ITV

Tag: NDTV

  • Acting on its mandate

    Acting on its mandate

    The NBSA has been cracking the whip on certain complaints filed with the standards body. Here is a example of three cases which were censured by it. Several other examples can be found on the nbanewdelhi.com.

    1. Decision dated 20.12.2012 passed by NBSA regarding complaint dated 14 September 2011 filed by the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust against TV18 Broadcast Limited in respect of broadcast dated 1.8.2011 and subsequent broadcasts in relation to the RGCT – Channels: CNN IBN & IBN7

    The NBSA, accordingly, directed that the Broadcaster be visited with the following consequences:

    (a) The Broadcasters be directed to carry an apology by running the following text (static) on full screen in large font size with voice over (in slow speed) expressing regret for the said telecast on their channels for 5 consecutive days at 9.00 pm sharp on 24.12.202, 25.12.2012, 26.12.2012, 27.12.2012 & 28.12.2012 respectively (IBN7 will carry the apology in Hindi):

    (b) The Broadcaster is issued a “censure” by the NBSA for wilful violation of NBA Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards and norms of ethical journalism;

    (c) A fine of Rs one lakh is imposed upon the broadcaster, to be paid to NBA within one week of receipt of this order.

    2. Decision dated 25.10.2012 passed by NBSA regarding complaint dated 21.06.2012 filed by Dr. Kalind Prashar against broadcasts made on Aaj Tak (on 10.6.12) & on IBN7 (on 11.6.12) of a one sided story of a matrimonial dispute – Channels: Aaj Tak

    Insofar as Aaj Tak is concerned, the NBSA held that the channel was clearly in breach of the NBA Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards, Specific Guidelines and committed wilful violation of the NBSA Advisory on Reportage of Family/Matrimonial Matters dated 16.9.2011, for the reasons recorded above. The NBSA therefore directs that TV Today Network Ltd. / Aajtak be visited with the following consequences:

    (a)The channel must carry the unedited version of the complainant, prominently for a duration of three minutes at the same time that the first broadcast was made on 10.6.12 i.e. at 6.00 pm for three consecutive days i.e. on 30.10.12, 31.10.12 & 1.11.12 respectively. The complainant’s version must also be preceded by an apology to be tendered by the channel, by running the following text (static) on full screen in large font size with voice over (in slow speed) expressing regret for the said telecast on their channel Aaj Tak.

    (b) Directed the broadcaster to pay a fine of Rs 1,00,000 to the NBA within seven days of receipt of this Order for wilful violation of NBA Advisory dated 16.9.11 on reportage of family/matrimonial matters.

    3 . Decision dated 16.7.2009 passed by NBSA on complaint filed by Eye Bank Co-ordination & Research Centre & Arpan Eye Bank, Mumbai – Channel: NDTV India for breach of the principle of impartiality and objectivity in reporting and (ii) of not ensuring neutrality in reporting.

    Decision:

    a) To run an announcement, expressing regret for the said telecast prominently on their channel NDTV India prior to the commencement of the telecast of the program Mumbai Central stating the following (text to be translated in Hindi).

    b) To also run the apology text on NDTV India on following three consecutive days, an apology/regret as a scroll in legible font and at normal speed between 8.00 pm. and 9.00 pm, five times with a space of 12 minutes each.

    c) To grant to EBCRC and Arpan an opportunity to express their version on the subject matter of the said telecast, by broadcasting EBCRC’s and Arpan’s un-edited version on the subject matter of the said telecast of a duration not exceeding an aggregate of five minutes on the channel NDTV India in the program Mumbai Central.

    d) Proof of compliance of this Order by NDTV by submitting a Compact Disc containing the telecast/apology/regret with particulars of the time and date of the telecast be submitted to the News Broadcasters Association within 15 days of receipt the Order passed by the Authority.

    4. Decision dated 19.10.2011 passed by NBSA on suo motu action regarding telecast of a programme “Will Kanimozhi turn approver” – Channel: Times Now for “conjecture and speculation” in its Prime time debate show News Hour.

    The Authority issued to the said Broadcaster a “censure” for the breaches committed by it and made it clear that any further transgression by the said Broadcaster would be dealt with more severely. 13. The Authority further directed the NBA:

    (a) to send a copy of this Order to the said Broadcaster for noting and for future compliance;

    (b) to circulate this Order to all Members/Editors of NBA;

    (c) to host a summary of these proceedings and of the present Order on the NBA website and to include such summary in the NBA’s Annual Report.

  • All about Real Estate now just a click away with ndtv.com/property

    All about Real Estate now just a click away with ndtv.com/property

    Following the tremendous success of NDTV’s Property Show and the weekend edition ‘Property Its Hot’, NDTV has taken it to an all new level and launched an official website – ndtv.com/property. It is India’s singular online portal where buyers and investors will have the ease to navigate through the most researched and insightful content on real estate in the country.

    The website will be the sole online destination for all real estate related information, featuring latest policy issues that affect buying decisions; exclusive interviews with leading industry voices and decision makers; insights from thought leaders; advice from top legal, finance and tax experts and much more. The site also has a special section dedicated to address queries from NRI investors and buyers.

    Commenting on the launch Vikram Chandra, Group CEO NDTV Network, said, “We have received extremely positive feedback from our viewers on our Property Show. With the introduction of the official website, we now hope to be able to provide our viewers with assistance on every aspect of the industry round the clock.”

    The exclusivity of the site lies in it being a one of its kind online platform, featuring residential projects recommended on the basis of exhaustive research done by a team of on ground researchers. The experts’ recommendations are placed citywise and are in all budgets and sizes across 24 cities in the country.

    Going that extra mile to bridge the gap between buyer and the builder community NDTV has also introduced a special section called ‘Rate Your Developer’ where buyers can give feedback on their developers through a simple survey NDTV@25.

  • Journalists, anyone?

    Journalists, anyone?

    MUMBAI: The past few months have seen established news channels showing their employees the door; be it a TV18 Broadcast or UTV Bloomberg or NDTV, which took the cake when it shut down the entire Mumbai office as cost-cutting measure. Media as a whole – particularly English news channels – has sunk into a lull. However, all’s not lost. There’s still hope for aspiring journalists in the form of a smattering of channels that are out to hire in the time of widespread lay-offs.

    A case in point is the ITV Network – comprising English news channel News X and Hindi news channel India News – which is currently hiring people both in its editorial and management departments. Not so long ago, the network roped in known faces such as Rahul Shivshankar and Diptosh Majumdar as Managing Editor and National Affairs Editor, respectively. “We ensure team structure and size is controlled in order to optimise cost,” says ITV Network HR Shikha Rastogi.

    Popular news channel India TV too is looking to fill vacancies in editorial and digital media. About 20-30 people have already been hired in various departments in the last quarter.

    Even in these difficult times, many new channels are making their way into the ecosystem, paving the road for hiring more people. So, while English news channels have started containing themselves, a number of new Hindi and regional news channels have cropped up.

    Just launched Hindi news channel, Jia News, will complete its second phase of hiring within the next two or three months. News Nation, another Hindi news channel which was launched earlier this year, did a significant amount of hiring to reach its current 350 staff strength. Hereon, the channel will hire as per specific requirements. There are also instances of new channel additions, where hiring is not really a prerogative except when the need arises.

    MCCS (Media Content and Communication Services) is adding a Punjabi news channel to its existing flock of ABP News, ABP Majha and ABP Ananda but no hiring is taking place in the ABP channels presently. Ditto for ZMCL, which added Zee Rajasthan Plus to its portfolio and recently acquired Maurya TV that runs in Bihar and Jharkhand. “We only hire when we need to. No attrition has taken place so no addition will either,” says MCCS CEO Ashok Venkatramani.

    Anurradha Prasad says that the situation can be much better once pay TV kicks in

    BAG Films and Media MD Anurradha Prasad, which owns the channel News 24 agrees that the scenario is not too good but since elections are approaching they will be looking at hiring competent people to cover it. Overall, there isn’t any such post vacant in the channel.

    Again, many channels are looking at getting their staff to multi-task to restrict hiring to the minimum. Sahara Samay Editor (Network Operations) Sanjay Banerjee says that their company has not fired any employee since their hiring itself is kept to a bare minimum. “Only when we have vacancies will we fill them as we did with the recently re-launched Sahara Samay NCR as Samay Rajasthan,” he adds. The Samay Rajasthan re-launch took place in mid-September and a good number of reporters and cameramen were hired in many cities of Rajasthan.

    Meanwhile, industry insiders feel the whole ruckus has been caused due to hiring more people than required. “A lot of unnecessary hiring has happened. Where just two people could do the work, six people have been taken in,” says an industry source. “The field hasn’t matured in all these years. There’s no formula to reach the top and there’s no benchmark either. At the same time, recession is happening and then if you aren’t a strong team, you are going to be in a mess,” opines a channel editor.

    Asked about what could be the reason for this sudden lull Prasad points out :”The cost of producing news has not come down in all these years and the system of pay TV has not yet kicked in.” Most channels say they are incurring losses rather than making a profit out of the business. The wait is on for digitisation to set in which will see news channels getting a better share of revenue.

    And though the gloom hasn’t passed yet, journalists would do well to hold on to whatever they have or look for and accept any opportunity as a stepping stone till an established name in the business is ready to hire once again.

  • NDTV 24×7 appoints Soli Sorabjee as channel ombudsman

    NDTV 24×7 appoints Soli Sorabjee as channel ombudsman

    MUMBAI: The times aren’t doing so well for news channels; and to present the facts without any bias is of utmost importance to many.

    Hence, to constantly keep a check on its editorial NDTV 24X7 has appointed an ombudsman to regulate the content on the channel.

    Former attorney general of India Soli Sorabjee has agreed to come on board as an ombudsman who will provide independent perspective on the coverage of the channel as well as investigate into complaints by viewers. It is also a first such initiative by a news channel.

    NDTV editorial director and president of the Ethics Committee Sonia Singh said, “Every day, we in the media face new editorial challenges regarding journalistic boundaries and we are delighted that Sorabjee will, with his unchallenged integrity, be able to provide much needed insight and advice.”
        

    A new link has been created called www.ndtv.com/soli to address the issues. Speaking on his appointment NDTV Group vice chairperson KVL Narayan Rao said, “Soli Sorabjee is an independent, highly respected, highly regarded legal luminary, with years of experience in handling issues relating to freedom of expression and freedom of the press and censorship. We are delighted he has agreed to be the Ombudsman for NDTV.”

    As a jurist he has argued several cases of constitutional importance in HCs and SCs particularly relating to freedom of press, censorship etc.

    NDTV Group CEO and executive director Vikram Chandra added, “NDTV has always been committed to the highest standards of integrity and balance in its news coverage and we have now decided to take that one step further by appointing an independent Ombudsman who can adjudicate on any issues that may come up in the future.”

    We at indiantelevsion.com feel that Sorabjee with his experience may just be beneficial to the channel.

  • NBA elections conclude; K V L Narayan Rao continues as president

    NBA elections conclude; K V L Narayan Rao continues as president

    MUMBAI: Results of the just concluded elections to News Broadcasters Association (NBA) are out. NDTV executive vice chairperson K V L Narayan Rao retains his post as president for the year 2013-14, making it his fourth term in office after succeeding DEN Founder Sameer Manchanda in 2010.

    Similarly, MCCS CEO Ashok Venkataramani, who heads the channels ABP News, ABP Majha and ABP Ananda, continues to be Vice President of the association.

    However, Network 18 Group CEO B Saikumar, touted as India’s youngest entrepreneur, has taken over from his predecessor – TV Today’s Anil Mehra – as treasurer.

    However, it isn’t going to be a smooth ride for Rao. “It is not just an appointment. It is responsibility as well. I hope that I will be able to deliver what the industry wants,” says Rao.

    Efforts are on to convince the TRAI and the government to understand their dilemma with respect to the ad cap that has been stayed by a TDSAT order till 11 November. Other problems news channels are grappling with include carriage fees, DAVP rates, and self regulation of content.

    Meanwhile, TV Today’s new representative is Ashish Bagga as Mehra has decided to step down from the NBA. Other members include Independent News Services chairman Rajat Sharma, Times TV Network CEO Sunil Lulla, Zee News CEO Alok Agrawal, TV Today Network director Ashish Bagga, News 24 Chairperson Anurradha Prasad.

  • When Arnab vanished, almost

    When Arnab vanished, almost

    What happens when the nation’s most vociferous, most articulate news show anchor goes missing? Well, the nation goes into overdrive, demanding to know the whereabouts of the host it has come to love, or hate, as the case may be.

     

    We’re talking about Arnab Goswami, Times Now Editor-in-Chief and presenter of The Newshour, one of the most widely-watched and debated shows on the channel. Goswami’s disappearing act last week, though brief, was enough to set off a cacophony of telephones ringing at the Times Now office. And much like Arnab’s familiar rant on the show ‘The Nation wants to know’, viewers wanted to know where in God’s name was Arnab?

     

    Unable to deal with so many telephone calls, The Newshour even put out a tweet saying: “Our viewers have been asking about Arnab. To them, we would like to say that he will be back on Monday at 9pm on show again”. However, the calls continued unabated. A Times Now employee described the number of calls and emails inquiring whether Arnab had taken ill as ‘astonishing’ and that “Only celebrities get such calls, don’t they?”

     

    ________________________________________________________________________

    Forget the cold vibes between BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and the party’s tallest leader LK Advani, it was Arnab who was the topic on social media.
    _____****________________________________________________________________

    The twitterati took to their favourite website with a vengeance, sending out both love and hate tweets for the man who loves to play devil’s advocate on The Newshour. Some went on to draw parallels between Arnab’s absence from The Newshour with that of say a Salman Khan from Bigg Boss or Amitabh Bachchan from KBC. Others made unfavourable comparisons with other news anchors in tweets like: “Barkha Dutt to undergo a face implant to look like Arnab Goswami to boost NDTV TRPs” and even derided tongue-tied panellists as: “Panellists on The Newshour speechless as they’re used to speaking for just 10 seconds with Arnab around…”.

     

    Still others heaved a sigh of relief as “they could finally turn up the volume of their television sets rather than turn down.” Forget the cold vibes between BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and the party’s tallest leader LK Advani, it was Arnab who was the topic on social media. So with such an iconic presence missing, did the channel lose out on TRPs or did other news channels make most of the opportunity. Only next week will tell… that is when the TAM ratings are out…

     

    The collective impact of regulation and the creeping tyranny of the minority have stifled innovation in our industry and, dare I say, in the economy as whole. At 15 per cent, we may grow at thrice the rate of the GDP but that is more a reflection of our topline economic growth than the health of our industry. At this rate, it will take us another 15 years to hit $100 billion in value and by then, we will be just three per cent of the world media market. This is just unacceptable.

     

    Till then, both those who love and hate Arnab can sit back and watch his shenanigans as he returns today same time same show on your favourite news channel…

  • Wizcraft wins big at the Asian Brand and Leadership Summit in Dubai

    Wizcraft wins big at the Asian Brand and Leadership Summit in Dubai

    MUMBAI: The inaugural edition of the Asian Brand and Leadership Summit saw Wizcraft International Entertainment win the award for Asia’s most promising brand. Known in Indian and international circles as a pioneer in the field of events and experiential marketing in India, Wizcraft has been doing well over the years. 

    Asia’s Most Promising Brands and Leaders 2012-2013 flagged off The Asian Brand and Leadership Summit 2013 in Dubai. Held over two days, 26 -27 August 2013, the event is an initiative by World Consulting and Research Corporation (WCRC) and ibrands 360 research.

    Speaking on the win, Wizcraft International Entertainment director Sabbas Joseph said, “This is a moment of great pride for Wizcraft, we have always strived to make a difference in the events and experiential marketing sector. We have come a long way in the past 25 years and we hope to continue creating bigger, historic and memorable brand events and properties.”

    Wizcraft has been in the forefront of some of the largest events and entertainment spectaculars including the 50 Years of Indian Independence, the 30 Years of Mauritian Independence, the 10 years of the South African Freedom Struggle, the National Games Opening and Closing ceremonies, the Handover ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, the Opening and Closing ceremonies for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and the ICC World Cup Opening and Closing ceremonies.

    “This award speaks of the hard-work and determination we have shown as a company over the years. We sincerely thank WCRC and our Wizcraft Team.” added Wizcraft International Entertainment director Viraf Sarkari.

    In its 25 years, Wizcraft has ventured and created many brands and International Property Rights in the film and music industry, including the International Indian Film Academy Awards and Weekend. In 2010, the GiMA (Global Indian Music Academy) Awards were initiated as a platform to honour and applaud talent in Indian music, celebrating multiple genres across film and non-film music in the country.

    On winning the award Wizcraft International Entertainment director Andre Timmins said, “At Wizcraft we deliver true brand experiences to clients time and again and the Asia’s Most Promising Brand Awards is a true testament of our strategic approach. Our strength are the people behind the magic, our greatest resource.”

    Wizcraft’s brand activation prowess is seen across the work done for brands such as Coca Cola, Microsoft, Nokia, IBM, Pepsi, Tata, Renault, Chevrolet, Dell, Cisco, Audi, Porsche, Jaguar Land Rover, Hindustan Unilever, P&G, Star Television Network and Sony Entertainment Television, among others.

    With the theme ‘Rise of Asia’, a total of 200 brands were featured across 50 industry categories to form the Most Promising Brands of Asia, which brings to the fore companies that have shown tremendous growth in the past few years. The two day Summit felicitated brands and their leaders. 200 Most Promising Brands in Asia, Legends of Asia, Awards for the Most Promising Leaders in Asia, Special Awards in Marketing & Business were awarded for their innovation and contribution to Asia. The focus was on Brands (with revenues less than $10 billion) that are successfully taking on and beating their competitors in their respective fields through their steady growth and presence. For the first time ever, it also brought out Leaders who have led the way to make their companies ‘The Most Promising Brands’.

    Speaking about the Asian brand and leadership summit World Consulting and Research Corporation editor and MD Abhimanyu Ghosh said, “This is a massive project with extensive research that has identified brands and leaders that are set to be the super-powers of tomorrow. They have been featured for the first time a singular platform aptly titled Asia’s Most Promising. With Wizcraft being the giant that it is in the activation sector, they could be ignored.”

    Asia’s Most Promising is supported by Heaven on Earth Developers, Gitanjali, LR Active, WizSpk PR | Communication as the communication partner, Bright Outdoor,  360 Arc, Lama Tours, NDTV Profit, The Daily Star, Crystal Arc and Sri Hanumant Gram. 

  • NDTV and Vedanta announce the launch of a unique initiative Our Girls Our Pride

    NDTV and Vedanta announce the launch of a unique initiative Our Girls Our Pride

    New Delhi, NDTV and Vedanta today announced the launch of their unique initiative ‘NDTV Vedanta OurGirls Our Pride’, a first of its kind national movement to create awareness about issues related to the girl child, at an event held at The Leela, Chankayapuri, New Delhi. The key issues that the campaign will focus on are Nutrition, Education, Health, Foeticide and Infanticide.

    Priyanka Chopra was named the brand ambassador for the campaign. UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador for India, Priyanka has been actively involved in various causes related to the girl child for many years. She has also personally supported this cause through the ‘Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education’, which works towards providing support to unprivileged girls across the country in the areas Education and Health.

    To launch the initiative, Campaign Ambassador, Priyanka Chopra joined Dr Prannoy Roy, Cochairperson, NDTV and Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta in the capital. Also present at the launch were Dr A L Sharada, Programme Director, Population First, Ms. Neelam Singh, NGO Vatsalya, UP, Ms. Deepak Kalra, Chairperson for Child Rights Protection Committee in Rajasthan amongst many others.

    Addressing the gathering via a live-link, the Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath said, “We should respect women in our society because both men and women are equal partners to bring out our society forward. According to our Constitution, we have equal rights, so we enjoy equal rights as men and women.”

    On being introduced as Campaign Ambassador, Priyanka Chopra, said, “The upliftment of the girl child in India has been a cause that is very close to my heart. In my role as UNICEF’s Goodwill Ambassador and through my experience with my personal foundation, I understand that while there have been some positive strides being made every day, there is still a serious amount of work that is still left to be done.I am honoured to be a part of NDTV – Vedanta Our Girls Our Pride, which is a wonderful initiative. NDTV has pioneered several successful campaigns in the past, creating a positive change in the lives of many. My personal experience with NDTV on the Greenathon over many successful years gives me the belief that together we can work towards making a sustainable change. With this initiative we aim to change the lives of many girls and provide them with basic necessities to be able to lead a quality life. I’m looking forward to creating a successful campaign that will give everyone an opportunity to come together in making a better and brighter India for our young girls.”

    NDTV has always played an instrumental role in creating awareness about various issues existing in the country through diverse, path breaking initiatives such as Save Our Tigers, Support My School, Marks for Sports and the Greenathon amongst others.

    Vedanta has taken forward a mission to make India a Child Malnourished free nation and thereby since 2008, the Group has taken care of over 14,000 Anganwadi centres reaching out to more than 500,000 children with a special focus on girl child. 8 Hi-tech Mid Day Meal Kitchens have been set up, providing hot nutritious meal to over 250,000 rural students. Many rural schools have been adopted for strengthening the quality of education and infrastructure. The Group has also taken up the initiative which has transformed 14,900 women into Rural Entrepreneurs through Self Help Groups. Beside, having specialized health camps, the Grouphas a Heart Hospital in Rajasthan and is constructing a 350 bedded Vedanta Cancer Hospital & Research Centre in Raipur which is near completion.

    ‘NDTV-Vedanta Our Girls Our Pride’ is yet another attempt to make a noteworthydifference in our world. Apart from sensitizing the masses, the campaign also aims to raisefunds to make a positive impact in the lives of as many girls as possible. Vedanta, through its “Khushi” campaign, has joined hands with NDTV in creating awareness towards care for the underprivileged children with focus on their health, nutrition, education and overall development.To drive momentum for the cause, NDTV will also create dynamic partners in government departments, NGOs, schools and private organisations.

     


    On this occasion, Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Group, said “Vedanta is committed to partner with all stakeholders, especially community, for a holistic development of India. What we need today is a movement on a war-footing to give our children what is rightfully theirs — a childhood that is not deprived of health, nutrition and education. We all must join hands — individuals, civil society, corporates, media fraternity and the government. We are quite delighted to associate with NDTV and Ms Priyanka Chopra for taking the “Our Girls Our Pride” campaign forward.”

    Addressing the audience, Dr. Prannoy Roy, Chairperson, NDTV, said “Perhaps the single most important change we can bring to our country is to invest in our girl children – to focus on their rights and demand their equality in society. Ensuring that every girl child in India achieves her full potential will transform India in a way that no other revolution can. This campaign is a small step in that direction – to raise awareness and to seek concrete steps towards a better India for the girl child.”

  • Despite losses, NDTV reports improved operational performance for Q1-2014

    Despite losses, NDTV reports improved operational performance for Q1-2014

    BENGALURU: Despite the fact that the first quarter is seasonally the worst quarter, and one-time expenses related to the re-launch of NDTV Profit, New Delhi Television Networks Limited (NDTV) has reported an improved operation performance for Q1-2014.

    NDTV’s consolidated net loss for Q1-2014 at Rs 24.04 crore was 7.9 per cent lower than the consolidated loss of Rs 26.09 crore for Q1-2013. The company had reported a consolidated profit of Rs 27.81 crore in Q4-2013 and a consolidated profit of Rs 19.1 crore for FY-2013.

    Consolidated income from operations of Rs 102.4 crore for Q1-2014 was slightly lower (by 4.1 per cent) as compared to the Rs 106.83 crore for Q1-2013 and substantially lower (45.1 per cent lower) than the Rs 186.56 crore for Q4-2013.

    Total consolidated expense was Rs 125.75 crore for Q1-2014, lower by 5.1 per cent as compared to Rs 132.56 crore for Q1-2013 and 21.8 per cent lower than the Rs 160.90 crore for Q4-2013.

    NDTV‘s consolidated production expense at Rs 24.11 crore for Q1-2014 was lower by 12.1 per cent as compared to the production expense of Rs 27.42 crore for Q1-2013 and 39.9 per cent lower than the Rs 40.12 crore for Q4-2013.

    NDTV spent Rs 21.57 crore towards marketing, distribution and promotional expenses, 37.7 per cent lower than the Rs 34.65 crore for Q1-2013 and almost half (50.6 per cent of the total marketing, distribution and promotional expenses) of the Rs 42.63 crore in Q4-2013.

    NDTV‘s consolidated operating and administrative expense for Q1-2014 at Rs 28.58 crore was 7.2 per cent more than the Rs 26.65 crore for Q1-2013, but 4.8 per cent lower than the Rs 30.01 crore for Q4-2013.

    NDTV‘s Profit / (Loss) from ordinary activities before finance cost and exceptional Items for Q1-2014 at Rs (-14.74) crore was 13.6 per cent lower than the Rs (-17.05) crore for Q1-2013. NDTV reported a profit / from ordinary activities before finance cost and exceptional items of Rs 14.65 crore for Q4-2013.

    NDTV‘s finance costs for Q1-2014 at Rs 4.65 crore was substantially lower by 31.5 per cent as compared to the Rs 6.79 crore for Q1-2013 and lower by 24 per cent as compared to the Rs 6.12 crore for Q4-2013.

    NDTV says that traditionally, the April to June quarter is seasonally unfavourable for the media industry. This has been exacerbated by the economic downturn. Further, some of the benefits of Phase I and Phase II Digitisation – substantial reduction in carriage fees and significant increase in subscription revenues – are yet to fully accrue.

    NDTV group CEO Vikram Chandra said, “We are excited at the imminent re-launch of NDTV Profit. We are working on a unique concept. A business channel only attracts viewership in the day, when the markets are open. The relaunched channel will cover markets during the day, and high viewership programming in the evening. This enables us to tap into two prime-time bands.”

    NDTV is the first Indian company to have 1 million followers on Twitter.

  • Despite losses, NDTV reports improved operational performance for Q1-2014

    Despite losses, NDTV reports improved operational performance for Q1-2014

    BENGALURU: Despite the fact that the first quarter is seasonally the worst quarter, and one-time expenses related to the re-launch of NDTV Profit, New Delhi Television Networks Limited (NDTV) has reported an improved operation performance for Q1-2014.

     

    NDTV’s consolidated net loss for Q1-2014 at Rs 24.04 crore was 7.9 per cent lower than the consolidated loss of Rs 26.09 crore for Q1-2013. The company had reported a consolidated profit of Rs 27.81 crore in Q4-2013 and a consolidated profit of Rs 19.1 crore for FY-2013.

     

    Consolidated income from operations of Rs 102.4 crore for Q1-2014 was slightly lower (by 4.1 per cent) as compared to the Rs 106.83 crore for Q1-2013 and substantially lower (45.1 per cent lower) than the Rs 186.56 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    Total consolidated expense was Rs 125.75 crore for Q1-2014, lower by 5.1 per cent as compared to Rs 132.56 crore for Q1-2013 and 21.8 per cent lower than the Rs 160.90 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    NDTV’s consolidated production expense at Rs 24.11 crore for Q1-2014 was lower by 12.1 per cent as compared to the production expense of Rs 27.42 crore for Q1-2013 and 39.9 per cent lower than the Rs 40.12 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    NDTV spent Rs 21.57 crore towards marketing, distribution and promotional expenses, 37.7 per cent lower than the Rs 34.65 crore for Q1-2013 and almost half (50.6 per cent of the total marketing, distribution and promotional expenses) of the Rs 42.63 crore in Q4-2013.

     

    NDTV’s consolidated operating and administrative expense for Q1-2014 at Rs 28.58 crore was 7.2 per cent more than the Rs 26.65 crore for Q1-2013, but 4.8 per cent lower than the Rs 30.01 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    NDTV’s Profit / (Loss) from ordinary activities before finance cost and exceptional Items for Q1-2014 at Rs (-14.74) crore was 13.6 per cent lower than the Rs (-17.05) crore for Q1-2013. NDTV reported a profit / from ordinary activities before finance cost and exceptional items of Rs 14.65 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    NDTV’s finance costs for Q1-2014 at Rs 4.65 crore was substantially lower by 31.5 per cent as compared to the Rs 6.79 crore for Q1-2013 and lower by 24 per cent as compared to the Rs 6.12 crore for Q4-2013.

     

    NDTV says that traditionally, the April to June quarter is seasonally unfavourable for the media industry. This has been exacerbated by the economic downturn. Further, some of the benefits of Phase I and Phase II Digitisation – substantial reduction in carriage fees and significant increase in subscription revenues – are yet to fully accrue.

     

    NDTV group CEO Vikram Chandra said, “We are excited at the imminent re-launch of NDTV Profit. We are working on a unique concept. A business channel only attracts viewership in the day, when the markets are open. The relaunched channel will cover markets during the day, and high viewership programming in the evening. This enables us to tap into two prime-time bands.”

     

    NDTV is the first Indian company to have 1 million followers on Twitter.