Tag: news channel

  • Times Now claims leadership during union budget week

    Times Now claims leadership during union budget week

    Mumbai: Times Now is claiming supremacy in the English news channel category during budget week with a 34.3 per cent viewership share (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| Wk.30 2024) and an impressive 12,48,000 reach (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| Wk.30 2024).

    A press release issued by it states that its budget coverage “stood out for its extensive and comprehensive programming, featuring detailed infographics highlighting key economic indicators, sector-wise expectations, and significant announcements.”

    The channel has also stated that it was  “No 1 on budget day, dominating the genre with a 33.7 per cent viewership share (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| 23 July 2024).”

    Times Now has further claimed that it became the preferred choice amongst viewers for budget-related news thanks to its seasoned journalists and strategic content. During finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech, it said that it registered a 34 per cent viewership share, “the highest in the genre” (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| 23 July 2024, 11 AM – 12 Noon),  Real-time graphical analysis of the speech kept viewers informed on the budget’s implications, making this the most crucial hour of the day with a reach of 44,000 (Source: BARC| 10L+| NCCS AB 22+| 23 July 2024, 11 AM – 12 Noon).

    Times Now’s union budget programming featured examinations of the Indian economy and its challenges during pre-budget discussions. Key panel discussions offered crucial insights into the budget, with tax experts Rohinton Sidhwa and Saloni Roy decoding its significance for various sectors, industries, and the middle class.

    Former chief economic advisor KV Subramanian provided perspectives on expected reforms, while representatives from industry bodies like CII outlined their demands from the government.

    Prominent government personalities, including union minister of commerce and industry Piyush Goyal, minister of petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri and minister of railways and information & broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with top departmental secretaries and opposition voices, shared exclusive insights on the budget.

  • Leveraging data-driven journalism in the age of Connected TV for enhanced news channel performance

    Leveraging data-driven journalism in the age of Connected TV for enhanced news channel performance

    Mumbai: In today’s digital backdrop, the coming together of data-driven journalism and connected TV (CTV) has modernized the way news channels function and connect with their viewers. The introduction of CTV has not only spread out the reach of news content but has also presented helpful insights about spectator behaviour, preferences, and engagement metrics. By exploiting the potential of data analytics, news channels can now formulate educated strategic decisions that push performance and improve viewer experience.

    Connected TV platforms have turned out to be a repository of statistics, providing news channels with a pool of facts and figures on viewer demographics, geographic locations, viewing patterns, device usage, content consumption habits, ad effectiveness, and conversion rates. This data pool empowers news channels to custom-build their content and programming to be acquainted with the precise requirements and preferences of their audience segments, eventually directing to greater engagement and reliability.

    By digging into these records, news channels can not only get a picture of their audiences better but also adjust their content strategy for maximum impressions.

    One of the significant benefits of data-driven journalism in the CTV age is the competence to provide individualized content recommendations on the grounds of perceptions collected from spectator numbers. For example, channels like India TV Speed News have effectively accommodated audiences who have a preference for speedy updates by presenting a 24/7 Speed News Channel. This differentiated line of track not only develops viewer contentment but also encourages retention and trustworthiness. This personalised content strategy not only further expands spectator engagement but also promotes an appreciation for the relationship and relevance with the audience.

    By leveraging real-time feedback collected through concurrent viewers, news channels can enthusiastically connect with their listeners and modify their content strategy appropriately. Furthermore, predictive analytics play a central character in predicting upcoming trends and audience interests, such as the approaching Election 2024, permitting channels to stay ahead of the curve and bring appropriate and well-timed news coverage.

    This hands-on approach to feedback and analytics authorizes news channels to remain clear-headed and responsive to changing viewer preferences and trends. As stated by India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan “Understanding viewer engagement metrics allows Us as a news brand to craft more compelling experiences that resonate with their audience, leading to increased time spent on the platform and higher viewership ratings.”

    In conclusion, the integration of data-driven journalism with connected TV presents news channels with unprecedented opportunities to enhance their performance and engage with audiences in more meaningful ways. By leveraging viewer data, personalised content recommendations, real-time feedback, predictive analytics, and strategic promotional strategies, news channels can not only increase viewership and ratings but also foster stronger viewer loyalty and satisfaction. Embracing the power of data in the age of CTV is key to unlocking new levels of success and performance in the ever-evolving landscape of journalism.

    This article has been authored by India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan

  • TV18’s News business records 23 per cent revenue jump in Q3

    TV18’s News business records 23 per cent revenue jump in Q3

    Mumbai : TV18’s news business has registered a strong jump of 23 per cent in revenue in the third quarter of the current financial year.

    India’s one of the largest TV news network registered a revenue of Rs 402 crore in Q3FY24, as compared to Rs 327 crore for the same quarter last fiscal.

    TV18’s portfolio continued to be the highest reach TV news network in the country, reaching 175 million people around the country every week. The TV news portfolio of the network consists of 20 news channels in 16 languages.

    The increase in the revenue comes on the back of the network’s strong viewership gains and leading positions in key markets with CNBC TV18 (80%+ viewership share), News18 India (13.8 per cent evening primetime viewership share) and CNN-News18 (33.2 per cent viewership share) being the number one channels in their respective segments. The news network also has leadership in 3 regional markets, including UP/Uttarakhand, Bihar/Jharkhand, and Gujarat.

    In Q2 FY24 also, the TV news network registered 20% revenue growth, as compared to Q2 FY23. In the first nine of the current financial year, the TV news network posted a revenue of Rs 1095 crore, as compared to Rs 891 crore in the first nine months of last fiscal.

    TV18

    Digital News Business sees 20% growth

    The digital news platforms of the group, housed under Network18, also saw a solid 20 per cent growth. The Digital news business posted a revenue of Rs 111 crore in Q3 FY24, as compared to Rs 92 crore in Q3 FY23. The digital news business of the group includes popular brands such as Moneycontrol, News18.com and Firstpost. Network18 continued to be a #2 digital publisher in the country with 195 mn4 unique visitors every month. The group is also leveraging its product to scale up on Digital.

  • Salaam TV launches with a bang

    Salaam TV launches with a bang

    Mumbai: Salaam TV, the much-anticipated news channel, is set to make its mark in the news media landscape. With an extensive reach spanning South East Asia, India and Dubai markets, Salaam TV promises to redefine news broadcasting with its cutting-edge approach. This channel promises to bring captivating content that celebrates diversity, fosters understanding and embraces unity.

    Anchored by a stellar team and equipped with state-of-the-art studios, what sets Salaam TV apart is its unwavering commitment to delivering excellence in content, graphics and programming. The channel boasts innovative and insightful content that goes beyond the headlines, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the news. The graphics are not just visually appealing but serve as a tool to enhance storytelling, making information more accessible and engaging. The programming is meticulously crafted to offer a seamless viewing experience, ensuring that each show flows seamlessly into the next.

    The dawn of Salaam TV heralds a new era in broadcasting, commencing each day with the informative ‘Subah Ki Pehli Khabar,’ setting the stage for well-informed mornings. Following suit, ‘Morning Mubarak’ provides a refreshing start, while ‘Raah-e-Nijat’ engages viewers with insightful discussions. Swift updates are delivered through ‘Salaam Speed News,’ complemented by the health-focused ‘Hakeem Akbar Kausar.’ For the Dubai audience, ‘Khaleej News’ takes center stage and ‘Atiya Herbs’ imparts valuable insights into herbal wellness. Interestingly, ‘Khabar Gulzar Hai’ also celebrates uplifting stories, spotlighting positive news to inspire and foster hope in viewers.

    As the sun sets, Salaam TV’s evening line-up captivates audiences with the likes of ‘Shaam Se Pehle’ delivering the evening bulletin and ‘News Panorama’ presenting global updates. Engaging debates become the highlight with ‘Badi Bahes,’ providing platforms for thought-provoking discussions. The night concludes on a melodic note with ‘Sadabahar Naghme,’ and ’11th Hour – The Last Bulletin’ ensures viewers remain informed before bidding adieu to the day.

    Speaking on the vision of the news channel, Salaam TV editor Tarique Faridy said, “Salaam TV is where each story isn’t just recounted but lived, a place where narratives unfold, discussions spark and enlightenment takes centre stage. It transcends the conventional boundaries of a typical news channel; it is a vibrant platform for exploration, meaningful discussion and intellectual enlightenment. In every show, we aspire to create an immersive experience that goes beyond the mere conveyance of information. Stay tuned for thought-provoking shows, engaging stories and a platform that promotes nationalism and harmony.”

    Salaam TV emerges as a comprehensive source of news, entertainment and insightful discussions, catering to a diverse audience.

  • Times Now tops the chart with 116 mn views on YouTube & Facebook in October

    Times Now tops the chart with 116 mn views on YouTube & Facebook in October

    Mumbai:  Times Now has emerged as India’s most-watched English news channel on digital platforms in the news genre.

    According to a data released by Crowdtangle & Vidooly, Times Now clocked a staggering viewership of 116 million on YouTube and Facebook in October surpassing CNN-News18 (105 million), India Today (104 million), NDTV (82 million), and Republic TV (18 million). On the back of the fastest news, exclusive news breaks and most viewed prime-time shows – India Upfront and Newshour, the channel registered a phenomenal reach of over 1 billion on digital.

    Times Now claims to be a leader in the digital space with innovative content formats that seamlessly adapt to the preferences of viewers who are tech savvy, setting industry benchmarks with its distinct brand of action-oriented journalism that is firmly based on reliable, accurate, and decisive news reporting.

    According to Facebook Data, as informed by the media conglomerate, Times Now attracted over 210 million views on its digital films across Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Timesnownews.com with a series of digital-first videos that include comprehensive insights on every significant news topic of the day. With 2.35 million interactions, the highest number in the cohort, and a total reach of 125 million for the month of October on the platform, Facebook saw a channel with a high level of engagement.

    Times Network president & COO of digital business Rohit Chadda said, “We are overwhelmed with the viewer’s response as their preferred news destination on digital platforms. The growing reach and engagement on digital are a testament to the viewers’ trust in Times Now. Video has now become the preferred format of news consumption and will only grow further with the launch of 5G. We are committed to expanding our video coverage to cater to all cohorts of users consuming content online.”

    With a focus on in-depth, well-researched content, coupled with coverage of big-ticket events, Times Now has been expanding its digital footprint globally with over 50 per cent of views on YouTube from International markets including US, Europe and APAC regions.

  • Advertisers have seen and understood the power of news, reveals Network18’s Sidharth Newatia

    Advertisers have seen and understood the power of news, reveals Network18’s Sidharth Newatia

    Mumbai: News18 India has outperformed its competition for the 15th week in a row, extending its dominance in the Hindi news segment in the country. According to Barc data (Market Share 24 hours TG:15+, India, WK 40 to 43′ 22, All Day), News18 India continues to lead with 15.7 per cent.

    This has also been noticed by advertisers, which will help the network with the growth in ad sales and eventually increase revenue. There is not only growth in viewership but also in overall advertising revenues, which is reflected in strong double-digit yield growth for News 18. Network18’s consolidated revenue increased 12 per cent year on year to Rs 1,549 crore this year.

    Network18 Hindi cluster national revenue head Sidharth Newatia spoke with IndianTelevision.com about the cluster’s growth, strategies, and challenges. “We will continue to press that business lever going forward. We have taken a conscious decision to back our content more and have thus been very cautious about the ad inventories that we run. We want to provide our advertisers with a clutter-free environment to ensure their marketing objectives are met,” he expressed.

    He believes that the North, West, and South are the largest markets, with the North region accounting for the highest advertising spend for the news genre.

    The pandemic has had a positive effect on ad sales in the news genre. The importance placed on having news as part of the media plans has increased over the past two years.

    “Advertisers have seen and understood the power of news in these times and have used the medium to further their communications. There was a brief period during a pandemic when the news genre had a higher reach than some of the other genres. So, all in all, business has been good in these pandemic times,” he said.

    News 18 is consistently working on increasing the penetration of news genre advertisers in tier I and tier II cities and showcasing to them the power of news and the importance of building their brands through it.

    He elucidated, “The contextual and relevant nature of the news has already made the genre a must-have in all the media plans. Growing the advertiser base has been the key pillar of growth for us, and we will keep on pushing this metric hard.”

    While speaking about challenges to getting advertisements, Newatia expressed that the challenges are not in terms of advertisers but getting the volumes up to earlier levels.

    “The television industry has not lost advertisers; in fact, it has gained them. The challenge is that the advertising spend per advertiser has gone down due to pressure on bottom lines because of rising input costs. Thus, clients have reduced their discretionary spending. Having said that, as a network, we are in an enviable position with the three national channels at the top of the pyramid. We have the number one Hindi general news channel in News18 India, the number one English general news channel in CNN News 18, and the incomparable number one English business channel in CNBC TV18,” he affirmed.

    This year, one of the strategies for Network 18 is to build an enviable intellectual property lineup that will be relevant, best in class, and second to none.

    Newatia stated, “The news genre is such that it has the power to bring about societal change. All programming/content is geared towards that objective only. We do shows like Rising India on a national level as well as on the state level with the political and social diaspora to discuss the way forward.”

    Recently, News18 India held a large event called Amrit Ratna, which honoured some very prominent Indians for their contributions to the country. All these things not only add shine to their brand but also give a 360-degree one-stop solution to advertisers.

  • India TV expands its global footprint; enters in UAE on eLife

    India TV expands its global footprint; enters in UAE on eLife

    Mumbai: India TV has expanded its global footprint by launching itself on eLife, the UAE’s premium content platform from Etisalat. The channel is available on eLife Asiana packages: eLife Asiana, Asiana Lite, Asiana Lite, and Asiana Premium, both on IPTV and OTT platforms.

    India TV has appointed NKN Media FZC as its exclusive ad sales and distribution partner in the region. NKN Media will solicit brand partnerships and offer advertising solutions.

    After establishing a leadership position in the Indian television market, this launch in the UAE is a natural step for India TV to expand its international and digital footprint in that direction. The channel is already available in North America and will be soon launched across major other markets with significant diaspora audiences to keep them connected with news back home. The channel is looking to innovate with local content and launch major shows across local time zones to create better affinity for the brand.

    People of the Indian diaspora living in the UAE can watch India TV round the clock for news coverage on India and the rest of the world by connecting through eLife. India TV has shows like Aap Ki Adalat and Aaj Ki Baat, hosted by India TV editor-in-chief and chairman Rajat Sharma. With its nationwide network of journalists, India TV has been telecasting round-the-clock news bulletins, current affairs programmes, and talk shows for the last 18 years.

    Speaking of this initiative, India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan said, “India TV’s aim is to inform and empower global Indians with accurate, in-depth, unfiltered, fact-based journalism without any bias, outrage, or sensationalism, establishing India TV as the best and most trusted place for news. Making India TV available in the UAE is one more step towards our goal.”

  • Aaj Tak’s social campaign ‘Mera Swabhimaan’ touches 1 mn views

    Aaj Tak’s social campaign ‘Mera Swabhimaan’ touches 1 mn views

    Mumbai: Aaj Tak’s recent social campaign, “Mera Swabhimaan,” received over one million views across all platforms on the first day of its release.

    The interactive campaign, in collaboration with Lux Cozi, was officially launched on 3 October during prime time on Aaj Tak, urging viewers to submit their entries, and was flooded with over 2,50,000 submissions from people against being mistreated.

    According to Aaj Tak, these are the most active participants any televised campaign has ever seen in such a short period of time.

    The momentum grew even stronger after recording over 35,000 tweets on the microblogging platform Twitter in less than two hours.

    Many celebrities and influencers, including well-known actor Rajpal Yadav, joined forces with the “Mera Swabhimaan” campaign to support the working class.

    The massive response to the “Mera Swabhimaan” demonstrates how serious the problem of ill-treatment of the working class is and how deeply affected this group of people is.

    “The campaign struck a chord at an emotional level with the blue-collar workers and a few sensitive and sensible sections of our society. Aaj Tak’s well-planned, well-timed and well-executed initiative once again has proved the leading Hindi news channel’s determination to not only broadcast journalism but also to spotlight and curb social malaises,” the channel said.

  • Aaj Tak brings social awareness campaign ‘Mera Swabhimaan’

    Aaj Tak brings social awareness campaign ‘Mera Swabhimaan’

    Mumbai: On Monday, Aaj Tak announced its new campaign “Mera Swabhimaan” with its first segment on the channel’s prime time show Black & White by Sudhir Chaudhary at 9 p.m.

    The campaign’s interactive format invites viewers to share their personal stories through self-shot videos of such incidents that happened with or around them. 

    Aaj Tak has also put up a dedicated microsite where viewers can submit their entries in video format at https://www.aajtak.in/mera-swabhimaan.

    As a torchbearer, the campaign attempts to trigger a revolution by initiating discussion on the basic human code of conduct and strives to build a place of pride in society.

    Taking a stand for ‘Swabhimaan,’ Aaj Tak urges the public to come out in full support of this campaign and submit stories for the country to see.

  • I&B minister Anurag Thakur launches Bharat24

    I&B minister Anurag Thakur launches Bharat24

    Mumbai: The union minister for information & broadcasting and sports & youth affairs Anurag Thakur, launched the new national Hindi news channel, The tagline of the channel is “Vision of new India!”

    Speaking at the launch event on Sunday, Thakur wished all the best to the team. “I congratulate Dr Jagdeesh Chandra and the entire team of Bharat24 on this new venture. The media is the fourth pillar of democracy and should work as a bridge between the government and the public and I am sure Bharat24 will execute this responsibility with utmost seriousness,” he said.

    Bharat24 CEO and editor-in-chief Dr Jagdeesh Chandra commented, “We assure the minister that Bharat24 will reflect the aspirations of the youth, the multi-polarity of emerging India and will work as a bridge between our audience and the government.”

    Bharat24 managing editor Ajay Kumar, Bharat24 chief business officer & strategic partner to the board Manoj Jagyasi, Bharat24 senior editor Syed Umar, Bharat24 senior anchors Mimansa Malik, Sachin Arora, Naina Yadav and Poornima Mishra, editorial consultant Shashikant Sharma, political editor Aditi Nagar, and others were present during the launch.

    Kumar said, “The union government of India, various state governments, multilateral agencies, and international partners of India, all together, have come a long way in building the New India. We, Bharat 24, believe that a positive connection between the governments, state policies & the people at large is the need of the hour.”

    Adding to this, Jagyasi commented, “With bureaus in all states, Bharat 24, will set a benchmark for news reporting and branding. It is a matter of pride that on the first day of launch, the channel has opened with many credible advertisers and we shall only grow bigger and better as time goes on,” he added.

    Bharat24 will be available on all major DTH & cable platforms, including Tata Play – 531, Dish TV – 667, D2H – 750, Airtel DTH – 373, DEN – 318, Radiant – 308, RM Network – 109, Siti Network – 312, Hathway – 217, ICNCL WB – 175, Digiana Cable – 308, Haldwani Digital Services – 110.