ITV

Tag: Aaj Tak

  • Acting on its mandate

    Acting on its mandate

    The NBSA has been cracking the whip on certain complaints filed with the standards body. Here is a example of three cases which were censured by it. Several other examples can be found on the nbanewdelhi.com.

    1. Decision dated 20.12.2012 passed by NBSA regarding complaint dated 14 September 2011 filed by the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust against TV18 Broadcast Limited in respect of broadcast dated 1.8.2011 and subsequent broadcasts in relation to the RGCT – Channels: CNN IBN & IBN7

    The NBSA, accordingly, directed that the Broadcaster be visited with the following consequences:

    (a) The Broadcasters be directed to carry an apology by running the following text (static) on full screen in large font size with voice over (in slow speed) expressing regret for the said telecast on their channels for 5 consecutive days at 9.00 pm sharp on 24.12.202, 25.12.2012, 26.12.2012, 27.12.2012 & 28.12.2012 respectively (IBN7 will carry the apology in Hindi):

    (b) The Broadcaster is issued a “censure” by the NBSA for wilful violation of NBA Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards and norms of ethical journalism;

    (c) A fine of Rs one lakh is imposed upon the broadcaster, to be paid to NBA within one week of receipt of this order.

    2. Decision dated 25.10.2012 passed by NBSA regarding complaint dated 21.06.2012 filed by Dr. Kalind Prashar against broadcasts made on Aaj Tak (on 10.6.12) & on IBN7 (on 11.6.12) of a one sided story of a matrimonial dispute – Channels: Aaj Tak

    Insofar as Aaj Tak is concerned, the NBSA held that the channel was clearly in breach of the NBA Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards, Specific Guidelines and committed wilful violation of the NBSA Advisory on Reportage of Family/Matrimonial Matters dated 16.9.2011, for the reasons recorded above. The NBSA therefore directs that TV Today Network Ltd. / Aajtak be visited with the following consequences:

    (a)The channel must carry the unedited version of the complainant, prominently for a duration of three minutes at the same time that the first broadcast was made on 10.6.12 i.e. at 6.00 pm for three consecutive days i.e. on 30.10.12, 31.10.12 & 1.11.12 respectively. The complainant’s version must also be preceded by an apology to be tendered by the channel, by running the following text (static) on full screen in large font size with voice over (in slow speed) expressing regret for the said telecast on their channel Aaj Tak.

    (b) Directed the broadcaster to pay a fine of Rs 1,00,000 to the NBA within seven days of receipt of this Order for wilful violation of NBA Advisory dated 16.9.11 on reportage of family/matrimonial matters.

    3 . Decision dated 16.7.2009 passed by NBSA on complaint filed by Eye Bank Co-ordination & Research Centre & Arpan Eye Bank, Mumbai – Channel: NDTV India for breach of the principle of impartiality and objectivity in reporting and (ii) of not ensuring neutrality in reporting.

    Decision:

    a) To run an announcement, expressing regret for the said telecast prominently on their channel NDTV India prior to the commencement of the telecast of the program Mumbai Central stating the following (text to be translated in Hindi).

    b) To also run the apology text on NDTV India on following three consecutive days, an apology/regret as a scroll in legible font and at normal speed between 8.00 pm. and 9.00 pm, five times with a space of 12 minutes each.

    c) To grant to EBCRC and Arpan an opportunity to express their version on the subject matter of the said telecast, by broadcasting EBCRC’s and Arpan’s un-edited version on the subject matter of the said telecast of a duration not exceeding an aggregate of five minutes on the channel NDTV India in the program Mumbai Central.

    d) Proof of compliance of this Order by NDTV by submitting a Compact Disc containing the telecast/apology/regret with particulars of the time and date of the telecast be submitted to the News Broadcasters Association within 15 days of receipt the Order passed by the Authority.

    4. Decision dated 19.10.2011 passed by NBSA on suo motu action regarding telecast of a programme “Will Kanimozhi turn approver” – Channel: Times Now for “conjecture and speculation” in its Prime time debate show News Hour.

    The Authority issued to the said Broadcaster a “censure” for the breaches committed by it and made it clear that any further transgression by the said Broadcaster would be dealt with more severely. 13. The Authority further directed the NBA:

    (a) to send a copy of this Order to the said Broadcaster for noting and for future compliance;

    (b) to circulate this Order to all Members/Editors of NBA;

    (c) to host a summary of these proceedings and of the present Order on the NBA website and to include such summary in the NBA’s Annual Report.

  • ME Tablet sponsors Vande Mataram

    ME Tablet sponsors Vande Mataram

    NEW DELHI : HCL Infosystems Ltd. India’s premier services and ICT systems integration, distribution and Hardware Company has partnered with Aaj Tak, to sponsor Vande Mataram contest. Vande Mataram is a show which instils patriotism, brings to life the untold stories behind many wars that India fought and to honour the lives of the soldiers who fought for our motherland. Aired from 14th September onwards to 30th November at 10PM, Vande Mataram will pay tribute to the martyrs and unsung war heroes who had put their lives at stake for the nation. In addition, every episode gives an opportunity to five lucky viewers who stand to win HCL ME Tablets. A viewer needs to answer a simple question asked by the anchor and SMS their response (VM A,B,or C) to 52424

     

     On the sponsorship agreement, Gautam Advani, Global Head, Mobility Business Unit, HCL Infosystems said, “This is a great initiative by Aaj Tak team and partnering with Vande Mataram is a moment of pride. ME Tablet has always stood by and commended such initiatives. Our brand is all about change and being an enabler. We believe that through such associations we would be able to strengthen the social fabric of the country. ME Tablets has joined hands with Aaj Tak for this great initiative and hopes that it will bring about a change in the way the whole country looks at the sacrifices made by our Defence Forces.”

     

    Vande Matram is a weekly show which will be aired on every Saturday at 10PM. Anchored by noted actor Kabir Bedi along with voice over narration by actor Raza Murad, it promises to take the viewers to the depth of India’s war stories and will get the audience to experience the patriotism, battles and victories by taking them to a different era.

  • Colors goes FTA in the UK; gears up for battle

    Colors goes FTA in the UK; gears up for battle

    MUMBAI: The battle to capture the eyeballs of the UK-based Indian TV channel viewer is about to get fiercer. The Viacom18 group’s flagship brand Colors has announced that it is going free to air in the UK from 2 September. Following this, all of Sky Digital and Virgin Media’s cable TV viewers will be able to receive the channel as a free service.

     

    Says Colors CEO Raj Nayak: “We are elated to offer two of our leading brands, Colors and Rishtey, to our viewers in the UK. With this move, we will be reaching out to a much wider audience base giving them an enriching viewing experience of our top class fiction and non-fiction programming”.

     

    Colors became a part of Multiscreen Media’s ViewAsia bouquet (available on Sky as an Asian pack for pound sterling 17.99) in 2010 and was a pay channel there. Over the past year, ViewAsia tenants such as Sab TV, Sahara one and Aaj Tak opted to go free, leaving Colors to give company to Sony Max, B4U Movies, Sony TV Asia and ARY digital on ViewAsia. Now Colors too has headed for the exit, leaving question marks over ViewAsia’s pricing structure.

     

    Points out IndiaCast group CEO Anuj Gandhi: “The UK continues to be one of our most important markets – where in the past we have challenged the status quo with the launch and success of Rishtey and now with Colors going free to air, we are making our next big move towards leadership.”

     

    Over the past three years, the Network18 group and Viacom18 have launched Colors, Rishtey and News 18 – the first international news channel covering India- in the UK with the Viacom-Network18 joint venture Indiacast. The network says, Colors is available in close to 75 countries and its content is distributed in over 100 countries.

     

    ” Over the last 12 months, we have had phenomenal success with Rishtey that has made us the strongest challenger in the market. With Colors going free to air, we will neutralize the undue distribution advantage that some of the other south Asian channels have enjoyed in the market, making it a level playing field and we are confident of being the leading south Asian network in the UK in the near future,” says Indiacast COO Gaurav Gandhi.

     

    Adds IndiaCast UK’s business head Govind Shahi: “As a growing network, we are thrilled to independently deliver a broader spectrum of high quality entertainment to the consumer – with path breaking dramas, round-the-clock news, movie premieres and all-time favourite international formats like Bigg Boss, India’s Got Talent and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Now with our channels reaching DTH homes in the UK, we are going to be the most potent and effective platform for the advertisers targeting South Asian homes.”

     

    Once it goes free to air, Colors will become a BARB rated channel in the UK. The latest BARB ratings for the week ended 11 August, show Star Plus is the leader in the UK market with 1.16 million viewers, UMP Movies is second with 994,000 viewers, Rishtey, third with 888,000 viewers, Zing – a part of the Zee Network – is at fourth with its best ever ratings of 621,000 viewers. At fifth place is Star Gold with 580,000 viewers. Sony SAB TV follows with 573,000 viewers. At seventh spot is Star Life Ok with 440,000 viewers.

     

    Cumulatively, the Star Network channels account for 2 plus million viewers in the UK – a stranglehold that the Netowrk18 group will be hard-pressed to try and break. But knowing the IndiaCast, Network18 and Viacom18, teams, well, they love a good joust. Get ready for a good fight!

  • Focus’s new campaign for brand ‘New Holland’ consolidates its position as a technology leader

    Focus’s new campaign for brand ‘New Holland’ consolidates its position as a technology leader

    Mumbai: New Holland Fiat (India), part of the CNH Global group (one of the world’s leading Agricultural and Construction Equipment Manufacturing Company), has entrusted Focus Circle with a responsibility of deriving a new positioning the brand with a 360 degree campaign. Focus has been the brand custodian for New Holland for the past two years for the Indian market, and with the growing mechanization needs of agricultural industry which are directly depending on latest technology, they realised that it was the right time for the brand to directly communicate with their target audience using the TVC and digital space as primary platforms.

    The first phase involved creation of the TVC campaign, which focuses on the integration of technology in the life of a farmer. Sharing greater insights on the overall campaign and the concept of the TVC, Rahool Talukdhar, National Creative Director, Focus Circle said “Using TVC to communicate to niche audience was extremely stimulating. To understand a brand like New Holland which is one of the global leader in its space, the core strategy and messaging enables us to build up connection with audiences leading to sustainable engagement unlike a B2C segment. Besides, it’s great to work with a brand that can give you the freedom of applying integrated services as the efforts can be synchronised well. The core objective of the campaign is to communicate to the direct and indirect audience that New Holland being the pioneer in tractor technology, it should be the ONLY choice of every progressive farmer in the country.”

    As a major global player in the agriculture equipment market, New Holland has been growing consistently in India. New Holland aims at customising and creating mass awareness through the digital platforms for effective impact & reach to the potential fraternity.

    Highlighting her brief to the agency and the core objective Ms. Seema Singh, GM- Corporate Communication, , New Holland Fiat India said “Agricultural sector in India is going through a transitional phase from traditional farming to mechanized farming; which is the need of the time due to various reasons such as labour shortage, need for faster crop cycles and quality food grains as an output of farming. And to cater to this growing need of the segment, which needs a whole range of solutions that would ease agricultural operations. Observing the scope and the willingness of the farmers to explore newer technology, we wanted to offer our global expertise to add value to the Indian agricultural sector. Searching for effective media to communicate the same to the direct and indirect audiences was a challenge. We jointly worked out an impactful road map with Focus, to ensure that we are able to successfully achieve our business objective of creating strong brand image and further strengthening it.”

    The focus is to stream line the core communication across all platforms and increase the scope of communication about the brand in the market to increase the awareness amongst direct and indirect audiences. With an objective to reach out to the farming and agricultural community across India the campaign was scheduled to running across PTC, Doordarshan, India TV, Aaj Tak and ETV with focus on agriculturally rich states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP, MP, Gujarat and Maharashtra. With the digital mandate in the pipeline the agency will aim at streamlining the core message through all communication & execution platforms for brand engagement.

  • News Nation hands over media AOR to Carat

    News Nation hands over media AOR to Carat

    MUMBAI: It‘s making an entry into an already teeming with competition space. And News Nation – a channel promoted by a group from the north with Shailesh Kumar (a former Aaj Tak and Zee News news professional) at its helm needs all the professional help it can to guide it through the terrain. Hence, it has handed over the media mandate to plan its media spends to Dentsu-Aegis Groups’ Carat Media Services following a multi agency pitch.

    The soon to be launched channel’s creative duties are being handled by IPG’s McCann Erickson. A high voltage campaign is scheduled to be flagged off soon.

    “We believe in the proposition being put forth by News Nation whole heartedly. It’s a responsible news channel for the sensible viewer and our media approach is also similarly aligned to connect the brand message with its chosen prospect most effectively. We shall endeavour to do this with the help of all pertinent media platforms – including television, print, digital, OOH as well as activation,” says Carat Media executive VP Vidhu Sagar.

    News Nation aims to position itself as the news channel of a new India that focuses on getting to the real truth behind every story and to deliver pure, unadulterated news to viewers.

    Speaking about the channel’s objectives and ideology, News Nation CEO Shailesh Kumar says: “News Nation will never be known for sensationalism or masala news like many others of our ilk today. Instead, our sights are focused on producing sensible news for the intelligent viewer of this country and beyond. To this end, News Nation has already made sizeable investments on the technology and talent front”.

  • Big Magic Intl strengthens reach in Canada with new distribution deals

    Big Magic Intl strengthens reach in Canada with new distribution deals

    MUMBAI: Big Magic International (BMI), part of Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. (RBNL) has announced a strategic distribution tie-up with Canadian cable distribution companies – Telus, Cogeco, to boost coverage. Having launched last year with Ethnic Channels Group (ECG) as its exclusive distribution partner, the channel is now present in five of the six platforms, across GTA, East and the West Coast.

    With this move, BMI reaches out to the South Asian diaspora living across Canada, with shows like ‘Rasoi ki Rani‘ and ‘Big Memsaab Season 6‘. Also planned in the pipeline are local shows targeting youth and a business show on the Success Stories of Indians in Canada.

    Telus Optic TV covers Vancouver, British Columbia, Alberta, Edmonton and Calgary on the West Coast. It will beam on Channel 556 and free viewing at a $5 add-on.

    Cogeco will serve the areas of Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Milton, Stoney Creek, Burloak, Brockville, Niagara Falls, St. Catherine, Peterborough, and Windsor among others in the Ontario region on Channel 1084. This in effect will cover the East Coast of Canada. Big MAGIC will be offered to viewers here as a package, with channels included being ATN, Zee Cinema, Big Magic, Aaj Tak and Headlines Today. This will be available to viewers for $25 per month.

    BMI is the first variety entertainment channel to connect with the Indian community in Canada, according to the company.

    Soumen G. Choudhury said, “We are happy to announce further penetration of the channel, through the launch on Telus and Cogeco. This will ensure that our shows that have seen popularity in India, grow global and entertain the viewers internationally too. Our partners, ECG have done a commendable job, giving us an increased penetration through their existing relationship with platforms across Canada.”

    ECG president Hari Srinivas said, “While our audiences grow, we need to meet the demands of every segment of our viewers. With Big Magic International, we cover the most engrossed and interactive audience of South Asians, especially Indians”.

  • TV Today doubles Q3 profit before tax and interest from broadcast biz

    TV Today doubles Q3 profit before tax and interest from broadcast biz

    MUMBAI: The third quarter of the financial year 20123-13 has been the best quarter for news broadcasters notwithstanding the less than buoyant festive season with advertisers.

     

    TV Today Network’s revenue from TV business increased to Rs 879.6 million for the three-month period ended 31 December 2012, from Rs 765.7 million a year earlier.The company owns and operates news channels such as Aaj Tak, Tez and Headlines Today.

     

    Profit before tax and interest for TV Broadcasting business more than doubled to Rs 200.3 million from Rs 98.92 million a year earlier.

        
    TV Today Network’s net profit from the television and FM radio broadcasting business combined rose more than four times to Rs 153.5 million in the third quarter ended 31 December from Rs 35.49 a year earlier.

     

    On the pure radio business front, TV Today Network narrowed the loss before tax and interest to Rs 32 million in the third quarter from Rs 43 million a year earlier. Its revenue from radio was Rs 24.69 million against to Rs 21.47 million a year earlier.

     

    TV Today Network’s overall income from operations in the third quarter increased 15 per cent to Rs 903.7 million from Rs 786.79 million a year earlier, while its expenses for the quarter saw a marginal fall to Rs 752 million from Rs 742.7 million.

     

    TV Today Network’s production cost declined to Rs 93.3 million from Rs 102.5 a year ago.

     

    Its advertisement, distribution and sales promotion expenses were flat at Rs 229.8 million compared with Rs 220.2 million.

  • Aaj Tak expands presence in Ontario, Canada

    Aaj Tak expands presence in Ontario, Canada

    MUMBAI: TV Today Network has launched its Hindi news channel Aaj Tak on Cogeco Cable, a Canada-based cable telecommunications company.

    With this launch, Aaj Tak will now be accessible to viewers in Ontario, expanding Aaj Tak’s presence in the Ontario market.

    The launch boosts the synergies between Aaj Tak and Cogeco, as Cogeco builds on its cable distribution base offering analogue and digital television, high speed internet and telephony services, the company said.
    The channel will be sold in the following package- ATN + Zee Cinema + Big Magic + Aaj Tak + Headlines Today for $25 per month.

    India Today Group CEO Ashish Bagga said, “It is a step in our endeavor to expand our presence in key markets across the globe. We want to be easily accessible to all our viewers worldwide at economical prices.

    Moreover, Cogeco is a perfect choice for broadcasting Aaj Tak in Ontario. Cogeco is a very capable group and they are doing an excellent work in Cable communications industry. We are hopeful this launch will strengthen and benefit both Aaj Tak and Cogeco.”

    TV Today’s exclusive partner in Canada Ethnic Channels Group CEO Slava Levin said that this launch will help more viewers connect with the brand.

    Cogeco Cable is the second largest hybrid fibre coaxial cable system operator in Ontario, adding The Aaj Tak Channel allows Cogeco Cable to respond to a variety of customer tastes and needs and to enhance our already engaging multicultural TV offering,” Cogeco Cable vice-president, marketing and strategic planning Ron Perrotta added.

  • Aaj Tak reporter harassed while following story on gang rape

    Aaj Tak reporter harassed while following story on gang rape

    NEW DELHI: A reporter of Aaj Tak who was attempting to check security measures taken in the wake of the gang rape of a girl in a moving bus last Sunday was harassed in broad daylight today in Vasant Kunj area of New Delhi by three eve teaser in a car.

    A team of ten women reporters from the network which went around the city, however, said that “the power of camera made us feel safe on the haunting and crime filled streets of Delhi during the night”.

    Rajya Sabha MP Jaya Bachchan raised this incident in Parliament today and demanded an investigation. Congress MP Girija Vyas also raised this story and expressed her concern on the same. Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde shared his concern on the matter and assured the house of investigation on this matter.

    Aaj Tak has launched a campaign on its facebook page against this atrocious crime. The page will give the updates on the pending rape cases of Delhi & NCR. All the gruesome incidents that have happened before will be reopened, to open the government’s eyes. The page also gives an opportunity to the general public to express their views on whether Capital punishment should be mandatory for the rapists or not.

    Expressing the shock at today’s incident, Ashish Bagga, Group CEO, India Today Group, said: “It is horrible and barbaric! Such incidents are dragging us back to the uncivilized era in spite of taking us forward! If the media people themselves are becoming victims, I wonder the scare felt by the ordinary women in city! It’s a shame for all of us and our foremost duty is to fight the menace”.

    Aaj Tak pledge all the other news channels, students, teachers, home makers and everyone to be out on streets and not let the flame of the burning issue fade out.

  • Aaj Tak kick-starts on-ground events with ‘Agenda Aaj Tak’

    MUMBAI: Taking a cue from other news channels, Aaj Tak has kick-started on-ground events with ‘Agenda Aaj Tak‘ which is to be held on 6 and 7 December in New Delhi.

    The event will be held annually.

    The Hindi news channel has roped in BRYS Group as the presenting sponsor while Century Plywood has come in as the associate sponsor for its first edition. BRYS Group is into real estate, hospitality, medicare and advertising.

    India Today Group CEO Ashish Bagga told Indiantelevision.com that the cost of the event has been recovered. “Substantial margin is usually enjoyed by such thought leading events. Thus, sponsors are still pouring in.”

    The event will be webcasted live on Aaj Tak‘s website. Aaj Tak and the network channels will be supporting it on air with special programmes like Live cut-ins, curtain raisers, daily half hour specials, quotes through the daily stories and post-event weekend shows.

    The marketing campaign promise of the event is “Hindi Jagat ka Mahamanch”.

    “We are doing aggressive marketing promotions across all mediums such as print, internet, outdoor, TV and radio as we conceive this to become a benchmark property both on air and off air,” Bagga added.

    ‘Agenda Aaj Tak‘ is a summit that will bring 40 renowned personalities from India and abroad to discuss, share their insight and perspective and will try to lay the foundation for India‘s Future.

    The conclave will consist of discussions and Q&A sessions by prominent political leaders, cricketers, Bollywood celebrities, authors and bureaucrats on issues like politics, youth, social media, democracy, development, Bhasha, cross-border terrorism, regionalism, economic reforms, social issues, India-Pakistan relation and popular culture.

    According to Bagga, the overarching theme is to set India‘s Agenda in India‘s own language – Hindi. “Thought leaders from all spheres will be building on this and so will the subsequent On Air programming. Therefore, to take the channel‘s influence beyond the screen and to create mass movements we have embarked on this direction as the most respected and trusted news channel.”

    He said this show is expected to be amongst the most powerful shows on TV ever. “It is first of its kind in India‘s own language – Hindi. Therefore expectations on ratings are high but more importantly the influence will be the driver for such initiatives. The opinions and the stature of speakers will define a new high when it comes to thought leadership. Revenues are anyway very positive on platforms that are opinion leading and present extraordinary positive rub off.”