Category: Regulators

Mumbai: Less than a month since launching Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan, JioCinema announced 10 more winners who won a car each for TATA IPL 2023 matches played between April 27 & May 3. The mid-week double-header on May 3 turned rewarding for Noor Ul Naik Narkoo from Nagam Kokernag, Jammu & Kashmir and Satya Narayan Sahu from Karthini, Madhya Pradesh who won a car each in the Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians and washed out Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings games respectively.

The low-scoring thriller between the book-end teams of this season Gujarat Titans and Delhi Capitals on May 2 turned out equally exciting for Nirmal Rokaya, the latest Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan winner from Bengaluru. A security guard in Bengaluru, Nirmal won a car when playing the contest.

Nohan Reang from Santir Bazar, Tripura won the contest’s top prize during an eventful clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 1. While mid and post-match action kept viewers glued to their mobile, tablet, and Connected TV screens, Nohan predicted his way through it to add a car to his garage by the end of the night.

Super Sunday on April 30 was a day to remember as records came tumbling down both on and off the field for Punjab. Punjab Kings became the first team to successfully chase a 200-run total against CSK at Chepauk when they beat Chennai Super Kings by four wickets, but that was not all. Anand from Gardsankar in Punjab also became the first Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan winner to winner from the State. Later in the day, Mumbai Indians’ record-chase at Wankhede stadium against Rajasthan Royals turned lucky in another part of the country for Sadhan Kumar Jha from Banbadh, Jharkhand, who won a car.

Juliya Debbarma residing in Kowai, Tripura predicted her way to victory as Sunrisers Hyderabad defended 197 against Delhi Capitals in the national capital during the second game of the double-header on April 29. Kharka Bahadur Dhal of Imphal, Manipur won a car as effortlessly as Gujarat Titans’ run-chase against Kolkata Knight Riders on the same day.

Haryana found its first winner as Pawan Kumar from Mahendragarh won the contest’s top prize during a 458-run avalanche between Lucknow Super Giants and Punjab Kings on April 28. Jaipur turned yellow on April 27 during Rajasthan Royals’ clash with Chennai Super Kings, but the home side prevailed and won the match comfortably by 32 runs, while Parmar Vipul Ramabhai from Rajkot won a car playing the contest.

In addition to the 36 car winners, over 68,000 people have won other prizes on offer in the contest till date.

Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan is aimed to enhance the viewer’s experience while watching the TATA IPL on JioCinema vis-à-vis passively watching the league on legacy platforms. The contest offers viewers prizes like smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers, Bluetooth neckband, and wireless earphones, and a chance to win one car every match, among other prizes.

Viewers need to hold the phone in portrait mode. A chat box will open at the bottom of the screen where the question appears before every over along with four options. Viewers who give the most correct answers during the match, stand a chance to win the car.

Viewers can continue to watch their preferred sports by downloading JioCinema (iOS & Android). For the latest updates, news, scores, and videos, fans can follow Sports18 on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube and JioCinema on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Mumbai: The day two of FICCI Frames 2023 started with a spiritual address by motivational speaker and social reformer Dr. Gnanvatsal Swami Ji, followed by minister of commerce & industry, consumer affairs & food & public distribution and textiles, govt. of India Piyush Goyal. The day has a lineup of eclectic speakers on various aspects of the Media & Entertainment sector.

Commerce meets Creativity was a special session, held in virtual mode where FICCI media & entertainment committee & CEO Jyoti Deshpande shared the welcome address speech.

Goyal in conversation said, “The Media & Entertainment industry always demonstrates as a key pillar of India’s cultural identity and rich heritage. It also resonates with the belief that creativity can indeed enhance commerce.”

He further says, “ FICCI Frames has now become an established platform for the players in the entertainment space showcasing to the world what India truly represents and over the years it has given a unique identity to India.”

He concluded by saying, “ The young filmmakers, particularly the women, are pursuing their dreams and are showing to us their stories or the stories of new India with a great deal of passion. And that is where I think you are contributing significantly to boost the morale of billion people, as we enter amritkaal in the next 25 years, which we believe will be the defining moment for India.”

Mumbai: FICCI Frames 2023, one of the most significant media and entertainment conventions in Asia, is scheduled to take place from May 3rd to 5th at Hotel Westin, Powai Lake in Mumbai, India. This three-day event will provide a unique platform for the media and entertainment industry’s stakeholders to come together and discuss the latest trends and innovations in the sector. With an impressive line-up of industry experts and leaders, FICCI Frames 2023 promises to be an unparalleled experience for attendees.

The event will kickstart with the Inauguration ceremony, graced by Indian Actor Ayushmann Khurrana and Turkish Actor Burak Deniz. The theme of this year’s convention is Inspire-Innovate-Immerse, celebrating the evolution of the industry and reflect on its future. The convention’s agenda includes panel discussions, conferences, exhibitions, fireside chats, masterclasses, and workshops, covering various topics such as film, television, animation, gaming, music, and digital media and other sub sectors of Media & Entertainment industry.

The event will witness the participation of several Ministers, senior bureaucrats, and policymakers, along with industry veterans and leaders. Notable personalities like Jyoti Deshpande, Chair, FICCI M&E Division and CEO, Viacom18; Gopal Vittal MD & CEO, Bharti Airtel; Siddharth Roy Kapur, Former President of Producer Guild of India, Founder & MD, Roy Kapur Films; Aman Gupta, Co-founder & CMO,  BoAt; Nikkhil Advani, Director & producer Emmay Entt & Motion Pictures LLP; Rana Barua, Group CEO, Havas Group India; Anil Kapoor, Indian Actor; Manoj Bajpayee, Indian Actor; Ayushmann Khurrana, Indian Actor; Aditya Roy Kapur, Indian Actor; Hansal Mehta, Indian Filmmaker; Megha Tata, CEO, Cosmos Maya; Devendra Darda, Managing Director, Lokmat Media Group; Harit Nagpal, MD & CEO, Tata Play; Ishan John Chatterjee, Director, India, Youtube;  T.V. Ramachandran, President, Broadband India Forum; Abraham Thomas, CEO, Big FM; Rohit Jain, Managing Director, Lions Gate; Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Picture Ltd among with other eminent leaders.

FICCI Frames has been a significant event for the media and entertainment industry for over two decades, providing a platform for professionals to network, learn, and discuss the future of the industry. FICCI Frames 2023 is expected to be an exceptional experience for all the attendees, providing them with unparalleled insights and opportunities for networking and collaborations.

Mumbai: Tata Communications, a global digital ecosystem enabler, today announces completion of the acquisition of The Switch Enterprises LLC (The Switch) through its wholly owned international subsidiary Tata Communications (Netherlands) B.V. The US $58.8 Mn (₹486.3 Crores) cash transaction has been closed post customary adjustments and regulatory approvals.

Tata Communications, through its wholly owned international subsidiary Tata Communications (Netherlands) B.V. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100 per cent equity stake in New York-headquartered The Switch Enterprises LLC on 22 December 2022.

With the close of this transaction, the combined strength of Tata Communications and The Switch is set to usher in a new world of end-to-end video production and transmission of high-quality, high-speed, and more immersive live video experiences for viewers and fans from event venues and racetracks to screens across varied equipment such as televisions, mobile devices, etc.

“Immersive video experiences in real-time are going to be the next game changer for enterprises, and our combined expertise will make for a formidable force creating shared value for all,” said Tata Communications chief strategy officer Tri Pham. “We’re gearing to bring more powerful platforms for sports federations and broadcasters to help them deliver fast-paced, always-on and interactive entertainment forms for viewers across borders. We’re extremely pleased to welcome The Switch team to Tata Communications.”

Tata Communications global head of media & entertainment business Dhaval Ponda added, “Tata Communications and The Switch are now a powerhouse with the combination of live production capabilities, global edge platform dedicated for media & entertainment industry along with end-to-end managed services. These are exciting times in the world of video production for us to make a difference for enterprises and engage consumers. Together, we are leveraging the expertise of both companies to bring some never-before-known experiences for fans globally – whether they are playing e-sports, watching a live tournament or live streaming a concert. We welcome and wish our colleagues from The Switch all the very best for their future.”

The Switch president & CEO Eric Cooney said, “The Switch is a market leader offering live production and transmission services to hundreds of customers in the United States and abroad. This acquisition by Tata Communications is a key milestone in our growth journey and enables us to expand our horizons. Together with Tata Communications, we are excited to step up our customers’ growth journeys, enhance viewer experiences and expand globally.”

With the completion of this transaction, The Switch Enterprises joins the Media and Entertainment Services (MES) business of Tata Communications under the leadership of Ponda.

Mumbai: NDL Ventures Limited (NDL – formerly known as NXTDIGITAL Limited) today announced that the Shareholders of the Company, through the e-voting process which commenced on 20 March and concluded on 19 April have approved the appointment of Sachin Pillai as director on the Board of the Company. Pillai brings with him significant experience in the financial services sector and more particularly in the NBFC sector.

The company also announced that it has received all necessary approvals for the change of the name of the Company from NXTDIGITAL Limited to NDL Ventures Limited.

Both the above actions are in line with the company’s objective of becoming a financial services company and also supplement the proposed merger.

The Board of Directors today recommended a final dividend of 20 per cent  per equity share of face value of Rs 10 per share.

 MWith respect to the proposed merger of Hinduja Leyland Finance Limited (HLFL) with the company, the Board of directors of the Company had approved the Draft Scheme of Arrangement of Company with HLFL at their meeting held on 25 November 2022. The Scheme of Arrangement has been filed with regulatory authorities seeking their approval, namely, Reserve Bank of India, Competition Commission of India, Bombay Stock Exchange Limited, Securities and Exchange Board of India and other authorities. No sooner the approvals are received, the necessary applications will be filed with Hon’ble National Company Law Tribunal.

The company posted a Profit after Tax of Rs 27.40 lakhs for the year ended 31 March 2023. These results are post the transfer of the Digital Media & Communications business undertaking to Hinduja Global Solutions Limited and therefore arrived on the reduced balance sheet of the Company as presently in place in the transition phase.

Mumbai: The Head of Content for Disney+ Hotstar and Disney Star HSM Entertainment Network, Gaurav Banerjee, spoke at The Content Hub event held at The Lalit in Mumbai on April 25, 2023. During a fireside chat with Anil NM Wanvari, the founder, CEO, and editor-in-chief of Indiantelevision.com Group, Banerjee discussed the changing landscape of content consumption and how Disney+ Hotstar approaches content creation.

Banerjee shared his experience of working at Star in the early days of his career and talked about the evolution of television content over the years. He mentioned a program called Saas Bahu Aur Saazish that was being discussed and how it was considered strange to cover television shows as news. Banerjee also mentioned that the show has completed 20 years recently and is one of the markers of how the industry has changed over the years.

Banerjee said, “We’re Storytellers to the Nation”. He stated that Disney+ Hotstar is focused on creating high-quality branded content for both television and streaming platforms. He emphasized that the company does not view the two platforms as competing mediums but rather as complementary distribution channels.

When asked about how Disney+ Hotstar balances the content shown on television and streaming platforms, Banerjee explained that the company focuses on creating great stories rather than the distribution medium leaving the choice of platform with the consumer. He also touched upon the importance of talent and how Disney+ Hotstar rationalizes its costs.

Banerjee responded to Wanvari’s question about the rise of original content on streaming platforms by saying that In India, they produce around 20,000 hours of content on television every year in India, with over 90% of it being featured on Hotstar too. Despite this, they felt that as an expert business, they needed to establish a distinct brand for Hotstar that focused on high-quality storytelling separate from their television brands. Thus, they launched Hotstar Specials four years ago, and have invested heavily in shows like Rudra, Criminal Justice, and the biggest shows in partnership with Applause. This has resulted in a significant increase in the quality of the platform’s content, with the goal of creating exclusive content that people will believe is worth paying for.

On Disney Star’s regional content strategy, Banerjee stated that regional content is critical to their growth in India. The company recognized early on that expanding its content strategy to multiple languages, not just Hindi, was necessary to drive significant growth in India. As a result, they scaled up the teams and presence in each of these languages, with strong number one or close number two TV channels in all the major regional markets. Disney Star continues to invest heavily in building them into massive storytelling forces. They are currently working to create a similar presence and aura on Disney+ Hotstar, as they have already expanded the programming from predominantly Hindi to four different languages. They are incredibly proud of the diverse content that Disney+ Hotstar is creating in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, among others.

Banerjee highlighted the achievements of original content in Tamil, such as “November Story,” “Kana Kaanum Kalangal”; “Parampara,” and “Jhansi” in Telugu. Additionally, “Bigg Boss,” has been produced in multiple languages, including Malayalam, where Disney+ Hotstar has seen success by acquiring features such as “Mukundan Unni Associates,” “Malikappuram,” “Romancham”.

In discussing longevity, Banerjee highlighted the success of their renowned show, “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai,” which has aired over 4000 episodes across a span of 13 years. He expressed his admiration for the show’s phenomenal performance, consistently ranking among the top five and top ten shows in the country for over a decade. The shows they work with are incredible, filled with love, excitement, energy, and a commitment to storytelling that excites him.

Regarding “Anupama,” Banerjee noted that their goal was to change the usual formula of shows anchored around women and their married lives, with protagonists generally in their 30s. They aimed to tell the story of a mother who tries to balance a series of challenges and responsibilities that come her way every day, and how she overcomes feeling unappreciated for not having a professional existence outside of her home. The show’s objective was for everyone to relate to the story, find some inspiration for self-improvement, and see that the person on the screen is someone who could be in their house or vicinity, possibly their mother.

Mumbai: Dwibhashyam was speaking at Indiantelevision.com’s annual industry event, The Content Hub in Mumbai on Tuesday, in conversation with Associate Editor, Kalpana Ravi. The conversation was around documentaries are and how DocuBay, today, caters to the English speaking audiences and acquiring international content, Dwibhashyam said,

“We have a catalogue of international documentaries, which has been acquired and curated from all over the world from some of the leading factual entertainment creators. The platform has been here for the last four years, working hard on the product and content curation. Today, we are looking at an app, which is the go to destination for international documentaries in India, and among the very few internationally, to cater to the segment. I can confidently say that we own the space in India, and we own a large chunk of documentary viewership around the world as a dedicated platform for international documentaries.”

Ravi goes on to ask, when it comes to documentaries, which is very huge internationally, what is the kind of audience in India are attracted towards documentaries, Dwibhashyam goes on to say, “In India, we have around 690 million internet users, in general, if we consider the 1.4 billion population, it is estimated that 250 million people who speak English or understand English. So if we do the math, then out of 690 million, and we are looking at 250 million internet speaking or understanding individuals within India, so we are looking at 35 to 40 per cent of Internet users who understand English language, and that is the kind of addressable audience we are looking at. So hence, we believe that documentaries are very much mainstream, and till now, they have been, funnelled into a very narrow pipe of broadcast. But now because of internet, things are opened up. I think the biggest testimony for how popular factual entertainment is, if you look at some of the top five content creators on YouTube, almost three to four out of the top five are non-fiction content creators. That’s the kind of demand we are looking at and we cater to the non-fiction space and documentary which in one form in which we are offering factual entertainment.”

“Presently as of now we are sticking to English language, but we are not ruling out on dubbing these documentaries in other languages as well. So definitely, that’s something that’s on the cards, but as I said, the addressable market for us, even with the current content that we have, is quite deep and, the biggest example for that is the kind of numbers we are seeing on our D2C platform and with our partners, which include some of the leading Telco’s and aggregator platforms as well. So considering that eyeballs I think, I think we have just started the journey. I think language is definitely something which we will think about soon,” Dwibhashyam said. 

Asked by Ravi if they would invest money in producing home-grown documentaries in India. I think there are enough filmmakers here who will be interested in your answer. Dwibhashyam, went on and said, “Definitely, I think that’s a natural progression for an OTT to start with acquire content and then go on to create its own original content, that’s exactly what we are doing. As we speak, we have already green lit multiple projects and some of the projects are on floor and in the next couple of months, we’ll start seeing almost monthly releases of our original documentaries, these documentaries will be a reflection of the brand DocuBay and what the brand stands for. These documentaries are an opportunity for us to kind of exploit the learnings that we’ve had with respect to what users are watching on our platform all these years. Presently, a lot of research is being done as we speak. So I think what we are expecting to see something that that we hope to be proud of.”

On the question of is the rise in documentary viewing increased during the past three years, and is it due to viewer fatigue by Ravi, Dwibhashyam said, “Yes you hit the nail on the head. Today if you’re talking about web series, almost every OTT is churning out a new series on fictions, every single week and there’s a lot happening within the fiction space. But I think that there is a fatigue among the viewer, especially over the last two, three years since the pandemic started, where they’re now exposed to so much of the same stuff, that they want to try out something new, they want to watch something different. Today, Indians are more knowledgeable, and a much more knowledge seeking Indian, they care about what’s happening in the world. Everyone is voicing their opinion on social media and aware as to what’s happening in the moment. Documentaries cater to this curious mind. We are just at the right space at the right time. Not too early, not too late. But I think there is a wave happening.”