MxMIndia

Tag: Zee TV

  • ZEE Cinema has partnered with the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) as a signature partner

    ZEE appointed partner for SAIFF

    By a correspondent

     

    ZEE Cinema has partnered with the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) as a signature partner. The festival opened with ‘Monsoon Shootout’ and capped off with “The Good Road”. Other films included in the roster were “Animal State” “Ankhon Dekhi” “First Sight” “I.D.” “Qissa” “Siddarth” “Tasher Desh” and the centrepiece feature, “Good Morning, Karachi.” The line-up showcases a combination of films from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

     

    Shilen Amin, President and Founder of SAIFF said, “For the past decade, SAIFF has highlighted the vision of gifted Directors and Writers of full-length feature productions, documentaries, and short films that move and inspire us. New York City has become the most important venue in showcasing the works of some of the world’s best South Asian filmmakers and since then the Festival has become the connection that strengthens the bond between Bollywood and Hollywood in the US. We are proud to announce a new partnership with ZEE TV, the #1 South Asian Channel, along with its family of networks, and the South Asian International Film Festival on its historic 10th Year Anniversary.”

     

    Sameer Targe, General Manager of ZEE TV Americas added, “ZEE TV Americas has had a long-standing commitment in providing South Asian viewers outstanding entertainment here in the U.S. and abroad, and it was only a matter of time before the largest South Asian TV platform and largest Film event in the U.S. would come together in order to continue producing memorable cinematic and cultural experiences for its audiences.”

     

  • Week 9 of 2014 saw Zee TV jumping back to the second slot amongst the Hindi GECs on the back of an excellent showing by the evergreen Dance India Dance Li’l Masters

    Week #9: Zee makes big leap to #2, Life OK back at #4

    By Our Research Associate

     

    Week 9 of 2014 saw Zee TV jumping back to the second slot amongst the Hindi GECs on the back of an excellent showing by the evergreen Dance India Dance Li’l Masters.

     

    Star Plus was at 637, Zee at 548 and Colors at 465. Life OK was back at No 4 with 341, Sony at 306 and Sab at 303. The number indicates viewership in million.

     

    The info that we have published is courtesy a friendly subscriber, but since the source is not TAM, the folks who (still) do the measurement, we would urge advertisers to not base their advertising investments based on this report alone. Call TAM, subscribe to the measurement numbers…

     

  • Week 5 viewership for Sony Entertainment Television is 298 million. Elsewhere, Zee swaps spots with Colors at #2

    Week 5 sets the challenge for new Sony biz head

    By A Correspondent

     

    Newly appointed business head Nachiket Pant Vaidya will need to use all the tricks he learnt at IIM-Ahmedabad. Sony Entertainment Television is still at #6 amongst Hindi GECs and struggled to cross the 300 milion mark even with the Filmfare Awards on air.

     

    Meanwhile, Zee got to #2, Colors at #3, Star Plus strong at 627 and Life OK numbers ensuring Sab is a distant #5.

     

  • While Star Plus continues to be numero uno, Colors gets ahead of Zee for the #2 slot in Week 50 amongst Hindi GECs

    In Week 50, Colors is No 2 Hindi GEC

    By our Research Associate

     

    It’s a game of yo-yo at the top.

     

    So, last week, Zee was No 2 and Colors has marched ahead in Week 50 of the calendar year.

     

    Star Plus is still the numero uno Hindi GEC. All of this is as per TAM ratings revealed to us, not directly by TAM which has been restrained by the powers that be to give the media get a first-hand update on weekly ratings. Instead we have to get it from our friends who share the info. It’s reliable but, then, we haven’t got it from TAM.

     

    The following are the numbers:

    Star Plus              579 {561} (548)

    Colors                   449 {456} (479)

    Zee TV                  439 {480} (449)

    Life OK                 313 {325} (334)

    SAB                        291 {260} (269)

    Sony                       267 {241} (239)

     

    Figures in brace brackets indicate viewership numbers for last week {Week 49} and in regular brackets for the previous week (Week 48).

     

  • While Star Plus continues to be numero uno, Zee gets ahead of Colors for the #2 slot in Week 49 amongst Hindi GECs

    In Week 49, Zee is at #2

    By our Research Associate

     

    While Star Plus continues to be numero uno, Zee gets ahead of Colors for the #2 slot in Week 49 amongst Hindi GECs.

     

    The following are the numbers:

    Star Plus            561197 (548331)

    Zee TV               479878 (448553)

    Colors                456302 (478534)

    Life OK               325066 (334327)

    SAB                     260862 (269269)

    Sony                   241395 (238987)

     

    Figures in brackets indicate viewership numbers for the previous week. Note these numbers have not been sourced from TAM but they are sourced from a TAM subscriber which is very reliable.

     

  • According to the latest findings of the Ormax Characters India Loves research, Jodha from Zee TV's daily fiction show Jodha-Akbar has emerged as the most popular fiction character on Indian television

    Zee TV’s Jodha is most popular fiction character on telly: Ormax

    By A Correspondent

     

    According to the latest findings (November 2013) of the Ormax Characters India Loves research, Jodha from Zee TV’s daily fiction show Jodha-Akbar has emerged as the most popular fiction character on Indian television.

     

    Ormax Characters India Loves (Ormax CIL) research is conducted in 19 Hindi-speaking markets in India, covering a monthly sample size of more than 3,000 respondents in the 15-44 years age group. Since the start of Ormax CIL in August 2009, Jodha is only the fifth character to have taken the top position, the other four being Anandi (Balika Vadhu), Suhaana (Sasural Genda Phool), Jethalal (Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah) and Ram Kapoor (Bade Achhe Lagte Hain). Jodha is the first Zee TV character to have taken the top position.

     

    Anurag Bakhshi

    Speaking about the findings, Anurag Bakhshi, Insights Head – Television, Ormax Media, said: “Jodha’s popularity is a result of her unique portrayal of a historical character whose aspirations are relevant to the young audience of today’s evolving India. Her popularity is particularly strong in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab markets.”

     

    According to the November 2013 Ormax CIL Report, the Top 5 fiction characters on television are Jodha, Sandhya (Diya Aur Baati Hum), Jethalal (Taarak Mehta…), Anandi (Balika Vadhu) and Mahadev. Kapil Sharma (Comedy Nights With Kapil) is by far the most popular non-fiction character on television.

     

  • Q&A with the Marketing Head (National Channels) at Zee Entertainment on why he’s betting big on the &pictures airing even after the film doing so well on Zee

    Jaldi 5 with Akash Chawla: Extreme reactions on digital is name of the game

    By A Correspondent

     

    After the stupendous success of the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Chennai Express on Zee TV, the film will now share on the Zee group’s recently launched film channel &pictures on November 23 at 8pm. The channel is pulling all stops to make this premiere an even bigger success than Zee TV with a digital innovation to promote the airing.  An interactive voice response (IVR) system has been created where people can get call a toll-free number (18001035515) and get a reminder on the movie on their phones in Shah Rukh Khan’s voice. The channel is promoting the film in a big way in the digital media. The movie is going to be promoted is via the blogging community. Four lucky bloggers will be selected to relive the journey Shah Rukh and Deepika did from Mumbai to Rameshwaram. The bloggers will tweet and post their travel experience with the  &pictures hashtag on Twitter and build a buzz for the upcoming premiere. In addition, an aggressive marketing strategy has been initiated on traditional media like, TV, radio, print, OOH and cable. Akash Chawla, Marketing Head (National Channels) at Zee Entertainment took time to respond to our questions.

     

    01. Given that it’s coming close on the heels of Chennai Express scoring an all-time high on Zee, wouldn’t there be a pressure on achieving similar ratings?

    Zee is a 20-year-old GEC and Chennai Express is the biggest blockbuster ever in the history of the box-office. It premiered on Zee TV within three months of its theatrical release. Considering the above, Zee definitely had an advantage over &pictures. Having said that, there are still 70 percent of our viewers in the Hindi-speaking markets who hadn’t seen the movie then and hence would now become a target on &pictures. Plus there’s a lot of repeat value for such movies. Hence we’re definitely expecting high returns as being demonstrated by the push that’s been given.

     

    02. The decision to promote the film’s telecast via the digital and specifically the travel blogger route is interesting. But since the number of those connected digitally who will watch a film like Chennai Express is limited, why such an emphasis on digital?

    62 million of the 82 million Facebook users in India are connected via mobile. 40 percent of the Google searches happen via mobiles. We believe in small towns especially after brands like Micromax and Karbonn have reduced the prices of smartphones and have special tariffs by the operators, the mobile phone has become a compulsory medium replacing a bicycle. People who consume the digital media are one of our biggest targets and &pictures is utilizing this base to the fullest.

     

    03. Perhaps reaching out via smartphones as against via bloggers would’ve been more appropriate?

    As I said, &pictures is going to make maximum use of this base!

     

    04. In many ways, your move to promote to consumers via the digital route as against just newspapers etc is an indicator that the traditional media is not as indispensable as it used to be (for promotions). True?

    When one is talking to the masses at large, especially in a category like a video content like ours, audio visual media is of primary essence. Therefore conversion on TV still plays a pertinent role. Newspapers play the role of creating appointment and building scale if right format is taken. The digital route provides a targeted surround and reaches the right consumers.  When it comes to all TG, the blend of digital and traditional gives maximum impact.

     

    05. It’s tricky dealing with the digital media fraternity given that it’s unorganised and may not always be as ‘influenceable’ as the organised media. For instance, while there were mixed reviews from critics in the newspapers, digitally, we saw extremes. Some lampooned the film while a few gushed. Given this, isn’t too much dependance on digital promotions tricky? Almost like playing with fire?

    Extreme reactions on digital media is the name of the game. In fact, we saw extreme reactions when Zee Cinema aired Himmatwala. The film didn’t do that well on the box-office. But it didn’t mean that it did bad on television as well or had negative viewing. (The film fetched 5561 TVTs on Zee Cinema). While we all play with fire, today we can’t escape the fact that digital media has become an integral part such that we can’t ignore it. In our view, innovations on digital front have always been appreciated and have yielded results. Therefore while we’re playing with fire, we’ll kindle the flames in the right direction.

     

  • The film is based on the Zee group's positioning of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is My Family'

    Zee unveils all-new corporate brand film crafted by Scarecrow

    By A Correspondent

     

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd has unveiled a corporate brand film based on its brand positioning – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – The World is My Family”. The brand film depicts the essence of Zee’s brand image, conveying that it has been a cultural ambassador of India, to millions of viewers across the globe for more than two decades.

     

    Speaking on the film, Roland Landers, Zee’s Head Corporate Brand said: “I am extremely glad to unveil the new brand film. ZEE’s brand positioning envisions its world as a unified family, without any caste, boundary or religion, which this film has beautifully brought to life showcasing a blend of multiple nationalities celebrating togetherness.”

     

    The 360 degree roll out of the film, scheduled to be aired on all ZEE channels, social media plarforms, newly launched corporate website and other key on ground properties, will certainly ensure that the film reaches all the key internal and external stakeholders of Zee.

     

    Manish Bhatt

    Manish Bhatt, Founder Director, Scarecrow Communications, which is the creative agency behind this brand film, mentioned “It was like an opportunity to create this one-of-its-kind world anthem. Creating communication for the brand that connects with more than 700 million viewers and over 169 Countries was a mammoth as well as a prestigious assignment for Scarecrow. We are confident that this communication will establish the perfect connect with the audience.”

     

  • The channel will be launching a new locally made show called 'Engineer This'

    ZeeQ completes a year of ‘edutaining’ kids

    By  A Correspondent

     

    ZeeQ, the edutainment channel from the Zee group, has completed a year of existence and ‘edutatainment’. ZeeQ was created for kids in the age group of 4–14 and telecasting content suitable for preschoolers as well, notes a communique, adding: The channel is constantly working towards bringing in the best content suited for children and has been successful in acquiring rights for few of the finest internationally acclaimed shows such as the Cbeebies, Sid the Science Kid, Dinosaur Train, Zou and the most recent Fishtronaut.

     

    Along with bringing in international content, ZeeQ has also created shows under its own banner, namely M I Four, Teenovation, Word Match, Science with BrainCafé and Weekly Wrap. The channel will soon launch a new produced show named ‘Engineer This’, adds the release.

     

  • The Shah Rukh Khan-starrer's premiere on Zee TV garners a record breaking 19541 TVTs and the channel soars to No.1 position this Diwali!

    Recording-breaking ratings for Chennai Express helps Zee create Diwali ‘dhamaka’ in GEC-land

    By A Correspondent

     

    It’s news like these that gladden our hearts. Zee TV which has been yoyo-ing between #2 and #3 slots shot to the numero uno slot on the back of Shah Rukh Khan’s Chennai Express scoring a record 19541 TVTs and the evergreen DID Season 4 premiere netting 6075 TVTs. This has propelled the channel to the No.1 position with 505442 GVTs.

     

    Channel Week 43 GVTs in ‘000s (Week 42 GVTs)
    Zee TV 505442 (409304)
    Star Plus 492849 (517048)
    Colors 423584 (384496)
    Life OK 334635 (316904)
    Sab 331674 (319214)
    Sony 281638 (292327)
    Information: TAM Media Research, TG: CS 4+, Market HSM, Period: Wk 43. Source: Trade

    The blockbuster starring Shah Rukh and Deepika Pudokone, Chennai Express has not only broken all box office collections at its theatrical release but has also broken all movie television premiere records across GECs on Indian Television and become the biggest grosser in terms of ratings, notes a communiqué from the channel. It may be noted that the specific ratings numbers are not sourced from TAM, but from independent and reliable sources.

     

    Genre

    Channel

    Date

    Days

    Programme

    TVTs

    Movies

    Sony

    25-Jul-10

    Sun

    3 IDIOTS

    13997

    Star Gold

    12-Nov-11

    Sat

    BODYGUARD

    14766

    Colors

    28-Nov-10

    Sun

    DABANGG

    11818

    Star Gold

    10-Sep-11

    Sat

    SINGHAM

    12798

    Zee TV

    20-Oct-13

    Sun

    CHENNAI EXPRESS

    19541

    SONY MAX

    28-Jul-13

    Sun

    AASHIQUI 2

    10952

    Information: TAM Media Research, TG: CS 4+, Market HSM, Period: Wk 43. Source: Trade

     

  • Hitesh Vakil, CFO with ZEEL for the last 19 years, has been an integral part of the company's journey of over two decades

    Zee appoints Mihir Modi as Chief Finance & Strategy Officer, elevates Hitesh Vakil as CEO, Service Excellence

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hitesh Vakil
    Mihir Modi

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) has announced the appointment of Mihir Modi as Chief Finance and Strategy Officer in place of Hitesh Vakil who is now elevated as CEO-Service Excellence.

     

    Hitesh Vakil, CFO with ZEEL for the last 19 years, has been an integral part of the company’s journey of over two decades. Recognizing his valuable contribution, the company has elevated him as the CEO, Service Excellence, making him responsible of setting up a state-of-the-art Shared Service Centre which will offer shared services across the Group.

     

    Mr Modi’s appointment is with effect from October 10, 2013 and he will report to Punit Goenka, MD and CEO, ZEEL.

     

  • Jaldi 5 with Amit Nair, Khana Khazana: There’s enough space for all and more channels to co-exist

    By Johnson Napier

     

    With plenty of options to toy around with, channels catering to food and lifestyle are leaving no stone unturned in offering programming of varying nature. Like Zee Khana Khazana that has announced the launch of its new show ‘World of Food’.

     

    According to Amit Nair, Business Head, Zee Khana Khazana, the show will seek to offer inspirational stories about how food has changed the destiny of people. He converses with MxMIndia about the show and what more the channel has in store for its audiences in the coming months.

     

    01. What’s unique about ‘World of Food’ that you think will create a distinction in the marketplace?

    The kind of stories that we carry on our show is what makes it unique. There are inspirational stories about how food has changed the destiny of people. There are stories about landmark eating joints of Indian cities plus of course we are getting India’s best chefs to the fore front. We believe these kind of stories will resonate strongly with our audiences who like varied content in the food space.

     

    02. How has your channel handled competition being put up by other channels catering to food & lifestyle genre?

    There is a huge demand for food content and there is enough space for all and more channels to co-exist, what distinguishes us from the rest is the interactivity our shows have and the fact that we are in Hindi. We are also strong on the digital space with our website – www.zeekhanakhazana.com and on social. We also do regular ground connect activities across many cities where we have seen very high response.

     

    03. What has been the effect of digitization on your channel?

    Digitisation has helped us increasing our presence across all major digital cable networks in the country. This increased presence has shown a marked increased in our TVT numbers showing more tune in and time spent.

     

    04. Is the current economic scenario a cause for concern for your channel? What has been the response from advertisers/brands towards your channel?

    The business model of the channel is set as a subscription based channel. With our revamped content we have found very good traction from our viewers.

     

    05. What is the way forward in terms of programming for your channel?

    We have many exciting offerings planned for the consumers in the coming months both in the instructional and experiential space. In the near future we are launching “How se Wow tak” which seeks to demystify cooking and provide answers to queries that people have related to cooking , post that we will be coming out with a show targeted at the urban working audience. You can expect new launches practically every month.