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Tag: NDTV

  • Veteran journalist Kamal Khan passes away

    Veteran journalist Kamal Khan passes away

    Mumbai: Veteran journalist Kamal Khan has passed away on Friday morning after suffering a heart attack in his home in Lucknow.

    Khan was associated with NDTV as executive editor for three decades as part of the Lucknow bureau. He was a recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Award, and the Ganesh Shanker Vidyarthi Award from the president of India.

    “He will be remembered as a legendary reporter whose work stood out for its perceptiveness and integrity, and the way in which he delivered hard truths with poetic dexterity,” NDTV in a statement said. “As a news anchor Kamal was the picture of poise and expertise, and his language was famous for its trademark elegance, a draw in its own right.”

    “We at NDTV, and all those who knew him, are deeply maimed by this giant loss, and it is with regret we share his last report – on the high-profile exits of BJP MLAs ahead of the UP-Assembly election. Most of all, he was a wonderful and generous human being who had only kind words and boundless time for anyone who met him,” the company further said.

    Condolences and tributes have been pouring in for Khan by senior politicians and journalists on social media platform Twitter.

  • NDTV Convergence signs 10-year, Rs 750-crore deal with Taboola

    NDTV Convergence signs 10-year, Rs 750-crore deal with Taboola

    Mumbai: NDTV Convergence has signed an exclusive 10-year deal with Taboola, a global leader in powering recommendations for the open web, helping people discover content they may like.

    The decade-long deal is based on mutually-determined projections, including growth in traffic, and cumulatively can enable revenue of Rs 750 crore for NDTV Convergence contingent upon it meeting the targets assigned for different stages of the 10-year period, said the statement.

    This deal gives NDTV Convergence access to Taboola’s full portfolio of offerings for personalised content recommendations, editorial planning, monetisation, and growth strategies. In addition, NDTV will leverage Taboola Newsroom, an advanced readership insights technology that leverages AI to power editorial processes, it added.

    In 2018, NDTV Convergence signed a five-year deal with Taboola, which was at the time among the biggest-ever advertising deals for the Asia-Pacific region. “Taboola has been a significant cornerstone of our business. We prize our seven-year-long association with them because they consistently demonstrate their support for independent journalism,” stated NDTV Group president Suparna Singh. “Taboola’s tools including those that we use in our newsroom make the best use of AI and new technology to ensure our content is flanked by terrific options for our readers to discover and learn more.”

    NDTV Convergence will be testing an e-commerce integration that provides a new revenue stream via Skimlinks, a Taboola company. With Skimlinks, NDTV Convergence can complement its premier content with e-commerce, said the statement.

    “We are seeing NDTV truly innovate by using recommendations, AI and data for growth,” said Taboola CEO and founder Adam Singolda. “They have been a true partner since 2014 and have shown they are very leaned in to continue to make NDTV a top news destination. What sets NDTV apart is a truly holistic approach to growth, which uses nearly every one of our publisher offerings to keep readers engaged and spending more time with them. We look forward to helping them grow over the next 10 years.”

  • Fintech invests in branded content to reach Gen Z and millennials

    Fintech invests in branded content to reach Gen Z and millennials

    Mumbai: Fintech brands are looking at the massive influx of Gen Z and millennial retail investors as an opportunity to create awareness about their products. As awareness about the securities market in India remains comparatively low compared to markets like the US, brands are choosing educational content to create brand recall.

    The Indian financial markets saw unprecedented retail participation between April 2020 and January 2021. The securities and exchange board of India (SEBI) reported that 1.4 crore new demat accounts were opened in FY 2020-21. The total number of demat accounts as of March stands at 5.5 crore which means that a fifth of the total demat accounts was opened in the last financial year.

    “The capital markets have grown tremendously as well and retail participation has increased. According to Central Depository Services Ltd, (CDSL), in the first six months of the lockdown only, there was also a 20 per cent rise in demat accounts. So, definitely, there is a huge interest and appetite for learning about the financial markets especially given the slowdown in placements and the job market,” said iProspect India, chief executive officer, Rubeena Singh.

    There was a surge in interest in all forms of wealth creation, as crores of people, lost their jobs. Unlike before, this time new investors had access to a vast trove of information on stocks, IPOs, mutual funds, cryptocurrencies, and other asset classes. Their decision-making is influenced not by a financial advisor but rather by influencers on YouTube.

    “There has been a spike in the volume of content created as the consumer interest in these (fintech) products has increased. However, more video and less text content are being consumed and thus, created. So, brands are looking to create short-form video content in a scalable way that is also cost-efficient. They are also integrating with existing shows, partnering with original content and content creators,” remarked Singh.

    A bevy of brands have made it their personal mission to educate these young investors about credit, securities, crypto and help them make smart decisions. This creates a halo effect around the brands, as well as drive their marketing agendas to appear as category leaders in their space. Brands like Upstox, CoinSwitch Kuber, CoinDCX, Cred, and PhonePe are investing in content creation on their own platforms as well as strategic associations with key influencers and media platforms to remain visible.

    The banking and finance, mutual fund, insurance, and cryptocurrency players are the most prominent when it comes to media partnerships as they are not only trying to grow their brands but also the entire category.

    For example, cryptocurrency platform WazirX partnered with business news channel CNBC TV18 to develop an education programme that lays emphasis on crypto emerging as a mainstream asset class. Similarly, competitor CoinSwitch Kuber partnered with NDTV for a similar content partnership.

    “The cryptocurrency market is attracting almost everyone. While almost 50 per cent of the users on the platform are below 28 years of age, we have been witnessing a lot of traction from senior citizens and users above 45 years of age. Investors from smaller cities in India are also getting into crypto. Around 60 per cent of the investors come from Tier II and Tier III cities of India” observed CoinSwitch Kuber, chief business officer, Sharan Nair.

    “CoinSwitch Kuber is actively collaborating with local newspapers, media and influencers to educate and inform investors about the new assets. Kuberverse, a free educational resource available on the platform, is also contributing to this goal. Also, the ease of usage of the platform adds to our advantage and attracts users in large numbers,” he added.

    Brands are looking at content integrations and partnerships as this educational content will continue to garner views, long after it has been created by the next generation of investors. Singh admits that money being spent on digital is far less than traditional channels, however, that needs to change with the consumption pattern. “Brands are spending about Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore to create educational content. Integration in a video or partnering with one episode of a large IP may cost around Rs 25 lakh to 50 lakh,” she noted.

  • NDTV records best-ever Q1 with a profit of Rs 13.9 cr

    NDTV records best-ever Q1 with a profit of Rs 13.9 cr

    Mumbai: The NDTV Group has reported over two-fold increase in consolidated net profit to Rs 16.56 crore for the first quarter ended 30 June, marking its best first quarter result in over a decade.

    Its TV news channel-  NDTV Ltd raked in a profit of Rs 13.9 crores in Q1, along with NDTV Convergence, the digital arm of the Group, which has delivered an increase of 41 percent in revenue over the same time last year.

    According to the regulatory filing, the company had posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 7.55 crore in the corresponding period of last fiscal. Its consolidated revenue from operations during April-June 2021 stood at Rs 85.02 crore as against Rs 72.73 crore in the year-ago period. Total expenses stood at Rs 77.92 crore, compared with Rs 64.64 crore a year ago, the company said. The Group’s total liabilities have been reduced by Rs 23 crores in this quarter; bank borrowings are down by Rs 8.7 crores.

    “NDTV, with the support of each employee, has worked to mitigate any uncertainty caused by the impact of the pandemic on the economy and all businesses. It thanks its team for their superlative reporting and commitment to providing news as an essential service at this difficult time. Given the economic landscape, the Management will control expenses and focus all efforts on ensuring the Company’s financial position strengthens further,” it said in the filing.

    The company also said that its board has appointed Grant Thornton Bharat LLP (formerly Grant Thornton India LLP) as its internal auditors for one year, with effect from 11 August.

  • India Today Group is India’s No.1 video news publisher as per latest Comscore reports

    India Today Group is India’s No.1 video news publisher as per latest Comscore reports

    KOLKATA: In the latest Comscore video metrix report, the India Today Group has consolidated its position and emerged as India’s No. 1 digital news media group, restating the profound trust of viewers in the brand. The group has now become No. 1 on Comscore Video Metrix score with over 883 million video views. The nearest competitor stands at 483 million video views.

    India Today is now the undisputed leader in all the three important metrics of reach, video views and total minutes watched. The month of March saw Covid wave 2 gripping the country and election campaigns kickstarting across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry. At this critical phase of the country, the India Today Group has emerged as the digital destination of trust for the citizens.

    With over 92 Million Unique video viewers, the group leads with a margin of around 25 Million Unique video viewers over the next news network. The group is double the video views of ABP Group and leaves behind many groups like Network 18, Times Internet, Zee Digital and NDTV.

    The group has also reported a growth of close to 70 Million video views over the previous month, highlighting the fact that when it comes to ‘News That Matters’, the choice of the Digital Consumer is clearly the India Today Group.   

  • Battleground Kerala: News channels face off over election coverage

    Battleground Kerala: News channels face off over election coverage

    MUMBAI: Kerala is the most literate state in the country, and as a result, news consumption among Keralites is also on the higher side. At the turn of the millenium, television news channels gained massive popularity in the state, and now, it boasts of ten exclusive news channels – Asianet News, Manorama News, Mathrubhumi News, 24 News, Kairali News, News 18, Janam TV, Reporter TV, Jai Hind, and Media One. 

    News channels competing heavily in Kerala

    As the state legislative assembly elections in Kerala are going to be conducted on 6 April, news channels in the state are going toe-to-toe to affirm their dominance in the industry. All news outlets in the state have been vigorously covering election news since the announcement of the polling date, and this trend will last until 2 May when the results will be declared. 

    When it comes to viewership on television, Asianet, being the early bird in the industry, has clear dominance. The channel conducted a pre-poll survey in association with C-Fore. Asianet's pre-poll survey telecast was anchored by Asianet News editor-in-chief MG Radhakrishnan, and anchors Vinu V John and Sindhu Suryakumar. 

    "C-Fore and Asianet have been conducting pre-poll surveys since 2009. We have conducted surveys for five elections in these 11 years. The surveys were conducted in a very professional manner, and most of our predictions in the past have turned true except having some minor changes when it comes to seat counts," said MG Radhakrishnan while anchoring the survey. 

    The survey conducted by Asianet suggested that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by CPI(M) will win 82 to 91 of the 140 assembly constituencies in Kerala in the April election; the United Democratic Front (UDF) will bag 46 to 54 seats, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will end up with three to seven seats. 

    Apart from the survey, Asianet News' satirical program Gum also succeeded in impressing audiences during this poll season. 

    Celebrated journalist Venu hosted Mathrubhumi's pre-poll survey that was carried out in association with C-Voter. Findings of the Mathrubhumi's survey also hinted at LDF dominating the 2021 elections. 

    Analysis, debates, and public polls

    Although Manorama News also conducted a pre-poll survey, it was Manorama's program Vottu Kavala that garnered positive responses from viewers. Vottu Kavala was basically a journey through 140 constituencies in Kerala which allowed the general public to participate in the show. Manorama News' Counter Point anchored by Shani was another segment that helped the channel to stay on top among Malayalam news channels. 

    Due to their Left Democratic Front leaning, Kairali News did not succeed in garnering viewers apart from their niche audiences. However, one program on the channel that impressed everyone was Votography hosted by senior journalist John Brittas, and firebrand writer Renji Panicker. Votography analysed the political scenarios in all 140 constituencies. 

    24 News conducted a mega pre-poll survey hosted by Arun, one of the most popular news anchors in Malayalam. With the implementation of advanced technology in news telecasting, 24 News is slowly emerging as one of the frontrunners among Kerala-based news channels. The channel also has a strong social media presence, and its viewers on YouTube live streaming is much ahead of Asianet News, Manorama News, and Mathrubhumi News. 

    Nikesh Kumar's Walk with Candidate was one of the top election programs aired on Reporter TV. Out of the several episodes aired, it was Walk with Superstar Suresh Gopi that garnered the maximum number of viewers for the channel. During the program, the BJP candidate lashed out at Nikesh Kumar, and videos of the incident went viral on online spaces. 

    Apart from regional Malayalam channels, popular national news channels in the state including India Today, Times Now, NDTV, and Republic TV will be also covering Kerala legislative assembly elections religiously. As the BARC data is not available, it is still unclear which channel will fare well in the upcoming Kerala polls coverage. However, regional language channels are expected to win big when it comes to a share of the viewership pie. 

    Keralites will cast their votes on 6 April, and the state will wait until 2 May to know the results of the legislative assembly elections. During this 26-day span, news channels will most likely try to keep their momentum going by conducting post-poll opinion surveys. Apart from this, news debates during prime time are also expected to draw viewers in the coming days. 

  • SC stays recovery of Rs 27 crore SEBI penalty from NDTV’s Prannoy, Radhika Roy

    SC stays recovery of Rs 27 crore SEBI penalty from NDTV’s Prannoy, Radhika Roy

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday put a stay on the recovery of Rs 27 crore as penalty from NDTV promoters Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy and their holding company, reported Live Law. The penalty was imposed in December last year by the Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for allegedly concealing information from shareholders about certain loan agreements.

    The Roys had filed an appeal against the penalty at the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT). In January, the tribunal asked them to deposit 50 per cent of the amount to SEBI within four weeks. Later that month, the promoters moved the Supreme Court against the SAT order and sought to offer shares of their channel to pay up the amount.

    On 15 February, the apex court had exempted the promoters from making the deposit for hearing at the SAT.

    The bench comprising justice DY Chandrachud asked the Roys to cooperate in the disposal of the appeal by SAT, which is listed for final hearing on 6 April, Live Law reported.

    Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, counsel for the NDTV promoters, laid out the chain of developments in the case to the court. He said that the two promoters had taken a loan of Rs 375 crore from ICICI Bank in 2008, which was repaid by VCPL. The channel owners then took another loan from VCPL for which they did not have to pay interest.

    SEBI had alleged that this led to transfer of control, an information that was concealed from shareholders, amounting to violation of regulatory norms.

    Rohatgi argued against SEBI’s allegation that the promoters had transferred control of the channel to VCPL. “How can I transfer control without any transfer of shares,” the advocate asked, as quoted by Live Law. “I have all the shares.”

    Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for SEBI, argued that these are not mere allegations, but a 100-page decision against Prannoy and Radhika Roy.

    “They are saying that they have not transferred the shares…Their shares are worthless,” Mehta said. “There is a direction by a statutory regulatory body that penalty has to be paid.”

    He went on to state that the SAT decision asking them to file a deposit amount has been a practice in the tribunal.

    However, justice Chandrachud dismissed the arguments and said that it was “brash” of the SAT to ask for a 50 per cent deposit.

    “There has to be some consistency,” Chandrachud said. “Without any reason, you say 50 per cent deposit… You are exercising the power of stay. You are asking for some amount. There has to be some observations.”

  • NDTV founders appeal interim SAT order in Supreme Court

    NDTV founders appeal interim SAT order in Supreme Court

    NEW DELHI: NDTV founders and promoters Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy have filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the interim order dated 4 January 2021 passed by the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT). The order directed NDTV to deposit 50 per cent of the fine levied by SEBI.

    The SAT order said, “Deposit 50 per cent of the disgorged amount before the respondent within four weeks from today. If the said amount is deposited the balance amount shall not be recovered during the pendency of the appeal.”

    SAT further stated that the appeals filed by the founders require consideration and directed to list the matter for final disposal on 10 February 2021.

    Earlier in December 2020, SEBI imposed a fine of Rs 27 crore on NDTV for concealing information from shareholders on certain loan agreements. However, in a regulatory filing, the channel mentioned that the promoters through disclosures to the stock exchanges have repeatedly said that they have never allowed for transfer of NDTV's control and that they continue to own and hold 61.45 per cent of the total paid up share capital in the media entity.

  • SAT directs NDTV founders to deposit 50% of fine before SEBI

    SAT directs NDTV founders to deposit 50% of fine before SEBI

    NEW DELHI: Following appeals by NDTV founders and promoters Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy against the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) order of Rs 27 crore fine for alleged non-disclosure of loan agreements, the Securities Appellate Tribunal (“SAT”)  has held that the pleas require consideration. The matter has been listed for final disposal on 10 February 2021.

    Meanwhile, SAT has directed NDTV to “deposit 50 per cent of the disgorged amount before the respondent within four weeks from today. If the said amount is deposited the balance amount shall not be recovered during the pendency of the appeal.”

    The founders have decided to file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the aforesaid SAT order.

    Earlier in December 2020, SEBI imposed a fine of Rs 27 crore on NDTV for concealing information from shareholders on certain loan agreements. However, in a regulatory filing, the channel mentioned that the promoters through disclosures to the stock exchanges have repeatedly said that they have never allowed for the transfer of NDTV's control and that they continue to own and hold 61.45 per cent of the total paid-up share capital of in the media entity.

  • NDTV to challenge SEBI order in alleged non-disclosure of loan agreements matter

    NDTV to challenge SEBI order in alleged non-disclosure of loan agreements matter

    NEW DELHI: Challenging the SEBI order imposing a fine of Rs. 27 crore for alleged non-disclosure of certain loan agreements, NDTV promoters Prannoy Roy, Radhika Roy and promoter company RRPR Holding Pvt Ltd have decided to appeal against it. 

    SEBI had imposed the fine on them for violation of various securities norms by concealing information from shareholders regarding certain loan agreements, which had clauses having an adversarial effect on NDTV shareholders.

    In a filing to the stock exchanges, the company said Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy, founders and promoters of NDTV, and promoter group company RRPR Holding Pvt Ltd have repeatedly cleared that they have never directly or indirectly, through any transactions or agreements, allowed for a transfer of control of NDTV and they continue to hold 61.45 per cent of the total paid-up share of the company. 

    The core issue of the alleged surrender of control is pending adjudication at the Securities Appellate Tribunal, which, in 2019, granted a stay in favour of the founders of NDTV till the tribunal decides the matter. 

    “The founders’ lawyers will appeal against the order and its baseless findings at the Securities Appellate Tribunal. Their lawyers have advised that the SEBI order will not withstand scrutiny in appeal,” the company stated.