MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • TRAI has directed all the registered MSOs and their linked LCOs to ensure, in accordance with their mutually agreed roles, that the Subscriber Management System is made fully operational.

    TRAI directive: MSOs, LCOs to implement Subscriber Management Systems

    By A Correspondent

     

    TRAI has issued directions to multi system operators (MSOs) and their linked local cable operators (LCOs), providing cable TV services in the notified Digital Addressable Cable TV Systems (DAS) areas, covered under the first phase of implementation of DAS to implement the Subscriber Management Systems.

     

    As per the Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations of TRAI, applicable for DAS areas, MSOs are required to establish a Subscriber Management System wherein all the details of the subscribers alongwith their choice of services (i.e. channels, bouquets etc.) are required to be maintained. This would bring in addressability and consequently, complete transparency in the whole system. This system enables the subscribers to exercise their choice of services and budget their bills accordingly and also facilitates the MSOs to effectively manage their accounting and billing of the services rendered.

     

    DAS is being implemented across the country in a phased manner, with the first phase from Nov 1, 2012 and the fourth and final phase completing by Dec 31, 2014.

     

    TRAI was of the view that this feature has not been implemented effectively by many MSOs. Also in many of the cases LCOs have not provided the completed subscriber application forms to their linked MSOs. Thus, the real benefits of digitization are not reaching to the subscribers.

     

    TRAI has directed all the registered MSOs and their linked LCOs to ensure, in accordance with their mutually agreed roles, that the Subscriber Management System is made fully operational, as envisaged in the QoS regulations of TRAI.

     

  • With over 28 years of experience in a variety of industries, Mr Shah will augment the foundation's efforts in building a robust and profitable broadcasting industry in India

    IBF appoints Shailesh Shah as secretary general

    By A Correspondent

     

    Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) has announced the appointment of Shailesh Shah as its secretary general. With over 28 years of experience in a variety of industries, Mr Shah will augment IBF’s efforts in building a robust and profitable broadcasting industry in India.

     

    In a career spanning three decades, Mr Shah has worked with The Hay Group, PriceWaterHouse Coopers, Watson Wyatt, Satyam Computers and the JSW Group.

     

    He was also involved with organizations such as The World Economic Forum, The Economic Development Board of Singapore and NASSCOM. He is a mechanical engineer, has a master in Operations Research and an MBA in Finance and has read at Bangalore University, Syracuse University, Drexel University and the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

     

    Man Jit Sigh

    IBF President Man Jit Singh said, “His wide experience in delving into industry fundamentals to drive value creation will be of immense value to the foundation. I, along with the rest of the members, welcome Shailesh to IBF.”

     

  • Winning cricket rights may just propel Neo Sports into stellar orbit. But COO Prasana Krishnan is far from complacent, and has his eye open for more opportunities, as he tells MxMIndia

    The 18-month horizon looks visibly good: Krishnan

    By A Correspondent

     

    It was a proud day for all at Neo Sports Broadcast yesterday as the network announced winning the rights to showcase all domestic and international cricket matches played in New Zealand until 2020. The seven-year deal includes 261 days of live cricket including 18 T20s, 63 ODIs and 36 Tests and also includes rights for all of Asia excluding Middle-East.

     

    The win means a lot to the network that’s been devoid of cricketing action, especially India-based, for some time now. Prasana Krishnan, COO, Neo Sports, tells MxMIndia on what the deal augurs for the network and also what is the growth being anticipated over an 18-month window.

     

    You outbid quite a few players on your way to acquiring the rights for New Zealand cricket matches until 2020. What does this acquisition signal for your network?

    For the Indian market, some volume of cricket is required for a sports broadcaster. While cricket prices have been going crazy and getting more aggressive in recent times, we’ve been taking a more cautious approach in terms of how and where we want make our combat and where we want to buy. So this acquisition was one of those where we felt the value was coming at a good price for us to consider and also for the fact that it is a long-term deal. More importantly, it has got 19 matches involving India and also a huge amount of cricket involving other nations.

     

    So on a consistent basis it provides us a couple of cricketing series every year and also provides a good volume of Indian cricket. What it also does for us is in 2014, we have India touring New Zealand followed by the Asia Cup. So we have got two Series involving India which I feel will make us a strong player in the market from a medium-term perspective. If you see the content line-up that we have, I think it is as good as any other properties that you’ll have. That again helps us in capitalizing and gaining revenues in a phase where digitization is quite active. So over the next 18 months when the digitization drive takes off, having two India Series in addition to the other events in our portfolio helps us in aggressively pushing and capitalizing on those properties.

     

    As a Board, New Zealand hasn’t been a hot property that’s been vied widely by many. Or is it?

    From an overall ratings and a value perspective of the deal, the key important aspect to see is how many India matches would be played. With India playing 19 matches obviously brings in a lot of value because where the Indian market is concerned, it is about where the national team is playing. Also, even the non-India cricket series also produce decent ratings so there again well-produced high-quality production that happens enables a significant recovery of revenues for the sportscaster. Not that the ratings will be on fore but one gets a decent traction from non-India matches too.

     

    Also, one must not forget that we have also got Asia rights that include countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, etc who will be touring New Zealand and therefore there will be a significant buzz in those countries as well. So there are multiple benefits that will accrue from these associated opportunities as well.

     

    This win will be perceived as a way of bouncing back afresh given that your network was asked to give up rights of India matches a few months ago…

    I won’t want to call it a bounce-back as we were very much present in the market. We had the Asia Cup and also Euro Cup last year…which was a strong line-up for us. But yes, the volume of India matches on our network had become lesser but with the two important events lined up until 2014, it will give us an opportunity to capitalize and grow. So in a sense I am content with how things are shaping up.

     

    With a strong start to the year, are you contemplating bidding for the rights of other Boards in the near future?

    Whenever there is an interesting property we keep our eyes open and evaluate opportunities. Finally it all boils down to what will be the economics of scale and whether it makes commercial sense to do it. Also it is about what will be available in the market. So if you ask me: will we be looking for more, I’d say yes. But I cannot say more on what or which properties we would be going after.

     

    How have the other non-cricket properties delivered for your network in the recent past?

    Where our channels are concerned, viewership and growth has been quite positive on the numbers front. But it is still early stages as we expect things to leapfrog once phase 2 digitization kicks off across 38 cities. We will have a clear view of what the trends are post the roll-out of phase 2 of digitization.

     

    Will you be going after more properties in the coming months?

    As said earlier, we keep our eyes open for opportunities. For example, next month we are showing the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament that will be followed by the French Open in May-June…so we do have a good mix of cricket and non-cricket properties as of now.

     

    From a growth perspective, where do you see your network in a year’s time from now?

    Rather than a year, if we look from an 18-month perspective that coupled with digitization and two Series taking place, I see a good level of growth coming from our channels. Also, we are expecting a decent support from the advertisers as well. We must understand that the spends on other sports other than cricket is also on a rise especially Tennis, Football etc that have been getting increased support from advertisers compared to the past. And anyways, we expect ad spends on cricket to be consistent, to say the least. So there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming months for us.

     

  • Coca-Cola is presenting sponsor and Samsung co-presenter of the third PTC Punjabi Film Awards to be held in Mohali on March 1

    PTC Film Awards to see much fan fare, many sponsors

    By A Correspondent

     

    Rajiee M Shinde

    Friday, March 1, will see the PTC Punjabi Film Awards happening in front of packed crowds at the Multipurpose Sports Stadium at Sector 78 in Mohali, near capital Chandigarh.

     

    The contribution of Punjab and Punjabis to the film industry is well-known, but until a few years back, the number of Punjabi films reduced was less than a dozen a year, rues Rajiee M Shinde, Director & CEO of leading Punjabi entertainment and news broadcaster, PTC.  “That number grew to 24 in 2012,” she says hinting at the contribution of the awards to evangelize Punjabi-language films.

     

    The event, with Coca-Cola as lead sponsor, Samsung as co-presenter and a slew of around a dozen national and regional brands, will be deferred live. But the deferment, Ms Shinde, informs will be of just 30 minutes.

     

    The 2013 Awards show will see feature some top names from Hindi and Punjabi cinema.  Said Rabindra Narayan, President, PTC Punjabi, PTC News and PTC Chak De, said, “The PTC Network, with the largest reach in Punjab, will not only take the awards across India, but also across the world to USA, Canada and Australia. In UK, the awards will be recorded and telecast. Viewers will be able to watch the show, making this the single largest Punjabi commercial movies’ extravaganza worldwide.” And will PTC take these awards abroad, Ms Shinde said: “We would ultimately take this abroad, but I wouldn’t like to miss out on the ground connect that we have here.”

  • The CASBAA India Forum 2013, on March 7 in New Delhi, brings into focus POVs of various television industry stakeholders

    TV industry to debate digital dividends at CASBAA India Forum 2013

    By A Correspondent

     

    As India hurtles towards inevitable digitization, the intricacies of broadcasting are becoming ever more apparent. The CASBAA India Forum 2013, on March 7 in New Delhi, brings into focus the disparate voices of various television industry stakeholders, who each have an interest in a thriving India.

     

    “India is undeniably a vast and complex market, but one that continues to provide unparalleled opportunities and potential to investors,” said Christopher Slaughter, CEO, CASBAA. “However, success depends on the ability to navigate the hurdles of the country’s broadcasting industry and CASBAA’s annual India Forum provides an ideal platform to hear from leaders and experts from across borders and market segments.”

     

    From the ongoing satellite capacity crunch and the challenges of navigating a complex regulatory environment to identifying the future trends in the country’s multichannel TV market, industry leaders will bring their unique perspectives on the current state of Indian broadcasting and what to expect moving ahead.

     

    Headlining the roster of speakers at the event will be Uday Kumar Varma, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, who will deliver the opening keynote address. Also scheduled to speak are TRAI Chairman Dr Rahul Khullar; TRAI Principal Advisor Parameswaran N; and Sudhir Gupta and Supriya Sahu, both Joint Secretary (Broadcasting & Policies), MIB.

     

    The list of speakers and panelists also includes Thomas Choi (CEO, Asia Broadcast Satellite), Smita Jha (Leader, Entertainment & Media Practice, PwC India), LV Krishnan (CEO, TAM Media Research), Sameer Manchanda (Chairman & MD, DEN), Ravi Mansukhani (MD, IMCL), Deepak Mathur (SVP, Commercial, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, SES), Harit Nagpal (MD & CEO, Tata Sky), Bharat Kumar Ranga (Chief Content & Creative Officer, Zee Entertainment), Man Jit Singh (CEO, MSM; President, IBF), Shashi Sinha (Chairman of Technical Committee, BARC; CEO, IPG Mediabrands India), Bill Wade (President & CEO, AsiaSat), Robert Zitter (EVP & CTO, HBO), Deepak Jacob (President, Legal & General Counsel, STAR TV India) among others.

     

    Partners for the CASBAA India Forum 2013 include Supporting Sponsor SES and Sponsors AsiaSat, Brightcove, CSG International, Eutelsat, IBM and STAR India.

     

  • A recent review by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has shown that over 55% digitization target has been achieved in 38 cities, set for digitization by March 31 2013

    55% digitization target achieved in Phase II cities: MIB

    By A Correspondent

     

    As per the data received from the DTH operators and the MSOs, as on 22.02.2013, a total of 87.7 lakh Set Top Boxes (STBs) have already been installed in Phase II cities against the target of 1.60 crore, registering an achievement of 55 percent digitization. Out of a total of 87.7 lakh, DTH connections accounted for 40.7 lakh, whereas cable STBs accounted for 47.0 lakh.

     

    A release from the ministry said that it has been constantly monitoring preparedness for the implementation of digital addressable cable TV system in 38 cities of Phase II, where cable TV will undergo digital transition by 31.03.2013.

     

    The Ministry has set up a Task Force exclusively for Phase II cities to oversee and monitor the digitization process in Phase II. A public awareness Committee has also been constituted in the Ministry for spearheading awareness campaign in Phase II. As part of the awareness initiative, all television channels have started to run a scroll, informing consumers about the deadline for cable TV digitization. All India Radio has also started broadcasting of the radio jingles on its National and regional networks for creating public awareness. Several other initiatives like SMS campaign, video spots and print advertisements etc. are on the anvil. The State Governments/UTs have already nominated nodal officers in 38 cities of Phase II. Ministry had recently conducted a workshop for them. It has been planned to organize a second workshop shortly to take stock of preparedness in Phase II cities. A regional workshop was also held recently at Bangalore to sensitize local MSOs, Cable operators and other stake holders.

     

    The Ministry had set up a Control Room during Phase I, which has continued to function to address the queries of consumers, cable operators and others. The Control Room, which also has a toll-free number, has been receiving a number of calls from consumers of Phase II cities.

     

    In order to facilitate cable TV digitization in 38 cities of Phase II, the Ministry has already issued provisional registration to 30 Independent MSOs to operate in Phase II cities. This would enable these MSOs to operate in their respective cities to provide digital cable TV services.

     

  • Looking for more eyeballs, Life OK is showing promos of its serial on cinema screens, in collaboration with UFO Moviez

    Life OK’s Savitri running at a cinema near you

    By A Correspondent

     

    With competition growing, GECs today are finding innovative ways to market their shows. The latest to join the bandwagon is Life OK. The channel, for the launch of its latest offering Savitri, has joined hands with UFO Moviez.

     

    For the first time, the channel’s four-minute promotional content for a Hindi GEC show is being played in cinema advertising in digital theatres with the new film releases of the week.

     

    Speaking on the innovation, Pratik Seal, Marketing Head, Life OK said, “Life OK has always been a firm believer in disruption, whether in terms of content or our marketing strategies. UFO Moviez is a popular platform with a huge reach in Hindi Heartland. We are delighted that along with UFO Moviez, we were able to introduce our show and capture the attention of our audiences.”

     

    Commenting on this development, Siddharth Bhardwaj, CMO & NSH – Enterprise Ad Sales UFO Moviez said, “We are delighted to have partnered with Life OK; this partnership is an example of how UFO continuously makes an effort to innovate and provide value to the brands advertising on its network.”

     

  • Draftfcb Ulka has created two new TVCs for Tata Docomo, taking the network's story further into the domain of social networking

    Draftfcb Ulka creates two TVCs for Tata Docomo

    By A Correspondent

     

    Draftfcb Ulka has created two new TVCs for Tata Docomo, taking the network’s story further into the domain of social networking. Having embarked on a journey for driving data connectivity through “Network everywhere. Always”, the new TVCs highlight the advantage of being on the network for those whom social networking is the means to have an on-going conversation with their world.

     

    Capturing the very innate need of today’s youth to share their experiences real-time through photographs, videos and posts on social networking sites of their choice. Not having access to a data connection creates a vacuum in their life and this is where Tata Docomo ubiquitous network and data plans come in.

     

    Vasudha Misra, Sr Creative Director, Draftfcb Ulka says, “We took the age old idea of sharing and gave it a facelift. The idea here was to express the impulse to share our experiences and stories as we live them.”

     

    The creative idea takes the leap from this very need of today’s youth, the need to stay connected from anywhere, anytime. This is being driven through the plot in the TVC that of a guy sharing his experience on a hill top with his friends and family.

     

    Ritesh Ghosal, Head – Brand Marketing, Tata Docomo, says, “Tata Docomo has long been the preferred choice of the internet using audiences because of its flexible plans and superior data experience. The new campaign brings to life the advantages of being on a robust data network for people who can be struck with the impulse to share anywhere, anytime.”

     

    The campaign has two TVCs, which went on air in February.

     

    Credits

    National Creative Director – KS Chakravarthy

    Sr. Creative Director – Vasudha Misra

    Creative team – Deepika Chauhan, Robin Thomas, S Srinath, Sandeep Kalra

    Account Management – Sridhar Iyer, Sudipto Poddar, Kanika Rawal, Anuraag Shrivastav &

    Dyuti Biswas

    Agency Producers – Alpa Jobalia, Mazhar Khan

    Production House – Footcandles Production

    Director – Ayyappa

    Producer – Amarjeet Phukan

     

  • Starting March 16, Storyboard will be hosted by Naomi Datta and edited by Anant Rangaswami

    Storyboard dons new avatar on CNBC TV18

    By A Correspondent

     

    Storyboard, the longest running feature show on CNBC-TV18, returns after a break. Starting March 16, the show will be hosted by Naomi Datta and edited by Anant Rangaswami. Since the launch of Storyboard in 2001, the show has analysed developments in advertising and marketing, giving viewers a ringside view of the business of brands.

     

    In its new avatar, Naomi Datta will be hosting the show. A television journalist, presenter and producer for 14 years, Naomi Datta started out with CNBC-TV18. Next, she moved to the Times Group as a core member of the Times Now start-up team. Later, she worked with MTV and Endemol India as a consultant. Talking about her new role, she said, “I was part of the team that launched Storyboard 12 years ago – and am delighted to be a part of Storyboard’s exciting evolution to the next level. Our hope is to energize an already iconic show with a wider variety of information and trends relevant to brands, marketing and advertising. The aim is to make Storyboard as interactive and contextual as possible for the audience.”

     

    The show will be edited by Anant Rangaswami, the founder editor of Campaign India magazine, who has over 20 years’ experience in media and advertising. He began his career in media and advertising with Star TV, moving on to Sony’s SET and next to BCCL’s Times Television and Times FM, and shifting to advertising as head of TBWA India’s Mumbai and Pune offices. He then made the leap into journalism.

     

    Talking about the new Storyboard, Mr Rangaswami said, “Anuradha SenGupta, who launched Storyboard, has decided to move on. She has done a fantastic job with the show, and we will build on these foundations. The business of brands and communications is now changing at a furious pace, and the new Storyboard will keep viewers abreast of the latest developments in the business.”

     

    Elaborating on the marketing strategy for the new show, Suranjana Ghosh, Marketing Head, CNBC-TV18, said, “Storyboard aims to be the curator of everything a marketer ought to know. The new show will be business-like, current, edgy, entertaining and informative, addressing all those who want to understand the role of A&M in business.”

     

  • Ormax Trac20 will track the advertising recall and effectiveness for IPL 6 advertisers who subscribe to the research, through a series of parameters

    Ormax Media announces India’s largest IPL research, ‘Ormax Trac20’

    By A Correspondent

     

    Media insights firm Ormax Media announced that it will be conducting India’s largest syndicated research to measure the impact of sponsorship and advertising on the brand partners of IPL 6. The research called ‘Ormax Trac20’ will be conducted across 9,000 respondents in three phases – pre-IPL, during the IPL and post-IPL – for the sixth edition of the tournament this year.

     

    Ormax Trac20 will track the advertising recall and effectiveness for IPL 6 advertisers who subscribe to the research. This will be done through a series of parameters, such as ad recall, ad likeability, innovations sponsorship recall and brand imagery impact. The study will measure key perceptions of IPL, such as team loyalty and viewing behaviour. Additionally, early subscribers will be allowed to add customized question to the track to suit their specific requirements.

     

    Shailesh Kapoor

    Speaking about Ormax Trac20, Shailesh Kapoor, CEO, Ormax Media, said, “Ormax Trac20 is by far the biggest IPL research India has ever seen. It can be used by brands to measure the effectiveness of their association with IPL 6 at various levels, allowing them to take business decisions to optimize their high investments in IPL, both during the course of IPL 6 as well as for future seasons. The research is relevant for all advertiser types, be it ground sponsors, television sponsors or spot-buy driven advertisers.”

     

    The research will be conducted in the nine home markets for the franchisees, namely Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune, Chandigarh and Jaipur.

     

  • The second edition of the Big Marathi Entertainment Awards have been announced by 92.7 Big FM. The awards will provide recognition to outstanding talent in the Marathi entertainment industry across 16 unique categories

    Get ready for 92.7 Big FM Marathi and Telugu awards

    By A Correspondent

     

    The second edition of the Big Marathi Entertainment Awards have been announced by 92.7 Big FM. The awards will provide recognition to outstanding talent in the Marathi entertainment industry across 16 unique categories including films, television, theatre, and music among others.

     

    Ashwin Padmanabhan

    Ashwin Padmanabhan, Business Head – 92.7 Big FM said “The Big Marathi Entertainment Awards is a premier platform in the region which recognizes outstanding talent from the entertainment industry. After the phenomenal success of the event’s first edition, we are really excited to be back while bringing on-board an incredible panel of jury members and great lineup of partners. This year’s awards ceremony promises to provide excellent integration options to our marketers and advertisers thereby enabling them to reach out to their target audiences in the region.”

     

    These awards will be presented to the best-of-the-best from within the industry through combined votes received from the jury members and 92.7 Big FM listeners. They will be partnered by Majhi Saheli, a magazine, and OOH partner Bright Outdoor to accelerate the visibility and reach of the show thereby facilitating an overwhelming opportunity and platform for brand marketers to tap into a wider audience and consumer base.

     

    Renowned film and theatre personality Bharat Dabholkar and actor Vinay Apte have been roped in as jury members for the second edition of the awards which will also witness a high level of listener engagement via on-air voting polls.

     

    Similarly, 92.7 Big FM Andhra Pradesh, today announced the jury for the upcoming Big Telugu Entertainment Awards. Movie Artists Association President and director-producer Tammareddy Bharadwaja, Television Artists Association President and actor Vinod Bala and veteran actress Raasi will collectively judge the entertainers in categories from across fields which include movie, television and sports.

     

    Telecast partner for the Big Telugu Entertainment Awards, ETV will further expand the reach of the awards ceremony enabling audiences from across the region to watch their favourite entertainers receive the top honours.

     

    Mr Padmanabhan said, “Furthering our promise to award the best talent from the Telugu entertainment industry, we are proud to rope in Tammareddy Bharadwaja, Vinod Bala and Raasi as our esteemed jury members for the Big Telugu Entertainment Awards. We are sure that their inputs along with the volley of votes we have been receiving from our listeners for the popular choice awards will make the grand awards night an unforgettable affair. The 21 categories encompass the most outstanding talent from within the industry enabling us to provide multiple opportunities to our marketers and advertisers to reach out to their target audiences.”

     

     

  • NDTV is not satisfied with the New York lower court's decision to have the Nielsen-Kantar case heard in India

    NDTV plans to appeal on jurisdiction

    By A Correspondent

     

    The lower court in New York has been hearing procedural arguments on jurisdiction, particularly whether the US or India is the appropriate forum for the case that NDTV has filed against Nielsen and Kantar.

     

    The lower court in NY felt that India would be a more convenient forum than the US. NDTV disagrees and will appeal against this decision. NDTV believes that this lower court’s decision is based on several misconceptions, legal and factual errors, and this will be outlined in the appeal.

     

    A release from NDTV said that the New York lower court did not go into the merits of the case on corruption in the Nielsen Process as used by Nielsen and Kantar through TAM, (Nielsen and Kantar are the owners of TAM). The court merely looked at where the location of the case should be heard. NDTV believes it must be heard in New York, and will pursue this on appeal in New York.