ITV

Category: GECs

  • Budget 2014 is an opportunity for M&E to grow: Sudhanshu Vats

    Budget 2014 is an opportunity for M&E to grow: Sudhanshu Vats

    The new government’s overall inclination towards development brings with it great optimism about the new Budget (2014) for me – not just as the head of an organisation but also as a representative of the Media and Entertainment industry. In fact, the Media & Entertainment industry experienced a whiff of fresh air with the new I&B Minister’s thoughts at the recent CII CEO roundtable. Eminent colleagues from across the industry raised key issues, which Shri Javadekar patiently heard and responded to – a sign of the new government’s strong preference for accountability and focus on governance.

     

    The industry is poised for exponential growth during the term of this new government – almost doubling every year. It has the potential to provide almost six million direct jobs and also add to the economy as an aid to tourism.

     

    After the extensive discussions and dialogue with colleagues and members of this bustling industry, I’ve penned some suggestions that can fuel the industry to reach never-before levels of growth.

     

    Accountability

     

    Accountability is the one thing that lacks processes in the Media & Entertainment space. A single-window clearance mechanism for permissions, especially for films and events, will motivate the industry to concentrate more on revenue streams rather than go around in circles. The wish list would remain only partially addressed without queries and licenses becoming more time-bound.

     

    And while we expect an evolution in policies, keeping them clear and consistent with foresight at the back of the mind constantly, future action can be planned at the organisational level with greater certainty and generate opportunities for employment in large numbers, thus contributing significantly to the economy.

     

    Pragmatic Policies

     

    The media and entertainment industry is currently valued at USD 20 plus billion with significant growth potential. We’re poised to catapult to the next level with a few pragmatic policy reforms. Additionally, the M&E industry has the capacity to generate almost six million jobs directly and also further boost sectors like tourism.

     

    More Spending Power

     

    Rationalising Income Tax slabs is a key step towards taking the burden off the consumer’s shoulders. He will have more money to spend on his favourite means of recreation – entertainment.

     

    Tax Abatement

     

    And while we are on the topic of the Media & Entertainment industry and its role in the economy, one of the biggest losses I believe that it incurs is almost the one-third of revenue that it gives away in taxes and multiple licence fees over and above recurring commissions. These need to be re-evaluated and rationalised. In anticipation of GST implementation, entertainment and service taxes can be lowered to a more reasonable level.

     

    Considering the premise of development that the new government has adopted, we expect a growth oriented budget, laying down a clear and consistent long-term roadmap. These steps that I have attempted to chalk out, will only allow the entire industry to collectively entertain India even more, even better!

     

    (These are purely personal views of CII National Committee on Media & Entertainment chairman & Viacom18 Media group CEO Sudhanshu Vats and indiantelevision.com does not subscribe to these views.)

  • Lights, camera, action: The hunt is on again

    Lights, camera, action: The hunt is on again

    MUMBAI: Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth, but when has that ever stopped anyone from dreaming big?

     

    One look around ourselves and there are enough and more examples of people who rose above and broke the various shackles which restraints one to fly high. Take one-time rice packer from Haryana Subhash Chandra, for instance, who was written off by many but rose from the ashes like a Phoenix to prove his critics wrong.

     

    Maybe that is why the country’s largest Media & Entertainment powerhouse he built from the scratch believes in giving people a platform to make their dreams, a reality. The country which has unlimited talent pool has suddenly discovered it all thanks to non-fictional shows. Today everyone can dance, sing or act!

     

    From Sa Ra Ga Ma Pa years ago to recent Dance India Dance, Zee has launched numerous platforms for people to awe the world with its gift. But the ultimate goal for many who come here is to be seen not only on the small screen but the big screen as well. In a country where films are churned out every Friday, everyone wants to be a Shah Rukh Khan or a Madhuri Dixit.

     

    So, get your act together, Zee is back with Cinestar Ki Khoj. The non-fiction show will once again see the actor in all come to life as millions will be auditioned across the country to get the big ticket.

     

    The show which has had two seasons earlier in 2004 and 2006 (this one, not so successful) will give a break not only to the channel but people as well who have had an overdose of DID. “We wanted to bring something new to the platform which was/is homegrown and part of our DNA,” says the channel’s programming head Namit Sharma.

     

    Agrees a media planner who says that it was a good decision by the channel as the viewers had enough of dance and singing on the small screen.

     

    One had to go through four layers of filtration at the auditions, which took place in 18 cities across the country, only to be selected as top 16 and judged by Vijay Krishna Acharya aka Victor and Sonali Bendre. The new judges on the show will have a helping hand with a new mentor or ‘Bollywood buddy’ from the industry. The first ‘buddy’ is none other than Parineeti Chopra who will be seen in the first two episodes followed by Ayushman Khurana.

     

    The actors revealed so far by the channel were chosen because of their non-filmy background. Interestingly, Khurana was rejected on the same platform in 2003 when he auditioned to enter the world of glamour. 

     

    On his being rejected then, Khurana says, “Today’s Bollywood is very different from that of 10 years ago. It’s experimenting not only with scripts but star cast as well. It’s the golden era and there are a lot of opportunities for the talent.”

     

    The winners who will have to showcase their talent in comedy, drama, dancing etc will get a chance to appear as lead actors in a film for which the channel is already in talks with various production houses.

     

    “We want to shape the talent and give it a future,” says Sharma.

     

    The marketing of the show is divided into three phases. The first promos reveal the judges and the two mentors. The next will be to reveal the 16 contestants.

     

    The show is a big property for the channel and hence, is demanding a high ad rate as well. As per sources, the channel is asking for a premium rate (around Rs 2 lakh) for a 10 second ad slot whereas its other offerings have gone for a lakh or so. “Although, one would think that the long gap and Zee’s fresh approach will help it rake in the moolah but that may not be the case. Given the current slot ratings, I don’t think advertisers will be ready to shell out so much especially during mid-season,” says a planner.

     

    Cera Sanitaryware is the title sponsor whereas the show will be powered by Glam-Up. We Chat is the technology partner while a couple of associate sponsors have also come on board. The channel aims to generate around 60-80 crore from the property.

     

    “The format has to be interesting enough for people to watch. Even though Ankita Lokhande came into limelight with Cinestar Ki Khoj, people don’t really remember the show, but know of Ankita because of the work she did post the talent hunt. So, the channel needs to keep this in mind,” opines the media planner while stating that the show should be able to get the ratings the channel is expecting from it.

     

     The show which will run for 13 weeks will go on air from 5 July, every weekend at 9 pm.

  • Watch the last of SMJ 2 this September

    Watch the last of SMJ 2 this September

    MUMBAI: The most talked about social show Satyamev Jayate (SMJ) would never had happened, had James Murdoch not given a go ahead for the same.

    “When I told my CFO that I was planning to do a show such as SMJ, he looked at me as though I was going totally out of line,” Star India CEO Uday Shankar had said during the recently held Paley Media Council in New York. Shankar then called up Murdoch and told him about the risk associated with SMJ because of the investment. “He told me ‘we would live.’ I needed his blessings to go ahead with it,” Shankar had expressed then.

    A show which didn’t pass the litmus test in the first go is one of the most successful shows for the channel today. SMJ has truly taken the nation by a storm even as it brings home harsh realities. “India was ready, our viewers were ready and internally Star as a company was ready to take the leap and that’s how came SMJ where we decided that sharply we will, in each episode, focus on some of the things that must change in the country while all other kinds of economic and social changes keep happening,” Shankar had said.

    The series first went on air in 2012, with episodes being aired at a stretch for 13 weeks. But, when it returned with its second season this March, it decided to be a little different.

    This time around, the series was presented in installments. With the first bunch of five episodes aired in March, the show is all set to go on-floor again in the month of July, with telecast plans for September.

    “We will air six episodes to end the second season,” says director of the show Satyajit Bhatkal when quizzed if the season will see another installment. The second season was supposed to have three installments as said earlier.   

    As per Indiantelevision.com’s earlier report, season one of the series garnered an overall rating of 4.27 TVRs (including DD) across the six metropolitan cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, upon its premiere telecast on 6 May 2012. According to TAM TV Ratings, the show reached out to 89.6 lakh people in the age group of 4+.

    The popularity of the show grew and it was evident from the opening episode of SMJ 2 which premiered on 2 March with historic numbers. As per TAM data for week 10, Satyamev Jayate’s launch episode was watched by a massive 2.6 crore Indians. This when extrapolated to All India Universe, as per standard industry conversions, means that the launch episode was watched by 7.9 crore Indians.

    Moreover, the show recorded 7,429 TVTs in All India (All 4+, All India) and a HSM TVT of 6,770 (All 4+, HSM). These were simulcast ratings of the original episode aired on Sunday morning 11 am across seven channels (Star Plus, Star Pravah, Star World, Star Utsav, Star Vijay, Asianet and Doordarshan) along with the 1 pm original airing on ETV Telugu.

    The overwhelming response by the audience was backed by the advertisers as well.  According to sources, while each episode of SMJ costs close to Rs 5 crore, the channel charges approximately Rs 10 lakh for a 10-second advertising slot.

    Hosted by actor Aamir Khan, the response to Satyamev Jayate has changed popular perceptions of what people want to watch. That apart, it has also helped generate enormous discussion points in the public sphere on issues many Indians were so long cutoff from. The show also instills in people the feeling of being agents of social change.

    With the show going on floor next month, Bhatkal believes that the four-month break has given them time to research on topics which will be based on what a citizen can do to change his life and the world around.

    Star Plus is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that viewers are engaged by the conversations triggered around the message given by SMJ. Keeping that in mind, Facebook and Twitter is abuzz with activity every hour.

    A total of 8.7 million “Votes for Change” were received from viewers in support of the issues raised during the show.

    Bhatkal is happy with the feedback. “When we aired the first installment of the second season, we were worried if we would get the desired numbers, as elections, exams etc kept people busy.  But, despite that, people have loved the show. Also, our ‘Vote for Change’ campaign also garnered huge amount of support from people.”

    The SMJ team believes that everything is going in the right direction. “Government is also showing a lot of interest in the issues we raise and has promised to work on them,” concludes Bhatkal.

  • Dhoom Machade with Aamir Khan

    Dhoom Machade with Aamir Khan

    MUMBAI: In a special initiative by Sony Entertainment Television and Aamir Khan for the World Television Premier of the highest grosser in the history of Indian Cinema ‘Dhoom 3’ will see the actor watching the movie live with kids aged between 6 and 14 years. The icon who is an inspiration for many kids will be at Mumbai’s Reliance Studio in film city amidst many of his excited fans. For kids who would be watching the action packed movie at home, Mr. Perfectionist will be just a call away. During the commercial breaks the children between the age of 4-14 years will have an opportunity to ask questions and talk to their favorite hero by calling on the toll free # 18002661333 from 5 pm onwards.

     

    Social media will also be on an all-time high when viewers can tweet in their questions for the impeccable actor who would be answering few of those requests. So get tweeting and increase your chances to have a LIVE conversation with Aamir Khan.

     

    Also don’t forget to tune in to the Bollywood’s biggest movie of India in the World Television premiere of Dhoom 3 on Saturday 28th June 2014 at 6.30pm only on Sony Entertainment Television

  • With live audience, Sab sets another landmark

    With live audience, Sab sets another landmark

    MUMBAI: In a country which loves melodrama, comedy had little space until Sab came along. The family channel from the Multi Screen Media (MSM) stable, which can be credited to the rise in the comedy genre with its popular shows Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Lapataganj and Chidya Ghar, is setting new level with Tu Mere Agal Bagal Hai.

    The new sitcom isn’t like any other. What is different this time around is the people. The cast will act in front of a live audience which the channel says will be the USP of the show as it will add an element of spontaneity to the entire humorous offering.

    A first from a general entertainment channel (GEC), its makers didn’t hesitate once before making it a reality. “This is how American sitcoms are shot, and we wanted to go the same way. No one in the GEC space has done this before, like always we wanted to start a trend,” says Frames Productions producer Ranjeet Thakur who is debuting in the genre with the show.

    The star cast will perform in front of 100-150 live audience “without any prompting unlike other comedy shows where audiences are told when to laugh and clap,” adds Thakur who believes that the script is strong enough to get the desired reactions.

    Sab’s latest offering Badi Dooooor Se Aaye Hai broke records, when it opened with 1.8 TVTs highest for any new show across channels. The channel believes that the same can be achieved with the yet-to-go on air show.

    Sab senior EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor says, “Sab’s policy has always been differentiation through innovation.” The fictional comedy series will replace FIR, which will go bi-weekly and will be aired every Saturday-Sunday at 9pm for an hour. With this move, the channel plans to scale up its programming line-up for seven days.

    The channel which showcases the positives in the society also propagates joint family issues and has delivered hits after hits.  The newest entrant will revolve around the lives of the owners and the tenants living under the same roof of Bungalow no. 5.

    The star cast includes actor Alok Nath who will have his first trysts with comedy TV series on the small screen. The rest comprises Rajesh Kumar, Shweta Gulati, Apara Mehta, Ami Trivedi, Samir Shah, Sugandha Mishra, Dhaval, Abhishek Awasthi, Monica Castelino and Sukesh. It will also see actress Supriya Pathak back on television after ‘Khichdi.’

    The channel’s business head has been vocal about the late development of the genre in the country and limited pool of talent in the industry. However, he is thankful to theater which has produced many talented actors. “Be it Hindi or regional theatre, we are getting a lot of talented actors from there,” he says.

    Agreeing with him, Thakur adds, “Casting sometimes does get difficult because you want people with a certain flare and not just comedians on the show. It was a bit of a hassle at the initial stage, but then eventually we managed to get the right people on board.”

    It took six months for the makers’ from planning the show to its execution. As of now, 20 episodes have been canned with the set being located at SJ Studio, Andheri.

    The show will be promoted through a 360 degree marketing campaign. The pan-India OOH campaign comprises hoardings across 50 HSM towns, bus shelters etc. The channel will also leverage multiplex audiences by branding at key touch points.

    Apart from that, a three-week long campaign is being planned for news, youth and movies channels. A national print campaign with leading publications will be seen for over these weeks and more than 15+ regional publications will have daily inserts.

    There are also plans for tying up with major radio stations. The recent popularity of Alok Nath in the social media will be used on mobile and digital platforms to promote the show. The channel also plans to undertake a multi-city tour with the stars.

    Media planners believe that comedy as a genre is increasing and broadcasters are cashing heavily from the space. “Broadcasters are not shying to spend on the genre anymore as it has become a trend. Sab owns the genre, but hope the new show gets good numbers for the channel.”

  • Big Magic launches Chota Birbal targeting children

    Big Magic launches Chota Birbal targeting children

    MUMBAI: Big Magic is set to strengthen its programming line-up with the launch of a two week special mini-series. As broadcasters believe, content is the king, the channel is leaving no stone unturned to engage with the viewers.

     

    It will soon be extending the popularity of its fictional show Har Mushkil Ka Hal – Akbar Birbal, with a special mini-series Chota Birbal. Airing weeknights at 7 pm it will feature three to four children, under nine years of age, in each episode who will be conversing with the character Birbal played by Vishal Kotian. Children will have to give logical and witty answers to his questions, competing with each other in their own unique child like manner for the title of ‘Chota Birbal’ – the wittiest of all kids. The finale week will see two contestants compete to win the title.

     

    Chota Birbal has been conceptualised as an extension to the historical comedy Har Mushkil Ka Hal – Akbar Birbal. Commenting on the launch, Reliance Broadcast Network COO television business Lavneesh Gupta opines: “Abkar-Birbal stories have been the epitome of intelligence and wit. Extending the lineage of the very famous folktales, we present this mini-series as part of our constant endeavor to expand our offerings and providing the best mix of comedy entertainment. The responses of kids to questions posed by Birbal, will ensure it makes for an endearing and hilarious watch, for kids and adults alike, while providing an excellent property for marketers to ride on.”

     

    The launch of the show is supported with an extensive marketing campaign across television, radio, digital, on ground and more, ensuring deeper reach across the markets.

  • India fourth most economically confident country: Ipsos Study

    India fourth most economically confident country: Ipsos Study

    MUMBAI: Little did anyone know that the Modi sarkar that had vowed to boost growth, control inflation and restore investor confidence will actually work wonders at such a short span.

     

    According to the study conducted by Ipsos, India’s economic confidence has got a major boost primarily due to a landslide victory of the business-friendly government led by Narendra Modi.

     

    ‘Ipsos Economic Pulse of the World’ survey reports that the country’s economic confidence shot up by six points to 66 per cent in May 2014 compared to April 2014, making it the fourth most economically confident country in the world after Saudi Arabia, Germany and China.

     

    Indians are the most optimistic people in the world and are very confident of good time coming soon. For the very first time India (60 per cent) tops the list of countries whose citizens expect that its economy will be stronger in next half year. Marginally less than a half of Indian citizens (43 per cent) believe their local economy which impacts their personal finance is good, a significant rise of five points.

     

    “All the data points in the Ipsos report indicate that India’s economic confidence has shot up substantially, which is also corroborated by the fact that India’s current account deficit has significantly eased, the currency has stabilised, inflation has substantially pulled back, stock market had a dream run so far and corporate earnings are improving,” said Ipsos CEO Mick Gordon in India.

     

    “However, recent high food inflation, conflict in oil-producing Iraq and the fear of a below normal monsoon is big challenge for the new government,” added Gordon.

     

    The online ‘Ipsos Economic Pulse of the World’ survey was conducted in May 2014 among 19,242 people in 25 countries. For the results of the survey herein, a total sample of 19,242 adults aged 18-64 in US and Canada, and aged 16-64 in all other countries, were interviewed between 1 and 15 April 2014.

     

    For a second month in a row, the average global economic assessment of national economies surveyed in 25 countries remains unchanged as 39 per cent of global citizens rate their national economies to be good.

     

    Although down two points since last round, Saudi Arabia (87 per cent) is in the lead once again, with Germany (75 per cent), China (66 per cent), India (66 per cent), Canada (65 per cent), Sweden (64 per cent) and Indonesia (59 per cent) following behind. European countries dominate the bottom of the global average: France (9 per cent), Italy (9 per cent), Spain (10 per cent), Romania (10 per cent), Hungary (18 per cent) and Argentina (18 per cent).

     

    Countries with the greatest improvements in this wave: South Africa (28 per cent, 10points), Indonesia (59 per cent, 9 points), Russia (58 per cent, 8points), India (66 per cent, 6points), Great Britain (43 per cent, 6points), Poland (31 per cent, 6points) and Belgium (42 per cent, 2points).

     

    Countries with the greatest declines: Australia (53 per cent, -7pts), Hungary (18 per cent, -6pts), Brazil (20 per cent, -6pts), South Korea (19 per cent, -4pts), Sweden (64 per cent, -2pts), Saudi Arabia (87 per cent, -2pts) and China (66 per cent, -2pts).

     

    Up three points since last sounding, Saudi Arabia (67 per cent) leads the local economy assessment which impacts their personal finance, followed by Germany (55 per cent), Sweden (51 per cent), China (48 per cent), India (43 per cent), Canada (42 per cent), and Indonesia (39 per cent). Ranked the lowest in this measure this month is Italy (9 per cent), followed by Spain (11 per cent), Romania (12 per cent), Hungary (13 per cent), France (13 per cent), Japan (14 per cent) and Argentina (15 per cent).

     

    New leader emerges, as for the first time India (60 per cent) tops the list of countries that predict their local economies will be stronger in the next six months. The rest of the highest-ranking countries are: Brazil (56 per cent), Saudi Arabia (53 per cent), Indonesia (50 per cent), China (39 per cent), Mexico (31 per cent) and Argentina (31 per cent). Only 6 per cent of those in France expect their future local economies will be “stronger” in the next half year, followed by South Africa (11 per cent), South Korea (13 per cent), Hungary (14 per cent) and Japan (14 per cent).

  • Broadcast & Media Technology 2014 to showcase latest products

    Broadcast & Media Technology 2014 to showcase latest products

    MUMBAI: A 2-day exhibition Broadcast & Media Technology 2014 will be held on 18 & 19 July at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai. Organised by All India Broadcast Manufacturers and Distributors Association, AIBMDA, the exhibition will showcase the latest products and technologies related to broadcast and film industry. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi recently, Mr. Satish Aggarwal, President, AIBMDA said the response to the exhibition was very encouraging and most of the leading broadcast equipment manufacturers and distributors have confirmed their participation in the exhibition.

    This includes AGIV India, Advanced Telemedia, BECIL, Benchmark Broadcast, CAT-5 Broadcast, CDM Technologies, Canara Lighting, Cineom Broadcast, Datapoint Impex, Datavideo, Delta4cast, Digital Broadcast India, Falcon Technologies, Harman International, Hitachi, Hytech Communications, Ideal Broadcasting, MediaGuru, Netweb Technologies, Panasonic, Pranav Mediatech, Real Image, Ross Video, SRSG Broadcast, Setron India, Shaf Broadcast, Singh World, Visual Technologies India and Wasp3D. Many others were in the process of finalising their participation.

     

    Mr. S. C. Oberoi, Secretary , AIBMDA added that Broadcast & Media Technology 2014 was the biggest broadcast exhibition to be organised in South India and arrangements were being made to invite engineers and professionals working in the broadcast and film industry in Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Sri Lanka and Maldives to visit the exhibition. Special care is being taken to provide an atmosphere conducive for fruitful interaction between buyers and sellers during the exhibition. The exhibition will be inaugurated at 10.00 AM on 18 July.

  • Stage set for another Star Parivaar Awards

    Stage set for another Star Parivaar Awards

    Mumbai: All roads for Star India’s family of actors, producers, directors, writers, DoPs, and clients will be headed for the National Sports Club of India stadium in central Mumbai later this evening.

     

    The reason: India’s leading TV network will be filming the latest edition of one of its strongest on-air events Star Parivaar Awards (SPA) 2014. The event – led by the experienced Star India events head Anil Jha – is being produced and creatively directed by the Morani brothers of Cineyug.

     

    The telecast date for the SPA 2014:  29 June 2014 at 7.30 pm.

     

    The Star India website has this to say about this year’s SPA. “It is is all about high level of excitement and entertainment. Taking our channel philosophy of ‘Rishta Wohi Soch Nayi’ forward, we will tread the unconventional path and embrace all forms of entertainment. What else would explain this better than our actors performing daredevil stunts and never-seen-before acts? Performing at such an incredible level requires professional assistance and training. “

     

    According to sources close to Cineyug: “Translated this means that you will see stars doing things they are not known to do – like roller bladding or riding bikes or fighting with trishuls and doing stunts like never before. “

     

    A stunt director from the Netherlands has been brought down who has been training with Star Plus’ well known faces. Among many others who will be at the NSCI this evening include:  Sandhya (Deepika Singh), Pankhuri (Disha Parmar) Akshara (Hina Khan), Kumud (Jennifer Winget), Veera (Digangana Suryavanshi), Durga (Sanjeeda Sheikh), Draupadi ( Pooja Sharma), Gunjan (Farnaz Shetty), Astha (Shrenu Parikh), Ishita (Divyanka Tripat), Saras (Gautam Rode), Shourya Goenka (Vatsal Seth), Aditya (Nakuul Mehta), Baldev (Vishal Vashishth), Sooraj (Anas Rashid),  Naitik (Karan Mehra), Akash  (Rahul Sharma).

     

    Amongst the categories that are to be announced at the ground event tonight include: Favourite Maa, Favourite Pita, Most Stylish Sadasya, Favourite Beta, Favourite Beti, Favourite Bhabhi, Favourite Patni, Favourite Pati, Favourite Bahu, Favourite Daadi/Naani, Favourite Daada/Naana, Favourite Dushman/Khalnayak, Favourite Yogya Bahu, Favourite Yogya Damad, Favourite Jodi, Favourite Yogya Jodi, Favourite International Jodi, Favourite Naya Sadasya, Sabse Khoobsurat Rishta .

    The winners have been decided through online polling by Star India and also with the help of a stellar jury  consisting of Indiantlevision.com, Tellychakkar.com and The Indian Telly Awards founder Anil Wanvari, senior journalist Bhawwna Somaaiya,  ABP News executive editor Vibha Kaul  and wellknown TV producer Nikhil Sinha.

     

    The channel has also come up with a special new anthem for the SPA 2014 called “Do the Namaste” which has scenes from the Aapka Star Aapke Shehar road shows that  were held in Ahmedbad and Delhi as a prelude to the SPA. These scenes show the Star Plus popular faces grooving and having a good time with common viewers on the streets.

  • “With Taj Television, we bring the best of channels to our customers”

    “With Taj Television, we bring the best of channels to our customers”

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment has got on board a subsidiary company that will handle the distribution of the entire Zee Network in the form of Taj Television India. It will distribute channels of both Zee Entertainment as well as Zee Media.

     

    This apart, it will act as an agent for Turner International India channels as well. The latest addition and the start for Taj Television is the new general entertainment channel Zindagi.

     

    Commenting on the development, Zee MD and CEO Punit Goenka said, “I am very pleased to announce that Taj Television, which earlier was distributing Ten Sports channels, will now distribute all the channels of Zee Entertainment and Zee Media Corporation, while also representing Turner channels as its authorized agent. I would like to thank all our DTH and Cable partners who have been part of our growth journey and look forward to their continued support to Taj Television.”

     

    Arun Kumar Kapoor who was earlier CEO of MediaPro, Zee’s distribution JV with Star India, will be the CEO at Taj Television too. Rajesh Sethi will continue to be CEO for the sports broadcasting network of Zee which includes the Ten brand of channels.

     

    Said Kapoor, “Zee has been the pioneer in Indian television and has the experience and leadership capability to shape the future of pay revenues in India. With Taj Television being created as the distribution entity for the network, we bring together the best of television channels to our customers. We are confident that the new channel Zindagi will really connect with the viewers and help grow Taj Television offering even stronger. We are committed to quality and achieving leadership through fair and transparent business practices.”

     

    Taj Television president Atul Das commented, “With digitization having been completed in Phase I and Phase II cities in India, we now look forward to its implementation in rest of the country. Taj Television would aim to create a harmonious relationship within the ecosystem and create value for all stakeholders. With a leading portfolio of television channels, both in the national and regional space and with a powerful portfolio of sports programming, we are excited about the future of pay revenues in the country.”

     

    Taj Television has a list of 47 channels. Taj Television distributes Zee’s well-known brands like Zee TV, Zee Cinema, &pictures, Ten Sports, Zee Cafe, Zee Studio, Zing and a powerful repertoire of regional language channels including Zee Marathi, Zee Bangla, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada and Zee Tamizh, besides the HD channels like Zee TV HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Studio HD and Ten HD. Taj Television also distributes channels of Zee Media Corporation with two national and eight regional channels. Taj is also distributing channels in the kid’s space and English movie segment, including HBO, Cartoon Network, Pogo, CNN and Warner Brothers as an authorised agent of Turner International.