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Tag: Viacom18

  • Will help the channel grow further and challenge the market leaders

    Viacom18 appoints সাগনিক ঘোষ as Business Head – Colors Bangla. Sagnik Ghosh, we mean

    By Our Staff

    সাগনিক ঘোষকে বিজনেস হেড, কালার্স বাংলা পদে নিয়োগ দেওয়া হয়েছে।

    That’s the work of Google Translate. If you don’t understand Bangla, well, what the line above means is this: Sagnik Ghosh is joining Colors Bangla as Business Head. Ghosh will be taking over from Rahul Chakravarti and will report to Rajesh Iyer, Head – Regional Entertainment (Bangla, Odia, Tamil and Gujarati Clusters), Viacom18.

    Sagnik Ghosh
    Rajesh Iyer

    Said Iyer: “Regional is an important growth driver for Viacom18 and West Bengal is an important market for us. I’d like to thank Rahul for his contribution and wish him the very best in his future endeavours. Sagnik brings three important aspects to this role – his knowledge of the Bengali entertainment industry, his understanding of consumer preferences and his marketing expertise which cumulatively will dial up both the brand and the business.”

     

    Added Ghosh: “The Bengali broadcast entertainment market provides considerable opportunities and is known for its creative prowess for producing content that is often taken to other markets. Colors Bangla has a rich legacy and now is time to grow further and challenge the market leaders. Together, with the dedicated and talented team, I look forward to propel Colors Bangla to greater heights.”

     

     

    Prior to joining Viacom 18, Ghosh has worked with Star India as Executive Vice-President and Business Head, Star Jalsha and Jalsha Movies (Bengal Cluster). In the Hindi Speaking Market, he had led the brand revamp of Star Plus, and re-launched Life OK as Star Bharat. Prior to joining the Media and Entertainment industry, Ghosh worked with leading BFSI brands like Axis Bank, HSBC etc.

     

     

  • Urges kids to share and care with “Give More, Grow More” strapline

    Nickelodeon ties up with Goonj for do-good campaign

    By Our Staff

    Nickelodeon has launched its latest edition of the global pro-socio campaign “Together for Good”. This year Nickelodeon along with NGO partner Goonj is inspiring kids to share with those in need and spread happiness, with the message of “Give More, Grow More.”

    Said Nina Elavia Jaipuria Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network at Viacom18: “As a responsible broadcaster for kids, their well-being and growth is at the center of all our initiatives at Nickelodeon. Over the years we have introduced several social initiatives themed under ‘Together For Good’ to inspire positive behavioral change amongst kids. We believe that kids are the change agents of society and teaching them the importance of sharing is a key step towards helping instill a sense of empathy and high EQ.”

     

     

  • The channel, which will air popular films from after the 1980s, will be available on DD FreeDish other than various broadcast platforms

    Viacom18 to launch on Colors Cineplex Bollywood on April 1

    By Our Staff

    Viacom18 Media has announced the launch of Colors Cineplex Bollywood, a 24×7 Bollywood film channel. The channel will launch on April 1, 2021 across leading platforms. The channel, which will air popular films from after the 1980s, will be available on DD FreeDish other than various broadcast platforms.

    Targeted towards the audiencies of Mumbai and Delhi as well as Hindi Speaking Markets of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Colrs Cineplex Bollywood aims to entertain Bollywood movie buffs with its brand proposition of ‘Hit Hai!’. The channel will showcase hits from the 1980s such as Amar Akbar Anthony, Kaalia, Namak Halaal, to the 90s hits like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Raja Hindustani, Jeet, Dil, Kachche Dhaage to millennial favourites like Golmaal, Dabangg, Hera Pheri franchise as well as recent hits like Chhalaang, Padmavaat, Student of the Year 2, Andhadhun etc.

    Speaking on expanding the Network’s Hindi Mass Entertainment Cluster, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom18 said: “The launch of Colors Cineplex Bollywood will bolster Viacom18’s play in the Hindi Mass entertainment category and strengthen our share in the Hindi movie genre specifically. Aimed at appealing to the masses, the channel is a natural extension of our current Hindi movie portfolio. We are excited about this launch and look forward to becoming the ultimate destination for the best of Bollywood on television.”

    Speaking on the channel’s proposition, Rohan Lavsi, Head, Hindi Movies Cluster, Viacom18, added: “The charm of Bollywood movies lies in the unparalleled blend of intense drama, powerful action and soulful music delivered on a grand scale. COLORS Cineplex Bollywood encapsulates wholesome entertainment defining the ultimate movie viewing experience for our viewers. With a robust library spanning decades, the channel has something for everyone. With a brand proposition ‘Hit Hai!’, COLORS Cineplex Bollywood will celebrate the iconic dialogues, unforgivable villains, energetic dancers, superstars and much-loved characters that have not only made an important contribution to Indian cinema but have also become an integral part of our daily lives. We are sure the channel will go on to become an instant hit amongst viewers of all ages.”

    With the launch of COLORS Cineplex Bollywood, Viacom18 will further expand its movie portfolio with an aim to gain significant presence in the Hindi movie space. With the telecast of only Hindi movies, the channel will fulfil the insatiable appetite for Bollywood movies. COLORS Cineplex Bollywood will launch on 1st April 2021 across all leading DTH & Cable platforms including DD FreeDish. The launch will also be accompanied by a robust marketing plan.

  • New roles for Ferzad Palia and Anshul Ailawadi

    Viacom18 restructures its leadership team

    By Our Staff

    Ferzad Palia
    Ferzad Palia
    Anshul Ailawadi
    Anshul Ailawadi

    Viacom18 has announced changes in its leadership team to bolster its digital and broadcast businesses. Driving the agenda of growing its digital subscription businesses, in his new role, Ferzad Palia will head all subscriber-driven pay services (SVOD – Voot Select and Voot Kids) and International expansion for Voot and will report to Gourav Rakshit, COO, Viacom18 Digital Ventures.

    The network’s Youth, Music and English Entertainment business will now be led by Anshul Ailawadi, erstwhile strategy and project management lead at the Group CEO’s office. Ailawadi will report to Rahul Joshi, Managing Director, Network18, in his new role.

    Notes a communique: “In its endeavour to become a future-proof organisation, identifying opportunities to drive synergies is crucial. Ferzad has led the growth of the network’s Youth, Music and English Entertainment business for the past 16 years. More recently he launched Voot Select that has already raced to add 1mn+ subscribers within a year. He will now look to cohesively grow Viacom18’s SVoD and International digital businesses. Anshul has played a key role in the growth of Viacom18 over the last 6 years and is a strong proponent of the tremendous fandom, and the potential business opportunity that the YME brands of Viacom18 command. In a young country like India, these brands have a long runway for growth, especially given the proliferation of digital platforms.

     

     

  • To bring bigger and better entertainment extravaganza to the screens in 2021

    Voot Select hits one million subscribers

    By Our Staff

    Voot Select completes a year of launch. And it has reported the crossing of the one million active direct paying subscribers in this period.

    Voot Select, notes a communique, will be exclusive destination for upcoming Paramount+ shows in the country. The titles coming up include Dexter (Limited Series), Ray Donavan Feature-Length Film,  The First Lady from showtime and Frasier (Reboot) & Why Women Kill S2 from Paramount+ amongst others.

    Gourav Rakshit
    Gourav Rakshit

    Said Gourav Rakshit, Chief Operating Officer, Viacom18 Digital Ventures: “We launched VOOT Select to engage and entertain audiences in India, with the most compelling stories from across the world. Despite being a recent entrant in a in the crowded subscription industry, we’re thrilled to have made a mark, being the fastest to a million subscribers and delighting audiences on the back of our unique and innovative approach.  Now that we have gotten a better sense of what they loved (and some of the stuff they didn’t), we’re excited to bring an even bigger and better entertainment extravaganza to their screens in 2021.”

    Ferzad Palia
    Ferzad Palia

    Added Ferzad Palia, Head – Voot Select & International Business, Viacom18, “It has been a phenomenal year for Voot Select. We have, ahead of our estimates, made the fastest run to a million active paying direct to consumer subscribers in the category in less than a year of launch. Our success story through the year has been scripted on the back of a digital first strategy that keeps consumers at its core as well as a multi genre slate of originals and international content experiences. With our upcoming slate of content and partnerships, we aim to build our leadership position as we continue to entertain our members. We have had a fantastic start to this journey and will continue to invest in quality content and enhanced product experience driving Select towards new echelons of growth.”

     

     

  • Utpal Das will be moving on from the organisation effective March 31, 2021

    @Viacom18: Kunal Gaur to replace Utpal Das as Chief Commercial Officer

    By Our Staff

     

    Viacom18 has  announced the appointment of Kunal Gaur as Chief Commercial Officer. Kunal will be taking over from Utpal Das who ends his stint at Viacom18 on March 31, 2021.

    Through the past 7. 5 years, Das  led the Commercial, Facilities & Corporate Services functions at Viacom18. He was instrumental in not only shaping and leading these functions but also towards building Viacom18 into one of India’s top media networks through his role as a key member of the company’s leadership team.

    Kunal Gaur, a Chartered Accountant by qualification, has over 19 years of experience across organisations like Star India, Netflix & PWC. Prior to joining Viacom18, Gaur was a part of the Netflix India’s leadership team in the capacity of Director, Production Finance where he was instrumental in crafting budgeting strategies and leading production finance for all original series, film, non-fiction and documentaries.

     

    Gaur will be reporting into Rahul Joshi, MD, Network18.

  • Nickelodeon will partner Teach for India to bridge  digital education divide caused by the new normal

    Kids’ Choice Awards 2020 goes virtual

    Press Release-based

     

    Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards 2020 is back, albeit virtually. And with six new categories for children to vote for their favourite entertainers during the lockdown and decide who takes home the coveted Nickelodeon Blimp. Voting starts today, Jan 4, on www.voot.com and the Voot App.

     

    Said Nina Elavia Jaipuria – Hindi Mass Entertainment & Kids TV Network at Viacom18: “In these challenging times our commitment is to ensure that our young viewers remain entertained and positive. Keeping this in mind we at Nickelodeon are going to celebrate all that is new with Kids’ Choice Awards 2020. In the virtual format, with the introduction of new categories, we aim to encourage and empower kids to cast their vote and choose their favourites who kept them going through the lockdown. Nickelodeon will also support Teach for India to help provide smart devices to children to enable online education.”

     

    Added Director of Communications and Marketing of Teach For India: “We are delighted to partner with Nickelodeon for their most prestigious awards show. Their support to our #DontStopLearning campaign is important and we are deeply grateful to their commitment to sponsor a device to ensure our students continue learning. We are confident that this partnership will play a significant role in bridging the digital divide.”

     

  • Partners with Hasbro India for the Play-Doh Cans of Kindness campaign to impact over 1000 children across India

    Save the Children names Peppa Pig as Child Ambassador

    By A Correspondent

     

    Save the Children, a leading child rights organisation, has announced Peppa Pig as its Child Ambassador to promote the importance of leisure time. The popular character amongst kids, is represented by Viacom18 as its official merchandising and licensing partner.

     

    Speaking on the criticality of quality leisure time for children in the current context, Sudarshan Suchi, CEO, Save the Children said, “Play is essential for children as it helps in developing their imagination, dexterity, physical, cognitive and emotion strength. It allows children to conquer their fears and master the world. Undirected play allows children to learn social behaviours, to share, to negotiate and to resolve conflicts. More than anything, play allows a child to experience happiness and joy, which is a fundamental building block to any other right.”

     

    Added Mahesh Shetty, Head-Network Sales, Viacom18: “While the perils of the pandemic continue to exist, Right to Play is pertinent, especially in today’s times where kids continue to stay confined and are unable to engage, interact with the world around them. We are extremely delighted that Peppa has been chosen by Save The Children to be the Child Ambassador to promote Right to Play. We believe that Peppa has a strong influence on the minds of young kids and will play a key role in changing mindsets and reinforcing the value of play. Since 2016, Viacom18 has created a strong ecosystem for Peppa Pig with forays into broadcast, digital, merchandise and events. We look forward to partnering with eOne and Save The Children on the exciting initiatives planned in the coming months.”

     

     

  • It will address the challenges of tuberculosis and Covid-19

    Viacom18 & MTV launch MTV Nishedh launch drama series starring Sania Mirza

    By A Correspondent

     

    After the success of Phase 1 of the MTV Nishedh campaign, Viacom18 and MTV Staying Alive Foundation, supported by an educational grant from Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc., are set to bring back a digital-only miniseries MTV Nishedh Alone Together.

     

    The 5-episode mini-series will stream on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook handles of MTV India and MTV Nishedh, starting every Friday, from November 27, 2020 onwards.

     

    Speaking about the campaign, a Viacom18 spokesperson said: “We believe that meaningful content, when delivered in an entertaining format to mass audiences, can go a long way in driving instrumental impact. Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, health and wellbeing has taken forefront in our lives; however, we still choose to shy away from conversing about TB – the world’s leading infectious killer. A global modelling study has suggested that, with every month of the lockdown, TB is expected to claim an additional ~70,000 deaths in India during 2020-2025.  Thus, the timing couldn’t be more appropriate to engage our audience through entertainment on social media to create awareness of TB in the times of Covid.”

     

    Added Georgia Arnold, Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation: “MTV Nishedh saw positive results in sparking conversations around taboo topics including tuberculosis and the stigma around it. Through MTV Nishedh Alone Together, the aim is to continue this conversation and more importantly help those who may be suffering from symptoms of TB to ensure that they know where to go to get tested, and to continue accessing their meds during the pandemic.  We want people to know that there is always help available for them and they should never give up on themselves, no matter how dark the times may seem.”

     

     

  • Happy & Pinaki – The Bhoot Bandhus is the name of the show

    Nickelodeon announces 10th IP for Sonic

    By A Correspondent

     

    After a slew of home-grown IPs like Motu Patlu, Pakdam Pakdai, Shiva, Rudra, amongst others, Nickelodeon is all set to introduce its first spooky comic series and its 10th Indigenous IP – Lego presents “Happy & Pinaki- The Bhoot Bandhus” on Sonic. Produced by Tavrohi Animation, the show will start on November 9 at 11:30 AM.

     

    Speaking about the success of the homegrown IPs, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment and the Kids TV Network at Viacom18  said: “Kids are at the center of our universe and understanding their evolving preferences and catering to their diverse entertainment needs is at the core of all our initiatives. With each passing year, we have identified white spaces and brought alive clutter breaking and pioneering series that have gone on to be category game changers and favorites amongst all our stakeholders -kids, parents and advertisers ensuring that we are the most loved No1 kids entertainment brand in the country. With the launch of our new show Pinaki & Happy-The Bhoot Bandhus on Sonic, we are set to once again enthrall our young viewers with an immersive and unmatched entertainment experience.”

     

    Added Anu Sikka, Head – Content, Kids TV Network, Viacom18: “With the launch of our new show Pinaki & Happy -The Bhoot Bandhus, we are expanding our already popular programming catalogue to keep our young audience entertained. Each character and their traits are so carefully crafted that I’m confident that the Bhoot Bandhus will be thoroughly loved by the kids. The show promises to take kids into a new world of fun bringing to them first of it’s spooky-comedy series which takes them on a laughter ride when the bhoot world meets the real world. Over the years our adorable toons have formed an unbreakable bond with kids through the stories they tell and we are confident that that our young viewers will surely embrace the new characters  and make them a part of their daily lives.”

     

     

  • Ravish Kumar will continue to lead the network’s regional broadcast forays in Kannada and Marathi

    Rajesh Iyer back at Viacom18. To head Colors Bangla, Odia, Tamil & Gujarati

    By A Correspondent

     

    Rajesh Iyer
    Rahul Joshi
    Rahul Joshi

    Viacom18 has announced the appointment of Rajesh Iyer to take on independent charge of Colors Bangla, Colors Odia, Colors Tamil and Colors Gujarati. Meanwhile, Ravish Kumar will continue to lead the network’s regional broadcast forays in Kannada and Marathi. Both Iyer and Kumar will work closely to grow the regional broadcast footprint of Viacom18.

     

    Speaking about the appointment, Rahul Joshi, MD, Network18 said: “Regional broadcast entertainment is a key pillar in our endeavour to chart out a high-growth path for Viacom18. India is witnessing an unprecedented boom in the segment and agility is the need of the hour to get to leadership positions in our existing regional markets. With his years of leadership experience across TV and digital ecosystems, Rajesh is ably poised to take on the challenges presented by the genre and successfully grow the business.”

     

    Iyer joined Network18 in March 2019 and has worked closely with the leadership team there to spearhead new initiatives. Prior to this and as part of the broadcast leadership team at ZEEL, he launched and headed Zee’s second Hindi GEC &TV in 2015. He has worked with Viacom18 in the past for six years when he led the marketing portfolio of the flagship channel Colors. He has also worked with Star India, YuppTV and advertising agencies Ambience Publicis and Ogilvy & Mather.

     

     

  • Ex-contestants Siddharth Shukla, Hina Khan and Gauahar Khan will also be seen playing a crucial role in the season

    Bigg Boss to take off on October 3

    By A Correspondent

     

    The fourteenth season of Bigg Boss will premiere on October 3 at 9pm only on Colors and stream on Voot Select.

     

    Talking about the show, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head, Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom18, said: “Our endeavour at Colors has always been to provide our viewers with uninterrupted entertainment – refreshing and exciting content and Bigg Boss has been a testament to this objective year after year. The last 6 months have been unprecedented and it brought along with it unexpected challenges and changes. With ‘Ab Paltega Scene, Kyunki Bigg Boss Dega 2020 Ko Jawab’ as the theme for this season, our aim is to amp up the excitement and ensure viewers forget their worries and are reminded of their normal lives. Adding to the experience, the Bigg Boss fans will get to watch the episodes before television on our premium video-on-demand service Voot Select along with 24 hours exclusive access into the house. I would also like to thank our partners- presenting sponsor Mobile Premier League, powered by sponsors- Dabur Dant Rakshak Ayurvedic Paste & TRESemmé and Associate sponsor- Ching’s for their support and trust in brand Bigg Boss.”

     

    Added Manisha Sharma, Chief Content Officer, Hindi Mass Entertainment, Viacom18: “This is a unique season of Bigg Boss – the pandemic has disrupted our daily lives and with Bigg Boss we attempt to bring back some sense of normalcy into our consumers’ lives, to try and truly cater to ‘ab scene paltega/’. With each season of Bigg Boss, we have introduced new and fresh elements and themes to make it more engaging and entertaining for our audiences and this year is no exception. The Bigg Boss house will reimagine a normal scenario that we all have been missing out on with the inclusion of a salon & spa, movie theatre, and shopping mall facilities for the contestants. We broke all viewership records the previous season. So there’s a lot to look forward to. This year too we plan to take our viewers along on a roller coaster ride and the show will have a big twist in the first 14 days and something super exciting will follow. The thrill will multiply as the lineup of contestants and the different characteristics they bring with them will surely become a great family and friend circle conversation. Salman Khan, who has been the most gracious host is back again and we can’t wait for the excitement to unfold.”

     

    Speaking about associating with Bigg Boss, Abhishek Madhavan, Senior Vice President, Growth and Marketing, Mobile Premier League (MPL), said: “Over the years, Bigg Boss has established an outstanding connect with the audiences and has earned itself a massive base of dedicated fans. Our association with the property gives us a great opportunity to reach out to those viewers and engage with them through the show. Just like Bigg Boss, our app also caters to a vast audience base which makes it a perfect fit. As one of India’s biggest skill-based gaming applications in India, it’s an honor for MPL to be associated with one of the biggest reality properties, Bigg Boss and we look forward to a great association.”

     

    Added Abhishek Rege, CEO, Endemol Shine India: “Endemol Shine India has over the years broken multiple records with Bigg Boss! The show has established itself as India’s biggest reality program, one we are extremely proud of. Given the challenges that we have faced this year, we have taken every precaution possible when it comes to the health, safety, and sanitization of the cast and the crew. This season’s contestants will be required to be under quarantine for a period and will be tested before going inside the house. The theme of the show will also reflect in the elements of the house to give the contestants a feeling of normalcy. We look forward to furthering our long partnership with COLORS and to yet another exciting new season.”