MxMIndia

Tag: Uday Shankar

  • In the past, industry leaders like Rajan Anandan, Uday Shankar, Ronnie Screwvalla have delivered keynotes

    Aroon Purie to deliver AAAI Subhas Ghosal Memorial Lecture on Oct 7

    By Our Staff

     

    The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and the Subhas Ghosal Foundation (SGF) are have announced that the Subhas Ghosal Memorial Lecture will return this year with Aroon Purie, Chairman and Editor-In-Chief, India Today Group, as speaker. The event will be held on Friday, October 7 in Mumbai. While talking about his personal and professional experiences, Purie will share many valuable insights which he has gained during his lifetime.

     

    With the support of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI), the SFT has been hosting its ‘AAAI Subhas Ghosal Memorial Lecture’ series, for several years, where industry leaders like Rajan Anandan, Uday Shankar, Ronnie Screwvalla have delivered keynotes.

     

    Said Sam Balsara on behalf of SGF: “We live in an age where media and advertising are shaping and also rapidly changing society. It will be interesting to hear Aroon speak about his journey, how he built a media empire, as well as his views on life today and how the media has changed over the years. I believe this lecture will be helpful and enlightening for both immigrants and natives of the advertising and media”.

     

    Ahead of the lecture, Anupriya Acharya, President, AAAI added: “Aroon Purie has been at the forefront of change and innovation in the news business as it transitioned from print to electronic media and then to digital and social media. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan award, his contribution to Indian journalism is exemplary. I am sure that Aroon’s life experiences will be fascinating for the audiences and we look forward to his perspectives at the Subhas Ghosal Memorial Lecture.”

     

  • The Indian cricket board is set to earn Rs 107.5 crore per IPL match from just TV and digital rights

    It’s raining monies at the IPL 2023-07 media rights auction

     

     

    By Our Staff

     

    There’s a popular reality show on general entertainment channel Colors called Khatron ke Khiladi. It requires contestants to perform daredevil acts, including tasks with snakes and scorpions, jumping off helicopters. And walking the tightrope. Literally.

     

    Now, veteran media professional Uday Shankar who has invested a fair deal in Viacom18 is now set to do a Khatron ke Khiladi act himself (lest it’s missed, the ‘fair deal’ pun was intended). The word ‘khatron’ should of course not be construed in the negative sense, but it’s just that what Shankar has bet really big on with the digital IPL win making him a ‘khiladi’ of the really big stage.

     

    Every summer, at the beginning and end of the cricketing extravaganza when the revenues will be aggregated, there will be an intense sweating, like it’s on the reality show. We should add the word ‘perhaps’ after ‘there will be’. Coz surely this is more than just playing fear factor. Unlike 2018 where he was an employee of Star, now he’s an investor in the project. So we can be sure there’s a method to the bidding.

     

    So, let’s get past the foreplay. Disney Star India and Viacom18 have bagged the TV and digital rights for the five-year 2023-2027 period of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

     

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s media rights for IPL 2023-27 will – as of now – generate Rs 44,075 crore, up from the Rs 16,347 crore paid by Disney Star for 2018-2022. An official statement from BCCI is awaited.

     

    Package A (television rights for Indian sub-continent) has netted it Rs 23,575 crore

     

    Package B (digital rights for Indian sub-continent) has got it Rs 20,500 crore

     

    Package C sundry digital rights have already touched Rs 1800 crore. The final outcome is awaited

     

    Package D rights results are also awaited

     

    It may be remembered that the entire television and digital rights were owned by Disney Star India until this year. In fact after bagging TV rights for 2023-27, Disney Star challenged Viacom18 in a fresh round of the e-auctions. Finally, Viacom18 took the big leap and closed the bidding with Rs 50 crore per match as its fee. Disney Star will need to pay Rs 57.5 crore per match for television. Overall, as of now, BCCI will earn Rs 107.5 crore per IPL encounter.

     

    During the media rights auctions that were held on June 12 and 13, TV rights fetched Rs 23,575 crore for broadcast rights and Rs 20,500 crore for digital, said people tracking the media rights auction.

     

    What’s balance is Package C and Package D rights, the results of which will be known later today (June 14).

     

    According to industry sources, ad rates will go north by 20-30 per cent on both digital and television. Industry commentators say the IPL 2023-27 dynamics will see a structural change happening in the media landscape. Linear television is going south in terms of viewership, and digital consumption is going to leapfrog. However, even though digital can allow micro-targeting, ad revenues are still found wanting. The play will surely be in the case of subscription-led revenues, and given that Viacom18 is part of the Reliance Industries stable which owns the Jio telecom network, there will be synergies.

     

  • The contours of the deal aren’t out yet, but a Rs 13,500 crore deal is huuuuge

    So will Viacom18 be the New Star?

     

     

     

    By Our Staff

     

    1,35,00,00,00,000.

     

    Phew that’s the number representing the investment that James Murdoch and Uday Shankar are making in Viacom18.

     

    The contours of the deal aren’t known at the time of writing. We don’t know what is the exact stake each party will hold, but Rs 13.5kcr is no small number.

     

    So is Viacom18 likely to be the new star, as veteran mediaperson and MxMIndia’s Das ka Dum mentor-columnist put it in the answer to our question of today (See Link)?

     

    It’s clear that the days of linear television are numbered. At least not in the form it is right now. Viewership of even regular entertainment, news and sports now happens via broadband. Yes, cable/DTH aren’t dead yet, but streaming is clearly where it’s all headed.

     

    And if there’s one person who can take some really bold decisions in the space it’s Uday Shankar, the former Disney and Star boss.

     

    So, as our report of last evening said: Reliance and Viacom18 have announced a strategic partnership with Bodhi Tree Systems, which is a platform of  Murdoch’s Lupa Systems and Uday Shankar, to form one of the largest TV and digital streaming companies in India.

     

    Bodhi Tree Systems is leading a fund raise with a consortium of investors to invest Rs 13,500 crore in Viacom18, to jointly build India’s leading entertainment platform and pioneer the Indian media landscape’s transformation to a “streaming-first” approach. Viacom18 owns and operates the suite of Colors TV channels and OTT platform, Voot.

     

    Reliance Projects & Property Management Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries which has significant presence in television, OTT, distribution, content creation, and production services, will invest Rs 1,645 crore. In addition, the popular JioCinema OTT app will be transferred to Viacom18. Paramount Global (formerly known as ViacomCBS), a leading global media and entertainment company which owns CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+ and Pluto TV will continue as a shareholder of Viacom18 and will continue to supply Viacom18 its premium global content.

     

    This is interesting as there is an additional investment from Reliance in the form of Rs 1645 crore and the JioCinema OTT app

     

    Bodhi Tree Systems, a newly formed company formed by Lupa Systems Founder and CEO James Murdoch and Uday Shankar, the former president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific and former Chairman of Star and Disney India, will leverage the partners’ shared track record of building iconic businesses and shaping the media landscape in India and globally. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar, is an investor in Bodhi Tree Systems. The finer details of the transaction is likely to close later the year (six months and is subject to necessary government approvals.

     

    Meanwhile, in the offices of Viacom18 in Mumbai, there is, as one staffer put it, cautious optimism. Optimism as it’s clear that the move will energise the organisation in more ways than one, and caution because the new Big(g) Bosses are no newbies to the business. They’ll be surely having a view on how things will be done.

     

    But first they need to know what the investment would mean for the company and the various businesses that it runs.

     

    For now, we could well see the rise (uday) of a new star!

     

  • The duo’s Bodhi Tree Systems will be major shareholders alongside Reliance & Paramount Global

    He’s back! Uday Shankar teams up with James Murdoch to invest Rs 13.5kcr in Viacom18

    By Our Staff

     

    It’s official. Reliance and Viacom18 have announced a strategic partnership with Bodhi Tree Systems, which is a platform of James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems and Uday Shankar, to form one of the largest TV and digital streaming companies in India.

    Bodhi Tree Systems is leading a fund raise with a consortium of investors to invest Rs 13,500 crore in Viacom18, to jointly build India’s leading entertainment platform and pioneer the Indian media landscape’s transformation to a “streaming-first” approach. Viacom18 owns and operates the suite of Colors TV channels and OTT platform, Voot.

    Reliance Projects & Property Management Services Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries which has significant presence in television, OTT, distribution, content creation, and production services, will invest Rs 1,645 crore. In addition, the popular JioCinema OTT app will be transferred to Viacom18. Paramount Global (formerly known as ViacomCBS), a leading global media and entertainment company which owns CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+ and Pluto TV will continue as a shareholder of Viacom18 and will continue to supply Viacom18 its premium global content.

    Bodhi Tree Systems, a newly formed platform between Lupa Systems Founder and CEO James Murdoch and Uday Shankar, the former president of The Walt Disney Company Asia Pacific and former Chairman of Star and Disney India, will leverage the partners’ shared track record of building iconic businesses and shaping the media landscape in India and globally. Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar, is an investor in Bodhi Tree Systems.

    Speaking about the partnership, Mukesh D Ambani, Chairman & Managing Director of Reliance Industries, said, “James and Uday’s track record is unmatched. For over two decades, they have played an undeniable role in shaping the media ecosystem in India, Asia, and around the world. We are very excited to partner with Bodhi Tree and lead India’s transition to a streaming-first media market. We are committed to bringing the best media and entertainment services for Indian customers through this partnership.”

    Added Murdoch and Shankar: “We could not be more pleased to announce our new partnership. Our ambition is to leverage technology advances, particularly in mobile, to provide meaningful solutions to meet everyday media and entertainment needs at scale. We seek to reshape the entertainment experience across more than 1 billion screens.”

    The transaction is expected to close within six months and is subject to closing conditions and requisite approvals.

    Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and Khaitan & Co provided legal advisory and documentation support to RPPMSL and Viacom18. PWC and BDO provided independent valuation of the Jio Cinema business and Viacom18; Citi and HSBC acted as financial advisors to TV18 and RPPMSL respectively. AZB & Partners was the legal advisor to Bodhi Tree while EY provided diligence services to Bodhi Tree. JSA was the legal advisor to Paramount Global.

     

  • Messrs M and S are forming a new venture to explore technology and media opportunities in emerging markets. And why do we say sweet news? Well, read our story till the third-last para to find out

    Sweet news on Sankranti. Uday Shankar joins James Murdoch to grow Lupa Systems

    By Our Staff

     

    So where’s Uday Shankar going? That was the question everyone seemed to ask when he announced his decision to move from Star/Disney last year? But the two big rumours were him joining former Star India owners – the Murdochs and Mukesh Ambani’s Jio.

    Some meetings with the Jio bosses are said to have happened, but we know we haven’t heard the last on this from the Reliance Industries headquarters.

    In the meantime, Shankar took charge as the FICCI big boss, and we do know that he wouldn’t have assumed that position without something major that we was going to be doing.

    So here’s News #1:

    CEO James Murdoch and and the former Chairman and CEO of Star India and President of Walt Disney Asia Pacific, have announced that they are forming a new venture to explore technology and media opportunities in emerging markets.

    The new partnership reunites Murdoch and Shankar, who worked together building Star India into the region’s largest media company, prior to its sale as part of the merger of 21st Century Fox and The Walt Disney Company.  Star now reaches 600m+ viewers every week and operates Hotstar, Asia’s leading OTT platform.

    Said Murdoch in a statement: “After two decades of working in India and the region, at Star and more recently at Lupa Systems, it’s great to be entering into a renewed partnership with Uday.  Our collaborations over the years have been immensely rewarding for consumers, our various shareholders, and our colleagues. I’m very pleased to be renewing that partnership now.  As connectivity continues to accelerate and expand across South Asia and the whole region, new opportunities for innovation, across consumer sectors, will multiply.”

    And this is what Shankar said: “James and I enjoyed a great partnership at Star and I am enormously excited to be in partnership with him again.  At Star, we had the great benefit of working with the best and brightest Indian talent, combined with global vision and a desire to disrupt the old order. Digital Technology promises to transform the lives of many millions of people in this part of the world and I have every confidence that we can harness technology, enterprise, and tremendous talent to create a great business that is also great for society.”

    The communique misspelt Shankar’s name as Shakar, which perhaps is appropriate. Shakar is Sugar in Hindi, and this is a sweet piece of news for media watchers in India.

    “Lupa Systems set up its India presence less than two years ago and has already created a promising portfolio of technology investments. Partnering with Uday, to build ambitiously for the long term, will take us to another level,” said Nitin Kukreja, Managing Director of Lupa Systems India. Kukreja, if one remembers, was with Star India/Disney and was the boss of Star Sports.

    What’s News #2. Like you, we too are waiting.

     

     

  • Uday Shankar quits as President, Disney APAC & Chairman, Star & Disney India to support & mentor new gen of entrepreneurs

    What will Life be as India’s Most Powerful Media Professional Quits

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    If there’s one person in Indian media and entertainment whose name is most appropriate it’s that of Uday Shankar. Uday, in English, means rise. And we know what a meteoric Uday and Uday Shankar has seen in his career.

     

    But a few hours after sunrise today (October 8), our inboxes received a mail from Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International (DTCI) that Shankar will step down as President, The Walt Disney Company APAC and Chairman, Star & Disney India, with effective from December 31, 2020. This was announced by Rebecca Campbell, Chairman of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International Segment.

     

    So what is Indian media and entertainment’s most powerful professional going to be doing next. In his own words: “For some time now, I have been contemplating the question of how I give back to the country, community and the industry that have given me so much. I think the best way to express my gratitude to all of them will be to support and mentor a new generation of entrepreneurs as they set out to create transformational solutions that will have a positive impact on countless lives. I intend to partner with global investors and pioneers to achieve this.”

     

    Clearly, he’s not moving to competition or an organisation like Jio etc. Or so his statement indicates.  And what happens at Disney APAC and Star and Disney India? Well, over the next three months, Shankar will work closely with. Campbell to identify his successor to ensure a smooth transition.

     

    Here’s what Campbell said on the development: “I want to thank Uday for his leadership and dedication to our APAC business. With the successful launch of Disney+ throughout the region, he has helped put The Walt Disney Company in a commanding position in this dynamic and incredibly strategic part of the world. His vast experience and expertise have been invaluable in bringing together a strong, cohesive APAC leadership team to chart a path forward for our streaming businesses in the region and beyond. Uday has been a great friend, colleague and valued counsellor to me personally, and I know I speak for all of DTCI when I say he will be greatly missed. At the same time, I understand and respect his desire to make this change. I am extremely grateful that he has agreed to stay on to help ensure a seamless transition.”

     

    And commenting on his decision to step down, Shankar said in the statement: “I have always believed in the power of creativity and cutting-edge technology to create a better world and consider myself incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to do so at Star, 21CF and now at The Walt Disney Company. As I look back on this journey, I take pride in having set ambitious goals in my professional career, and achieving all that we set out to do.”

     

    Shankar has seen a fantastic rise in his career. When he quit Down To Earth magazine for his first TV job, he took a 60 per cent salary cut. Those who know him and have tracked his career would testify that Uday Shankar has always taken bold and smart moves in his career. The JNU alumnus has pride in being a journalist, and will always be one. It’s these traits that governed his dominance of the Indian M&E turf. From transforming Star India as a channel airing saas-bahu shows to taking up progressive issues around women and society. The foray into sports and OTT and growing the entire organisation to being a media mega-empire. He has always believed in straightspeak and spoken his mind at industry gatherings and meetings.

     

    We are sure the attempt to get an equally powerful and visionary successor at Disney-Star. For, otherwise there could be some tectonic changes at not just the flagship Star India network but also change the balance of power in the media and entertainment sector.

     

     

    For, Uday Shankar, who turned 58 last month, has been an M&E professional like few others. Will he mentor a project in news and sports, both of which he enjoys much? Will it be digital? Would it concern something around politics and social issues, also close to his heart? Or will it be all of these? And will some of the people at Star who are very close to him move on or move with him. And what happens in organisations like IBF etc where he has been championing the cause of broadcast sector?

     

    As they say, only time will tell.

     

    What we do know there’ll be another rise for the Indian M&E’s favourite son. The stars have been shining for him thus far, and it will interesting to see what he does next. As also what happens at Disney and Star India.

     

  • New features have been added to the interactive Watch’N Play social feed that allows a virtual community of cricket lovers to share excitement and support while watching the matches on the platform

    Disney+ Hotstar VIP to innovate for IPL 2020

    By A Correspondent

     

    With social distancing and the fears of the pandemic intruding into the conduct of live sports and specifically the Dream11 IPL 2020 which starts next week, Disney+ Hotstar VIP has announced innovation to bring home an in-stadia experience. According to a communique, fans can join a virtual community that will allow them to enjoy the matches with their friends and fellow cricket lovers real-time, while sharing selfies and videos. The entire tournament will only be accessible to new and existing subscribers of Disney+ Hotstar VIP and Disney+ Hotstar Premium.

     

    Said Uday Shankar – President, The Walt Disney Company APAC and Chairman, Star and Disney India: “Over the past few years, IPL has become the most loved sporting tournament in the country. After several months of the lockdown, we believe that this tournament can be a catalyst in ushering in new optimism and smiles in India, with millions of fans cheering together from all parts of the country. Our use of technology in presenting this immersive experience will not only set a global benchmark but also redefine the way we watch and enjoy sports in the coming years”

     

     

  • Starting with the late Sushant Singh Rajput’s Dil Bechara, the OTT plaform will launch potential blockbusters Laxmmi Bomb, Bhuj, Sadak 2 and The Big Bull amongst others

    Disney+Hotstar to release films starring Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt & others

    By A Correspondent

     

    Starting July 24, Disney+Hotstar Multiplex will release a slew of potential blockbuster Hindi movies on its popular OTT platform. The films and the performers include: Akshay Kumar and Kiara Advani in Laxmmi Bomb, Ajay Devgn, Sonakshi Sinha and Sanjay Dutt in Bhuj: The Pride of India, late Sushant Singh Rajput, Sanjana Sanghi and Saif Ali Khan in Dil Bechara, Sanjay Dutt, Alia Bhatt, Aditya Roy Kapur and Pooja Bhatt in Sadak 2, Abhishek Bachchan in The Big Bull, Vidyut Jammwal in Khuda Haafiz and Kunal Kemmu and Rasika Dugal in Lootcase amongst others.

     

    Existing subscribers of Disney+ Hotstar Premium and Disney+ Hotstar VIP can enjoy these blockbuster movies at no additional cost to their existing subscription. Non-subscribers can simply purchase an annual membership of Disney+ Hotstar VIP at Rs 399 to catch all these movies and other fare.

     

    The first movie of Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex will be Dil Bechara, starring Sushant Singh Rajput and to commemorate his contribution to Hindi cinema, this movie will be available to all subscribers and non-subscribers of Disney+ Hotstar.

     

    Said Uday Shankar – President, The Walt Disney Company APAC and Chairman, Star & Disney India:  “At Disney+ Hotstar, we firmly believe in pushing boundaries to achieve the unexpected. A few years ago, we took an audacious step of bringing sports closer to people by streaming it live on mobile devices – a move that forever changed the course of live sports in India. Today, as we launch Disney+ Hotstar Multiplex, we find ourselves yet again at the cusp of making a revolutionary change by bringing the biggest Bollywood movies directly to millions across the country. We are happy to partner with the best directors and most talented actors; and provide them with a platform to present their masterpieces.”

     

    Speaking about this initiative and its effect on the overall industry, he further added, “Theatres are a special experience. So, they will always exist and thrive. But the potential of the industry can’t be capped by the number of release windows and theatres available. Our initiative will dramatically increase the number of films that can be made, giving film-lovers more films to enjoy and the creative community more films to make. We firmly believe that this will generate a massive momentum for more and different kinds of films to be made in India. It’s a win-win for all.”

     

     

  • To help them cope with the coronavirus situation

    Hotstar reaches out to migrant workers in Singapore

    By A Correspondent

     

    To offer South Asian migrant workers residing in Singapore moments of respite during this uncertain and difficult time, The Walt Disney Company is working with the Singapore government to bring the Hotstar streaming service to migrant workers during this period.

     

    The workers can live stream more than 85,000 hours of movies, cricket matches, Star India TV shows and live news on their mobile phones. Available in nine languages, the content offering includes more than 2000 movies and 900 TV shows. The service is currently available only on Android phones in Singapore, but will be available soon on iPhones as well. This initiative ends on 21 July 2020.

     

    Said Uday Shankar – President, The Walt Disney Company APAC and Chairman, Star & Disney India: “We are honoured to work with the government to bring Hotstar to migrant workers in Singapore. In these unprecedented challenging times, we humbly hope that by offering the workers content that speak their language and reach their hearts, we can help lift their spirits and bring some moments of comfort and inspiration.”

     

     

  • Three distinct offerings – Disney+ Hotstar VIP, Disney+ Hotstar Premium and an ad-supported basic tier will be available for consumers

    Hotstar will be Disney+ Hotstar set from April 3

    By A Correspondent

     

    Star India has announced the upgrade of Hotstar to Disney+ Hotstar from April 3, 2020. With a fresh new look and enhanced user interface, Disney+ Hotstar will offer content from Disney and technological expertise of Hotstar, giving users an unparalleled video streaming experience.

     

    Three distinct offerings – Disney+ Hotstar VIP, Disney+ Hotstar Premium and an ad-supported basic tier will be available for consumers.

     

    Said Uday Shankar – President, The Walt Disney Company APAC and Chairman, Star & Disney India: “With the success of Hotstar, we ushered in a new era for premium video streaming in India. Today, as we unveil Disney+ Hotstar, we take yet another momentous step in staying committed to our promise of delivering high-quality impactful stories for India that have not only entertained but also made a difference in people’s lives, a promise that is even more meaningful in challenging times such as this. We hope the power of Disney’s storytelling, delivered through Hotstar’s technology, will help our viewers find moments of comfort, happiness and inspiration during these difficult times.”

     

     

  • Given the delay in the beginning of the IPL, there is a pause on the roll-out

    Pause on Disney+ launch

    By A Correspondent

     

    Disney India has put on hold the launch of Disney+, which was all set to launch later this month post the beginning of the 2020 edition of Indian Premier League.

     

    Uday Shankar

    Said Uday Shankar, President – The Walt Disney Company APAC and Chairman, Star & Disney India: “We recently announced that Disney+ would launch in India through the Hotstar service in conjunction with beginning of the Indian Premier League cricket season. Given the delay of the season, we have made the decision to briefly pause the roll-out of Disney+ and will announce a new revised premiere date for the service soon.”

  • Madhavan  will take charge from January 1

    K Madhavan to replace Sanjay Gupta as Country Head, Disney-Star India. Uday Shankar to also steer Hotstar

    By A Correspondent

     

    Veteran mediaperson and Managing Director (South) of Disney Star India K Madhavan has been appointed Country Head of Star and Disney India. Also, Uday Shankar, President, The Walt Disney Company APAC and Chairman, Star and Disney India will directly oversee Hotstar. Madhavan  will take charge from January 1. As is known, Sanjay Gupta, Country Manager of Star and Disney India has resigned from the leading broadcaster and is joining Google as Country Manager for India.

     

    Madhavan who is part of the Star India fold since 2008 oversees the business ventures of Star in the five southern states and a portfolio of regional channels in Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu.