MxMIndia

Tag: Network 18

  • Network 18 group channels shine at the NT Awards with 39 awards as MCCS bags 24 for awards presented to channels and professionals in Telugu, Marathi, Hindi and English news channels + on Anant Rangaswami on afaqs

    Mediaah! Network 18 bags 39 news TV awards, MCCS 24

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    Under normal circumstances, we wouldn’t write about an event until we were physically present at an event. But, in India, sadly media entities in the same space are normally not invited by peers (rivals), and so MxMIndia wasn’t present at the annual News Television awards of Anil Wanvari’s IndianTelevision.com. Sad, because we would’ve loved to report on the event. Okay, we would’ve have networked with people, exchanged cards and consumed some alcohol and food, but, heck, by not getting due coverage, the very industry you are trying to promote loses out.

     

    Regardless of this and since I was associated with one edition of the awards, here’s a quick, politicially incorrect report – Mediaah-ishtyle:

    Network 18 channels (and website ibnlive.com) bagged maximum honours at the annual News Television (NT) awards presented by IndianTelevision.com in New Delhi on Wednesday.

     

    MCCS channels bagged 24, TV 9 with 15 and NDTV and TV Today with 12 metals awards each. CNN-IBN (and its website ibnlive.com) bagged 17 awards followed by IBN Lokmat in Marathi and TV 9 in Telugu with 14 awards each. MCCS channels Star News and Star Majha (Marathi) bagged 12 awards each.

     

     

    Some trivia: in general English channels, Headlines Today bagged 7 awards while NDTV 24×7 had 5. Also, ET Now with 5 and Bloomberg UTV with 3 was ahead of CNBC TV18 with 2 in the final tally. CNBC Awaaz was the only Hindi business channel in the awards list with 4 awards. Times Now does not figure in the list of awardees, though ET Now from the stable does.

     

    Note: Since MxMIndia was not invited to the event, this is based on the Indian Television report at link

     

    Full list of winners can be accessed at link.

     

    Important: while reading the tally and list of winners, it is vital to note the number of entries sent by each channel as well as who participated and who didn’t.  Reason: the more you participate, the more you are likely to win. And, an obvious observation, but must be underscored, if you don’t participate, you don’t win.

     

     

    It’s good to see Star News bag a good number of awards… they’ve been consistent at their work and also playing second-fiddle to Aaj Tak in mass and NDTV India in class. Though I don’t find anyone more mass than Deepak Chaurasia and class as some of the other anchors whose names I forget.

     

    Anant Rangaswami on afaqs

    It was nice to read Anant Rangaswami on afaqs.com. He’s a great writer, and having been in the business for a few decades, is on backslapping terms with a host of folks. More importantly, he has a good understanding of advertising and media issues.

     

    The footnote in the afaqs article says he’s a consultant at firstpost.com, but the site notes he’s senior editor, but those aren’t significant issues. I think firstpost.com is picking up well, and I’m beginning to enjoy some of its commentary, even though I don’t agree with some of it.

     

    I had stopped reading Campaign India after Anant quit, but his successor (seasoned theatreperson and Printweek editor) Ramu Ramnathan is a great guy and has managed to set it back on sail. It’s credible, looks good and is still popular… guess that’s what matters.

     

    But lemme not digress any further and get back to Monsieur Rangaswami’s afaqs piece. I was quite surprised to see him believe that regulating ad duration on television is good. Agreed what we have on some of the channels is obnoxious, but that’s because all of them are doing the same. The moment a few channels change their standards, I am sure the rest will follow.

     

    In fact Anant’s very argument that digitization should reduce the pressure on revenues from advertising is what should make things exciting. If the government really want to reap the benefits of a free-for-all, it must watch the fun post digitization. I understand TAM is also getting digitization-ready and the master strategists amongst all broadcasters will be put to test to figure what their revenue policies must be in the wake of viewership data coming in from addressable set-top boxes.

     

    Let the free market prevail, my friend!

     

    The views expressed here are my own and not necessarily those of MxMIndia.com and the team working with it.

     

  • Pradyuman Maheshwari continues the second part of his 12 media biggies he's going to be tracking this year.

    Mediaah!: 12 media cos to watch out for in 2012 (Cont’d)

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    We looked at the first six in my list of media conglomerates to watch out for in 2012. Here’s the rest Here goes ((note all names in alphabetical order).:

     

    7. Network  18

    Network18 was an obvious choice given the amount of news it’s been making. As you read this, the deal with Eenadu would’ve possibly been announced. The Raghav Bahl-promoted media empire has taken rapid strides and established itself as the company with an eye on the big picture. Literally.

     

    8. Reliance ADAG

    The Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani group has several interests in media and entertainment. From telecom to television channels, DTH, radio and gaming, it’s got interests in all sectors. A couple of channels are scheduled to be launched in the next month.

     

    9. Reliance Industries

    Elsewhere on the site, we’ve carried the news of Mukesh Ambani investing in Network 18. But RIL’s interest in the media is not what makes it to this list. It’s the 4G broadband connectivity that the group is set to unveil this year that could transform the way we access video content

     

    10. Star India

    The manner in which Star India has consolidated its position has made it near-invincible. Credit for most of this goes to CEO Uday Shankar and some of his predecessors. Pity that regulatory restrictions prevent the network to do much with news.

     

    11. Sun Network

    Any other media group would’ve been in a mess given all the controversies and pressures its promoters work with. But Kalanithi Maran’s Sun is above all it appears with the network being such a dominant player. And a profitable one too.

     

    12. Zee

    Last, but right in the forefront. It was an instant hit when it took off in 1992 and is one of the most influential players in Indian media even though its flagship GEC isn’t numero uno. Expect much action from the group as it celebrates its 20th year.

     

    Tailpiece:

    The Prime Minister released a stamp in honour of Dainik Jagran founder Puran Chandra Gupta. In the light of all that Press Council Chief Markandey Katju has said. But more on that tomorrow. Meanwhile, check the video at: http://in.jagran.yahoo.com/news/national/general/Stamp-issued-Purnachandra-Gupt_5_1_8711717.html?video=1

     

    Buzz me if you have a story to tell and gossip to share. Confidentiality assured. Andar ki baat will stay under. There are various ways you can reach me: pradyumanm[at]mxmindia.com, BBM @ 23050B5D, Whatsapp/Gtalk pradyumanm[at]gmail.com, @pmahesh, 98338 76278.

     

    Disclaimer: Although Pradyuman Maheshwari is CEO of MxMIndia other than being editor-in-chief, he chucks those hats while writing Mediaah! So, the views expressed here are entirely his own and not those of the website and the team that runs it (especially the National Sales Head!).

     

  • History Channel has worked its way up to the No 1 position in the factual entertainment genre in the six metros.

    History soars to No 1 in genre

    By Rishi Vora

     

    History, the channel from Network 18 and A+E Networks joint venture, has worked its way up to the No 1 position in the factual entertainment genre if one looks at the six metros market cluster. The channel’s market share is 33 per cent as against Discovery’s 31 per cent and National Geographic’s 13 per cent share in the same market.

     

    What is seen as a significant achievement for the channel is the fact that it has reached this peak in a timeframe of three months after launch. As a result, the genre too has expanded, say officials from the company.

     

    Sangeetha Aiyer, General Manager-Marketing, A+E Networks and TV18 JV, said, “While we are happy about the leadership status in the 6 metros, I think the real big story is about the growth of the genre. And that was pretty much our objective – to see if we can expand the genre from the current 1.5 per cent that it is at, to maybe 3 to 4 per cent, or even five. Given the genre growth of 57 per cent, led by History, I think we will be in a position to be able to achieve this sooner than later. Also, the leadership status in the six metros is an indication that all our endeavours in programming and content, marketing and distribution is resulting in rewards as planned.”

     

    She added, “Going forward it will be our conscious and concerted effort to hold on to our leadership status in the six metros market and consolidate leadership in other market clusters (1mn+ and All India) as well. We believe that our differentiated programming line-up, innovative marketing and focus on distribution will propel us in the direction of widening the gap and consolidating our position as the leader in the factual entertainment space.”

     

    The channel, according to Ms Aiyer, garners the highest time spent per viewer (40 minutes) vis-a-vis Discovery (29 minutes) and National Geographic (16 minutes). “History’s success is a result of differentiated programming and the stickiness quotient of its content,” she said.

     

    History reaches out to 50 million homes and 40 million viewers across India on cable TV platforms such as Hathway, In Cable, Den Networks and DTH platforms such as Tata Sky, Dish TV and Airtel.

     

    Source: TAM, Week 49’11, CS AB 15+, 2400 hrs

  • B Sai Kumar has been appointed Group CEO and on Boards of Viacom 18 and Homeshop 18

    Sai Kumar to replace Haresh Chawla as Network 18’s Group CEO

    By A Correspondent

     

    The transition is in place. After the surprise exit of Group CEO Haresh Chawla, trusted aide and Group COO B Sai Kumar, 37, has been appointed successor at Network 18.

     

    This was conveyed to the Network 18 team in an internal circular by outgoing CEO Haresh Chawla. While Mr Sai Kumar will be Group CEO of Network 18, he will also be on the boards of Homeshop 18 and Viacom 18. The respective CEOs of both companies will report to the Board, the memo said, adding that given his (Mr Chawla’s) sharing of time with Viacom 18 in recent times, Mr Saikumar has had rich experience running the Network 18 businesses.

     

    In his assignment as Group COO, Mr Sai Kumar, led management teams across group companies and works closely with business heads to optimize business value and revenue generation.

     

    He has been a core member of the group’s business strategy team and through his decade-long stint has been responsible for providing operational leadership and enabling stellar organic growth across the group’s market leading brands. Mr Sai Kumar has also played an integral role in the various inorganic forays of the group across business verticals.

     

    Prior to joining the Network18 Group, he was with The Times of India Group, where he worked with Times Music, Times Retail and Times FM. He holds an MBA in Marketing and an undergraduate degree in Statistics.

     

    Adds a communique from Network 18:

    In his new role, Sai kumar will be responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Network18 Group. He would have direct responsibility of the Group’s News, Web, Publishing, Factual Entertainment and allied businesses which would include the IBN General News Network, CNBC TV18/ Awaaz Business News Network, Web18, Yellow Pages, Forbes India, AETN18 and the niche magazine stable among others.

     

    Sai kumar will also shortly be joining the Boards of Viacom18 and HomeShop18. The current CEOs and Management Teams of Viacom18 and HomeShop18 will continue to report to their respective Boards. Raghav Bahl, Founder and Editor of Network18 is expected to step up engagement with the Management Teams of Viacom18 and HomeShop18 and Sai kumar will be working closely with him on both of these businesses.

     

    Earlier, as Group COO, Sai kumar was responsible for leading management teams across Group companies apart from being a core member of Network18’s Business Strategy Team. Through his decade long stint, he has been responsible for providing operational leadership and enabling stellar organic growth across the Group’s market leading brands. He has also played an integral role in the various inorganic forays of the Group across businesses.

     

    On this announcement, current Group CEO, Haresh Chawla, said -“I am absolutely delighted to handover the mantle to Sai, who has worked very closely with me for over a decade, as we built the Network18 franchise. He has seen the Network grow from its very early days across various businesses, which has given him a width of experience that is tough to find in the media business. He is an accomplished leader and a true people’s person and I have no doubt that he’ll take the legacy forward to even greater heights. I will always be available to him as a friend and mentor and wish him success. ”

     

    Sai kumar added “It’s an honour to lead this world-beating team at Network18. The next phase of growth promises to be exciting and I look forward to it. Building upon the inspiring legacy left behind by Haresh, we have some very ambitious dreams for the future and we intend to see each one of them fulfilled.”

     

    Sai kumar will be reporting into Founder and Editor, Raghav Bahl in this new capacity.

  • History Channel plans to take factual entertainment mainstream with popular appeal and marketing strategies that grab the imagination.

    History launches with innovations blitz

    By Dhara Salla

    The History Channel launched its India edition on October 9 as part of a joint venture between TV18 and A+E Networks. The launch is a significant milestone in the Indian media space as it marks an alliance between dynamic television media conglomerate TV18 and factual entertainment biggie A&E Networks.

    Mr Raghav Bahl, Founder and Editor, TV18 said on the occasion of the launch, “We have always believed in making a difference in the domain that we work in and we believe that factual entertainment will emerge as one of the mainstays of the Indian television space.”

    Mr Haresh Chawla, Group CEO, Network18 said, “We believe that the Indian market is ripe for alternative formats and that is one of the reasons for us to bring in channels like History into this market. Factual entertainment is emerging as the new preferred choice across the world and the genre has the potential to become mainstream in India as well.”

    Ms Sangeetha Aiyer, General Manager Marketing, History, told MXM India, “By far this is one of the biggest media launches in the year and most definitely the biggest in the factual entertainment genre, in terms of impact, visibility, engagement, etc across traditional and new media.”

    As a channel, History has transformed itself by using very innovative formats that move away from the traditional concept of History being about dates, B&W footage, World War II etc. That DNA of innovation is being replicated everywhere including the marketing campaign. According to media reports, the marketing spend would be between Rs 150-170 million.

    The string of innovations began with the channel announcing its association with Bollywood star Salman Khan to be the face of the channel in an attempt to broad-base the appeal of History and the factual entertainment genre.

    In terms of Outdoor or Out of Home, innovative formats where the content seems to come alive and appear real will give passersby a first-hand taste of what History is all about. Some examples of engaging outdoor innovations are the Ice Road Trucker bridge replicated on a foot overbridge, Sliced where the anchor actually seems to ‘slice’ the hoarding, Swamp People, which has a brilliant life like cut-out of a crocodile/alligator, and Top Shot where smoke actually comes out of a gun which is part of the hoarding.

    On the programming and the content front, History channel has found out that Indian viewers across demographics are interested in experimenting with alternative forms of content, as far as the entertainment quotient is not compromised upon. The channel is being launched with universal themes that use the premise of history.

    Ms Aiyer said, “It will also announce a few big-ticket local productions that match international scale, very shortly.” The major chunk of the content is currently from the History US catalogue, with an appeal to viewer preferences in India. However, the channel is also experimenting with local production possibilities.

    How would this channel differ from the existing ones in this genre? Ms Aiyer said, “Firstly there is no other History channel in the country. History Made Everyday, the channel’s new positioning, encompasses the breadth of content and themes that History brings to Indian audiences. History here is not just about the past, it’s as much about people making History today.”

    AETN and Network 18 have come together as AETN 18 where Network 18 group holds 51 percent share and AETN holds 49 percent.