Category: Press Release

Star World all set to premiere ‘Succession’, a show that is gonna explode

MUMBAI: Indian audiences are always on the lookout to discover the next big show that will take over the world of entertainment with a storm. To fill that void and always staying ahead of the curve, Star World has is bringing to itsaudiences Shows. That. Are. Gonna. Explode – S.T.A.G.E

This July, Star World premieres an edge of the seat drama series‘Succession’.

An American satirical comedy-drama series, Succession has been created by Oscar nominee Jesse Armstrong. It is one of the most promising shows in this year’s rosterwith favorable reactions from audiences and critics alike with Guardian calling it a ‘brilliant dissection of a dysfunctional dynasty’, Hollywood Reporter calling out the show’s brilliance that lies in its details as‘performances to relish and dialogue to savor’and the New Yorker terming it ‘An Irresistible Family Power Struggle, Told Through Soap and Satire’

The series revolves around the narrative ofthe Roy family who are the dysfunctional owners of a global media empire, WaystarRoyco. As they fight for control of the company amidst a lot of uncertainty and drama,Succession continues to unfold part by part in a poetic fashionwhile tracking the lives of Logan Roy and his four children.

The series stars Troy and X-Men fame Brian Fox as media mogul and patriarch of the Roy family – Logan Roy along with, The Visitor actress HiamAbbass who portrays matriarch Marcia. The Perks of being a Wallflower actor Nicholas Braunand Home Alone fameKieran Culkin are also part of the main castamong many others.

June 18, 2019
#INDvPAK becomes the most tweeted about ODI on Twitter with 2.9 million Tweets

MUMBAI: India won by 89 runs in Manchester on Sunday to extend their unbeaten streak against Pakistan in the World Cup history. While we saw the rivalry between both teams on the field, the roar of the fans was loud on Twitter. The game broke cricket records by becoming the most Tweeted about one day international (ODI) match generating 2.9 million Tweets. While there was dialogue between both countries on the platform, when we compared official hashtags like #TeamIndia and #WeHaveWeWill, as well as the number of Tweets mentioning Indian cricketers and Pakistani cricketers, the Indian side dominated the conversation on Twitter.

Most Tweeted About Players

The captain of #TeamIndia Virat Kohli (@ImVkohli), who also became the fastest player to achieve the milestone of 11,000 ODI runs, was the most Tweeted about player during the #INDvPAK match. Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45), thanks to his epic 24th century in ODI was the second on the list, followed by Pakistan captain, Sarfaraz Ahmed (@SarfarazA_54), all-rounder Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) and wicket-keeper MS Dhoni (@msdhoni).

Most Tweeted About Moments

Here are the most Tweeted about moments from #INDvPAK, basis the conversation peaks – Tweets per minute (TPM)

1. Vijay Shankar (@vijayshankar260) taking a wicket off his first World Cup ball

2. Rohit Sharma’s (@ImRo45) brilliant innings of 140 runs; his second 100 of #CWC19

3. Rain interruption in the first half of the innings during Team India’s batting

Top Retweeted Tweets

Fans love when their heroes perform on the field. A Tweet by @ImRo45 celebrating his 2nd century of #CWC19 became the most Retweeted Tweet from Sunday’s match.

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/ImRo45/status/1140372326388776962

Embeddable Tweet: https://twitter.com/imVkohli/status/1140344298665156608

June 18, 2019
ET NOW completes 10 successful years of business news leadership

MUMBAI: ET NOW, India’s leading English Business news channel announced its successful completion of 10 years today. Committed to the nation’s development with a dedicated purpose of helping Indians Rise with India, ET NOW has earned credibility by constantly raising the bar in ensuring its viewers are informed about India’s growth trajectory. Personifying its brand ethos, ET NOW also announced a new primetime band ‘Rise with India Primetime’, a new programming schedule starting from June 24, 5pm -7pm on weekdays.

Recording many firsts, exclusives and path breaking initiatives, ET NOW over the years has truly become the choice of country’s top policy-makers, corporates and viewers. Changing the business news paradigm, ET NOW has journeyed to become the market leader championing the India’s growth story and rallying efforts to this with its diverse and rich content. Tackling legacy players in the category, ET NOW emerged as the market leader in the very second year since its inception, leading superior coverage on important news events, exclusive interactions and introducing content formats never seen on business news channels. Topping viewership charts for the most crucial and keenly watched events of the year, Interim Budget 2019 and Lok Sabha 2019 election results, ET NOW has been successful in delivering the most comprehensive news reportage to the viewers. ET NOW cornered a market share of 73% in the all India market (Source: BARC 22+ AB, 1mn+ cities, 24 Hours on February 1st) on Budget Day and reiterated the success on election week with a market share of 46 % (Source: BARC| 22+ AB| All India 1mn+| Wk 21’19| All Days; 24 Hrs) and continued to lead with a 52% market share on the counting day (BARC| 22+ AB| All India 1mn+| 23rd May’19| 08:00-17:00hrs).

Commenting on the milestone, MK Anand, MD & CEO, Times Network said, “As we celebrate our 10th birthday, we look forward to reinforcing our position as the torchbearer of India’s growth story and the platform that will help every Indian Rise with India.”

Nikunj Dalmia, Managing Editor, ET NOW added, “ET NOW has seen a spectacular journey in the past 10 years. With Rise with India, ET NOW has opened opportunities and possibilities for the discerning Indian to be a part of the country’s growth. From being a hardcore business channel to now serving holistic business news to the nation at large, we have come a long way. With powerful and impactful content and a strong editorial team, ET NOW is set to further raise the bar for the English business news category.”

Through the repositioning to Rise with India in 2017, ET NOW has sharply differentiated itself placing India’s development at the core of its purpose with pioneering content offering. Curating a series of programs and events that goes beyond business to focus on socio – economic development of the country, India Development Debate – the channel’s flagship show focuses on bringing change and finding solutions to social and economic developmental issues; Shows rooted with global voices – bringing the biggest voices first, ET NOW presents a global perspectives on the markets, industry or policy through eminent figures like Warren Buffett & Jeff Bezos; Jan Nivesh – the largest investor outreach program globally; ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ Conclave and Awards – India’s biggest platform for SMEs; India Economic Conclave – a flagship platform that foster meaningful dialogue between global & Indian policy makers & industry leaders on key issues related to growth; Digital India Summit – a summit concurrent with the Government’s Digital India initiative that focuses on the unwavering agenda to empower and transform India into a digital empowered economy.

Introducing ‘Rise with India Primetime’, a 2-hour programming wheel from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on weekdays, ET NOW through its 2 popular shows The Money Show and StartUp Central will have exhaustive emphasis on ‘India & You’.

The Money Show in its new avatar is an hour-long 3-segment show, that will air from 5pm – 6pm on Weekdays. Bringing a 360-degree view on financial matters, the show will have elements including 'The Money Show Gyaan' aimed at educating o viewer, ‘ASK THE MONEY SHOW’, an interactive segment that will involve viewers calling in live on the show and asking topic related questions to financial expert of the day, 'Meet your fund Manager’, where inspiring growth stories of Indians at home & abroad be shared and ‘The Money Show DIY’ which will help viewers become more independent amongst. The Money Show is India’s only personal finance show that helps viewers take the right decision and advices to make the apt choice when it comes to personal finance. Brining the voices from that industry that matters, ET NOW simplifies financial jargons like loans, insurance, MFs, tax, real estate and busts the myths around personal finance choices.

StartUp Central, India's first and only daily show focused on startups, technology and entrepreneurship. In its new avatar, Startup Central will bring the champions in the startup space who truly represents the Rise with India stories. The show will also help budding entrepreneurs to realize their dreams of making it big in India’s thriving startup community. The show will air on weekdays from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

June 18, 2019
EPIC TV announces partnership with SonyLIV

MUMBAI: EPIC Channel – India Ka Apna Infotainment, announced a content partnership with India’s first premium video on demand (VOD) platform, SonyLIV. This collaboration lets SonyLIV users’ access 24X7, the live-stream of EPIC Channel’s feed anytime, anywhere. EPIC is home to a premium library of high-quality, India-centric content in high-definition (HD) format, including new shows like Regiment Diaries, Tyohaar Ki Thaali, Raja Rasoi Aur Andaaz Anokha, Umeed India and the upcoming Lost Recipes Season 2.

This partnership between leading infotainment channel EPIC and on demand video service SonyLIV is a gateway for SonyLIV users to experience a whole new world of infotainment. SonyLIV’s 109 million strong user base has access to an exhaustive content library across mythology, food, travel, sports, and wildlife and other genres.

June 18, 2019
Star World all set to premiere ‘Succession’, a show that is gonna explode

Indian audiences are always on the lookout to discover the next big show that will take over the world of entertainment with a storm. To fill that void and always staying ahead of the curve, Star World has is bringing to itsaudiences Shows. That. Are. Gonna. Explode – S.T.A.G.E.

This July, Star World premieres an edge of the seat drama series‘Succession’.

An American satirical comedy-drama series, Succession has been created by Oscar nominee Jesse Armstrong. It is one of the most promising shows in this year’s rosterwith favorable reactions from audiences and critics alike with Guardian calling it a ‘brilliant dissection of a dysfunctional dynasty’, Hollywood Reporter calling out the show’s brilliance that lies in its details as‘performances to relish and dialogue to savor’and the New Yorker terming it ‘An Irresistible Family Power Struggle, Told Through Soap and Satire’.

The series revolves around the narrative ofthe Roy family who are the dysfunctional owners of a global media empire, WaystarRoyco. As they fight for control of the company amidst a lot of uncertainty and drama,Succession continues to unfold part by part in a poetic fashionwhile tracking the lives of Logan Roy and his four children.

The series stars Troy and X-Men fame Brian Fox as media mogul and patriarch of the Roy family – Logan Roy along with, The Visitor actress HiamAbbass who portrays matriarch Marcia. The Perks of being a Wallflower actor Nicholas Braunand Home Alone fameKieran Culkin are also part of the main castamong many others.

June 18, 2019
India’s Mega Cricket Conclave – Salaam Cricket 2019 and comprehensive cricket coverage propels India Today TV to the No.1 spot in Week 23 (Megacities, 22+ M A)

MUMBAI: legends with enthralling, informative & entertaining sessions ahead of the much anticipated Cricket World Cup 2019. In addition, for the first time, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar along with a power panel comprising Azharuddin, Sunil Gavaskar, Harbhajan Singh and Madan Lal shares expert analysis of action packed World Cup 2019 matches through exclusive TV shows.

With prominent figures from the cricketing world, Salaam Cricket piqued excitement levels of fans through trivia, discussions, debates and predictions. The conclave also shared some of the most memorable moments in World Cricket and rendered fresh insights on the upcoming World Cup. From Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar to Spin King Shane Warne, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar to King Viv Richards, Turbanator Harbhajan Singh to ‎Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram, Michael Clarke to Younis Khan; the world champions discussed different facets of the game, sharing their experiences in engaging sessions.

In a country where cricket is not a sport but a religion, Salaam cricket witnessed an instant success and propelled India Today TV to the top in the English News genre.

Salaam Cricket was seen by over 17 million viewers on India Today Group’s channels – Source: BARC, TG: 2+, Mkt: India, Period: WK23'19, Program Name: Salaam Cricket

To keep the viewers captivated, India Today Group has also launched dedicated shows with legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Harbhajan Singh, Michael Clarke, Mohammad Azharuddin and Madan Lal. While ‘Lord’s Mein Lahrayo Tiranga’ is being telecasted on Aaj Tak, ‘Lord of Lord’s’ is the offering on India Today TV. With 5 World Cup winners including Tendulkar, and one Captain who led India in 3 World Cups (Azhar), this expert panel rivals even the Sports broadcasters.

And it gets better! For the first time in history of television, Sachin Tendulkar is doing an exclusive match-by-match analysis of India’s campaign. He will discuss and dissect India’s performances over 10 episodes of the show named after the all familiar chant of cricket fans all over the country- ‘Sachin, Sachin’.

Further delighting the audience and highlighting the superior cricket coverage of its two channels, India Today Group has also launched a high decibel World Cup campaign with TVCs featuring the likes of Chris Gayle, KL Rahul and R Ashwin.

June 17, 2019
Del Monte launches easy-to-use, economical spout packs of its favourite mayonnaise spreads

MUMBAI: Del Monte, the premium food brand, has launched convenient and economical spout packs of its much-loved range of mayonnaise spreads, which will now make it even more convenient, delightful and affordable to add taste to a wide range of food and snacks.

With changing lifestyles and an urbanized way of living, Indians are adopting more innovative and novel food options in their diet. Consumers are looking for ready dressings to prepare restaurant quality food at home. Keeping the consumer preference and satisfaction as a primary aim, Del Monte’s much liked tasty and creamy – Eggless Mayo, Tandoori Mayo and Sandwich Spread – will now be available in smart spout packs of 80gms in the price range of Rs 30-35. To help consumers make delicious cuisines at home, these smart packs come with instructions on its usages, printed on their packaging.

The introduction of new smart and convenient packs is yet another offering from Del Monte, which always has kept family’s health and convenience as uppermost on its priority and due to which it has emerged as a top and favourite food brand in a wide range of categories.

“We have always given highest priority to consumer product quality and convenience while making new products. Del Monte has introduced small packings of its much-loved range of mayos to enable a wider set of families to buy its range.” said Mr. Yogesh Bellani, CEO, Del Monte.

So, it’s time to head straight to your nearest store and get hold of your favourite Del Monte’s mayos for adding a healthy taste to your food and snacks in a healthy way!

April 9, 2019
MTV ka #TVKahaanGaya campaign puts spotlight on platform agnostic youth content

MUMBAI: MTV, India’s no. 1 youth brand, today revealed its ‘MTV Ka #TVKahaanGaya’ campaign, showcasing the channel’s strength on Viacom18’s digital platform VOOT. With an aim to entertain, lead, break stereotypes and collaborate with young people through its evocative communication, MTV has always stood out of the crowd with youth relevant shows. Proving once again that good content is platform agnostic, the MTV ka #TVKahaanGaya campaign is a pragmatic showcase of how the youth is attracted to consuming relevant content at their own pace and time. MTV’s leading shows such as Roadies, Splitsvilla, Love School, MTV Unplugged and The Anti-Social Network are being watched for 2.5 Billion2 minutes on VOOT.

Commenting on the campaign, Ferzad Palia, Head – Youth, Music & English Entertainment, Viacom18 said, ““The perception today is that the Indian youth spends lesser time-consuming content on TV, which couldn’t be farther from the truth. Time spent on TV content AND online video has gone up amongst youth. As the country’s leading youth brand, we understand that to keep our audience engaged, content that is platform agnostic, speaks their language and is available to them any time is what will win their heart. The MTV ka #TVKahaanGaya campaign is conceptualised from that thought and lands this creative rendition in the quirky MTV style. Over the last year, our TV ratings have doubled and consumption on VOOT has grown 3-fold, a testament to our belief that content is the king. Comparing to the previous season, shows such as Roadies Real Heroes have accounted for 42% viewership3 growth on VOOT and MTV Unplugged has seen an increase of 52%, respectively.”

The ‘MTV Ka #TVKahaanGaya’ campaign exhibits an equilibrium between the linear television and its digital platform, VOOT. With a mix of content available on the channel, the monthly watch time for MTV shows on VOOT has been consistently growing. With youth driven shows being aired on VOOT, Splitsvilla S11 has seen a growth of 77% in its hours of content as compared to the previous season. With major share of consumption happening in the non-metro cities, the digital platform, VOOT is in sync with linear television.

Speaking about youth content on VOOT, Akash Banerji, Head- Advertising Video On Demand Business, Viacom18 Digital Ventures said, “Fandom is a phenomenon that transcends platforms and can help brands grow in both linear and OTT. MTV content works very well on VOOT and has engaged 30% of VOOT Viewers4 till date. As a network we have successfully explored content synergy between MTV and VOOT with popular MTV series – Kaisi Yeh Yaariyan season 3 being launched as a VOOT original garnering 32 mn views5.

April 9, 2019
Savlon introduces the first ever Pen Sanitizer Spray

MUMBAI: Further building on its portfolio, Savlon, ITC’s most awarded and trusted hygiene brand, announces its foray into Sanitizers with the unique and first ever Savlon Pen Sanitizer Spray. A first in the category, this exciting new innovation encourages hand hygiene. Designed in the form of a pen with a spray dispenser, Savlon Sanitizer harnesses design thinking to enhance efficiency and value.

Savlon Pen Sanitizer Spray is designed to dispense a pre-measured quantity of sanitizer in each spray for effective germ kill as compared to the conventional sanitizer bottle where it is often difficult to control the pour.

The Pen Sanitizer Spray (9ml bottle) priced at INR49 promises 100 germ-destroying sprays per dispenser. The enticing pen shape makes it extremely convenient to carry in pockets, bags, pencil boxes or simply tagged to the school bag.

With the promise to kill 99.99% germs, Savlon’s unique Pen Sanitizer Spray is being rolled out at retail outlets across India for easy access.

India’s most popular animated hero, Chhota Bheem leads the conversation for Savlon to engage and initiate children into the habit of hand hygiene.

Mr. Sameer Satpathy, Chief Executive, Personal Care Products Business Division, ITC Limited, said, “Brand Savlon is committed to designing unique solutions to encourage and enable hand hygiene. Harnessing the power of innovative design and thinking, the Savlon pen sanitizer spray is a unique format and a first ever in this category that solves for effective germ-kill and efficient design to prevent wastage.”

Savlon has also launched a gel based hand sanitizer variant available in 55ml bottles, priced at INR 77. A single drop of the gel based sanitizer is sufficient to kill all germs and maintain hand hygiene at all times.

April 9, 2019
Building brands From idea to legacy

MUMBAI: Rohit Vaid, Co Founder & CCO, explains, the youth today is exposed to 5000+ messages per day.

Their attention spans are low, itʼs only when a message strikes an emotional chord that they invest the most precious commodity– which is mind space. This is what Phoenix will assist brands in capturing through engaging story telling.

Rajesh Pavithran, Co Founder & Director says, with over 75 years of collective creative and production experience, what we bring to the table is effective creative backed by price points. This will give the brands the best bang for their buck. All our arsenal is in place already as we have a roster of talented directors & writers on board.

This is talent that has crafted some of the most impressive youthcampaigns for brands and publishers across platforms.

Rohit Tugnait Co-Founder & CEO, sums up, as we all know the digital content space is exploding thanks to low mobile internet costs brought about by the Jio revolution add to this the smart phone penetration across the country. This will fuel the growth of the digital video business from $300 million as of 2018 to
$1.5 billion by 2021. So the opportunities for specialists like us, who have the experience in creating engaging story telling via formats ranging from 3 seconds to 3 hours (and everything in between) will be huge.

Our initial focus is alliances, we are in talks with a select few leading agencies and OTT platforms to become preferred partners addressing their production needs and creation of joint IPʼs. We will have announcements coming in this space soon.

April 9, 2019