Category: eNews

  • Moneycontrol PRO & Waterfield Advisors with PwC India returns with third edition of Indian Family Business Awards

    Moneycontrol PRO & Waterfield Advisors with PwC India returns with third edition of Indian Family Business Awards

    Mumbai: To honour and recognise families that have significantly contributed to India’s economic growth, entrepreneurial spirit, and job creation, Moneycontrol PRO, a fast-growing subscription service, and Waterfield Advisors, a leading independent multi-family office and wealth advisory firm, have united once again along with PwC India as the process partner to host the third edition of the ‘Indian Family Business Awards 2023’

    The previous edition of the Indian Family Business Awards in 2022 received an impressive response with 140 plus entries across various categories and 200 plus on-ground attendees. The upcoming 2023 edition of the event promises to be even grander.

    This year, the awards is segregated into five different segments – Super (under Rs 1,000 crore), Mega (between Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000 crore), Giga (over Rs 5,000 crore), Best Startup Family Business (under Rs 1,000 crore & 5 years of existence) and Philanthropy Award (Best Family Business). To qualify for the awards, a family business must have been established in India and should be operational for at least 10 years, while start-ups must have been incorporated at least five years ago.  Additionally, the family should hold a majority stake and/or control in the business.

    Presented by Moneycontrol PRO, co-created with Waterfield Advisors, process partner PwC India, the Indian Family Business Awards 2023 will feature various categories – Best Family Business, Best Governance, Most Innovative, Disruptive & Transformational Family Business, Best Family Business Led by a Woman, Best Startup Family Business and Philanthropy. This year too the participation process involves self-nomination. Once nominations are submitted, the process partner to review the applications and determine their suitability under the various award categories and, where necessary, conduct personal interviews or meetings with them. They then submit their report to the Jury panel. The Jury panel then shortlist the winners post thorough discussions. The esteemed Indian family business award 2023 winners to be honoured and felicitated with a grand on-ground ceremony.  

    In its third year, the distinguished jury for the awards will include Soumya Rajan (Founder & CEO, Waterfield Advisors); Sonu Bhasin (Founder of FAB – Families and Businesses); Gopal Srinivasan (Chairman, TVS Capital Funds Limited); and Gaurav Dalmia (Chairman Dalmia Group Holdings).

    Waterfield Advisors founder & CEO Soumya Rajan stated, “We conceptualised the Indian Family Business Awards (IFBA) to honour India’s family businesses. At Waterfield, as trusted advisors to this illustrious community, we acknowledge their immense contributions to India’s economic progress. Over the first two seasons, we have laid the foundations for an event that is now much anticipated. We are excited for a grander third season and encourage family businesses across India to participate.”

    PwC India  Partner & Leader – Entrepreneurial & Private Business Falguni Shah stated, “As trusted advisors to family businesses, we are honoured to be the process partners for the India Family Business Awards (IFBA). This prestigious platform allows us to support and celebrate the best in the industry. We eagerly anticipate the journey of evaluating submissions from across the country, uncovering unique strengths, and providing insights that truly make these businesses stand out.”
     

  • Radio City and Beatchain launch Muzartdisco

    Radio City and Beatchain launch Muzartdisco

    Mumbai: Indian radio station – Radio City has partnered with Beatchain, the innovative technology company behind a groundbreaking A&R tool, to launch “Muzartdisco.” Set to launch at ‘All About Music,’ India’s only B2B music industry conference, in Mumbai on 6 August 2024, Muzartdisco will be open to the vast and diverse community of Indie artists worldwide, providing access to Beatchain’s range of creator services, tools, and educational content tailored for Indie artists.

    Beatchain’s white-label technology powers digital ‘arenas’ that can be owned and customised by music companies and labels, catering to artists across genres and territories. Muzartdisco will offer a comprehensive suite of tools for distributing, promoting, and marketing music while allowing artists to retain their full rights and gain exclusive data insights into the performance of their music through a personal dashboard. This new platform is set to revolutionise our country’s music scene by empowering independent artists and amplifying their voices globally.

    Artists using Muzartdisco will have the chance to earn career-changing opportunities offered by Radio City, including a nationwide radio breakout campaign with airplay, social media shoutouts across its networks, an artist of the month website feature, and a nomination for a Radio City Freedom Award – a nationally recognised awards ceremony celebrating Indie music. Additionally, it will provide unique studio sessions, mentoring, collaborations with renowned artists, writers, and producers, and photoshoots. The platform will also include a “Fan Builder” feature, enabling artists to build a sustainable fan base and create a thriving music career.

    Radio City CEO Ashit Kukian commented, “Radio City envisions to connect with audiences worldwide, and this partnership will be yet another stepping stone in that direction. Muzartdisco, India’s first one-stop platform for independent artists, will provide 360-degree opportunities to sustain artistic careers as well as avenues to promote and track their growth. We possess the right mix of communication and marketing tools to enhance the presence of artists on this platform which can be leveraged through cross-pollination with our other internal IPs like SMINCO, Happydemic, JioTV+ amongst others. This will ensure that, by using the latest technologies, we establish a strong foundation for a center stage where all Indie artists can showcase their talents and capture hearts globally.”

    Beatchain chief strategy officer Luke Mendoza stated, “Technology has revolutionized the music industry, democratizing access to music for consumers and creating incredible opportunities for artists. But, the sheer volume of music now available is making music discovery and cut-through more difficult. Our platform enables A&R teams and labels to identify real talent – those already demonstrating the qualities needed for a thriving music career – and can connect artists directly with industry tastemakers. By combining our technology with Radio City’s extensive reach and passion for Indian independent music, will offer artists unlimited opportunities to launch and sustain a career in music.”

    Understanding the need of the hour, Radio City is strengthening efforts through “Radigitalisation” to seamlessly transition from radio to digital. By tapping into various digital platforms, they ensure that their content reaches where the end consumer is, maximising reach and visibility for individuals and helping them gain the recognition they deserve.

  • Google & Kantar study reveals key to news subscriptions

    Google & Kantar study reveals key to news subscriptions

    Mumbai: Google, in partnership with Kantar, has released a new research report titled, “The Indian News Consumer: Willingness to Pay and Key Drivers” at the third edition of the Google News Summit.

    At a time when newsrooms are experimenting with different combinations of formats, revenue streams and content types, the study shines a light on the levers that drive online news subscriptions and how these vary across languages. The study incorporates qualitative and quantitative data from over 2000 respondents and nine languages. The insights aim to equip publishers with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape, capitalise on reader revenue opportunities, and foster sustainable growth, particularly in local language markets.

    Shedding more light on the findings of the research, Kantar director – B2B & technology, Biswapriya Bhattacharjee said, “Indian digital news consumers increasingly crave immersive, more relevant news consumption experiences, creating a prime opportunity for premium offerings. However, the price-sensitive nature of the market necessitates a diversified revenue strategy. What also comes out strongly is that in order to expand the user base, a meaningfully different and well-communicated value proposition is essential.”

    Google India head of India news partnerships, Durga Raghunath said, “The Indian digital news market is experiencing dynamic growth, driven by increasing internet penetration and an expanding ecosystem of local language publishers. Understanding the nuances of reader revenue models is crucial for the sustainability and growth of digital news. As part of our ongoing efforts to support the news ecosystem, this research provides valuable insights into reader preferences and behaviors, empowering publishers to make informed decisions about their monetisation strategies and build stronger connections with their audiences.”

    Understanding barriers and opportunities for reader revenue in India:

    Users, while recognising the value of quality journalism, are overwhelmingly driven by convenience and deterred by cost and a lack of clarity regarding the value proposition of paid subscriptions.

    ●    67 per cent of current subscribers in the study cited “reliable content” as a primary factor in their decision to subscribe.

    ●    Among those who haven’t subscribed, the top three barriers cited are “overwhelmed by too many plans/prices” (39 per cent), “limited budget” (35 per cent), and “lack of flexible payment/cancellation options” (33 per cent). This contrast underscores the need for publishers to clearly articulate the value proposition behind each while addressing pricing and flexibility concerns.

    ●    Once again, user preferences vary interestingly by language. The study consistently reveals that “news in the preferred language” is a highly valued content element across various language groups, including Hindi (67 per cent), Bengali (75 per cent), Tamil (63 per cent), and Gujarati (79 per cent).

    While subscription and other revenue models have varying appeal, the overall willingness to pay for digital news content, whether through subscriptions or other models, is comparable between local language and English language news consumers in India.

    ●    Both Kannada and Tamil speakers are relatively more receptive to subscriptions. They are also open to sharing first-party data and micro-transactions in the form of either pay-per-content or mini-access pass.

    ●    In contrast, first-party data is likely to be the way to unlock value with Bengali and Malayalam speakers. This diversity provides publishers with a wider range of revenue models to explore.

    Opportunities for news publishers

    ●    Marketing a clear value proposition: Publishers need to bridge the gap between subscription offerings and audience understanding of the key value proposition. Highlight the unique value of content, emphasizing features like in-depth reporting and specialised coverage not available for free.

    ●    Simplify and streamline subscription: Prioritise transparent pricing, simplification, and flexibility. Offering clear pricing, easy cancellation, and sufficient free trials can build trust, demonstrate value and drive conversions.

    ●    Diversify revenue streams: One size doesn’t fit all. Experiment with micro-transactions, first-party data sharing, and ad-supported models alongside subscriptions.

    ●    While users value ad-free experiences, affordability is an important consideration. Consider a hybrid model offering a small subscription fee with limited ads. Invest in robust newsletters to cultivate a loyal audience and provide additional value.

    ●    Offer flexibility and control: Empower users with flexible payment options like shorter billing cycles and customisable plans. While free trials attract new subscribers, focus on long-term value through bundled plans to ensure retention. Features like saving articles and content filtering provide greater control over their news experience.

    ●    Elevate the Indic language experience: The research also reveals that Indic language publications often encounter difficulties navigating subscription processes and accessing content. Dedicate resources to build a seamless experience for Indic language users, including intuitive interface design and easy language-switching functionality.

    While barriers to paid subscriptions exist, so do substantial opportunities. By prioritising a clear value proposition, a user-centric approach to design and functionality, payment flexibility, and tailored strategies based on language demographics, news publishers can enhance user confidence, increase willingness to subscribe, and drive growth in the evolving digital landscape.

  • Candlelight Concerts brings Western classics to Mumbai’s Heritage Royal Opera House

    Candlelight Concerts brings Western classics to Mumbai’s Heritage Royal Opera House

    Mumbai: Candlelight Concerts, the globally acclaimed series of intimate, multi-sensory live music experiences, has partnered with the historic Royal Opera House Mumbai, bringing the magic of candlelit concerts to one of the city’s most treasured cultural landmarks. Launching their inaugural series at the Royal Opera House on 30 August, Candlelight Concerts promises to deliver enchanting performances in a setting rich with history and artistry.

    Produced by Live Your City, a brand under the American company Fever Labs Inc, the global live-entertainment discovery platform, Candlelight Concerts democratises access to classical music. The one-of-a-kind format brings live performances to intimate settings illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a truly immersive and captivating experience.

    The inaugural program at the Royal Opera House Mumbai will feature “A Tribute to Frank Sinatra,” with his timeless classics performed by a homegrown jazz band on the 30 August followed by “From Mozart to Chopin” on 27 September. The Western Classical program will feature a talented local pianist, transporting audiences back to the golden age of music.

    This exclusive partnership marks a significant milestone for both Candlelight Concerts and the Royal Opera House Mumbai. It is the first time Candlelight Concerts will be held in a heritage venue in the country, transporting the audience back in time and adding an unparalleled layer of historical significance to the already enchanting experience. With more exciting performances to be announced, this partnership promises to deliver unforgettable musical experiences in a historic setting.

    “We are delighted to partner with the Royal Opera House Mumbai, a genuine symbol of the city’s vibrant heritage,” said Live Your City India country manager Deepa Bajaj. “This collaboration allows us to bring Candlelight Concerts to India’s only surviving opera house, offering our audience an exceptional and unforgettable experience. The Royal Opera House Mumbai’s iconic status and architectural grandeur is the perfect backdrop for our intimate, candlelit concerts, making this a cherished partnership.”

    The Royal Opera House Mumbai, a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award recipient for Cultural Heritage Conservation, is one of the last standing Baroque structures in Mumbai. Its remarkable history, architectural beauty, and propagation of arts and culture make it an ideal setting for Candlelight Concerts, where the magic of music and the allure of candlelight intertwine to create a truly magical experience.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Candlelight Concerts to the Royal Opera House Mumbai,” stated Royal Opera House, Mumbai curator Asad Lalljee. “Candlelight Concerts perfectly complements Royal Opera House Mumbai’s rich legacy. We are excited about this partnership, which will continue to bring special cultural experiences with memorable performances to audiences for time to come.”

    Check out the upcoming Candlelight concerts at Royal Opera House:

    Candlelight: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra at The Royal Opera House

    Venue: The Royal Opera House

    Dates and Times: 30 August (Time- 18:00 and 20:00)

    Duration: 60 minutes

    Musicians: To be revealed

    Value: One ticket – from 1,099 onwards

    Candlelight: From Mozart to Chopin at The Royal Opera House

    Venue: The Royal Opera House

    Dates and Times: 27 Sep (Time- 18:00 and 20:00)

    Duration: 60 minutes

    Musicians: To be revealed

    Value: One ticket – from 1,099 onwards

  • 52 out of 53 top apps in India use deceptive patterns- reveals a study by ASCI Academy & Parallel

    52 out of 53 top apps in India use deceptive patterns- reveals a study by ASCI Academy & Parallel

    Mumbai: In a pathbreaking study by the ASCI Academy, in collaboration with Parallel HQ, a leading design firm, the prevalence of deceptive patterns in popular Indian apps has been brought to light. Dark patterns are deceptive UI/UX practices that can mislead or trick users into doing something they originally did not intend or want to do. The comprehensive web report titled ‘Conscious Patterns,’ a study of deceptive patterns in top Indian apps, was unveiled during a webinar held today. The study revealed that 52 out of the 53 analysed apps employ deceptive design practices. It is important to note that the widespread use of dark patterns can impact user autonomy and informed decision-making. These apps collectively have been downloaded over 21 billion times, pointing to the potential of their consumer impact. The report also provides examples of more ethical designs used by some apps as alternatives that can be considered and a scoring tool that can aid more conscious app design. Industry body Nasscom is partnering with ASCI and Parallel to highlight various challenges and practical solutions in this space.

    The report identifies 12 distinct deceptive patterns, including privacy deception, interface interference, drip pricing, and false urgency, which are popularly used in online interfaces. Privacy deception emerged as the most prevalent deceptive pattern, observed in 79 per cent of the apps analysed, followed by interface interference (45 per cent), drip pricing (43 per cent), and false urgency (32 per cent). The results highlight the urgent need for more conscious effort in app development. In June 2023, ASCI released guidelines on deceptive patterns that are mainly used in advertising. Further, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) released its guidelines for 13 deceptive patterns in November 2023. According to the guidelines, the use of any of these prescribed dark patterns amounts to a misleading advertisement, an unfair trade practice, or a violation of consumer rights.

    Key Findings of the Report:

    1.  Four deceptive patterns accounted for 78 per cent of the total occurrences – privacy deception (24 per cent), drip pricing (19 per cent), interface interference (18 per cent), and false urgency (17 per cent).

    2.   > 80 per cent of apps exhibited deceptive patterns in the settings/ profile section.

    3.   All e-commerce apps studied made it difficult for users to delete their accounts.

    4.   Some health-tech apps—4/5, relied on creating time-based pressure (false urgency) to rush users into making decisions.

     5.  Basket sneaking was four times more prevalent in delivery and logistics apps as compared to other sectors.

    6.   The three sectors with the highest deceptive patterns per app were health tech at 8.8, travel booking at 7.2, and e-commerce at 5.3.

    7.   The lowest incidences of deceptive patterns per app were observed in streaming services at 1.8 and in the gaming sector at 2.4.

    To empower UI/UX designers and developers, the report introduces an Ethical Score Calculator, a valuable tool that allows professionals to assess the ethical standing of their apps and websites by identifying the presence of deceptive patterns. Complementing this resource is the Gallery of Inspiration, which showcases examples of flows and patterns that may be more compliant and fairer to consumers. These alternatives could be actively considered in the future development of apps.

    The event commenced with an opening note from Namrata Bachani, Director of the ASCI Academy. Following her introduction, Robin Dhanwani, founder of Parallel, guided participants through the key findings of the report, which analysed 12,000 screens from 53 top apps available in India. The report summary can be accessed here. The entire study, including the ethical score calculator and the gallery of inspiration, can be accessed at www.consciouspatterns.in

    The webinar also featured a panel discussion with esteemed panellists, including Shri Rohit Kumar Singh, former Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ashish Agarwal, VP and Head of Public Policy at Nasscom; Robin Dhanwani, Founder of Parallel,  and Manisha Kapoor, CEO and Secretary General, who moderated the discussion. Together, they provided valuable insights into the implications of deceptive patterns for both consumers and brands, discussing the importance of greater transparency and ethical standards in the digital landscape.

    ASCI CEO & secretary general Manisha Kapoor said, “Deceptive patterns harm consumer trust and transparency in the digital ecosystem. With just the top 53 apps being downloaded over 21 billion times, the consumer exposure to deceptive patterns across apps, websites, and other digital interfaces is mind-boggling. We urge organisations to follow conscious design principles that protect the consumer’s right to make an informed choice. The gallery of inspiration and the score calculator are important resources for organizations that wish to get it right. We are extremely grateful to Parallel for being our knowledge partner and to Nasscom for supporting us in the wide dissemination of these findings and resources.”

    Parallel founder  Robin Dhanwani stated, “As tech professionals deeply committed to design, at Parallel we understand the profound impact ethical practices have on user experiences. Our research uncovers the subtle yet widespread presence of deceptive patterns in Indian apps, highlighting the need for a shift towards more transparent design practices. By championing ethical design, we not only build user trust but also drive innovation that honours consumer autonomy. I hope this report encourages makers to rethink growth strategies and put user-first thinking as the foundation of their products in the coming future.”

  • Veera doubles users to two million within three months

    Veera doubles users to two million within three months

    Mumbai: Veera, India’s mobile-only reward-focused internet browser, has reached a significant milestone by surpassing two million users within just three months of hitting its first million-user mark. This remarkable growth highlights Veera’s increasing popularity and its commitment to enhancing the digital experience for its users.

    Since the launch of its beta version in September 2023 and the production version in February 2024, Veera has introduced an array of new features, including a cricket widget called Cricket Adda, Veera Games, enhanced privacy features, rewards, and most recently its content partnership with ABP Live. Recently, Veera unveiled a sleek, modern redesign for their app, making the browsing experience even more intuitive for our customers.

    Veera aims to provide India’s over one billion smartphone users with a fast, safe, and private internet experience. The browser’s unique features and user-centric approach have made it a preferred choice among users looking for a seamless browsing experience.

    “Surpassing two million users in such a short span is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the trust and support of our users. We are committed to continuously innovating and providing the best mobile browsing experience possible. We have a number of exciting features coming up this year that will keep evolving the internet experience and make the internet even more bindaas for our customers,” said Veera founder & CEO Arjun Ghose.

  • Kuku FM acquires audiobook rights for iconic works of Jeffrey Archer

    Kuku FM acquires audiobook rights for iconic works of Jeffrey Archer

    Mumbai: Indian audio entertainment platform – Kuku FM has acquired the exclusive rights to adapt several of Jeffrey Archer’s acclaimed works into Hindi audiobooks. 

    The securing of the exclusive rights also includes the iconic William Warwick series and other global bestsellers including “The Fourth Estate,” “As the Crow Flies,” and “A Matter of Honour”. This strategy aims to bridge the gap between global literature and Hindi-speaking audiences across India and South Asia, making these literary masterpieces accessible.

    Jeffrey Archer, whose narratives often draw inspiration from Indian concepts and characters, has long held a special place in the hearts of avid readers. His works always resonate deeply with a varied readership in India, ranging from young adults and middle-aged professionals to literature enthusiasts and those who have an interest in historical narratives. Archer’s books consistently top bestseller lists globally, as readers get drawn to his masterful storytelling and universal themes of ambition, power, and human fulfillment.

    “We are thrilled to bring Jeffrey Archer’s works to our platform. His narratives, known for their out-of-nowhere plot twists, and compelling characters, are ideally suited for our listeners’ growing entertainment needs, as they clock in almost 100 mins a day, and still ask for more,” said Kuku FM CEO and co-founder Lal Chand Bisu. “This partnership allows us to cater to our diverse audience base and introduce these globally acclaimed stories in an immersive Hindi audio format for the first time. We want to re-introduce an entire generation to the Archer magic.”

    The audio format is particularly well-suited to Archer’s writing style, known for nail-biting cliffhangers and dialogue-rich prose. This adaptation promises to bring his complex characters to life in an immersive auditory experience, set in the Hindi language to deepen the listener’s emotional bond with the story.

    “I am delighted that my books will now be available as Hindi audiobooks via Kuku FM. I very much hope that those who have never listened to my stories will enjoy them, along with the many who are already fans of my work,” said Lord Archer.

    This project aligns with Kuku FM’s continuous efforts to bring diverse, world-class entertainment choices to a wide set of audiences, and further solidifies its dedication to ensure there is a library for everyone on the platform.

    The release schedule for the Hindi audiobook series will be announced in the coming weeks.

  • Love and Information makes a grand return to the NCPA

    Love and Information makes a grand return to the NCPA

    Mumbai: Following the show’s sold-out success and overwhelming response from critics and audience members last April, the NCPA is delighted to bring back Love and Information to its revered Experimental Theatre this August.

    Written in 2012 by celebrated British playwright Caryl Churchill, Love and Information is a creative and experimental presentation that delves into the contemporary lives of the present society through an unconventional yet immersive theatrical experience.  

    As a series of over 50 disparate scenes divided into seven sections, the play is an exercise in reimagining the medium. The disruptive format of the script provides no stage directions, no character attributions and no notes for performance. Additionally, the play follows a non-linear narrative and is devoid of central characters, emphasising the cumulative impact of diverse, brief scenes ranging from seconds to minutes. The scenes are of varying lengths and the structure allows for the viewer to narrow in on a world oversaturated with information. The vignettes mirror the rapid pace of channel-hopping or scrolling through social media, highlighting potential implications for relationships in an era dominated by instant gratification and short attention spans.

    The play doesn’t limit itself to its technical uniqueness but also promises to challenge the audience by addressing a wide range of subjects covered from mental illness to privacy erosion to memory atrophy that cloud modern-day lifestyles.

    It has been adapted for Indian audiences in English and other regional languages including Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi. It features a talented cast including Ashish Mehta, Dusha, Kashish Saluja, Lovleen Misra, Mahesh Saini, Mallika Singh Hanspal, Mohit Solanki, Mrinmayee Godbole, Prajesh Kashyap, Rachel Dsouza, Rytasha Rathore, and Siddhesh Dhuri.

    Don’t miss this immersive theatrical presentation in Experimental Theatre at the NCPA, Mumbai.

  • India to get comprehensive YouTube data come 2025, courtesy Comscore

    India to get comprehensive YouTube data come 2025, courtesy Comscore

    Mumbai: One sore point for most media planners and buyers is that digital does not give accurate and reliable data in one place while third-party measurement is still some time away. Well, things are going to get much better come 2025 for Indian media mavens and marketers, thanks to rating and evaluation agency Comscore. For that’s when it is going to be releasing comprehensive measurement of YouTube audiences across all digital devices in India.

    This was announced yesterday by the research and monitoring firm even as it stated that at the beginning of July, it had started delivering a holistic view of YouTube traffic across desktop, mobile, and connected TV (CTV) for the US market. This new capability enhances Comscore’s existing reporting for YouTube video traffic on desktop and mobile browsers, as well as in mobile apps, according to a press release issued by the company. The release added that “this groundbreaking holistic YouTube measurement sets Comscore apart from other industry measurement providers.”

    With this advancement, Comscore’s video metrix multi-platform now includes YouTube CTV data, inclusive of co-viewing, in the US. Additionally, this release includes the ability for Comscore clients to access traffic sharing in its YouTube CTV measurement. 

    “Comscore is solving for the convergent shift in cross-platform audiences and continues to lead in digital and video measurement that incorporates person-level insights and deduplicates video audiences across digital,” said  Comscore chief commercial officer Steve Bagdasarian. “Bringing YouTube CTV to Comscore’s video metrix multi-platform suite will give publishers complete reporting of its reach across all video platforms.” 

    Other regions outside the US will see the total YouTube audience view beginning in 2025, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, and the UK.

  • KathaVersse’s Nonfiction Brand Digital Commentary Launches First Travel Chat Show IP “Zero To Hero”

    KathaVersse’s Nonfiction Brand Digital Commentary Launches First Travel Chat Show IP “Zero To Hero”

    Content IP company KathaVersse Media Network launches its first travel chat show, “Zero To Hero,” on its nonfiction platform Digital Commentary on YouTube.

    Directed by Bibhu Nandan “Zero To Hero” follows the journeys of five trendsetting viral content creators who have dramatically transformed their lives through their content. Often labeled as “cringe,” these creators are, in our view, true heroes who inspire countless others.

    Our goal with this show is to highlight their life stories, the challenges they faced before discovering content creation, and the incredible impact it has had on their lives. We also want to capture how they handle criticism and online hate.

    Taking you straight to their hometown we bring you never seen before insights and anecdotes from their lives and homes. The show is hosted by Jasmeet Singh Bhatia who is a writer, actor and a stand-up comedian. 

    Contrary to popular belief, creating content is far from easy. With “Zero To Hero,” we offer an unprecedented look into the lives of these content creators.

    “Delving deeper into the show and the varied guests in the show COO, Kshitiz Sudhakar mentioned how these creators are made fun of left right and center before their ascent to mammoth viewership and following which could potentially help advertisers reach the nooks and corners of the Bharat i.e. the tier 2 and tier 3 Indian audience and fetch massive visibility”

    Digital Commentary currently boasts a subscriber base of 345K and a monthly YouTube viewership of 90 million.  On Facebook and Instagram, we have reached a combined monthly viewership of 40 million. Overall, in June 2024 Digital Commentary accumulated a monthly viewership of 135 million across its social platforms.

    “Emphasizing on KathaVersse’s content vision CEO, Aakash Kumar stated that KV aims to create IP’s with a shelf life of 7+ years and this show ZTH perfectly resonates with it as there’s a new crop of such inspiring viral creators every three month which seamlessly blends with our travel chat show format enabling us to create back-to-back new seasons of the show and not just in Hindi but in different Indian languages and geographies”

    Given the burgeoning non-fiction space in India and our compelling content strategy, we are confident of quadrupling these numbers within six to eight months. Digital Commentary is actively engaging with tier 2 and tier 3 audience-centric brands seeking to leverage our rapidly growing platform, which effectively targets the 18-34 demographic. Brands interested in branded content are encouraged to reach out.

    While the SVOD market is currently disrupted by mergers, acquisitions, and course corrections, the branded content market is thriving and making a steady ascent.  As per an article from the financial express; Influencer marketing in India is expected to surge by 25% in 2024, reaching Rs 2,344 crore, and will further expand to Rs 3,375 crore by 2026 poised to revolutionize the media and entertainment industry.

    We plan to launch at least two more non-fiction shows by the end of this 2024 financial year. Additionally, our fiction brand, Antenaaa Studio, is set to debut its first fiction show in the coming months on YouTube. At Antenaaa also we are committed to telling massy Bharat centric tier 2, tier 3 stories.

    Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary journeys of Puneet Superstar, Arvind Mera Saathi, R Rajesh Vlogs, Ulhaas Kamathe, and Ishaan Ali in “Zero To Hero.” These inspiring content creators, collectively reaching a massive audience of 58 million, share their stories of resilience and triumph.

    Are you ready to embark on a hero’s journey? Let’s create something extraordinary together. Contact us at connect@kathaverse.com to explore partnership opportunities.