ITV

Tag: Primetime

  • ‘Ted Lasso’, ‘The Crown’ win big at the 73rd Emmys

    ‘Ted Lasso’, ‘The Crown’ win big at the 73rd Emmys

    Los Angeles: Netflix’s “The Crown” and Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso” have won the Emmy for the Outstanding Drama and Comedy series respectively at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards, which returned with in-person glitz and glamour on Sunday, after going remote in 2020 due to the pandemic.

    The ceremony honored the best in the US prime time television programming from 1 June 2020 until 31 May 2021, as chosen by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences highlighting much of what folks have been watching during the pandemic.

    Among the closely watched categories were those in outstanding comedy, where a whopping 75 per cent of the nominees were new to the category. The big winner was “Ted Lasso” taking home the award for comedy series, as well as comedy lead actor, supporting actor, and supporting actress. The freshman comedy with 13 nominations walked away with four awards in all.

    “The Crown” which bagged a total of 11 nominations, won in the outstanding lead actor, drama (Josh O’Connor), lead actress, drama (Olivia Colman), and outstanding directing for a drama series (episode: ‘War’, directed by Jessica Hobbs) categories, in addition to five other wins.

    “The Queen’s Gambit” took home the award in the closely watched Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series race. “Mare of Easttown” surprised some pundits with wins for lead actress, supporting actor and supporting actress in the Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category.

    Cedric the Entertainer, hosting for the first time, kicked off the ceremony with a strong opening hip-hop performance set to Biz Markie’s iconic song, “Just a Friend.” Cedric enlisted the help of a few A-listers to the act including LL Cool J, Lil Dicky, Rita Wilson and more. “TV, you got what I need!” the group sang, as seemingly everyone in the audience joined in. 

    After a few trophies were handed out, Cedric brought his comedy A-game to the night with an opening monologue taking on Nicki Minaj, who was trolled online for her anti-vax commentary, the Jeopardy! host fiasco and also the royal family. Noting so much talent in the room, Cedric retorted, “Lock the doors, we’re not leaving until we find a new host for Jeopardy!”

    Television Academy CEO and chairman Frank Scherma gave an impassioned speech as he took the stage to introduce and present the winner of this year’s Governor’s Award. “It’s so great to see that television and the stories we tell are finally becoming a reflection of every part of our society,” said Scherma.

    Although television programming has seen a definitive rise in the representation of diverse characters, this year’s Emmy Awards is already being scrutinised since it had its most diverse field of nominees yet but failed to deliver. By the end of the night, no actors of color or LGBTQ actors had won any of the major acting awards.

    Multi-talented actress and dancer, Debbie Allen accepted the 2021 Governor’s Award from Scherma and with tears in her eyes shared a heartfelt tribute to women in Texas and Afghanistan and called on women worldwide to let the moment resonate. “It is time for you to claim your power, claim your voice, say your song, tell your stories,” she said. Allen, a Black woman was one of only a few people of color who won an award.

    RuPaul, the host and executive producer of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” became the most-awarded Black artist in Emmys history with 11 wins after the VH1 series won the award for top competition program for the fourth year in a row during Sunday’s ceremony.

    The attendees were drastically scaled back to around a reported 500 and were required to follow Covid-19 protocols that mimic safety measures put in place on Hollywood sets. This included proof of vaccinations and requiring guests to wear masks when not on camera.

    Complete list of winners:

    Outstanding Variety Talk Series: “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”

    Outstanding Competition Program: “RuPaul’s Drag Race”

    Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart, “Hacks” 

    Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series: Jason Sudeikis, “Ted Lasso” 

    Outstanding Comedy Series: “Ted Lasso” 

    Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or a Movie: Ewan McGregor, “Halston”

    Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or a Movie: Kate Winslet, “Mare of Easttown”

    Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series: “The Queen’s Gambit” 

    Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series: Olivia Colman, “The Crown” 

    Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: Josh O’Connor, “The Crown”

    Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Brett Goldstein, “Ted Lasso”

    Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Waddingham, “Ted Lasso”

    Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tobias Menzies, “The Crown” 

    Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series: Gillian Anderson, “The Crown” 

    Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Evan Peters, “Mare of Easttown” 

    Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Julianne Nicholson, “Mare of Easttown”

    Outstanding Drama Serie: “The Crown”

    Outstanding Variety Sketch Series: “Saturday Night Live”

    Outstanding Variety Special (Live): “Stephen Colbert’s Election Night 2020: Democracy’s Last Stand Building Back America Great Again Better 2020”

    Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded): “Hamilton” 

    Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series: “Hacks” (Episode: ‘There Is No Line’), Directed by Lucia Aniello

    Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series: “The Crown” (Episode: ‘War’), Directed by Jessica Hobbs

    Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: “The Queen’s Gambit,” Directed by Scott Frank 

    Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series: “Hacks” (Episode: ‘There Is No Line’), written by Lucia Aniello, Paul W Downs, and Jen Statsky

    Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series: “The Crown” (Episode: ‘War’), written by Peter Morgan

    Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: “I May Destroy You,” written by Michaela Coel

    Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series: “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” 

  • Primetime : News vs TRP

    Primetime : News vs TRP

    KOLKATA: Major news channels in India have been criticised lately for turning primetime into a “farce”. The coverage of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death has further tainted news media’s image, sparking the debate if they should relook at content. While some editors believe the industry needs to re-examine primetime, another section asserts they are doing it every day.

    In a panel during NT Awards 2020 hosted by Indiantelevision.com and moderated by founder, CEO and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari, renowned Indian journalists shared their views. Times Now editor in chief Rahul Shivshankar said that editors have always been singled out for the quality of news. But of late, a lot of control has been taken away from editors on what they can play. According to him, the industry is running on an unviable business model.

    Shivshankar explained that news channels focus on TRP as it is intrinsically linked to advertising. He is of the view that if news business can be insulated from maniac TRP pressure and fluctuations, editors in the newsroom will be able to have control over the content. “The system for BARC to NBSA is very convoluted and needs to be brought down,” he added.

    India Today and Aaj Tak news director Rahul Kanwal contradicted this view. He acknowledged that there is always pressure for ratings, business, advertising, but that is no reason to sell the soul. He emphasised that it is important to believe in the stories one is doing.

    News channels have been roundly criticised for ignoring other important developing issues during the SSR incident, but Kanwal denied the charge. He said that it was not the only story covered by them and they gave equal importance to stories on the economy and the Covid2019 crisis. However, if something goes wrong, it is important to be open to fixing those mistakes, he added.

    Wion executive editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay claimed that the TRP currency is flawed and the sample size is too small. Yet, some of the channels are dictated by the system. She also echoed Shivshankar’s view that the flaw of the system can’t be blamed entirely on editors. The blame is on viewers too because they watch those shows. But she also added that editors cannot deny the responsibility that comes with the position. She is of the view that there are various ways to bring revenue other than following the TRP model blindly.

    Upadhyay also highlighted another issue that nowadays editors often follow social media agendas to decide primetime rather than applying their mind. Since the top editors themselves are influencers, they can prevent news content from turning into entertainment shows if they unite.  Moreover, anchors need to stop being overdramatic as they are the face of news programmes, she added.

    News18 India managing editor Kishore Ajwani agreed that primetime shows are identified with anchors. It is their opinion, and how they engage that leaves an impact. “I believe that all of us re-examine the prime time shows every day in all aspects – content, format, guests and others,” he said.

    “At the end of the day, it’s a screen and you have got a remote. If you do not like a story, switch the screen. No one has put a gun to your head. We do what we believe should be done,” Ajwani declared.

    Amid all the chaos, TRP and advertising have been blamed mostly for deterioration of news content. Times Now’s Shivshankar added that the channels should move to subscription led models gradually. He also noted that a huge chunk of Times Now’s revenue is coming from subscription. 

  • CNN-News18 unveils new primetime lineup

    CNN-News18 unveils new primetime lineup

    MUMBAI: CNN-News18, the national English news channel of News18 Network, has announced an all-new programming line-up for the evening primetime. With an aim to deliver insightful news and a platform for the common man to voice their views and concerns, the channel is all set to redefine its primetime with powerful line-ups. The Right Stand, a high octane debate show, believes in putting India first and focuses on major national issues. The show will telecast every weeknight at 7.57 pm, starting tonight.

    Talking about the refreshed content, Network18 CEO English and business news cluster Basant Dhawan said, “During the last year, News18 Network strengthened its value proposition and has now firmly cemented itself as the leading news network in the country. The refreshed programming is a part of our continued efforts of pushing the envelope of journalism. Keeping viewers at the core of our content strategy, the new line-up reflects the dynamism and the constantly evolving nature of the television news and the consumers.”

    Disrupting the primetime at 7.57 pm, The Right Stand will be hosted by executive editor, Anand Narasimhan (@AnchorAnandN). Narasimhan, in his distinctive style, will lead the discussions and capture various facets of the news story helping viewers make an informed opinion. The hour and a half long show will witness intense debates on top national stories of the day with the biggest newsmakers.

    Anchored by India’s leading political journalist, Bhupendra Chaubey, executive editor (@bhupendrachaube), the channel will also introduce Viewpoint at 5.57 pm. Brass Tacks hosted by Zakka Jacob, executive editor – output (@Zakka_Jacob), the most influential media person in 40 under 40 and an award-winning journalist for two consecutive years, will telecast at 9.25 pm. The shows will further bolster the channel’s positioning of ‘On Your Side’.

    Continuing the legacy of differentiated and engaging content, Viewpoint will disrupt the standard formats as seen on news television by bringing forth an unparalleled and in-depth ground-level view on the major issues of the day. With Jacob’s analytical demeanour and his innovative approach to news telling, Brass Tacks will bring unmatched insights for the viewers by providing a crisp news bulletin comprising key 50 news stories of the day.

    Airing at 6.57 pm, Bottom Line anchored by Kishore Ajwani, managing editor (@KishoreAjwani), the show will feature stories that are of direct relevance and interest to viewers. At 10.26 pm, political editor, Marya Shakil (@maryashakil) will continue to host Epicentre offering a comprehensive round-up of all big stories including burning political stories of the day along with issues focusing on gender biasness, minorities etc.

    A 360-degree marketing campaign is launched for an extensive outreach and engagement with the viewers for the refreshed primetime. Designed to elaborate the core philosophy and impactful proposition, the campaign integrates print, outdoor and digital medium. The channel will also leverage its owned network assets including CNBC TV18, History TV18, News18 Kerala, News18 Karnataka, News18.com and Firstpost.com.

  • I&B tightens up on condom ads on TV

    I&B tightens up on condom ads on TV

    MUMBAI: Condom ads are off prime time television. The latest advisory from the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry has asked broadcasters to keep them out of the purview of children and only telecast them between 10 pm and 6 am.

    The ministry said that it had taken note of objections regarding condom ads – which are “targeted at a particular age group” – being aired on some channels that are considered as ‘indecent especially for children.’ It used Rule 7 (7) and Rule 7 (8) of the Cable TV Networks Rules, 1994 to tell broadcasters to refrain from telecasting ads of condoms that could be considered inappropriate/indecent for viewing by children.

    Channels may air the ads at night from 10 pm to 6 am—a time when Indian kids are possibly asleep—and abide by the rules.

    Rule 7 (7) says that ‘no advertisement that endangers the safety of children or create in them any interest in unhealthy practices or shows them begging or in an undignified or indecent manner shall not be carried in the cable service.’ Rule 7 (8) says ‘indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive or offensive themes or treatment shall be avoided in all advertisements.’

    The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) had approached the ministry for guidance after several people complained regarding the inappropriate nature of condom ads being telecast during primetime viewing on most television channels.

    Recently, Mankind Pharma had been pushing the creative boundaries and had featured former porn-turned-Bollywood star Sunny Leone in a series of TVCs in which she cavorted around in a sensual and alluring way that could be argued as being in the zone of titillation. The company had earlier run into a spot when one of its ads had offended local groups in the western Indian state of Gujarat and it had to pull the hoardings off.

  • ‘Sanskari’ India wants condom ads off primetime

    ‘Sanskari’ India wants condom ads off primetime

    MUMBAI: India is a country that takes offence at the slightest suggestion of titillation. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has approached the ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB ) for withdrawing condom ads that are telecasted during prime time or ‘family viewing time’. The council received several complaints on the kind of content condom brands show in ads, which may not be suitable for kids and teenagers. The ASCI, in its letter to the ministry, has specifically stated that ads that are explicit and vulgar in nature should be aired only between 10 pm to 6 am.

    The most recent instance wherein our sanskari-ness was awakened was when Mankind put up banners across Gujarat that had Sunny Leone advertising condoms with a tagline to ‘Play Navratri but with love’ that did not impress people one bit. Twitter and Facebook were bombarded with hate posts, forcing Manforce to eventually pull down the banner.

    ASCI’s consumer council looks into the content of advertisements and decides whether the ad is a s per its self-regulation code or not. Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, ASCI secretary general Shweta Purandare said, “Given the nature of the category (condoms), some sort of intimacy shown in the ad is inevitable but viewers are upset about them being shows during family viewing time. We replied to a few complaints that were forwarded to us by the MIB , by stating that those ads were not considered objectionable as per ASCI’s code but they (I&B) could consider the timing.”

    Vouching for brands, Vizeum Media Services associate vice president Saumya Agarwal adds, “One cannot penalise the product for the incorrect/unacceptable treatment in their communication. The guidelines must be placed towards how should the creatives be designed, without demeaning any gender in any way, etc., but to put an embargo on their exposure time is not justified.”

    Calling it an extremely myopic and ad hoc approach to solving a much larger issue, Agarwal notes that given the plethora of freely available information across multiple media, this would hardly make any difference. In fact, it is an irony that a country that is promulgating sex education is also fighting to ban condom advertising to the same audience.

    Doordarshan during the 1980s had declared that sanitary pads are ‘unmentionable’ and were not allowed to be advertised before 10 pm. That created a vicious circle for the product since young girls were the primary target. Brand-Building.com brand strategist and founder Ambi MG  Parameswaran is of the opinion that there is nothing wrong with pushing what is known as ‘unmentionable’ products into a more ‘adult’ time slot. “We should remember that condoms are in fact health products, they are for family planning and for prevention of sexually transmitted disease and that needs to be kept in mind when pushing condom ads to midnight slot.”

    On a different note, Harish Bijoor Consults brand strategy expert and founder Harish Bijoor said that laws such as these will help protect the innocence of young audiences that are besotted with television. “If implemented, I do believe that the meaning of explicit should be common to all categories and not condoms alone. If showing skin above the knee is explicit, it should be common to every category for sure. If a skin cream can get away with it, why not condom brands,” he adds.

    Pointing out that brands need to self-regulated before they put out ads, Purandare added, “We are not against advertising of products but the execution is very important. Some ads are quite bold in nature and may not be appropriate for kids and we can’t allow them to show pornography at prime time. Advertisers have to be more conscious about what they put out.”

    One might want to consider the fact that even if the I&B accepts the proposal, kids and teenagers are fairly active on digital as well. They can view the content on digital platforms making it a moot point. Havas India CCO Nima Namchu believes that the content can be delivered to the target audience with a relatively higher degree of accuracy on digital media. But if the idea is to regulate content so that explicit content is not viewed by our children, then this step with ads on television will perhaps be followed by similar requests with digital content as well.

    Doesn’t the nature of the product need ads to be creative with raunchiness and ‘explicit’ communication? Our media experts tend to think otherwise. While Namchu thinks that is not the case, Agarwal adds that categories like alco-bev (Alcohol and Beverages), condoms, feminine hygiene need to be portrayed sensitively without falling into the obvious traps and there must be some sure shot ‘socially responsible’ guidelines in order to prevent marketers crossing the line of objectification of women which is indeed objectionable!

    If and when the move happens, it will impact brand communication and marketing spends for these brands on television as the viewership between 11 pm to 5 pm is negligible. Advertisers would be forced to find alternative routes, use surrogate advertising and move to digital platforms. Harish Bijoor added, “The loss is more for the medium of television rather than for the brand player. The brand player will find other means to advertise. Water will find its own level.”

    Purandare also points out that whether prime time ban would only be applicable for certain products or the entire category would be I&B’s call.

    A head of a big TV network, who did not wished to be named, says it is “hypocritical “ on the part of any government or regulator to say condom ads pollute Indian culture or corrupt young minds, especially when government  itself runs awareness campaigns for HIV/AIDS.

    “At a time when bursting population is becoming a problem for a government and the country, saying young people should not be taught or made aware of sexual activities of humans, especially as it has a big health angle (prevention against AIDS, etc.), any effort to push ads of condoms to unearthly hours past midnight defeats the whole purpose of sex-health education of young people,” the TV exec adds. 

    However, sources in Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) said no decision has been taken on the issue yet, though, prima face, some content and it’s depiction in such ads are a bit explicit .

    KamaSutra and Durex declined to comment on the issue.

  • Ooyala & Adobe together make an OTT connection

    MUMBAI: Ooyala, a global provider of video monetisation technology and services, has announced a new partnership with Adobe that combines Ooyala’s Integrated Video Platform (IVP) solutions with the Adobe Experience Cloud. Premium media and entertainment companies will be able to build best-of-breed digital TV and OTT solutions for greater engagement, measurement and recognise greater returns with video.

    With Adobe’s TV-delivery and monetisation technologies, premium content providers benefit from the same reliable scale and device reach achieved in some of the largest live events to-date, including Superbowl LI, international Olympic coverage and the FIFA 2014 World Cup. The new partnership allows customers to also use Ooyala’s complete set of IVP solutions, building collective insights across video production, distribution and advertising processes, which are trusted by companies such as Sky, Media Prima and Star India.

    Ten of the ten largest media companies rely on technologies within Adobe Experience Cloud to deliver, measure and monetize video content across any screen. Even more brands and media companies can benefit from Ooyala’s IVP products and Adobe Primetime’s playback and ad insertion technologies, giving them a way to deliver great video experiences and drive more value from their content.

    Through this partnership, customers can reduce their total cost-of-ownership, not requiring further custom engineering and development costs. With highly reliable delivery, measurement and insights for greater engagement, Ooyala customers can see scalable results. Broadcasters and publishers can more effectively grow and monetize their global audiences, major brands can increase brand loyalty, and sports teams and leagues can drive higher fan engagement.

    “Video is unquestionably the crux of the digital transformation for the global media and entertainment market,” said Adobe’s media and entertainment head of business development Kevin Towes. “As Ooyala leverages Adobe technology, we can help media companies achieve their transformation faster, with greater video monetisation, engagement and measurement.”

    “Modern media companies with large audiences and real skin in the game need better insights and technologies to recognize greater return on their video business,” said Ooyala co-founder and SVP of products and solutions Belsasar Lepe. “Pairing our IVP solutions with Adobe gives even more insight into analytics and measurement, building common data sets across every function of video all with a single goal — to grow your business.”

    Vudu, Star India, Sky Sports (U.K.), ITV Studios (U.K.), RTL Group (Germany), M6 (France), TV4 (Sweden), Mediaset (Spain), America Television (Peru), and Media Prima (Malaysia) are a few of the hundreds of broadcasters and media companies who chose Ooyala.

  • Star Vijay to strengthen primetime band

    Star Vijay to strengthen primetime band

    MUMBAI: Star India’s Tamil general entertainment channel (GEC) has decided to spruce up its fiction offering by making changes to its primetime daily shows.

     

    The newest addition to its primetime band is the Tamil version of the hit Star Plus’ ongoing show Ye Hai Mohabbatein, called Kalyanam Mudal Kadal Varai (KMKV). Similar to what the Hindi GEC has done, KMKV was introduced on 3 November at two slots 7 pm and 9 pm. The Hindi version is being aired at 7:30 pm and 11 pm. The remake is directed by Thai Selvam.

     

    The reason for introducing it at 7 pm was to fill in the slot left empty by the dubbed version of Star Plus’ Mahabharat. The 9 pm slot, on the other hand, was chosen to push the other shows, in order to extend primetime from 6 pm to 11 pm.

     

    The other big change will be the re-introduction of the dubbed version of Mahabharat which was aired from late last year, in a primetime slot which is yet undecided. “There has been a cult following of the show and we are very confident that the repeat will also give us minimum 4 TVRs,” says Star Vijay GM K Sriram. After the last airing, the channel took a feedback of people and found out that the earlier several episodes had been missed by viewers, who wanted to see it again.

     

    The channel plans to air Mahabharatham from second week of December. “The success of the first airing has made us take it up again. Purvika Mobile has already shown keen interest to be on board as an advertiser,” adds Sriram. This will follow a mega marketing campaign to the tune of Rs 1 crore.

     

    Additionally, its nonfiction show Super Singer has been shifted from 9 pm to 9:30 pm to make space for KMKV while Office has been shifted from 10 pm to 10:30 pm.

     

    Sriram points out that the shows at 8 pm and 8:30 pm are its blockbuster ones- Deivam Thandha Veedu and Saravanan Meenatchi and they wish to build the 9 pm band along with it. Unlike Hindi where 9pm is the supreme primetime slot, in southern GECs it is 8pm.

  • “I don’t see a revenue stream from digital for 2-3 years”: Kartikeya Sharma

    “I don’t see a revenue stream from digital for 2-3 years”: Kartikeya Sharma

    MUMBAI: At the Seventh Indian News Television Summit, ITV Network managing director Kartikeya Sharma took the stage to speak about the success of his network and the future plans. Hailing from a political family, Sharma was adamant that he did not want to get into politics.

     

    It was while he was studying in London that he got attracted to the media industry. “When I was studying, the only way of being in touch with home was television with the first channel that came on Sky. That drew me into the space,” he said while speaking to indiantelevison.com founder, CEO and editor in chief Anil Wanvari. He added that what affected him was the rise of primetime during 2004-05 and the way India was reacting to the world while it was fresh off the boat.

     

    On being asked about the difference in running his hospitality business vis a vis media business, he said that the two cannot be compared. “News is definitely a tough business and there isn’t any particular revenue model that works well. You have to improvise. Circumstances are also important. So at what point a channel is being launched and the policies at that time is crucial,” he said.

     

    Speaking about the growth of his Hindi News channel, India News, Sharma said that the initial projected benchmark was 6-7 per cent market space but it actually went to 11 per cent within a span of six to eight months. “We don’t fight for filling ad slots on the channel anymore,” he said.

     

    The growth of the ITV Network has been a combination of both internal accruals and external debt. It will be going after a few more acquisitions and product launches in the regional space in the coming months. “By 2016 we want to be the largest and most profitable news network in the country,” he added.

     

    Responding to Wanvari’s question about whether syndication of news was an alternative means of revenue for sustaining the business, Sharma said that surely that will bring in a new source of revenue. “There is enough content floating around with 400 channels but the true value of syndication is debatable and I don’t think you can look at it vis-?-vis subscription or ad sales,” he said.

     

    While digital is touted as the ‘next big thing’, according to Sharma it is still too early to predict its fate. “In foreign countries, people aren’t able to monetise the digital platform as expected. There has been very little work done in research and development. I am not very optimistic about a revenue stream coming out of digital for the next two-three years,” he said adding that there is a need to look at digital as a synergy between evolution of content and technology.

     

    According to him, evolution of digital does not mean the old world will end. “I am a big fan of digital myself but we are being bullish when we talk of this medium. It is a matter of fact that it is the future but the timing is important. We have made huge errors of calculating that in the past and we are doing the same again,” he said.

     

    Talking about his tenure as Association of Regional TV Broadcasters (ARTB) president, Sharma said that the main aim was to help regional broadcasters since he realised that they needed a voice. “I managed to get 40 per cent of revenue for broadcasters from the government,” he stated.

     

    For the industry to progress, Sharma said that unity was necessary but collective decision doesn’t last long. “DD Freedish has pushed up its rates from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 5 crore in five years because of GECs wanting to get onto it. We all decided that we won’t go on the platform but then some of us ended up breaking that decision,” he shared with the audience.

     

    While the news space was cluttered, he believes that there is space and chance to be a number one in news.

  • CC gives viewers more reasons to ‘laugh it off’ this September

    CC gives viewers more reasons to ‘laugh it off’ this September

    MUMBAI: Comedy Central is best known to deliver acclaimed comedy content to its viewers consistently, month after month and it is now all geared up to introduce four of the most hilarious shows as part of its primetime line-up this month.

     

    Starting 9 September 2013, the show that premieres on air is Parks and Recreation, followed by the 16 September premiere of Two Guys a Girl and a Pizza place, Yes, Dear and Underemployed.

     

     Viacom18 Media Sr VP and GM – English entertainment Ferzad Palia said, “At Comedy Central, our endeavour is to treat viewers to some of the best comedy shows available across the globe. Come September, the channel will give its loyal viewers more reasons to laugh it off with shows like Park and Recreation, Yes, Dear, Underemployed and Two Guys a Girls & a Pizza Place. We are confident that the impressive programming line-up will keep the laughter quotient high throughout the month of September.”

  • Fox News signs fresh multi-year contract with Chris Wallace

    Fox News signs fresh multi-year contract with Chris Wallace

    MUMBAI: Fox News has signed a multi-year contract with Chris Wallace to continue anchoring Fox News Sunday.

    However, the specific length and financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.   
         
     Wallace will be covering the changing balance of power in Washington, the 2012 presidential election and beyond.

    Wallace‘s hour-long show that airs at 9 in the mornings on Sundays on Fox‘s broadcast net and re-airs later on Fox News Channel, predates FNC and shares some of its personalities with the cable, including Brit Hume and Juan Williams.

    Washington-based Wallace will continue to contribute to political and election news coverage for Fox News. Last month Fox‘s news division secured FNC anchor Shepard Smith till the next presidential election and also renewed commentator and talk show host Laura Ingraham‘s contract earlier this month.

    Before joining Fox in 2003, Wallace worked for 14 years at ABC News, where he held the post of senior correspondent for Primetime and was a substitute host for Nightline. His career in the news biz extends back to his teen years, when he worked as an assistant to Walter Cronkite during CBS‘ coverage of the 1964 Republican National Convention.