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  • Axis My India releases India Consumer Sentiment Index

    Axis My India releases India Consumer Sentiment Index

    Mumbai: The leading consumer data intelligence company, Axis My India, has released its latest findings of the India Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI). It is a monthly analysis of consumer perceptions on a wide range of issues.

    The report from the month of November highlights that 61 per cent engages with the internet daily and 23 per cent use it for ‘chatting’ through WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, etc.

    The report finds that 52 per cent of respondents are aware of the recently launched 5G technology, and 24 per cent of them intend to switch to 5G phones.

    The sentiment analysis delves into five relevant sub-indices: overall household spending, spending on essential and non-essential items, spending on healthcare, media consumption habits, and mobility trends.

    The research also shows that 21 per cent of households have increased their media consumption (TV, Internet, radio, etc.), a rise of two per cent from the previous month. 55 per cent intend to watch the T20 World Cup; 69 per cent of them will prefer to watch it on television; 28 per cent will watch it on their phones.

    The survey was carried out via computer-assisted telephonic interviews with a sample size of 10,207 people across 32 states and UTs. 70 per cent belonged to rural India, while 30 per cent belonged to urban counterparts. In terms of regional spread, 26 per cent belong to the northern parts, while 24 per cent belong to the eastern parts of India. Moreover, 30 per cent and 20 per cent belonged to the western and southern parts of India, respectively. 56 per cent of the respondents were male, while 44 per cent were female. In terms of the two majority sample groups, 28 per cent each reflect the age groups of 26 to 35 and 36 to 50.

    Commenting on the CSI report findings, Axis My India chairman and managing director Pradeep Gupta said, “The growing dependency on the internet has impacted all spheres of the consumer’s life. From chatting to networking, expressing, and now watching, the internet has evolved to fulfil all consumer needs and will continue to do so in the future with the advent of 5G. While the dependency on online apps for grocery purchases is still at a nascent stage, we are more than confident that, like any other daily task, this too will become completely an online behaviour in the next few years. From adapting newer modes of media consumption like watching the World Cup on a phone to having varied other forms of empowered user experiences on the internet, 5G will only continue to shape consumer consumption behaviour”

    Further, the report also highlights that spending on essentials like personal care and household items has increased for 46 per cent of the families, which is an increase of two per cent from last month. The net score, which was at +25 last month, has increased by +2 to +27 this month. Spending on non-essential and discretionary products like an AC, car, and refrigerator has increased for 11 per cent of families, which reflects an increase of two per cent from last month and the highest increase in the last five months. The net score, which was at +3 last month, has improved to +4 this month, showcasing a steady upliftment in spending sentiment.

    Expenses for health-related items such as vitamins, tests, and healthy food have surged for 39 per cent of the families. This reflects an increase in consumption of two per cent from last month. The health score, which has a negative connotation, i.e., the less one spends on health items, the better the sentiment, and has a net score value of -23, which is the same as last month.

  • Digital is now second important source of brand awareness after TV: Axis My India survey

    Digital is now second important source of brand awareness after TV: Axis My India survey

    Mumbai: In a reflection of the changing media consumption habit and the surge both in digital consumption & advertising, 38 per cent of consumers shared that they have majorly seen ads on digital platforms in the latest Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) survey by Axis My India. In terms of brand advertisement placements, 44 per cent said they had seen it on television, while only 11 per cent and seven per cent of the audience believe that they have seen ads on print or outdoor respectively. This digital growth is led by the 26-35 age group audience, as per the survey.

    Consumer data intelligence company Axis My India released its latest findings of the India CSI, a monthly analysis of consumer perception on a wide range of issues. The sentiment analysis delves into five relevant sub-indices – overall household spending, spending on essential and non-essential items, spending on healthcare, media consumption habits, and mobility trends. The surveys were carried out via computer-aided telephonic interviews with a sample size of 10430 people. 62 per cent belonged from Rural India while 38 per cent belonged from urban counterparts.

    Reflecting the view of the majority, the survey for the month of October reveals that media consumption remains the same for 48 per cent of the families while the same has increased by 25 per cent. In addition, a combined 82 per cent said that they had seen more ads on TV and digital platforms over others.

    Overall household spending has increased for 63 per cent of families which reflects a seven per cent increase from the last month. This increase is highest in Northern India.

    The increase in spending on essentials like personal care & household items stands at 50 per cent reflecting a surge by five per cent. The net score which was +20 last month has increased to +27 this month. The growth in rural India is slightly higher as compared to urban markets.

    Spending on non-essential & discretionary products like AC, car, refrigerator has increased for 18 per cent of families. For 73 per cent spends on non-essential purchases remain the same which reflects an uptick of three per cent from last month. The non-essentials November net score, therefore, lies at +9. The trend on spends on discretionary products reflects a fine balance between caution and indulgence.

    With more exposure to outside activities, the importance of health bounced back quickly. Consumption of health-related items increased for 47 per cent of families as compared to 44 per cent last month. The health score which has a negative connotation i.e. the lesser the spends on health items the better the sentiments, has a net score value of -27.

    Consumption of media remains the same for a majority of 48 per cent of families and increased for 25 per cent of the family, while mobility net score reflects a constant improvement over the last four months.

    88 per cent of families said that they are going out the same or more on getaways/staycations /malls/restaurants, with travel bans being lifted and double vaccination providing easier movement opportunities. The overall mobility score is at -4 which is an improvement over last month which was at -5. This reflects slow but consistent progress in people’s sentiments for engaging in out of home activities

    Gauging views around the Diwali festivities, Axis My India, further discovered that 36 per cent of the consumers are planning to go beyond small-ticket purchases this festive season. While 24 per cent are looking to spend on household or personal items like White Goods (AC, TV, Washing Machine, Refrigerator, etc.), furniture, electronics, and jewellery; Nine per cent are looking to buy a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler. Further from a purely sentimental outlook, 59 per cent of the consumers reflect the view of a more hopeful and cheerful Diwali this year!

    The November net CSI score, calculated by percentage increase minus percentage decrease in sentiment, was recorded at +9, up from +7 last month and rising at a constant pace over the last three months, indicative of a positive shift in consumer consumption metrics.

    “With the festivities at its peak, one can easily witness consumer’s excitement in terms of loosening their purse strings for varied expenses and experiences. While Diwali has triggered spending on products of personal indulgence (like 2-wheeler/4-wheelers or jewellery) and household items, the upcoming festivities and enthusiastic consumer sentiment will further set the momentum for the last half of this year,” said Axis My India CMD Pradeep Gupta, commenting on the October report.

    “In addition, one can also witness a transition in terms of preferences amongst consumers’ like opting for EVs or cheering for privatisation of loss-making companies. The growth of digital as a medium of advertising overtaking print & just after TV reflects the change in media consumption habits which was triggered by the pandemic. Lastly, our survey shows that a vast majority of India is still not investing in this age of cryptocurrencies, it would be interesting to see how financial players beyond traditional banks can capture and convert their interests for investments using varied instruments,” he added.

    This month, Axis My India’s Sentiment Index also delved deeper to understand consumers’ views on varied issues of national interest. These include privatisation of loss-making public-sector companies like that of Air India, views on economic recovery by 2022, alternatives to rising fuel prices, investment preferences, sentiments around Diwali, and on brand advertisement placements.

    While the long-awaited sale of Air India to the Tata group reflected a hopeful future for the airline. Axis My India further gauged consumer’s sentiment on whether or not the government should privatise other loss-making public sector companies. 46 per cent are in agreement with privatisation of such companies while 36 per cent disagreed with this view.

    When asked if economy/livelihood and business is expected to bounce back by January 2022, 41 per cent believe that the same is possible and Southern India being more optimistic with 54 per cent agreeing to this. With rising fuel prices being a concern, 48 per cent are optimistic about shifting to electric vehicles wherein 33 per cent and 15 per cent said that they will consider buying a 2-wheeler and 4-wheeler respectively in this segment. The younger age group of 18-35 have a more likelihood, with 53 per cent in agreement to an EV shift.

    Sharing their views on financial planning, a majority of 23 per cent still prefers to park their money in savings accounts, while a combined 12 per cent prefers to invest in fixed deposits, shares/stock market, and mutual funds. Gold is still seen as a reliable investment option for four per cent of the consumers. 40 per cent of the audience still don’t invest and interestingly two per cent still save their money in post offices.

  • Consumers prefer small purchases over big ticket goods this festive season: Report

    Consumers prefer small purchases over big ticket goods this festive season: Report

    Mumbai: In a reflection of cautious optimism, consumers prefer small ticket purchases over white goods, cars, property and jewellery this festive season. The 46 per cent of families said they will shop for clothes, when asked on shopping plans for Dusshera/Diwali while only 11 per cent intend to buy a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler, as per the latest Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) report by Axis My India for the month of September. 

    In terms of online shopping behaviours 33 per cent are buying electronics like laptop, mobile etc. online while high value items like jewellery and even groceries (fresh food, rice, oil and meat) are still bought physically, indicating the view of 90 per cent and 92 per cent of the consumers respectively. The 40 per cent of Indians have watched IPL at least once this season, nearly 31 per cent of whom viewed it on a digital platform (OTT), as per the survey. Interestingly, the percentage of the audience watching online is higher in rural India.

    The sentiment analysis delves into five relevant sub-indices – overall household spending, spending on essential and non-essential items, spending on healthcare, media consumption habits & mobility trends.

    This month, the report also delved deeper to understand perception around festival spends, pre and post Covid-19 behavioural changes in terms of online purchase and UPI/wallet payment and citizen’s interest in IPL.

    More than 88 per cent of the families denied any interest in buying white goods such as AC, TV, washing machine, and refrigerator, or jewellery this festive season. In addition, 92 per cent showcased negative sentiment towards buying home, plot, or a commercial property.

    The consumer sentiment for the month also reflects that 76 per cent of the families will use their personal savings for making these purchases while only 21 per cent would prefer taking a loan from the bank or financial companies. This gives an indication that while buying spirit is moderate this festive season, the ticket size for purchase still remains small reflecting a cautious spending behaviour without denting one’s personal savings. 

    Axis My India CMD Pradeep Gupta said as the pandemic retreats, there is a steady return to normalcy, but with a cautious control over spending considerations. “This is highlighted in the survey as 46 per cent of the respondents will prefer spending on small ticket items such as clothes, while only 11 per cent of the respondents will consider buying a two-wheeler or car. Expenditure on household essentials is more or less same since the last two months. However, expenditure on healthcare decreased compared to last month, suggesting people are being decreasingly affected by the pandemic,” he said.

    Reflecting a transformation in consumer payment behaviour in the post-covid period, 27 per cent have said that they have increased their usage of UPI/ wallet payments (Paytm/Phonepe/Google Pay) while 49 per cent still don’t use these online transaction mediums. Interestingly the increase in usage of UPI payments is gradually decreasing with increase in age of respondents. The increase is highest for the age group of 18-25 years which is at 36 per cent.  

    “While 27 per cent respondents reported an increase in UPI transactions, almost 49 per cent still don’t use UPI/wallets, suggesting a tremendous opportunity in digital payments. IPL has proved its unparalleled reach and what is emerging as a trend is that audiences are increasingly viewing it on digital especially in tier 3/rural markets which still have electricity cuts & are single TV households,” Gupta commented on the September report.

    Some of the other key findings of the report are that Health continues to be an important consideration, with consumption on health-related items being increased for 44 per cent of families and decreased only for 19 per cent families. Overall household spending has increased for 56 per cent of families which is the same as last month. The spends increase on essentials like personal & household care is at 45 per cent. The net score is almost the same as last month which is at +20, said the report.

    Spends on non-essential & discretionary products like AC, car, refrigerator increased for 19 per cent of families. This increase is highest in North & East whereas the increase in South is only eight per cent. This increase still reflects an overall decrease by two percentage points from the previous month which stood at 21 per cent. This can also be because, the period between 20 September and 6 October is considered the ‘Shradh period’ when high value purchases are postponed.  

    Consumption of media reflects an increase for 26 per cent families, while constant improvement in mobility net score has been recorded since the past three months which indicates a steady return to normalcy. In terms of mobility 88 per cent families are saying they are going out the same or more on short vacations/ malls/ restaurants, with the overall mobility score is at negative five, which is an improvement over last month which was at negative eight. This reflects a slight progress in people’s sentiments in terms of conducting outside activities.

    The surveys were carried out via computer aided telephonic interviews with a sample size of 10639 people, of which 59 per cent belonged from rural India while 41 per cent belonged from urban counterparts covering 28 states and eight union territories. The net CSI score, calculated by percentage increase minus percentage decrease in sentiment, was recorded at positive seven, rising at a constant pace over the last three months, indicative of a positive shift in consumer consumption metrics.

  • ‘India is the biggest market in which SPT Networks, Asia operates’ : Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia executive VP, GM Ricky Ow

    ‘India is the biggest market in which SPT Networks, Asia operates’ : Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia executive VP, GM Ricky Ow

    AXN Network has recently created a new position to focus in its biggest growth market. Sunil Punjabi has been appointed as the business head and will be handling AXN and Animax in India.

     

    Punjabi will lead the team in developing the go-to-market strategy for new channels as well as oversee the development, acquisition and production of a content mix for SPT’s networks in India. He is also charged with driving marketing strategies to grow the channel brands and to pursue further distribution opportunities.

     

    In an interview with Indiantelevision.com‘s Ashwin Pinto, Sony Pictures Television Networks Asia executive VP, GM Ricky Ow talks about the growth prospects, particularly as India enters the digitisation era.

     

    Excerpts:

    Q. Has India become more of a priority market for SPT Networks Asia in the wake of an economic slowdown which has affected other Asian markets more like Japan and Singapore?
    While we are not able to discuss matters relating to revenue, India is the biggest market in which SPT Networks, Asia (AXN, Animax) operates. So India has always been a high priority market for us as evidenced from the fact that we have always had a dedicated service for India that has enabled us to programme, schedule and promote differently from the rest of Asia and be more relevant to our Indian viewers. The fact that India is still expected to see an economic growth, between 5.5. – 6.5 per cent this year only serves to reinforce the importance of the market.

    Q. So is India gaining importance in terms of business for SPT?
    Our key focus this year is to really understand the evolving Indian consumer. We’ve been doing business in India for 15 years now and there have been some dramatic changes in India … be it the rise of consumerism or media consumption behaviour.

    This year we’ve invested in research and made a big effort to understand the change in the Indian viewers in the context of the rapid changes in the Indian pay TV landscape with digitisation and the huge increase in new players entering the market.

    Q. What does the research show so far as AXN is concerned?
    The AXN brand is still extremely strong among consumers. With increasing competition in the English General Entertainment television space, we believe the key to success is to really understand what the viewers want. Listening carefully to what the viewers have told us, we’ve found that they prefer an AXN that sticks closely to the original high energy, thrilling entertainment formula.

    Consequently, we have kept this in mind as we programme, schedule and promote the channel, which has helped us maintain AXN’s position as the No.1 English GeneralEntertainment channel in India despite the tremendous competition.

    Q. Is that why AXN Network has created a new position and appointed a business head to run the India operations?
    Yes, we have appointed Sunil Punjabi to lead the Indian operations for AXN and Animax in India. We and our partner Multi Screen Media believe that our business in India deserves more resources and have, thus, expanded the team to capitalise on growth opportunities in India.
    ‘We and our partner Multi Screen Media believe that our business in India deserves more resources and have, thus, expanded the team to capitalise on growth opportunities in India‘

    Q. In India we are seeing more players entering the English entertainment space due to anticipation of digitisation. How will this impact viewership?
    India is a huge market with the biggest English speaking population in the whole of Asia. AXN being the number one English GE channel in Asia and India for the last 15 years has not been an easy task. There has always been competition and the future may bring even more competition but it is certainly not a stranger to us.

     

    Digitisation will offer the consumers more choices not only in the number of channels but also in the quality of their viewing experience which was not possible with the current analogue system. We are already seeing some of the impact of digitisation in some of the semi-digitised metros like Mumbai and Delhi where viewers are spending more time with the genres of their choice as well as heading straight to their favourite channels rather than having to surf through channels to get to their final destination.

     

    In a fully digitised world channel brand recognition and what they stand for will become paramount. Fortunately the AXN brand is still very much loved in India and we have become synonymous with the action genre which continues to be extremely popular in India.

    Q. Are you strengthening your localisation strategy?
    Asia and India-specific production initiatives like ‘Amazing Race Asia‘, ‘Cyril Family Vacation‘ and ‘India’s Minute to Win It‘ are an important part of our localisation strategy that helps us to not only differentiate ourselves from other channels but also build a stronger connection with our viewers.

     

    So we’re not relying on acquisition alone for tent pole programming. Our original productions enable us to have better control of our own fate, the relationship we have with our viewers and key stakeholders and partners.

    Q. Are content costs escalating with more demand for content and how do you judge whether or not a property is worth an increase in price?
    The English space in India has been very hot in the last 18 months and that will in general drive up prices. That being said, we continue to offer some of the best entertainment shows that viewers want, including the ‘CSI‘ franchise, ‘NCIS LA‘, ‘Supernatural‘, ‘The Voice‘, ‘So You Think You Can Dance‘, ‘The Amazing Race‘, while also producing our own shows like ‘The Firm‘ and our next upcoming major production, ‘Hannibal‘.

    Q. AXN Beyond was re-branded as beTV across Asia. What prompted this move?
    While AXN is doing well across region, outside India we also have two other successful brands — beTV and SonyEntertainment Television (in English). SET offers wickedly juicy entertainment that appeals to the modern female.

     

    beTV was previously AXN Beyond. A very well focused channel dedicated to fans of sci-fi, paranormal and horror programming.

     

    We made the strategic decision to rebrand AXN Beyond because we wanted to build a mainstream Englishentertainment channel that appeals to a wider audience. One that can be a complementary and companion channel to AXN and allowing us to offer a more complete portfolio of English entertainment channels. beTV thus offers easy viewing and engaging entertainment, a place for viewers to chill and unwind much like their favourite hang-out café or hang-out joint.

    Q. Are you launching this channel in India or are you waiting for digitisation to take concrete shape?
    We are always looking for opportunity to launch these brands in India and it is not appropriate for me to talk about this yet.

    Q. How is SPT Networks Asia leveraging HD and 3D and how do you see them enhancing the TV viewing experience?
    AXN is already available in HD in every market except Taiwan and India. Eventually we will be shifting our service to HD for these two important markets as well.

     

    Our distribution in India is much wider than the top 10 key cities, so the plan to roll out HD is a massive effort for us. In the US, Sony Corporation together with Discovery Communications and Imax Corporation has launched the world’s first and only 3D channel – 3net.

     

    For us, the key for launching HD and 3D is finding the right timing and formula that works for us.

    Q. Has the pay TV business across Asia been hit by the slowdown or are consumers still willing to pay a good price if they see value?
    From our experience, we have found that the consumer is actually more willing to pay for pay TV services in challenging times. It offers affordable entertainment at home for the whole family instead of spending a lot more money when a family goes outside the home for entertainment.

     

    We have also continued to see growth in our advertising business as pay TV is one of the more cost effective advertising mediums for marketers. AXN not only provides a quality environment that enhances advertisers’ brand image but also appeals to and reaches a very desired audience – the SEC A and SEC AB. Our audience is less affected by the economic crisis and continues to have considerable spending power, which is why it is important for marketers to continue investing with us.

    Q. In the US, new media is seeing people spending more time watching shows online rather than on the TV channels. Is this a challenge you are starting to face in India and Asia?
    While we are seeing an increase of online viewing, both illegal and legal, we also expect to see an increase in both time spent viewing and reach of pay TV as pay TV penetration continues to grow in many markets across Asia including India.

     

    The good news for advertisers is that pay TV, in spite of the wide choice available, is still less fragmented than the Internet and offers a well targeted, distinct brand environment for marketers to select. Pay TV brands command loyalty amongst viewer who have been relying on pay TV brands for the past 15 to 20 years and we believe they will continue to do so especially as shared family
  • ‘CSI’ drives Alliance Atlantis’ 3Q results

    ‘CSI’ drives Alliance Atlantis’ 3Q results

    MUMBAI: Canadian television firm Alliance Atlantis Communications has reported revenue and earnings growth for the third quarter ended 30 September, 2006.

    The company benefitted from strong sales for the CSI franchise. In India CSI airs on AXN.

    Alliance Atlantis CEO Phyllis Yaffe says, “We are exceptionally pleased with the performance of the CSI franchise and the previously announced licensing of certain international second window rights which demonstrate the strong interest of CSI around the world .

    “In our broadcasting business, we were pleased with continued strong subscriber revenue gains as well as strong audience growth. While ad revenue was down slightly year over year, we are pacing well in the fourth quarter and in 2007 we believe advertising revenue will increase in line with the Canadian specialty television market expectations. Over the past 12 months, our advertising revenue is up seven per cent.”

    Broadcasting revenue of $66.7 million represented an increase of four per cent over the prior year’s quarter. Subscriber revenue grew by 10 per cent to $33 million in the quarter compared to $30.1 million in the prior year reflecting steady growth in paid subscribers. Advertising revenue decreased slightly to $32.1 million for the quarter compared to $33.0 million in the prior year due to slightly lower demand for ad inventory.

    In the entertainment segment, CSI revenue of $140.2 million was up $89.9 million from $50.3 million in the prior year’s quarter. The increase was primarily due to second window license fees recognized in the current quarter offset by a stronger Canadian dollar. The company recognises second window license fees from licensing arrangements with existing broadcasters of the CSI franchise when the company has fulfilled its obligations, which typically occurs ahead of the actual second window availability and payment of the license fees.

    During the current quarter, the company entered into several second window licensing arrangements with existing CSI broadcasters and recognised $91.3 million in revenue from these arrangements.

  • Microsoft’s XBox to digitally deliver TV shows, movies to gamers

    Microsoft’s XBox to digitally deliver TV shows, movies to gamers

    MUMBAI: Software major Microsoft has announced agreements with US broadcasters CBS, MTV, film studio Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

    The aim is to to bring an initial lineup of over 1,000 hours of hit TV shows and movies to Xbox 360 gamers in the US by the end of the year.

    Microsoft says that Xbox 360 will be the first gaming console to bring standard and high-definition TV shows and movies via digital distribution over the Internet directly to the American consumer. From 22 November 2006, which marks its first anniversary, Xbox 360 will be the first gaming console in history to provide high-definition TV shows and movies directly to gamers in their living rooms. Xbox 360 gamers will have access to the full-length TV shows as downloads to own and movies to rent via download from the Xbox Live® network, the worldwide leader in online distribution of high-definition gaming and entertainment content. This announcement also brings with it several additional ‘firsts’:

    • For the first time, consumers will get an integrated gaming and entertainment experience on a gaming console that includes downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies. This new full-length content adds to the ever-expanding number of choices gamers have on their Xbox 360, whether they want to play games or play a movie on a disc or as a download in high definition or standard definition.

    • CBS will deliver high-definition download-to-own TV shows including CSI, Jericho, Numb3rs and remastered Star Trek episodes. Gamers can buy them and watch them repeatedly.

    • For the first time on any platform, Nascar.com will deliver download-to-own condensed versions of select Nascar Nextel Cup Series races from Race Rewind.

    • The Ultimate Fighting Championship will make 50 of its most intense fights available for download as well as select episodes from the original season of The Ultimate Fighter reality series.

    Microsoft corporate VP interactive entertainment business Peter Moore says, “This groundbreaking announcement is a win for everyone. It connects our partners with one of the most coveted audiences in entertainment today, and provides even greater value to our Xbox Live community, allowing them to enjoy the games and entertainment they want, when they want it.”

  • CBS operating income up 4% to $646 million

    CBS operating income up 4% to $646 million

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate CBS Corporation has reported results for the third quarter ended 30 September, 2006.

    CBS’ operating income rose by four per cent to $646 million led by television and outdoor. Net earnings from continuing operations went up by 26 per cent to $324 million.

    Revenues of $3.4 billion for the third quarter of 2006 were up slightly from the same quarter last year, as growth at outdoor and publishing was offset by a decline at radio, the shutdown of broadcaster and lower home entertainment revenues due to the switch from self-distribution in 2005 to third party distribution in 2006.

    For the nine months ended 30 September 30, 2006, revenues were $10.4 billion which marked an increase of one per cent from the same prior-year period, as growth at outdoor, television and publishing was partially offset by a decline at Radio. Results for the first nine months of 2006 reflected $24.0 million of expenses related to the UPN shutdown as well as the impact of stock-based compensation expense of $51.7 million versus $13.1 million for the nine months ended 30 September, 2005.

    For the quarter, television revenues of $2.2 billion decreased slightly from the prior year as growth in television license fee revenues and affiliate fees was more than offset by lower advertising and home entertainment revenues.

    Television license fees increased by seven per cent principally due to the domestic syndication sale of CSI: Miami and higher foreign syndication revenues. Affiliate fees increased six per cent due to rate increases and subscriber growth at Showtime and the inclusion of CSTV Networks since its acquisition in January 2006. Ad revenues decreased by three per cent primarily due to the shutdown of UPN in September of 2006 and the absence of the Primetime Emmy telecast in 2006, partially offset by strong political advertising sales at the television stations.

    Home entertainment revenues decreased by 35 per cent principally due to the switch from self-distribution in 2005 to third party distribution in 2006. The CW, a 50/50 per cent joint venture broadcast network with Warner Brothers Entertainment, was launched in September 2006 and has been accounted for as an equity investment in the third quarter of 2006.

    CBS executive chairman Sumner Redstone says, “CBS Corporation is right on track. “We remain committed to escalating shareholder value as we continue to drive our businesses forward. I am encouraged by the strategic vision Leslie and his team have put forth to capitalize upon the tremendous opportunities unfolding in the digital age.”

    CBS president, CEO Leslie Moonves says, “This was another strong quarter, posting solid profit increases in Television and Outdoor, generating significant free cash flow, and delivering the third of three dividend increases since the start of the year. In Radio, our plan to strategically reduce the number of markets in which we operate is well underway. We have signed agreements to sell 29 stations for a terrific value. We also believe that the growth we’re seeing in key formats such as Jack, Spanish and Talk bodes well for improved performance at Radio in 2007.

    ” Through innovative partnerships with YouTube, Yahoo, and many other key new media concerns, we’re aggressively pursuing opportunities that help us extend our world-class mass-appeal content to new digital platforms and channels and get paid for it. As a premier content company, we continue to be pleased with new technological developments that allow consumers to more easily enjoy our content, and extend our reach into the digital space.”

    The company expects to deliver low single-digit growth in revenues, mid single-digit growth in operating income and high single-digit growth in earnings per share.

  • CBS lets viewers test their CSI: Q on the mobile

    CBS lets viewers test their CSI: Q on the mobile

    MUMBAI: From today 1 November viewers of US broadcaster CBS’ drama CSI: NY can use their mobile phone to play CSI: Q.

    This is an interactive, live text-messaging game in which audiences test their crime-solving skills by predicting the outcome of the episode, with an eye on winning $10,000. This marks the first time that CBS has applied an interactive text messaging component, previously used on reality programmes and game shows, to one of its prime time dramas. In India the CSI franchise airs on AXN.

    CSI creator and CSI: NY executive producer Anthony Zuiker, who also created the CSI board game, Senses, came up with the idea for CSI: Qand is formulating the questions.

    He says, “CSI: Q invites viewers to watch CSI: NY in an interactive fashion with a level of game play to track the ‘criminal,’ ‘science,’ and ‘intent’ (motive) of the story. Our goal is to use the mobile phone in an unprecedented fashion to drive viewership back to the television while at the same time enhancing the viewing experience for the CSI fan.”

    During the CSI: NY episodes being broadcast on CBS on 1, 8, 15 November, an on-air promo will run with one question that asks viewers to predict what will happen at the end of that night’s episode. Viewers will send their responses via text message to 38383 and will be entered into the drawing to win the weekly prize of $10,000. Additionally, viewers can enter for free by going to the CSI: NY site through CBS.com (where the Official Rules are also posted).

    Each weekly winner will be announced on-air during the following week’s episode of CSI: NY. The questions will differ for the Eastern, Pacific and Hawaiian time zones.

    CSI: NY is about forensic investigators who use high-tech science to follow the evidence and solve crimes in the Big Apple. The show stars Gary Sinise, Melina Kanakaredes, Carmine Giovinazzo, Hill Harper, Eddie Cahill and Anna Belknap.

  • AXN introduces the concept of ‘Elite Weekends’

    AXN introduces the concept of ‘Elite Weekends’

    MUMBAI: The action oriented AXN is using the weekend to air back to back epiodes of shows so that viewers who missed them during the week can catch them at one sitting. The initiative is called Elite Weekends.

    Viewers can chill out with back-to-back episodes from six series all weekend, including The Shield (Season 4), Las Vegas (Season 2), House, and all three of the CSI series: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI:Miami and CSI:New York.

    This month AXN will also be premiering new seasons of CSI and CSI: NY. Expect plenty of grisly details and heinous crimes in the 6th season of CSI ahead, and marvel as the team uses increasingly high-tech and technical forensic tools to comb through the evidence for clues in their search for the elusive solution.

    AXN Elite Weekend will premiere on the 6 and 7 May and will air every Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 3 pm.

  • ‘The Office’ creator Gervais hits out at the quality of British television

    ‘The Office’ creator Gervais hits out at the quality of British television

    MUMBAI: The creator of BBC’s sitcom The Office Ricky Gervais has come down heavily on the state of entertainment on British television.

    He says that most shows are lacklustre and tired.

    Media reports indicate that Gervais considers US television programming to be of a far greater standard. He says that American writers and programmers show an appetite that is not present in Britain. He praised American writers for being good, funny and ambitious.

    He cites shows like 24, CSI as being examples of creativity. Britain, he laments, does not have comparable shows. The reason he says for this is the fact that American television does not tolerate hack writers. If they are no good they are out of the picture.