ITV

Tag: India

  • Zee TV topples Colors to take 3rd place; Sun TV retains top spot across genres

    Zee TV topples Colors to take 3rd place; Sun TV retains top spot across genres

    MUMBAI: Sun TV Network’s Tamil general entertainment channel Sun TV continues to dominate the charts across genres, while Zee’s Hindi general entertainment channel Zee TV toppled Colors to claim its stake on the third slot in week 6 of Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) all India data.

    Sun TV retained its leadership position with an increase in ratings of 1020881 (‘000s) as against 992291 (‘000s) in week 5. On the other hand, Star Plus in the second place saw a fall in ratings but managed to hold its spot with 760263 (‘000s) as against 760263 (‘000s) in the previous week.

    Zee TV climbed up to the three rung from its fourth position in week 6 with  733137 (‘000s), pushing Colors down to the number four with 729531 (‘000s).

    Zee Anmol secured the fifth slot with 671397 (‘000s) followed by Sony Max on the sixth berth with 454190 (‘000s), while Life OK with 451859 (‘000s) stood at number seven.

    ETV Telugu with with 442609 (‘000s), Star Ustav with 440054 (‘000s) and Zee Cinema with 411409 (‘000) garnered eighth, ninth and tenth slots respectively.

  • DEN Networks to de-merge broadband biz; consolidate cable TV enterprises

    DEN Networks to de-merge broadband biz; consolidate cable TV enterprises

    NEW DELHI: With an aim of creating a distinct identity for each of its enterprises, major multi-satellite operator Den Networks Ltd to merge 23 subsidiaries in the cable business and to de-merge its broadband business into a wholly owned subsidiary.

    The Board of Directors has granted in-principle approval for the changes following corporate action subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.

    The aim is to strengthen the single brand leading to a stronger market presence, providing customers with a seamless on-board experience, and removing any other brand perceptions and distinctions in customers’ minds.

    The structure will result in economies of scale and reduce administrative and regulatory compliances and a more focused operational effort, realising synergies in terms of compliance, governance, administration and cost synergies.

    The de-merger of broadband will enable a focused attention on the Internet Service Provider business and achieve structural and operational efficiency, enhanced competitiveness and greater accountability besides accelerating value creation for shareholders, the company said.

    Furthermore, the separation will allow DEN to aggressively focus on the significant growth potential for high speed data and related services in India.

    DEN also intends to take the lead in driving wire line broadband penetration in India.

    DEN Networks CEO Pradeep Parameswaran said, “We are focused on creation of a distinct identity for each of our businesses and the recent in-principle board approval is a step in this direction. This corporate structure will strengthen the  brand while also giving us an opportunity for shareholder value creation.”

  • DEN Networks to de-merge broadband biz; consolidate cable TV enterprises

    DEN Networks to de-merge broadband biz; consolidate cable TV enterprises

    NEW DELHI: With an aim of creating a distinct identity for each of its enterprises, major multi-satellite operator Den Networks Ltd to merge 23 subsidiaries in the cable business and to de-merge its broadband business into a wholly owned subsidiary.

    The Board of Directors has granted in-principle approval for the changes following corporate action subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.

    The aim is to strengthen the single brand leading to a stronger market presence, providing customers with a seamless on-board experience, and removing any other brand perceptions and distinctions in customers’ minds.

    The structure will result in economies of scale and reduce administrative and regulatory compliances and a more focused operational effort, realising synergies in terms of compliance, governance, administration and cost synergies.

    The de-merger of broadband will enable a focused attention on the Internet Service Provider business and achieve structural and operational efficiency, enhanced competitiveness and greater accountability besides accelerating value creation for shareholders, the company said.

    Furthermore, the separation will allow DEN to aggressively focus on the significant growth potential for high speed data and related services in India.

    DEN also intends to take the lead in driving wire line broadband penetration in India.

    DEN Networks CEO Pradeep Parameswaran said, “We are focused on creation of a distinct identity for each of our businesses and the recent in-principle board approval is a step in this direction. This corporate structure will strengthen the  brand while also giving us an opportunity for shareholder value creation.”

  • Discovery to premiere ‘India’s Frontier Railways’ on 11 February

    Discovery to premiere ‘India’s Frontier Railways’ on 11 February

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is all geared up to premiere a tale of international trains connecting Indian, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The series titled as India’s Frontier Railways will premiere on 11 February 2016 and will air every Thursday at 9 pm.

    The three-part series explores the journey of passengers on the international trains through their heart-warming stories of reunion, cultures, history and travel across borders.

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM-South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel is delighted to present the incredible history of India’s cross border trains and their significant role in connecting the people and the nations. The audience will have a heart-warming viewing experience as they will get the opportunity to watch the three trains traverse through India’s borders in Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.”

    The one-hour long episode will offer viewers a first-account narration of people whose work, travel and lives are entwined with these international trains

    The first episode is on Maitree Express, which connects India and Bangladesh, taking 12 hours to make the 392 km journey from Kolkata to Dhaka. On both sides, people speak the same language, share a history and they all love fish. The episode will take the viewers through a journey that unites Bengal.

    The Last Train in Nepal will showcase the train that crosses the border between India and Nepal along a line that runs for 20 miles from Janakpur to the Indian junction of Jaynagar. It will also reveal how the line is now under threat of closure following a starvation of funds from the Indian government, which has left the train and the track in a state of disrepair. This episode will showcase the community alongside the border and railway workers who are struggling every day to keep their train and their hopes alive.

    The third episode of the series is on The Samjhauta Express, a unique and heart-warming film that reconnects families, cultures and history. Viewers will get to see Bilal and his father who are seeking medical treatment in India, along with hockey champion Rahat Khan who is travelling to play an international match. This episode will also highlight on Guru Nanak’s birthday wherein the railway runs special train across the border to the Guru’s birthplace in Pakistan.

  • Discovery to premiere ‘India’s Frontier Railways’ on 11 February

    Discovery to premiere ‘India’s Frontier Railways’ on 11 February

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is all geared up to premiere a tale of international trains connecting Indian, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The series titled as India’s Frontier Railways will premiere on 11 February 2016 and will air every Thursday at 9 pm.

    The three-part series explores the journey of passengers on the international trains through their heart-warming stories of reunion, cultures, history and travel across borders.

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM-South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel is delighted to present the incredible history of India’s cross border trains and their significant role in connecting the people and the nations. The audience will have a heart-warming viewing experience as they will get the opportunity to watch the three trains traverse through India’s borders in Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.”

    The one-hour long episode will offer viewers a first-account narration of people whose work, travel and lives are entwined with these international trains

    The first episode is on Maitree Express, which connects India and Bangladesh, taking 12 hours to make the 392 km journey from Kolkata to Dhaka. On both sides, people speak the same language, share a history and they all love fish. The episode will take the viewers through a journey that unites Bengal.

    The Last Train in Nepal will showcase the train that crosses the border between India and Nepal along a line that runs for 20 miles from Janakpur to the Indian junction of Jaynagar. It will also reveal how the line is now under threat of closure following a starvation of funds from the Indian government, which has left the train and the track in a state of disrepair. This episode will showcase the community alongside the border and railway workers who are struggling every day to keep their train and their hopes alive.

    The third episode of the series is on The Samjhauta Express, a unique and heart-warming film that reconnects families, cultures and history. Viewers will get to see Bilal and his father who are seeking medical treatment in India, along with hockey champion Rahat Khan who is travelling to play an international match. This episode will also highlight on Guru Nanak’s birthday wherein the railway runs special train across the border to the Guru’s birthplace in Pakistan.

  • Gemporia targets revenue of Rs 60-100 crore; to launch on Tata Sky

    Gemporia targets revenue of Rs 60-100 crore; to launch on Tata Sky

    MUMBAI: Digitisation of cable television in India has opened up the space for many a niche channels. And taking advantage of this are brands and companies operating in diverse fields. One such company is Gemporia – jewellers from the United Kingdom, which forayed into India with the launch of a television channel back in September 2015. The channel, which is already available on direct to home (DTH) platforms like Dish TV and Videocon d2h, is all set to launch on Tata Sky in the next fortnight.

    What’s more, the channel is eyeing revenue between Rs 60 – 100 crore by the end of 2016. With the ethos of ‘Janiye aur Kharide’ (Know and Buy), the channel has a marketing budget of over Rs 25 crore, which it will strategically dish out with time. “The end goal is to be the largest selling jeweller in terms units and to reach that goal we will need to have an interactive marketing campaign. We are moving ahead towards that, the medium will depend on the marketing strategy, but we will innovate across platforms,” said Gemporia India co-founder Manuj Goyal.

    With the proliferation of the e-commerce space, there are a number of online stores selling jewellery in India. However, the online retailing of original jewels is yet to pick pace. Keeping the scenario in mind, Gemporia has taken TV route and has over 14 hours of live programming.

    The channel’s distribution and operation cost is predicted to be over Rs 50 crore. Goyal informs that the channel’s initial target is to be available on DTH platforms and then gradually move having a presence on cable.

    Gemporia has over eight per cent market share when it comes jewellery in the UK. “Majority of the jewellery shopping happens online across the globe. And I believe the same can happen in India too,” says Goyal.

    The venture has a target set to reach 100 million television audiences. Set up in Jaipur, Gemporia has 160 employees, of which 30 are equipped with GIA certificate.

    “All our products are hallmarked and we don’t sell imitation jewellery. We are the first dedicated jewellery channel with live programming. We stand by the purity of our jewellery and hence give our consumers the option of returning the jewellery within 30 days with full refund. Since we cannot offer consumers the touch and feel of our products, we create 360 degree videos of the product that consumers will eventually invest in,” informs Goyal.

    In a bid to stay ahead of online jewellery marketplaces, Gemporia decided to take the TV route. “Next to touch and feel is video and that’s where we have an advantage. Additionally, in most online stores, the products displaced are not ready and hence the delivery time is way more than us. Ours is a dedicated jewellery company and the product displayed is available for consumers to buy. The moment they buy a piece of jewellery, we can ship it and hence the logistics are way faster than the existing online stores,” says Goyal.

    A home shopping channel media expert says on condition of anonymity, “The jewellery space can pick up as it has the potential. But the product pricing has to be lower than traditional physical stores. All across the globe, the products that sells on home shopping channels are unique and priced lower than those in brick and mortar stores. Putting common products up will go no where. Gemporia’s biggest challenge and competition will be from the channels selling imitation jewellery. The first year will be challenging and will define the fate.”   

    Besides TV, Gemporia also has an online presence. Through the website, an on-screen anchor addresses consumers’ questions. Additionally, Gemporia also has a mobile app to sort out size issues. The Gemporia Ring Sizer app enables consumers to asses the ring size by just putting it up on the mobile screen. “We send ring sizer with our every order to sort out the size issue,” informs Goyal.

    With innovation, novel offerings and customer service being the key factors for success for a venture, it now remains to be seen how this one of a kind television channel orchestrates its voyage in the cluttered and unpredictable Indian market.

  • Gemporia targets revenue of Rs 60-100 crore; to launch on Tata Sky

    Gemporia targets revenue of Rs 60-100 crore; to launch on Tata Sky

    MUMBAI: Digitisation of cable television in India has opened up the space for many a niche channels. And taking advantage of this are brands and companies operating in diverse fields. One such company is Gemporia – jewellers from the United Kingdom, which forayed into India with the launch of a television channel back in September 2015. The channel, which is already available on direct to home (DTH) platforms like Dish TV and Videocon d2h, is all set to launch on Tata Sky in the next fortnight.

    What’s more, the channel is eyeing revenue between Rs 60 – 100 crore by the end of 2016. With the ethos of ‘Janiye aur Kharide’ (Know and Buy), the channel has a marketing budget of over Rs 25 crore, which it will strategically dish out with time. “The end goal is to be the largest selling jeweller in terms units and to reach that goal we will need to have an interactive marketing campaign. We are moving ahead towards that, the medium will depend on the marketing strategy, but we will innovate across platforms,” said Gemporia India co-founder Manuj Goyal.

    With the proliferation of the e-commerce space, there are a number of online stores selling jewellery in India. However, the online retailing of original jewels is yet to pick pace. Keeping the scenario in mind, Gemporia has taken TV route and has over 14 hours of live programming.

    The channel’s distribution and operation cost is predicted to be over Rs 50 crore. Goyal informs that the channel’s initial target is to be available on DTH platforms and then gradually move having a presence on cable.

    Gemporia has over eight per cent market share when it comes jewellery in the UK. “Majority of the jewellery shopping happens online across the globe. And I believe the same can happen in India too,” says Goyal.

    The venture has a target set to reach 100 million television audiences. Set up in Jaipur, Gemporia has 160 employees, of which 30 are equipped with GIA certificate.

    “All our products are hallmarked and we don’t sell imitation jewellery. We are the first dedicated jewellery channel with live programming. We stand by the purity of our jewellery and hence give our consumers the option of returning the jewellery within 30 days with full refund. Since we cannot offer consumers the touch and feel of our products, we create 360 degree videos of the product that consumers will eventually invest in,” informs Goyal.

    In a bid to stay ahead of online jewellery marketplaces, Gemporia decided to take the TV route. “Next to touch and feel is video and that’s where we have an advantage. Additionally, in most online stores, the products displaced are not ready and hence the delivery time is way more than us. Ours is a dedicated jewellery company and the product displayed is available for consumers to buy. The moment they buy a piece of jewellery, we can ship it and hence the logistics are way faster than the existing online stores,” says Goyal.

    A home shopping channel media expert says on condition of anonymity, “The jewellery space can pick up as it has the potential. But the product pricing has to be lower than traditional physical stores. All across the globe, the products that sells on home shopping channels are unique and priced lower than those in brick and mortar stores. Putting common products up will go no where. Gemporia’s biggest challenge and competition will be from the channels selling imitation jewellery. The first year will be challenging and will define the fate.”   

    Besides TV, Gemporia also has an online presence. Through the website, an on-screen anchor addresses consumers’ questions. Additionally, Gemporia also has a mobile app to sort out size issues. The Gemporia Ring Sizer app enables consumers to asses the ring size by just putting it up on the mobile screen. “We send ring sizer with our every order to sort out the size issue,” informs Goyal.

    With innovation, novel offerings and customer service being the key factors for success for a venture, it now remains to be seen how this one of a kind television channel orchestrates its voyage in the cluttered and unpredictable Indian market.

  • Television market hots Up; HBN India targets 200 Cr By 2016

    Television market hots Up; HBN India targets 200 Cr By 2016

    Mumbai, 27 January 2016: Riding on the recent spurt in online shopping, TeleBrands India Pvt Ltd, India’s leading telemarketing and mail order organization, today announced that it will be re-branding its television brand as HBN India (Hot Brands India). The re-branding initiative is in line with the company’s aggressive growth strategy and near-term product roadmap. Reaching over 40 million household, enjoying a lion’s share in the market at 20%, HBN India is targeting a revenue of 200 Cr by opening 24 new retail stores for the new year 2016. “We plan to raise Rs 120 crore from PE players to expand retail outlets from 110 to 300 by FY18”, said Hitesh Israni, MD, HBN India.       

    At a time when online buying space is hotting up with new entries each day, TeleBrands India still retains a healthy repeat customer business of 35% by being owners and not aggregators, unlike the competitors. And powered by its own home grown 24 hours TV channel HBN, the company is all set to reach newer heights.        

    To further enhance the convenience and shopping experience for its customers, HBN India plans to launch a mobile app in 2016. Speaking on the occasion, HBN India Director, Manisha Israni reiterated, “For us, customer convenience is most important. With mobile apps fast-emerging as a preferred medium for shopping, we wanted to bring our extensive product line and unmatched offers in customers’ hands.”      

    Despite changing times, the logistical strength of HBN India, remains the in-house Indian Post Department which makes sure buyers from all across India — down to the semi-urban and-rural areas get their latest from the best in business. Elaborating on the growth plans, Hitesh Israni, Managing Director, HBN India said, “Television is the biggest contributor to our revenues. With a reach in 40 Million households, we have carved a niche in the television shopping segment. We are quite bullish on the home shopping business in India and are positive that our customer base will increase further as we increase our penetration in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. We will also add new products to our portfolio in 2016 and continue announcing exciting offers for our customers. Our biggest strength is the quality of our products—we will continue to follow the stringent quality check to ensure the product quality.” 

    HBN India has been witnessing a huge response through television from across India for its various product categories, including fitness and exercise equipment, treadmills, sauna, massager, kitchen products, etc. Backed by overwhelming customer response, the company is all set to raise the bar higher by introducing new product segments and announcing exciting offers and deals.            

    Taking Prime Minister’s novel mission of “Make in India”, HBN India plans to take the model global. “With the aim to make the reach global and our esteemed buyers may get global goods at local prices,” adds Manisha Israni, Director, HBN India.

    HBN is available across the many widespread Cable and trusted DTH Networks such as Videocon d2h, Dish TV, KCCL and Asianet in Kerela, Arasu in Tamil Nadu, Fastway in Punjab Haryana, Hathway in North and West India, GTPL, J K cable in Jammu and Kashmir to name a few.                   
    Photo Caption

  • Television market hots Up; HBN India targets 200 Cr By 2016

    Television market hots Up; HBN India targets 200 Cr By 2016

    Mumbai, 27 January 2016: Riding on the recent spurt in online shopping, TeleBrands India Pvt Ltd, India’s leading telemarketing and mail order organization, today announced that it will be re-branding its television brand as HBN India (Hot Brands India). The re-branding initiative is in line with the company’s aggressive growth strategy and near-term product roadmap. Reaching over 40 million household, enjoying a lion’s share in the market at 20%, HBN India is targeting a revenue of 200 Cr by opening 24 new retail stores for the new year 2016. “We plan to raise Rs 120 crore from PE players to expand retail outlets from 110 to 300 by FY18”, said Hitesh Israni, MD, HBN India.       

    At a time when online buying space is hotting up with new entries each day, TeleBrands India still retains a healthy repeat customer business of 35% by being owners and not aggregators, unlike the competitors. And powered by its own home grown 24 hours TV channel HBN, the company is all set to reach newer heights.        

    To further enhance the convenience and shopping experience for its customers, HBN India plans to launch a mobile app in 2016. Speaking on the occasion, HBN India Director, Manisha Israni reiterated, “For us, customer convenience is most important. With mobile apps fast-emerging as a preferred medium for shopping, we wanted to bring our extensive product line and unmatched offers in customers’ hands.”      

    Despite changing times, the logistical strength of HBN India, remains the in-house Indian Post Department which makes sure buyers from all across India — down to the semi-urban and-rural areas get their latest from the best in business. Elaborating on the growth plans, Hitesh Israni, Managing Director, HBN India said, “Television is the biggest contributor to our revenues. With a reach in 40 Million households, we have carved a niche in the television shopping segment. We are quite bullish on the home shopping business in India and are positive that our customer base will increase further as we increase our penetration in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. We will also add new products to our portfolio in 2016 and continue announcing exciting offers for our customers. Our biggest strength is the quality of our products—we will continue to follow the stringent quality check to ensure the product quality.” 

    HBN India has been witnessing a huge response through television from across India for its various product categories, including fitness and exercise equipment, treadmills, sauna, massager, kitchen products, etc. Backed by overwhelming customer response, the company is all set to raise the bar higher by introducing new product segments and announcing exciting offers and deals.            

    Taking Prime Minister’s novel mission of “Make in India”, HBN India plans to take the model global. “With the aim to make the reach global and our esteemed buyers may get global goods at local prices,” adds Manisha Israni, Director, HBN India.

    HBN is available across the many widespread Cable and trusted DTH Networks such as Videocon d2h, Dish TV, KCCL and Asianet in Kerela, Arasu in Tamil Nadu, Fastway in Punjab Haryana, Hathway in North and West India, GTPL, J K cable in Jammu and Kashmir to name a few.                   
    Photo Caption

  • SnapBizz raises $7.2 million; to modernise India’s kirana stores

    SnapBizz raises $7.2 million; to modernise India’s kirana stores

    NEW DELHI: Retail technology firm SnapBizz has raised $7.2 million led by Jungle Ventures, Taurus Value creation, Konly Venture and Blume Ventures.

     

    The funds raised will be used to continue the firm’s growth and spur market expansion across key cities.

     

    The company had earlier received a seed fund of $1.7 million from Qualcomm, Jungle Ventures, National Research Foundation of Singapore, Taurus Value creation and Blume Ventures. The overall investments now stand at around $9 million.

     

    SnapBizz is transforming thousands of traditional retail outlets in Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad via a technology solution addressing the key business challenges faced by them. SnapBizz also connects and provides immense value to all stakeholders of the fragmented retail ecosystem of India. The cost-effective, end-to-end solution is an Android-based, cloud-connected business platform. The solution comprises a tablet, barcode scanner, printer and an intelligent consumer-facing LED display for consumer engagement.

     

    SnapBizz founder and CEO Prem Kumar said, “We are thrilled that all ecosystem players have shown confidence in our solution and that our existing investors have reiterated their support to us. Large retail and online players account for only 10-15 per cent of any brand’s business. The remaining 90 per cent happens through traditional trade and there is zero or minimal last mile connectivity between brands, consumers and retailers. We are on a mission to address this big gap while addressing the pain points of the kirana stores.”

     

    Jungle Ventures managing partner David Gowdey said, “We are convinced with the SnapBizz business model, which brings a tailored technology solution to kirana stores and believe that it will play a large role in India’s retail growth story. Prem and team have a rich and diverse experience across multiple markets and verticals that led to their impressive growth over a short span of time. We are confident that this momentum will continue as more kirana stores look to leverage technology to improve their business.”

     

    SnapBizz director – brand engagement Chirantan Bhabhra added, “SnapBizz is bringing in more money to kirana stores through partnership with FMCG companies. Brands, large and small, find SnapBizz a must-be-on platform. They can now contextually engage consumers in and out of stores, track promotions efficiently, analyse their business like never before and connect directly with kirana retailers.”

     

    “Kirana stores have been the face of India’s retail ecosystem for ages. The last few years witnessed the entry of large players in the form of supermarkets, hypermarkets and e-commerce posing a huge threat to kirana stores’ business. Despite stiff competition, kirana stores are still considered as the most trusted retail format in our country. They have unique strengths like trust, convenience, flexibility and competitive pricing, which make them highly relevant. SnapBizz helps kirana stores leverage these strengths to get a competitive edge. In line with the changing business environment and consumer expectations, kirana stores have realised the need to transform the business through advanced technology solutions,” added Kumar.