Category: eNews

Maharashtra governor Ramesh Bias to inaugurate Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2024

Mumbai: The National School of Drama (NSD) has announced the forthcoming Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM 2024), the world’s largest theatre festival. BRM will kick off with a splendid inaugural ceremony at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Mumbai on 1 February 2024. His excellency governor of Maharashtra Ramesh Bais, accompanied by NSD chairperson Paresh Rawal, will officially open the festival with a special ceremony.

The event is scheduled to take place from 1 February to 21 February, 2024. Spanning across 15 cities in the country, this 21-day theatre festival will feature over 150 performances, and numerous workshops, discussions, and master classes, providing a rich tapestry of Indian and global theatre traditions. Additionally, this year will commemorate the 25-year-anniversary of the inception of Bharat Rang Mahotsav.

The Mumbai press conference was addressed by NSD director Chittaranjan Tripathy, NSD Society chairperson Paresh Rawal, BRM ambassador (Rang Doot) Pankaj Tripathi, Mukti Foundation founder & chairperson Smitha Thackeray, Shri Chattrapati Shivaji Smarak Mandal (Trust) chairman Brigadier Sudhir Sawant and other prominent members of NSD were present at the press conference.

To promote theatre in Mumbai, Mukti Cultural Hub has partnered with Bharat Rang Mahotsav. Mukti Foundation chairperson Smita Thackeray has provided crucial support, enabling Mukti Cultural Hub to host three days festival from 4 to 6 February. Additionally, Shivaji Natya Mandir has generously supported the festival, hosting two days festival in their theatre auditorium on 2 and 3 February.

This year’s festival revolves around the theme Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Vande Bharangam, fostering global unity among thespians and artists. Emphasizing social harmony, it seeks to create a sense of a shared world – the entire world one large family, bringing diverse cultures together through the powerful medium of the performing arts for a truly enriching experience.

NSD director Chittaranjan Tripathy expressed profound enthusiasm for the impending festival, stating, “As we embark on the 25th year of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, it is truly a momentous occasion that reflects our enduring commitment to artistic excellence and cultural diversity. Over the post quarter-century, this festival has served as a guiding light, illuminating the rich tapestry of global theatre traditions. The upcoming edition promises to be a grand celebration, showcasing not only the extraordinary creativity within the theatrical realm but also emphasizing the beauty of collaboration. We are dedicated to fostering the magic of theatre, providing a platform for diverse voices and narratives to thrive. This year’s festivities will not only mark a milestone but also reaffirm our steadfast belief in the transformative power of the performing arts.”

In Mumbai, this cultural extravaganza, set to enchant audiences for six exhilarating days from 1 to 6 February 2024, will culminate with a grand closing ceremony on 6 February at Mukti Cultural Hub. It will feature a total of six captivating plays, each a masterpiece in its own right, spanning various genres and languages. It will commence with the compelling play Humare Ram, featuring renowned actor and NSD alumnus Ashutosh Rana, produced by Felicity Theatre, Delhi, followed by a diverse array of productions, including ‘GAJAB TICHI ADA’ by Rangpeeth Theatre, Mumbai, ‘BABUJI’ by NSD Repertory Company, New Delhi, ‘THE ZOO STORY’ by Panchkosi, Delhi, ‘TODI MILL FANTASY’ by Theatre Flamingo, Goa, and ‘SWAHA’ by Darpan, Lucknow.

The 25th year of this festival holds special significance as it brings together diverse theatrical voices in a celebration of the magic of theatre. Audiences can expect a captivating array of theatrical forms, including international productions, folk and traditional plays, modern dramas, graduate showcases, and collegiate street plays. The festival will unfold in parallel venues across Mumbai, Pune, Bhuj, Vijayawada, Jodhpur, Dibrugarh, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Ramnagar, and Srinagar, ensuring a nationwide celebration of the transformative power of theatre.

In an innovative move, this year NSD also introduces Rang Heat, an annual initiative aimed at establishing Asia’s inaugural global theatre market and nurturing international collaborations. in the theatrical domain. Rong Hoat will unite theatre artists, programmers, patrons, and supporters, fostering the discovery of hidden talent, showcasing international projects, and facilitating both creative and financial partnerships. Participants will gain exposure to a broader audience, fostering potential collaborative ventures and injecting dynamism into the global theatre landscape.

The BRM extends beyond the stage, offering a plethora of enriching experiences. Parallel exhibitions, director-audience dialogues, discussions, and seminars will explore various facets of theatre, sparking stimulating conversations and insights. Attendees can engage in masterclasses with veteran thesplans, immerse themselves in the vibrant Rang Haat, and explore the diverse offerings at the Food Bazaar, letting the spirit of theatre truly captivate them.

January 31, 2024
Oprah’s birthday special: Timeless wisdom for joy, resilience, and connection in her Audible audiobook

Mumbai: Celebrate the inspiring Oprah Winfrey’s birthday with the gift of wisdom from her personal experiences! In ‘What I Know for Sure,’ on Audible, narrated by Oprah herself, she shares timeless lessons on joy, resilience, and the power of connection. As a tribute to her extraordinary achievements, this audiobook offers an intimate glimpse into Oprah’s heart and mind. Tune in to the audiobook on Audible to experience the profound revelations that have made her an iconic figure, and that will guide you towards your personal growth and fulfillment.

https://www.audible.in/pd/What-I-Know-for-Sure-Audiobook/B07B62MHBX?

Here we share some of these takeaways:

Live in the moment to transform your lives

In this audiobook, Oprah Winfrey discusses the importance of experiencing life fully. She advocates for living in the present and finding pleasure in simple, everyday moments. She underscores the transformative power of choosing joy, whether through relishing a good meal, savouring a delightful experience, or connecting with the world of spirit. “I take my pleasures seriously. I work hard and play well; I believe in the yin and yang of life. It doesn’t take a lot to make me happy because I find satisfaction in so much of what I do. Some satisfactions are higher-rated than others, of course. And because I try to practise what I preach—living in the moment—I am consciously attuned most of the time to how much pleasure I am receiving,” she asserts.

Face challenges with strength — shift, learn, and ultimately grow

In the second chapter of her audiobook, Oprah talks about her transformative journey from her birth in rural Mississippi to becoming an influential media mogul. She stresses the significance of taking responsibility for one’s life, breaking free from past programming, and embracing every day as an opportunity for growth. “That’s where strength comes from—our ability to face resistance and walk through it. It’s not that people who persevere don’t ever feel doubt, fear, and exhaustion. They do. But in the toughest moments, we can have faith that if we take just one step more than we feel we’re capable of, if we draw on the incredible resolve every human being possesses, we’ll learn some of the most profound lessons life has to offer,” she shared.

Prioritise self-love for lasting relationships

Reflecting on interviews with individuals who had cheated on their spouses, she discovers a common yearning for affirmation and connection. Oprah emphasises the importance of self-love, stressing that external validation cannot replace the internal recognition of one’s worth. Sharing her views on the universal desire for acknowledgment and love, Oprah said, “When you make loving others the story of your life, there’s never a final chapter, because the legacy continues. You lend your light to one person, and he or she shines it on another and another and another. And I know for sure that in the final analysis of our lives—when the to-do lists are no more, when the frenzy is finished, when our e-mail inboxes are empty—the only thing that will have any lasting value is whether we’ve loved others and whether they’ve loved us.”

Believe in the power of gratitude

For years, Oprah maintained a gratitude journal but found herself drifting away from this practice due to a hectic schedule. Reflecting on her past entries, she realised the transformative power of acknowledging simple joys. She recounts the influence of Maya Angelou, who taught her to say “thank-you” in challenging moments. She believes that “being grateful all the time isn’t easy. But it’s when you feel least thankful that you are most in need of what gratitude can give you: perspective. Gratitude can transform any situation. It alters your vibration, moving you from negative energy to positive. It’s the quickest, easiest, most powerful way to effect change in your life—this I know for sure.” Oprah credits a friend for inspiring her to continue her iconic show, helping her reflect on the ripple effect of positivity and change that she transpires through her program.

Say no, set boundaries, and prioritise self-care for authentic living

Learning to say no at the age of 40 marked a pivotal moment for her, realising the importance of setting boundaries. Driven by a history of abuse, Oprah discovered the power of intention and the necessity of aligning actions with genuine desires. Oprah advocates it by saying, “before you say yes to anyone, ask yourself: What is my truest intention? It should come from the purest part of you, not from your head. If you have to ask for advice, give yourself time to let a yes or no resound within you. When it’s right, your whole body feels it.” Through her candid revelations, Oprah encourages individuals to live authentically, free from the constraints of societal expectations. In her concluding notes to another chapter, she says, “What I know for sure is this: Whatever you fear most has no power—it is your fear that has the power. The thing itself cannot touch you. But your fear can rob you of your life. Each time you give in to it, you lose strength, while your fear gains it. That’s why you must decide that no matter how difficult the path ahead seems, you will push past your anxiety and keep on stepping.”

January 29, 2024
Barun Das Duologue prods Zee’s Subhash Chandra with a surprising answer

Mumbai: As Subhash Chandra’s Zee finds itself in a sticky situation with the Sony deal unravelling, Duologue With Barun Das offers an exclusive and unfiltered look into the mind of India’s media and entertainment pioneer and maverick.

In Duologue, hosted by TV9 Network’s MD & CEO Barun Das, Chandra bares his soul on the many ups and downs of his long career. As the episode progresses and chapters of Chandra’s life are revisited, Duologue with Barun Das—the flagship show of India’s first news OTT app, News9 Plus – dives into the psyche of a man who has been a dynamic force, responsible for different points in his career for both acts of creation and destruction.

As Zee faces the threat of a hostile takeover given the promoters’ minuscule 3.99% holding in Zee Entertainment, Chandra’s distinction between ownership and control becomes an interesting and intriguing point to revisit in Duologue with Barun Das.

The conversation spread over four episodes, presses Chandra on whether he is comfortable with entities flourishing under someone else’s control. The dialogue between Das and Chandra concludes with a glimpse into the latter’s approach to learning from mistakes. Emphasizing the ‘art of tough love’, Chandra recounts instances where the closure of a successful channel served as an invaluable learning experience and says that at the end of the day, he has no regrets.

Duologue with Barun Das featuring Subhash Chandra is available for viewing with a variety of other exclusive content on the News9 Plus app, which offers subscriptions ranging from 30 days (Rs 99), 90 days (Rs 289), and 365 days (Rs 999 with free vouchers worth Rs 3,000). News9 Plus app is available on both the App Store and Google Play Store.

To watch the episode, download the News9 Plus app here: https://onelink.to/htmqpz

January 29, 2024
Maestro of the Wild

Mumbai: The conventional measures of legacy usually have material and career success centred firmly in their sights. Aditya ‘Dicky’ Singh, former bureaucrat turned legendary wildlife photographer, tiger expert, author and conservationist had that in spades. The tributes that poured in from the wildlife and photography communities across the world at his untimely passing at the age of 57 were ample proof of this.

Yet, a truer measure of legacy is the people who value memories from shared times of empty pockets and unknown futures. On 14 January, Dicky’s classmates, the Batch of ’84 from Modern School, Barakhamba Road, gathered to pay tribute to their batchmate by contributing to the release of a special edition of Wildlife Today magazine at the National Sports Club of India, on his visionary work and activism in shaping future thinking on conservation and wildlife.

Entitled Wildlife Maestro: Dicky’s Legacy, the special edition was released by his mother Mrs Aruna Singh amongst the legion of friends and family who had gathered for an emotional homage. Several classmates shared personal anecdotes about Dicky’s larger-than-life personality, his sharp humour and his generosity. His father Brigadier N.B. Singh spoke with feeling about how Dicky took his ‘permission’ to give up the civil services and plunge into an unknown future in Ranthambore National Park, driven only by his passion for the wild. No one could predict it would be his home for the rest of his life.

The special edition edited by Sudhir Kumar, captures Dicky’s visionary tale. His name was synonymous with Ranthambore, the tiger land that inspired him to breezily chuck a weighty bureaucratic career overnight to plunge into a passionate affair with wildlife that took him from observer to guide to host to builder and finally, fittingly; preserver and defender of the land he so cherished. It outlines the extraordinary initiative he and his lifelong companion in arms, wife Poonam, took up in buying land around their Ranthambore home and rewilding it, his outspokenness on and dedication to the preservation of the wild, his anti-poaching initiatives and his sheer passion for nature.

It offers glimpses of his photography not just as an astonishingly close-up photographic record of his beloved tiger land but one that visually captured the high intellectual debate of development vs natural resources and the balance between human and animal, winning him both the coveted Carl Zeiss Award and the Sanctuary Wild Life Photographer along the way.

Dicky Singh is survived by his wife Poonam, daughter Nyra and the beautiful forest full of wild beings that will live on long after him. His absence leaves a massive void in the conservation and wildlife community that needs every hero it can get.

January 29, 2024
Outlook Expo sets new benchmark for Indian retirement planning

Mumbai: Pioneering a new era in post-retirement planning, an expo has set the stage for transformation for individuals and their families by addressing critical issues with a comprehensive and holistic approach. The event featuring an impressive lineup of over 40 distinguished speakers, attracting more than 4000 attendees and hosting over 50 exhibitors offered insights and opportunities to help redefine how one can approach financial considerations to make the right lifestyle choices in the context of retirement.

Outlook Money’s ‘40After40’ premier retirement planning expo emerged as a groundbreaking event, held at the esteemed Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, it had participants engaging in insightful panel discussions, interactive chats, and enlightening masterclasses, connecting with seasoned planners and industry experts.

The event started with an impactful session by ASK Group executive director Bharat Shah who emphasised the importance of early planning, addressed the lack of financial knowledge in academics, and highlighted growth opportunities in the finance and investment industry. Shah’s session underscored the sacred duty of building and nurturing money with care and dedication, touching on the holistic nature of wealth that includes intellectual ability, physical well-being, and the drive of the soul.

Speaking about securing the future, IDFC FIRST Bank MD & CEO V. Vaidyanathan said, “Embracing retirement planning is like stepping onto the cricket pitch. Start early, as delaying your financial innings can lead to unexpected challenges. Secure your future today, ensuring a stress-free retirement down the line.” As he delved into the gaps in the Indian pension landscape, Deepak Mohanty, chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), spoke of the risks of inflation, the power of compounding, and the need to expand literacy and awareness about the National Pension System (NPS). His session stressed the importance of pension planning as a necessity rather than a substitute.

Bank of Baroda chief economist Madan Sabnavis provided valuable insights into India’s journey towards becoming a $5 trillion economy. He highlighted the contrast between the rich and the poor, emphasising the need for real GDP growth, lower inflation, and increased per capita income. Sabnavis discussed the challenges faced by the private sector, pointing to the importance of creating more jobs and stimulating demand to achieve economic growth.

“It’s clear that our pursuit of a $5 trillion economy requires a focus on the quality, not just speed, of our growth. With a per capita income of $2400, the key lies in fostering inclusivity and sustainability. A crucial aspect is the private sector’s role in generating more jobs, boosting consumption, and ensuring sustained income growth for all citizens,” said Bank of Baroda chief economist Madan Sabnavis.

To demystify the life insurance landscape, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Anup Bagchi, MD & CEO outlined three critical variables for investment. These variables were – the amount of money, time, and return on investment. He stressed the tax efficiency and discipline offered by life insurance and recommended strategies such as Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) and creating a corpus for medical expenses.

Ananth Narayan Gopalakrishnan, whole time member of SEBI, shared insights on retirement planning and the role of proper advice. Gopalakrishnan urged attendees to view it as financial planning, emphasising that it occurs not at a later age but right now. He stressed the importance of understanding one’s risk appetite, diversifying investments, and seeking professional advice to avoid scams.

Bandhan MF CEO Vishal Kapoor in his comments said Investing for retirement is about more than just chasing returns. “Future expenses, particularly medical costs, are often underestimated. Aligning investments with specific lifestyle goals and anticipating evolving expenses is crucial. Strategic planning ensures that investments not only beat inflation but also sustain the desired standard of living in retirement,” he said.

The panel discussion on wealth creation featured Sushant Bhansali, CEO of Ambit Asset Management, Deepak Shenoy founder and CEO of Capitalmind Financial Services, Anshul Arzare, MD & CEO of YES Securities (India) Ltd, and Vasanth Kamath founder & CEO of Smallcase Technologies. The panel emphasised the importance of investing in India, choosing good companies, and diversifying portfolios across different industries.

In the session on post-retirement money, a panel consisting of Swarup Mohanty, vice chairman & CEO of Mirae Asset Managers (India), Vibha Padalkar, MD & CEO of HDFC Life Insurance, and Kamlesh Rao, MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance, discussed the necessity of creating wealth post-retirement. They highlighted the increase in expenditure with age, not only for health but also due to inflation. Vibha Padalkar promoted living retirement with dignity, emphasising the cost associated with guarantees in financial products.

National Pension System Trust CEO Sashi Krishnan addressed reforms in the National Pension System, emphasising the need for investing now. Krishnan outlined why people invest in NPS, including tax exemptions, tax reductions, and the product’s cost efficiency. He highlighted changes in the accumulation and post-retirement phases to enhance the investment experience for participants.

In a special address on investing in a bull market, Sankaran Naren executive director & CIO of ICICI Prudential Asset Management, discussed the importance of asset allocation and hybrid products for a pleasant retirement. He emphasised the need to avoid extremes and adopt a diversified approach for a happy retirement.

Vijay Chandok, MD & CEO of ICICI Securities, explored the role of equity in retirement planning, acknowledging its complexity and risk. Chandok highlighted the dynamic nature of equities, the magic of compounding over the long term, and the importance of staying updated and seeking expert advice. The Financial Planners Panel, featuring Dhruv Mehta, Lovaii Navlakhi, Sadique Neelgund, and Sandeep Jethwani, moderated by Amit Trivedi, discussed the challenges and solutions in financial planning, providing valuable insights for attendees.

Rajit Mehta, MD of Max India & Antara Senior Care, delivered a special address on the next step in healthcare. He discussed the impact of ageing on physical, emotional, and mental well-being and emphasised the transformation of the healthcare system to promote holistic wellness. Mehta introduced Antara’s AGEasy initiative, empowering seniors to age easily and joyfully through health and wellness solutions.

Ira Trivedi, Author, Columnist, and yoga Acharya, conducted a spotlight session on the recipe for wellness. Trivedi emphasised the importance of proper exercise, diet, breath, relaxation, and positive thinking for overall wellness. In another special address, Tapan Singhel, MD & CEO of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, addressed the long-term roadmap for a healthier nation. Singhel discussed the need for mindfulness, meditation, yoga, exercise, a group of friends, annual checkups, and moderate income for a healthier life. He highlighted the role of wellness ingrained in Indian culture and advocated embedding health awareness in academic curriculums.

In a spotlight session, National Award winner actor Manoj Bajpayee shared insights into his acting career, emphasising the challenges and dedication required for role preparation. He highlighted the importance of simple living and the refugee state of mind that comes with leaving one’s place. The event also featured a spotlight session with Mithali Dorai Raj, former captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, discussing her life story, challenges, and retirement plans. Devdutt Pattanaik, Indian Mythologist, Speaker, Illustrator, and author, delivered a special address relating the Ramayana and Mahabharata to current life situations. He drew inspiration and solutions from mythological scriptures, emphasising the need to accept life for what it is.

Outlook Money’s ‘40After40’ succeeded in creating a unique platform for individuals to gain valuable insights into retirement planning, ensuring a brighter financial future. The event’s success is a testament to the importance of informed decision-making in securing one’s retirement. 

January 29, 2024
Radio City Q3 results: 13 per cent revenue growth and 25 per cent growth in EBITDA

Mumbai: Music Broadcast Limited (MBL), India’s private FM radio broadcaster has reported its un-audited financial results for the quarter ended 31 December 2023.

Key highlights – Q3FY24:

· Q3FY24 top line of Rs 60.4 Crores; 11 per cent growth YoY
· EBITDA at Rs 15.3 Crores; 5 per cent Growth YoY
· EBITDA margin at 25.3 per cent

Key Highlights – 9MFY24:

· 9MFY24 Top line of Rs 165.9 Crores; 13 per cent growth YoY
· EBITDA at Rs 40.1 Crores; 25 per cent growth YoY
· EBITDA margin at 24.2 per cent
· Maintained a strong Position with 19 per cent volume market share

Includes other income

Commenting on the results, Radio City director, Shailesh Gupta said, “I am pleased to share that our revenues experienced an 11 per cent growth in the Q3FY24 with EBITDA margins at 25.3 per cent. Our focus continues towards the digital business which has a significant growth moving forward.

At Radio City, we’ve executed a range of strategies to expand our positioning in the radio industry. According to Aircheck 15 Markets, in the third quarter, we successfully retained our market share at 19 per cent. Additionally, our comprehensive Omni-channel framework allows us to maximize the extensive reach of our networks, ensuring the delivery of optimal value to our clients.

About the growth in the advertising sector, the real estate industry experienced a notable 17 per cent year-on-year increase in spending. The pharmaceutical industry expanded by 15 per cent, while the auto industry demonstrated an impressive growth of 26 per cent compared to the previous year. On the finance side, the industry experienced a 9 per cent growth. Meanwhile, on the Jewellery front we witnessed a massive growth of 44 per cent and government advertising also saw a good growth of 22 per cent YoY.

In Q3FY24, our digital business witnessed a growth of 27 per cent Y-o-Y. We are aligning ourselves with the ever-changing media landscape, one that is indifferent to specific platforms, with a central focus on digital for content creation, distribution, consumption, and engagement. To ensure a smooth experience across diverse platforms, we are strengthening our capabilities to stand at the forefront of the digital technology revolution. This involves delivering top-tier entertainment that resonates with the evolving preferences and needs of our audience.

Radio City remains a preferred choice for both longstanding and recently acquired clients in the field of radio advertising. For Q3FY24, out of the overall client base utilizing the radio platform, 39 per cent have selected Radio City for their advertising campaigns. Additionally, among the newly acquired clients in the radio domain, 31 per cent have specifically chosen to feature their advertisements on Radio City.

We take pride in deriving 31 per cent of our income from a variety of offerings that includes, proactive proposals, digital initiatives, sponsorships, and special events.

January 24, 2024
Moneycontrol claims business news leadership

Mumbai: Moneycontrol has beaten its competitors, making it the clear digital leader in business, markets and finance news in India, claims a press release issued by it. The release adds that it has surpassed its key competitors in all major rating categories.

Citing the latest Comscore viewership and readership data, it says that it had 30.02 million unique viewers, in December 2023 which is a growth of nine per cent over the previous month. This has put it leaps and bounds ahead of others in terms of readership size, and monthly traffic. It also registered a hefty 368 million pageviews in December – more than double the page views of the number two in this category. In fact, Moneycontrol’s pageviews in this period, with 13 per cent growth, accounted for more than the combined page views of its two key competitors, the company claims.

Readers and viewers spent a collosal 863 million minutes on Moneycontrol readers in December – four times more than was spent on its main competitor, the company has stated in the release.

January 23, 2024
Revolutionize Your Music Game with Viberate!

In the dynamic world of music, staying ahead requires access to comprehensive and up-to-date information. Recognizing this need, Viberate, a pioneering music data company, is transforming the industry by offering premium music analytics at an unprecedented price of just $19.90 per month. This affordable service encompasses a wide range of channels, including streaming and social media, catering to the needs of every industry professional. Among its suite of tools, in-depth Spotify stats, playlist analyzer, and more stand out as key features.

Democratizing Music Analytics with Accessible Spotify Statistics

Viberate’s mission is clear: “We strive to cultivate a more diverse music industry by ensuring that top-tier data is accessible and economical for all professionals in the field.” In the past, the high cost of data services often sidelined indie labels and artists. Viberate is changing this narrative by offering premium music analytics at a highly competitive price, reduced from $129 to just $19.90 per month.

Comprehensive Stats for Spotify and Beyond

Monitoring over 1M+ artists, Viberate translates performance across streaming platforms, social media, and other channels into actionable information. The platform specializes in analytics for channels like Spotify and TikTok, offering data-infused charts and tools essential for discovering talent. Viberate’s approach is holistic: “Our approach involves a comprehensive mapping and analysis of the music industry’s ecosystem, encompassing everything from artists and songs to festivals, collections, and record labels, all centralized in a singular location.” By transforming streaming and social media insights into useful insights, they equip users to identify new artists, manage their rosters, strategize promotional efforts, and compile effective business reports.

Spotlight on Spotify Stats

Viberate’s Spotify analytics are particularly noteworthy. They meticulously analyze the streaming performance of artists on Spotify, tracking monthly listeners, followers, streams, and playlisting. Users can delve into an artist’s Spotify history, view daily data, and enjoy the convenience of analyzing all songs in one location. The platform allows filtering by streams, release date, and even offers listening functionality within the same section. Moreover, Viberate offers an in-depth analysis of monthly listeners, segmented by country and city, thus enriching the comprehension of an artist’s geographical influence.

Innovative Spotify Statistics: Playlist Analyzer and More

The playlist analyzer dives deep into Spotify playlist performance. It identifies the best-performing playlists and songs, monitoring playlist reach and active playlist trends over time. This feature is invaluable for assessing the impact of specific song or album releases on stats for Spotify.

Viberate also boasts a comprehensive chart of over 12M+ playlists, a treasure trove for finding the perfect playlists for an artist’s genre and career stage. The filtering options are extensive, covering genres, curator types (like indie, editorial, algorithmic), song popularity, and release dates, ensuring the playlists feature fresh tracks. Users can also sort playlists by popularity metrics such as follower count and song number.

Enhanced Spotify Statistics for Talent Discovery

Viberate enhances the process of ranking artists on Spotify with country, genre, and performance filters. The platform’s overall and channel-specific rankings are instrumental in talent discovery. The Chart feature is a game-changer, enabling A&Rs to discover and screen talent more efficiently. The ability to save filtering options and revisit the chart ensures that desired information is always accessible.

Conclusion: A Must-Have Tool for Spotify Stats Enthusiasts

For those involved in music analytics, Viberate’s tools are indispensable. They offer an affordable, yet powerful solution to understand and leverage Spotify statistics. By providing detailed Spotify stats and insights into streaming performance, playlist analysis, and talent discovery, Viberate is a must-have for anyone looking to make informed decisions in the music industry.

January 23, 2024
ZEE Entertainment conducts board meeting to take note of merger termination notice by Sony

Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (“ZEEL”), in its Board Meeting held today, took on record communications received from Culver Max Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (formerly Sony Pictures Networks India) (“Culver Max”) and Bangla Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (“BEPL”) on 22 January 2024, purporting to terminate the Merger Co-operation Agreement dated 21 December 2021 (MCA), and seeking a termination fee of USD 90,000,000 (United States Dollars Ninety Million) on account of alleged breaches by ZEEL of the terms of MCA, invoking arbitration and seeking interim reliefs against ZEEL. ZEEL categorically denies all the assertions raised by Culver Max and BEPL on the alleged breaches under the terms of the MCA, including their claims for the termination fee.

The board of directors noted that all efforts and steps were taken by ZEEL in line with the Merger co-operation Agreement, approved by its shareholders and all regulatory authorities. ZEEL has consistently worked towards the implementation of the mentioned scheme in the interest of the shareholders. ZEEL also held several deliberations and good faith negotiations with Culver Max and BEPL, with a view to consider an extension of the merger completion timeline, that did not materialise. ZEEL’s Board of Directors is evaluating all the available options. Based on the guidance received from the Board, ZEEL will take all the necessary steps to protect the long-term interests of all its stakeholders, including by taking appropriate legal action and contesting Culver Max and BEPL’s claims in the arbitration proceedings.

ZEEL inked the Merger co-operation agreement with Culver Max and BEPL on 21 December 2021, in relation to the Composite Scheme of Arrangement, which was approved by the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on 10 and 11 August 2023, respectively. Under the MCA, ZEEL exercised its right to require Culver Max and BEPL to enter into good faith negotiations for a period of 30 days to arrive at a mutual agreement on the extension of the end date by a reasonable period of time for completion of the transaction as per the terms of the MCA. During this period, despite conducting numerous deliberations in good faith, the parties failed to arrive at a consensus on the purported pending conditions precedent that required action on the part of both ZEEL and Culver Max, BEPL under the terms of the MCA Punit Goenka, MD & CEO of ZEEL, was agreeable to step down in the interest of the merger and proposals in this regard were discussed, including for appointment of a director on the Board of the merged company, protections for conduct of pending investigations and legal proceedings in the best interest of ZEEL’s directors and shareholders and the consequent modifications to the scheme to incorporate the same. ZEEL proposed an extension of a maximum period of six months for consummation of the transaction, however, Culver Max did not provide any counter proposal for extension. These discussions did not result in any proposal from Sony but they rather have chosen to terminate.

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chairman R. Gopalan said, “The board of directors has taken note of Sony’s letters purporting to terminate the Merger co-operation Agreement, on the company’s proposed merger with and into Culver Max Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, invoking arbitration and seeking interim reliefs. We are evaluating the next steps and considering the appropriate course of action. The board has noted that the company took all the required steps in the course of its integration journey over the last two years, to ensure that the scheme is implemented at the earliest. That said, the board would like to assure its stakeholders that the company will take all the necessary actions, in the best interest of all stakeholders, including by taking appropriate legal action and contesting Culver Max and BEPL’s claims in the arbitration proceedings. The board has complete faith in the highly experienced senior management of the company and will continue to guide the team. We recognize and value the trust our shareholders and stakeholders place in us, and we express gratitude for their continued support.”

ZEEL has displayed utmost commitment towards the merger by undertaking several permanent and irreversible steps, resulting in one time and recurring costs for ZEEL. Despite this, the Company will continue to evaluate organic and inorganic opportunities for growth, leveraging the intrinsic value of its assets. ZEEL remains eternally grateful to its esteemed shareholders for their continued trust and belief in all its decisions. ZEEL also expresses immense gratitude to the legal and regulatory authorities for their support in enabling the proposed merger and aims to continue working towards the overall growth of the sector and Indian economy at large. The company recognises the efforts sown in by the teams, and remains grateful to all its business partners for their continued support.

January 22, 2024
Sony calls off merger with Zee ?

Mumbai: As per Bloomberg, Sony Group Corp. has officially informed Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. about its decision to cancel the merger between its India unit and the media network, bringing an end to a two-year acquisition saga. This move leaves Zee exposed to competition as its rivals strengthen their positions. The Japanese entertainment giant sent a termination letter to Zee on Monday, and it is expected to be disclosed to the exchange later, according to anonymous sources. The termination is attributed to the failure to meet the conditions of the merger agreement, as stated in the letter seen by Bloomberg.

The termination comes after a prolonged deadlock between the companies, primarily revolving around the leadership of Zee’s CEO, Punit Goenka, in the merged entity. This issue arose amid an investigation into Goenka’s conduct by India’s capital markets regulator. The standoff has now seemingly thwarted the deal, which had the potential to create a $10 billion media giant capable of competing with global powerhouses like Netflix Inc. and Amazon.com Inc.

Sony’s termination letter arrived following the expiration of a 30-day grace period over the weekend, during which the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a deadline set in late December.

We will wait for an announcement from Sony, and Zee.”

January 22, 2024