Category: Viewership

Mumbai: Just six months after becoming part of the Adani group, New Delhi Television Ltd., has announced raises across all network verticals after a rigorous and transparent appraisal process. Overall salary increase at 11.50 per cent is significantly higher than the industry average.

The NDTV Group recognises its exceptional talent pool, its continued commitment to organisational growth and its focus on excellence. The attention was on performance-linked merit appraisals, consistent with industry best practices designed to ensure that our employees are recognised and compensated based on their performance, promoting an organisation-wide culture of fairness. A special focus was on younger colleagues, their compensation growth and charting a career path.

As the media industry undergoes a significant transformation with technological advancements, changing consumer preferences and viewership diversification – NDTV reiterates its commitment to remain at the cutting edge of these transformational changes, innovation and leveraging our expertise to provide our viewers with world-class programming.

NDTV executive director Senthil Chengalvarayan said, “As the NDTV Group embarks on the next phase of growth, it is our talented team that will be leading the way. They are the primary force behind the success of NDTV and we are happy to recognise their hard work and commitment with this year’s raises. Our aggressive expansion plan which includes the introduction of regional language platforms and further inroads in digital, will present new opportunities for growth as well as new responsibilities.”

Mumbai: Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India has released currency data for week 22, i.e. 27 May to 2 June 2023. As per data for the all India 2+ target group, STAR Maa is the most watched channel in India with an average minute audience (AMA) of 2455.65(000). It was followed by Sun TV at 2323.84(000) AMA, STAR Plus at 2319.61(000) AMA, Dangal at 1771.1(000) AMA, and SONY SAB at 1762.38(000) AMA.The average minute audience (AMA) is defined as the number of individuals within a target audience who viewed a televised “event,” averaged across minutes. In the Hindi-speaking market (HSM), STAR Plus emerged as the most-watched channel at 2248.62(000) AMA, followed by Dangal at 1762.91(000) AMA, Sony Sab at 1719.8(000) AMA, Goldmines at 1632.43(000) AMA and STAR Pravah at 1432.9(000) AMA.

In the South market, STAR Maa was the most-watched channel at 2405.64(000) AMA, followed by Sun TV at 2304.17(000) AMA, Zee Telugu at 1626.69(000) AMA, STAR Vijay at 1480.22(000) AMA and Zee Kannada at 1239.31(000) AMA.

In the Maharashtra/Goa market, Star Pravah was the most-watched channel at 1421.59(000) AMA, followed by SONY Sab at 460.3(000) AMA, Colors Marathi at 410.91(000) AMA, Zee Marathi at 357.09(000) AMA and STAR Sports 1 Hindi at 326.82(000) AMA.

In the West Bengal market, STAR Jalsha was the most-watched channel with 903.95(000) AMA, followed by Zee Bangla at 741.78(000) AMA, Jalsha Movies at 146.35(000) AMA, Colors Bangla at 141.77(000) AMA and Sony Aath at 123.14(000) AMA.

In the megacities market, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Chennai, Sun TV was the most-watched channel at 398.21(000) AMA followed by STAR Plus at 356.42(000) AMA, STAR Vijay at 309.07(000) AMA, SONY SAB at 286.68(000) AMA and Zee Telugu at 278.77(000) AMA.

Mumbai: IAB Tech Lab has formally announced the creation of its Advanced TV Commit Group, which will lead the development of technology frameworks, technical standards, and market strategy to make every TV environment addressable. 

The Group aims to drive interoperability and standardisation across the entire TV ecosystem. Inaugural members include: 

•     Extreme Reach
•     Paramount
•     EW Scripps
•     NBCUniversal
•     GroupM
•     The VAB
•     Warner Bros. Discovery
•     Xperi
•     Publica
•     Nielsen

Several other members are pending and expected to join the Commit Group imminently.

“What distinguishes the Advanced TV Commit Group from other initiatives is its comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressable TV advertising,” said IAB Tech Lab CEO Anthony Katsur. “The Advanced TV Commit Group aims to partner with various initiatives across the industry, bringing together all stakeholders to establish a portfolio of solutions. We are focused on developing technical framework(s) that ensures holistic reconciliation, a unified measurement framework, and consistent ad experiences across digital video and TV environments. This includes traditional linear environments like cable, satellite, and over-the-air broadcast, as well as emerging IP-enabled TV platforms, more commonly known as CTV.”

The Advanced TV initiative was launched in response to the rapid evolution of how consumers view video content and the increasingly blurred lines between Connected TV (CTV) and linear TV. The initiative aims to achieve the following objectives across all TV environments:

•     Interoperability for frame-accurate ad delivery and ad break management to ensure consistent cross-platform ad break and ad slots signaling.
•     Universal addressability and reconciliation for audience measurement across all screens.
•     Complete cross-environment audit for advertising campaign delivery
•     Ad measurement for delivery and client-side viewability verification on the TV.
•     Omni channel sales management for programmatic buying and selling of upfronts and spot buys.

Initially, the Advanced TV Commit Group will work toward deliverables in 2023 that establish a firm foundation for meeting the above objectives. Tasks such as standardizing interoperability across creative IDs and how metadata is used in systems that handle ad placement and measurement are mandatory for enabling an interoperable advertising market across all TV environments.

“With the right standards and technology frameworks in place, networks, broadcasters, MVPDs, and other video publishers can expand their addressable inventory and enhance their product offerings,” said Katsur. “This will create a strong foundation for buyers to reach their target audiences and accurately measure campaign results. The Advanced TV Commit Group is dedicated to driving the industry forward and setting new technical standards for addressable TV advertising through its commitment to interoperability, universal addressability, audit, and measurement. We invite all TV original equipment manufacturers and other interested parties to join the Advanced TV Commit Group and play a crucial role in achieving this goal.”

Here are some quotes from the leading industry players in the Advanced TV Commit Group:

“The VAB is thrilled to be a part of, and collaborate with, the IAB Tech Lab and Advanced TV Commit Group members,” said VAB VP of measurement solutions Ben Vandegrift. “The implementation of standards and innovative technical solutions that provide data consistency will further transform and simplify the TV ecosystem. This will ultimately empower marketers to make better-informed buying decisions throughout the campaign lifecycle.”

“Warner Bros. Discovery is proud to support the IAB Tech Lab’s efforts to define and recommend standards that will power next-generation addressability across linear and streaming,” said Warner Bros. Discovery EVP of digital advertising sales & advanced advertising Jim Keller. “We believe collaboration is key when it comes to creating a future where interoperability and standardisation help our advertisers and agencies better reach their desired audiences and campaign goals.” 

“Our past work, including our groundbreaking study quantifying CTV impression overcounts, has highlighted the importance of accurate measurement and verification in the rapidly evolving TV advertising landscape,” said GroupM group director, investment innovation Karen Chan. “By joining forces with industry stakeholders, we are dedicated to creating best practices and needed technical standards for the industry as a whole. With our focus on innovating with tech advancements and driving accountability, we are excited to drive impactful results for our clients by contributing again in shaping the future of video advertising.”

“At NBCUniversal, we’re committed to building a multi-currency future and enhanced cross-platform measurement that leads to better consumer experiences and greater advertising effectiveness. Interoperability and standardization are fundamental to enabling this. From creative identifiers to brand taxonomy and more, standardization allows for a more automated and scalable advertising ecosystem. It also leads to greater interoperability that is vital for more effective measurement, insights and greater efficiencies for advertisers, in the premium video environment. Which is why we’re committed to partnering with the IAB Tech Lab and other industry leaders to redefine the future of television advertising,” said NBCUniversal EVP advertising platforms & operations Ryan McConville.

“As a member of the IAB Advanced TV Commit Group, Nielsen is looking forward to working on the structures and strategies that will help shape the future of TV,” said Nielsen SVP, strategy & technology Scott L Brown.

Mumbai: Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd, one of India’s leading players in the media and entertainment industry, has joined with the Seven Network, one of Australia’s leading media companies to launch Shemaroo Bollywood, the first-ever Bollywood F.A.S.T. (free ad-supported streaming TV) channel in Australia. This strategic collaboration marks Shemaroo’s first venture with a major broadcaster in the region and sets the stage for an immersive Indian entertainment experience for Australian viewers. Shemaroo Bollywood will be available for free on Seven Network’s streaming platform, 7plus, providing seamless access to a vast library of iconic Indian/Bollywood movies.

With a remarkable six-decade-old legacy and an unparalleled content repository, Shemaroo is all set to entertain the large Indian diaspora present in Australia. With Seven Network’s association, Shemaroo continues to establish its long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with renowned broadcasters across the globe. By venturing into key markets like Australia, Shemaroo aims to expand its reach and diversify its business portfolio and this latest venture demonstrates Shemaroo’s commitment to realising this vision.

Bollywood’s timeless songs, compelling storytelling, and ability to portray diverse cultures have captivated audiences worldwide and across all age groups. The launch in Australia holds immense significance, particularly for the vibrant Indian diaspora in the country. The launch also coincides perfectly with the forthcoming finals of the World Test Championship of cricket where India and Australia will lock horns for the coveted trophy. As cricket enthusiasts anticipate this thrilling event, Shemaroo Bollywood will complement the excitement by offering captivating movies that showcase the rich tapestry of Indian culture. 

This first-of-its-kind association aims to forge a long-term and mutually profitable partnership between Shemaroo and the Seven Network, bolstering Shemaroo’s consumer-centric approach in key markets outside India. Shemaroo will harness Seven’s strong presence in broadcast television, publishing, and digital platforms while benefiting from Seven Network’s dominance in TV and BVOD across Australia. Together, they aim to redefine entertainment experiences for audiences in Australia and beyond.

Shemaroo head of international business & India digital syndication Nishith Varshneya said, “At Shemaroo, we are constantly exploring new opportunities to showcase our vast library of Bollywood to audiences across the globe. Our collaboration with Seven Network to launch Shemaroo Bollywood in Australia is a significant step towards achieving this goal. We believe that Bollywood movies and songs have the power to connect varied cultures. With Seven Network’s established presence and expertise in the Australia, we are confident that this partnership will enable us to reach a wider audience and provide them with a delightful entertainment experience. We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration holds and look forward to a successful journey together.” 

Seven West Media chief digital officer Gereurd Roberts said, “Shemaroo Bollywood on 7plus symbolises Seven’s commitment to bring the most compelling, diverse, and global content to Australian audiences, for free. Through our unique collaboration with Shemaroo Entertainment, we are incredibly proud to introduce 7plus viewers to Australia’s first premium Hindi FAST channel and enrich 7plus with a colourful tapestry of captivating Indian cinema. Seven is Australia’s leader in FAST channels. So far in 2023 we have streamed over 250 million FAST channel minutes, up 195 per cent on the same period last year,” he said.

Shemaroo Entertainment’s 60-year-old legacy, built on a foundation of delivering high-quality entertainment experiences, solidifies its position as a trusted industry leader. The launch of Shemaroo Bollywood in Australia is just one of the many exciting developments taking place worldwide as Shemaroo expands its global footprint.a

Mumbai: Star Gold is thrilled to present the World TV Premiere of Yash Raj Films’ record-breaking blockbuster Pathaan, on 18 June at 8 pm. The action thriller produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Siddharth Anand is the fourth instalment in the fabled YRF’s Spy Universe, featuring the country’s biggest superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and John Abraham. 

Indian RAW agent “Pathaan” (Khan) gets to know of a major impending attack against India, mounted by a mercenary group led by a former RAW agent Jim (Abraham) who has turned rogue after he was wronged by his own people. An agent, Rubai (Padukone) becomes a part of the mission and has her loyalties questioned at several junctures. With the doomsday clock ticking away, Pathaan must fight multiple betrayals as he takes on Jim.

Speaking about the World TV Premiere, Khan said, “Pathaan has received tremendous love from all over the world, and it would be just fantastic to reach out now to an even wider audience as the film premieres on Star Gold on 18 June, 8pm (IST). Pathaan is a complete entertainment package that never lets the pace down. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the secret agent with John and Deepika as my frenemies.”

Talking about Pathaan and the response it received, Padukone said, “With Pathaan, we set out to make a film with love. Breaking records was never the intention. The response since, has been beyond overwhelming. And now we’re thrilled that the film will have its World TV Premiere on Star Gold on 18 June at 8pm (IST).”

Abraham, who plays a rogue agent in the film, said, “Pathaan is a roller coaster ride for the audience, and has excellent production values and music. I had a blast playing the antagonist, who had no qualms about his ruthless revenge plans. It was delightful to be a co-star with SRK and Deepika. I’m excited for its TV Premiere on 18 June at 8pm (IST) where audiences can watch the movie with their family.”

Anand was thrilled with the film’s success, said, “A film with YRF is always special, and I am eternally grateful that the film has garnered so much love from the audience. Now I look forward to the biggest medium to reach audiences with the TV Premiere of Pathaan on Star Gold on 18 June at 8pm (IST).”

“Pathaan has captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping storyline and exceptional performances. As the highest-grossing Hindi movie of all time, it has left a lasting impression on the audience. We are thrilled to bring the World TV Premiere of Pathaan to our viewers on Star Gold, offering them the opportunity to experience this blockbuster in the comfort of their own homes. This action-packed extravaganza promises to be a complete entertainment package for the entire family, showcasing the unparalleled talent and captivating entertainment that Pathaan has to offer,” said a Star Gold spokesperson. “We have seen an excellent advertiser response for the Blockbuster World TV Premieres on the channel.  We are quite excited to see a high level of advertiser interest to be associated with Pathaan given its strong star cast, box office performance and avenues for brand engagement,” he added.

Pathaan’s World TV Premiere on Star Gold promises to be a complete entertainment package for the entire family, so don’t miss the chance to catch this all-time blockbuster.

Mumbai: Star Jalsha, a Bengali entertainment channel, has continued its unrivalled position as the leader in the television industry. For over 12 years of its 15-year journey, Star Jalsha has dominated the West Bengal market, leading the Bengali GEC space. Upholding this legacy, Star Jalsha reached 29.4 million viewers in West Bengal alone over the past year, with an average weekly viewing time of approximately 6 hours per viewer.

Star Jalsha will be launching two new shows Tunte and SandhyaTara in June. Tunte is scheduled to launch on 5 June. Tunte will narrate the heart-warming journey of a talented skilled girl from a remote village of Bengal and her journey to fulfil her dream to work as an established fashion designer in a big city. SandhyaTara is a tale of love and sacrifice of two sisters – Sandhya & Tara and is scheduled to launch on the channel in June too.

“At Star Jalsha, we have always been driven by the purpose to narrate stories of hope, courage and inspiration, stories that create a strong sense of purpose. We are humbled by the unwavering love we have received from our viewers over the years and are excited to bring in two new shows in June – Tunte, and SandhyaTara, both with heart-warming stories about aspiration, family bond and dream fulfilment.  With these new upcoming shows and the existing strong content library, we look forward to entertaining families in Bengal and beyond,” said a Star Jalsha spokesperson.

Star Jalsha owes its enduring success to a winning formula that combines progressive storytelling, iconic characters, and an unwavering commitment to cater to the diverse sentiments of its audience. The channel has consistently pushed boundaries, delving into relevant social issues and exploring diverse narratives that strike a chord with both rural and urban viewers.

Notable shows like Maa, Behula, Durga, Ekhane Akash Neel, Ganer Opare, Kiranmala, Bojhena Se Bojhena, Sreemoyee, Ke Apon Ke Por, Mohor, and Potol Kumar Gaanwala have become household names in Bengal, captivating audiences with their outstanding stories. Building on this legacy, Star Jalsha’s current stellar shows like Anurager Chhowa, Horogouri Pice Hotel, Bangla Medium, Ramprasad and Komola O Shreeman Prithwiraj are set to carry the torch of excellence.

In addition to its ground-breaking storytelling, Star Jalsha is renowned for creating iconic characters that inspire and resonate with the audience. These characters, such as Baha, Potol, Sreemoyee, Mohor, Khukumoni, Deepa, Aishani have become cultural touchstones in Indian television, winning the hearts of millions in Bengal and beyond. They serve as role models, encouraging positive change and driving meaningful conversations.

Star Jalsha’s success has transcended boundaries, as its exceptional content has been adapted in multiple languages across various regional channels. Sreemoyee alone has been remade in seven different languages, including Anupama in Hindi and Baakiyalakshmi in Tamil, winning the hearts of diverse audiences in their respective markets. Similarly, Mohor and Khorkuto have been remade in six languages each, creating characters that have garnered immense love from their respective viewers. Sasural Genda Phool (Ogo Bodhu Sundori), Gustaakh Dil (Bou Kotha Kao), Meri Maa (Maa), Banni Chow Home Delivery (Khukumoni Home Delivery), Paadatha Painkilli (Ke Apon Ke Por), Kulfi Kumar Bajewala (Potol Kumar Gaanwala) and Teri Meri Doriyan (Gatchora) are some of the other successful shows which were adapted from Star Jalsha shows.

As Star Jalsha celebrates its remarkable achievements, it remains committed to its core values of innovation, inclusivity, and progressive storytelling. With an unwavering dedication to captivating audiences with high-quality programming, the channel will continue to shape the Indian television landscape and inspire viewers with its compelling content.

* Source: BARC WB 2+, W21’22-W20’23

Mumbai: Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India has released currency data for week 21, i.e. 20 May to 26 May 2023. As per data for the all India 2+ target group, STAR Sports 1 Hindi is the most watched channel in India with an average minute audience (AMA) of 2840.82(000). It was followed by STAR Maa at 2360.3(000) AMA, Sun TV at 2260.24(000) AMA, Star Plus at 2164.84(000) AMA, and SONY SAB at 1750.33(000) AMA.

The average minute audience (AMA) is defined as the number of individuals within a target audience who viewed a televised “event,” averaged across minutes. In the Hindi-speaking market (HSM), STAR Sports 1 Hindi emerged as the most-watched channel at 2800.09(000) AMA, followed by STAR Plus at 2090.83(000) AMA, Sony Sab at 1708.72(000) AMA, Dangal at 1601.42(000) AMA and Goldmines at 1575.17(000) AMA.

In the South market, STAR Maa was the most-watched channel at 2310.71(000) AMA, followed by Sun TV at 2240.1(000) AMA, Zee Telugu at 1590.45(000) AMA, STAR Vijay at 1481.21(000) AMA and Zee Kannada at 1202.27(000) AMA.

In the Maharashtra/Goa market, Star Pravah was the most-watched channel at 1303.9(000) AMA, followed by STAR Sports 1 Hindi at 920.1(000) AMA, SONY Sab at 462.46(000) AMA, Colors Marathi at 375.98(000) AMA and Zee Marathi at 357.37(000) AMA.

In the West Bengal market, STAR Jalsha was the most-watched channel with 729.98(000) AMA, followed by Zee Bangla at 660.73(000) AMA, STAR Sports 1 Hindi at 211.76(000) AMA, Jalsha Movies at 125.02(000) AMAand Colors Bangla at 124.67(000) AMA.

In the megacities market, including Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Chennai, STAR Sports 1 Hindi was the most-watched channel at 476.38(000) AMA followed by Sun TV at 379.58(000) AMA, STAR Plus at 346.29(000) AMA, STAR Vijay at 296.68(000) AMA and SONY SAB at 285.15(000) AMA.

Mumbai: India’s premium broadcast network, Times Network, is hosting the ninth edition of its annual signature event, India Economic Conclave (IEC) scheduled on 1 & 2 June 2023 at Taj Palace, New Delhi. A distinguished global platform, India Economic Conclave has been instrumental in shaping a national discourse on the country’s economic growth. Driving the theme, “India: The Emerging Third Superpower”, IEC 2023 will lead critical conversations with eminent policymakers, global visionaries, and iconic leaders from India Inc on India’s growth as a leading global superpower.

Speaking at Times Network India Economic Conclave 2023, Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road, Transport & Highways said, “We are making significant progress towards achieving the vision of our Prime Minister, which is Atmanirbhar Bharat. Our economy is currently the fastest growing in the world, and we have moved up from the fourth to the third position, surpassing Japan in terms of economic rankings. This transformation has filled us with optimism, and we are confident that we will soon become a dominant economic power. Our ambitious goal of achieving a five trillion-dollar economy is on track to be realised in the near future.”

“When it comes to maintaining quality, our focus lies in reducing construction costs without compromising on construction standards. Additionally, we prioritise the environment and ecology. We have successfully utilised bamboo from Assam to create crash barriers, which have undergone rigorous testing and are now being implemented nationwide. Moreover, we have undertaken extensive tree transplantation initiatives, including planting 12,000 trees along the Dwarka Express highway and over 3.5 crore trees exceeding three meters in height. Currently, our country consumes 80 lakh tons of bitumen, while our refinery’s capacity is 50 lakh tons, necessitating the import of 30 lakh tons. To address this, we have taken the decision to produce bitumen from rice straw, enabling our farmers to contribute towards producing 30 lakh tons of bitumen domestically.”

Mumbai: History TV18 is set to launch its new documentary, ‘Mann Ki Baat-Bharat Ki Baat’. The film explores how prime minister Narendra Modi’s popular radio programme, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ has become a platform for a two-way conversation with the country’s citizens, and how it has inspired positive change in every corner of India. The radio show recently achieved a milestone of one hundred episodes.

Narrated by renowned lyricist and television personality Manoj Muntashir, the documentary features interviews with prominent figures from various fields, including educator, author and philanthropist Sudha Murty, former Indian cricket captain Virender Sehwag, senior journalist Smita Prakash, CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi and spiritual leaders Sadhguru and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, among others. The film also showcases citizens and stories that have inspired the Prime Minister.

‘Mann Ki Baat’, a monthly radio programme, first aired in 2014 and has grown to become a platform where the Prime Minister addresses the concerns and suggestions of the people of India. The programme also celebrates the efforts of ordinary individuals who make their communities better, cleaner and safer. Over 100 episodes, the radio programme has addressed a wide range of issues like women’s empowerment, education, sustainable farming, and environmental conservation, to name a few. During the pandemic, ‘Mann Ki Baat’ stood tall, disseminating authentic information and helping save lives.

‘Mann Ki Baat-Bharat Ki Baat’ is a History TV18 original, produced by Colosceum Media. The show premieres on History TV18 on Friday, 2 June 2023 at 8 pm.

Mumbai: IndiaDotcom Digital Private Ltd. (IDPL), formerly known as Zee Digital and one of India’s digital entities, announced the launch of its Entertainment portal ScreenBox.in. A unique Video-First Entertainment platform, ScreenBox.in will offer 360-degree coverage from the world of showbiz across various genres, including World Cinema, Bollywood, Hollywood, Regional Cinema, OTT, TV and music industry.

ScreenBox is a portmanteau, blending the two words. Screen is derived from “Silver Screen” or the world of entertainment, while “Box” denotes how it will be packed in one place for the user to dip in and discover the delightful content every time. Its visually appealing User Interface allows users to easily navigate and discover their favourite content in multimedia format. 

Speaking on the market demand in terms of news content consumption, IndiaDotcom Digital Private Ltd. CCO Roshan Tamang said, “Video is now the preferred format of content on Digital. However, classic film journalism in text format is also hard to beat. So ScreenBox.in was born to be a perfect blend of both. We hope our users will be delightfully engaged with an innovative coverage of happenings from the world of entertainment.”

IndiaDotcom Digital Private Ltd. CRO Shridhar Mishra further highlighted, “IDPL has been consistent in delivering program content packages as per the market demand. The launch of video-first website ‘ScreenBox’ will also encourage stakeholders and advertisers to strengthen visibility in terms of branding via video during different timeslots throughout the day.”