmanship as the two countries are clashing after a gap of five years.

     

    While the Indo-Pak series of three ODIs and two T20s is a short tour, it is creating enough ripples among cricket-crazy fans. What makes it more enthralling is the fact that India had beaten Pakistan in both formats of the game the last time they landed here during the 2007-08 tour. Of the three Tests that the two played against each other, India won the series 1-0, having drawn the remaining two. As for the ODIs, it was a 3-2 victory in favour of India that did the country proud.

     

    While it was Saurav Ganguly who was at his superlative best in the Test series that enabled India to take the lead, it was the young Yuvraj Singh who shone with the bat in the ODI format, making him earn the prestigious man-of-the-series award.

     

    Going by speculation doing the rounds, for broadcaster ESPN-Star the tournament was a success even before it took off. According to some reports, the channel has managed to sell out maximum inventory at two to three times (totalling more than Rs 1.5 billion) the rate compared to the just concluded India-England series. This augurs well for the network given that it has to pay Rs 322.5 million per match for the five match series.

     

    Sanjay Kailash

    To a query from MxMIndia, Sanjay Kailash, EVP, ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd, said, “We are delighted with the response from advertisers to the India-Pakistan series. India-Pakistan is always extremely sought after and the series therefore was sold at a premium. We have monetised India-Pakistan ODIs at a rate which is double as compared to the historical industry average. Even rates for India-Pakistan T20 are double than the most sought after T20 tournament in the country.”

     

     

     

    Anilkumar Sathiraju

    Sharing his excitement about the series, Anilkumar Sathiraju, AVP & Head, DDB MudraMax, Media, said that on the ratings front he expects the series to be a big hit. “It will be quite good. I am expecting it to be a positive and a good series. Ratings will definitely see a spike as it is India-Pakistan at the end of the day. The fact that a few advertisers are quite gung-ho about it makes it more exciting.”

     

     

     

    Divya Gupta

    Divya Gupta, CEO, Dentsu Media, too had some words of praise for the series irrespective of the fact that India had put up a drab performance in the recent past. She said, “An India-Pakistan series is in a realm of its own; evokes emotions, fervour and fever like none else. It doesn’t matter whatever Team India has achieved /not achieved in the recent past. It is a marquee game, event, media property that viewers and marketers and broadcasters are betting on; and deliver it will.”

     

     

    Anita Nayyar

    Giving a more detailed outlook on the series, Anita Nayyar, CEO, Havas Media India & South Asia, said the fact that the series is taking place after many years is in itself a great pull. “From a viewing perspective three of the five matches are scheduled on holidays which will help the cause of viewing. Also the ODIs start at 8pm-primetime making viewers more available. In fact, most India-Pakistan matches have delivered ratings in the range of 5-6. This series should do similar numbers; however, with TAM data not being available the deliveries will be guess estimates.”

     

    Ms Nayyar’s summation of the series is probably what will matter at the end of this historical sporting tie-up. “Ratings or no ratings, the competition between India and Pakistan has always generated huge interest for both viewers and advertisers, and is considered a safe investment. It is a good way to bid adieu to a tough year and a fine beginning to a new one.”

     

    If the first T20 encounter between the India and Pakistan in Bengaluru last evening (Dec 25) was any indication, the contest on field is going to be tough. While every match going down to the wire may not be good news for weak hearts, it’s sure to see ratings soar. And advertisers and broadcasters happy.

     

    Photograph: Fotocorp

     

  • Zee TV was the new #2 though Colors isn't too far behind

    Hindi GEC yo-yo continues. Star leads in Week 51

    By A Correspondent

     

    According to Week 51 GRPs of the Hindi General Entertainment Channels, Star Plus is steady at 231 points and manages to take a lead over Zee and Colors. Zee stands at 226 GRPs, up from 191 in Week 50. After reigning the GRP chart with 239 GRPs last week, Colors was now placed with 223 GRPs.

     

    Sony also lost a few GRPs in Week 51 as it secured 192 GRPs from 201 in Week 50 even as Life OK overtook SAB by a point at 144 GRPs. However, SAB rose three points to 143 GRPs from 140. Sahara gained a point (23 in Week 50) and stands at 24 GRPs in Week 51.

     

    Please note that the information has not been supplied and verified by TAM Media. However our source is reasonably reliable.

     

  • The successful implementation of DAS in the key metros has resulted in a strong upsurge in the viewership and market share for the Big CBS Network, consolidating its position as the premier English entertainment network amongst viewers across metros

    Big CBS network at No 1 in English GECs post DAS

    By A Correspondent

     

    The successful implementation of DAS in the key metros has resulted in a strong upsurge in the viewership and market share for the Big CBS Network, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited’s joint venture with CBS Studios International, consolidating its position as the premier English Entertainment Network amongst viewers across metros. A release from the company said that according to the latest TAM reports of week 51 (Source: Dec  16-22 Dec, Digital 4+ AA Sec A, Top 7 metros), Big CBS channels – Prime and Love – have topped the charts, registering a cumulative relative share of 28 percent among all other competing English GECs.

     

    For the same week, Big CBS Love has surpassed Star World and AXN with 3.33 GRPs compared to 3.04 (Star World) and 2.58 (AXN). (Top 7 Metros, CS SEC A 4+). The channel also garnered all 3 Top Positions in the Top Rated Programmes Charts, with Sex & The City, Excused & Life Unexpected among CS Females SEC A 4+, 7 Metros.

     

    According to latest TAM reports, the data also highlights the huge increase in the Relative Share, Reach and TSV of the Big CBS channels post DAS (Digital Addressability System) ie during weeks 48-51 (Market: Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta. TG: CS 4+ Sec A) compared to the pre-DAS figures. The Relative Share of Big CBS Prime and Love increased by 93 percent and 192 percent respectively while the channels’ Reach increased by 86 percent and 124 percent. The TSV of both channels also registered impressive jumps with Big CBS Prime and Love logging 33 percent and 78 percent growth respectively.

     

    Anand Chakravarthy

    Anand Chakravarthy, Business Head, Big CBS Networks said, “The post DAS environment has demonstrated the power and impact of the Big CBS Network. With digitization any existing distribution advantages, legacy competitive channels had, is now nullified with the Big CBS channels available across every headend in the DAS markets. This combined with exclusive and the latest seasons of leading shows from the US, has delivered proven performance.”

     

  • Big Magic, Reliance Broadcast Network's regional GEC for the Hindi heartland, has emerged the numero uno channel in Central India with a growth of 22 percent as per the latest TAM results

    Big Magic grows to top in Hindi heartland

    By A Correspondent

     

    Big Magic, the regional general entertainment Channel for the Hindi heartland from the Reliance Broadcast Network stable, has emerged the numero uno channel in Central India with a growth of 22 percent as per the latest TAM results for the period – week 41-50.

     

    The channel features locally relevant entertainment, with focus on drama, crime, socio-mythologicals, game shows and talent shows.

     

    Key highlights:

    Show name Descriptor TG Week TVR

    Khulja Sim Sim – Emerges No. 1 Show of the Market

    A simple game format, which is the local adaptation of the international format – Let’s Make A Deal the show is a no brainer based on intuition and luck, making it an ideal opportunity for anyone to participate and win!

    CS 25+ SEC A-E MF

    		 Week 49 0.64
    BIG Memsaab – becomes No. 1 show among female audiences within 3 weeks of launch A show targeted at housewives, offering a platform to showcase their talent ranging song and dance to aerobics or even bargaining CS 4+ Females Week 49 0.67
    Police Files – No. 1 show of the market Show showcasing real crimes from the region CS 25+ SEC A-E MF Week 48 0.63

     

     

    Big Magic is distributed across all cable operators across the states of UP, MP and Bihar and spread across the likes of DEN, Digicable, WWIL, Hathway, Darsh and Maurya amongst others, reaching approximately 10 million households in the heartland. Big Magic is also supported with a high-decibel integration plan on 92.7 BIG FM, Outdoor, and Mall Activation, play-out seeding in malls, print and local cable, said a release from the company.

     

  • The channel launched on Dec 16 with the premier of 'Awara', which recorded a whopping 5.3 TVR

    Jalsha Movies records 154 GRPs on its opening day

    By A Correspondent

     

    Jalsha Movies, which launched on December 16, clocked 154 GRPs on its opening day. The first movie on the channel, Awara, scored 5.3 TVR. According to press communique, the channel’s 154 GRP rating in its opening week was higher than the combined ratings of ETV Bangla (80 GRP) and Zee Bangla Cinema (65 GRP).

     

    Jalsha Movies has also helped STAR India strengthen its foothold in Bengal. The network has a firm hold on both no. 1 and no. 3 slots in the Bengali television market with Star Jalsha and Jalsha Movies.

     

    With a vast collection of all the big Bengali blockbusters, Jalsha Movies is proving to be a haven for Bengali movie lovers. Jalsha Movies Movies boasts of the biggest library of most loved Bangla super-hit films and aims to delight viewers by bringing Bengal’s biggest cinema hall right into their homes.

     

    Kevin Vaz, President and General Manager – Star Jalsha and President – Ad Sales at Star India said, “Jalsha Movies is now the preferred destination for the best of Bengali movie entertainment. The channel is already setting new benchmarks and is redefining the pleasure of watching movies for our audiences within a week of its launch. This is a stepping stone for us and we hope to further live up to the expectations by offering a never before entertainment experience to our viewers.”

     

     

  • ZeeQ has given fresh lease of life to the children's entertainment genre by capturing immortal characters such as Birbal the wise, Ashoka, Prithviraj Chavhan, Chanakya, Vivekanand, Bhagat Singh, Mother Teresa and many more from Amar Chitra Katha

    ZeeQ brings Amar Chitra Katha universe to TV

    By A Correspondent

     

    ZeeQ, the children’s edutainment channel launched by Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, has acquired 26 episodes of Amar Chitra Katha (ACK) from Ideas Box Entertainment Pvt Ltd. Ideas Box is an independent subsidiary of Amar Chitra Katha Pvt. Ltd.

     

    ZeeQ has plans to beam the 26 episodes of ACK, over 26 weeks, till April 2013.

     

    Subhdarshi Tripathy, Business Head of ZeeQ says, “ZeeQ has acquired this property of ACK from Ideas Box for three years.” Ideas Box is a content, activation, education and television company which has conceptualized and produced the 26 episode series. He adds, “ZeeQ had planned to bring the class room lessons of history in engaging animated format on small screen and ACK is the first step in that direction.”

     

    ACKs episodes capture the Indian heroes of Amar Chitra Katha from the comics and create a first of its kind comic format which is fresh and interesting. This program will help children develop values and harbor integrity in edutainment way.

     

    To name a few, the bouquet of 26 episodes on ZeeQ will consist of Birbal the wise, Ashoka, Prithviraj Chavhan, Chanakya, Shivaji, Vivekanand, Subhash Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and Mother Teresa, to name a few.

     

    Every episode will explore two heroes and Itihaas, the voice of History, will tell the tale.

     

    ZeeQ, the 32nd channel from Zee was launched in early November and now is available to the Indian kids’ audience on the platforms of Dish TV (channel no.510) and Videocon d2h (channel no. 525).

     

  • Popular commercials go on-ground as large advertisers bring TV ads to life to double impact

    Vodafone, Idea, Philips and others bring TV commercials to life to double impact

    By Rajiv Singh

     

    Location:  Barbershop

    Script: A bunch of youngsters briefing the barber on what hairstyle they need

     

    What one may have seen on TV-telecom service provider Vodafone’s commercial for its ‘121 Made-For-You’ offers-came alive in select shopping malls in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad last month.

     

    Recently, Dutch consumer electronics maker Philips put ‘live mannequins’ on display windows at key retail locations in Delhi when bodybuilders demonstrating Philips BodyGroom products replaced regular mannequins at its stores.

     

    Several brands are now replicating their TV commercials on ground or mixing their mass media promotions with direct consumer-engagement activities to create an extra buzz.

     

    “While above-the-line promotion provides mass media coverage, below-the-line promotional techniques give necessary depth to the campaign,” says Smitha Sarma Ranganathan, a brand communication specialist who teaches marketing management at IBS Bangalore. “Integrating both these aspects via staged events helps marketers realise the best of both worlds.”

     

    Coming back to Vodafone mall activation, it roped in hairstylists from Jawed Habib beauty salon chain to give customised hair cut or hair styling to young boys.

     

    Vodafone created a web application and displayed a huge LED wall at the malls. The ‘before’ and ‘after’ images of select participants were uploaded and tagged with their names, and it was updated every hour with a new “look of the hour and hairstyle of the hour’.

     

    It’s not only Vodafone and Philips that are connecting with consumers on ground.

     

    The latest brand to replicate its TV commercial on ground is Idea. The telecom service provider rolled out a consumer connect programme in Hyderabad to create a buzz for Honey Bunny commercial.

     

    A Toyota Innova with five dancers dressed in costume and character representing different states of India went to hotspots across the town and danced to the tune of Honey Bunny.

     

    In Ahmedabad, it formed a ‘Flash Music Band’ that planted itself at the popular hangout spots. After singing the 2.5-minutes jingle, it moved on to another location.

     

    Greenlam, one of the largest laminate brands, undertook an innovative marketing campaign at select malls a few months ago. It created an outline of Taj Mahal on LCD touch screens and invited people to beautify the monument with their favourite colours, designs or patterns of Greenlam laminate.

     

    Such activities, says Ranganathan of IBS Bangalore, lend credibility to the brands in terms of making promises in TV commercials and fulfilling them.

     

    “By breathing life into the contexts of commercials via staged events, brands get to cement the belief that after all ‘what you see is what you get’ besides achieving customer engagement,” she says. “Overall, it reinforces the strength of the brand in the consumers’ eyes.”

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2013, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

     

  • Colors is the new #2 and SAB 47 gallops ahead of Life OK

    Hindi GEC yo-yo continues. Star leads in Week 52

    By A Correspondent

     

    There have been some interesting changes in rankings in Week 52 of the TAM ratings just out for Hindi GECs. Colors is the new #2 and SAB is now ahead of Life OK.

     

    According to Week 52, GRPs of the Hindi General Entertainment Channels, Star Plus continues its steady run at 245 (231) points. Colors is #2 this week with 238 (223) points with Zee and Sony at 198 each. SAB is at 157 (143) galloping ahead of Life OK which is at 110 (144). Last week, Zee was at 226 and Sony at 192.

     

    Please note that the information has not been supplied and verified by TAM Media. However our source is reasonably reliable.

     

  • Mr Chowdhuri was recently with TV9 Kannada as National Head

    India TV appoints Sudipto Chowdhuri to head sales

    By A Correspondent

     

    India TV announces the appointment of Sudipto Chowdhuri as Senior Vice President, Sales. With over 21 years of experience, Chowdhuri will be responsible for leading the advertising revenue function of the business nationally.

     

    He has worked with brands like India Today, Zee Network, INX Network and Star News. His last stint was at TV9 Kannada as a National Head in 2011.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Paritosh Joshi, Strategist, India TV said, “We are happy welcoming Sudipto and expect that his depth of experience will be catalytic for the strong Revenue team. We are confident that this will further accelerate the aggressive growth path Independent News Service is following.”

     

    Excited with his latest role, Mr Chowdhuri said “I feel proud to be associated with India TV, which is one of the most credible media brands in this country. I am sure it would be quite challenging and equally exciting to do business differently in a fiercely competitive genre like Hindi News,” he added.

     

  • Introduces video timeline for cricket with innovative video scorecard, and integration with social media

    Star India launches starsports.com

    By A Correspondent

     

    Star India has taken a new step in sports viewing on digital, with the launch of starsports.com to give Indian cricket fans a personalized audio-visual experience. Flagging off with the Pakistan tour of India, the website will present a video experience for cricket fans that includes high-definition video streaming, an advanced player that can be individually controlled, and the ability to catch up on the game through both a video scorecard and a video timeline that marks the key moments of the game.

     

    Uday Shankar

    Commenting on the launch, Star India CEO Uday Shankar said, “At Star, we have always focused on dramatically enhancing the overall consumer experience. Smart technology, combined with powerful content, can be disruptive and we are excited about offering Indian fans an entirely new way of experiencing their favourite game.”

     

    Starsports.com includes a video timeline for cricket that marks key moments of a match, while it happens, allowing users to go back, relive the moment and jump back into the action in real time. The commentary section has also been reinvented. It not only focuses on explaining the action ball by ball but also pulls in real-time conversations on social media while the match is on. A video scorecard brings statistics to life with video clips of key moments supported by detailed analytics and graphics. Fans can also catch up on games through replays and highlights.

     

  • In all, 22 awards across the two- and four-wheeler segments will be given

    Bloomberg TV to present Autocar India Awards on Jan 9

    By A Correspondent

     

    Business news channel Bloomberg TV India and Autocar India magazine are back for the fifth year in a row with the Bloomberg TV Autocar India Awards 2013, to be held on January 9.

     

    The Bloomberg TV India 2013 Autocar India Awards will be given across 22 categories to the most deserving contributors to the auto industry. The categories in the four wheeler segment are Car of the Year 2013, Best Design and Styling, Best value-for-money car, Best variant of the Year, Best Driver’s car, Manufacturer of the Year, Technology and Innovation Award, Compact car of the Year, Saloon car of the Year, Luxury saloon of the Year, SUV of the Year, Premium SUV of the Year, Luxury SUV of the Year, MPV of the Year, Car Ad of the year, viewer’s choice award – Car of the Year. The categories in the two-wheeler segment are Bike of the year, Premium bike of the year, Import bike of the year, viewer’s choice award – BIKE. The other categories are Car Dealer of the Year, Car insurer of the Year.

     

    Sriram Kilambi

    Sriram Kilambi, President, Bloomberg TV India, said, “The Indian vehicle manufacturing industry has grown at a 12.77% CAGR over the last 10 years. This has led to an overall growth of the sector which currently contributes 6% to the GDP. The Bloomberg TV Autocar India Awards recognise, applaud and honour this role of the automotive sector that’s driving growth in the Indian economy. We proudly salute the achievements of the sector as well as individual players who have strived hard to achieve this success.”

     

    The Bloomberg TV Autocar India Awards 2013 sets the benchmark of standards for the Automotive Industry and honors the best-in class vehicles launched by the industry over the last one year. The ceremony promises to be a spectacular culmination of a keenly contested auto battle. The best in league will be selected by an eminent jury on the basis of extensive & grueling track tests and a detailed methodology.

     

    The jury panel comprises of experts such as Hormazd Sorabjee (Editor – Autocar India); Renuka Kirpalani (Editor – Autocar show); Narain Karthikeyan (India’s first Formula 1 Driver); Shapur Kotwal (Deputy Editor – Autocar India & Editor – What Car? India); Kartikeya Singhee (Consultant Editor – Autocar Show); Manvendra Singh (India’s leading Automotive Historian & Restorer); Rishad Cooper (Two Wheeler Editor – Autocar India); C S Santosh (Motocross Rider); Rustam Mazda (Designer – PININFARINA S.P.A.); Ouseph Chacko (Assistant Editor – Autocar India) and Sumantra Barooah (Associate Editor- Autocar Professional) will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the most deserving automobile is declared the winner in its respective category(s).

     

  • Ranjona Banerji presents her wishlist for 2013

    A wishlist of improbables and imponderables for 2013

     

    By Ranjona Banerji

     

    1. Less interference on the newsroom floor by the management (please give me a moment to recover from that fit of exhausting laughter).

     

    2. Editors who have the courage to stand up to owners and marketing departments (I am now in cardiac arrest).

     

    3. Journalists who are less interested in personal aggrandizement and more in getting the facts and presenting a good story (giggling is occasionally good for the central nervous system).

     

    4. Television journalists getting a crash course on what the profession means and what it’s supposed to do (not holding my breath because that could cause pulmonary failure).

     

    5. Some greater knowledge of the English language in English language newspapers (have failed to wipe the smirk off my face).

     

    6. Am not even wandering into better English on television (thus protecting my sanity).

     

    7. At least one evening where TV discussions do not degenerate into a verbal version of WWE. At least the wrestlers’ bodies are more buff (well, one can hope).

     

    8. Newspapers that effectively separate paid or sponsored news from real stories so as not to fool the reader (am wiping a tear from my left eye).

     

    9. Women’s magazines that refuse to reduce themselves to brochures for various beauty, lifestyle and glamour products (oh wait, now who’ll tell me which lipstick to buy?).

     

    10. Glamour and lifestyle supplements in newspapers who remember there was a time when “features” did not mean what PR companies tell you to do (I know, your sides are splitting).

     

    11. A little bit of bitchiness to be re-injected into film journalism (rubbing my hands with glee).

     

    12. For those in charge of book review sections in newspapers to have read at least one book (of course, this means they have to be able to read…)

     

    13. Some semi-wise employed senior journalist to understand how the social media is influencing public discourse (meet me on Twitter and I’ll tell you more…).

     

    14. That at least a few journalists in newspapers are over the age of 13 (I know, no HR department in the country will agree with me but then, they never have).

     

    15. Stop HR departments from recruiting journalists (especially from bogus journalism courses).

     

    16. No more bogus journalism courses (damn, there goes a fine lecturing opportunity).

     

    17. A ban on the following expressions: “wee hours of the morning” unless it refers to dawn micturition, “lesser”, unless you are comparing qualities not quantities (am sorry to use so many big words), confusing “loose” with “lose” where in one case your pants fall off because the elastic has lost its tenacity and in the other you have misplaced your pants altogether (and you are in the altogether), “miniscule” when you mean “minuscule” (and now I give up).

     

    18. Everyone should own a dictionary (preferably not one provided by Microsoft).

     

    19. No more Wikipedia as a source (what! Did I really just say that?!).

     

    20. More media gaffes and goofs so I can remain employed (heh heh heh).