MxMIndia

Category: NEWS

  • NDTV promotes Barkha Dutt and Sonia Singh. Dutt is Group Editor across NDTV and President of the Editorial Board and Singh NDTV's Editorial Director and President of NDTV's Ethics Committee.

    First on MxMIndia: Barkha Dutt now heads edit across NDTV, Sonia Singh is Ed Director

    By A Correspondent

     

    News television major NDTV has announced the elevation of group editor (English) Ms Barkha Dutt and senior managing editor Ms Sonia Verma Singh.

     

    Ms Dutt will now will be Group Editor across NDTV and President of the Editorial Board. Ms Singh will be NDTV’s Editorial Director and President of NDTV’s Ethics Committee.

     

    Meanwhile, NDTV has also instituted an Editorial Board with Ms Radhika Roy as Chairperson. The Board will be responsible for all standards and matters editorial across NDTV. It will meet once a month to take stock of all editorial issues, including of course ratings. The details of the Board, its remit and its exact constitution, which will include the managing editors of all channels and the head of Convergence will be annouced shortly. On the other hand, the Ethics Commitee will develop consistent standards and oversee all ethical issues across the organization.

     

    About the two star news anchors: From her website barkhadutt.tv: Barkha Dutt’s frontline reporting of the Kargil conflict in 1999 raised her to prominence in India. She has reported on many conflicts, ranging from Kashmir to Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq. Currently, she is Group Editor-English News, NDTV, a leading Indian television network, and the host of “We the People”, a weekly discussion show on current events. Barkha also writes a weekly column for The Hindustan Times and Khaleej Times.

     

    Some awards she has won: Global Leader of Tomorrow Award from the World Economic Forum, 2001; Commonwealth Broadcasters Award, 2002; Broadcast Journalist of the Year by the Indian Express, 2005; Padma Shri (Journalism), 2008.

     

    On the other hand, Senior Managing Editor, Sonia Varma Singh is also an NDTV veteran of nearly two decades. Info courtesy the NDTV website: As an anchor of popular shows ‘India 60 Minutes’ and ‘Your Call’, she has won acclaim from both critics and viewers for her work. Conferred by FICCI with the ‘Young Leader Award’, Sonia Varma Singh has interviewed the country’s top politicians, bureaucrats and stars.

     

    In July this year, Mr Vikram Chandra was appointed CEO of the NDTV group and a member of the Board with overall operational responsibility of the organisation and the network’s sales and viewership numbers. The announcement is in contintuation with the changes in the leadership structure at NDTV.


     

    Image courtesy NDTV.com

  • Dainik Jagran is on the lookout for a creative partner, sources close to the development said while confirming the news to MxM India.

    Dainik Jagran calls agency to handle its creative business

    By Shubhangi Mehta

    Dainik Jagran, the Hindi daily has invited agencies to handle its creative mandates, some of the agencies participating in the pitch are Grey, McCann, Percept H.

    Though no official confirmation could be attained at the time of writing this report, industry sources close to the development have confirmed the news to MxM India.

    Dainik Jagran was founded by Puranchandra Gupta in Jhansi in 1942. In 1947 Dainik Jagran shifted its headquarters to Kanpur, where it launched its second edition on 21 September 1947. The Rewa and Bhopal editions were added in 1953 and 1956. In 1975, publication of Gorakhpur edition started, followed by Varanasi, Allahabad and Lucknow in 1979. In 1984, Meerut edition was launched, followed by Agra in 1986, Bareilly in 1989 and Delhi in 1990. Between 1997 and 2006,

    Eighteen new editions were added, and through 2007-08, six new editions were launched.

    More than 55.7 million people read Dainik Jagran making it the largest read daily in India. Currently, Dainik Jagran’s 36 editions are published across eleven states of India.

  • One more reality show on TV featuring a superstar. And this time, it’s Star that’s joined hands with Aamir Khan.

    Aamir-Star reveal mega-show plans

    By A Correspondent

    Superstars on television don’t always work, but they are also known to succeed with a bang, and the Aamir Khan-Star combo is a good candidate to win.

    At a press conference on October 22, though officials from the broadcast major and Mr Khan too did not reveal much about the show, the buzz is that it will be a talk show, where the perfectionist will take the lead in telling stories of the common man. The format, however, is not clear.

    The official communiqué released at the event carries some information about the show:  “A show about India and its stories. A show that will change lives. A show that will touch the heart of every Indian. A show that will inspire a billion imaginations.” Time will tell if the show is really able to inspire a billion imaginations. But, the duo of Mr Khan and Star CEO Mr Uday Shankar were successful in inspiring imaginations at the press gathering.

    The show will be aired simultaneously in eight different languages, on network channels – Star Plus, Star World, Star Majha, Star Jalsa and Asianet, among others.

    Walking down memory lane, we know that Star has been the frontrunner in doing path-breaking shows, redefining television content on occasion. KBC was a huge success, as was Kabhi Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kiran Bedi’s Aap Ki Kacheri. But in this case, the brain behind the show is Mr Aamir Khan, who rejected several television offers for this piece, which was playing in his head ever since he first thought of it some three or four years ago. So it is a case of him choosing Star, more than anything else. The show will be produced by Aamir Khan Productions, and will be marketed by Star Network.

    January 2012 is thus a date to watch, and, from what the industry and viewers know of Star and Mr Khan, it is likely to be a rousing success.

  • Zee Entertainment executive director (revenue and niche channels) is reported to have put in his papers to take on G Krishnan's roles as TV Today Network CEO

    First (and only) on MxMIndia: Aroon Purie informs senior execs of Joy Chakraborthy’s appointment as CEO of TVTN

    By A Correspondent

     

    Joy ChakraborthyIt’s now confirmed. Mr Joy Chakraborthy, Zee’s executive director (revenue and niche channels) and a veteran media industry professional, will be the new CEO of the TV Today Network. Mr Chakraborthy takes charge of the position left vacant due to the resignation of Mr G Krishnan early last month.

    MxMIndia broke the story on Saturday, October 22 evening even as many senior executives in both media conglomerates were unaware of the development.

    On Monday evening, TV Today Network chairman and managing director Aroon Purie met senior executives of the company and announced the move. Earlier in the day, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited officially announced that Mr Joy Chakraborthy has stepped down after a stint of six-and-a half years, to explore new vistas. Along with heading the media sales, Mr Chakraborthy was also the business unit head of niche channels which includes Zee Khana Khazana, Zee Café, Zee Studio, Zee Trendz, ETC and Zing, a communiqué said. At the time of writing, there was no written communication from TV Today on Mr Chakraborty’s appointment.

    Mr Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zee) said, “I have accepted his resignation with a heavy heart. He did lead a strong team at Zee that will continue to be part of our family. The entire Zee family wishes Joy all the success in his new endeavors.”

    Speaking on his tenure at Zee, Mr Chakraborthy said, “My journey for the past six-and-a-half years has indeed been extremely rewarding and fruitful, which I shall cherish. I am thankful to Zee for giving me the opportunity to explore and broaden my experience in diversified functions. Now as I step out to expand my horizons within the media industry and take a leap of faith to venture into a world beyond Zee, I wish Zee – Chairman, Punit as well as my colleagues – the very best. Since I will be at Zee for some time, I will indeed be ensuring a smooth transition of all my portfolios.”

    ZEE will be announcing the appointment of a successor for this position in the near future.

    Information courtesy Zee corporate site: Over and above Zee, Mr Chakraborthy has rich experience of 15 years in strategic media sales across media organization like The Times of India Group and Star Network. His academic armory includes graduation from National Defence Academy, Masters in Marketing Management from NMIMS and, more recently, the Advanced Management Programme from the Harvard Business School.

  • Colors and CNBCTV18 Prime will also be offered in without any ad breaks in the HD format in first phase of the launch.

    Sun18 bouquet goes HD

    By A Correspondent

    This Diwali, Sun 18 is introducing three channels — Colors, CNBCTV18 Prime and History Channel — in high-definition (HD) formats. With this transformation to HD, viewers can now enjoy a combination of impeccable image delivery combined with unmatched audio experience.

    The three channels offer a TRUE HD 1080i picture with 5.1 Dolby digital sound, which will significantly enhancing the viewing experience.  Viewers will need to have a HD TV set and an HD set-top box from the DTH platforms such as Airtel, Dish and Videocon and digital cable providers like Hathway to enjoy this HD experience.

    The audience opting for the HD format can watch their favourite shows and events without any ad breaks as COLORS HD and CNBCTV18 PRIME HD services will run ad free in the first phase of launch.

    Commenting on the move, Gaurav Gandhi, Sun18 North COO & Head — International Business, Viacom18 said, “Sun18 welcomes the addition of the 3 HD channels to its portfolio. HD broadcast offers a superior audio-visual experience and that coupled with strong content from our channels make it an extremely compelling consumer proposition.  We believe that over the next few months DTH platforms will expand their HD bouquet and digital cable too will add HD as an additional offering. Sun 18 is working with all potential partners to make these 3 services available pan India.”

  • Joy Chakraborty to join TV Today as CEO on Dec 1

    Joy to step into GK’s shoes from Dec 1

    By A Correspondent

     

    Joy ChakraborthyWe now have the final word from the man himself. Not couched in the unnecessary niceties that make for press communiques, the text said: “Hi, wanted to share that I have resigned from Zee and will join (the) TV Today group as CEO replacing G Krishnan from 1st Dec.”

    Needless to say, the trade has been buzzing with the news of Mr Joy Chakraborthy, Zee’s executive director (revenue and niche channels) and a veteran media industry professional, putting in his papers last week.

    MxMIndia broke the story on Saturday, October 22 evening even as many senior executives in both media conglomerates were unaware of the development.

    We received the message from Mr C late on Monday. In the evening, TV Today Network chairman and managing director Aroon Purie met HoDs and announced the move. This was followed by a formal mail to all staff. Earlier in the day, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited officially proclaimed that Mr Chakraborthy has stepped down after a stint of six-and-a half years.

    Along with heading the media sales, Mr Chakraborthy was also the business head of niche channels which includes Zee Khana Khazana, Zee Café, Zee Studio, Zee Trendz, ETC and Zing, a communiqué said. At the time of writing, there was no written communication from TV Today on Mr Chakraborty’s appointment.

    Mr Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zee) said, “I have accepted his resignation with a heavy heart. He did lead a strong team at Zee that will continue to be part of our family. The entire Zee family wishes Joy all the success in his new endeavors.”

    Zee will be announcing the appointment of a successor for this position in the near future.

    Information courtesy Zee corporate site: Over and above Zee, Mr Chakraborthy has rich experience of 15 years in strategic media sales across media organization like The Times of India Group and Star Network. His academic armory includes graduation from National Defence Academy, Masters in Marketing Management from NMIMS and, more recently, the Advanced Management Programme from the Harvard Business School.

  • Den Networks Ltd has announced that Mr Shailender Nath Sharma has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.

    Shailender Nath Sharma to head Den, Azhar will be COO

    By A Correspondent

     

    Den Networks Ltd has announced that Mr Shailender Nath Sharma has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company with immediate effect. He has been associated with the company as President, Operations since 2007. Mr Mohammad Ghulam Azhar has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the company. He has been associated with the company as President, Strategy & Business Development since 2007.

  • It’s the time to celebrate and even though the chips may be down, a cross-section of media folk think it’s good to be in the trade.

    MxMIndia wishes you a Delightful Diwali!

     

    Happy Diwali. The mood’s upbeat. Our cricketing heroes, disgraced by their defeat in England, have effected a revenge in the one-dayers. The slowdown exists, but then things aren’t down and out thus far.

    And, heck is it great to be in the media. It’s always been great to be here.

    There have been times in the last 25+ years in the business when I’ve told myself that it was perhaps a wrong decision for me to chuck my admission to a B-school. But those moments have been few and far between.

    Agreed there’s much mediocrity and decay in most media. Even though the media damns the government and corruption across the country, its own corridors have their own share of dubious acts.

    However, despite all of this, there is much excitement around the media. New papers, new magazines, new websites (MxMIndia included), new mobile platforms, new channels… yup, the business is doing well.

    Then there are new recruitments and people movement, scandals and controversies, M&As and MoUs… yup, it’s all happening out there.

    We hope you enjoy reading our package and thank all the people who’ve helped to make this happen.

    Enjoy Diwali and the festivities.

    We’ll be back on Monday.

    Cheers

    Pradyuman Maheshwari

  • My life has changed totally after I moved from advertising to journalism. For the better, of course.

    Anil Thakraney: It’s changed my life. No, really

    My life has changed totally after I moved from advertising to journalism. For the better, of course. Here’s how:

     

    I earn a lot less. This means no boozing, no smoking and no partying. In fact, I have had to give up on all good things in life. No problem, this keeps me fit. I am 10 kgs lighter now.

     

    I seldom get invited to parties. And Page 3 parties, in particular, are totally out of the question. This has to do with the ‘unhip’ journalism I do. No one wants to risk pissing their VIP guests off with me in the house. But this also means I have started doing yoga in the nights. Healthier than partying, no?

     

    Folks in Mumbai go to jail if they are caught driving drunk. But I get into serious strife for parking in a no-parking area. And that’s because I once did a sting operation on corrupt traffic havaldars. And these guys have a wonderful memory, aside from deep pockets. But that’s cool. Anyway I hardly drive because of the killing petrol prices.

     

    I have spent many hours in the company of beautiful movie stars. Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra, to name a few. Asking them about their intimate secrets and desires. What fun! But I have also discovered how vulnerable, ambitious and insecure they are, just like the rest of us. I emerged from these meetings totally disillusioned. But that’s okay. I can boast to my mama who lives in Alwar that I have Priyanka’s cell number.

     

    I have discovered that all the cricketing gods I idolized since childhood are actually quite petty, opportunistic and materialistic people. That they give a rat’s arse for their fans, and have interest only in making money. This has left me depressed for sure, but there’s an upside: I watch very little cricket now. Good. I have time to follow more productive passions.

     

    My not-very-sweet views on netas and underworld dons over the years have worried my family members a lot. They fear I may not return home one day. But that’s fine. At least I feel wanted by someone.

     

    And of course, people now look at me with a little more respect, which was not the case in advertising. When I last went for a snack to a very packed Kailash Parbat at Lokhandwala, the manager told me I’ll have to wait one hour forty minutes for a table. When I proudly told him I am a happening journo, he very graciously reduced the waiting time. To one hour thirty five minutes.

     

    Yup, it’s great to be in the media!

  • When festivity joins hands with creativity, it usually makes for memorable ads. Check out the industry’s picks.

    The Diwali ads that crackle

     

    By Shubhangi Mehta

    Though the Diwali campaigns this season did not create much hype as they were fewer than in the past, going a little back in time we have seen some absolutely delightful campaigns, from Cadbury’s “Iss Diwali aap kise khush kar rahe hain?” and Coca-Cola to Samsung’s Diwali commercial or the latest Tanishq campaign featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan.

    Which is the Diwali commercial that has been an all time favourite for the industry? MxM India asked the biggies themselves.

    Mr KV Sridhar aka Pops, NCD, Leo Burnett, said, “My favourite Diwali commercial would be ‘Iss Diwali aap kise khush kar rahe hain?’ by Cadbury, which was out almost a year ago. For me and I’m sure for everybody else, the best way to celebrate Diwali is to catch up with near and dear ones and make them happy. Hence I found the commercial very real.”

    Mr Dheeraj Sinha, Regional Planning Director, Bates, said, “The Diwali campaign that has appealed to me the most is the Fiat Festive season campaign done by Bates. The campaign goes a step beyond the Diwali promotional offers etc and talks about the philosophy of Fiat, therefore I find it more appealing.”

    Mr Rajiv Rao, NCD, Ogilvy & Mather, said, “I know it’s my own agency work but I can’t resist saying that it is Cadbury’s ‘Iss Diwali aap kise khush kar rahe hain?’ There is so much of humanity and it breaks the clichéd concept of just greeting only your family and close friends on Diwali. It is most definitely my favourite Diwali campaign.”

    Mr Bobby Pawar, COO, Mudra, however took a different tack, saying, “No ad campaign has been able to capture a place in my mind; I really cannot think of any Diwali campaign that has appealed to me so much as to be called my all-time favourite campaign.”

    Cadbury’s seems to be the brand and campaign to have captured minds and hearts, and the sweet taste of success is certainly well deserved. But with such a wealth of creativity on tap and such a rich diversity of cultural references available all over India, it is high time a new, iconic ad or campaign came forth.

    We’re waiting.

    [Link] Debrief: In the midst of the drought, the Diwali ads that caught Anil Thakraney’s eye.

  • The mood seems a bit muted this year what with inflation and a general economic uncertainty. It’s not that purchases are not being made but the general consensus on the mood is that people are cautious before spending.

    Tight strings on wallet this Diwali (text & videos)

    By Tuhina Anand

    With inputs from Shruti Pushkarna in New Delhi (text and videos) and Insiyah Rangwala in Mumbai

    Looks like the sparks this Diwali could be less bright as for people who traditionally would see big business during the festive season be it shops selling consumer durables, gadgets and gizmos and of course jewellery are not too optimistic on the sales. The mood seems a bit muted this year what with inflation and a general  economic uncertainty. Its not that purchases are not being made but the general consensus on the mood is that people are cautious before spending.

    For shops selling consumer durables, Diwali has been a money spinner but things seem to have changed in the last 2-3 years. Mohan Singh, Branch Manager, Next Retail Ltd in Delhi in a conversation does share that sales are down as compared to last year. But he is hoping on Dhanteras purchase to make up for this slow start. He said, “Last year there was a huge demand for microwaves, washing machines and TVs but this year except for LCDs, there isn’t much demand for other products in this category. In fact I would term it as black Diwali.

    HR Giria of Girias, which is a multi-city chain of consumer durables showrooms dubs that even if the sale would be encouraging this year it would only be `marginally better’. In the meanwhile Girias is leaving no stone unturned to woo customers with both offers in shop as well as extensive advertising in print to reach to large number of customers.

    While the mood may be sombre but one thing is clear that when its comes to making purchases this Diwali, its LCDs and LED’s that is `hot’ item. Samsung, Sony and LG are the preffered brands and the 32inch seems to the most popular buy. In fact in some shops like Vijay Sales, the floor manager informs us that these panels comprise almost 50 percent of their sales.

    Small appliances like hand blenders, toasters and rice cookers are popular picks for gifting purposes. Also the shift is now on gadgets especially tablets, MP3 and smart phones and digital cameras when it comes to gifting. One does not need to be disappointed as there are also shops who have seen increase on sales this year especially in terms of gadgets like Manpreet Singh, Manager, Hari Om Electronics informs that as compared to last year gadget purchases have gone up, and says it has increased by 30 per cent.

    Most of the shops have easy availability of credits to help shoppers purchase more. Some of these have also tied up with banks like ICICI, HDFC, Amex, Citibank to encourages customers to spend more.  The average spends could be anywhere between Rs 25000-35000. Also most retailers have scratch card or other such offers mostly given by the company itself to give something more to the consumers.

    And if one is discussing Diwali purchase one has to look at gold and silver purchases this Diwali as jewellery or coins is a major part of Diwali shopping. With spiralling gold and silver rates, these purchases have become far more dearer. In fact, a jeweller in Mumbai rues the fact that this year the sales have gone up only by 150 percent whereas in the past it used to increase to 450 percent. In fact, 10 per cent of his income would come from Diwali.

    Mohit Gupta, Vice President, PP Jewellers Pvt Ltd, said, “Sales have definitely gone down this year because of the soaring gold rates. Gold and silver coins are the most popular purchases, they are seen as investment. For gifting, because of high gold rates, this year people are going in for more light weight jewelery like ear rings and small pendants. Every year we see a growth of at least 20 to 30 percent but this year there isn’t any such indication so far. We are expecting a lot of purchases on Dhanteras.”

    Even though in the last few days the price of gold and silver have gone down but the increase in prices throughout this year will be a major deterrent for buyers. In fact, World Gold Council is advertising heavily on the fact that how gold is a good investment option. So the general mood is that the market is stagnant this year or the sales will be less than last year. Even in purchases people are going for small items. As a local jeweller in Bangalore informs that last year during diwali they had sold around 350-400 silver coins and will be stocking the same this year. Currently, a 5gm silver coin will cost around Rs 260 and 1 gm of Gold is approximately Rs 2600 (prices will fluctuate according to daily rates).

    Harish Goel, Owner, Goel Jewellers sums up the mood, “Sales are very low this festive season thanks to the gold prices. There are hardly any purchases from the middle classes so to say, even from higher classes, purchases are owing more to weddings rather than Diwali. Gold and silver coins like every year are preferred items. Last year the average spend per customer was somewhere around 50000 but this year it isn’t even half that amount.”

    These retailers are pinning their hopes on Dhanteras and let’s hope that they finally have their cash registers ringing on the auspices day.

    Also on Dhanteras, people buy steel items. Talking to Sumit Jain, Owner, Gift Gallery, he said, “Crockery is always an all time favourite. Like every year, this time too crockery items are popular gifting choices. Both china and glassware are popular gifting choices but we are seeing a big dip in sales. The market is not buzzing with consumers as it does every Diwali. Dhanteras is one day we are looking forward to but those are mostly steel purchases.”

     


    WHITE GOODS 

    On market trends in the last few years 

    Baldev Ahuja, Manager, Aarvee Sales (electronics showroom)- Market is down…four years back the market used to be buzzing but now because everything is getting expensive people are spending less on these items.

    		 [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IVkk-gpGkM[/youtube]
    On the most popular product this Diwali (LED) Saquib, Sales Executive, Audio Voice India Pvt Ltd- LEDs are more popular than LCDs because the prices have gone down. Also LEDs are better in quality as compared to LCDs.

    Baldev Ahuja, Manager, Aarvee Sales- People are more attracted towards LEDs this year because of the dip in prices.

    		 [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-TZcccS90M[/youtube]
    On the preferred gift items Saquib, Sales Executive, Audio Voice India Pvt Ltd – People this year are opting for more gadgets rather than home appliances, they go in for phones, ipods etc more as compared to LCDs [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKXr2hGOggc[/youtube]
    JEWELLERY 

    On most popular purchases this Diwali 

    Neeraj, Owner, Rama Krishna Jewellers- Gold coins are very popular this year, we have coins in all denominations; people are buying and investing more in coins this year.

    		 [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2k-84Twu78[/youtube]
    On how gold rates have affected sales this Diwali Lajpat Anand, Owner, Luxmi Jewellers- Lot of difference in the market this year…only people who have to buy for weddings etc are buying and even they have cut down on their budgets; as for other purchases, people’s budgets have been messed up because of increasing gold prices.

    Rahul, Manager, Rajesh Gems & Jewels- Big difference between this Diwali and last year is the gold rate that has gone up but it hasn’t really deterred people from buying gold during this Diwali…our sales have gone up as compared to last year.

    		 [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvPwnxqv6Pk[/youtube]

     

    CUSTOMER VOXPOP   Mrs Shukla, Housewife- As per the trend, prices go up every year, so obviously this year also it has gone up…but what can we do, we have to buy stuff for our own use and for gifting purposes.

    Nidhi, Working Professional- As compared to last year…we spend the same, Diwali is one special festival, so no cutting in costs, Its Diwali!

    		 [youtube width=”400″ height=”250″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmBk-uhlOl8[/youtube]



  • SAB aims to beat ZEE in the next three months, launches Saturday Prime Time Entertainment.

    SAB eyeing ZEE’s ranking

    By Rishi Vora

     

    In a bid to increase viewership on the weekends, especially in the primetime 9 – 10: 30 pm band on Saturdays, SAB TV will air three brand new shows – Oye Bunty Babloo Oye, Kya Hoga Is Desh Ka, and Gaadi Bula Rahi Hai starting November 5. These shows will be aired for 20 weeks and each episode will offer a new story line with varied flavours of comedy. The shows will be produced and directed by Ravi Rai, Siddharth Tewary, Vipul D Shah, J D Majethia and Rajesh Beri.

    The move comes at a time when the channel is placed No 5 in the pecking order of general entertainment channels with 121 GRPs.

    Anooj Kapoor, Executive Vice President and Business Head, informed MxM India that his target is to reach 165 GRPs in the next three months and possibly beat Zee on overall GRPs. So while that means an increase of 40-odd GRPs, it will be interesting to see whether the channel is really able to topple Zee from the No 4 position. If that does happen, it will be a significant achievement, from where the channel could look at reaching the 200 GRP mark. Early this year, the channel did touch 150 GRPs and gave its sister channel – Sony a good run of their money.

    As for the new shows, Mr Kapoor is optimistic that they’ll bring fresh set of viewers to the channel. “Mostly people watch movies in the weekend, and if not that, they go out shopping, to restaurants and other places. We’re trying to cash-in on these audiences by offering something they would want to watch on a Saturday evening and then convert them into loyal viewers.” These shows will also help the channel get more advertising revenue, in the 9 – 10:30 pm band.

    On the marketing front, the channel will make best use of the MSM network. As far as the TG market is concerned, Mr Kapoor said that the idea is to look at broadening the viewership base across cities and towns in India and in making SAB-like comedy-family drama, a habit in many a households.