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Tag: Mumbai police

  • MTV celebrates the Asli Roadie spirit of Mumbai Police, distributes raincoats

    MTV celebrates the Asli Roadie spirit of Mumbai Police, distributes raincoats

    Mumbai: Viacom18’s youth, music, and English entertainment (YME) cluster MTV has donated 1,000 raincoats to the Mumbai Police on the anvil of monsoons.  

    The initiative recognises the spirit of ‘Asli Roadie’, personified by the Mumbai Police while keeping the city of dreams unencumbered by challenges, including those of the rainy season.  

    The high-quality protective raincoats provided by MTV and created by Yashlok Welfare Foundation, are created by marginalised sections of society such as the unemployed youth, women, rural population, and differently-abled individuals.

    As MTV Roadies journey in South Africa, India’s biggest genre-defining adventure reality show nears its grand conclusion, the brand celebrated the quintessential Roadie code of indomitable resolve, pluck and fellowship demonstrated by the Mumbai Police in safeguarding its citizens.

    Viacom18 youth, music, and English entertainment head Anshul Ailawadi said, “An ‘Asli Roadie’ is not just defined by adventure, but also a spirit of compassion and camaraderie to take everyone along on the journey. This is embodied by Mumbai Police every day. As they brave the monsoons yet again, this is our token of gratitude for their ceaseless commitment towards keeping the city safe.”

    Speaking about the initiative, superstar, philanthropist and the host of MTV Roadies – Journey in South Africa Sonu Sood said, “I have the utmost respect for our Mumbai Police and thank them for their extraordinary hard work, which makes our ordinary lives safe. This contribution of a thousand raincoats from MTV Roadies is our way of saluting them and further equipping them for their duties.”   

    The latest power-packed season of the show, Infinix Smartphones MTV Roadies journey in South Africa, co-powered by CoinSwitch, Paree Sanitary Pads, Leverage Edu, and Lakmé Sun Expert is all set to pit the best of the best in its thrilling grand finale on 10 July at 7 p.m.

  • NBF implores Barc India to resume TV ratings

    NBF implores Barc India to resume TV ratings

    Mumbai: The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) has once again written to Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India seeking immediate resumption of TV ratings for news channels. The letter dated 28 January is addressed to the chairperson and members of the board of directors of Barc India.

    The ratings for news channels were suspended in October 2020 and are yet to be resumed despite the I&B ministry’s directive.

    Highlighting that its member news channels have been paying Barc subscriptions even during the blackout period of 16 months, the NBF implored Barc to release the news genre data by 3 February 2022 (Thursday). However, no data has been released till the filing of the report.

    “We would like to bring to light how numerous advertisers, have publicly and individually, iterated the need for the return of ratings. In absence of ratings, the entire industry is suffering and faces a steeper challenge with every delay by Barc,” NBF stated.

    The representative body also highlighted that in a sworn affidavit dated 17 August 2021, the Bombay high court had stated that the defendant (referring to Barc) will restore access to the weekly channel data as and when, and if, this is permitted by the government or the regulator. If on the other hand, the government permits the release of all weekly channel data, including for past periods, the defendant will supply that to the plaintiffs. “Now that the government has categorically called for the release of ratings, it is baffling and unfathomable why Barc is refusing to act,” wrote NBF.

    The ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) on 12 January 2021 had asked Barc to release news ratings with immediate effect and also release the last three months’ data. When queried by a journalist on Twitter, TRP committee chairperson Shashi Shekhar Vempati also stated, “I am hopeful that ratings for the news genre are resumed at the earliest. I see no reason for Barc India to further delay the matter.”

    While the rating agency has decided to remain mum on the issue, several news reports have indicated that ratings will return only in March.

  • News genre ratings: Broadcasters question ‘curious delay’; NBDA calls for additional measures

    News genre ratings: Broadcasters question ‘curious delay’; NBDA calls for additional measures

    Mumbai: Day after the government gave its long-awaited approval to Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India to release ratings for news channels, the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) called upon the TV rating agency to take “some additional measures” before any ratings are released.

    In a statement released on Thursday, the association said that while it recognises that a number of reforms are being undertaken at Barc, there is “still room to make systems more transparent, robust and reliable”. The association, which had earlier termed the Barc ratings “unreliable”, further noted that Barc should also evaluate ways to enhance data security and ensure that there is no manual intervention at any step in the ratings process.

    “We hope before any ratings are released, these measures are in place,” stated NBDA, even as another industry association- News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) cried foul over the “unnecessary delay” in executing the orders. 

    “The audience viewership data is with Barc and withholding it despite clear instruction from the ministry, is not necessary. It should comply and release the ratings of news channels without any further delay. If there are news channels that don’t want ratings, they can be voluntarily exempted,” said NBF in a statement, highlighting that it was “disappointed.”

    The representative body of news broadcasters exhorted Barc to put an end to the severe challenge that the news genre was facing as advertising was deeply hurt in absence of any ratings, leading to a loss in revenue. 

    When will the news ratings finally be released?

    The statements come amid Barc India’s continued silence over the release of TRPs for news channels which have been in limbo since October 2020. While the I&B ministry has asked the TV measurement body to “release the news ratings with immediate effect” along with last three months’ data in a monthly format, it is yet to announce when it will publish the same.

    Queries sent to Barc India did not elicit any response till the filing of the report.

    On Wednesday, the I&B ministry directed the rating agency to resume news genre ratings on TV effective immediately on a four-week rolling average concept to ensure fair and equitable representation of true trends.

    Furthermore, the government also assured broadcasters that Barc has undertaken revision in its processes, protocols, oversight mechanism and initiated changes in governance structure, and revamped and tightened the access protocols for data. “Barc has indicated that in view of the changes undertaken by it, they are reaching out to related constituencies to explain the new proposals and are in readiness to actually commence the release as per the new protocols,” it stated further.

    NBDA says it stands vindicated

    Meanwhile, the NBDA also stated that it stands vindicated as the ministry has recognised the need for improvement, acknowledged the deficiencies, and the need to urgently increase sample size and systemic corrections. “The association will continue to work with all stakeholders on refining the Outlier Policy to eliminate statistical anomalies and increasing the sample size to strengthen the credibility of data,” it added further.

    The ministry’s go-ahead comes just weeks ahead of an intense election season in five states, including an electoral battle for India’s most populous state. However, with broadcasters continuing to spar over the issue, it remains to be seen how long the state of suspension will continue.

    The overhaul in the television rating system in India kick-started in October 2020 when Mumbai Police claimed in a press briefing that they probed a case of manipulation of TRPs and found some incriminating evidence. The police said the accused were allegedly bribing the households to keep a particular channel running, leading to several arrests, and FIRs against three news channels. The controversy which quickly turned into a political football for the broadcasters, with allegations and counter-allegation forcing Barc India to temporarily suspend the publishing of weekly data for news channels in October 2020, which hangs fire till date.

  • TRP Scam: 3 Republic TV employees get anticipatory bail

    TRP Scam: 3 Republic TV employees get anticipatory bail

    New Delhi: A sessions court has granted anticipatory bail to three Republic TV employees in connection with the alleged Television Rating Points (TRP) scam, that came to light in October last year.

    The three employees named Shivendu Mulherkar, Ranjit Walter, and Sivasubramaniyam Sundaram had filed their pleas before the court last year, according to their lawyer Vikram Kamath.

    On Wednesday, the court allowed their anticipatory bail applications. According to their lawyer, the three accused had submitted before the court that they were not named in the FIR registered in the case initially and there was no ground against them (for arrest). Subsequently, a charge sheet was filed and they were named as accused. So, whatever material was there, it was before the court, and so, their custodial interrogation was not required, Kamath had argued.

    In a 1800 page supplementary charge sheet filed in June, the Mumbai police had named the three as accused, along with senior journalist and Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami. Apart from him, the Mumbai Police had named four others from ARG Outlier Media– COO Priya Mukherjee, Shivendu Mulelkar, and Shiva Sundaram as accused in the case.

    The alleged fake TRP scam came to light in October 2020 when rating agency Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) filed a complaint through Hansa Research Group (HRG), alleging that certain television channels were allegedly rigging TRP numbers by bribing households where BARC bar-o-meters were installed to tune into a particular channel throughout the day. An FIR in the case was registered after former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh named the channel as being involved in the scam. 

    As many as 15 arrests have been made in the case, the most prominent being former BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta, who later got bail after furnishing a bond of Rs two lakh. The arrested people were charged with cheating, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence.

  • TRP Scam: Mumbai Police names Arnab Goswami as accused in chargesheet

    New Delhi: Nine months after registering an FIR in the Television Rating Points (TRP) scam, the Mumbai Police on Tuesday submitted the chargesheet naming Republic TV’s editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami as an accused.

    Goswami and four others from ARG Outlier Media that owns Republic TV – COO Priya Mukherjee, Shivendu Mulelkar, and Shiva Sundaram – have been named as accused in the second supplementary chargesheet, reported Live Law. Till now, Goswami and others were listed as “suspects” by Mumbai Police in the ongoing investigation.

    The 1800 page supplementary charge sheet was submitted in the Esplanade Metropolitan Magistrate Court.

    An FIR in the case was registered in October, 2020 after former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh named the channel as being involved in the scam. The scam had come to light last year when BARC lodged a complaint with the Mumbai Police through Hansa Research Group, alleging that certain television channels were rigging TRP numbers by bribing households where BARC bar-o-meters were installed to tune into a particular channel throughout the day.

    As many as 15 arrests have been made in the case, the most prominent being former BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta, who later got bail after furnishing a bond of Rs two lakh. The arrested people were charged with cheating, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence.

  • Mindshare India is agency of the year at global media fest

    Mindshare India is agency of the year at global media fest

    MUMBAI: Mindshare India and Lodestar UM shone at the Festival of Media Global Awards 2021 announced Thursday night. While Mindshare India won the grand prix: Agency of the year award bagging two gold and three silver medals, Lodestar UM won two gold, one silver and a bronze medal.  Wavemaker also bagged a silver, taking India’s total tally at the global awards to eleven.

    Mindshare won its two golds for its campaigns for Active Wheel and Boost brands. The winning campaigns included, career from home – beyond the confines of her kitchen for Active Wheel and Boost stamina meter – A new currency in town! for Boost. These awards were under the best campaign for a local brand and best use of data & insight award categories respectively.

    The agency won its three silvers also for the same campaigns- two for the Active wheel campaign and one for the Boost campaign.

    Lodestar UM’s four major awards came for the The punishing signal campaign done for the Mumbai Police. This included, a gold in the impact award category, gold in best use of event or experiential category, silver in best use of traditional media – OOH category and bronze in the creative use of media category. 

    You can watch the award-winning campaign video here:

    The Festival of Media Awards programmes have been showcasing the very best in media and marketing campaigns, while upholding and maintaining global industry benchmarks throughout the sector for over 14 years. 

    With events in Singapore, New York, Milan, Miami and London the portfolio covers all corners of the world providing a platform for the best in class in media and marketing and the opportunity for companies to amplify their work, generate PR, boost internal motivation, win new business and create a competitive edge.

  • TRP scam: Mumbai police files chargesheet against Vikas Khanchandani, Romil Ramgarhia & Partho Dasgupta

    TRP scam: Mumbai police files chargesheet against Vikas Khanchandani, Romil Ramgarhia & Partho Dasgupta

    NEW DELHI: The Mumbai police has filed supplementary chargesheet against Republic TV CEO Vikas Khanchandani, former BARC COO Romil Ramgarhia and former BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta.

    The chargesheet runs over 5,000 pages in 13 volumes.

    While Khanchadani was earlier released on bail, Ramgarhia and Dasgupta are in police custody. Police has been interrogating Dasgupta, who was denied bail and remanded in judicial custody for 14 days.

    The TRP scam has got even murkier with police claiming to have vital evidence in the case against ARG Outlier Media owner Arnab Goswami trying to bribe former BARC employees to extend favours to Republic TV.

    Mumbai Police is relentlessly collecting evidence and so far made 15 arrests in connection with the case, including the owners of the Fakt Marathi and Box Cinema channels, the distribution head of Republic TV, several former relationship managers of Hansa Research Group, hired by BARC.

    The alleged scam came to light last year when ratings agency BARC filed a complaint through Hansa Research Group, saying certain television channels were rigging TRP numbers.

    At a press conference held on 8 October 2020, Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh claimed that Republic TV and two Marathi channels – Box Cinema and Fakt Marathi – were involved in manipulating TRP for better advertisement revenue.

    Republic TV and other accused have denied any wrongdoing and manipulation of ratings.

  • TRP scam: India Today CFO summoned by ED

    TRP scam: India Today CFO summoned by ED

    NEW DELHI: India Today group CFO Dinesh Bhatia has been summoned by the enforcement directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with the alleged TRP scam. Media reports state that he is expected to appear before the investigative agency on Monday. 

    India Today’s name had reportedly appeared in the initial FIR filed by Hansa Research in the case, which was brought to light by the Mumbai police in October last year. However, Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh had later stated that no evidence came up against the channel in further investigation. 

    Mumbai police has thus far arrested 15 people in connection with the case, including the owners of the Fakt Marathi and Box Cinema channels, the distribution head of Republic TV and several former relationship managers of Hansa Research Group, hired by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). Former BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta is currently in police custody for his alleged involvement in the rigging of ratings, his bail plea having been denied by the court.

    The ED had earlier registered an enforcement case information report (ECIR), the equivalent of FIRs filed by the police, investigating money laundering allegations in the case. 

  • Partho Dasgupta played ‘vital role’ in TRP scam, says Mumbai court

    Partho Dasgupta played ‘vital role’ in TRP scam, says Mumbai court

    NEW DELHI: A Mumbai court has observed that former BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta played a ‘vital role’ in the alleged Television Rating Points (TRP) manipulation scam.

    The observation was stated in a court order that was passed on 4 January while rejecting his bail plea. The copy of the order was made available today. Chief metropolitan magistrate Sudhir Bhajipale on Monday had rejected Dasgupta’s bail plea. He was arrested by the Mumbai police last month.

    In his order, the magistrate said the material available on record shows involvement of the accused in the alleged crime. "The present applicant (Dasgupta) played the vital role in the commission of offence," he noted.

    The material collected by the investigating officer shows that Dasgupta manipulated TRP for particular channels by using his office as the CEO of BARC, the court observed.

    The order further said that the accused is the "most influential person who worked as CEO and the other persons or accused are yet to be interrogated.”

    "In such circumstances, it is the requirement of further investigation (which is still underway) to keep the present accused away from the wanted accused and other material witnesses," it added.

    The court was of the view that Dasgupta's release will hamper further investigation, which is still in progress.

    One of the grounds cited by Dasgupta for seeking release on bail was parity with the other accused, including BARC's former chief operating officer Romil Ramgarhia.

    The court, however, noted that no doubt the other accused are released on bail, but they have played a different role than Dasgupta in commission of the offence.

    "Considering the said fact, the principle of parity is not applicable in case of the present applicant," it said.

    Dasgupta filed his bail plea on 30 December 2020, after the court remanded him in judicial custody.

    In his application, Dasgupta claimed he was only an employee of BARC and not a "whole and sole (authority)", and that there exists a board of directors and a disciplinary committee above him in the council.

    However, Mumbai police argued that Dasgupta, in connivance with another senior official from BARC and ARG Outlier Media owner Arnab Goswami, manipulated the TRPs of Republic TV and Republic Bharat (Hindi).

    The police had claimed that Goswami paid in lakhs to Dasgupta in return for the manipulation.

  • TRP scam: Partho Dasgupta’s bail plea rejected

    TRP scam: Partho Dasgupta’s bail plea rejected

    NEW DELHI: The Esplanade magistrate court in Mumbai has rejected the bail plea of former Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India CEO Partho Dasgupta, in connection with the alleged TRP manipulation case. His lawyer is, reportedly, planning to approach the Mumbai high court. 

    In related news, Dasgupta was questioned in connection with the gold and silver ornaments worth Rs 48 lakh found in a bank locker maintained by his wife by the crime intelligence unit of Mumbai police on Sunday. The interrogation, as reported by The Times of India, went on for one hour. 

    Police obtained permission from the 37th metropolitan magistrate court to interrogate him. SB Bhajipale directed the Taloja jail superintendent to make arrangements for Dasgupta's interrogation saying, “….this court has already rejected the prayers… for further police custody on December 30. However, considering the requirement of investigations as mentioned by the prosecution, I come to the conclusion that personal interrogations of the accused for one hour in jail premises will suffice the purpose of the investigating officer.”

    Dasgupta was arrested in the TRP scam on 30 December and remanded to Taloja Jail. His bail plea, which was earlier scheduled for 1 January, might come up on Monday.