ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Online video thrives: Local content vital for subscriber growth

    Online video thrives: Local content vital for subscriber growth

    Mumbai: The Asia Video Industry Association held its annual OTT Summit in Singapore on 5 December, where over 90 per cent of the speakers were senior female executives from across the video industry in Asia Pacific. This year’s summit was designed to try and redress the gender imbalance seen in many industry conferences.

    The Summit opened with Media Partners Asia lead analyst, head of content & platform insights Dhivya T presenting an overview of the state of streaming in Asia, a market where competition was very much driven by a battle for share of time, with premium video on demand (VOD) fighting with social media and user-generated content (UGC).

    Competition was also giving rise to new business models and strategies beyond the traditional AVOD and SVOD models, including mobile gaming, e-commerce and bundle subscriptions becoming more common. And with a higher focus on increasing ARPUs, price increases have also become prevalent.

    Ex-China, online video revenues in Asia Pacific were expected to hit US$46 billion in 2028, up from US$29 billion this year. While SVOD was expected to have a CAGR of 6.4 per cent, premium AVOD will see a growth rate of almost 18 per cent, led by Japan, India, and Korea. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia was emerging as the leading market for AVOD, with Thailand for SVOD.

    In terms of content trends and investment, although pay TV remained the largest vertical, online video was the growth engine of video content investment, with local and Asian content leading premium VOD viewership with the highest reach. Hence local content remained key to acquiring subscribers in the region, and constantly over-indexing with new users.

    In the world of streaming, Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) was also much talked about at the summit as the new kid on the block, as it mimicked the experience of linear TV, delivering scheduled content, with advertising included. Driving the growth of FAST in Asia was the penetration of Smart  TVs in the region, with 80 per cent of OTT viewers in APAC using Connected TV (CTV), and with one-third of  OTT viewing on CTV, shared Samsung Ads APAC Head of Product Marketing Samantha Cooke, But  FAST channels were not always about making money, as FAST was also used for marketing, outreach and brand building, added Brightcove senior product marketing manager Roberta Cambio.

    Senior marketers from the major platforms too chimed in on the importance of brand building, as the mantra was no longer acquiring subscribers at all costs but focusing on keeping the ones you have. For Shemaroo Entertainment chief marketing officer Anuja Trivedi, marketing was now more aligned with the business, as consumers who saw campaigns engaged better as well. And partnerships which build more value can only build more excitement for the product and engagement for the platform, said Trivedi Akamai Technologies Senior Solutions Engineer Sarah Lim also added that people, platform and technology were what will help drive your strategy forward for the future. “Marketing is greater than the sum of its parts,” said Lim.

    With 71 per cent of viewers in APAC watching advertising-supported streaming on top of linear TV viewing, Chair for Media & Measurement, AAMS & CEO, OMG Singapore Chloe Neo was also seeing growth from regional clients with a greater inclination to look at branding, with the reallocation of budgets into OTT tending to be from the big brands, due to their expectations on quality content. While 20/F Leighton Centre, 77 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong | 5008 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 5, #04-09 Techplace II Singapore 569874 avia.org investment was coming from the linear TV side, more clients were now embracing CTV and addressability for strategic benefit, and not just for incremental reach, added GroupM CIO Southeast & North Asia, Chair, APAC Investment Committee Anita Munro.

    A strong focus on content closed off the Summit, with panellists agreeing that Asian content could not be lumped together. There was a huge variety within what is labelled Chinese or Indian content. ZEE5 chief content officer Hindi originals Nimisha Pandey emphasised that storytelling trumped investment. “Audiences don’t care how much money has gone into content, if it connects, it connects,”  she said.  

    Viu chief of content acquisition and development Marianne Lee noted, “Each local market has their own strategy which complements the regional strategy. While it is important for the content to travel outside, the content must also do well locally,” said Lee. In agreement, ASTRO director of content Agnes Rozario added, “There will always be certain types of content that travel better than others. But it has to work in the home market first.”

    One market which saw things a little differently was Thailand where True Corporation deputy director of planning & business development strategic content group Kirana Cheewachuen saw huge potential in the overseas growth and popularity of Thai content, and international success was her primary goal.

    Sharing her strategy for the Pacific Rim in the closing session, Paramount ANZ, EVP chief content officer head of paramount + Beverly McGarvey said that Australia was a mature market at a pivotal point now as audiences were adjusting between more traditional legacy media and streaming. Hence accelerating growth in streaming while maintaining linear businesses and making content that can work across platforms was what was needed to remain viable.

    The OTT Summit is proudly sponsored by Gold Sponsors Brightcove, INVIDI, Nagra, Warner Bros  Discovery; Silver Sponsors Akamai, Broadpeak, CDNetworks, Irdeto, Moloco, Publica, PubMatic,  Shemaroo; Bronze Sponsor Dolby. 

  • QYUKI launches ‘STOK’: Revolutionising comedy entertainment with the finest and emerging comedians

    QYUKI launches ‘STOK’: Revolutionising comedy entertainment with the finest and emerging comedians

    Mumbai: Qyuki Digital Media is delighted to introduce “Laughter Brewery Stok,” a revolutionary Intellectual Property (IP) solution designed for STOK  to deliver unparalleled moments of laughter through the comedic genius of India’s top comedians, both seasoned and emerging.

    Stok, curated by Qyuki, goes beyond conventional comedy platforms by featuring established comedic talents and handpicking some of the best-emerging comedians. This ensures a house of laughter and joy as audiences are treated to a diverse range of comedic styles, perspectives, and fresh voices

    in the world of humour.

    “As the COO of Qyuki Digital Media, I am thrilled to unveil the STOK YouTube channel, a vibrant space where chill meets entertainment. Our curated content, featuring emerging and established comedic talents, is not just about sips and giggles; it’s a celebration of life’s moments. Join us on this exciting journey as we redefine relaxation and laughter on YouTube. With STOK, we’re not just raising the bar; we’re raising your spirits. Let’s ‘Live the Chill’ together!” expressed QYUKI Digital Media COO Juhi Mehta.

    Stok aims to be a laughter-packed destination that entertains and serves as a launchpad for emerging comedians. By fostering a dynamic mix of established and new talents, Stok ensures its audience a vibrant and engaging comedy experience. And was especially created with the tagline in mind “Live the chill” and what better way to chill after a stressful day than with laughter with the best of the industries.

    The first wave of creators set to bring the house down on Stok includes Anirban Bhattacharya, Siddhartha Shetty, Rivu Ganguly, Nitin Mandal, Govind Menon, Andy Reghu, Aditya Gundeti, and Karunesh. Each of these comedians brings a unique flavour of humour to the platform, promising an unforgettable and laughter-filled experience for Stok’s audience.

    While the specific dates for publication are tentative, the Stok team is working diligently to deliver the first wave of laughter-inducing episodes to the audience at the earliest convenience.

  • Detective Knight: Independence to digitally premiere on Lionsgate Play

    Detective Knight: Independence to digitally premiere on Lionsgate Play

    Mumbai: The end to this trilogy sees Bruce Willis return to his best as Detective James Knight, when a last-minute assignment to the Independence Day shift turns into a race against time. Can Detective Knight stop an unbalanced EMT worker who’s posing as a cop?

    Hold your breaths as this action film delivers more twists than you can imagine! The movie is exclusive to Lionsgate Play. The movie released on 15 November 2023.

  • Amazon miniTV launches new campaign “Free Ka Entertainment”

    Amazon miniTV launches new campaign “Free Ka Entertainment”

    Mumbai: Amazon miniTV is revolutionizing the entertainment landscape with its extensive and complimentary content library, sparking widespread excitement. To amplify its impact, the brand recently stirred the internet by saying “Free Ka Entertainment’ will always be available. Highlighting how audiences engage with diverse shows without any associated costs, the brand’s campaign kicked off on 4 December 2023, underscoring Amazon miniTV’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch content, entirely devoid of subscription fees.

    On billboards and print media all over Mumbai, Amazon miniTV is making a big statement about sticking to its free subscription model in the ever-changing entertainment world. A quirky billboard near a gym says, “Cute guys in the gym may come and go, but free entertainment on Amazon miniTV is always there.” While other platforms might switch things up, Amazon miniTV is all about giving you a smooth and free streaming experience you can count on.

    Content creators, popular Bollywood creators and meme pages also joined the wagon, creating funny content to spread the word, garnering a wave of excitement amongst its users.

    “Free Ka Entertainment” isn’t just a tagline; it’s a movement celebrating the freedom of entertainment. By staying true to free content, Amazon miniTV aims to cultivate a space where show enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a variety of shows without financial barriers. As the campaign gains momentum, users can anticipate exclusive collaborations, content drops, and interactive experiences with their favourite creators. Amazon miniTV invites everyone to embrace the joy of “Free Ka Entertainment” and indulge in a world where entertainment knows no bounds.

  • IPRS inks MOU with KOMCA

    IPRS inks MOU with KOMCA

    Mumbai: The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) and KOMCA (Korea Music Copyright Association) have signed an MOU, whereby KOMCA and IPRS join hands to organise events that aim to enhance awareness, knowledge, and collaboration in the field of copyright (e.g. seminar on the latest copyright issues for the music industry), music creation (e.g. song-writing camp), and collective management (e.g. sharing experiences on best practices) for music creators. Fostering cross-border music between India and Korea.

    Music is the core cultural wealth of nations like India and Korea with melody being at the heart of popular music. Indian music with its legendary legacy emanating from its various regions has been a  top draw across the world. Blessed with catchy rhythms and chorus sections like Indian music, Korean Pop music is globally, well-received and amenable to blending with Indian music in its true elements. This, we believe, is just the beginning of a deeper association between the music talents of the two countries and will add a slew of listeners, consequently upping revenues. Given the open world we inhabit, it is in the best interest of the creators on both sides to be cognizant of their rights to maximize their earning potential. The MOU’s intent to arm the creators with this basic know-how has to be viewed in this light.

    With the IPRS ever alert to widening the reach of the Indian music industry, it was only a matter of time before a solid MOU between the two associations came to fruition. The MOU is the true harbinger of an expansion phase that will give the music industry a wider spectrum. IPRS members and other Indian artists are also in line for better royalties, recognition and newer opportunities with this new development.

    Legendary lyricist, screenwriter, poet, and IPRS chairman Javed Akhtar expressed his satisfaction with the same, stating, “The recently established collaboration with KOMCA ushers in a transformative period, encouraging a dynamic interchange of creation between India and Korea. Our narrative revolves around breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and envisioning a world where creators and creativity flourish. We look forward to more collaborative initiatives for our members in the near future. “

    Commenting on the same, IPRS CEO Rakesh Nigam shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating, “The MOU with KOMCA represents a pivotal step in fostering a dynamic cross-cultural music exchange between India and Korea. This collaboration symbolizes our commitment to nurturing creativity while ensuring creators’ rights are protected. The MOU is poised to be a pivotal step in creating a transformative journey that opens up new avenues for creative partnerships and innovation among our esteemed creator members.”

    KOMCA general manager Giseob You shared his views stating “KOMCA x IPRS MOU paves the path towards a stronger bond between the two societies. Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) and IPRS, representing the author-composers of two musically rich countries, will now work together to spread awareness on creators’ rights and create new opportunities for the promising talent of both countries through music collaborations and partnerships.”

  • Prime Video to premiere Mission Start Ab on 19 December

    Prime Video to premiere Mission Start Ab on 19 December

    Mumbai: Prime Video has announced the premiere of its original reality series Mission Start Ab. The first-of-its-kind competitive series will focus on grassroots entrepreneurs in India, and take their stories of determination, resilience and unwavering perseverance to global audiences in 240+ countries and territories with its worldwide premiere on the service on 19 December. The series has been conceptualized and developed in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, with the objective of discovering entrepreneurs from diverse corners of India, and empowering them to create the next potential Unicorns. The series features three of India’s most knowledgeable and experienced investors—Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal and Titan Capital), Anisha Singh (She Capital), and Manish Chowdhary (Wow Skin Science)—who not only act as judges and investors, but also step in as mentors to guide and nurture contestants to sharpen the skills needed to scale their startups. Hosted by Masaba Gupta and Cyrus Sahukar, Mission Start Ab is executive produced by Indrajit Ray, directed by Srimanta Senguptta, and is an Endemol Shine India production. Mission Start Ab is the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership for just ₹1499/ year.

    Mission Start Ab brings together a diverse array of new-age startups and entrepreneurs spanning sectors such as robotics, fintech, edtech, health and wellness, technology-enabled marketplaces. The series offers viewers a front-row seat to the dynamic innovation and development taking place at the grassroots level in India. It explores the unique stories of these founders coming from modest backgrounds, showcasing bold aspirations, cultivated skills, personal sacrifices, and their vision to tackle real world challenges. Through a series of intense tasks, interactive exercises, and one-on-one mentorship sessions, the show not only prepares these ten entrepreneurs to not only turbo-charge their made-for-India innovations, but also serves as an invaluable guide for aspiring innovators across the country.

    “At Prime Video, we strive to be a force for good for the country. Through our multiple skill-development initiatives, including the Letter of Engagement signed between Amazon and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, we have worked towards developing talent that can directly and indirectly contribute to the nation. We are incredibly excited to collaborate with the Office of the PSA, Government of India, on Mission Start Ab, a series that leverages the power of entertainment to encourage all Indians to be audacious and bold with their ambitions,” said Prime Video India country director Sushant Sreeram. “Unlike any other entrepreneurial reality show, this series goes beyond financial support, providing invaluable mentorship and guidance from India’s top tier investors. Through challenges that are designed to hone their business acumen and cultivate critical problem-solving capabilities, Mission Start Ab is poised to ignite the aspirations of numerous young Indians, propelling them towards their entrepreneurial dreams.”

    Talking about the show Rishi Negi, EndemolShine India group COO Banijay Asia said, “Mission Start Ab goes where no series has ever gone before. It seeks to inspire, engage, and entertain viewers through stories of real people who are bringing a change at the grassroots level with their innovations. Through the 10 founders, audiences are taken on a journey that makes them privy to their dreams and struggles, and the path they have had to chart to bring their ideas to fruition. At the same time, the insightful advice from the three judges, who also act as mentors, serves as the guiding light for all those seeking to bring their vision to life. We are certain that the show will break barriers, and challenge everyone to dream and dare to try.”

  • Singer Ali Saffudin’s ‘Theher’ is all about celebrating the journey

    Singer Ali Saffudin’s ‘Theher’ is all about celebrating the journey

    Mumbai: In the rat race of life, we often forget to pause, hold back and enjoy being alive. Singer Ali Saffudin has joined hands with Artiste First to deliver a pertinent musical message on this subject. Artiste First’s latest song, ‘Theher’, is all about taking a break to listen to your heart and Celebrate the journey rather than being worried about the destination.

    An eclectic tune that combines elements of Post Rock, Soul and Trip Hop to create a unique indie feel, ‘Theher’ is a one-of-its-kind track. The core message of the song is to never let the pressures of life take a toll on your dreams, desires and joys. A melodic combo of multiple genres, the song crafts a distinct identity through its theme.

    ‘Theher’ boasts of Urdu lyrics that offer a soothing reminder to not keep running without living. Written, composed and performed by Ali Saffudin, who also strums the guitar for the song, the track also inherits a musical palette that delivers a distinctly original listening experience.

    A rising musical star who is witnessing his own ‘Theher’ moment, Ali Saffudin, was a former Production manager at a renowned radio station in Kashmir. The creative soul bid farewell to his secure job to pursue musical dreams. Not wanting to be confined to one form of music, Ali excels at Post Rock, Soul, Trip Hop and any other genre that challenges his creative spirit. The multi-talented artist has also conceptualised and directed the official music video of the song.

    Theher’s music video recreates the unique vibe of the song. Featuring Ali himself, the video begins with a surreal yet striking frame of Ali tirelessly working on his office laptop, surrounded by a barren field. The visuals slowly transition into soothing shots as Ali pauses to live life. Just like the singer has taken a break to rediscover the magic of little things, the video captures the spirit of breaking shackles to breathe free and easy.

    Talking about realising his dreams and creating his latest song, Ali Saffudin said, “Theher is almost autobiographical in a way since it parallels my own journey of quitting the corporate world to embrace musical passions during the making of Audio and Video of the song in the last one month. The idea behind this song was to encourage many others to let go of that mechanical stress and try to live happier and lighter. I am really excited to take my labour of love in front of audiences”.

    Sharing his thoughts on their latest release, Artiste First, co-founder Rohit Sobt said, “Artiste First always keeps the freedom and talent of the artiste first, and that is exactly what we have done with Theher. Ali is an association we are very proud of, he has really been honest and put himself out there with this song. Theher’s message is one that holds a lot of relevance in today’s times. To celebrate the journey. Ali Bhai has demonstrated himself the importance of Theher by taking a break from his regular corporate job. His Theher moment comes while riding the bike– we all need to find ours :)”.

    Artiste First has consistently unearthed the most gifted of talents from across the nation. Ali Saffudin seems to be one such name who has all the makings to carve a niche of his own. If ‘Theher’ is anything to go by, the sky’s the limit to Ali’s potential.

    The song ‘Theher’ is now available on all leading music platforms. The official music video is live on YouTube.

  • Higher time spent per day on OTT (96 mins) compared to TV (60 mins) by Young India – Axis My India December CSI Survey

    Higher time spent per day on OTT (96 mins) compared to TV (60 mins) by Young India – Axis My India December CSI Survey

    Mumbai: Axis My India, a leading consumer data intelligence company, reveals the latest insights into shifting media consumption habits in India. The survey highlights a notable 23% families report media consumption, resulting in a 3% increase from last month. Focusing on the ICC World Cup 2023 viewership, the study exposes diverse preferences, with 31% opting for traditional television and a significant 22% choosing the mode of mobile phones. The analysis of daily time allocation on media presents a clear trend toward digital platforms, especially for shorter durations, indicating a dynamic transformation in media consumption patterns. Axis My India’s findings offer a comprehensive view of the evolving media landscape, influencing the future of consumer behavior in India.

    The December net CSI score, calculated by percentage increase minus percentage decrease in sentiment, is at +9.9, which is an increase of +0.9 from the last month.

    The sentiment analysis delves into five relevant sub-indices – Overall household spending, spending on essential and non-essential items, spending on healthcare, media consumption habits, entertainment & tourism trends.

    The survey used Computer-Aided Telephonic Interviews and included 5,143 participants from 35 states and UTs. Among them, 72% were from rural areas and 28% from urban areas. In terms of regions, 23% were from the North, 24% from the East, 28% from the West, and 25% from the South of India. Among the participants, 60% were male and 40% were female. Looking at the largest groups, 30% were aged between 36 and 50 years old, while 25% were aged between 26 and 35 years old

    Commenting on the CSI report, Axis My India chairman & MD Pradeep Gupta said, “The vibrant media landscape illuminates the ever-shifting preferences of our audience. A dynamic surge is witnessed in media consumption surrounding the excitement around the ICC World Cup 2023, showcasing the immense and diverse appeal of this global event. Delving deeper into the fabric of media consumption, our study also uncovers a decisive move towards digital platforms, with viewers now carving their own unique paths. The average daily time spent on TV and Video Streaming Platforms/OTT unveils a fascinating narrative, signaling a pronounced tilt towards the latter, notably among the vibrant youth spending 96 minutes daily on OTT compared to 60 minutes on TV. These insights serve as a compelling call to advertisers and marketers”

    Key findings

    1.   Overall household spending has increased for 58% of the families, which is a decrease by 2% from last month. Consumption remains the same for 33% of families. The net score, which was +51 last month, has dipped to +50 this month.

    2.   Spends on essentials like personal care & household items have increased for 49% of families, which marks an increase by 5% from last month. Consumption remains the same for 36% of families. The net score, which was at +27 last month, has surged to +34 this month.

    3.   Spends on non-essential & discretionary products like AC, Car, and Refrigerators have increased for 15% of families. Consumption remains the same for 79% of families. The net score, which was +3 last month, is at +9 this month.

    4.   Expenses towards health-related items such as vitamins, tests, and healthy food have surged for 44% of the families, which marks an increase by 7% from last month. Consumption remains the same for 41% of families. The health score which has a negative connotation i.e., the lesser the spends on health items the better the sentiments, has a net score value of -30 this month.  

    5.   Consumption of media (TV, Internet, Radio, etc.) has increased for 23% of families which is an increase by 3% from last month. The net score, which was -1 last month, is at +2 this month.

    6.   Mobility has increased for 8% of the families, which is a increase of 1% from last month. The net score, which was -4 last month, is at -5 this month. Mobility remains the same for 78% of the families.

    On topics of current national interest

    1.   The survey delved into identifying the top milestone missions for India in a year filled with significant events, including the ICC World Cup and the G20 Summit. A significant 54% of respondents identified the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission as the most defining milestone of the year. This sentiment is underscored by the remarkable success of Chandrayaan-3, India’s ambitious lunar mission. The event not only garnered widespread acclaim and also set a new record with 8.06 million concurrent views during its live stream, highlighting the nation’s growing prowess and interest in space exploration and scientific achievements.

    2.   The survey unveiled that a significant 62% of respondents watched the ICC World Cup 2023, showcasing the event’s wide-reaching appeal. Delving deeper into the modes of viewership, it was found that 31% of the respondents followed the matches on television, while a notable 22% of the respondents opted to watch the games on their mobile phones, highlighting the diverse ways in which audiences are consuming sports content in the digital age.

    3.   The study delved into the average daily time spent on TV and Video Streaming Platforms/OTT across various time brackets. The overall time spent on TV is 65 minutes per day compared to 61 minutes on OTT. The younger age group spend significantly higher time spent on OTT (96 minutes per day) compared to TV (60 minutes per day)

    4.   For those allocating less than 30 minutes, 14% of respondents reported spending their time on TV, while 15% preferred Video Streaming Platforms/OTT

    5.   In the 30 minutes to 1-hour category, 16% indicated TV usage compared to 13% for Video Streaming Platforms/OTT

    6.   Moving on to the 1-2 hour bracket, 24% opted for TV, while 18% chose Video Streaming Platforms/OTT

    7.   The percentages decrease for longer durations, with 10% on TV and 9% on Video Streaming Platforms/OTT for 3-4 hours

    1.   2% on TV and 3% on Video Streaming Platforms/OTT for 5-8 hours, and

    2.   Merely 1% for both TV and Video Streaming Platforms/OTT for 9 or more hours

    This breakdown illustrates the varying preferences in media consumption habits, emphasizing a notable shift towards digital platforms, especially for shorter durations.

       Expanding on the findings regarding age-wise distribution, the data from Axis My India provides insights into the percentage of individuals within different age groups who spend ‘1-2 hours’ watching TV on a typical day:

    1       23% of 18-25 age group dedicate this time to TV

    2       21% of 26-35 age group dedicate this time to TV

    3       27% of 36-50 age group dedicate this time to TV

    4       26% of 51-60 age group dedicate this time to TV

    5       25% of above 60 age group dedicate this time to TV

    This suggests a fairly even distribution of TV watching habits across different age groups, with a slightly higher inclination in the 36-50 age category.

    1   Examining the data on a typical day’s OTT viewership, distinct patterns emerge across various age groups:

    2       Among individuals aged 18-25, a notable 25% engage with OTT platforms,

    3       Slightly lower yet significant 24% from the 26-35 age group do the same.

    4       The prevalence decreases in the 36-50 age group, with 17% of individuals choosing OTT for their media consumption.

           Further down the age spectrum, the 51-60 age group and those above 60 exhibit similar preferences, with 12% from both demographics tuning into OTT platforms

    These findings highlight the varying degrees of adoption of OTT platforms across different age brackets, indicating a higher affinity among younger individuals for on-demand streaming services. This suggests a fairly even distribution of TV watching habits across different age groups, with a slightly higher inclination in the 36-50 age category.

    1.   The survey provided insightful data on household income, spending, and consumption patterns bringing to light a spectrum of sentiments regarding the nation’s economic conditions this year. 46% of the participants expressed a sense of financial upliftment in 2023 compared to 2022 terms of financial well-being. Meanwhile, 36% still hold 2022 in higher regard, feeling that the previous year offered better financial stability. Additionally, 18% of the respondents viewed 2023 as being on par with the previous year, indicating a sense of consistency in their financial experiences.

    2.   The survey offered valuable insights into the spending patterns of consumers over the past and upcoming six months, highlighting shifts in purchase priorities. According to the findings, a significant 49% of respondent s are leaning towards investing in mobile phones, signalling a strong inclination towards technology and connectivity. Following closely, 37% of the respondents are focusing on financial prudence, with choosing a bank account being a top priority, reflecting an increased awareness and emphasis on financial management. Additionally, personal mobility emerges as a significant factor, with 30% of the respondents showing a preference for acquiring two-wheelers, underlining the growing importance of personal transportation in daily life.

    3.   In the wake of BJP’s notable victories in recent state elections, the survey tapped into the public’s perception of influence in India’s political sphere. Reflecting on this political landscape, 60% of the respondents identified Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the most influential figure of 2023. This perception has been further bolstered by the Prime Minister’s active international engagements, including his pivotal role in the G20 summit and efforts towards elevating India’s presence on the global stage. These events have clearly struck a chord with many people, contributing to the increased recognition of Narendra Modi as a significant influencer this year.

    4.   The survey shed light on public awareness and participation in the Ayushman Bharat – Jan Arogya Yojana, a pivotal health insurance scheme by the Government of India. It was revealed that 27% of respondents are aware of the scheme but have not taken the step to enroll. This indicates a significant level of awareness about the scheme, yet highlights a gap between awareness and action. On the other hand, 28% of respondents are aware of the scheme and have actively enrolled in the scheme, suggesting a proactive approach towards availing the health benefits offered.

    5.   The survey provided insights into the public’s awareness and adoption of the 14-digit Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card, a key component of India’s health digitisation efforts. It revealed that 84% of respondents, are unaware of the ABHA card, indicating a significant knowledge gap in this critical health initiative. This suggests a considerable gap in public knowledge regarding the ABHA and its benefits. On the other hand, 9% of respondents have actively obtained the ABHA card, indicating some level of engagement and uptake among the populace. Meanwhile, 7% of respondents, although aware of the ABHA, do not possess the card.

    6.   With the five state elections seen as a prelude to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections the December CSI Report highlights the keen interest among the public in political trends. A significant 67% of respondents had expressed their intent to watch the exit polls of these crucial state elections, indicating a high level of engagement and curiosity about the potential outcomes and their implications. In contrast, 32% of the surveyed population are not planning to tune in for the exit polls, suggesting varying levels of political interest and engagement across the public. 

  • Lionsgate Play to livestream three prestigious awards in January 2024

    Lionsgate Play to livestream three prestigious awards in January 2024

    Mumbai: The Global Awards Season honoring the best from the world of entertainment is just around the corner, and Lionsgate Play, the undisputed go-to streaming platform for the world’s most renowned awards shows, has yet again upped its ante. After announcing the exclusive live streaming of the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards in January 2024 for the fourth consecutive year, Lionsgate Play has now announced to exclusively live stream the 81st Golden Globe Awards and the 29th Critics Choice Awards in India, Philippines, Indonesia, and SAARC (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan) in the same month.

    Talking about bringing the global awards to Indian audiences, Lionsgate Play EVP Amit Dhanuka said, “Over the years, we have set a benchmark for bringing the best of international content to our audience. Viewers across the world look forward to the awards season and we are elated that Lionsgate Play, once again is the ‘Home of Global Awards’. In addition to the 75th Emmy Awards in January 2024, we are now excited to LIVE stream the 81st Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards for viewers in the same month. We endeavour to continue curating experiences that transcend the ordinary and look forward to consistently bring global entertainment closer to India.”

    Home to premium English content, Lionsgate Play constantly looks to bring global phenomena to local audiences in India, and yet again 2024 will see the best of awards on the platform. Lionsgate Play will LIVE stream 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, 81st Golden Globe Awards and the 29th Critics Choice Awards in January 2024. Watch the space for more announcements, coming soon!

  • International Music Creators Seminar 2023 spurs collaborations, advocacy, and visionary discourse

    International Music Creators Seminar 2023 spurs collaborations, advocacy, and visionary discourse

    Mumbai: The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) hosted the International Music Creators Seminar on behalf of CISAC and the Asia Pacific Music Creators Alliance (APMA) on 5 December 2023. The APMA International Music Creators Seminar 2023 featured insightful panel discussions, each dedicated to exploring different facets of the music industry.

    The first panel was about how artificial intelligence will revolutionise the music industry. Renowned artists and industry experts who attended the panel highlighted the positive potential AI tools have for creators, and the exciting AI revolution that is already happening cannot be stopped. Generative AI can extend the frontiers of human creation, enhance artistic expression, and deliver to creators new licensing opportunities and revenue streams. But AI also requires smart regulation. The industry needs to come together to prevent AI from undermining human creativity and threatening the livelihoods of creators.

    In the discussion Dr. G.R. Raghavendra – Senior Consultant IPR, DPIIT, former Joint Secretary, Govt of India, Achille Forler Founder Silk Road Communications, João Kruss Gomes Chairman MACA, Mayur Puri – lyricist & screenwriter alongside moderator Benjamin NG, Regional Director for Asia Pacific, CISAC shed light on leveraging AI while ensuring regulatory frameworks uphold creators’ rights. “The integration of AI in music creation presents boundless opportunities for artists globally. It’s imperative to develop robust regulations to safeguard creators’ rights in this evolving landscape,” mentioned lyricist, IPRS Board Member and APMA vice chairman Mayur Puri.

    Commenting on the same, Senior Consultant IPR, DPIIT, former Joint Secretary Govt. of India Dr. G.R. Raghavendra said, “In the vast landscape of AI, it’s important to dispel the notion that it’s inherently risky. Throughout the course of technological evolution, every leap forward has been met with the creation of rules and protections to ensure responsible usage. AI, such as ChatGPT, is essentially a machine that can’t replicate the depth of human abilities—it’s not that creative or original. When we talk about using someone’s work, whether in AI or any other field, seeking permission and offering fair compensation is not just a courtesy; it’s a fundamental aspect of ethical practice. In the grand scheme of technological advancements, maintaining fairness and ethical standards becomes the cornerstone of integrating AI responsibly into our lives. So, as we navigate this exciting era of innovation, let’s keep in mind the importance of consent, fair compensation, and ethical considerations in the realm of AI.”

    The second panel, fair value of music in the streaming economy delved into the streaming landscape, emphasizing the need for creators to receive equitable returns from this burgeoning market. Discussions led by leading creators, legal experts, and industry veterans Dhinraj Shetty – MD Sony Music Publishing (India), Swanand Kirkire – lyricist, singer & Actor, Irfan Aulia – Musician, Managing Director, Massive Music, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Collective Management Organization Wahana Musik Indonesia, Notapol Srichomkwan – songwriter and chairman MCT, Tarsame Mittal – Music Entrepreneur, moderated by Satoshi Watanabe of CISAC, highlighted the necessity for adaptations and government interventions to ensure a fair music ecosystem.

    The third panel, the future of female representation & contribution in the Music Industry, featured discussions by lyricist and screenwriter Kausar Munir, music composer Sneha Khanwalkar, composer and music producer Merlyn D’Souza, music composer and producer Hiral Viradia, and Nanni Singh – chief executive showcase events, moderated by poet and lyricist Irshaad Kamil, on gender dynamics in the music industry. The panel passionately advocated for breaking down stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and creating a diverse and inclusive musical landscape.

    “The industry must actively foster an environment that embraces diversity and empowers female creators. It’s time to dismantle barriers and create more opportunities for women in music”, stated eminent lyricist and screenwriter Kausar Munir.

    Javed Akhtar, legendary lyricist, screenwriter, poet, and chairman of IPRS, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s success, stating, “The International Music Creators Seminar 2023 underscores the power of collaborative innovation. The recently established collaboration with KOMCA ushers in a transformative period, encouraging a dynamic interchange of creation between India and Korea. Our commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable music industry where creator rights are safeguarded and creativity is nurtured was highlighted through stimulating panel discussions. Our narrative revolves around breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and envisioning a world where creators and creativity flourish. We look forward to bringing such platforms to India and elevate our artists.”

    The International Music Creators Seminar provided a platform to underscore the importance of cross-border partnerships and smart regulation for a vibrant and equitable creative landscape.