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  • 2016’s top moments on Facebook

    2016’s top moments on Facebook

    MUMBAI: Each year, Facebook reviews the moments, events and trends that people shared and talked most about. Today, we’re excited to share those top moments from 2016. The top moments represents most talked about, shared and discussed topics that dominated the year that went by.

    The methodology to determine the top trenders is simple. The top 10 moments of this year’s Year in Review were measured by how frequently a topic was mentioned in Facebook posts made between 1 January and 27 November, 2016. To put this list together, mentions were analyzed in an aggregated, ‘anonymised’ way and then ranked to create a snapshot of the year on Facebook. The top 10 Live videos were measured by total cumulative views.

    While across the world, US Presidential Election, Brazil’s politics and Pokemon Go ruled conversations, in India, things were mostly festive this year with the top trending topic in the country being ‘Diwali’ followed by what Indian follow religiously ‘Cricket’. Uri Attacks and surgical strikes were the third most talked about topic on FB, given its grave significance, in the backdrop of the current nationalistic wave. Here is the full list.

    Top 10 most talked about topics from India in 2016 on Facebook:

    1. Diwali
    2. Cricket
    3. Uri attacks and surgical attacks
    4. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Movie)
    5. Hardwell (India Tour)
    6. Priyanka Chopra
    7. Rio Olympics
    8. Pokemon Go
    9. Pathankot
    10. iPhone 7 launch

    Global Top Moments on Facebook

    1. US Presidential Election
    2. Brazilian Politics
    3. Pokemon Go
    4. Black Lives Matter
    5. Rodrigo Duterte & Philippine Presidential Election
    6. Olympics
    7. Brexit
    8. Super Bowl
    9. David Bowie
    10. Muhammad Ali

    This year was also the first time Facebook had introduced its live video options, and thus the top live videos warrant its own list.

    Top 10 live videos on Facebook from India:

    https://www.facebook.com/ajaz.qamer/videos/1769859169954467/
    https://www.facebook.com/sonakshisinhaofficial/videos/10154155457904701/
    https://www.facebook.com/AmitabhBachchan/videos/1440239589343159/
    https://www.facebook.com/IamSRK/videos/1660059270686996/
    https://www.facebook.com/aajtak/videos/10154902993692580/
    https://www.facebook.com/KajolDevgan/videos/1756974501230484/
    https://www.facebook.com/BollywoodTabloidOfficial/videos/1183974758358529/
    https://www.facebook.com/aajtak/videos/10154980331897580/
    https://www.facebook.com/AAPkaArvind/videos/1129804343783728/
    https://www.facebook.com/AjayDevgn/videos/1067612059943103/

    Top 10 global live videos:

    1. Candace Payne, Chewbacca Mom
    2. Ted Yoder, Soundscapes
    3. Buzzfeed, Countdown to the next presidential election
    4. Atlanta Buzz, People are lining up to hug police officers in Dallas
    5. NBC News, Election results
    6. Under the Hood, Video of a truck completely carved out of wood
    7. Viral Thread, Population count from US to CA
    8. CNN, Election results on Empire State building
    9. Dena Blizzard, Pokemon Go for moms ”Chardonnay Go”
    10. Super Deluxe, Election map

  • 2016’s top moments on Facebook

    2016’s top moments on Facebook

    MUMBAI: Each year, Facebook reviews the moments, events and trends that people shared and talked most about. Today, we’re excited to share those top moments from 2016. The top moments represents most talked about, shared and discussed topics that dominated the year that went by.

    The methodology to determine the top trenders is simple. The top 10 moments of this year’s Year in Review were measured by how frequently a topic was mentioned in Facebook posts made between 1 January and 27 November, 2016. To put this list together, mentions were analyzed in an aggregated, ‘anonymised’ way and then ranked to create a snapshot of the year on Facebook. The top 10 Live videos were measured by total cumulative views.

    While across the world, US Presidential Election, Brazil’s politics and Pokemon Go ruled conversations, in India, things were mostly festive this year with the top trending topic in the country being ‘Diwali’ followed by what Indian follow religiously ‘Cricket’. Uri Attacks and surgical strikes were the third most talked about topic on FB, given its grave significance, in the backdrop of the current nationalistic wave. Here is the full list.

    Top 10 most talked about topics from India in 2016 on Facebook:

    1. Diwali
    2. Cricket
    3. Uri attacks and surgical attacks
    4. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Movie)
    5. Hardwell (India Tour)
    6. Priyanka Chopra
    7. Rio Olympics
    8. Pokemon Go
    9. Pathankot
    10. iPhone 7 launch

    Global Top Moments on Facebook

    1. US Presidential Election
    2. Brazilian Politics
    3. Pokemon Go
    4. Black Lives Matter
    5. Rodrigo Duterte & Philippine Presidential Election
    6. Olympics
    7. Brexit
    8. Super Bowl
    9. David Bowie
    10. Muhammad Ali

    This year was also the first time Facebook had introduced its live video options, and thus the top live videos warrant its own list.

    Top 10 live videos on Facebook from India:

    https://www.facebook.com/ajaz.qamer/videos/1769859169954467/
    https://www.facebook.com/sonakshisinhaofficial/videos/10154155457904701/
    https://www.facebook.com/AmitabhBachchan/videos/1440239589343159/
    https://www.facebook.com/IamSRK/videos/1660059270686996/
    https://www.facebook.com/aajtak/videos/10154902993692580/
    https://www.facebook.com/KajolDevgan/videos/1756974501230484/
    https://www.facebook.com/BollywoodTabloidOfficial/videos/1183974758358529/
    https://www.facebook.com/aajtak/videos/10154980331897580/
    https://www.facebook.com/AAPkaArvind/videos/1129804343783728/
    https://www.facebook.com/AjayDevgn/videos/1067612059943103/

    Top 10 global live videos:

    1. Candace Payne, Chewbacca Mom
    2. Ted Yoder, Soundscapes
    3. Buzzfeed, Countdown to the next presidential election
    4. Atlanta Buzz, People are lining up to hug police officers in Dallas
    5. NBC News, Election results
    6. Under the Hood, Video of a truck completely carved out of wood
    7. Viral Thread, Population count from US to CA
    8. CNN, Election results on Empire State building
    9. Dena Blizzard, Pokemon Go for moms ”Chardonnay Go”
    10. Super Deluxe, Election map

  • 2016’s top hashtag trends

    2016’s top hashtag trends

    MUMBAI: From Brexit, to GST, to US elections and now demonetisation, 2016 has been an eventful year so far, and continues to throw googlys at us in the last few remaining days (Tamil Nadu CM’s death). No wonder the netizens were exceptionally chatty on Twitter this year.

    The country’s trending moments became worldwide conversations on Twitter, be it PM Modi’s revolutionary demonetisation reform (Most Influential Moment of the Year), Delhi’s rising pollution problem, the debut of Global Citizen Festival in India, and the Bollywood glam at the Filmfare Awards.

    PV Sindhu, Sakshi Malik, and Dipa Karmakar, India’s women athletes that won a million hearts on Twitter during the Olympics made #Rio2016 the Top Hashtag Trend of the Year on Twitter. Their medal victories and near-misses inspired women everywhere, and showcased a spirit of unwavering determination and grit.

    Virat Kohli’s Tweet in support of Anushka Sharma was the Golden Tweet or the most Retweeted Tweet of 2016.

    According to Twitter India, Twitter reflected and influenced Indian society that was united together in celebration, victory, protests, revolutionary reforms, crises, and significant cultural moments.

    To commemorate that, the micro blogging site has released a list of highlights from Twitter’s 2016.

    Hashtags are the anchors of any solid conversation; they enable users to discover and participate in what others are talking about for an issue they care about. With 7 of the top 10 hashtags this year related to the #Rio2016 Olympics and #WT20 cricket, sports dominated the trending Twitter conversations for the nation. The government’s flagship programme, #MakeInIndia is also one of the most popular Hashtag Trends of the year with its global appeal.

    1. #Rio2016

    All conversations surrounding this exciting sporting global moment converged on Twitter, as Indians Tweeted using the #Rio2016 hashtag. The hashtag united the country in this moment of national prominence and the Tweets reflected the pride, thrill and joy of Indians everywhere as Indian athletes won medals at the Olympics and received well-deserved cheers on the platform.

    2. #IndvsPak

    The two national teams enthralled fans with a cut-throat match in the group stage of the ICC WT20 tournament. The cricket mania took Twitter by storm as aficionados from either side of the border Tweeted fervently with #IndvsPak to join the conversation on the platform onMarch 19th.

    3. #WT20

    The apex international championship of Twenty20 cricket was religiously Tweeted about by the nation’s ardent cricket lovers. Fans rejoiced at every six and coped together with every wicket by using the #WT20 hashtag from March 15 – April 3.

    4. #IndvsAus

    India battled it out against the Aussies in the group stage of the WT20 tournament. Enthusiastic Indians Tweeted their support for the national team with the #IndvsAus hashtag and celebrated the national win when India beat Australia on March 27th.

    5. #MakeInIndia

    The Government of India uses Twitter to promote their flagship #MakeInIndia programme that encourages companies to manufacture their products in India. The Government shared updates on new deals, joint ventures and tech transfers using this hashtag around the world. Large corporations as well as SMBs across various verticals also Tweeted regarding developments related to this global #MakeInIndia initiative.

    6. #IndvsWI

    India vs West Indies was the penultimate knockout semi-final game in the WT20 tournament. #IndvsWI trended all day on March 31st and Tweets regarding the much anticipated match took over the Twitter timeline. West Indies won the match and millions of broken-hearted Indians still stood strong with Team India, in a display of true passion.

    7. #IndvsBan

    Indians around the world were united with #IndvsBan as fans Tweeted to fellow cricket lovers and joined the conversation on March 23rd. India clinched the thrilling WT20 match by defeating Bangladesh by 1 run and Twitter reflected the sentiments of this joyous moment.

    8. #PVSindhu

    India’s 1.2 billion people stood behind PV Sindhu (@Pvsindhu1) as she set out to compete against world #1 Carolina Mari in the Olympic Badminton Women’s Final. She became the first Indian woman to win a silver medal at the Olympics and Indians took to Twitter to congratulate her. #PVSindhu became an inspiring story for women empowerment as young women, mothers, and well-known women icons in India came together on Twitter to celebrate her victory.

    9. #surgicalstrike

    Debates and discussions ensued on Twitter after the Indian Army carried out a surgical strike against Pakistan on September 29th, following the Uri Attack. The nation stood divided in favour of or against this choice of action that led to a significant number of casualties of Indian soldiers.

    10. #JNU

    Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar was slapped with sedition charges and arrested on February 13th for a speech he gave at an event held on campus to mark the third anniversary of terror convict Afzal Guru’s hanging. The#JNU hashtag took Twitter by storm as people debated over serious issues such as condemning freedom of speech that this arrest reflected.

  • 2016’s top hashtag trends

    2016’s top hashtag trends

    MUMBAI: From Brexit, to GST, to US elections and now demonetisation, 2016 has been an eventful year so far, and continues to throw googlys at us in the last few remaining days (Tamil Nadu CM’s death). No wonder the netizens were exceptionally chatty on Twitter this year.

    The country’s trending moments became worldwide conversations on Twitter, be it PM Modi’s revolutionary demonetisation reform (Most Influential Moment of the Year), Delhi’s rising pollution problem, the debut of Global Citizen Festival in India, and the Bollywood glam at the Filmfare Awards.

    PV Sindhu, Sakshi Malik, and Dipa Karmakar, India’s women athletes that won a million hearts on Twitter during the Olympics made #Rio2016 the Top Hashtag Trend of the Year on Twitter. Their medal victories and near-misses inspired women everywhere, and showcased a spirit of unwavering determination and grit.

    Virat Kohli’s Tweet in support of Anushka Sharma was the Golden Tweet or the most Retweeted Tweet of 2016.

    According to Twitter India, Twitter reflected and influenced Indian society that was united together in celebration, victory, protests, revolutionary reforms, crises, and significant cultural moments.

    To commemorate that, the micro blogging site has released a list of highlights from Twitter’s 2016.

    Hashtags are the anchors of any solid conversation; they enable users to discover and participate in what others are talking about for an issue they care about. With 7 of the top 10 hashtags this year related to the #Rio2016 Olympics and #WT20 cricket, sports dominated the trending Twitter conversations for the nation. The government’s flagship programme, #MakeInIndia is also one of the most popular Hashtag Trends of the year with its global appeal.

    1. #Rio2016

    All conversations surrounding this exciting sporting global moment converged on Twitter, as Indians Tweeted using the #Rio2016 hashtag. The hashtag united the country in this moment of national prominence and the Tweets reflected the pride, thrill and joy of Indians everywhere as Indian athletes won medals at the Olympics and received well-deserved cheers on the platform.

    2. #IndvsPak

    The two national teams enthralled fans with a cut-throat match in the group stage of the ICC WT20 tournament. The cricket mania took Twitter by storm as aficionados from either side of the border Tweeted fervently with #IndvsPak to join the conversation on the platform onMarch 19th.

    3. #WT20

    The apex international championship of Twenty20 cricket was religiously Tweeted about by the nation’s ardent cricket lovers. Fans rejoiced at every six and coped together with every wicket by using the #WT20 hashtag from March 15 – April 3.

    4. #IndvsAus

    India battled it out against the Aussies in the group stage of the WT20 tournament. Enthusiastic Indians Tweeted their support for the national team with the #IndvsAus hashtag and celebrated the national win when India beat Australia on March 27th.

    5. #MakeInIndia

    The Government of India uses Twitter to promote their flagship #MakeInIndia programme that encourages companies to manufacture their products in India. The Government shared updates on new deals, joint ventures and tech transfers using this hashtag around the world. Large corporations as well as SMBs across various verticals also Tweeted regarding developments related to this global #MakeInIndia initiative.

    6. #IndvsWI

    India vs West Indies was the penultimate knockout semi-final game in the WT20 tournament. #IndvsWI trended all day on March 31st and Tweets regarding the much anticipated match took over the Twitter timeline. West Indies won the match and millions of broken-hearted Indians still stood strong with Team India, in a display of true passion.

    7. #IndvsBan

    Indians around the world were united with #IndvsBan as fans Tweeted to fellow cricket lovers and joined the conversation on March 23rd. India clinched the thrilling WT20 match by defeating Bangladesh by 1 run and Twitter reflected the sentiments of this joyous moment.

    8. #PVSindhu

    India’s 1.2 billion people stood behind PV Sindhu (@Pvsindhu1) as she set out to compete against world #1 Carolina Mari in the Olympic Badminton Women’s Final. She became the first Indian woman to win a silver medal at the Olympics and Indians took to Twitter to congratulate her. #PVSindhu became an inspiring story for women empowerment as young women, mothers, and well-known women icons in India came together on Twitter to celebrate her victory.

    9. #surgicalstrike

    Debates and discussions ensued on Twitter after the Indian Army carried out a surgical strike against Pakistan on September 29th, following the Uri Attack. The nation stood divided in favour of or against this choice of action that led to a significant number of casualties of Indian soldiers.

    10. #JNU

    Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) president Kanhaiya Kumar was slapped with sedition charges and arrested on February 13th for a speech he gave at an event held on campus to mark the third anniversary of terror convict Afzal Guru’s hanging. The#JNU hashtag took Twitter by storm as people debated over serious issues such as condemning freedom of speech that this arrest reflected.

  • Lower film revenue contributes to Viacom fall in Q4-16 numbers

    Lower film revenue contributes to Viacom fall in Q4-16 numbers

    BENGALURU: Impairment charges for the unreleased Monster Trucks, foreign exchange impact because of Brexit, lower affiliate revenue, lower ratings and hence lower advertising revenue along with restructuring costs were some of the major factors that contributed to a fall in numbers across important parameters for Viacom Inc., (Viacom). For its fourth quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q4-16, current quarter), Viacom reported a 14.8 per cent decline in total revenues to $3,226 million from $3,788 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (Q4-15).

    Adjusted operating income for the current quarter declined to a little more than 50 per cent (declined 49 per cent) to $538 million as compared to $1,055 million in Q4-15. Operating Income declined to less than a third (31.5 per cent) y-o-y in Q4-16 to $332 million from $1,055 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Reported operating income reflects restructuring costs related to executive severance incurred in the fiscal fourth quarter says Viacom.

    The company has two segments – Media Networks and Filmed Entertainment.

    Media Networks

    Media Networks revenue in the current quarter declined 10.9 per cent led by a decline in affiliated and domestic (US) advertisement revenue as well as forex impact due the rising dollar vis-à-vis other currencies, among them Viacom’s UK business which was effected by the downward movement of the British pound with respect to the US dollar due to Brexit.

    The Media Networks segment reported 10.9 per cent year-over-year (y-o-y) decline in revenue for Q4-16 at $2,483 from million $2,787 million reported for Q4-15.

    Media Networks advertising revenue declined 7.6 per cent in Q4-16 to $1,150 million from $1,245 million in Q4-15. The company says that domestic advertising revenues declined 8 per cent, reflecting a decline in television ratings at select networks, partially offset by higher pricing. Worldwide advertising revenues also decreased 8 per cent, reflecting the domestic decline and a 7 per cent decrease in international advertising revenues. Excluding an unfavourable 13 per cent impact of foreign exchange, international advertising revenues increased 6 per cent, resulting from continued growth in Europe.

    Affiliate revenues declined 16.3 per cent to $1,160 million in Q4-16 from $1,386 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Viacom says that domestic and worldwide affiliate revenues decreased 19 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively, reflecting significantly higher revenues from SVOD arrangements in the prior year quarter. International affiliate revenues increased 7 per cent. Excluding an unfavourable 8 per cent impact of foreign exchange, international affiliate revenues increased 15 per cent, driven by new channel launches, increased subscribers, rate increases and the completion of certain SVOD and other OTT arrangements.

    Ancillary revenues in Q4-16 increased 10.9 per cent to $173 million as compared to $156 million reported for Q4-15.

    The segment reported a 26.9 per cent decline in operating income to $741 million in Q4-16 from $1,104 million in Q4-15. Adjusted operating income in the current quarter declined 26.6 per cent to $750 million from $1,022 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Viacom says that Media Networks adjusted operating income decreased primarily due to the decline in revenues.

    Filmed Entertainment

    Filmed Entertainment reported 24.5 per cent decline in revenues in Q4-16 to $774 million from $1,025 million in the corresponding quarter of last year. Filmed Entertainment revenues declined 24 per cent to $774 million, driven by lower theatrical revenues due to the strong international performance of Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation in the fourth quarter of 2015.

    Theatrical revenues in Q4-16 for the segment declined to less than half (declined 54.6 per cent) y-o-y to $203 million from $447 million in Q4-15. Home Entertainment revenue increased 22.8 per cent y-o-y in Q4-16 to $199 million as compared to $162 million. License revenue declined 12.1 per cent in the current quarter to $326 million from $371 million in Q4-15. Ancillary revenue for the segment increased 2.2 per cent in Q4-16 to $46 million from $45 million in Q4-15.

    The segment reported an operating loss of $141 million in the current quarter as compared to an operating profit of $118 million in Q4-15. Adjusted operating loss was $137 million in Q4-16 as compared to an operating profit of $122 million in Q4-15. Viacom says that Filmed Entertainment adjusted quarterly operating loss resulted from a decline in revenues and a previously-disclosed $115 million programming impairment charge.

    Company speak

    Viacom interim president and CEO Tom Dooley said, “Viacom ended the 2016 fiscal year well into our transition, as the company’s industry-leading data program increased in size and sophistication, ratings stabilized at several of our key networks and Paramount has begun to rebuild a full, dynamic slate of films. In addition, our international media networks business is stronger than ever, and we will continue to broaden our footprint and apply our successful strategies to additional territories in attractive markets. With new leadership across the company, continued investments in new content, technologies and targeted acquisitions, and an expanded Board of Directors, I have great confidence in Viacom’s next phase, as the company explores the exciting possibilities ahead.”

  • Lower film revenue contributes to Viacom fall in Q4-16 numbers

    Lower film revenue contributes to Viacom fall in Q4-16 numbers

    BENGALURU: Impairment charges for the unreleased Monster Trucks, foreign exchange impact because of Brexit, lower affiliate revenue, lower ratings and hence lower advertising revenue along with restructuring costs were some of the major factors that contributed to a fall in numbers across important parameters for Viacom Inc., (Viacom). For its fourth quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q4-16, current quarter), Viacom reported a 14.8 per cent decline in total revenues to $3,226 million from $3,788 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (Q4-15).

    Adjusted operating income for the current quarter declined to a little more than 50 per cent (declined 49 per cent) to $538 million as compared to $1,055 million in Q4-15. Operating Income declined to less than a third (31.5 per cent) y-o-y in Q4-16 to $332 million from $1,055 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Reported operating income reflects restructuring costs related to executive severance incurred in the fiscal fourth quarter says Viacom.

    The company has two segments – Media Networks and Filmed Entertainment.

    Media Networks

    Media Networks revenue in the current quarter declined 10.9 per cent led by a decline in affiliated and domestic (US) advertisement revenue as well as forex impact due the rising dollar vis-à-vis other currencies, among them Viacom’s UK business which was effected by the downward movement of the British pound with respect to the US dollar due to Brexit.

    The Media Networks segment reported 10.9 per cent year-over-year (y-o-y) decline in revenue for Q4-16 at $2,483 from million $2,787 million reported for Q4-15.

    Media Networks advertising revenue declined 7.6 per cent in Q4-16 to $1,150 million from $1,245 million in Q4-15. The company says that domestic advertising revenues declined 8 per cent, reflecting a decline in television ratings at select networks, partially offset by higher pricing. Worldwide advertising revenues also decreased 8 per cent, reflecting the domestic decline and a 7 per cent decrease in international advertising revenues. Excluding an unfavourable 13 per cent impact of foreign exchange, international advertising revenues increased 6 per cent, resulting from continued growth in Europe.

    Affiliate revenues declined 16.3 per cent to $1,160 million in Q4-16 from $1,386 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Viacom says that domestic and worldwide affiliate revenues decreased 19 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively, reflecting significantly higher revenues from SVOD arrangements in the prior year quarter. International affiliate revenues increased 7 per cent. Excluding an unfavourable 8 per cent impact of foreign exchange, international affiliate revenues increased 15 per cent, driven by new channel launches, increased subscribers, rate increases and the completion of certain SVOD and other OTT arrangements.

    Ancillary revenues in Q4-16 increased 10.9 per cent to $173 million as compared to $156 million reported for Q4-15.

    The segment reported a 26.9 per cent decline in operating income to $741 million in Q4-16 from $1,104 million in Q4-15. Adjusted operating income in the current quarter declined 26.6 per cent to $750 million from $1,022 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Viacom says that Media Networks adjusted operating income decreased primarily due to the decline in revenues.

    Filmed Entertainment

    Filmed Entertainment reported 24.5 per cent decline in revenues in Q4-16 to $774 million from $1,025 million in the corresponding quarter of last year. Filmed Entertainment revenues declined 24 per cent to $774 million, driven by lower theatrical revenues due to the strong international performance of Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation in the fourth quarter of 2015.

    Theatrical revenues in Q4-16 for the segment declined to less than half (declined 54.6 per cent) y-o-y to $203 million from $447 million in Q4-15. Home Entertainment revenue increased 22.8 per cent y-o-y in Q4-16 to $199 million as compared to $162 million. License revenue declined 12.1 per cent in the current quarter to $326 million from $371 million in Q4-15. Ancillary revenue for the segment increased 2.2 per cent in Q4-16 to $46 million from $45 million in Q4-15.

    The segment reported an operating loss of $141 million in the current quarter as compared to an operating profit of $118 million in Q4-15. Adjusted operating loss was $137 million in Q4-16 as compared to an operating profit of $122 million in Q4-15. Viacom says that Filmed Entertainment adjusted quarterly operating loss resulted from a decline in revenues and a previously-disclosed $115 million programming impairment charge.

    Company speak

    Viacom interim president and CEO Tom Dooley said, “Viacom ended the 2016 fiscal year well into our transition, as the company’s industry-leading data program increased in size and sophistication, ratings stabilized at several of our key networks and Paramount has begun to rebuild a full, dynamic slate of films. In addition, our international media networks business is stronger than ever, and we will continue to broaden our footprint and apply our successful strategies to additional territories in attractive markets. With new leadership across the company, continued investments in new content, technologies and targeted acquisitions, and an expanded Board of Directors, I have great confidence in Viacom’s next phase, as the company explores the exciting possibilities ahead.”

  • Zenith revises global ad spend growth forecast upwards

    Zenith revises global ad spend growth forecast upwards

    MUMBAI: Zenith Optimedia’s Advertising Expenditure Forecasts is a bellwether for the global ad industry. And the top notch media agency revised its earlier June forecasts for the rest year in an update posted today. Zenith says that global adex will grow by 4.4 per cent to reach $539 billion, much better than 4.1 per cent growth it forecast earlier.  It will expand by 4.5 per cent in 2017, and 4.6 per cent in 2018, better than the 4.3 per cent and 4.4 per cent it had earlier estimated. By 2018 global advertising expenditure will total  $589 billio,  $4 billion more than forecast in June.

    The US, the Philippines and Western Europe drive faster adspend growth

    This upgrade is mainly the result of stronger-than-expected growth in the US, where a strong labour market has encouraged consumers to increase their expenditure, and advertisers have fought harder for their share of the expanding market. The agency expects US network TV to return to growth this year (at one  per cent) after shrinking five  per cent last year, thanks to new spending by pharmaceutical and consumer packaged goods companies and a strong upfront. Zenith stated that it expects social media to accelerate from 32  per cent growth last year to 35  per cent growth this year, as advertisers take advantage of new formats, such as in-feed video, and the transition to mobile internet consumption continues. Overall the agency forecasts that US ad spend to grow 4.4  per cent this year, compared to the previous estimate of 3.8  per cent.

    Zenith has also made slight upgrades to its adspend forecasts for Asia Pacific and Western Europe. It has revised its estimate for APAC from 6.2 per cent to 6.3 per cent and for Western Europe from 3.5 per cent to 3.6 per cent. Its APAC optimism is based on  heavy political spending in the Philippines in the run-up to the May 2016 elections. Its bullishness about Western Europe is courtesy improved conditions in Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Sweden have compensated for the  slowdown in the UK.

    Mild weakening of UK ad market after Brexit vote

    Although the vote for ‘Brexit’ in the UK’s EU referendum came as a shock to many in the market, so far advertisers have reacted calmly, with no widespread budget reductions. Zenith has forecast a 5.4  per cent growth in ad spend this year, fractionally less than its  5.6  per cent forecast just before the vote. The agency says that its view is that most of the impact that Brexit will have on the UK ad market will happen in the long term.

    The UK’s new terms of trade with the EU and other countries – whatever they turn out to be – are likely to restrict flows of trade and investment in comparison with the pre-Brexit status quo, leading to slower economic growth and slower growth in advertising expenditure. In the short term, uncertainty about the consequences of the vote will make companies less likely to invest in new products, and consumers less likely to take on big spending commitments. This could lead to anything from disappointingly slow growth to outright recession. Zenith’s current forecasts assume that economic growth will slow but remain positive, in which case UK adspend will grow 3.4  per cent next year, down from its pre-vote forecast of four per cent growth.

    Mobile advertising taking over from desktop even faster than expected

    In June, Zenith had forecast that mobile advertising would overtake desktop in 2017.  And it says its position has not changed on this score, excepting that it has upgraded its forecasts for mobile growth for this year (from 46  per cent to 48  per cent) and next year (from 29  per cent to 33  per cent), and  it now expects mobile adspend to exceed desktop by $ 8billion in 2017, up from the $2billion it predicted in June. Zenith expects mobile to account for 60 per cent of all internet advertising by 2018, up from the earlier forecast of 58 per cent.

    Desktop to shrink by more than newspapers or magazines to 2018

    The agency’s view is that desktop advertising peaked in 2014 at $99 billion and shrank 0.1  per cent in 2015 to $98.9 billion as advertisers switched their budgets to mobile. It now expects desktop advertising’s decline to accelerate over the next few years with spends falling by 0.8  per cent in 2016, 2.9  per cent in 2017 and 7.4  per cent in 2018. Between 2015 and 2018 desktop adspend will have shrunk by $10.7billion, more than the other two declining media – newspapers (which will shrink by $9.6 billion) and magazines ($4.4 billion). Meanwhile mobile adspend will grow by $81.3 billion over the same period, seven times more than the combined growth of television ($7.3 billion), outdoor ($3 billion), radio ($0.9 billion) and cinema ($0.7 billion).

    “The global ad market has strengthened over the past few months, thanks mainly to the resilient US consumer,” said Zenith head of forecasting Jonathan Barnard. “So far any impact from the vote for Brexit has been limited, and confined to the UK. We expect the global ad market to strengthen further in 2017 and 2018.”

  • Zenith revises global ad spend growth forecast upwards

    Zenith revises global ad spend growth forecast upwards

    MUMBAI: Zenith Optimedia’s Advertising Expenditure Forecasts is a bellwether for the global ad industry. And the top notch media agency revised its earlier June forecasts for the rest year in an update posted today. Zenith says that global adex will grow by 4.4 per cent to reach $539 billion, much better than 4.1 per cent growth it forecast earlier.  It will expand by 4.5 per cent in 2017, and 4.6 per cent in 2018, better than the 4.3 per cent and 4.4 per cent it had earlier estimated. By 2018 global advertising expenditure will total  $589 billio,  $4 billion more than forecast in June.

    The US, the Philippines and Western Europe drive faster adspend growth

    This upgrade is mainly the result of stronger-than-expected growth in the US, where a strong labour market has encouraged consumers to increase their expenditure, and advertisers have fought harder for their share of the expanding market. The agency expects US network TV to return to growth this year (at one  per cent) after shrinking five  per cent last year, thanks to new spending by pharmaceutical and consumer packaged goods companies and a strong upfront. Zenith stated that it expects social media to accelerate from 32  per cent growth last year to 35  per cent growth this year, as advertisers take advantage of new formats, such as in-feed video, and the transition to mobile internet consumption continues. Overall the agency forecasts that US ad spend to grow 4.4  per cent this year, compared to the previous estimate of 3.8  per cent.

    Zenith has also made slight upgrades to its adspend forecasts for Asia Pacific and Western Europe. It has revised its estimate for APAC from 6.2 per cent to 6.3 per cent and for Western Europe from 3.5 per cent to 3.6 per cent. Its APAC optimism is based on  heavy political spending in the Philippines in the run-up to the May 2016 elections. Its bullishness about Western Europe is courtesy improved conditions in Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Sweden have compensated for the  slowdown in the UK.

    Mild weakening of UK ad market after Brexit vote

    Although the vote for ‘Brexit’ in the UK’s EU referendum came as a shock to many in the market, so far advertisers have reacted calmly, with no widespread budget reductions. Zenith has forecast a 5.4  per cent growth in ad spend this year, fractionally less than its  5.6  per cent forecast just before the vote. The agency says that its view is that most of the impact that Brexit will have on the UK ad market will happen in the long term.

    The UK’s new terms of trade with the EU and other countries – whatever they turn out to be – are likely to restrict flows of trade and investment in comparison with the pre-Brexit status quo, leading to slower economic growth and slower growth in advertising expenditure. In the short term, uncertainty about the consequences of the vote will make companies less likely to invest in new products, and consumers less likely to take on big spending commitments. This could lead to anything from disappointingly slow growth to outright recession. Zenith’s current forecasts assume that economic growth will slow but remain positive, in which case UK adspend will grow 3.4  per cent next year, down from its pre-vote forecast of four per cent growth.

    Mobile advertising taking over from desktop even faster than expected

    In June, Zenith had forecast that mobile advertising would overtake desktop in 2017.  And it says its position has not changed on this score, excepting that it has upgraded its forecasts for mobile growth for this year (from 46  per cent to 48  per cent) and next year (from 29  per cent to 33  per cent), and  it now expects mobile adspend to exceed desktop by $ 8billion in 2017, up from the $2billion it predicted in June. Zenith expects mobile to account for 60 per cent of all internet advertising by 2018, up from the earlier forecast of 58 per cent.

    Desktop to shrink by more than newspapers or magazines to 2018

    The agency’s view is that desktop advertising peaked in 2014 at $99 billion and shrank 0.1  per cent in 2015 to $98.9 billion as advertisers switched their budgets to mobile. It now expects desktop advertising’s decline to accelerate over the next few years with spends falling by 0.8  per cent in 2016, 2.9  per cent in 2017 and 7.4  per cent in 2018. Between 2015 and 2018 desktop adspend will have shrunk by $10.7billion, more than the other two declining media – newspapers (which will shrink by $9.6 billion) and magazines ($4.4 billion). Meanwhile mobile adspend will grow by $81.3 billion over the same period, seven times more than the combined growth of television ($7.3 billion), outdoor ($3 billion), radio ($0.9 billion) and cinema ($0.7 billion).

    “The global ad market has strengthened over the past few months, thanks mainly to the resilient US consumer,” said Zenith head of forecasting Jonathan Barnard. “So far any impact from the vote for Brexit has been limited, and confined to the UK. We expect the global ad market to strengthen further in 2017 and 2018.”

  • Q2-16: Distribution, other revenue push Discovery Communications revenue up 3.3 percent

    Q2-16: Distribution, other revenue push Discovery Communications revenue up 3.3 percent

    BENGALURU: An increase of $39 million (4.9 percent increase) in Distribution and an increase of $17 million (26.2 percent increase) of ‘Other’ revenue boosted Discovery Communications Inc., (Discovery) revenue by 3.3 percent for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter) vis-à-vis the corresponding year ago quarter. Discovery reported total revenue of $1,708 million in Q2-16 as compared to $1,654 million in Q2-15.

    Discovery reported Distribution revenue of $813 million in the current quarter as compared to $775 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Advertising revenue in Q2-16 was flat y-o-y (declined by $1 million or 0.1 percent) at $813 million as compared to $814 million in Q2-15. ‘Other’ revenue in Q2-16 was $82 million as compared to $65 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    “Discovery posted a solid quarter of growth and financial results by investing in premium and diversified content that fuels the passion of superfans on pay-TV, free-to-air, direct-to-consumer and digital platforms. Our differentiated portfolio of nonfiction, sports and children’s content in more than 220 markets positions Discovery for continued growth and shareholder value creation in the months and years to come,” said Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav.

    Segment results

    Discovery reports numbers from three segments – US Networks, International Networks, and Education and ‘Other’

    US Networks

    US Networks revenue in Q2-16 increased 7.2 percent to $873 million as compared to $812 million in Q2-15. Adjusted OIBDA in the current quarter from this segment increased 9.7 percent to $544 million (62 percent margin) from $496 million (61 percent margin) in Q2-15.

    Distribution revenue from US Networks increased 8.1 percent in Q2-16 to $386 million from $357 million in Q2-15. US Networks Advertising revenue increased 5.4 percent in the current quarter to $471 million from $447 million in Q2-15. US Networks ‘Other’ revenue in Q2-16 increased 60 percent y-o-y to $16 million from $10 million.

    Discovery says that US Networks Distribution revenue growth was primarily driven by higher rates, partially offset by slight declines in subscribers. Advertising revenues increased primarily due to higher pricing and inventory management, partially offset by lower delivery.

    International Networks

    Revenue from International Networks segment in Q2-16 declined 1.4 percent to $790 million from $819 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Adjusted OIBDA from the segment in the current quarter declined 6.4 percent to $249 million from $266 million in Q2-15.

    International Networks Distribution revenue increased 2.2 percent to $427 million in Q2-16 as compared to $418 million in Q2-15. International Networks Advertising revenue in Q2-16 declined 6.8 percent to $342 million from $367 million in Q2-15. International Networks ‘Other’ revenue in the current quarter increased 31.3 percent to $21 million from $16 million.

    Discovery says changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced second quarter international revenues and Adjusted OIBDA growth by 4 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Excluding currency effects and the impact of SBS Radio, total revenues were up 8 percent. Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, grew 10 percent mostly due to higher affiliate rates in Northern Europe and CEEMEA as well as increased affiliate rates and subscribers in Latin America. Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of SBS Radio and currency effects, were up 5 percent, primarily due to higher volume and ratings in Southern Europe as well as higher pricing, ratings and volume in CEEMEA, partially offset by a decline in Northern Europe due to the impact of Brexit and lower ratings.

    Education and other

    Education and other revenue in Q2-16 increased 15 percent to $46 million from $40 million in Q2-15. The segment reported slightly higher negative adjusted OIBDA (reported a higher operating loss) at $3 million in the current quarter as compared to negative adjusted OIBDA of $2million in Q2-15.

    Discovery says Education and Other revenues for the second quarter increased by $6 million primarily due to higher external production deliveries at the Studios production business. Adjusted OIBDA remained relatively consistent primarily due to higher external Studios production deliveries, offset by additional investments in Education Techbooks.

     

  • Q2-16: Distribution, other revenue push Discovery Communications revenue up 3.3 percent

    Q2-16: Distribution, other revenue push Discovery Communications revenue up 3.3 percent

    BENGALURU: An increase of $39 million (4.9 percent increase) in Distribution and an increase of $17 million (26.2 percent increase) of ‘Other’ revenue boosted Discovery Communications Inc., (Discovery) revenue by 3.3 percent for the quarter ended 30 June 2016 (Q2-16, current quarter) vis-à-vis the corresponding year ago quarter. Discovery reported total revenue of $1,708 million in Q2-16 as compared to $1,654 million in Q2-15.

    Discovery reported Distribution revenue of $813 million in the current quarter as compared to $775 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Advertising revenue in Q2-16 was flat y-o-y (declined by $1 million or 0.1 percent) at $813 million as compared to $814 million in Q2-15. ‘Other’ revenue in Q2-16 was $82 million as compared to $65 million in the corresponding year ago quarter.

    “Discovery posted a solid quarter of growth and financial results by investing in premium and diversified content that fuels the passion of superfans on pay-TV, free-to-air, direct-to-consumer and digital platforms. Our differentiated portfolio of nonfiction, sports and children’s content in more than 220 markets positions Discovery for continued growth and shareholder value creation in the months and years to come,” said Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav.

    Segment results

    Discovery reports numbers from three segments – US Networks, International Networks, and Education and ‘Other’

    US Networks

    US Networks revenue in Q2-16 increased 7.2 percent to $873 million as compared to $812 million in Q2-15. Adjusted OIBDA in the current quarter from this segment increased 9.7 percent to $544 million (62 percent margin) from $496 million (61 percent margin) in Q2-15.

    Distribution revenue from US Networks increased 8.1 percent in Q2-16 to $386 million from $357 million in Q2-15. US Networks Advertising revenue increased 5.4 percent in the current quarter to $471 million from $447 million in Q2-15. US Networks ‘Other’ revenue in Q2-16 increased 60 percent y-o-y to $16 million from $10 million.

    Discovery says that US Networks Distribution revenue growth was primarily driven by higher rates, partially offset by slight declines in subscribers. Advertising revenues increased primarily due to higher pricing and inventory management, partially offset by lower delivery.

    International Networks

    Revenue from International Networks segment in Q2-16 declined 1.4 percent to $790 million from $819 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Adjusted OIBDA from the segment in the current quarter declined 6.4 percent to $249 million from $266 million in Q2-15.

    International Networks Distribution revenue increased 2.2 percent to $427 million in Q2-16 as compared to $418 million in Q2-15. International Networks Advertising revenue in Q2-16 declined 6.8 percent to $342 million from $367 million in Q2-15. International Networks ‘Other’ revenue in the current quarter increased 31.3 percent to $21 million from $16 million.

    Discovery says changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced second quarter international revenues and Adjusted OIBDA growth by 4 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Excluding currency effects and the impact of SBS Radio, total revenues were up 8 percent. Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, grew 10 percent mostly due to higher affiliate rates in Northern Europe and CEEMEA as well as increased affiliate rates and subscribers in Latin America. Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of SBS Radio and currency effects, were up 5 percent, primarily due to higher volume and ratings in Southern Europe as well as higher pricing, ratings and volume in CEEMEA, partially offset by a decline in Northern Europe due to the impact of Brexit and lower ratings.

    Education and other

    Education and other revenue in Q2-16 increased 15 percent to $46 million from $40 million in Q2-15. The segment reported slightly higher negative adjusted OIBDA (reported a higher operating loss) at $3 million in the current quarter as compared to negative adjusted OIBDA of $2million in Q2-15.

    Discovery says Education and Other revenues for the second quarter increased by $6 million primarily due to higher external production deliveries at the Studios production business. Adjusted OIBDA remained relatively consistent primarily due to higher external Studios production deliveries, offset by additional investments in Education Techbooks.