ITV

Tag: Star News

  • Star launches 5 Indian, 2 international channels in Japan

    Star launches 5 Indian, 2 international channels in Japan

    MUMBAI: Star is setting its sights on the Land of the Rising Sun. But it is not the Japanese populace but expatriate Indians the News Corp network is principally targeting with the launch there of seven of its channels on new IPTV and community platform “World on Demand” (WoD).

    Star today announced it had entered into a deal with Tokyo based The New Media Group (TNMG), which owns and operates WoD, to provide five Indian channels and two international channels in Japan.

    On WoD, Star has launched Star Plus, Star One, Star News, Star Utsav and Vijay, along with Sky News and Fox News.
    According to an official release, through the launch of WoD (www.worldondemand.net), TNMG will provide popular media offerings to targeted user communities, offering them more choice and the freedom to access what they want to see and the opportunity to interact with other WoD users.

    WoD users can watch the Star channels and communicate in real-time with others on the IPTV and community platform.
    Commenting on the launch, Star vice president advertising sales and distribution Japan Deane Sadler said, “We are excited to expand our channel offering to viewers in Japan through TNMG’s World on Demand IPTV platform. By partnering with TNMG, East Asian communities in Japan can now enjoy Star’s innovative and record-breaking Indian programming that their fellow countrymen see everyday back home. They can also catch top-rated news programming from the US and the UK on Fox News and Sky News respectively.”

    “The right formula is to be multiplatform in delivery, and to be community-oriented in marketing,” said TNMG president Randy McGraw. “By delivering recognized brands to users while offering the best interactive tools and most convenient billing options available, users have both flexibility and a true community platform. At World On Demand, users can watch Star News, for example, and chat or IM their groups in real-time while they watch the latest breaking news from India, or send valuable information back to Star about the award-winning dramas on Star Plus. How powerful is that?”

  • News channels – shifting gears, positions

    News channels – shifting gears, positions

    And charging down the back straight is Star News, snapping at the heels of leader Aaj Tak but still not quite there yet. Early pacemaker NDTV India, meanwhile, seems to have run out of steam and has dropped two places down to fourth behind steady stallion Zee News…

    It’s been a topsy-turvy nine months in the Hindi news space as TV channels tried different programming innovations to woo audiences and advertisers and gain market share. What has clearly been demonstrated is that improvements being shown by some news channels and the addition of fresh blood makes the news channel ratings race a roller-coaster one. Media observers term this period of upheaval as a time when the rules of the game are being cast and recast.

    That this upheaval has been more for the positive is indicated by the fact that the news broadcast industry, which two or three years ago was worth just Rs 1 billion, has grown into a Rs 5 billion market with the potential of growing further. However, as a media analyst points out, a shakeout is bound to happen through consolidation. But till that happens, these “frequent ups and downs in the ratings charts will continue” to take place through the ways events are covered or, maybe, just on innovative presentation.

    Revenues in this sector grew 13 per cent, which is about even with the growth rate of the Indian TV industry as a whole, according to the TAM Media Research. Is there room for further growth? It would appear so. A recent study conducted by Synovate, the market research arm of Aegis Group, indicates that a majority of Indians (78 per cent) trust a lot of the news stories they see or hear. It is that trust and appetite for news that the current players and the upcoming wannabes are banking on to sustain growth going forward.

    Entering the last quarter of calendar 2005, it has clearly shaped up into a two-horse race for the numero uno position between long time leader Aaj Tak and the year’s biggest gainer by a mile Star News. A sea change from 2004 when it was NDTV India that was doing all the running to catch up with Aaj Tak.

    According to TAM, the Hindi news segment witnessed a spike with respect to certain channels in viewership during the calamity that hit Mumbai on 26 July and in its aftermath. And if there is one single event that really gave the Mumbai-headquartered Star News its critical forward thrust, it was the manner in which it managed its coverage of the catastrophic Mumbai deluge. Conversely, NDTV India’s dip in channel share is also partly linked to its coverage of the Mumbai floods and serves to highlight that things are still in the evolution phase as far as channel rankings go.

    Consulting firm KPMG’s associate director Anindya Roychowdhury offers what can be taken as both a cautionary note and one of hope to those who have seen a downswing in their fortunes in the recent past. Says Roychowdhury, “Although there has been a shift in (channel) positions, nonetheless it needs noting that news channels have sticky eyeballs, which is unlike entertainment channels.” Roychowdhury’s point is that because news channels extract more loyalty, if a channel manages to get its act together again, viewers that have been long hooked to its offerings earlier would like as not return (or if the rival channel loses some of its sheen on the content and presentation front).

    Adding to what Roychowdhury said, another financial analyst states that the channel which has a grip on robust content will survive in the long run.

    An overview of data for the last nine months (January-September) provided by TAM (C&S, HSM, All Adults, 15+) shows the country’s subse tez (fastest) news channel Aaj Tak continuing to stay ahead of the pack in this space, despite witnessing highs and lows.

    Aaj Tak
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    June
    July
    Aug
    Sep
    29%
    28%
    25%
    25%
    25%
    26%
    27%
    25%
    25%

    What has Aaj Tak to offer on its position?

     

    According to Aaj Tak executive news director QA Naqvi, the channel is undoubtedly the market leader and “shall remain so to create history.” Says Naqvi, “Aaj Tak has been able to retain its position as India’s leading news and current affairs channel primarily because it has stayed steadfast with its core principles — credible, authoritative and insightful.”

    Pointing out that viewers have always chosen to watch Aaj Tak during major news events, Naqvi adds, “We recognise that the appetite of the audience for news has changed and we have changed to accommodate these without changing our basic values.”

    So does this mean that the other channels do not bring the same facets on air? Naqvi refuses to take the bait. “I’m here to speak of Aaj Tak and that’s about it,” he counters.

    But the seasoned news manager does admit that with eight Hindi news channels already on air, any further additions – as is being projected by various companies – would further segment the already fragmented news space. “Competition is intense,” he admits.

    Completing five years of a successful run, Aaj Tak is now looking at consolidating its position. “In the first year (2000) Aaj Tak’s share of audience was 55 per cent (Zee 31 per cent and Star News 9 per cent). We were number one then, which was no mean achievement, and we are still at the top. This is an even greater accomplishment,” avers Naqvi, but doesn’t forget to add that these days nothing should be taken for granted.

    That media planners buy into the Aaj Tak story and swear by it is a given, more so since it has proved its efficacy over five years and counting. Says Meenakshi Madhvani, CEO of media audit outfit Spatial Access, “Aaj Tak is a great reach builder and in certain SECs even works as a frequency delivering mechanism that compares with the mass general entertainment channels (Star Plus, Sony, Zee TV).” In terms of comparable value in a targeted media plan, about the only channel that delivers similar results to Aaj Tak is Cartoon Network, points out Madhvani.

    While Aaj Tak has managed to retain its leadership position, it is Star News that has been hogging the headlines. Over the last eight months, Star News has witnessed a phenomenal climb from 18 per cent in January to 24 per cent in September, coming within sniffing distance of Aaj Tak that remains ahead by a nose at 25 per cent channel share.

    Star News
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    June
    July
    Aug
    Sep
    18%
    17%
    17%
    17%
    16%
    16%
    20%
    24%
    24%

    Explains a justifiably elated Star News CEO Uday Shankar, “Well, it is not a sudden turn around. It is an endeavour that has been going on for a long time, which is now visible. It has been a gradual process.”

    The former Aaj Tak news head does not shy away from admitting that a cloud of uncertainty over its news uplink licence and the row with the government in 2003 over shareholding pattern in Media Content & Communications Services India Pvt Ltd (MCCS), which is the holding company for Star News and its sibling Star Ananda, had “taken a toll” on the performance of the Hindi news channel earlier.

    “At that point, more than the growth, the company’s survival had become the focal point,” Shankar points out.

    But after the running battle with the government — some say instigated by rivals — got sorted out it was time to concentrate afresh on building the channel and making it more responsive to people’s aspiration and needs.

    “Our aim had been to make Star News a channel that sets the agenda of news (for other TV channels as also print),” Shankar says, giving a glimpse behind Star News’ philosophy that revolves round ‘keeping the viewers abreast of news’. To quote Shankar from a recent release. “We strive to give our viewers stories and news that affect their lives, and this has led to Star News’ steady growth throughout the past year. Our success has been built not only on attracting new viewers, but in keeping them interested enough to keep coming back.”

    “That the slow process of building a channel and a relationship with viewers can bear fruit is evident from Star News climbing to the No. 2 spot in the month of August,” asserts Shankar.

    He acknowledges the fact that the Mumbai deluge gave an entirely dimension to disaster coverage and the information imparted by Star News turned out to be remarkable. The visuals put out by Star News, Shankar gushes, “expressed something that words failed to and the coverage simply reflected the true face of the devastation.”

    And what of NDTV India? TAM data shows that Prannoy Roy’s channel has been on a downward spiral ratings-wise. According to media analysts, NDTV India’s loss has been Star News’ and Zee News’ gain.

     

    NDTV India
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    June
    July
    Aug
    Sep
    21%
    21%
    21%
    21%
    20%
    19%
    17%
    17%
    16%

    And that’s another tale in itself. Zee News, the first Hindi news channel, has withstood the storm of new players in the space for over a decade, The channel that started 2005 with a 15 per cent channel share has steadily increased it to a high of 19 per cent in the months of June and July, and plateaued out at 18 per cent in August-September. Presently, it occupies the third slot.

    Zee News
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    June
    July
    Aug
    Sep
    15%
    15%
    16%
    17%
    18%
    19%
    19%
    18%
    18%

    Zee Telefilms news group director Laxmi Goel reiterates, “Zee News has been in this space for over a decade from the time when there was only Doordarshan for news and to the present time when there are eight to 10 news channels. Still, Zee News is going strong and it will continue to run the race with its philosophy — Haqeekat Jaisi Khabar Waisi.”

    How does he view the ratings race? Goel adds, “Zee News has seen growth and consolidation in its viewership numbers this year. We have seen a healthy growth in the cluttered news space despite marginal up and down movements on the ratings chart.”

    Goel, however, pointed out that though the number of players have increased “there is little difference amongst the front runners.” There are the top four and then there are the rest is his contention.

    One of those “fringe players” is Sahara Samay Rashtriya. Despite a number of news channels in its stable — both region-specific and a national channel — Sahara Samay continues to remain on the outside looking in.

    Sahara Samay
    Rashtriya
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    June
    July
    Aug
    Sep
    6%
    6%
    6%
    6%
    5%
    5%
    5%
    7%
    6%

    Still, Sahara Samay Rashtriya vice-president Prabhat Dabral has a different theory. Sahara had adopted a different strategy altogether, he empahsises, adding, “We have a game plan wherein the media company will first strengthen the regional channels. As this happens, their combined strength will push up the national channel.”

    When his attention is drawn to the numbers, Dabral, however, admits the national news channel is not doing well in the rat race, but is hopeful it will “pick up steam very soon.”

    Another of the also rans is India TV. After completing a year, the Rajat Sharma-promoted India TV is now gearing up for some action. The company has roped in Universal McCan president Chintamani Rao as India TV CEO with an aim to strengthen the channel’s brand equity as it gets ready to launch two regional news channel in the Gujarati and Punjabi markets.

     
    India TV
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    June
    July
    Aug
    Sep
    5%
    6%
    8%
    7%
    7%
    6%
    6%
    5%
    6%

    And what about India TV’s performance on the ratings meter? The channel really picked up steam in March through a series of steamy sting operations that resulted in its hitting a high eight per cent market share.

    In April and May, India TV maintained a 7 per cent share, which dipped to 5 per cent in August bringing it to a level from here it had started this year in January.

    Yes, casting couch stories did create a buzz and they did reflect on the ratings chart. As per TAM data, on 13 March, India TV mounted right at the top of the heap with a never-before channel share of 22.4 per cent. This was the day when India TV caught on camera film star Shakti Kapoor in a queasy corner that fanned the casting couch issue anew.

    That the expose had the charts rocking could be gauged from the fact that even market leader Aaj Tak on that fateful Sunday (13 March 2005) dropped to 20.2 per cent, while NDTV India stood at 18 per cent, Star News posted 14 per cent and Zee News 13.4 per cent. Sahara Samay and DD News were lower down in the order with shares of 6.2 per cent and 5.9 per cent, respectively.

    Then there is also newer entrant, Channel7, which has managed to emphatically establish one point: it’s no pushover.

    Coming from the Jagran newspaper stable, which has a wide network of newspaper editions, Channel7 is cashing in on its strength in the Hindi speaking belt of North India and the state that it’s headquartered in: Uttar Pradesh.

    But the new kid on the block too is grappling with distribution problems. Though Channel7 is “paying a carriage fee,” some challenges still need to be overcome.

    Channel7 CEO Piyush Jain says, “If you compare week-on-week, then certainly there would be a little volatility. It is always better to look at trends over a three to four-week period. We are very delighted with the overall performance of the channel till date.”

    Distribution Front:
    Distribution still remains an important aspect for all the news networks. Shankar asserts, “Distribution is very important. You may have the best of product, but if viewers or the target audience (TG) do not get to see it, what use is the product.”

    Admitting that Star News did face some hitches in a few pockets of the country that needed fixing, Shankar said, “We first built our content, ramping up the quality and then turned our attention to the distribution side of the channel.”

    Concurring with Shankar, Zee News’ Goel offers a related perspective on the distribution game — that of placement of a channel. “Zee News did not suffer from the malady of low connectivity, but on some cable networks the news channel was not anywhere near tunable bandwidth,” Goel says, adding from the day that problem was fixed, dividends have started accruing.

    With the news market getting more fragmented, Dabral acknowledges the challenge increases. “As a strategy, we have decided to distribute Sahara Samay Rashtriya only in those markets where the reach of the regional channels does not exist.”

    Almost everyone concurrs that carriage fee is an open secret of the industry and news channels do pay up to get carried on cable networks. “It is a two-way process; one pays a carriage fee and the other accepts it,” Goel says candidly.

    Present programming strategy and looking ahead:
    Strong position of a news channel is a comprehensive mix of content, marketing and distribution. All going hand in hand.

    Having gained in ratings, Zee News, a pay channel in sharp contrast to the others that are free, will have to strive harder than the rest to maintain its gains.

    That’s why Zee News is attempting to broadbase its ‘thought’ leadership with out-of-the-box programming strategy. An example is Jinnah vs Jinnah, a documentary on Pakistan’s founding father who is still creating political turbulence in modern India. “A timely film (Bharatiya Janata party president LK Advani came under fire for terming Jinnah a secularist), Jinnah established our editorial maturity and thought leadership further,” Goel claims.

    Quite a few prime time shows too were refurbished on Zee News this year with the discontinuation of News at 9 pm and making the Prime Time 9 as a one-hour definitive news package where the first 30 minutes are dedicated to top stories of the day and the latter half devoted to a special story on weekdays.

    On the other hand, Star News is attempting to create a programming line-up, apart from news bulletins, that is reflective of innovations like developing new time bands. Shankar names shows like Wah Cricket!, Sansani and Insaaf ka Taraazu on different time bands in this regard.

    “None of the news channels associated afternoon viewing with news channels. We were the first to develop this time band by introducing a show like Saas Bahu Aur Saazish to drive traffic during the afternoons,” Shankar explains, adding, “Suddenly afternoons have grown to be a strong time band.”

    Aaj Tak too is giving itself time and options to experiment with news-based programming, though it refuses to spell out the details. “Obviously I would not like to go into the specifics about our strategy, but we will be experimenting with new subjects and fresh treatments of some existing programmes,” Naqvi states.

    In the recent past, Aaj Tak has re-branded news segments such as Dus Tak, the late bulletin at 10 pm and Aaj Subha in the mornings. “Not only have the look and feel of these shows been changed, but the focus too has shifted to give the news coverage more depth,” Naqvi elucidates.

    Pointing out that Aaj Tak’s new programming initiatives have yielded results, Naqvi claims, “The success of newer shows only strengthens our conviction that news has a wide appeal that has to do more with the inclusion of a variety of subjects in news programming, rather than sensationalising or trivialising news.”

    Advertising Income:
    Has the change in channel positions started having its impact on ad revenues on the various players as yet? Not as of now but when rates come up for renegotiation, it likely will. Says Starcom South Asia CEO Ravi Kiran: “Normally we have bulk annual deals done in the industry. So the present turnarounds, basically issue-driven, will not affect the rates. A smart media planner should always be ready to handle such risks. But when the rates come for a revision, such factors may play a role.”

    Concurs the CEO of another big media agency: “It is a supply-on-demand market and such changes wouldn’t have a dynamic impact on the rates. We should wait and watch to know what such changes would do to the rates. Yes, when the rates come for the annual revision, the market positions and rankings would play an important role.”

    Conclusion:
    In a nut shell, it has been largely observed that natural or man-made disasters do help the news channels in attracting newer audiences, but this effect is temporary. The gain in viewership has to be sustained through convincing programming, otherwise stray viewers go back to the channel they are used to viewing.

    (Despite several reminders, NDTV and India TV declined to offer any inputs to this report)

  • Star News launches new health show ‘Apna Khayal Rakhiyega’

    Star News launches new health show ‘Apna Khayal Rakhiyega’

    MUMBAI: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Perhaps! But STAR News will now certainly help you keep the doctor at bay. The Channel announced the launch of a new health-based weekend news programme – Apna Khayal Rakhiyega – in keeping with its accent on addressing issues that relate to the here-and-now for the people in India. The programme, starting on 30 September, will air every Saturday at 3.30 pm.

    Given that health and fitness is increasingly becoming an overwhelming concern and might even be an obsession with a growing section of the Indian populace, Star News addresses a holistic view on health with a unique programming mix updating viewers with the latest in the world of medicine and health-breakthroughs, controversies, tips, food and fitness trends, so that the viewer can take better care of oneself.

    With a flexible magazine format and refreshing outdoor anchoring from scenic locations, the programme will have different segments that will feature breakthroughs in the world of medicine, guidelines to leading a healthy life, tips and trends in fitness, advice on food and diet programmes and much more. The programme will also have a segment, featuring interviews of renowned medical/health experts and celebrities from various walks of life who will provide their opinions and share their secrets on fitness. Dr. R K Bharadwaj, a renowned ENT specialist, will be the channel’s in-house expert for this programme.

    Apna Khayal Rakhiyega marks the channel’s attempt to expand the scope of its lateral programming to ‘touch’ every member of the household and in the true sense reach out as the ‘People’s Channel’. It will not just purport to be another health and fitness show, but will view health from a holistic viewpoint and also provide thought provoking content to make people sit up and question pre-existing notions on health. This will charge viewers to better look after themselves.

  • Star News launches ‘Benaqab’

    MUMBAI: Star News and Aniruddha Bahal have joined hands to present Benaqab. The investigative bulletin will seek to unmask the ugly face of corruption, whatever the stakes. Launched on September 16, at 9.00 pm and to be aired every Saturday and Sunday at 9.30 pm from September 17 onwards, the investigative bulletin will be anchored by Aniruddha Bahal. Benaqab aims towards a better tomorrow for the people of India by leaving a strong message to the corrupt in our land – you can run, but you can’t hide! Benaqab will be watching…

    World over, investigative journalism has helped imprison the corrupt, trigger legislations and uncover miscarriages of justice. Watergate, the most shining example of investigative journalism was the darkest hour for US presidency and the brightest for media. What started off as a small and insignificant investigation turned out to be the nemesis for Richard Nixon and his allies. Thus establishing that as the champion of public opinion, media serves as a powerful catalyst for positive change, even in the face of the biggest odds.

    Star News has proved its prowess in investigative journalism through its instrumental role in some of the biggest exposés and unearthing scandals – Operation Chakravyuh (the MPLAD funds), Operation Yamraj (corrupt cops of UP), the case of fake Tantriks, the Anti-Bribery campaign etc. Aniruddha Bahal, on the other hand, has been the man behind many significant exposés. His role in Operation Westend – exposé on Indian Defence procurement, and Fallen Heroes – a startling investigation into cricket match fixing has created ripples in the highest corridors of politics and sports.

    Commenting on the launch of Benaqab, Uday Shankar, CEO & Editor, MCCS says, “It’s our endeavor to bring to light the most closely guarded secrets of corrupt practices and corrupt people. Through Benaqab, we aim to help create a better environment and a corruption-free society by taking investigative journalism to the next level.”

    With programmes like Sansani and Red Alert and various path-breaking exposés that have provoked public opinion and forced the corrupt even in the lofty corridors of power to bow to the demands of public interest, Star News has proved its mettle and capabilities in investigation. Through Benaqab, the channel goes a step ahead in launching a stronger challenge in unmasking the face of corruption and its influence in our daily living.

  • Star News-A C Nielsen survey says 63% in Gujarat want ‘Fanna’

    Star News-A C Nielsen survey says 63% in Gujarat want ‘Fanna’

    MUMBAI: As Fanaa is all set to release tomorrow across the nation expect in the state of Gujarat, where the film exhibitors are hesitating to screen it till he tenders an apology for his recent anti-Narmada project statements.

    Admits all this Star News in collaboration with A C Nielsen conducted a survey in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat to ascertain the common man’s views on the issue. The findings indicate that 63 per cent of people in Gujarat want to watch the film and also prefers Aamir as a reel life hero as against a real life hero.

    But away from the hum drum of the politics of ‘water’, what does the ‘aam junta’ in Gujarat really want? The survey indicated some findings:

    * 63 per cent of people in Gujarat want to watch the film and only 33 per cent said they would not, 4 per cent said don’t know

    * 52 per cent of the people do not agree with the BJP’s appeal to boycott the film, 40 per cent subscribe to BJP’s statements, 8 per cent were undecided

    * 55 per cent of the respondents feel that Aamir’s statements on Narmada were inappropriate, 32 per cent felt it was appropriate, 13 per cent are undecided

    * 40 per cent of the people said that they do not want the Bollywood star to act like the Rang De Basanti hero in real life, 36 per cent vouch for him and 24 per cent were undecided

  • Star News to launch automobile show ‘Top Speed’

    Star News to launch automobile show ‘Top Speed’

    MUMBAI: Starting 20 August, Star News will launch an automobile handbook show targteing auto lovers and the layman alike, Top Speed. The show will offer a weekly dose of wheels, speed and panache and also news that can be used.

    The half-an-hour show Top Speed will proivde latest news on the newest cars & bikes and showcase new paradigms in automobile technology. The show will air every Sunday at 5:30 pm.

    According to an official statement, the Indian automobile sector is clearly on the boom right now with vehicle sales growing at a rate of 8-10 per cent year on year. With many international players setting shop in India and marketing their products here, the scenario is now so much more exciting, yet so much more vexing for the potential buyer.

    The show will include test drives, vehicle reviews, expert advice on vehicle maintenance, the latest must-haves in accessories, exclusive reporting on auto shows, and much more. It will be anchored by the Auto Magazine consulting editor Rajiv Mitra with Manpreet Waraich. The duo will look at a vehicle from the perspective of an expert and a layman respectively, in an attempt to provide a comprehensive opinion on the vehicle. The two will also contest each other to prove their point, resulting in innovative situations and some real ‘top speed’ action, informs the release.

  • Star News exposé on Indian Ambassador to UAE

    Star News exposé on Indian Ambassador to UAE

    Indian Ambassador to UAE hosts Republic Day event to throw a party for his newly wed daughter; misuses the National Emblem too

    April 7, 2006: The Indian Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Chandra Mohan Bhandari used government funds and the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India (deferred to March 02, due to the demise of the Sheikh) to introduce his newly married daughter Aparita and son-in-law Rajesh Duggal to the Abu Dhabi elite.

    Star News found out that not only was the official invitation card with the national emblem used for a personal party but the Government of India footed the bill for the reception Dinner held at the Embassy residence, Plot No 10, Sector W-59/02 Diplomatic Area, Abu Dhabi.

    This is being seen as a major breach of protocol. As per protocol the ambassador cannot use the solemn occasion of the Republic Day reception, where he hosts international dignitaries on behalf of the President of India, for a personal reception.

    The Card issued by the Embassy clearly states: “On the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India and to meet my daughters: Aparita with her husband Rajesh Duggal and Samahita, the Ambassador of the Republic of India H.E. Mr. Chandra Mohan Bhandari cordially invites _______ at a deferred Dinner Reception.”‘

    Bhandari when contacted by Star News admitted that the government paid for the dinner reception. He said he was not aware that it was improper for using an official occasion for introducing his family to guests.

    For further information
    Navin Tauro / Swati Sundareswaran; Vaishnavi Corporate Communications
    Tel: 5656 8787 / 8755 / 8743; Fax: 5656 8788

  • Star News introduces two lifestyle shows

    Star News introduces two lifestyle shows

    MUMBAI: Star News is creating space for lifestyle shows, by introducing two new programmes, Apna Khayal Rakhiyega, a health-based show and Top Speed, a handbook for automobile fans. With Apna Khayal Rakhiyega, Star News will address a holistic view on health with a unique programming mix, updating viewers with the latest in the world of medicine and health-breakthroughs, food and fitness trends.

    Starting on 22 July, Apna Khayal Rakhiyega will sport a flexible magazine format and promises refreshing outdoor anchoring from scenic locations, and will have different segments that will feature breakthroughs in the world of medicine, guidelines to leading a healthy life, tips and trends in fitness and advice on food and diet programmes, according to an official release.

    The programme, laced in the 12:30 pm slot, will showcase various segments featuring interviews of renowned medical/health experts and celebrities from various walks of life who will provide their opinions and share their secrets on fitness. Dr. R K Bharadwaj, an ENT specialist, will be the channel’s in-house expert for this programme.

    As the Indian automobile sector is clearly on a boom right now with vehicle sales growing at a rate of 8-10 per cent a year and many international players setting shop in India. The current scenario is exciting, yet equally vexing for the potential buyer. This forms the second weekend offering from Star News, a racy auto show Top Speed, adds the release.

    The show, which will kick off on 23 July in the 5:30 pm time slot, will be anchored by the consulting editor of Auto Magazine Rajiv Mitra along with Manpreet Waraich. The half-an-hour show will focus on test drives, vehicle reviews, expert advice on vehicle maintenance, the latest must-haves in accessories and reporting on auto shows.

    Each episode of Top Speed will comprise of two to three main modules which could be any of the segments mentioned in the box.

  • ‘Our expansion plans are not too dependent on CAS or DTH or any other new technology’ : Sameer Manchanda – Global Broadcast News Jt. MD

    ‘Our expansion plans are not too dependent on CAS or DTH or any other new technology’ : Sameer Manchanda – Global Broadcast News Jt. MD

    He is credited with having stitched some lucrative deals for NDTV — rather it’s said that the so-called one-sided deal that NDTV had with Star for content on Star News for five years was a combination of his ability to draft agreements and talk foreign partners into deals and NDTV promoter Prannoy Roy’s charm and credibility. In certain quarters, he is also described as the merciless corporate honcho who leaves no stone unturned to achieve success.
    Whichever way you look at it,     Sameer Manchanda is a go-getter, easily moulding himself according to varied situations. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, he has been with the television industry since 1984 — NDTV to be precise — and has seen major stages of evolution in this sector. He has considerable and varied experience and expertise in distribution, strategic and financial planning, capital structuring and restructuring, funding, business valuations, mergers and acquisitions, collaborations and joint ventures.
    No wonder, in 2005 the entrepreneurial bug bit him when Manchanda set up Global Broadcast News Ltd along with Television Eighteen Group promoter Raghav Bahl, TV18 CEO Haresh Chawla and managing editor of NDTV Rajdeep Sardesai. He was also instrumental in formulating and finalizing the alliances with CNN and Channel7.
    In a rare interview with     Indiantelevision.com’s Anjan Mitra, Manchanda, the joint MD of GBN (managers of English news channel CNN IBN and its Hindi sibling Channel7), looks at the industry, peers into the crystal ball for the changes taking place, the challenges ahead and what makes him tick.
    Excerpts:

    What’s the big picture in the television industry as you see it?
    Digital television and various delivery platforms for content are certain to make things exciting. The new digital wave is going to change the consumption patterns of electronic content. Platforms like DTH, IPTV, mobile TV, podcast and broadband will all happen and audiences would not be just passive onlookers, but participants and partners in the business of packaging, delivering and consuming content.

    We will need to be ready for all these. For example, mobile video is going to be a big thing in India too in the near future.

    At a time when all these things are poised to happen — and happening — the biggest challenge for any management is to figure out ways to cope with technological advances. In India, there are over 100 million mobile phones, over 100 million TV homes out of which approximately 60 million are cable and satellite homes. Just look at the consumer power of these various platforms. I see this as the future.

    Any management that could figure out ways to make its content consumable worthy for people on such different platforms would be the real winner. In the next five years, I foresee Indian media companies scaling up their operations.

    Do you foresee multi-billion dollar Indian media companies, especially broadcasting companies, coming about in future?
    Why not? If they can do it in other parts of the globe, why not in India? With ramping up of operations, valuations too would go up. If you can have a Viacom being valued at $25 billion, CBS at $20 billion, Walt Disney at $65 billion, News Corp at $20 billion and NTL at $ 7 billion (all valuations mentioned are approximate), why not a multi-billion India broadcaster?

    As India globalises and broadcasters scale up operations, in the next five to six years we could see several multi-billion dollar media companies in India.

    How is Global Broadcast Network, managing CNN IBN and Channel 7, gearing up to take advantage of the developing scenario?
    The first thing for us was to get CNN IBN on track and build it up as a strong, credible news source. After having done that, we are going in for increased interactivity as audiences are our partners and their involvement is very necessary. The programme Citizen Journalist is just one such initiative. Once people get used to that, then the advertising revenue will follow.

    Second, as a news company we decided not only do we have to be present in the English space, but also in the Hindi segment. For this we decided to go the acquisition route for Channel7. From a management perspective, while CNN IBN is on a growth path — our ratings have been good — Channel7 gives us presence in the vast Hindi market. In future, we’ll launch more channels, but getting Channel7 up there with the big boys and increasing its market share is the big task ahead of us all.
    ‘Getting Channel7 up there with the big boys is the big task ahead of us all‘

    How do you want to consolidate your position as a company?
    As a group — GBN is part of the Television Eighteen Group — we do have synergies and from the management’s perspective it’s to build up an organization that would be present in all spheres of general and business news in both English and Hindi. (Television Eighteen runs CNBC TV18 and Hindi channel Awaaz).

    As a bouquet of channels, over a period of time we’d go pay to exploit the various distribution platforms. When that happens, we would also tie-up with one of the existing distribution bouquets (Zee Turner, Star, and One Alliance).

    When will the group channels actually align with an existing distribution bouquet?
    Pretty soon. We would engage in a dialogue and tie up with one of the existing distribution platforms. All such platforms need good content and we feel that our channels make compelling viewing. Within a year you’d see developments on this front.

    Would that mean both CNN IBN and Channel7 become pay channels?
    CNN IBN certainly would as all other English news channels are. CNBC TV18 draws in a substantial amount of subscription revenue. We’d keep Channel7 free to air (like other Hindi news channels) till the time leaders in this space decide to make some radical moves.

    Has GBN given up altogether an option of foraying into non-news segment of TV broadcasting?
    AT GBN, the charter is to concentrate on the news segment. Over a year’s time, we’d continue to launch more channels, but within the news segment. News is not just as we see it. It can be lifestyle and sports too as news encompass all these things. GBN would continue to operate within its core strength and there I don’t see an entertainment channel fitting in.

    How much of the expansion will depend on technologies like CAS and DTH proliferating in the Indian industry?
    Our expansion plans are not too dependent on CAS or DTH or any other new technology. Things like CAS and DTH are already making their presence felt. However, we do assume that newer technologies will come in and we should be ready for the situation. But if the future doesn’t also arrive over the next 12-18 months, our expansion plans are unlikely to get affected.

    How would you describe the present distribution scenario? You are considered a wiz in that field having, reportedly, done wonders in your previous organisation, NDTV?
    At this point of time distribution is an important component of the business. It’s like having good content. Look at FMCG companies like Coke and Pepsi. They are doing well because not only do they have popular products, but also great distribution and marketing strategies. The television business too is like that; at least evolving into one where it is important to not only have compelling content, but also good distribution. People are realizing this and have started investing in distribution to have the right mix.

    Distribution will also play a key role as the TV business goes forward with newer technologies and platforms coming up. Whether a TV channel needs to be on all platforms, whether podcast is good for only news and not entertainment, whether long term deals are good…questions like these would have to be asked by a management and answered.

    At GBN, we have decided that our channels should be on all platforms and available everywhere with the final aim of building up a rapport with the consumer in whichever way he wants to consume news. With India presently facing bandwidth problems where one TV channel is less clear than the other on a cable network, for example, it’s very important to be available on other platforms too. It’s all about building relationships with consumers, distribution partner(s) and clients.

    Though you said the company is planning to join hands with an existing distribution partner, there are reports that GBN and TV18 Group would like to build up a distribution team of its own. Comment.
    As far as GBN is concerned, we’d join a bouquet as of now. We do have an in-house distribution team, which services the clients. But that’s more from the point of view of relationship building. You need a different arm to collect money from the market and a different set-up to build relationships. We feel it’s better to have two arms doing (seemingly) separate work.

    Star, One Alliance and Zee Turner have built up an expertise in the area of collecting money and the feeling at GBN is that we should go along with it, even as an in-house team works on affiliates and relationships with them. Both can be complementary to each other.

    You mean to say the in-house distribution team would just concentrate on building relationships, while the actual work is outsourced. Seems a bit strange to me, but what do you feel? That’s how the Indian market has developed so far and we are not here to change things overnight. Our distribution team may help a foreign client, which we are doing. We have just signed up to be the Indian agent of Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), an infotainment channel with large doses of news and travel shows. We don’t mind forging relationships with such foreign channels.

    Did GBN pay carriage fee when it launched its first channel?
    We did pay some amount, but that’s a standard practice. Whenever a new product is launched, one pays for visibility. Even abroad TV channels pay for visibility in the initial stage. These are considered part of the overall expenses.

    Would GBN go in for CNN-type of licensing deals as it expands its portfolio?
    We are very clear that we want to build on our existing relationships and forge new ones. We have learnt a lot from CNN at CNN IBN. Would we do similar deals as we move ahead? It depends on the value a foreign partner, or for that matter any partner, brings on the table. If for a future channel, we feel a partner can bring some value on the table, we’d explore all possibilities.
    ‘We have just signed up to be the Indian agent of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation‘

    Was it a tough task integrating the working of Channel7 with the group?
    Some of the integration process is still on, but on the whole the exercise has been smooth and quite seamless. People have been busy with the re-launch, but over a period of time the management would concentrate on the integration in its entirety. The former owners understand our goals and appreciate that a lot of effort is being put in to build value.

    How did GBN/TV18 Group zero down on Channel7 for acquisition?
    I think it just happened. But two things contributed to the deal going through. One, the promoters of Jagran (which formerly owned Channel7) were professionals and, second, there was hardly any baggage in the sense that the channel was barely one- year old. We felt that the management expertise at GBN and TV18 Group could do wonders with Channel7 and, as I said, it just happened.

    What’s the next stage for Channel7?
    When we took it over, Channel7’s market share was between 6-7 per cent. Not bad for a year-old channel, but Hindi is a very competitive market. That it’s also big, makes us optimistic. So, we started off with 6-7 per cent market share of Channel7 and have managed to ramp up the share up to slightly over 10 (based on data of a week before the interview took place). The need is to carry on growing.

    From a management perspective, do you foresee any trend emerging in the mass Hindi news market?
    Aaj Tak continues to be the leader, remarkably hanging on to the advantage it took when it started several years back, but the viewership pattern for other channels are changing. In recent times, Star News has occupied the No. 2 slot, which was earlier ruled by NDTV India. This changing viewership pattern gives us some hope. It’s a long haul for Channel7, but we would certainly like to build it up as the next most credible platform for news in Hindi.

    As subsets of the TV business, what are the other revenue streams being tapped by GBN?
    Making content enabled and customized for different platforms is certainly one. Syndication of programming from the archives is another. And, taking the channels international would be a big thing. Especially if we can manage to strike lucrative deals abroad in markets like the Middle East, the US and the UK.

    We have signed a non-exclusive pact with a telecom major to make mobile handset-enabled content and feel that such relationships with other telecom companies would bring in substantial revenue over the years.

    I also feel the company needs to have a separate division where people think and make customized content for various delivery platforms. It’s not easy to encapsulate 30-minute news bulletins into one and two-minute capsules. All over the world, people are experimenting and so are we on various aspects of this business like which content will work on mobile TV, for example, and what will not.

    What percentage of the overall revenue do you think is likely to accrue from such subsets of the business?
    Quite significant over the years. In the next five to six years about 10-12 per cent of the revenue would come from content tailored for various platforms. At the moment, we are trying to form relationships for the convenience of the consumer. Going forward, this would increase also. It’s all in the future, but for that we need to be prepared. We are very clear that we are doing it and that’s why we are also building up a strong tech team.

    What sort of investment has gone into GBN up till now?
    I think in the excess of Rs 100 crore (Rs 1 billion), excluding the acquisition cost of Channel7).

    As the management head of a young company what’s your priority — the topline growth or would you rather watch the bottomline?
    We would do both. First, we’d build value, which we are doing. Second, we are also focused on the balance sheet. We are very clear that apart from building values and credibility, we are here to do business too.

    It’s too early to comment on the topline growth, but it’s picking up and doing better than our expectations. By the time we complete a year around January 2007, as a company our financials should be healthy. Unless, of course, something very dramatic happens with the economy and it goes into a tailspin over the next six months.

    When do you think the company would reach a breakeven point?
    Very soon. I am confident that by March 2007, we should be in a position to tell our shareholders some good news. Presently, we are doing well quarter-wise and the company is fairly comfortable even now. We have got the viewership, which will lead to revenues. It’s amplified in the fact that we have about 80-100 brands on our channels.

    What made you get into the entrepreneurial mode? Was it lack of due recognition at NDTV where you spent almost two decades engineering lucrative deals for the company?
    It was a combination of various factors. As a distribution and finance person, I could foresee the changes that would take place in India — changes where you need to move in and be part of. Such opportunities don’t come every day.

    Moreover, the equation and mix was just perfect to try taking advantages of the changes happening in the Indian industry. Rajdeep (Sardesai) brings in the editorial strength, I bring in the business acumen, while Raghav (Bahl, the promoter of TV18 Group) and Haresh (Chawla, the CEO of TV18) bring in the group synergies and infrastructure. It was a combination of like-minded people.

    Let me make things clear that it was not that NDTV was giving me a short shrift or not agreeing with my vision. NDTV is a fantastic company. It was pure entrepreneurial spirit where one wanted to chart out one’s own path and take some risks. It has worked fairly well till now and let’s hope that in future also it does so.
  • Bid a joyous adieu to the year 2006 with STAR News

    Bid a joyous adieu to the year 2006 with STAR News

    MUMBAI: The year 2006 is coming to an end and its time to pop open the bubbly and celebrate, its time to make new resolutions and drop old ones, its time to welcome a new year with pomp and party.

    But this is also the time to ‘retrospect’, to think of the year gone by – muse over the moments that made this year memorable. Keeping this spirit in mind, STAR News ushers in the New Year with a slew of programming that will wrap up the year gone by in ‘delectable bites’.

    The channel has planned a series of specials that will capture, in the most interesting and unique format, all that made news in 2006 across genres like sports, politics, entertainment, crime, films, and many more.

    STAR News has always successfully packed in variety, style and novelty with a dash of wit and ‘tongue-in-cheek’ humour in its year-end specials and this year is certainly no exception.

    Starting from the last week of December, the channel will feature tailor-made specials that will effectively encapsulate the year 2006, bringing to the discerning viewers the best and the worst from all facets of the society.

    Below is a brief on what you can expect on STAR News capping off an eventful 2006:

    Saal Dhamaal

    [Dec 25 – 30; 9.30 – 10.00 pm / Dec31; 9.30 – 10.30 pm]

    A tongue-in-cheek look back at the year, with special focus on various walks of life like entertainment, cricket, politics, etc. The first six episodes of the programme will be anchored by Great Indian Laughter Challenge Champion – Sunil Pal. The special episode on 31st Dec would be anchored by a number of comic extraordinaires like Suresh Menon, Purvi Joshi, Sonya, Gaurav Gera, Kikoo, Kunal and Rakesh Paul.

    Best Of Saas Bahu Aur Saazish

    [Dec 25 – 31; 2.30 – 3.00 pm]

    The year that was for various GEC’s (Sony, Sahara, STAR Plus, Zee TV, SAB TV) with focus on new programme launches, serials going off air, on and off air happenings through the year, and most importantly recap of major serials across all channels.

    Zero No.1

    [Dec 25 – 31; 10.30 – 11.00 pm]

    This segment will aim to determine the ‘Zeros’ of 2006, i.e. all people who have been in the news for the wrong reasons. People’s responses will be gauged through SMS polls. Each day, there will be a poll on one of the following categories: cricket, politics, entertainment, convicts, and even spoilt brats. Thereafter, there will be a SMS poll conducted to adjudge winners of each category and also to adjudge a sole winner among all categories. This winner will be crowned zero number one of the year.

    Countdown Special

    [Dec 31; 11.00pm – Midnight]

    As the name suggests this special would be a countdown to the New Year and would capture the happening parties that are being hosted around the country, other outdoor festivities and astrological predictions of the progression of the year 2007.

    Kiski Khulegi Pol

    [Dec 30 & 31; 8.30 – 9.00 pm]

    This special programme will aim to identify people from various fields like politics, sports, entertainment, etc. who are most likely to come under the Pol Khol scanner in the upcoming New Year.

    Dekhoge To Hasoge

    [Dec 31; 1.00 – 2.00 pm]

    A one-hour special by the wacky and crazy comedian Suresh Menon, spoofing the memorable moments of 2006…

    So, as we prepare to usher in another year of well being, success and fulfillment, STAR News bids adieu to the year 2006 and offers a well-deserved tribute to the year gone by. Watch the Year-End Specials, starting December 25th 2006, only on STAR News.