MxMIndia

Tag: Viacom18

  • The show will go live on September 28 at 9 am on Sonic

    Ting Tong. Nickelodeon unveils 9th Made-in-India IP

    By A Correspondent

     

    After Motu Patlu, Rudra, Shiva and the Golmaal Gang, Nickelodeon has announced its ninth homegrown Made-in-India IP called Ting Tong. The seven-minute animated show will air starting September 28 at 9 am on Sonic.

     

    Speaking about the IP, Nina Elavia Jaipuria – Head Hindi Mass Entertainment & Kids TV Network said: “Nickelodeon has consistently created winning original IPs, all of which are chart toppers in the genre and continue to get immense love from our young viewers. Creating immersive content for kids is at the core of all our initiatives. Current challenges notwithstanding, we continue to invest in content and have been relentlessly creating memorable content and category pioneering experiences for kids. The new IP Ting Tong is our 9th local IP in 9 years and is yet another endearing character that is sure to create a bond with kids across the country.”

     

    Added Anu Sikka, Head Creative, Content & Research, Kids TV Network at Viacom18: “Storytelling and relatability of characters is most important in building affinity and resonance amongst kids. It is this focus on story telling that has helped us create characters like Shiva, Rudra, and others that kids adore and have emerged as runaway successes. Ting Tong is our first foray/attempt in creating a spin off from our popular show, Gattu Battu. We believe that the show with its unique concept and goofiness is sure to entertain kids and offer short and snacky comic respite which they will love.”

     

     

  • Mahesh Shetty, Head of Network Sales at Viacom18, in conversation with Pradyuman Maheshwari

    Achche Din for Viacom18’s Bigg Boss for Revenues

     

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    They don’t make too many of them in this world. Especially in the cruel world of television network sales. But then there’s Mahesh Shetty, Head, Network Sales at Viacom18. Cool, candid and absolutely honest.

     

    In fact given the interviews I have done in the past, I thought it would be good to ask him some tough questions. But, then, he was so frank in his response – that Chinese electronics player Vivo backed out of the sponsorship of the network’s marquee property, Bigg Boss, that one thought it’s good to go easy.

     

    Now as Colors gets set for the 14th edition of the reality show, Shetty spoke with MxMIndia on a variety of issues. The sponsorship by Mobile Player League, Salman Khan, other shows on Colors and revenues for the network as a whole.

     

    Sit back. Watch. Enjoy. Like.

     

     

  • Viacom18 veteran Sonia Huria to join Amazon Prime Video to head India comms

    Sonia Huria
    Sonia Huria

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sonia Huria, Head of Corporate Marketing, Communications and Sustainability for Viacom18, will move to Amazon Prime Video to lead all communication efforts for its India business. Huria will be a part of the global communications team – leading PR and Communications for Amazon Prime Video in India. She will report to Tobias Tringali – Head of Amazon Prime Video PR Asia Pacific & Canada who is based in Seattle.

    Widely regarded as one of the most influential PR heads in the M&E space, Huria has moved up the ladder at Viacom18 from heading PR for Colors in 2008 to the entire Viacom18 brand portfolio including corporate and then the key roles of corporate marketing and sustainability.

    In the areas of sustainability, Huria successfully created a model of multi-partner-funded behaviour change communication content at Viacom18… from the Navrangi Re! series to the more recent MTV Nishedh. In addition to managing internal and external communication, she also spearheaded trade marketing and digital media for the organisation.

    Huria serves as a managing committee member at The Advertising Club. Under her leadership, Viacom18 has won several awards on the global and India stage. She has been featured in Impact magazine’s Top 50 Women Leaders in Advertising, Media & Marketing for four years in a row.

     

  • Bigg Boss 2020 is scheduled to premiere soon on Colors and Voot Select

    Mobile Premier League is Presenting Sponsor for Bigg Boss 2020

    By A Correspondent

     

    Mobile Premier League will be sponsor of Bigg Boss 2020, Season 14 of the reality show. Hosted by Salman Khan, for the new season, Colors has got leading e-sports and mobile gaming platform Mobile Premier League (MPL) as the presenting sponsor. According to industry sources, Bigg Boss 2020 is scheduled to premiere on Colors and Voot Select early next month.

     

    Speaking about the partnership, Mahesh Shetty, Head, Network Sales, Viacom18, said: “Bigg Boss is the biggest reality show in the entertainment space, and it appeals to demographics across geographies. Given its strong fanbase makes it one of the sought-after marketing platform for sponsors. Over the years, several brands have come forward to explore innovative customisations and partnerships to deliver their business ambitions. Mobile Premier League (MPL) is one of India’s leading esports and mobile gaming platforms that provide unparalleled gaming experience to the users and we are glad to welcome them as the presenting sponsor for the new season of Bigg Boss.”

     

    Talking about the collaboration, Abhishek Madhavan, VP, Growth and Marketing, Mobile Premier League (MPL) added: “Bigg Boss is one of the most watched reality shows in India and easily the most popular and most talked-about reality TV show across the country. With a superstar like Salman Khan hosting it, every season is eagerly awaited by millions and promises something new. With MPL expanding into areas like entertainment via its live-streaming and a bunch of video-first features, Bigg Boss was the most obvious choice for us to associate with. We eagerly look forward to this season and hope to cement MPL’s position as a household name through the partnership.”

     

    Elaborating on the partnership, Navin Khemka, CEO, India & South Asia from Mediacom said: “We are delighted with this partnership of MPL and Bigg Boss. This is one show that has shown consistent performance over the years. We are confident that we will be able to leverage a strong association with the loyal Bigg Boss audience through some innovative associations that we have in store for our exponentially increasing gaming audience. India loves to play and this time it’s going to be inside the Bigg Boss house with MPL.”

     

     

  • New animated series follows time-altering adventures of cousins who can pause, rewind, fast-forward and slow down their reality thanks to a mysterious phone app

    Nickelodeon Intnl teams up with Indian arm

    By A Correspondent

     

    Nickelodeon International has teamed up with Nickelodeon India to coproduce The Twisted Timeline of Sammy & Raj. The new series marks the first collaboration between the top kids’ entertainment brand and the leading Indian kids’ category brand from India’s fastest growing entertainment network.

     

    Said Jules Borkent, Executive Vice President, Kids & Family, ViacomCBS Networks International: “The popularity of international content is on the rise, and Nickelodeon is focused on meeting the rising demand for diverse, creative stories for a global audience. This groundbreaking partnership with Viacom18 goes beyond kids’ content, as we look to embrace greater diversity both on-screen and behind the camera,”

     

    Added Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head of Hindi Mass Entertainment & Kids TV Network at Viacom18 said: “Over the years, Nickelodeon India has created successful local IPs and characters that kids love. This partnership with Nickelodeon International has gone beyond the border lines of creativity and stands testimony to the success of Nick India and Nick International in creating groundbreaking content. It further reinforces the capability of the Indian Animation Industry. We are happy to partner with Nickelodeon International for this show and look forward to working together in creating this series for kids across the world.”

     

    Said Anu Sikka, Head Creative, Content & Research, Kids TV Network at Viacom18 said: “Kids imaginations and aspirations are universal and it’s this learning that has brought this show to life. The series will be showcasing stories that kids around the world will find relatable and engaging, hopefully opening up more opportunities for future collaboration. Our efforts are to make sure that kids get to experience the best of animation and that this show will stir their imagination and transport them into a new world of adventure.”

     

     

  • There will be 24-hour live feeds and digital first before-TV access on Voot Select

    Bigg Boss Season 14 to also air on Voot Select

    By A Correspondent

     

    As Season 14 of Bigg Boss 2020 is getting set to be back on Colors, there is news that Voot Select subscribers will get unlimited access from the ‘BB House’ and the episode will be streamed on Voot Select ahead of the TV airing. To coincide with this the subscription offer of Rs 99 per month has also been announced with an introductory price of Rs 499 per annum. The date of the launch of the reality show has not yet been disclosed.

     

    Said Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head- Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom18: “Bigg Boss today has grown to become a phenomenon in the country. The following and viewership the show receives continues to grow each year and it is truly the fans that make it happen. The last season was a tremendous success, trending on social timelines while also creating new viewership records in the category. While this year has been tough on everyone, we believe that it is only fair to the shows fan’s and our viewers that we return with a brand-new season 14 that will heighten spirits and delivers on an unmatched and thrilling entertainment experience. We look forward to launching yet another milestone season thus keeping our viewers engaged and happy as always.”

     

    Added Manisha Sharma, Chief Content Officer, Hindi Mass Entertainment, Viacom18: “Bigg Boss is not just a show but an extravaganza that drives pop culture and conversations in this country.  The show has every year garnered unparalleled patronage from our viewers and partners, each seeking to be a part of the category-defining show.  This year we know that our audience had to face many challenges.  But the new season of Bigg Boss will serve as a perfect antidote and give a fitting retort to 2020 – Ab Paltega Scene, Kyunki BB dega 2020 ko Jawaab being the intent. Like every year we intent on bringing to life a winning mix of concepts, celebrities, and stress buster entertainment – A sensational show that each of our true blue Bigg Boss fans will not want to miss any moment of.”

     

    Speaking on the digital for proposition of the iconic show Gourav Rakshit, Chief Operating Officer, Viacom18 Digital Ventures, said, “ At Voot Select, we have ensured that our viewers are engaged and entertained with content that is a premium, exclusive, and diverse. Bigg Boss is one of India’s most-watched shows and commands a following and fandom that is unmatched. Taking our digital-first strategy a step forward and keeping in sync with our viewers growing demands, viewers and Bigg Boss’ Asli Fans will have access to daily episodes before it airs on television. With a watch first, watch non-stop & watch super-exclusive proposition, we look forward to showcasing yet another exciting and larger than life season of Bigg Boss for all our premium subscribers.”

     

     

  • Launches new brand promise ‘Navi Umed, Navi Bharari’ or ‘The wings of new Hope’

    Colors Marathi has a new brand promise

    By A Correspondent

     

    Colors Marathi is all set to unveil fresh offerings starting mid-July with new episodes of its existing shows and a brand new ethos.

     

    Said Nikhil Sane, Business Head, Marathi Entertainment, Viacom18, said: “Colors Marathi has always focused on narrating stories in a relatable manner along with a cultural essence. In these extraordinary times, the channel has stayed true to its promise of not only keeping its viewers engaged and entertained at all times, but also strengthening its bond. With our new tagline ‘Navi Umed Navi Bharari’ we are not only determined to stay connected with our audiences, but also bring to their screens their favorite shows that they have missed over the past few months. We are also working on a line-up of new shows that we will launch very soon. We are certain that together these initiatives will strengthen our relationship even more.”

     

     

  • Happyness.me is a proprietary tool that measures the happiness quotient of corporates and its people

    Raj Nayak’s House of Cheer announces Happyness.me to measure happiness

    By A Correspondent

     

    Raj Nayak
    Raj Nayak
    Namrata Tata

    House of Cheer Pvt. Ltd has announced the launch of its new division, Happyness.me, a proprietary tool that measures the happiness quotient of corporates and its people. House of Cheer is founded by former Viacom18 COO and leading media personality and entrepreneur Raj Nayak.

     

    Commenting on Happyness.me, House of Cheer Managing Partner Namrata Tata said: “With over three decades of experience working in business and industry, we have learned that emotion drives us. Emotions motivate us, they inspire, and they energise us to be productive and to take control of our professional lives. We believe that happiness is the primary emotion that can maximise potential and that has not yet been truly leveraged in the Indian workspace,” adding: “Using behavioural psychology, neuroscience, and data-analytics, with inputs from experts in the field, combined with our team’s extensive experience leading large-scale operations, we have developed a unique proprietary service to measure the happiness quotient within an organisation and to provide customised solutions that empower leaders and inspire teams. Having partnered with one of the world’s leading human insights company’s, The Happiness Index, for our  technology platform, we are hoping to usher in a new era in Indian business, focusing first and foremost on the backbone of any organisation, it’s people. Ours is a two- year program with regular, happiness audits that will help the CEO and the leadership team to prioritise on the mental and emotional well-being of their people. Our goal is to help organisations create a happiness journey and enable them with the happiness.me tool to visualise their company culture and implement strategies to create a happy flourishing working environment.”

     

    Added Alan Gemmell, of the UK Trade Commission for South Asia: “I’m delighted that Raj Nayak, House of Cheer and The Happiness Index UK are launching Happyness.me, a critical solution for businesses and Corporate leaders to explore engaging ways to connect with their employees in the new world. India and the UK are tech powerhouses.  This perfect partnership reflects the continuing global attraction of the UK’s creative and tech sectors, bringing together innovative tech with commercial expertise and creative brilliance.” And this is what Tony Latter, Co-founder & Head of Innovations at The Happiness Index UK said: “The future of work will look very different in terms of when, where and how people are working. Whether it is more employees working remotely, flexibly or in a globally distributed model, the challenges of effectively engaging and communicating with your people are increasing and mean that leaders require a new set of emotional skills and insight. We are tremendously excited to partner with the House of Cheer and the team at Happyness.me.”

     

     

  • It will offer blockbuster movies from its content library including 500+ titles

    Rishtey Cineplex in a new avatar from tomorrow

    By A Correspondent

     

    Viacom18’s movie channel Rishtey Cineplex is set to return starting tomorrww, June 5, 2020. With its brand promise ‘Filmein Must Hai’, the channel will air movies spanning across  genres and films dubbed in Hindi from regional markets. The 500+  movie library will be available on DD Freedish and soon after on major cable and DTH platforms.

     

    Notes a communique: “Relaunching after 15 months, Rishtey Cineplex will have a movie library of 1500+ hours, including 500+ unique titles and plans to host two movie festivals and a premiere every month. With Rishtey Cineplex’s relaunch, Viacom18 will further expand its movie portfolio gaining a significant presence in the Hindi movie space, with a unique set of movie catalogues for both Colors Cineplex and Rishtey Cineplex.”

     

     

  • The #RahoMusicallyPositive video prompts the viewers to do their bit while they stay safe at home

    MTV salutes Covid-19 warriors with #RahoMusicallyPositive

    By A Correspondent

     

    MTV and MTV Beats has extended a tribute to all doctors, nurses, police, medical staff and frontline workers with a special video campaign – #RahoMusicallyPositive. Viacom18 has joined hands with non-profit organisation Goonj to support individuals, families and communities across India that are financially impacted by Covid-19, including daily wage workers.

     

    Speaking about the campaign, Ferzad Palia, Head- Voot Select, Youth, Music and English Entertainment, Viacom18 said: “Music has the power to bring people together and instil a feeling of positivity and happiness. With this thought in mind, MTV and MTV Beats partnered with some of the most talented musicians and Bollywood actors to create the #RahoMusicallyPositive song to boost the morale of our frontline workers who are fighting the pandemic on ground as well as each one of our viewers who are battling it by staying at home.”

     

     

  • #DilSeSalaam thanks operators for their constant efforts in keeping India entertained minus interruption

    Viacom18 recognises work of DTH & Cable operators with #DilSeSalaam

    By A Correspondent

     

    Viacom18 Media has unveiled a campaign titled #DilSeSalaam which is a tribute and salute to DTH and Cable TV operators across India who continue to make efforts in ensuring that viewers are being entertained without interruption even during such unprecedented times. Recognized as a network with a humane purpose, Viacom18 has always recognized that DTH and Cable TV operators are the backbone of the broadcast industry and it is purely because of their hard work and diligence that television viewing across India hasn’t faced any interruptions.

     

    Currently live on Viacom18’s social media channels, #DilSeSalaam, is a 50 -econd video with a message from Viacom18’s talented pool of actors. Speaking about the campaign, Anuj Gandhi Group CEO, Indiacast, said: “Since the pandemic outbreak and the lockdown was imposed, our cable TV and DTH operators have been working relentlessly to ensure there is no disruption in TV viewing across the country. We have seen TV viewership surge across India and this has been possible due to no disruption in the last mile delivery by DTH service providers and cable operators. #DilSeSalaam is our way of saying thank you to our cable and DTH operators for their constant effort and hard work during these tough times and for ensuring that our viewers aren’t missing out on their daily entertainment. We are truly grateful for all their support and efforts over the past month and assure them that they have our full support wherever and whenever required.”

     

     

  • The show will air daily starting today, May 4 from 7-9pm

    Colors acquires rights to air ‘Mahabharat’

    By A Correspondent

     

    Popular mythological show ‘Mahabharat’ is set to air on Colors starting today, May 4 daily from 7 to 9 pm.

     

    Said Manisha Sharma, Chief Content Officer, Hindi Mass Entertainment, Viacom18: “Due to the nationwide lockdown, the television landscape is changing quite significantly. The popular classics and erstwhile shows have found a renewed interest amongst the audience as they provide relief and induce nostalgia. We are elated to air Mahabharat on television to give our viewers another opportunity to relive the golden times.”