ITV

Tag: CNBC AWAAZ

  • CNBC Awaaz hunts for a digital agency

    CNBC Awaaz hunts for a digital agency

    MUMBAI: Looks like news channels are not only focusing to revamp content but are also looking at revising their marketing strategies.

     

    CNBC Awaaz is currently in the process of scouting for a digital partner. Industry sources have confirmed that the multi agency pitch is underway in Delhi. The size of the account could not be understood at the time of filing the report. According to sources, the news channel is looking at refreshing its social media presence. Currently, the channel has around 67,928 likes on Facebook and over 20,600 followers on Twitter. It can be noted that the popular shows of the channel have separate profiles on social media. The channel internally too has an active social media team.

     

    In another development, Zee News has called for a creative pitch which is also underway in Delhi. The incumbent agency on Zee News’ account is Bang in the Middle. It is understood that the news channels want to bring on board boutique agencies because of tight budgets.

     

    It will be interesting to see how both channels smartly revise their marketing strategies to grab the attention of viewers across multiple screens in the coming days.

  • Finally, Rajdeep Sardesai too sends out email to team at Network18

    Finally, Rajdeep Sardesai too sends out email to team at Network18

    MUMBAI: The buzz has been strong. Several media outlets have reported it too. But IBN 18 editor in chief Rajdeep Sardesai has been in complete denial that he has jettisoned – nor would he be jettisoning –  from the news network.

     

    However, earlier  today, Sardesai sent out an email to his teams at the channels which seeks to clarify where he stands as far as his employment with IBN18 is concerned in order to end the speculation and concerns expressed by so many of his colleagues.

     

    Says he in the email: “…After a long and wearying (and highly enjoyable) election season, I am taking a short break from the newsroom (haven’t taken one in over a year!). I will be on a month’s leave: reading, writing travelling, watching the world cup soccer, and, hopefully recharging the mind.”

     

    Rajdeep adds that he aims to be back on 1 July. “Please keep the energy levels up through the next few weeks and always put journalism first! Vinay, Radha, Nikhail Sanjeev and the rest of the team  will be there to keep the flag flying.”

     

    However, sources within the network and close to him reveal that Rajdeep has indeed resigned and has even got an offer from Penguin to pen a book. Something which he has been keen to do.

     

    Whether he will come back from the short vacation is a big question mark. His wife and leading IBN18 anchor and journalist Sagarika Ghose will also be accompanying him on his time-off.  The grapevine is that they are maintaining the “leave” story so as to soften the impact on the editorial  teams at CNN-IBN and IBN7. And both are most unlikely to return.

     

    Only time will tell whether we have seen the last of Rajdeep as editor in chief of IBN18.

     

    Already senior management right from founder of the Network18 group Raghav Bahl, his wife and director Ritu Kapur, his sister and executive director Vandana Mallick, CEO B. Sai Kumar, COO Ajay Chacko, CFO RDS Bawa, legal counsel Kshipra Jatana have departed from the group. Prior to that Suhasini Haider, Karan Thapar, CEO Dilip Venkatraman too had decided to quit.

     

    Sources internally state that the takeover by Mukesh Ambani’s  Reliance Industries will see headcount being lowered; already last year some 300 professionals had been asked to go  as the group struggled to cope with the excess manpower that had been hired following its rapid growth and expansion.

     

    A new leadership team is expected to be announced very soon for the news network – CNN-IBN, IBN7, IBN Lokmat, CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz –  and for the Network18 group as a whole.

  • Reliance Industries gets board approval to fund Network18 group acquisition

    Reliance Industries gets board approval to fund Network18 group acquisition

    MUMBAI: We predicted that the executive exodus at Network18 was a precursor to Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) engineering an acquisition. (Read: More Network18 senior management to exit as Reliance begins to take full control) of the Raghav Bahl led Network18 Media.

     

    And it has turned out to be true. RIL, late this evening, announced to the BSE that it has got board approval to pump in Rs 4,000 crore into the Independent Media Trust (IMT), of which RIL is the sole beneficiary, for acquisition of control in Network18 Media & Investments Ltd (NW18), including its subsidiary TV18 Broadcast Ltd (TV18) and the open offers to be made consequent to the acquisition.

     

    NW18, as is known is the owner of a premier suite of digital internet properties, ecommerce businesses, and differentiated broadcast content.

     

    IMT is expected to use the funds to acquire control over NW18 and TV18 resulting in the ownership of about 78 per cent in the former and 9 per cent in the latter and to acquire shares tendered in the open offers.

     

    Further in terms of SEBI (substantial acquisition and takeover regulations) 2011, IMT would be making an open offer to public shareholders for acquisition of NW18, TV18 and Infomedia Press Ltd equity shares. IMT would be simultaneously making a public announcement under takeover regulations. RIL would be a person acting in concert to the open offers.

     

    The acquisition will help differentiate the RIL 4G business, says the press release, by providing a unique amalgamation at the intersect of telecom, web and digital commerce via a suite of premier digital properties. The suite includes: in.com, IBNLive.com, Moneycontrol.com, firstpost.com, cricketnext.in, HomeShop18, bookmyshow.com. The broadcast channels include: Colors, CNNIBN, CNBCTV18, IBN7 and CNBC Awaaz. 

     

    “It was bound to happen,” says a media observer. “Mukesh Ambani has made a huge 4G play. He needs content to be pumped over the network to make the 4G investment pay off more, because consumers need video on 4G. By acquiring the NW18 and TV18 properties, he’s got a quick entry into the content and ecommerce space.  However, RIL, which, is very financially driven, will do well to leave the content creators alone and not try and force too much financial efficiencies onto them. If they do allow the creative to flow with some financial caution as is the practice in NW18 and TV18 group, then they could well have a robust, differentiated content business. Otherwise…”

  • Cricketer Rohit Sharma to play for Rajhans Group Real Estate

    Cricketer Rohit Sharma to play for Rajhans Group Real Estate

    MUMBAI: The Gujarat-based real estate conglomerate, Rajhans (Desai-Jain) Group, has chosen Indian batsman Rohit Sharma as its brand ambassador.

     

    Sharma will spearhead the company’s aggressive foray into new real estate projects and new geographies in India. The group already has an impressive presence in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Delhi and will enter Punjab and Madhya Pradesh very soon. 

     

    The group would now have the benefit of Rohit Sharma’s star power and endorsement as they usher in global and many “first-time-in-India” concepts in Real estate (residential, commercial and retail) and expand their significant presence in entertainment (targeting 100 screens by mid-2015 across India) and the hospitality sector (targeting 25 chains of restaurants by mid-2015 across India).

     

    Rajhans (Desai-Jain) Groups chairman Jayesh Desai stated: “We are thrilled with this association with Rohit Sharma – the rising young star of Indian cricket. I have always believed that the power and boundless energy of youth fuels growth and success. We wish to always be a young, agile company – because only as a youngster does the world and the future seem full of possibilities. Rohit, for me, epitomizes that power and motive force of youth that Rajhans believes in.”

     

    ‘I do think both Rohit and us at Rajhans are the new era in our respective fields of work – be it him in cricket or us in real estate and want to become the stalwarts of the future. And both of us want to make millions of Indians happy,’ added Rajhans realty director Sunil Jain.

     

    “It is not just an intention – we have already begun to deliver delightful experiences and keeping our commitments. After receiving the prestigious CREDAI Award in 2012, we were recognised as the ‘Best Fully Completed Luxury Residential Project from Surat City’ by CNBC Awaaz Real Estate Awards – 2013,” he concluded

     

  • ‘Team India’ Includes Prime Minister and State CMs

    ‘Team India’ Includes Prime Minister and State CMs

    Gandhinagar: Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled his economic roadmap for the country. In an exclusive interview with India’s number one business channel CNBC Awaaz Modi claimed that the NDA government would be pro-people and in favour of India’s business interest. In a candid and comprehensive conversation with CNBC Awaaz Editor-in-Chief, Sanjay Pugalia , the Gujarat Chief Minister also stated that there was a need to review FDI with a completely different perspective.   (http://youtu.be/NlEQd8B15jg)

     

    “We have to protect the manufacturing sector of India. If we are unable to protect manufacturing sector and small scale industries then our youth’s future will be destroyed,” he told CNBC Awaaz. However, he maintained that a government cannot show signs of improvement just in a few days and appealed for a full term for a BJP-led government. Modi also made it very clear in the interview that his government will not reduce or discontinue subsidies.

     

    The BJP leader also refuted the allegations of crony capitalism by saying that all his relations with corporate leaders are over the table and in full public view, because he has nothing to hide unlike leaders of other political parties. Assuring that he will never indulge in divisive politics, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi said that India has been ruled by pseudo secularism for way too long.”I will never engage in divisive politics even if it means that I lose the elections. The country has been divided in the name of secularism. We are all fellow citizens and that is my firm belief. I have succeeded in Gujarat and I will succeed in India,” he said.

     

    He also maintained that he will not make a separate vote appeal to the Muslim community but will ask for votes from ‘fellow Indians’. “I will never commit the sin of appealing to one community. I will not say anything to Hindus or Muslims. I will only appeal to my fellow Indians. They will then decide,” he said.

     

    For the first time during this election campaign, Modi spoke candidly and vividly on his economic agenda if he gets the coveted position of power. Explaining his vision of a PM CM team Modi said that the Centre must think like a team leader, where the team will include the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, adding that it is not difficult to learn to be a team player, but commitment is must. Promoting team work, Modi said there’s a need to bring both experience and energy together for good work. Modi said the party will focus on bringing people out of poverty line and also that In a democratic set up, it is important that political parties face the pressure of performance, which will inspire them to do good work. He sees Railways playing an important role in becoming the link between development of Centre and States, though he thinks that technology upgradation is needed in the sector. Supporting the single-window clearance for ministerial restructuring, Modi said the decisions should be professional and not political, including privatization of PSUs.

     

    On Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation, Modi said BJP has always supported it but the success of GST depends on strengthening the IT network. He feels the Centre should take states into confidence over the discussion on process of GST. On diplomatic ties, Modi said the parameters of diplomacy have changed post globalisation era. He thinks today the country needs to work on trade, commerce and technology with other nations, including US. Taking a tough stance against tainted MLAs, Modi said he will consider providing the list of their names to Supreme Court. Modi thinks the media should increase its capability and take more responsibility.

     

  • Chrome week 7: English movie genre is the biggest gainer

    Chrome week 7: English movie genre is the biggest gainer

    MUMBAI: The opportunity to see (OTS) data collated by Chrome Data Analytics & Media for week seven has been released with the highest gainer of the week being the English movie genre in the eight metros. The genre witnessed a 5.4 per cent rise with Pix on top as it gained 76.8 per cent OTS.

     

    English entertainment channels also saw a rise of five per cent in the eight metros with AXN topping the charts. The channel scored 70.9 per cent OTS.

     

    In the eight metros, the business news genre also grew as it witnessed a rise of 3.7 per cent. CNBC Awaaz was again on top with 76.7 per cent OTS.

     

    English news in the eight metros followed suit and witnessed a rise of 3.7 per cent. Times Now was the highest gainer with 87.5 per cent OTS.

     

    In the bottom four, Hindi speaking markets (HSM) witnessed a minor drop. Religious genre witnessed a 0.8 per cent drop with Aastha remaining at the top with 98.5 per cent OTS.

     

    Hindi GECs lost 0.6 per cent in the HSM with Colors gaining the most. The GEC gained 96.4 per cent OTS.

     

    Hindi movie channels also saw a drop of 0.4 per cent in the HSM. Zee Cinema topped the charts with 95.7 per cent OTS.

     

    At the bottom of the chart is Kids genre across the country with 0.3 per cent drop. Cartoon Network was at the top in the genre with 85.2 per cent OTS.

  • LEADER TALK with Ronnie Screwvala & Brian Lara

    LEADER TALK with Ronnie Screwvala & Brian Lara

    MUMBAI: After a successful first season last year, CNN-IBN is back with its second season of Leader Talk, in association with Gulf Oil. The talk show features some of the world’s most well-known corporate leaders and sports legends who come and share their ideas, thoughts and experiences on leadership and talk about their success mantras.

    On the third episode this season, Rajdeep Sardesai gets up close and personal with Ronnie Screwvala, Founder-CEO, UTV Group and Brian Lara, former cricketer and captain of West Indies. On the show, the two leaders talk about the significance of partnership in leadership and how important are man management skills for a leader. Screwvala emphasizes the importance of identifying the right talent, while Lara says leading by example is one of the keys to good leadership.

    Don’t miss this episode of “Leader Talk – Season 2” on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 11:30 AM followed by a repeat telecast on the same day at 10:30 PM and on Sunday, February 16, 2014   at 10:00 AM and 9:30 PM, only on CNN-IBN.

    For more information log onto: www.ibnlive.com/leadertalk Also, follw us on: www.facebook.com/leadertalk

    ABOUT TV18: The Network18 Group is a media and entertainment company with interests in television, internet, films, e-commerce, magazines, mobile content and allied businesses. Through its subsidiary ‘TV18 Broadcast Ltd.’ [BSE: 532800, NSE: TV18BRDCST], the group operates news channels – CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat (a Marathi regional news channel in partnership with the Lokmat group). TV18 also operates a joint venture with Viacom, called Viacom18, which houses a portfolio of popular entertainment channels – Colors, Colors HD,MTV, SONIC, Comedy Central, VH1, Nick. Nick Jr. and Nick Teen – and Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the group’s filmed entertainment business. TV18 has also forayed into the Indian factual entertainment space through A+E Networks | TV18 (a joint venture between A+E Networks and TV18 Broadcast) and operates HistoryTV18. TV18 and Viacom18 have also formed a strategic joint venture called IndiaCast, a multi-platform ‘content asset monetization’ entity mandated to drive domestic and international channels distribution, placement services and content syndication for the bouquet of channels from TV18, Viacom18 and other broadcasters. For more information, please log on to www.network18online.com For further information contact:

    Althea Brett
    MSLGROUP
    84478 38739

     

  • Chrome Data: No toppers in week six

    Chrome Data: No toppers in week six

    MUMBAI: The opportunity to see (OTS) collated by Chrome Data Analytics & Media is out for week six, but doesn’t look too good.

     

    The past week didn’t see any genre in the top category which could mean that the reach of the genre hasn’t really increased.

     

    Even the bottom four that had the English movie as well as English entertainment channels saw a drop of 4.9 per cent in the eight metros.

     

    Pix gained the highest OTS in the movie genre with 73.6 per cent, while AXN continued to rule the roost in the entertainment genre with 67.4 per cent OTS.

     

    The sports genre across India saw a dip of 3.5 per cent. Ten Sports gained the highest OTS with 73.6 per cent.

     

    Business news genre was at the bottom in the eight metros with 2.8 per cent fall. CNBC Awaaz scored the most OTS with 76.2 per cent.

  • Chrome Data: Week 1 meant business

    Chrome Data: Week 1 meant business

    MUMBAI: Money isn’t thought to be the biggest cause of worry for no reason. At least it seems so in this case. As the New Year ushered in, it was the news about money and the ups and downs that it saw in the last year that kept the TV viewers glued to their TV sets in the first week of the year. As various channels presented the yearly round-up, the business channels took away the largest share of audiences. The business channels topped the chart in the Week 1 of opportunity to see (OTS) as per Chrome Data Analytics & Media.

     

    The business channels across eight metros saw an increase of 1.4 per cent with the Hindi business channel, CNBC Awaaz, leading with 83.0 per cent OTS.

     

    And considering it was the holiday season, the second on the list were the English movie channels that fared really well in the eight metros. The genre saw a rise of 1.1 per cent. Pix reclaimed its first position, pushing behind Star Movies that had climbed to the first position in Week 52. The channel got 89.4 per cent OTS.

     

     

    Infotainment channels across India too saw an increase of 1 per cent with Discovery gaining 91.6 per cent. Sports channel claimed the fourth place in the OTS list with 0.9 per cent grow across India. Looks like the Ashes kept cricket fans occupied as Star Sports 1 was ahead of others in the genre with 77.9 per cent OTS.

     

    As for the bottom four, Hindi news channel in the Hindi speaking market (HSM) saw a fall of 1.4 per cent. Aaj Tak continued to be the popular one in the genre and garnered 94 per cent. English entertainment too didn’t get many viewers and fell by 0.9 per cent in the eight metros. Star World, however, toppled AXN which premiered the much-awaited season three of Sherlock. The channel from the Star bouquet scored 82.5 per cent OTS.

     

    In the HSM, music channels saw a slight dip of 0.1 per cent, whereas the religious channels didn’t see any change. Sony Mix with 89.2 per cent and Aastha channel with 98.3 per cent topped their respective genres.

  • IndiaCast issues public notice about Dish TV

    IndiaCast issues public notice about Dish TV

    MUMBAI: Dish TV subscribers might have been a wee bit surprised today when they saw an IndiaCast notice in newspapers and on their TV channels informing them about a possible channel unavailability from 1 January.

    Last month Dish TV went on a hyper drive promoting its “on request channels” campaign that was designed to give TV consumers freedom of choice and give them the option of taking up a flexible package and allow India’s oldest DTH operator to generate savings.  

    As part of that scheme (which is still going on), Dish TV subscribers need to SMS or telephone its call centre and opt for the IndiaCast channels they want. Subscribers who choose not to SMS or choose to unrequest the IndiaCast channels have a reward waiting for them in the form of 100 bonus points (Rs 100) per unrequested channel, which they can redeem against the movies on demand service that Dish TV is offering. 

    The DTH operator had said that it is looking at increasing revenues and reducing content costs over a period of time. The initiative of knowing what channels consumers want would help it bring down satellite transponder and bandwidth consumption costs as it would help it decide which channels it can take off. This unbundling of packages would be a win-win situation for itself as well as subscribers.

    Now, IndiaCast has been running TV promos on all its channels and has also issued a public notice on the same issue in select newspapers.  The newspaper notice has cautioned general TV viewers who are subscribers of Dish TV “that several IndiaCast channels might not get carried on Dish TV from 1 January 2014 and that Dish TV would be offering its movies-on-demand instead.” 

    In the notice, IndiaCast has asked Dish TV subscribers to call up the DTH operator’s call centres if they want these channels to be included in their packages. Additionally, it has informed subscribers that alternatively they can get a “new connection from service providers such as Tata Sky, Airtel, Videocon, Hathway, DEN and InCable.”

    IndiaCast, reportedly, has five different agreements with Dish TV for TV18-Viacom18, Disney, UTV, Eenadu and HD channels. Out of these, three deals namely TV18-Viacom18, Disney and UTV are slated for renewal on 1 January 2014. 

    The channels that are mentioned in the advertisement – Colors, CNBC TV 18, MTV, CNN IBN, Bindass, Nick, IBN7, CNBC Awaaz, UTV Movies, History TV, Disney, Hungama, Sonic, Disney XD, UTV Action, Comedy Central, VH1, UTV World Movies, Nick Jr, Disney Junior and IBN Lokmat are a part of the three deals coming for renewal.

    Earlier this week, a case filed in The Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) by Dish TV came up for hearing in which it claimed that IndiaCast was refusing to provide signals to the DTH provider on account of the carriage fees it was charging the aggregator. The case was dismissed and a settlement was reached between the two that Dish TV will get the channels on a reference interconnect order (RIO) basis.