ITV

Tag: Star

  • Is BARC all set for broadcasters and media agencies in Kolkata?

    Is BARC all set for broadcasters and media agencies in Kolkata?

    KOLKATA: While Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) seems all set to formally launch its much-awaited television audience measurement system in phase wise manner starting April, broadcasters and media agencies have begun to pull out from TAM India. If industry sources are to be believed, broadcasters like Star, Zee, Discovery, Star Sports, India TV and NDTV have already sent their termination notices to TAM.

     

    Regional media broadcasters specifically in West Bengal, however, have their own viewpoints. In Kolkata, broadcasters and media agencies expect to get a fair report with the introduction of BARC’s new TV ratings measurement system.

     

    At a time when agencies and broadcasters in Mumbai have already sent letters to TAM informing them that they are either not extending their subscription after 31 March, 2015 (in case their current subscription is expiring on that date) or terminating their subscription with the stipulated one-month notice period (in case their subscription runs till 31 December, 2015), Kolkata-based agencies and broadcasters have not yet got any detailed report on the pricing and policies of BARC.

     

    “BARC authorities came to Kolkata for one road show and with the lack of interest shown from people here and the absence of proper feedback, it hasn’t taken much initiative in Kolkata,” a city-based advertising agency executive said on condition of anonymity.

     

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises controlled 24×7 Bengali news channel 24 Ghanta will pull out from TAM along with the network’s others channels, said an executive from 24 Ghanta, adding that almost all channels in India are likely to do that. “With the arrival of BARC, it would make an even equation for all the stakeholders,” the channel executive added.

     

    When queried about the expectations from BARC, the executive said, “No tampering is possible as BARC will provide a wider audience reach. We also expect scientific and more detailed findings from untapped rural areas.”

     

    On the other hand, Aakash Aath director Eshita Surana said, “We have yet not decided, whether we will continue with TAM or no. We have not yet got the pricing policy from BARC.”

     

    However, Surana went on to add that the company has high hopes from BARC.

     

    On the initiatives being taken to establish strong communication, BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta said, “We have been constantly communicating through our newsletters, press interactions. website, twitter, roadshows and meetings. Pricing model details are on the website and all CEOs who watermarked the channels have been written to individually.”

     

    BARC, in the past three weeks, has been seeing an increasing rush from smaller broadcasters, both national and regional, who are now getting watermarked.  

     

    Speaking about expectation from BARC, a Kolkata-based GEC executive said that BARC’s report will at least not bring Kolkata TV’s teleshopping show in the top 20 programme list.

     

    Moreover, the number of peoplemeters that TAM had installed was 10,000 whereas BARC will be starting with 20,000 and then plans to gradually scale up the number by 10,000. “This will ensure more representation and data from these peoplemeters that will enable a more accurate understanding of stickiness, preference and even demography of every segment of viewers. BARC will even provide zip-code wise data on ratings, which will help advertisers in choosing the right TV channels to reach out to their TG,” brand and communications expert Mahul Brahma added.

     

    A media buying executive said that all stakeholders, including the media agencies, have invested in the new BARC system, and it is natural that all should move to this audience measurement system. “BARC is a joint industry body, and we are part of the industry. We believe that BARC will have a more accurate and better measurement. Our preference would be to go with the measurement which is more robust, transparent and accurate,” he said.

  • India vs South Africa match engages 257 million viewers

    India vs South Africa match engages 257 million viewers

    MUMBAI: A whopping 257 million fans (TAM data CS4+ extrapolated to the universe using a standard conversion factor) tuned in to support Team India’s bid to retain cricket’s most coveted prize, as MS Dhoni and his men seized their ‘mauka’ opportunity and scored their first ever victory against South Africa in a World Cup match.

     

    The match rated 12.9 TVR across Star network including DD, with 10.5 TVR on Star network and 2.4 TVR on DD (All TAM data M15+ ABC).

     

    The joy of beating the Proteas was amplified for 76 per cent of the 257 million viewers as they tuned into the India South Africa game in their preferred language feed in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam and Kannada. The English feed contributed remaining 24 per cent of the total viewers for the game.

     

    Star India COO Sanjay Gupta said, “The viewership for India’s first two games of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 bears testimony to the cricket frenzy sweeping the nation. The fans, with their undiminished support for Team India, have been treated to some quality action and results of choice. The World Cup in regional language articulated by former India players has taken the viewer experience to the next level. Our efforts of bringing the fans closer to the world cup experience through a host of innovations have borne fruit and they continue to rally to Team India’s defence of its title.”

     

    The flagship ODI tournament has remained true to its billing of the most exciting cricket extravaganza drawing 473 million (TAM data CS4+ extrapolated to the universe using a standard conversion factor) fans to tune in to within the first two weeks of the tourney.

     

    The clash between two favorites for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 also sizzled across social media – with 175,000 unique authors driving 254,000 conversations – dominating the trends for the day. Star had extended its popular and disruptive ‘Mauka’ campaign to build anticipation ahead of the South Africa game, releasing a new promo under the fan passion theme, #maukepechauka, which was trending through the day in India.

     

    The viewership numbers for the India – South Africa game build on the record viewership for India’s tie against arch-rivals Pakistan. The blockbuster clash attracted 288 million viewers, making it the most watched television event in India since the finals of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

  • Tam Data: Zee and Sony gain in week 5

    Tam Data: Zee and Sony gain in week 5

    MUMBAI: In week five of the TAM TV ratings, the numero uno channel, Star Plus, witnessed a drop. From 659015 GVTs, it fell to 616431 GVTs.

     

    The week saw Zee TV gaining and propelling back to number two position with 485396 GVTs, up from 407999 GVTs.

     

    Colors, which enjoyed the number two spot for a while, came in third in the rating chart. It was a marginal drop of 476976 GVTs from 485008 GVTs.

     

    At number four stood, Life OK with 337642 GVTs up from 298833 GVTs.

     

    Multi Screen Media’s Sony Entertainment Television (SET) jumped to 263082 GVTs from 237536 GVTs. Its sister channel, Sab, witnessed a drop; from 304601 GVTs to 294412 GVTs.

     

    Talking about the other small players in the market, Big Magic reported 41799 GVTs, down from 48822 GVTs; Sony Pal registered 29159 GVTs up from 25595 GVTs; Zindagi scored 18439 GVTs down from 20737 GVTs and Epic observed 8057 GVTs up from 6958 GVTs.

  • Major Indian channels removed from Chitram TV app

    Major Indian channels removed from Chitram TV app

    NEW DELHI: In a major break-through sending a strong message to organised pirates of content in the digital space, certain members of Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) have succeeded in their efforts to remove their channels from the recently launched android and iOS applications of Chitram TV on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

     

    Chitram TV is an IPTV/OTT service provider, which has been illegally broadcasting the signals of the Indian origin channels: MSM (Sony), Zee, Star, Viacom18 and certain other regional Indian television networks, which are members of IBF for quite some time. Recently, Chitram TV launched its mobile application on android and iOS devices in an attempt to widen its distribution and reach. The broadcasters took up the issue of Chitram’s illegal broadcast and Apple and Google have now removed the app from their iOS and Android platforms. This is a major victory for the members of IBF in their fight against online piracy, according to an IBF spokesperson.

     

    Indian broadcasters, who have joined hands to collectively fight digital piracy, are considering initiating legal proceedings against Chitram TV and other pirate platforms in multiple jurisdictions outside. None of the members of IBF (viz. MSM (Sony), Zee, Star and Viacom18) has authorised Chitram TV to carry their channels on any media platform let alone digital.

     

    IBF said it understands that Chitram TV continues to distribute the Indian channels via IPTV/OTT particularly outside India. IBF members have buckled up to fight the pirates like Chitram TV to preserve the integrity of their channels and content.

     

    With the rapid advent of technology enabling the dissemination of content across digital platforms, there are enormous revenue opportunities for broadcasters and other content owners. The Indian channels, which are available in more than 100 countries around the world, are extremely popular amongst the South Asian diaspora. 

     

    All of these channels have launched their own digital platforms and mobile apps but piracy has been a major stumbling block in revenue monetisation. Isolated efforts of the broadcasters could have achieved little. Now that the Indian broadcasters stand united, their efforts will provide a greater impetus in the global effort to combat digital piracy.

     

  • Rajiv Mishra to hold charge of CSR in addition to media in Samsung

    Rajiv Mishra to hold charge of CSR in addition to media in Samsung

    NEW DELHI: Senior journalist Rajiv Mishra, who had joined Samsung Electronics in August as vice president (media) of its south west Asia office in Gurgaon has been given the additional charge of heading the CSR division in India.
     
    Samsung said it lay strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility, which involves extending the company’s legacy of innovation to create value for society by addressing societal needs and challenges. Through the CSR initiatives Samsung hopes to open newer possibilities that positively transform people’s lives.
     
    Speaking about the development, Samsung south west Asia senior vice president H W Bang said: “At present, our CSR programmes focus in the areas of education, culture, sports, social welfare and community development. I am confident that under Rajiv’s leadership, Samsung’s CSR initiatives will cross new milestones.”
     
    Samsung has, over the years, leveraged its legacy of technology innovation through philanthropic initiatives focused on helping communities lead healthier, smarter and more sustainable lives. In addition to skill development among youth, Samsung also places substantial focus on providing underprivileged children a chance at quality education and in helping bridge the digital gap that exists in India.

     
    This is done through Samsung Smart Schools, set up in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across the length and breadth of the country. The Smart Classes are equipped with an interactive Samsung whiteboard, Samsung laptops for the students, a printer, wi-fi and a power backup since power outages are common. Over 198 Smart Schools have been set up to date in India, benefitting 75,000 secondary class students. Samsung continues to expand the programme based on positive feedback received from the schools on the impact on students learning and attendance.

     
    Before joining Samsung, Mishra had been chief executive officer of Lok Sabha TV for about three years.

     
    Mishra had begun his 21 year long career in media at Hindustan Times before switching over to the electronic media.

     
    He began as manager –programming in Star, then joined as senior manager – corporate in Zee TV, Reliance Infocomm as general manager – corporate affairs, News 24 (BAG Films and Media), as COO and director, India News as COO. He launched Times Now of the Times of India group in USA as India Now while working for CineMaya Media of USA.

     
    Mishra was with Lok Sabha TV as CEO in an official rank and status of additional secretary.

     
    Mishra is also the founder and first president of Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI). AROI is the industry representative body of all FM radio broadcasters/stations of India. He also founded Association of Regional Television Broadcasters of India

  • Hathway’s googly; comes up with new Star packaging

    Hathway’s googly; comes up with new Star packaging

    MUMBAI: A month after Star India’s reference interconnect offer (RIO) deals came into effect in the DAS areas, multi system operator (MSO) Hathway Cable & Datacom has come out with its new pricing and packaging system.

     

    Hathway has been conducting meetings with operators in various areas, the last ones being in Aurangabad, Pune and Pimpri. As per cable operators, who were a part of the meetings, Hathway has said that it will be empowering and training the operators to run the business of collection from subscribers.

     

    Four new packs have been introduced. The first is the ‘Basic Pack’ for Rs 230 that will, along with other channels, have seven Star channels. These are: Star Plus, Life OK, Star Gold, Movies OK, Channel V, NGC and Star Pravah, for Marathi regions and Star Jalsha in Bengal. This will depend on the stronghold of Hathway in the states.

     

    The second pack is for Rs 289 and called ‘Popular Pack’. This will have, in addition to the above, a choice of one out of the two sports channels from Star Sports 1 or Star Sports 3. Both these channels show the same content in English and Hindi respectively.

     

    The third pack will be for Rs 349 and will have Star Movies, Star World, Movies Action and FX while the last ‘Premium Pack’ for Rs 419 will consist of an addition of its other niche channels such as Fox Crime, Nat Geo Music, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo People, Fox Life etc.

     

    Regional channels such as Asianet, Asianet Suvarna and Star Vijay have been kept out of packs and will be available on a-la-carte while all of Star’s channels will be available on a-la-carte as well.

     

    Hathway will embark on a big marketing campaign to inform viewers about this and viewers can immediately switch over to new packs. For now, the MSO is not disconnecting signals to its subscribers. 

     

  • Gunjan Varshney joins Doodarshan as Regional sales head

    Gunjan Varshney joins Doodarshan as Regional sales head

    MUMBAI: Gunjan Varshney has joined pubcaster, Doordarshan, to boost its sales revenue. She has joined as the  regional sales head for north India.

     

    As head, she will be responsible for revenue generation for the network from north India, based in New Delhi.

     

    Speaking on her new role, Varshney said, “I am delighted and honoured to be given this opportunity to be a part of India’s own biggest media network, and look forward for an exciting carrier ahead.”

     

    Prior to this, she was with Focus News Network as deputy vice president. She has over 12 years of experience in TV channels and ad agencies including Grey Advertising, ETV, Star, Hungama and Zee News.

  • IBF appoints Uday Shankar as the new president

    IBF appoints Uday Shankar as the new president

    MUMBAI: At the just concluded Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) 15th annual general meeting (AGM), Star India CEO Uday Shankar has been appointed as the new president of the organisation.

     

    The position was earlier held by MSM non executive chairman Man Jit Singh.

     

    This is a comeback for Shankar who held on to the position from 2010 to 2012.

     

    Confirming the news to indiantelevision.com, Shankar said that he was happy to take charge. “I am privileged to be trusted by the members of IBF to lead the industry body at a critical juncture when the industry needs to leap to the next level by working collaboratively with the Government and other stake holders,”said Shankar and added, “Punit Goenka would have been my personal preference for the president’s role since I have already done a stint as IBF president.  However, in view of Punit’s existing commitment to BARC, he proposed that I hold the reigns at IBF”.

     

    The IBF Board also elected Punit Goenka as vice president – Measurement, N P Singh as vice president – Distribution, Rajat Sharma as vice president – Strategic Affairs and Rahul Johri as treasurer.

  • RIO is a non-discriminatory agreement between parties under DAS: Taj

    RIO is a non-discriminatory agreement between parties under DAS: Taj

    NEW DELHI: On the third day of the Hathway Cable & Datacom and Taj Television hearing in the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT), Taj Television described agreements under the Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO) as ‘a uniform, non-discriminatory mechanism which ensures an agreement between parties.’

     

    Taj Counsel Pratibha Singh also told the TDSAT that RIO was a kind of wholesale rate in the scheme of digital addressable system (DAS). According to her, if no agreement was reached during negotiations, then the payment for TV channels in DAS areas would be fixed as specified in the RIO.

     

    “It is a default programme on a computer – if there is nothing by way of agreement, then there is RIO,” she said.

     

    In the ongoing hearing before the Tribunal in the cases linked to Taj TV, she said that it was also clear that the rates under DAS were 35 per cent of those under analogue, which was later raised to 42 per cent.

     

    Referring to an earlier case in TDSAT, Singh said that though the Quality of Service regulations under DAS tended to curtail freedom, they had protected the consumer until there was adequate competition.

     

    The Telecom (Broadcasting and cable Services) Interconnect (Digital Addressable Systems) Regulations 2012 was clear in section 5(16) that negotiations have to be held.

     

    She reiterated that Hathway had been told on 26 June through a letter that since the negotiations had failed, Taj TV was forwarding a signed RIO. Hathway had also been told that they would be according to RIO if they sent a subscriber report.

     

    She alleged that the multi system operator (MSO) had not reduced the prices of the packages even after receiving the RIO.

     

    She also said that Hathway had failed to respond to the letter sent on 26 June until Taj TV stopped the signals from 1 August. “After failed negotiations, Hathway as late as 18 August claimed that Taj TV was not negotiating despite having admitted earlier that negotiations had been held,” she clarified.

       

    She said it was unfortunate that MSOs and local cable operators felt that they did most of the work and their share should be larger. “They overlook the fact that the broadcaster pays for content, spectrum, government taxes, journalists and producers and so on,” she concluded.

  • Star, Zee and Viacom 18 among successful bidders for FTA channels on DD Freedish

    Star, Zee and Viacom 18 among successful bidders for FTA channels on DD Freedish

    NEW DELHI: Rishtey owned by Viacom18, Zee Anmol and Star Utsav are among the six slots filled through the 14th online e-auction for the direct-to-home (DTH) service of Doordarshan Freedish conducted on 11 and 12 August.

                                                         

    Doordarshan sources told indiantelevision.com that the slots were auctioned in the range of Rs 4.5 crore to Rs 4.7 crore, while the reserve price had been Rs 3 crore. The other slots went to Big Magic, B4U Music, and Shree News.

     
    The e-Auction was conducted by Synise Technologies, Pune, on behalf of Prasar Bharati.

     
    Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar had said earlier this month that the aim was to reach the target of 97 channels by October-end and 125 by March-end.

     

    The participation amount given by the channels had been Rs 1.5 crore which was deposited in advance along with processing fee of Rs 10,000 (non-refundable).

     
    Applicants also deposited a demand draft of Rs 5,500 as registration amount (mandatory) favouring Synise Technologies, payable at Pune at the time of submission of the application.
     

    Prasar Bharati sources said that the demand drafts of unsuccessful bidders were to be returned within a week after the e-auction process was completed.