ITV

Category: Regional

  • News18 HSM’s ‘Hindi Ke Samrat’ contest receives overwhelming response

    News18 HSM’s ‘Hindi Ke Samrat’ contest receives overwhelming response

    Mumbai: On the occasion of ‘Hindi Diwas’, News18 HSM network organised a unique and engaging activity. In an effort to promote a connect with Hindi, the network rolled out ‘Hindi Ke Samrat’ contest, which ran on News18 India, News18 Rajasthan, News18 Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh, News18 Bihar/Jharkhand & News18 Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand.

    The contest was widely promoted across not only the News18 HSM channels but also on social media and saw participation from almost 15,000 people. The campaign delivered close to three million impressions and had more than one million views and engagement – numbers that clearly stand testimony to the success of the campaign.

    Viewers who pre-registered for the activity with a simple missed call were short-listed and asked to complete Hindi muhawaras (proverbs). The chosen ones were then crowned ‘Hindi Ke Samrat’ and gratified.

    As the region’s leading HSM network, this viewer engagement campaign to promote the Hindi language is an integral part of our effort to bring content that is not only engaging but also has great socio-cultural relevance.

  • Kannada channel ‘News First’ turns One

    Kannada channel ‘News First’ turns One

    Mumbai: Kannada news channel – ‘News First’ has turned one, bagging accolades with its quality reporting, and refined language that has clicked with Karnataka’s news viewing audiences.

    According to the channel, the advertisers too have seen the potential in the new entrant, considering the number of advertisers it has onboarded over the past year. The channel launched last year on 20 September, following a mega campaign- “Quality Andhray News First, News First Andhray Quality” (Quality means News First, News First means Quality).

    Focussing on the pandemic coverage, News First took its campaign to the villages with “HaLLEE Chalo” (Let’s go Village-ward, Drive away Corona – Save Villages). The campaign was also supported by the state and central governments leading to renewed Covid awareness and action across villages. A city focussed Covid awareness campaign, ‘My City, My Safety’, for Bengaluru’s apartment complexes was met with equal interest by the government and people alike.

    Apart from the relentless Covid coverage, the channel was also noticed for several people-centric and inspirational programming. Some of the programmes that stood out include Nimma Paravagi (On behalf of the common man), Naanu Nanna Sadhane (Recognising Business Achiever’s from Tier 2 – Tier 3 cities), Yaavdhu Asaadhya Valla (Nothing is impossible), Vijayaee Bhava (May victory be with you), Idhidhu Idhange (News as it is) Mane Mane Meenakshi (Every household has a lady who loves TV serials).

    News First has relied on delivering news breaks and exclusives accompanied with high-quality graphics, and tastefully done sets, and strong content focus with shows ‘India First’ and ‘Prime Show’.

    News First CEO, S Ravikumar said, “Well begun is well, done. One can’t say half done so early in a brand’s life. More so in the year of the pandemic. We’ve done well under the circumstances. Market and audience feedback has been encouraging. We’ve covered all of Karnataka cable and DTH homes. The team has lived up to its potential. Some of our shows have received good traction. But when excellence is ideal, there is always room for improvement. The withdrawal of BARC ratings upset our plans. Any strategic maneuvering can be done only after the ratings are out. But we are optimistic about our brand’s performance and hence the ratings.”

    The promoters Ravi & Maruthi ensured that the channel creates a buzz before the launch, he added.

    According to Ravikumar, the channel has attempted to stand out, on the back of its quality aesthetics. “So anyone flipping channels can stay for a glance. Grabbing the floating viewer is the key. There are many of them out there eager to switch and stay. News First has definitely made a start by holding this viewer tired of noise and news drag,” he added. The channel’s non-prime time programming like Mane Mane Meenakshi and Vijayee Bhava have also clicked with audiences.

    Editor-in-chief SH Maruthi said, “The program names too aren’t run of the mill or copy-pasted from national channel shows. Previously known words and phrases have been brought to life as program names across different time bands. The catchy program names are meant to create a sense of belonging in audiences. The rediscovered names are meant to make audiences feel one with the brand and experience an indescribable gush of emotions.”

    The BARC ratings withdrawal was a downer, but that has not diminished hopes about the brand’s perception.

    Business head S Divaakar. “Milestones are key moments in the life of any brand. We are happy to have reached the one-year milestone. A century of sorts during cricketing times! Always a good feeling. However, we are aware that it’s just the beginning of an indifferent year. We have a long way to go. The market is easing up after the lockdowns. As soon as BARC eases up on the ratings, the game will truly be on!”

    The channel has also bolstered its presence on social media, especially YouTube and Facebook.    

  • Colors Tamil extends popular fiction shows to Sundays

    Colors Tamil extends popular fiction shows to Sundays

    Mumbai: Regional GEC Colors Tamil has extended its popular fiction shows to all seven days of the week. Beginning 19 September, viewers will be able to watch shows such as “Bommi BABL”, “Idhayathai Thirudathey”, “Abhi Tailor”, and “Sillunu Oru Kaadhal” from Monday to Sunday at new time slots.

    The channel will also screen the world television premiere of Adharva’s 2019 blockbuster film “100” as part of its Sunday Cine Jumbo at 12 noon and 3 p.m. The film directed by Sam Anton features Hansika Motwani and Radha Ravi in the lead roles. 

    The plot revolves around an ambitious cop named Sathya (played by Atharva) who handles emergency calls in a police control room. Things take an unexpected turn when he receives a phone call from an abducted girl, previously thought to be dead, and goes about apprehending the perpetrators.

    Adding to the entertainment quotient, celebrated actor-music director Vijay Antony and comedian Amudhavanan will also appear as guests on the channel’s popular spoof comedy show “Kanni Theevu Ullasa Ulagam 2.0” on 19 September at 7:30 p.m.

  • Zee Biskope announces new season of ‘Kamariya Kare Hip Hop’

    Zee Biskope announces new season of ‘Kamariya Kare Hip Hop’

    Mumbai: Dance is a form of self-expression, creativity, and representation. In that spirit, Dance Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of every September. With the intent of spreading the contagious fever of dance, Zee Biskope is set to bring the second season of its much-awaited initiative “Kamariya Kare Hip Hop” on 18 September.

    Through this initiative, Zee Biskope seeks to enliven people and boost their spirits by letting go of all inhibitions and freely express themselves through dance while inviting others to join the fiesta. Taking this very thought forward, the channel celebrates Dance Day to bring everyone together in a shared moment of joy and happiness, said the channel.

    Encouraging viewers to rejoice in Bhojpuriyat with full gusto and revving up their spirits, “Kamariya Kare Hip Hop” returns after a successful first season that also received several industry awards and accolades at national & international levels.

    Kick-starting the “Kamariya Kare Hip Hop” contest, Zee Biskope developed an animation video with its 3D digital mascots Bhaiyaji & Gamchaji dancing to the jingle of the show. The duo will showcase simple Bhojpuriya steps in the most fun way! To participate, viewers would need to access the animation video on Zee Biskope’s Instagram reel section and record a remix with Bhaiyaji and Gamchaji. They must then share the video with #kamariyachallenge and tag as many friends as they can.

    Winners will be determined basis their video’s virality, that is, the number of likes, comments, shares, views, and friends that they have tagged on their remix video. There are exciting prizes to be won at the end of the campaign. The ultimate winner gets Rs one lakh and the first runner-up gets Rs 50,000 and the second runner-up gets Rs 25,000. But all is not lost for the participants. There are 15 Smartphones to be won as special appreciation! Adding to fanfare, Zee Biskope will showcase all the 18 winning videos on the channel.

    Speaking on the grand initiative, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) cluster head – East Samrat Ghosh said, “In these times of uncertainty, entertainment has turned out to be a huge sigh of relief. It has provided a window of expression for viewers to showcase and stage their passions and uplift their emotional spirits. Kamariya Karen Hip Hop, our specially curated engagement drive, is a unique endeavour to cater to these aspirations of our audience. Given the monumental response last year and the novelty brought forward in the second season, this is expected to drive exceptional engagement serving as a great opportunity for advertisers to connect with their audience especially the youth.”

    Zee Biskope and Big Ganga business head Amarpreet Singh Saini said, “Zee Biskope has been leading the game in differentiation by continually curating viewer experiences, beyond just movies. While exploring the popular remix feature on Facebook & Instagram with our animated and hyperlocal Bhaiyaji & Gamchaji will excite young viewers, the gratification of being featured on TV along with prizes in both cash & kind will motivate them to sample. It’s a unique way to engage with our viewers while capitalizing on the strengths of both the mediums. The aim is to establish Zee Biskope as a movie+ brand that brings category firsts on every occasion.”

    Touted as the go-to destination for every Bhojpuri film lover, Zee Biskope is available on Airtel (channel no 663), Tata Sky (channel no 1120), DEN Bihar (channel no 840), DEN Jharkhand (channel no 839), DD Free Dish (channel no 31), d2h (channel no 2073), Dish TV (channel no 1555), Siti Cable (channel no 214) and Darsh Digital (channel no 189). It will soon be available on all other major cable platforms.

  • Colors Marathi to launch ‘Bigg Boss Marathi’ S3 on 19 Sept

    Colors Marathi to launch ‘Bigg Boss Marathi’ S3 on 19 Sept

    Mumbai: Colors Marathi will air the third season of “Bigg Boss Marathi” starting from 19 September. The show will have a four-hour launch episode starting from 7 p.m and will be subsequently aired every Monday to Sunday at 9:30 p.m.

    Produced by Endemol Shine India, Viacom18 has roped in Brooke Bond Red Label as ‘presenting sponsor’ and TRESemme, A23 and Haier as ‘special partners’ for this edition of the show.

    “Bigg Boss Marathi proved to be one of the topmost viewed shows in the Marathi general entertainment space for both the seasons, attracting not only television viewers but also a massive number of digital viewers on Voot,” said Viacom18 business head of regional entertainment (Kannada and Marathi) Ravish Kumar. “The show provides various opportunities for brands to reach out to their target audience as is evinced by the number of sponsors on board.”

    Actor-director-producer Mahesh Manjrekar returns as the show host alongside 15 new celebrity housemates, who will be quarantined in the ‘Bigg Boss’ house for 100 days. “As we get used to the new normal, I’m glad to be back with Bigg Boss and entertain every one of you,” remarked Manjrekar.

    There are more than 60 cameras in the house that are accessible to Voot users giving digital audiences 24*7 live access. These audiences can not only vote for their favourite contestants but also ask them questions, send them messages and share their views on what’s going on via digital innovations introduced on the OTT platform.

    “From a format perspective, we have tried to make this season different, innovative and made sure that we have the right kind of contestants and housemates. The audience will also get to see Marathi flavour be it in the tasks or routine,” said Colors Marathi business head Aniket Joshi.

    “Our overall approach with Bigg Boss Marathi season three is to celebrate the Marathipan by displaying the various cultural nuances of Maharashtra,” said Colors Marathi head of programming Viraj Raje. “Be it the design elements inside the house, the tasks, and even naming Weekend ka Daav as Chavadi, we have tried to bring in the true essence to Maharashtra’s rich culture into the show,” he added.

    “We at Endemol Shine India have gone the extra mile to ensure that the housemates are kept on their toes throughout this new season,” said Endemol Shine India CEO Abhishek Rege.

  • Marathi channels amp up content library as festive season begins

    Marathi channels amp up content library as festive season begins

    Mumbai: The start of the festive season in Maharashtra has renewed the competition among Marathi GECs to amp up their content library as they look to expand their audience share. While some channels have launched high-impact properties to drive viewership and grow advertising topline, a few new players have also entered into the fray.

    There are 25 Marathi language channels including nine general entertainment channels (GECs), six news channels, five movie channels, four music channels, and a kids channel. South Major Sun TV Network has recently entered the market with its Marathi GEC – Sun Marathi. The TV viewership for Marathi language channels has grown by a robust 10 per cent over the previous year, according to data shared by Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC India) with investments in native, culturally rooted content driving consumption across all language channels.

    “The market has grown thanks to the competition between the channels and great content that is being produced,” said Sony Marathi, business head, Ajay Bhalwankar. “When we launched, the entire Marathi genre was hovering around 700 gross rating points (GRPs). Today, this genre is clocking more than 1000 GRPs looking at data from last two to three weeks.”

    Sony Pictures Networks India forayed into the Marathi regional space in August 2018, and was followed by Shemaroo Entertainment which launched its Marathi GEC in January, 2020. These channels were admittedly late in the game dominated by established players like Zee Marathi, Colors Marathi and Star Pravah for nearly two decades.

    The period between Gudi Padwa (April) till Ganesh Chaturthi (September) has been an important launch period for Marathi channels. Sony Marathi launched two fiction shows, “Ajunhi Barsat Aahe” and “Vaidehi – Shatajanmache Apule Naate”.

    Zee Marathi recently launched “Man Zal Bajinda”, “Man Udu Udu Zal”, “Mazi Tuzi Reshimgath”, “Tuzya Mazya Sansarala Ani Kay Hava” and “Ti Parat Aliye”. Meanwhile, Colors Marathi is set to launch its high impact non-fiction property “Bigg Boss Marathi” season three on 19 September.

    “Engaging storylines featuring progressive themes, stories that reflect the cultural nuances and traditions of the region in an authentic and relatable manner always finds an audience”, said Zee Entertainment Enterprises, cluster head – North, West and premium channels, Amit Shah. “Due to the effects of the pandemic, we have seen higher affinity for light-hearted shows.”

    Zee has found success with the launch of a range of channels that cater to different cohorts. Alongwith its GEC Zee Marathi, it also has a youth channel, Zee Youva, FTA and pay movie channels, Zee Chitramandir and Zee Talkies, and  newly launched music channel Zee Vajwa.

    A lot of Marathi original programming caters to audiences from Monday to Saturday but there is a significant drop off of audiences on the weekends when they migrate to Hindi movie channels. That’s where competitor Marathi movie channels by Zee and Shemaroo MarathiBana are growing viewer share by serving native movie content.

    The growing affluence of Marathi-speaking audiences is also why this is a key language market for broadcasters to grow their topline. After, Tamil and Telugu, Marathi advertising segment contributes four per cent to the overall TV advertising revenues estimated at Rs 800-1000 crore. According to BARC India, 32 per cent of audiences that watch Marathi channels are from NCCS A classification, whereas NCCS A and B constitutes 67 per cent of TV viewership in this market.

    Marathi market is one of the few markets where new players have been able to carve out a significant viewership share after investments in strong narratives. At the same time, competition between channels has grown the overall TV market of Marathi-speaking audiences and increased advertising spends in the region. This has enabled channels to continue making investments in fresh programming.

  • Local and global films to air on Zee Thirai in September

    Local and global films to air on Zee Thirai in September

    Mumbai: Tamil film channel Zee Thirai has announced a stellar lineup of blockbuster films for September. The channel will air a new film every week until the end of the month.

    The comedy-thriller “Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya” will air on 17 September at 7 p.m. Starring Naveen Polishetty and Shruti Sharma in lead roles, the film follows the life of Athreya, a Nellore-based detective, who lands in trouble trying to untangle murder mysteries.

    On 19 September, the channel will air the international film “Monster Hunter” at 12 p.m. Directed by Paul WS Anderson, the film starring Mila Jovovich and Tony Jha, is an adaptation of a popular Japanese video game franchise.

    On 26 September, the channel will air the Tamil comedy film “Cocktail” which features Yogi Babu, Mithun Maheshwaran, and KPY Bala. The plot follows four men who end up with a dead girl in their flat. While trying to dispose of the body they end up getting mixed up in the smuggling of a precious idol which leads to major twists and turns.

    Zee Thirai had previously aired the Indian TV premiere of Tamil drama film “Kirukkan” on 12 September and Telugu romantic thriller film “Miss India” on 10 September.

  • News18 Kannada creates an impact on Bengaluru roads

    News18 Kannada creates an impact on Bengaluru roads

    Mumbai: News18 Kannada has taken an oath to help Bengalureans in getting pothole-free roads. On the same note, News18 Kannada started a campaign called #ShutThePothole.

    The channel invited viewers to be part of this campaign and they are actively participating in it by sharing videos & images of bad roads in their areas.

    With this campaign, News18 Kannada echoes the voice of Bengalureans by showing the spotlight on bad roads, ignorance of BBMP and administrators. The echoes of this campaign forced BBPM to frame a special task force to fill potholes.

    Based on the News18 Kannada’s #ShutThePothole campaign, BBMP commissioner Gaurav Gupta passed an order to rectify the roads immediately.

    With reference to News18 Kannada’s special report on Bengaluru roads, BBMP commissioner Gaurav Gupta held a meeting with the infrastructure department and framed a zonal level special task force to fill the potholes, and also during night time in many areas BBMP started to fill the potholes.

    “I have already given strict instructions to officials to fix the potholes on a priority basis,” said Gaurav Gupta. ‘I have asked officials to work as a team so everyone, from the chief engineer to the executive engineer are all on the same page and work towards repairing the roads. Officials will be held responsible if they fail to repair the roads.”

  • News18 Lokmat celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with ‘Bappa Morya Re’

    News18 Lokmat celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with ‘Bappa Morya Re’

    Mumbai: As people across the country celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi, News18 Lokmat has announced its illustrious bouquet of programming called “Bappa Morya Re” between 10 and 19 September. The channel has roped in Dabur Honitus as title sponsor for the special show.

    Celebrating the spirit of Ganesh Utsav the programming would revolve around various specialties that the festival brings along with it. From visiting various Ganesh pandals to showing what are special varieties of prasads are prepared in this festival, “Bappa Morya Re” would be showing various untold stories and facts related to Ganesh festival. It would showcase the videos and pictures shared by viewers of their homes with special Ganesh decorations done by them, said the statement.

    Additionally, the Gauri celebration from across Maharashtra would be aired in the special show “Gauri Alya Ghari”. News18 Lokmat would also visit houses of various celebrities and showcase how they are celebrating the festival this year in the special show “Celebrity Bappa”. Interesting stories of their childhood memories with regards to Ganesh Utsav and what are the various food delicacies they prepare during the festival, it said.

    On the Ananth Chaudasi, News18 Lokmat would telecast live visarjan from various parts of Maharashtra.

  • Dhirendra Yashwant appointed as Sun Marathi head of marketing

    Dhirendra Yashwant appointed as Sun Marathi head of marketing

    Mumbai: Sun TV Network has appointed Dhirendra Yashwant as head of marketing for its newly launched general entertainment channel (GEC) Sun Marathi.

    Sun TV Network is one of India’s largest broadcasters and has a massive viewership in the South. It recently forayed into Marathi GEC space with the launch of the free-to-air channel Sun Marathi.

    Yashwant was previously associated with Shemaroo Entertainment as DGM – marketing for two and a half years. During his 13 years in the TV industry, he has been associated with Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), and Times Network.

    He has experience launching new channels including the launch of Marathi film channel Shemaroo MarathiBana and Hindi GEC Shemaroo TV in his previous assignment. Shemaroo MarathiBana crossed the 100 GRPs mark in the fifth month of operations, which set a milestone in Marathi television. He also has experience working on the Marathi channels Zee Marathi and Zee Talkies during his stint at ZEEL.

    His expertise lies in managing TV brands across various genres including GEC, films, music, business and general news and across multiple languages including English, Hindi, and Marathi. His media experience includes working on TV, OTT, print, films, and radio.

    He is an alumnus of Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies.