News Broadcasting

Corona-driven lifestyle changes to drive temporary home entertainment paradigm

Published

6 years ago

March 20, 2020

MUMBAI: The continued escalation of Coronavirus worldwide will continue to have a major impact on the global entertainment sector; major movie theatrical releases are being postponed, theme parks are closing, music concerts/theatre shows postponed and TV show production, particularly those with live audiences scaled back or cancelled/delayed. In addition, numerous major sports leagues and events have been suspended, providing broadcasters with major headaches.

As a result, consumers will have limited options or desire to attend out of home entertainment experiences, whilst TV schedules could be left with gaping holes to fill, particularly for sports, but live/near-live prime time TV slots and late shows are also being impacted, or at least formats having to be seriously reviewed, according to Futuresource’s Living With Digital survey.

Couple this with an increasing emphasis to stay at home and travel bans, does this provide a highly unusual opportunity for the home entertainment industry? Whilst the word “opportunity” is used lightly, particularly as home entertainment companies are being impacted in numerous ways, pre-recorded home entertainment is likely to see a surge in viewing, particularly across digital platforms.

With consumers having more time at home and viewing options reduced, subscription video on demand (SVoD), catch-up TV services and transactional digital video services are well positioned to benefit in both an increase in engagement and potential new user uptake.

Premium digital video viewing behaviour is well established. Around two-thirds of US households now have at least one SVoD service, with this figure around half in the UK. “Service stacking” (taking more than one service) is now commonplace, with the average US SVoD household set to take around 3 services by the end of 2020, with this closer to 2 in the UK.

Futuresource’s Living With Digital survey suggests that strong momentum in SVoD subscription uptake in 2019 is set to continue into 2020. Whilst service churn will be evident, most SVoD subscribers say they won’t cancel their service in 2020 and over one-third of SVoD subscribers say they will take at least one more service in 2020. This figure skews even higher amongst those with 3 or more services already, indicating most consumers are not yet suffering from subscription fatigue. This positive momentum could be unexpectedly assisted by a (hopefully) temporary change in consumer lifestyle during the virus outbreak.

The “hot” service in the home entertainment industry continues to be Disney+. It is set to launch across key European markets on March 24 and went live, albeit for a short time, early in India this week. The outbreak may well provide a further boost to its initial subscriber numbers, which could exceed 10 million in these markets during the course of 2020. It could also keep the momentum in existing launch markets, particularly the USA, helping reduce churn whilst attracting new, perhaps previously undecided consumers. In response to the current situation, Disney has added Frozen II to its Disney+ library just a few weeks after its home video release. This is unprecedented for a title of its magnitude and will undoubtedly attract new subscribers and keep existing monthly subscribers sticky. Free trials for Netflix, Disney+ and other services amongst current non-subscribers could see a rise, particularly as consumers worry about their personal finances.

Separately, Netflix has already become the de-facto SVoD service for many consumers in leading markets and could see its loyalty strengthened with existing customers whilst the impressive momentum experienced in the likes of Germany and France will be helped. Any uplift in subscriber numbers as a result of the virus would be felt outside of the USA. However, as with other entertainment services and content holders, uncertainty around potential production delays will be a concern.

Transactional digital video services could also benefit. With titles typically launched around three months after cinema, in the short term, digital sales and rentals of major movie releases in this window could receive a boost. Positioning on device/TV home screens and digital retailers would become increasingly paramount for these titles, especially against the backdrop of SVoD and other on demand options.

However, the postponement of key theatrical releases will have adverse impact on this sector in 2020, high profile new instalments from the Bond and Fast & Furious franchises are unlikely to witness a home entertainment release in 2020.

The unprecedented scenario has already seen the likes of Telefonica offer SVoD services and improved broadband for free to existing customers. Could we see the home entertainment industry also provide more unorthodox short-term alternatives to consumers to watch brand new, early release or otherwise delayed movies at home? For context, the crisis in China saw box office down almost $2 billion in the first 2 months of 2020. Vertically integrated companies such Comcast/Sky/NBC Universal are arguably well positioned to experiment with this.

Away from new release titles, it may be an opportunity to promote the wealth of older, library digital retailers have to offer. Curated campaigns such as “watch the classics you never got round to” or “revisit your favourite 80’s movies” may appeal to both casual and heavy movie enthusiasts who now have more time on their hands. However, the longer the crisis continues, consumers may look to lower cost, higher perceived value options.

Some consumers may also feel compelled to revisit their DVD/Blu-ray catalogue, whilst this isn’t necessarily a direct revenue driver, it may well help re-ignite a passion amongst lapsed users, once the virus has past.

The crisis also brings into light “The Battle for the Living” room, as discussed in Futuresource’s December 2018 report, which continues to be highly relevant today. As short-term consumer engagement spikes, which platform and devices will they use and what flaws will become apparent? Consumers could become acutely aware of the need for pan-service search and navigation, making the requirement for a “super aggregator” even more pertinent than previously.

Whilst the above is largely speculative, the crisis and uncertainty surrounding it will require entertainment companies to quickly evaluate alternative programming and release options, the likes of which we may never have seen before.

News Broadcasting

Barc forensic audit in TRP row awaits as Twenty-Four probe gathers pace

Published

1 month ago

February 4, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

KERALA: A forensic audit commissioned by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India has emerged as the centrepiece of the government’s response to fresh allegations of television rating point manipulation involving a regional news channel in Kerala, with both the audit findings and a parallel police investigation still awaited.

Replying to a query in the Lok Sabha, minister of state for information and broadcasting L Murugan, said Barc had appointed an independent agency to conduct a forensic probe into the conduct of senior personnel allegedly linked to the case.

The move followed media reports claiming that a Barc employee had accepted bribes to manipulate viewership data in favour of a regional television news channel.

“The report from BARC is still awaited,” Murugan told Parliament, signalling that the forensic exercise remains ongoing.

Industry specialists say forensic audits are crucial in alleged TRP fraud cases, as they examine internal controls, data access trails, panel household integrity, staff communications and financial transactions. The outcome could determine whether the alleged manipulation was an isolated breach or a deeper systemic weakness in India’s television measurement framework.

Running alongside the audit, the Kerala Police has formed a special investigation team to probe the allegations. The ministry has sought a preliminary report from the state’s director general of police, including details of action taken on the first information report. That report, too, is yet to be submitted.

The episode has revived long-standing concerns over the vulnerability of India’s TRP system, particularly in regional news markets where competition for ratings is fierce and advertising revenues hinge on weekly viewership rankings.

India’s sole television audience measurement body Barc, has faced scrutiny before, most notably during the nationwide TRP controversy involving news channels in 2020. While tighter compliance norms were introduced in the aftermath, the latest allegations suggest enforcement challenges may persist.

On regulatory consequences, the government said any punitive action against television channels, including suspension or cancellation of uplinking and downlinking permissions, would be governed by the Policy Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels issued in November 2022, and would depend on investigation outcomes and due process.

The ministry also pointed to ongoing efforts to overhaul the ratings ecosystem. Television measurement continues to be regulated under the Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies, 2014. Draft amendments were released for public consultation in July 2025, followed by a revised version in November 2025, aimed at tightening audit mechanisms and improving transparency and representativeness.

In November 2025, Barc said it had taken note of allegations aired by Malayalam news channel Twenty-Four, which linked an internal employee to irregularities in audience measurement. The council said it had engaged a “reputed independent agency” to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit, underscoring the seriousness of the claims.

The ratings system sits at the heart of India’s broadcast advertising economy, shaping billions of rupees in annual ad spends. With trust in audience data once again under strain, advertisers, broadcasters and regulators are closely watching the outcome of the investigations.

Barc has urged industry stakeholders and media organisations to exercise restraint while the probe is underway, calling for an end to “unverified or speculatory claims” and reiterating its commitment to integrity and accountability.

Until the forensic audit and police findings are submitted and reviewed, the government said it would refrain from drawing conclusions.

News Broadcasting

Rajat Sharma defamation row: Delhi court summons Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Pawan Khera and Jairam Ramesh

Published

1 month ago

February 4, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court has ordered the summoning of senior Congress leaders Ragini Nayak, Pawan Khera and Jairam Ramesh in a criminal case filed by veteran journalist Rajat Sharma, sharpening a legal battle over alleged defamation and doctored digital content.

The order was passed on Monday by Devanshi Janmeja, judicial magistrate first class at Saket Courts, after the court found prima facie grounds to proceed under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including forgery, creation of false electronic records and defamation.

Sharma, chairman and editor-in-chief of India TV, had approached the court over allegations made in June 2024 that he had used derogatory language against Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak during a live television debate. He denied the charge, claiming it was fuelled by a manipulated video circulated online.

According to the complaint, a clipped version of the broadcast carrying superimposed captions, which were not part of the original programme, was first shared on social media platform X by Nayak and later amplified through retweets and public statements by Khera and Ramesh. Sharma said the viral spread caused serious reputational harm and personal distress.

The court took note of forensic science laboratory findings that pointed to visible post-production alterations in the video, including added titles and captions. It also cited witness testimonies from those present during the live broadcast, who stated that no abusive or objectionable language had been used.

In a related civil matter, the Delhi High Court had earlier observed a prima facie absence of abusive remarks and directed the removal of the disputed social media posts.

With criminal proceedings now set in motion, the case adds to mounting scrutiny around political messaging, digital manipulation and accountability on social media platforms.

News Broadcasting

Mukesh Ambani, Larry Fink come together for CNBC-TV18 exclusive

Reliance and BlackRock chiefs map the future of investing as global capital eyes India

Published

1 month ago

February 4, 2026

indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: India’s capital story takes centre stage today as Mukesh Ambani and Larry Fink sit down for a rare joint television conversation, bringing together two of the most powerful voices in global business at a moment of economic churn and opportunity.

The Reliance Industries chief and the BlackRock boss will speak with Shereen Bhan, managing editor of CNBC-TV18, in an exclusive interaction airing from 3:00 pm on February 4. The timing is deliberate. Geopolitics are tense, technology is disruptive and capital is choosier. India, meanwhile, is pitching itself as a long-term bet.

The pairing is symbolic. Reliance straddles energy transition, digital infrastructure and consumer growth in the world’s fastest-expanding major economy. BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, oversees more than $14 tn in assets and sits at the nerve centre of global capital flows. When the two talk, markets tend to listen.

Fink’s appearance marks his third India visit, a signal of the country’s rising strategic weight for the Wall Street-listed firm, which carries a market value above $177 bn. His earlier 2023 trips included an October stop in New Delhi, where he met both Ambani and Narendra Modi.

India is now central to BlackRock’s expansion plans, notably through its joint venture with Jio Financial Services. Announced in July 2023, the 50:50 venture, JioBlackRock, commits up to $150 mn each from the partners to build a digital-first asset-management platform aimed at India’s swelling investor class.

The backdrop is robust. BlackRock ended 2025 with record assets under management of $14.04 tn, helped by $698 bn in net inflows, including $342 bn in the fourth quarter alone. Scale gives Fink both heft and a long lens on where money is moving.

He has been openly bullish on India. At the Saudi-US Investment Summit in Riyadh last year, Fink argued that the “fog of global uncertainty is lifting”, with capital returning to dynamic markets such as India, drawn by reforms, demographics and durable return potential.

Expect the conversation to range beyond balance sheets, into technology’s role in finance, access to capital and the mechanics of sustainable growth in a fracturing world order. For investors and policymakers alike, it is a snapshot of how big money is thinking about India.

At a time when capital is cautious and growth is contested, India wants to be the exception. When Ambani and Fink share a stage, it is less a chat and more a signal. The world’s money is still looking for its next big story, and India intends to be it.