ITV

Tag: kids TV

  • Cosmos-Maya acquires all comic characters from Lotpot Comics

    Cosmos-Maya acquires all comic characters from Lotpot Comics

    Mumbai: Indian animation major Cosmos-Maya has acquired more IPs from the library of Lotpot Group, the owner of Lotpot Comics and Mayapuri magazine, the oldest and one of the largest circulated Hindi film weekly magazines of India. The magazine saw its initial foray into the kids’ TV space with Cosmos-Maya launching its 3D production of Motu Patlu on Nickelodeon, which has been airing on Indian television for nearly a decade.

    Cosmos-Maya will bring these IPs to life in 3D/2D formats, just the way the company did with the iconic comic brand Motu Patlu, which has become the greatest pop culture phenomenon in Indian animation, the studio said in a statement.

    With more characters from Lotpot comics’ library coming under their banner, Cosmos-Maya will consolidate their name on the path to progressive diversification within the content universe, it added.

    “The deal with Lotpot comics will be an organic extension of our mantra ‘novelty with familiarity’ – recognizing cultural nuances and media properties that our audiences have grown to love and associate with and giving them our own unique spin,” said Cosmos-Maya CEO Anish Mehta. “As we move forward on our journey of innovation, introspecting into cultural legacy gives us a certain grounding to which we add our contemporary flair. With this acquisition, Cosmos-Maya will add some of Lotpot’s most popular and classic cartoon characters to their shining family of animated IPs. Lotpot comics have crafted brilliant characters with their fingers on the pulse of Indian cultural elements and the trends they have followed across the decades. We plan to create some wonderful stories for both the domestic TV and OTT space, with massive recognition value that will open up opportunities across the licensing and merchandising ecosystem.”

    Lotpot comics publisher P. K. Bajaj added, “Cosmos-Maya has changed the way the world looks at comics and animation with the way they have created and nurtured our beloved Motu Patlu and taken it to the next level of being pop culture icons, and we are confident they’ll achieve the same for our other characters as well. We have full confidence that they will spin their magic once again on our IPs from Lotpot Comics that they’ll bring to life and ensure that the rich legacy of our brands will enthrall a few more generations in an entertaining format.”

    Cosmos-Maya have a rich portfolio of over 25 shows and feature films in the domestic and global space and are consistently churning out new seasons and content titles on both pay-TV and the digital OTT streaming space.

  • Voot Kids partners with Singapore Tourism Board to launch animation series

    Voot Kids partners with Singapore Tourism Board to launch animation series

    Mumbai: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has joined hands with Voot Kids and Green Gold Animation to take Indian audiences on a virtual adventure in Singapore with the iconic Indian comic character, Chhota Bheem. Titled Chhota Bheem – Adventures in Singapore, the mini-series brings the destination closer to audiences in an innovative format and engages families and children across India in English, Hindi, and Tamil languages, starting 17 July.

    The web series also marks the 11th anniversary of the much-loved personality Bheem. To commemorate this occasion, Chhota Bheem and friends celebrate his birthday in Singapore and embark on fun and exciting activities. Each episode takes the viewer through different experiences in Singapore, from action and adventure to shopping and food. The seven special stories feature the thrills and spills of a memorable trip, set in various locations across Singapore.

    Speaking about the partnership, STB’s regional director, India, Middle East & South Asia, GB Srithar, said, “For us, this project is all about putting happy smiles on the faces of children and families across India, under these stressful times. Chhota Bheem and friends are well-loved characters who bring much cheer, hope, and optimism to Indian audiences. STB is pleased to present the 7 episodes as our “Gift of Smiles” to the Indian audiences. We hope the episodes will entertain families and allow them to experience a slice of Singapore virtually, as they keep safe at home.”

    “As part of a vision to engage our Indian audiences creatively in the new COVID-19 environment, the STB has been harnessing technology to reimagine its content, products, and offerings. We have explored new partnerships and social engagements with many well-known brands. Many of these collaborations involved Indian talents and influencers working with Singaporean artistes, presenting their common passions to the Indian audiences virtually through engaging storytelling and showcasing of the destination. This creative partnership with Voot Kids and Green Gold is our first animation project and we are happy to offer this to the family audiences in India,” he added.

    Speaking on the collaboration, Voot Kids’ content head Ashutosh Parekh, said, “At Voot Kids, our mainstay is to provide meaningful screen time pivoting around fun – learn and entertainment which is age-appropriate and 100 % safe. This is fueled by one of the largest content libraries in the genre that is truly multi-format spanning across top kids’ franchises from all over the world, making it truly a house full of toons. Made locally and loved globally, Chhota Bheem is one of the most-watched characters since the day we launched Voot Kids. This mini-series is packed with specially created “app-i-sodes” to add diversity to our content slate. As market leaders, we thrive on content curation and creation with the consumer at the centre of everything we do. This was the right time to bring delight to our young subscribers and their families  who have enjoyed our app indoors, and now will magically be transported to Singapore with never seen before stories of Bheem, without leaving the safety of their home,  exclusively on Voot Kids.”

    “As a powerhouse platform for kids, we will continue to invest in bringing in more characters and tales that spark the imagination with a compelling story of young minds that are truly digital natives.  We aim to engage our kids and family audience with an immersive and interactive experience and celebrating Bheem and team’s adventures in Singapore is a one of kind initiative in the kids’ digital space,” he added.

    Elaborating on the alliance, Green Gold Animation CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “My biggest endeavour is to push the envelope with Chhota Bheem as an animated character that has millions of fans world over. New stories and new setting always add to Bheem adventurous streak and we are thrilled to partner with Singapore Tourism board to take it to the next level with Voot Kids as the exclusive home of the mini-series Chhota Bheem and friends – Adventures in Singapore.”

    “STB allowed us to bring out our best animation capabilities and Voot Kids pushed the envelope for creative exploration and the sharp kid-centric insights for us to create stories that will make children chuckle. The best minds in the business worked on this project with a phenomenal vision in these unprecedented times and I am really excited about the final cut. Voot Kids is a pathbreaking platform to emerge as best in the business and rewritten content rules for kids digital platform and we are hopeful that its subscribers will enjoy this fascinating mini-series that stars every kid’s favourite toon Bheem set in every kid’s favourite destination – Singapore,” he added.

    In addition to the webisodes, young fans will also be treated with exciting and entertaining e-books and interactive games featuring their adventures, which will be available for download from the Voot Kids app.

  • USP Studios’ Kids TV receives Diamond Play Button from YouTube

    USP Studios’ Kids TV receives Diamond Play Button from YouTube

    MUMBAI: USP Studios' flagship channel, Kids TV, has surpassed the 10 million subscribers mark, creating a strong community of loyal viewers. To celebrate this achievement, the video-sharing giant YouTube has honoured USP Studios with the prestigious Diamond Play Button.

    The Diamond Play Button is a top honour conferred by YouTube, next only to the Ruby Play Button for the 50 million mark.

    USP Studios founder Uday Singh said, “It is a proud moment for us to receive the Diamond Play Button from YouTube and we couldn’t be happier. The button is a quality certification, a mark of the immense work that every member at USP Studios has put in to reach this subscriber base and an encouragement to keep striving for more. It is also a huge responsibility because our animations and our characters are reaching millions of people around the world. By working closely with our platform partners, we will continue to grow our global community and entertain new audiences from all around the world.”

    USP Studios received a letter from the YouTube CEO, Susan Wojcicki which stated – “The fact is, you’re no longer just a great channel. You’re a movement. You’ve clearly touched a nerve in the world, and you’ve found a legion of fans that expect – and receive – great things from you. You amaze us and inspire us every day. Keep it coming.”

    USP Studios has been constantly expanding its subscriber base through new content, partnerships, and collaborations making a strong foothold in the kids’ content industry

  • YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    MUMBAI: Keeping in mind the rapid growth of kids content in India, video streaming platform YouTube has launched an app. Called YouTube Kids, it is aimed at parents as well as tech-savvy children. The app, has been launched in over 20 countries, makes it easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    First debuted in the United States in February 2015 during which the ideology behind the kid-friendly YouTube app was described as, YouTube Kids app, the first Google product built from the ground up with little ones in mind. The app makes it safer and easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    YouTube global head of family and learning Malik Ducard stated that the team plans to bring new guest-curated playlists from educators, celebrities, trusted names and other parents in the coming weeks.

    Available for free on Google Play and App Store from today in India, the app features large images, no extra video controls, expect the play/pause, next video, and caption buttons and bold icons making it more convenient for the children. It is not yet available as a desktop version.

    YouTube Kids is fast and easy to navigate and also offers voice search to let children find videos even if they cannot spell or type. The app will include content from ChuChuTV, Kids TV, the Gummy Bear song in Hindi, and a new season of Appu – The Yogic Elephant. The app also includes parental control features like what can be searched by the child, timer to limit screen time and content restriction.

    The user interface features four distinct categories – shows, music, learning, and explore.

    ChuChuTV CEO Vinoth Chandar said, “Finally, our wish as a creator and as a parent has come true. As a kids creator we always wanted a separate kids app from YouTube because of the huge consumption by kids. As a parent, we always wanted a friendly digital space for our little ones to consume high-quality content. We are so excited about the launch of the YouTube Kids app and I am sure this is a blessing for all parents. As a creator, ChuChu TV has huge content plans for YouTube Kids. Good Luck to YouTube Kids.”

    Designed to offer family focused content, YouTube kids offers an option to parents to let their kids to explore their imagination and curiosity.

    Ducard further added, “YouTube Kids is our first step in reimagining YouTube for families, an experience that gives you a world of video in your pockets, and a world of possibility and knowledge at your fingertips. India already has a very diverse and rapidly-growing creator base for kids and learning, with content in this category growing 100% year over year. YouTube Kids comes to India at a great time for millions of Indian families, as it provides children access to content that will enrich their lives and create new opportunities for learning. It also provides the perfect platform to showcase India’s incredibly vibrant, growing community of content creators, from animation studios to edutubers.”

    “We are ecstatic about the launch of YouTube Kids in India. Carefully developed with healthy viewing in mind, YouTube Kids has to be, without a doubt, the most sought after edutainment destination. We are proud to be a valued partner of the YouTube Kids’ App,” added Appu Series CEO Sanjay Raheja.

    Toonz Media Group CEO Jayakumar P said, “Since its launch, YouTube Kids have redefined kids entertainment in a revolutionary way. Toonz’ relationship with the worldwide and Asia Pacific teams has been absolutely incredible. YouTube Kids’ launch in India is indeed exciting news and they will definitely enrich and entertain Indian kids in the most amazing ways. Looking forward to the YouTube Kids Indian avatar and great collaborations with them.”

    Sesame Workshop MD Sashwati Banerjee added, “At Sesame India we believe in the power of engaging parents in interacting with children. In addition to our kids-centric videos, we have recently launched a series of webisodes for parents hosted by the popular Bollywood actor, Twinkle Khanna on topics like self-confidence, bullying, resolving conflict, consent and many more which will be available on the YouTube Kids’ app. We believe YouTube Kids will be a great platform for parents and kids to build new practices for child care and learning.”

    Parental Control features of the YouTube Kids app:

    ● Search settings: Automated Prompt allows you to make a choice about how broadly you want your child to explore – turn search on to access millions of family-friendly videos, or turn search off to restrict your child’s experience to a more limited set. Either way, parents decide the right experience for their family from the get-go.

    ● Timer: Let the app be the bad guy with a built-in timer that lets you limit kids’ screen time. The app alerts your child when the session is over, so you don’t have to. (You’re welcome. 😉

    ● Sound settings: Sometimes you need a little peace and quiet! You have an option to turn off background music and sound effects, so your kids can keep watching while parents catch a breath.

    ● Passcode and restricting certain content: Parents have the ability to set their own passcode, and to access settings and other parental information in the app.

    ● YouTube Kids on the big screen: You can now also watch YouTube Kids as a family on your big screen using Chromecast, Apple TV, game consoles or a smart TV.

  • YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    YouTube Kids available for free on Google Play, App Store in India

    MUMBAI: Keeping in mind the rapid growth of kids content in India, video streaming platform YouTube has launched an app. Called YouTube Kids, it is aimed at parents as well as tech-savvy children. The app, has been launched in over 20 countries, makes it easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    First debuted in the United States in February 2015 during which the ideology behind the kid-friendly YouTube app was described as, YouTube Kids app, the first Google product built from the ground up with little ones in mind. The app makes it safer and easier for children to find videos on topics they want to explore.

    YouTube global head of family and learning Malik Ducard stated that the team plans to bring new guest-curated playlists from educators, celebrities, trusted names and other parents in the coming weeks.

    Available for free on Google Play and App Store from today in India, the app features large images, no extra video controls, expect the play/pause, next video, and caption buttons and bold icons making it more convenient for the children. It is not yet available as a desktop version.

    YouTube Kids is fast and easy to navigate and also offers voice search to let children find videos even if they cannot spell or type. The app will include content from ChuChuTV, Kids TV, the Gummy Bear song in Hindi, and a new season of Appu – The Yogic Elephant. The app also includes parental control features like what can be searched by the child, timer to limit screen time and content restriction.

    The user interface features four distinct categories – shows, music, learning, and explore.

    ChuChuTV CEO Vinoth Chandar said, “Finally, our wish as a creator and as a parent has come true. As a kids creator we always wanted a separate kids app from YouTube because of the huge consumption by kids. As a parent, we always wanted a friendly digital space for our little ones to consume high-quality content. We are so excited about the launch of the YouTube Kids app and I am sure this is a blessing for all parents. As a creator, ChuChu TV has huge content plans for YouTube Kids. Good Luck to YouTube Kids.”

    Designed to offer family focused content, YouTube kids offers an option to parents to let their kids to explore their imagination and curiosity.

    Ducard further added, “YouTube Kids is our first step in reimagining YouTube for families, an experience that gives you a world of video in your pockets, and a world of possibility and knowledge at your fingertips. India already has a very diverse and rapidly-growing creator base for kids and learning, with content in this category growing 100% year over year. YouTube Kids comes to India at a great time for millions of Indian families, as it provides children access to content that will enrich their lives and create new opportunities for learning. It also provides the perfect platform to showcase India’s incredibly vibrant, growing community of content creators, from animation studios to edutubers.”

    “We are ecstatic about the launch of YouTube Kids in India. Carefully developed with healthy viewing in mind, YouTube Kids has to be, without a doubt, the most sought after edutainment destination. We are proud to be a valued partner of the YouTube Kids’ App,” added Appu Series CEO Sanjay Raheja.

    Toonz Media Group CEO Jayakumar P said, “Since its launch, YouTube Kids have redefined kids entertainment in a revolutionary way. Toonz’ relationship with the worldwide and Asia Pacific teams has been absolutely incredible. YouTube Kids’ launch in India is indeed exciting news and they will definitely enrich and entertain Indian kids in the most amazing ways. Looking forward to the YouTube Kids Indian avatar and great collaborations with them.”

    Sesame Workshop MD Sashwati Banerjee added, “At Sesame India we believe in the power of engaging parents in interacting with children. In addition to our kids-centric videos, we have recently launched a series of webisodes for parents hosted by the popular Bollywood actor, Twinkle Khanna on topics like self-confidence, bullying, resolving conflict, consent and many more which will be available on the YouTube Kids’ app. We believe YouTube Kids will be a great platform for parents and kids to build new practices for child care and learning.”

    Parental Control features of the YouTube Kids app:

    ● Search settings: Automated Prompt allows you to make a choice about how broadly you want your child to explore – turn search on to access millions of family-friendly videos, or turn search off to restrict your child’s experience to a more limited set. Either way, parents decide the right experience for their family from the get-go.

    ● Timer: Let the app be the bad guy with a built-in timer that lets you limit kids’ screen time. The app alerts your child when the session is over, so you don’t have to. (You’re welcome. 😉

    ● Sound settings: Sometimes you need a little peace and quiet! You have an option to turn off background music and sound effects, so your kids can keep watching while parents catch a breath.

    ● Passcode and restricting certain content: Parents have the ability to set their own passcode, and to access settings and other parental information in the app.

    ● YouTube Kids on the big screen: You can now also watch YouTube Kids as a family on your big screen using Chromecast, Apple TV, game consoles or a smart TV.

  • Close Koouka wins 2013 Mip Junior International Pitch

    Close Koouka wins 2013 Mip Junior International Pitch

    CANNES: Apart from content, Mip Junior’s biggest draw is an opportunity to present new intellectual properties (IPs) to a larger, more discerning audience.

    This year, of the 60 new projects vying for top honours at the international competition, Mip Junior International Pitch – New Projects for Kids TV, five made it to the final round and one of them was declared winner i.e. Koouka by Aldebaran Distribution and Vallaround, Italy.

    Presented by distributor Anna d’ Alessandro and producer Federico Vallarino, Koouka is the story of a chameleon, which changes the colour, shape and size of the things it touches. Replete with funny gags and sans any dialogue, the series’ theme is identity and how a natural desire to be accepted by others can stop people from expressing their real selves. Interestingly, there are 26 episodes, each of one minute duration.

    The other four who made it to the top five include Being Zeth by Source Animation, India; Goris the Gorilla by Split, Brazil and Chile; Nelly and Nora by Geronimo, Ireland; and The Little Train Choo Choo by JM Animation, Korea.

    The jury comprised BBC head of CBeebies production, animation and acquisition Alison Stewart; Canal+ head of children programmes and channels Laurence Blaevoet; The Walt Disney Company (South East Asia), India head of acquisitions, programming, branded media and content Anand Roy; Globosat Programadora head of content and programming Paula Taborda dos Guaranys; and Kenn Viselmann Presents CEO/owner Kenn Viselman.

    The jury looked for projects with potential for TV and multi-platform brand extensions, as well as originality and overall appeal in the storytelling technique, and Koouka bagged the award. Winners will get free access to Mip TV 2014 and a chance to interact with buyers during the main networking event on 6 October. 

  • Broadcast Content Complaints Council warns Kids TV channels

    Broadcast Content Complaints Council warns Kids TV channels

    MUMBAI: Kids TV channels in India had better watch out. The Broadcast Content Complaints Council (BCCC) has sent out a warning to members of the Indian Broadcasting Foundation cautioning them to be more circusmpect about the programming they air on their channels.

    In an advisory to its members the BCCC chairperson justice AP Shah has stated that ”while the BCCC wishes to avoid being a censoring agency, it advises all IBF member channels, particularly children’s/cartoon channels, to be more cautious in the selection of the content shown, considering the impressionable minds of their target viewers.The emphasis should be on the “best interest of the child”.”
     
    The letter from BCCC says that it has received several complaints regarding the telecast of content on channels meant for children, including cartoon channels.

    The complaints have broadly been about:

    *Telecast of “objectionable” content, visuals, theme, animation and/or use of “inappropriate” language in some programmes aired on children’s/cartoon channels. This includes foreign cartoon shows and their translated/adapted versions.

    * Telecast of films/movie clips classified as UA, including horror/action films, on children’s/cartoon channels.

    * Telecast of “objectionable” promos of programmes meant for more mature viewers on children’s/cartoon channels.
    The BCCC has acknowledged that it has taken note “of the contention of some broadcasters that there is no separate classification of channels as those meant exclusively for children and, therefore, there can be no additional restraint on the telecast of content, even if it is meant largely for adult viewers.

    The Council, however, is of the opinion that as a matter of fact, some channels consider children to be their principal target viewers. Consequently, it is children who overwhelmingly watch these channels and unsuspecting parents allow them easy access to programmes aired on such channels.”

  • Kids TV genre needs to expand amid more channel launches

    Kids TV genre needs to expand amid more channel launches

    The media and entertainment (M&E) industry comprises several powerful vehicles – many of which are much older than television. But it is television that commands a place of pride in the business pecking order. Today, television is estimated to account for almost half of the Indian M&E revenue and is projected to be over twice the size of print media by 2015.

    The kids entertainment industry although largest in viewership after general entertainment channels (GEC), saw a year like none before. The viewership pie of this genre grew by a meagre 4 per cent over 2011 but the industry saw the entrance of four channels.

    With more channels in the market, the industry waited with baited breath for the overall genre to grow. But after two launches and no growth by the third quarter of 2012, competition became more aggressive. Now, as we come to the end of the year with two more channel launches, the need to expand the genre becomes dire. It has truly been a year of more of less with more channels fighting for a small share.

    In an effort to grow the pie, an interesting move by broadcasters this year has been to target younger kids with preschool channels. In the year to come, the performance of these channels will pave the way for other competitors to consider investing in this new demographic of television audiences.

    Personifying ‘more of less’ has been the consumption habits of kids. Over the year, a prominent trend that has emerged has been that kids prefer watching more of fewer shows as opposed to watching a bouquet of shows. It is for this reason that shows like Chhota Bheem and Doraemon dominate 60-80 per cent of their respective channel schedules and have emerged as iconic characters amongst kids.

    2013 – The year of plenty

    The upcoming year brings a lot of hope for broadcasters of the kids genre. With the first phase of digitisation complete, it will be interesting to see the level of set-top box (STB) penetration thereby determining reach of all genres including kids. Digitisation will also determine the effectiveness of the current revenue model. The current advertising driven model under-values and under-prices the kids genre. With a subscription based revenue model, broadcasters will hopefully receive a fair share of the revenue pie. The need of the hour, however, is to go beyond television and explore revenue optimisation from online, mobile and licensing and merchandising as well.

    However, to keep the kids engaged in today’s world, the content needs to be even more engaging and relatable. Simplicity of storytelling and relatability of characters need to continue as focus from the content point of view.

  • Digitisation the potential game changer for kids TV

    Digitisation the potential game changer for kids TV

    The Mayans got it wrong and thankfully so!

    As we bid adieu to the Year of the Dragon, India has already added approx. 30 million children to its burgeoning population of 330 million kids. Thanks to the growing population, there has been an explosion in demand for kids’ specific products and services, not to mention their need for entertainment. Hence avenues of entertainment multiplied and kids TV not only witnessed growth but also saw new offerings.

    The children’s appetite to be entertained continued to be insatiable. Kids broadcasters rose to the occasion to fulfil this need with tailor made offerings. Animation continued to rule the roost as it is timeless and transports children to an alternate world of escapism and fantasy, which live actions shows are challenged with. The Indian animation industry came of age with locally produced content. The highlight has been the development of original and endearing characters and content like Motu Patlu, Keymon Ache etc which have made great inroads into the category.

    Comedy, Action and Value Based shows continued to be the category drivers. Bollywood went on to have a huge influence on children, which also got mirrored in the shows. Characters kept to rule the hearts of kids and were larger than the channels that carried them. Hence 3-4 shows based on these characters continued to garner the maximum GRPs.

    Kids continued to shape the buying patterns of their families. From vacation choices to car purchases to meal selections, they exerted tremendous power over the family pocketbook. While kids are almost in- house consultants, marketers and broadcasters have been very mindful while communicating with them.

    With 8% – 9% genre share, the kids genre is the 4th largest viewed in CS4+; larger than news and music (the word ‘Niche’ used traditionally to categorise the kids genre should be termed ‘Special Interest’). Within 4-14 years itself, it is the second largest genre with 23% share, second only to GECs. The 4-9-year-olds remained being the loyal viewers. 10-14 years remain the flirtatious/closet watchers. The category viewership continued to be driven by boys while the girls indulged in kitchen politics.

    Despite many players in the category, over 70% viewership was concentrated within the top 4 players. Despite all the fragmentation, the category has grown by 5% CAGR in the last 5 years.

    Challenges

    While the kids genre contributes 8% viewership share of the CS4+, it accounts for a mere 2% ad revenue share. Hence there is a huge potential for growth and this has to get corrected over a period of time through rate correction and non FCT partnerships. While pester power plays a role in brand purchases (candies, chocolates, biscuits, toys etc.), the control of the purse strings are still with the parents. Parents are not the primary audience for kids channels (while there is co-viewing but the level of viewer engagement is low) and hence advertisers are not paying premium dollars.

    Multiple Entrants – The fragmentation in the kids category is increasing by the day with over a dozen national players existing currently. This has led to the viewership and share of the revenue pie being divided between the players. The challenge the genre faces is on generating revenue beyond spots and that is something the category needs to seriously introspect. Over reliance on FCT to generate top line and over supply of inventory has led to spot rates being depressed.

    Marketing to Kids – Kids as an audience are a tough bunch to target. They barely consume print and outdoor. A large chunk of the marketing investment is on BTL activities such as School Contact Programmes, retail activation and direct consumer contact using multiple on-round vehicles which have an extremely high cost per contact. The wired kid of today is more tech savvy than his parents. The dependence on the digital and online medium is fast increasing.

    2013 – Trends & Roadmap

    Digitisation will be a game-changer in 2013. We are already witnessing the benefits of the 1st phase of the rollout. This has benefited not only the consumers (more channel offerings and of superior quality) but also broadcasters.

    Digitisation will give an impetus to ‘special interest’ channels and hence create space for broadcasters to create categories to address specific need gaps, like Sonic, the Action Adventure channel for boys or Nick Jr., the play-and-learn platform for pre-schoolers. Digitisation will go a long way in better ROIs and hence better business models for television.

    Lines across platforms & screens will blur further in 2013. Content consumption will become increasingly platform agnostic. Kids content creators will now make their content and characters available to kids across platforms, be it TV, Computers, Tablets or Phones.

    As Indian animation comes of age and more home grown characters (not just mythological ones) are developed, Indian animation will make a mark on the global map as it moves from being an outsourcing industry to an original content creator with Shows like Shaktiman, Chhota Bheem, etc. that can travel overseas.

    The “Touch.Play.Feel” mantra will take on a whole new dimension. Most kids broadcasters will be aiming to move beyond Television and form a Kids Ecosystem. Broadcasters may leverage their platform strength and influential characters to create interesting Entertainment offshoots beyond television. Consumer Products, Theme Parks, Retail Stores, etc. may be the next BIG opportunity for broadcasters.

    So let me leave you with the thought that this TG is a formidable one and will keep the marketers and broadcasters on their toes. Kids broadcasters will need to continuously re-invent themselves to stay relevant to this ever evolving and dynamic bunch of consumers.

    2013 will be an exciting year with lots to look forward to. Wish everyone a very successful and profitable year!

  • Ofcom reviews the role of public service broadcasting on kid’s TV in UK

    Ofcom reviews the role of public service broadcasting on kid’s TV in UK

    MUMBAI: With the exploding children’s media landscape in UK, Britain’s content regulator Ofcom has announced a project to review the future of children’s programming with specific reference of public service broadcasting (PSB).

    The project will look at the state of children’s media in the UK and examine the role of television within this.

    The research will commence this month and a research report will be published in summer 2007.

    A full PSB Review is expected early in 2008.

    Currently, 18 dedicated children’s channels are available on multi-channel platforms hence, the review will examine the extent to which the purposes of PSB on television have been fulfilled. “It is proposed that the final focus of the project be on children’s television programming across PSB and non PSB channels; we ultimately aim to assess the desirability and scope of any public service interventions in this market.”

    The project, will also attempt to address some of the geographical issues relating to children’s programming like “the role of PSB children’s programming in reflecting the cultural diversity of the different nations and regions of the UK.”