Category: Specialised and Niche

Den Snapdeal TV-Shop’s two new appointments to integrate operational capabilities

MUMBAI: Den Snapdeal TV-Shop (DSTS) has announced two significant appointments in the senior management team – Amarjot Brar as the Chief of Business Operations and Amit Katyal as the Head of Finance.

DSTS is taking the next big leap towards scaling and reaching more homes through DTH. The two new appointments will enable the company to integrate its operational capabilities across production, distribution, supply chain, sales and customer service. While Brar will be responsible for the operational execution for the company, Katyal will be overseeing the finance operations.

Brar has experience in different sectors that include telecom, digital media, outsourcing, FMCG and consulting companies, and has worked with Start-ups and steady state operations. Prior to joining DSTS, he has worked with Askme and has set up business excellence, quality and customer management across organisations like IBM, Virgin Mobile and Wipro.

“The penetration that TV shopping industry makes it a very developing space to be present in. I am excited to lead the TV-Shop operations for such a challenging & nascent market,” Brar commented on his appointment.

Katyal, on the other hand, carries prolific knowledge in the finance function with over fifteen years of experience. Prior to joining DSTS, Amit served as head finance at digital media group To The New, India division.

Katyal said, “I look forward to joining an industry modernising and reshaping at such great speed. I wish to continue to create value for our customers, sellers and investors.”

DSTS CEO Maneesh Goel asserted, “We welcome both Amarjot and Amit in our team. We are taking the next big leap towards scaling and reaching more homes through DTH. Their invaluable experience in start-ups and ability to function in a fast paced dynamic environment will strengthen our operational capabilities as well as finance functions across production, distribution, supply chain, sales & customer service.”

November 18, 2015
National Geographic Partners announces new senior leadership appointments

MUMBAI: Upon completing the transaction to form National Geographic Partners (NGP), CEO Declan Moore announced a series of new appointments, thereby choosing the core leadership positions. National Geographic Partners combines the National Geographic television channels and National Geographic’s other media and consumer-oriented assets.

“We are thrilled to bring these incredibly talented executives to the senior leadership team”, Moore informed, after 21st Century Fox and National Geographic Society made the formation of National Geographic Partners public.

“We’re excited to officially begin our journey to bring a new and integrated National Geographic experience to people worldwide, and I look forward to partnering with Ward Platt and working with Susan Goldberg, Courteney Monroe and Jeffrey Schneider to share the National Geographic mission with an even larger audience,” added Moore..

Fox International Channels (FIC) COO and CEO of National Geographic Channels International CEO Ward Platt will assume the new post of National Geographic Partners COO. He will partner with Moore to drive the global revenue of the entire portfolio of National Geographic Partners’ businesses, including channels distribution, advertising revenue, digital publishing, licensing, travel and consumer products. Platt will also have oversight of the new venture’s international operations.

National Geographic magazine editor in chief Susan Goldberg has been vested with additional responsibilities as an editorial director who will supervise the publishing activities under the new venture, including digital journalism, magazines, books, maps, children and family, travel and adventure.

The current National Geographic Channels US CEO Courteney Monroe, will serve as CEO of National Geographic Global Networks, overseeing global programming, operations and global marketing for the portfolio of National Geographic Channels around the world, including National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo People and Nat Geo MUNDO. Additionally, Monroe will oversee National Geographic Studios, the in-house television production studio previously part of National Geographic Ventures

This expanded role will see Monroe working closely with Fox Networks Group chairman and CEO Peter Rice, with an aim to position National Geographic Channels as a global leader in premium science, adventure and exploration programming.

The current National Geographic Channels business and legal affairs EVP, Jeffrey Schneider, has been appointed National Geographic Partners business legal and affairs EVP, overseeing the legal dealings associated with the new venture.

While these form the key leadership positions, further new appointments are expected follow says NGP.

November 18, 2015
ID presents the stories behind real-life cases in true crime with Aphrodite Jones

MUMBAI: ID-Investigation Discovery will explore America’s most compelling mysteries in a new series True Crime With Aphrodite Jones. The series will feature intrepid investigations into headline-making crime stories. Crime reporter and best-selling author Aphrodite Jones will personally interview the people behind these offenses to bring out hidden facts and solve the mystery of true crimes.

True Crime With Aphrodite Jones will premiere on November 22^nd and will air every Sunday at 8 PM, on ID.

Each episode will follow Jones as she visits the scene of the crime in question, using her instincts to follow unique and surprising angles to separate truth from rumour behind the headlines. In her investigations, Jones will present compelling evidence and theories that will allow viewers to rethink their personal conclusions in some of the most enduring and baffling mysteries of all time.

Jones will explore the different locations connected to murder cases and talk to people connected with the case including the perpetrators themselves. She will bring new information to every case and find new evidence or images that shed new light on the intriguing cases.

Aphrodite Jones is renowned for her non-fiction true crime stories. Jones is driven to get inside the minds of killers and is always striving to understand what drives these criminals to perform such despicable acts. Jones believes that understanding the trigger points of these people will reveal opportunities to protect ourselves against crime in our own lives.

November 16, 2015
HomeShop18 hops on to DD FreeDish DTH platform

MUMBAI: HomeShop18 has hopped on to Prasar Bharati’s direct to home (DTH) platform DD FreeDish.

With this new e-auction win, the channel will reach out to an additional 18 million subscribers of the Indian free-to-air (FTA) DTH broadcasting platform.

The channel has been made available on DD FreeDish from 1 November, 2015.

HomeShop18 CEO Sanjeev Agrawal said, “As the exposure and aspirations of customers in tier II and III geographies evolve, so does their demand for high-quality products. However, due to the limited internet penetration and lack of presence of modern trade there is a gap in latent demand and supply. We have the advantage to cover this gap and reach out to customers across the country through television shopping and our wide range of products. Our association with DD FreeDish is a step towards our commitment to match the HomeShop18 signals to the country’s television penetration and our strong physical reach.”

The channel has shows like 18 Shringaar, Today’s Special Offer amongst others that will provide shoppers with deals, expert advice, a complete new look to women and an assortment of products.

November 2, 2015
Best Deal TV joins Sheroes.in to empower career-oriented women

NEW DELHI: The celebrity driven home shopping channel Best Deal TV, launched by Raj Kundra and Akshay Kumar, has associated with Sheroes.in to help connect women with their careers.

The initiative was launched by Shilpa Shetty Kundra with an aim to support women wanting to earn money while working at their own convenience. The rapidly growing market has given women an opportunity to showcase their entrepreneurial skills.

Under this programme, women aspiring to be financially independent can enrol in their Direct Channel Agents Programme. An aspiring entrant will be required to invest a minimum of Rs 10,000 and will be provided the catalogues and demo videos.

Best Deal TV chairperson Shilpa Shetty Kundra said, “The initiative is extremely close to my heart as it aims at supporting every Indian woman who would like to be self-sufficient and their own boss. We are extremely delighted in associating with Sheroes as they closely work with the women of today who love to work on their own terms.”

Best Deal TV co-founder Akshay Kumar added, “At Best Deal TV, we believe in creating equal opportunities for every woman who would like to hone her entrepreneurial skills. This initiative is all about appreciating the women who love to work at their own convenience and make some extra income. We hope to create jobs for thousands of ladies across India who look for financial independence or an additional source of income.”

Sheroes.in founder and CEO Sairee Chahal said, “We are thrilled at joining hands with Best Deal TV. The working terms and opportunities they offer to their brand experts are exactly what our member community seeks. The role in question is not only flexible and adaptable to the needs of mothers and homemakers but is also challenging and rewarding, making it an ideal blend of what the driven and grounded woman professional of today desires.”

October 29, 2015
Living Foodz to launch new foodtainment show with a twist

MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises’ international food and lifestyle television channel Living Foodz is planning to launch a unique show called Ranveer’s Cafe from 20 October, 2015.

The show, which will be telecast every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8.30 pm, will showcase international cafe recipes with an Indian twist and a beautiful representation while Chef Ranveer chats up with different, talented entertainers in each episode.

The broadcast offers live musical performances by talented guests to add to the foodtainment quotient. The concept of the show is that while the chef cooks up a dish, these true performers will storm up the cafe with their vibrant energy and talent and at the same time learn a trick or two in cooking by helping the chef in the kitchen. The performers will mesmerize audiences with original compositions that are exclusive to the show.

“People across the world bond the most over music and food. Hence we are bringing in a show that marries these two most loved things – food and music in a true sense to provide the viewers with thorough foodtainment. The show truly brings out the real essence of our channel philosophy,” said Living Foodz business head Amit Nair.

The musical toast will feature celebrity artists like Kumar Sanu, Armaan Malik, Gajendra Verma, Aakriti Kakkar, Nakaash Aziz, Aditi Singh Sharma, Clinton Cejero and Siddharth Mahadevan amongst others.

October 19, 2015
Shop CJ expands to Telugu market; targets Rs 250 crore revenue from AP, Telangana

MUMBAI: Eyeing a 40 per cent growth in turnover at more than Rs 1200 crore this year, home shopping network Shop CJ has expanded to the South Indian market with the launch of its Telugu language channel with original programming in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Additionally, the company is expecting to generate revenue of Rs 250 crore from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana alone by the next fiscal year 2016.

The company’s recorded sales of Rs 850 crore last fiscal and is poised to grow with the rapid growth of the home shopping market in India. The channel reaches over 6.5 crore households across the country and is currently catering to about 40 per cent of the market.

The new Telugu language Shop CJ channel is available across all major cable and will soon also hop on to the Sun Direct direct to home (DTH) platform.

Shop CJ Network CEO Kenny Shin said, “The home shopping industry is growing rapidly and similar trend is witnessed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh market. With the launch of 24×7 Telugu home shopping channel, we have begun the process of introducing region-specific niche channels. The Telugu channel will not only enhance our customer base, but it will also offer a great platform for regional brands to expand their penetration. We aim to offer new innovative product categories and change the entire home shopping experience.”

Shop CJ Network CFO N. Ramakrishnan added, “Shop CJ’s channel launch in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will strengthen its presence in India. We are expecting to generate Rs 250 crore revenue from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana alone by the next fiscal year 2016.”

Shop CJ Network COO Dhruva Chandrie said, “Shop CJ Telugu will offer an array of products that are well researched to match local preferences. Our customisation strategy is built on the principle of offering consumers exactly what they want with full comfort and quality assurance. Communicating through the local language will help Shop CJ to consolidate in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.”

October 15, 2015
Fox International Channels launches global sales platform

MUMBAI: Fox International Channels (FIC) has launched a new sales platform – Fox Media, which will take the company’s global sales to a new level with a comprehensive approach to global cross platform media buying and sponsorships.

Fox Media, which represents three media brands namely Fox, National Geographic and Fox Sports in its portfolio, will enable innovative ad sales partnerships, including native advertising and branded content, across multiple platforms. From a single point of contact, local, regional and global clients will be able to connect to quality audiences across FIC’s 1.825 billion strong TV footprint and nearly 130 million unique monthly online users.

Fox Media is the only network group with a track record of successful global sponsorships. In a recent example, Fox Media and Microsoft Surface partnered on this summer’s #1 scripted drama, Wayward Pines, from M. Night Shyamalan.

“At FIC, we turn the best TV shows into global cultural events; and with the launch of Fox Media, we’re uniquely positioned to deliver them to global, pan-regional and local brands who want to tell a bigger story, both on the big screen as well as the personal screen,” said FIC president and CEO Hernan Lopez.

Fox Media can leverage the power of more than 1.825 million homes, including 245 million homes for Fox, the 440 million homes for National Geographic Channel and Fox Sports, which is available in 90 million homes.

The Fox Media sales team, helmed by executive vice president, advertising sales & corporate communications Europe Deborah Armstrong, EVP ad sales and partnerships Asia Pacific and Middle East Simeon Dawes and SVP ad sales Latin America Juan Vallejo, will be driving the global sales initiative forward. The team will collaborate closely with the Fox sales team in the US to deliver a worldwide offering, while also supporting regional clients with the same multi-platform campaigns.

“The global partnerships we have executed in the past with Microsoft and Samsung as well as our upcoming campaigns are all excellent examples of the creative, comprehensive, cross-platform solutions Fox Media is able to deliver with our unrivaled reach in the coveted 18-49 demo. Our goal is to match global brands with Fox, National Geographic and Fox Sports; three of the world’s most powerful media brands, offering distinctive choices by genre, market, audience and media. We provide one stop access to the Fox world across entertainment, sports and factual programming and deliver global cross-media sponsorships that maximize the winning combination of TV and online,” said Armstrong.

Fox’s in-house creative teams will now be know globally as FoxLab and will continue to deliver integrated, a la carte, cross-media campaigns to clients in any industry segment across the most desirable genres and audiences. These powerhouse creative teams produce work with the Fox Media partners that connects deeply with audiences everywhere, sharing a brand vision that creates true chemistry.

“With the expansion of FoxLab to service clients in every part of the world, we’ve become a truly full service creative and content partner, well positioned to offer quality marketing partnership, branded content campaigns and native advertising relevant across all screens. It’s not just about channels anymore. We reach consumers across all media,” added Lopez.

September 25, 2015
DEN Snapdeal TV-Shop to sell Hero Electric’s scooters on platform

MUMBAI: DEN Snapdeal TV-Shop has tied up Hero Electric to sell electric scooters using the teleshopping platform.

This is for the first time that consumers will be able to buy electric scooters through TV shopping. It also marks the expansion of DEN Snapdeal TV- Shop’s corporate portfolio, which will now include automobiles.

In the special show, DEN Snapdeal TV-Shop anchors are joined by experts from Hero Electric to demonstrate the electric two-wheeler and answer customer queries. The first show went on air today (21 September).

DEN Snapdeal CEO Maneesh Goel said, “We are delighted about this development and it puts us on the road on a new journey into the hitherto unexplored terrain of selling automobiles using TV commerce. I believe TV shopping is the right medium for a product like an electric two-wheeler with viewers getting in-depth information on the product – what kind of features it has and the benefits it offers. This will enable customers to make an informed choice on buying the product. The concept of electric vehicles in India is gaining momentum because of the government’s thrust in the form of subsidies electric bikes, which is passed on to the customer.”

September 21, 2015
travelxp to begin broadcast of ‘Backpack’ its first series shot in 4K

MUMBAI: Bringing superlative viewing experience to the television screens of millions of viewers, travelxp TV will begin the broadcast of its first television series filmed in 4K, Backpack, from 13 September, 2015.

The windy clouds ruffling through mountains, dew drops on the leaves, calm blue water in sea, curled waves splashing ashore, crystal ice, the effect of sunrise on snowcapped mountains—these sites in high definition quality makes travel shows even more exciting. However, for viewers who want to lose themselves to such experiences and feel the destinations as if they themselves are part of the journery, brace yourself. Making the picture quality even more detailed and exceptional, travelxp is migrating from content creation in HD to the 4K technology turning the complete viewing experience come alive for its viewers. Considerably a new technology, travelxp is amongst the early adopters of 4K who understand the superior quality that this new technology offers.

The first show in 4K to hit the screen is Backpack. This show revolves around the idea of experiencing a place in depth rather than just following a given tourist itinerary—all in a low budget. Explorers today believe in travel as a complete learning experience that not only provides knowledge but also is a huge source of transformation. They want to explore places that are uncharted, interact with the locals getting to know about their lifestyle, their day-to-day activities, the traditions, hear the folk-tales, taste recipes at their authentic best, and experience everything that nature has to offer. If you are one of these explorers, than watch out. Viewing this show might cause serious troubles as the experience will be so exceptional, you might pack your bags right away and leave!

September 10, 2015