ITV

Category: Music and Youth

  • Sony Music Entertainment buys strategic stake in Infibeam

    Sony Music Entertainment buys strategic stake in Infibeam

    NEW DELHI: Sony Music has bought strategic stake in Infibeam Digital Entertainment (INDENT) with Infibeam holding majority stake in the company and Sony Music holding a 26 per cent stake post completion of transaction.

     

    INDENT with its clear strategic focus will offer an attractive platform to large and medium music labels in India and internationally. Any music label or brand holding rights to content can use the INDENT platform to engage customers and monetize by distributing digital as well as physical content under their own brand with payment integrations.

     

    Sony Music Entertainment President India and Middle East Shridhar Subramaniam said, “INDENT fills a need gap for all music rights owners. As the digital eco system keeps evolving, there has been a strong need for an independent technology company that music companies can partner with to build innovative services and offerings. Every content owner has aspirations to reach consumers and brands directly. INDENT empowers these labels with a scalable and commerce ready platform.”

     

    Infibeam founder & CEO Vishal Mehta added, “INDENT continues to build state-of-the-art inclusive digital platforms powering music applications installed on millions of mobile phones and high quality experience to music lovers.  It will enable brands, technology and music on common interface with innovative customer engagement models.”

     

    Last year, Sony Music partnered with the new range of Sony Xperia Smartphones to launch ‘Sony Music Jive’ – a first of its kind music service that allows consumers to download and stream music from the Sony Music Catalog of two million songs, which was powered by INDENT. Post the successful launch of the Jive application on the Xperia smartphones in India, the same application was launched in Indonesia, North Africa and Middle East markets.  The service was also extended to Sony VIAO laptops in 2013.

    With large repository of music content, INDENT will continue developing applications for many large labels and brands with integrated Telco billing, OEM bundling and social platforms. Currently, INDENT offers its service to Sony Music, INRECO (The Indian Record Manufacturing Company), to name a few.  INDENT is projecting revenues of $3-5million in current year.

  • Pepsi MTV Indies clocks a reach of 17mn homes within 2 months of launch

    Pepsi MTV Indies clocks a reach of 17mn homes within 2 months of launch

    MUMBAI: After the most spectacular house-warming party Mumbai has ever seen, Pepsi MTV Indies – the world’s largest platform for independent sub cultures has crossed over 17 million homes in reach within just two months of its launch. The channel dedicated to showcasing indie music and other indie subcultures across other art forms including independent films, graphic art and comedy. Pepsi MTV Indies is available across leading DTH and digital cable platforms, has a content rich responsive website and a unique indie music discovery app across iOS and Android.

     

    The programming of the channel includes mood based user generated playlists, artists busking on the streets of India, indie‘pedia’ to bring viewers upto speed on the happenings in the indie world, stories from amazing world that exists backstage, insights into iconic album art of our time, showcasing unusual suspects, graffiti art, bespoke automobile designing and avant garde fashion.

     

    Speaking about the phenomenal success of the channel, Aditya Swamy, Head – Pepsi MTV Indies, said, “Our goal is to be the worlds largest indie stage and the start couldn’t have been better.  With a content line up that doesn’t exist on any other broadcast platform, this is a truly differentiated offering and the initial feedback has been very exciting. Indies is a collective, and so many people in the indie scene are treating this as their own platform and are working with us. With the basics now in place, it’s time to crank up the action”

     

    For on air content, along with a repository of original content that Pepsi MTV Indies already has, it has also tied up with the likes of Balcony TV, Indie Earth and Bluefrog TV for more content and will be exploring more partnerships of a similar nature in the future to keep the music fresh and the videos interesting for the audience that’s always in search of something new.

     

    As a part of its on ground footprint, Pepsi MTV Indies has been associating with some of the hottest gig in town. From F.A.M JAMs (Films Arts Movies) at The Daily, Bandra to creating an innovative music sharing station at the Converse Rubber Tracks Finale when Mumbai found a new gig venue in the form of Richardson and Crudas to crowd-sourcing one band entry which turned out to be the highlight at the DIY Day in Delhi, Pepsi MTV Indies has been leading the revolution in the way the youth are experiencing music today.

     

    The channel, Pepsi MTV Indies seamlessly integrates into the digital world. A slick, editorially rich, responsive website ensures a delightful user experience across devices. With videos streaming, users can create playlists, share gig updates and feel the experience of other indie fans up close and personal. On the mobile front, a unique Indie music discovery app has been created which is accessible across all Android and iOS platforms. Concerts and festivals are a key part of the Pepsi MTV Indies footprint. Recently, Pepsi MTV Indies also became the official launch partner for the eagerly awaited album created by indie rock legends Indian Ocean in association with some of the biggest names from the Indian music scene, thus making it one of the most sought after destinations for everything indie.

  • MUSIC F- Fatafati partners with Axe for ‘Dance Party Jhinchak’

    MUSIC F- Fatafati partners with Axe for ‘Dance Party Jhinchak’

    MUMBAI: MUSIC F- Fatafati, the recently launched music channel by Royal Raj Media and Launch Pad, is set to air a new show Dance Party Jhinchak.  The channel has collaborated with Hindustan Unilever’s Axe for the show, which has been designed on a similar theme as the ‘Axe Boat Party’.

     

    Expect to see youngsters groove to the remixed Bangla music on the show. Be it by the poolside, a beach affair or retro, the property will have thematic parties shot over eight episodes which will be aired for a period of three months between 10-10.30 pm every day.

     

    For the channel which currently holds the highest time spent viewing ratings in music channel genre in Bengal, this new property aims to set a benchmark in the Bangla music industry. This partnership will enable Hindustan Unilever to engage with a larger segment of its target audience as well as prospective consumers.

     

    On ground activities will start from Kolkata and eventually move onto other cities as well.

     

    Speaking about the concept of the new property, Launch Pad director Vikas Varma said, “We believe in giving a world class experience to our audiences. This new property will set a new trend in the music industry that breaks monotony and sets the rating points soaring high.  The viewers will get to explore the richness of Bangla music in a very interesting way. It is going to be a good blend of music and fun.”

     

    Taking about channel’s association with HUL’s Axe brand, Launch Pad director Probal Gaanguly said, “We are delighted to have Axe on board, as this will be a perfect platform for brand’s core target audiences. In short time, channel has gained immense popularity and we are determined to try out new things to increase engagement with our viewers and advertisers. Dance Party Jhinchak is a one of a kind property that will make Music F – Fatafati a leading music channel in the region and also open opportunities for new genres.”

     

    The channel has launched a 360 degree marketing campaign for the new property, which includes outdoor hoardings, press ads and cantor activities across multiple locations. Music F – Fatafati is available across all cable and on digital platforms.

  • UTV Stars to don new look

    UTV Stars to don new look

    MUMBAI: UTV Stars is all set for a makeover. Come October and the music and feature based programming channel, will don a new look. Disney India, riding on the success of its youth entertainment channel-bindass, is all set to unveil a refreshed channel offering with a new brand proposition complemented with fresh packaging, new content and a new brand name, that will further fortify the bindass brand.

     

    The channel will continue in its present avatar till September 2014. The change is in keeping with Disney India’s long-term strategy of building a set of formidable brands in India.

     

     “Disney India is committed to serving audiences with differentiated multi-brand offerings in the television space. To that end, we are refreshing our product offerings in the youth genre, using brand bindass to create a new proposition for UTV Stars that is complementary to the bindass brand, and centered around themes and passions that drive Young India,” said Disney India vice president – content & communication, media networks Vijay Subramaniam.

     

    “In one of the most dynamic media industries in the world, it has been our constant endeavor to continually refresh our offerings to stay ahead of the curve and serve our audiences and stake holders with quality content that raises the bar on engagement and relevance,” added Disney India vice president – revenue, media networks Nikhil Gandhi.

     

    ‘bindass’ is one of the first homegrown youth entertainment channel in India that has gone from strength to strength in the past few years. The channel has delivered genre defining shows and campaigns that have mirrored the realities, dreams and aspirations of the Indian youth to garner a cult following. The channel’s most recent initiative, ‘b for change’ and new shows such as Yeh Hai Ashiqui, Halla Bol and Change Ayega, Hum Layenge as well as old favorites in their new avatars such as Emotional Atyachaar have successfully reiterated bindass’ philosophy of ‘Enabler of Purposive Action’ to its viewers.

  • Sunny Leone to host MTV Splitsvilla

    Sunny Leone to host MTV Splitsvilla

    MUMBAI: Actress Sunny Leone will soon be seen scorching TV screens across India as she steps into her new role as the host of the seventh season of MTV’s flagship show, MTV Splitsvilla.

     

    A sizzling Leone will be seen co-hosting this immensely exciting season of the show alongside MTV VJ Nikhil Chinapa.

     

    Speaking about her decision to host MTV Splitsvilla, Leone said: “MTV is an iconic youth brand. I was always fascinated by the edgy content, the cool shows and always wanted to be a part of it. After moving to India, I got the opportunity to watch Splitsvilla and enjoyed it quite a bit. It’s great that I now get to be a part of it. I am absolutely excited about working on the show and I know it’s going to be a treat for me and my fans alike!”

     

    MTV VJ Nikhil Chinapa added, “It’s great to be back with another season of one of MTV’s most popular shows – MTV Splitsvilla. This year, we’re changing things around to raise the stakes and the excitement around the show. In its 7th season, MTV has put together not just a fantastic new cast but also has made some very interesting changes to the format.  With all the elements coming together, MTV Splitsvilla promises to deliver the best season we’ve ever had to fans this year.”

     

    MTV India programming head Vikas Gupta asserted: “MTV Splitsvilla is a sexy show which delves into the love, life and relationships of hot young people. It’s about the youth finding love and what choices they make. Sunny is a gorgeous woman who has a great fan following which makes her one of the most sought after faces in the industry today and we’re extremely delighted to have her as the face of our flagship show. In MTV Splitsvilla’s season seven, you will see Sunny in a way you’ve never seen before.”

  • Universal Music releases Priyanka Chopra’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me”

    Universal Music releases Priyanka Chopra’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me”

    MUMBAI:Universal Music via Interscope Geffen A&M is pleased to announce the release of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (ICMYLM), the brand new single off Priyanka Chopra’s much anticipated debut album. Chopra’s new track, a fresh and contemporary EDM ballad, was produced by German DJ / Producer Manual “Manian” Reuter and went `live’ across all digital outlets in India on 22nd April`14. Within 3 hours of it’s release, the single had climbed to #3 on the iTunes India overall `singles’ chart and subsequently peaked at #1 on a chart that includes `Bollywood’ music too. The physical CD single is scheduled for a 30th April`14 release and will feature two brilliant `remixes’ of the single.

     

    The song’s video, set for release on May 1st, features actor Milo Ventimiglia (of NBC television series `Heroes’ fame) and chronicles mini moments from a now one-sided romantic relationship about to end. The video was conceptualized and directed by acclaimed duo Jeff Nicholas and Jonathan Craven of The Uprising Creative, whose credits include Rihanna’s “Take Care”, Justin Timberlake’s “Take Back The Night” and Shakira’s “Empire.”

     

    Says Priyanka Chopra, “This is one of my favorite tracks on the album. It’s my ode to a classic, a song that I love, and one that says so much – this is for the actor in me”. She continues, “My fans have been super supportive on my previous two International singles “In My City” and “Exotic” and now I can’t wait to hear what they think of my latest single, which for the first time is just `me’ on the track!” .

     

    The release of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” follows her two big hit singles “In My City” with Will.i.am, and “Exotic” with Pitbull which have cumulatively sold over half a million units (physical + digital) here – a record for `single’ sales in India! In 2012, Chopra also collaborated with The Chainsmokers as a feature on their track “Erase.”

     

     

    Speaking on this occasion Devraj Sanyal, Managing Director, Universal Music Group & EMI Music, South Asia said “After two successful international singles in “In My City” and “Exotic”, Priyanka Chopra steps out with this banging EDM ballad which is destined to become this summer’s dance anthem! And this time she’s stepped up her game with a single all by herself unlike her previous hits which were collaborations. Once again we at Universal Music will roll out the best possible plan in support of this single to ensure that it’s another sure fire hit and further build up anticipation for the release of Priyanka’s debut international album later this year”.

     

    In the US, Beats By Dr. Dre, in collaboration with Best Buy Co., Inc. will also pay homage to Chopra’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with the launch of a new campaign for the popular Beats Pill XL portable Bluetooth speaker. Chopra and her new track will be featured in the national ad campaign, which will run nationwide through May`14. Anjula Acharia Bath, CEO of Desi Hits and Chopra’s Management, notes, “Beats has taken the world by storm and I can’t think of a better platform or brand to release Priyanka’s new single to the US Market.   We could not be more proud to support the launch of the new Beats Pill XL…let’s face it, sometimes bigger is just better!”

     

    Priyanka boasts of more than 18 million followers across her social media platforms while combined YouTube views for her first two singles / videos is now over a phenomenal 50 million. The new single “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is available across all digital platforms.

  • UTV’s ‘Shagun’ riding high in afternoon slot: TAM data

    UTV’s ‘Shagun’ riding high in afternoon slot: TAM data

    If its Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi from the Balaji stable in the evening prime band, UTV’s Shagun is currently the number one non prime time show on television among Hindi speaking audiences. The unfolding drama has left Sony’s Ghar Ek Mandir, Zee TV’s Babul Ki Duniya and even the newly launched Chandan Ka Palna on Zee far behind in the soap race, according to a company release.

     

    It is among the top 4 shows today on Star Plus after KSBKBT, Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and Kaun Banega Crorepati, despite being in the afternoon time band, the release adds.

     

    Shagun has steadily climbed the TRP charts to garner ratings better than many prime time programmes. Says Zarina Mehta who created the show: “We are delighted that our story is appealing to audiences. Shagun is about two sisters Aradhana & Arti who love each other more than life itself. But Aradhana is “abshaguni” (jinxed) and somehow manages to bring terrible unhappiness not only to herself but worse still to those she loves most. Shagun is a tragic and beautiful story of Aradhana’s struggle to win despite her own fate.”

     

    Latest TAM data collated for a three-week period across all-India C&S homes, shows Shagun averaging 2.9 TRPs ahead of Sony’s Ghar Ek Mandir with 2.5 TRPs and both Zee offerings Chandan Ki Palna Resham (0.8 TRPs) and Gharana (0.6 TRPs). All these programmes air in the afternoon slot.

     

    Shagun screens every afternoon at 2:30 PM with a repeat telecast at 11:30 PM from Monday to Thursday on Star Plus.

  • MTV, Citibank launch co-branded credit card

    MTV, Citibank launch co-branded credit card

    MTV, in its continuing efforts at targeting the youth in all possible ways, yesterday launched CO-branded credit cards in association with Citibank India and Mastercard in a typically MTV style fun-packed function in south Mumbai.

     

    Alex Kuruvilla, MD, MTV India, while unveiling the card, said: “The launch of the credit card in association with Citibank is one step ahead in the ‘MTV 360 degree brand juggernaut’ which we initiated this time last year when we were known only as music channel. After one year, I am happy to say that successful initiatives like the MTV Style clothes range, MTV Youth website as well our tie-up with Planet M have prompted us to take the next step.”

     

    When asked what the tie-up with Citibank for providing the credit card service involved, he said: “We will basically be providing all kinds of marketing expertise like making promos and all the creative work will be done by us. All our events will be used to promote the card. We will be using the channel to promote sales.” About how MTV would add value to the card he said it would add tremendous value as “we will be bringing lots of relations like the cardholder will get special discounts on the MTV Style clothing range and special events organised by us like the MTV concerts. So apart from the general discounts and facilities provided he will be getting much more value addition.”

     

    About the expected response to the cards he said: “Our target customer is the youth and that is the single largest growing segment in the market. We have established ourselves strongly in this segments, so we will definitely help in promoting the new venture. MTV will not invest separate funds for the project. We will not add to our workforce or set up a new team but make use of the present set-up only.”

     

    Actual ground marketing and all other backend services like processing, service, billing etc will be done by Citibank. Talking on the new venture Atul Malik, director marketing (cards), Citibank India said: “We have looked at it as a product for the ‘Young at Heart.’ Even the appearance of the card is very colourful and different from the regular cards. We have tied up with 100 outlets in Mumbai covering book stalls, pubs, gyms, etc. which are like regular hangout points for the youth where they will get discounts which is an added attraction for the customer.”

     

    Initially, the service will be started in Mumbai and then will be taken to Delhi, Bangalore and Pune in a phased manner. The yearly fees is Rs 750 and the features are the same as the Citibank Silver International card.

     

    “We have set ourselves a target of selling 50,000 cards for the year,” Malik said. MTV has plans to take it to other cities in future. Both parties were tightlipped about the revenue sharing arrangement between MTV and Citibank.

     

    The first card was handed over to Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan by Nanoo Pamnani, CEO and global consumer bank head, Citibank India.

  • Indian Ocean announces the brand new album ‘Tandanu’ on Pepsi MTV Indies

    Indian Ocean announces the brand new album ‘Tandanu’ on Pepsi MTV Indies

    MUMBAI: Iconic Fusion Rock Band from India, Indian Ocean is all set to launch their latest and coolest ever album, Tandanu on Pepsi MTV Indies, the world’s biggest indie stage. Pepsi MTV Indies, the world’s largest platform for independent sub cultures and has been built in collaboration with a collective of artists and supporters of the independent scene, will be the official launch partner for the eagerly awaited album created by indie rock legends Indian Ocean in association with some of the biggest names from the Indian music scene.

    The song – Gar Ho Sake – created in collaboration with renowned Hindustani classical singer ShubhaMudgal will be premiering on Pepsi MTV Indies on 26th April 2014 at 8PM through a unique half an hour episode which will showcase the journey of the band when theychose to make this song and the riveting story behind the song itself. The episode will also feature a performance of the song by Indian Ocean and ShubhaMudgal. The song will then be released for listeners to enjoy on www.pepsimtvindies.com and on iTunes.

    After releasing their last album ‘16/330 Khajoor Road’ in 2010, the legendary band is back with their inimitable style of rock music albeit with some big surprises. ‘Tandanu’ is a collaborative album where Indian Ocean has recorded songs with many heavyweights from the world of Indian music that include names such as ShubhaMudgal, Karsh Kale, Shankar Mahadevan, Kumaresh Rajagopalan, Pt. Vishva Mohan Bhatt, V Selva Ganesh and Vishal Dadlani. Each song in the album has a unique story behind it and has been hand-picked by the band for the philosophy and the poetry behind the song.

    Speaking about their album and premiering it on television, DhruvJagasia, Manager forIndian Ocean said, “For the first time ever an album of this magnitude is being premiered on television. Pepsi MTV Indies is the need of the hour as there’s so much fabulous content being produced in the country that needs to be showcased. Working with the Pepsi MTV Indies team for Tandanuhas been a pleasure as they worked with us, letting us have an open hand in the creation of this show for launching the album. It has been one exhilarating journey to bring out this album and the seven songs are unique and diverse, each with its own distinctive character. We hope people enjoy the show and the songs as much as we enjoyed making them!”

    Talking about this interesting development, Aditya Swamy, Head – Pepsi MTV Indies, said,“Within two months of the launch, Pepsi MTV Indies is available in over 20 mm homes and is fully integrated across the web and mobile. This is the power we wanted to give our indie artists, the power to reach out and connect with young India. To have Indian Ocean use our platform is a matter of immense pride for all of us and we look forward to partnering with creators across art forms to explode the indie scene.”

    Starting 26th April 2014 at 8 PM, each Saturday, one song from the album will be released in the form of a half an hour episode on Pepsi MTV Indies. Tandanu, the album will feature a mélange of songs depicting stories of peoples’ struggles across various regions in India and each artist collaborating for the album has been chosen by Indian Ocean for more than just their musical abilities. Their backgrounds, their own roots will be reflected through each of the songs. The album also includes one instrumental track.

     

  • Broad categorisation of FM radio in India; Industry has seen double digit growth

    Broad categorisation of FM radio in India; Industry has seen double digit growth

    BENGALURU:  The FICCI-KPMG Media and Entertainment Report 2014 (M&E-2014 Report) says that the private FM radio industry comprises network players (national, regional and metro-focused), single stations and some niche players. A broad categorisation of the FM radio industry is Private FM radio companies and Public sector companies.

     

    The eco-system

     

    Prasar Bharti operates All India Radio (‘AIR’), India’s public sector radio service. AIR’s home service comprises 406 stations across the country, reaching nearly 92 per cent of the country’s area and 99.19 percent of the total population. AIR originates programming in 23 languages and 146 dialects.

     

    At present, AIR operates 18 FM stereo radio channels, called AIR FM Rainbow, targeting the urban audiences. Four more FM radio channels called, AIR FM Gold, broadcast composite news and entertainment programmes from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai. With FM popular across the country, AIR is augmenting its Medium Wave transmission with additional FM transmitters at Regional stations.

     

    As mentioned above, private sector companies can be further classified into companies that have an all India presence; companies that have a metro focus; companies that are non-metro focused; niche radio stations.

     

    Some of the major private FM players in each of the categories are:

     

    Red FM with 47 radio stations in the country is the biggest FM radio player closely followed by the Reliance ADAG group’s Big FM that has 45 radio stations. The Times group affiliate Radio Mirchi with 32 radio stations and Radio City with 20 radio stations are amongst the biggest radio operators in terms of number of radio stations in the country says the report.

     

    Oye FM with 7 metro stations, Digital Radio with three stations and Fever with four stations are among the metro focused private FM radio stations in the country.

     

    The non-metro focused players in the country are My FM with 17 stations; Dhamal with 10 stations; CCL radio with nine; Radio Mantra with eight stations; Hello FM with seven stations; Club FM and Radio OOOLALA with four stations each.

     

    Radio Tadka and Radio Mango with four stations each and Nine FM, Radio Indigo and Radio Choklate with two stations each are among the niche radio stations in India.

     

    An industry that has seen double digit growth rate

     

    The report further says the overall revenues of listed radio players exhibited double-digit growth rate over the previous year, approximately 12-14 per cent. This growth was driven equally by volume enhancements in tier II and tier III cities and increase in ad effective rates (‘ER’). The industry managed to keep the Compounded Annual Growth Rate (‘CAGR’) steady in 2013 with smaller players turning profitable during the year as their networks matured. Categories like real estate, FMCG, government, retail and media and entertainment increased their spend on radio.

     

    The report further says that one witnessed a change of attitude towards radio – FM radio is no longer seen as an add-on medium; today, it is an integral part of a media plan and sometimes, campaigns are planned around it. The innovations in radio advertising along with growth of the industry and the positive vibe surrounding it have made sure that advertisers can no longer afford to take the industry lightly.

     

    The report adds that revenue growth in FM radio is expected to be driven by:

     

    Launch of stations and increase in their popularity across more tier II and tier III cities, which enables radio companies to provide advertisers with a bouquet of channels that can support brand launches across states or regions as a substitute for print or regional TV

     

    Growth in advertising ER on radio

     

    Expected regulatory reforms are likely to improve profitability and stimulate foreign investment.

     

    Implementation of an accurate nationwide measurement mechanism including allowing multiple station ownership in a single city and content networking will increase returns across FM stations.