ITV

Tag: TAM TV

  • Sony back at no five; Star continues to lead the pack

    Sony back at no five; Star continues to lead the pack

    MUMBAI: The war for ‘the best among the rest’ continues even as the top three positions see no change in week 35 of TAM TV ratings. In week 35 of TAM TV ratings, most of the GECs saw a good amount of growth in its viewership. 

     Sab, a sister channel of Sony Entertainment Television maintains its stability on the number four spot with 319,158 GVTs (295,176). On the other hand, Sony which was at the sixth position last week props up to fifth position this week with no major difference in the ratings: recording 291,074 GVTs (292,684). Life OK is at sixth position this week with 269,927 GVTs (293188). 

    Star Plus continues to lead the pack when it witnessed a rise and reported 495,509 GVTs (470,197). Colors also saw growth in its ratings when it generated 452,921 GVTs (435,673). Zee TV holds the number three slot notching up 395,024 GVTs (377,685). Sahara One continues to be at the bottom scoring 29,645 GVTs (30,527).
    Let us take a look at the leader, Star Plus channel’s popular show Diya aur Baati Hum saw a huge rise in its ratings and rated 10,175 TVTs (9,483). Another prime time show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai saw a slight fall taking its score to 7,024 TVTs (7,124). Pyar Ka Dard Hai reported 6,515 TVTs (6,482) and Saathiya registered 6,127 TVTs (5,374). Reality show Junior Master Chef witnessed a drop and rated 2,671 TVTs (2,804).

    Zee TV‘s reality dance show DID Super Moms witnessed a huge drop in its viewership and rated 4,653 TVTs (5,664) on Saturday and 4,490 TVTs (5,635) on a Sunday. Its fictional offering Qubool Hai scored 6,492 TVTs (6,618). Pavitra Rishta generated 5,078 TVTs (4,990).  It’s long running series Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke scored 4,785 TVTs (4,361). The channel’s historical show Jodha Akbar seems to attract audiences by its interesting track taking its tally to 4,785 TVTs (4,361).
    Colors‘ popular celebrity dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is on the losing side this week when it generated 5,979 TVTs (6,869) on Saturday and increased marginally reporting 5,730 TVTs (5,540) on Sunday. Long running fiction series Balika Vadhu registered 6,127 TVTs (6,294), Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon rated 5,329 TVTs (4,646) and Uttaran scored 5,069 TVTs (4,736). The comedy show Comedy Nights with Kapil seems to enjoy good viewerhip when it generated 7,072 TVTs (6,988).

    Fourth placed, Sab‘s fiction show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continues to be the channel leader with 7,094 TVTs (7,048). Chidiya Ghar lost its audiences when it scored 2,777 TVTs (3,069). Lapataganj reported 2,093 TVTs (2,318). Other fictional shows witnessed marginal rise and fall as well.

    Fifth placed, Sony’s long running crime series CID scored 4,758 TVTs (5,061) and Crime Petrol saw a healthy rise when it rated 4,783 TVTs (3,500). On the other hand, Comedy Circus ke Ajoobe Mahabali maintained its stability and reported 3,070 TVTs (3,071). The channel‘s historical show Maharana Pratap generated 2,993 TVTs (3,068). Other fiction shows either held on to their viewership or dipped marginally during the week. Sony‘s Indian Idol Junior had a good viewership on Saturday and reported 4,751 TVTs (4,064) but lost its viewership when it rated 4,348 TVTs (4,617) on Sunday.

    Sixth placed, Life OK’s top series Mahadev rated 2,995 TVTs (3,020). Do Dil Ek Jaan stood at 1,721 TVTs (1,554), Savdhan India rated 2,271 TVTs (2,526), whereas Shapath generated 2,455 TVTs (3,330) and the new entrant Gustakh Dil rated 1,372 TVTs (1,238).

    In the movie channel‘s genre: Zee Cinema reported 246,750 GVTs (248,031); Star Gold witnessed a fall with 194,992 GVTs (207,543) and Movies OK rated 118,643 GVTs (131,215). On the other hand, Max witnessed a rise with 223,692 GVTs (218,449).

    Well, it seems the GECs are having a good roller coaster ride. Let’s see what is instore for the GECs in the coming weeks.

  • Sonys Maha gamble

    Sonys Maha gamble

    MUMBAI: A look at Sony Entertainment’s TAM TV ratings from week 33 to week 34 shows that the channel has slipped to number six position with 292,684 television viewership ratings (TVTs) from its earlier score of 349,377 TVTs.

     

    With yo-yoing TVTs to contend with, Sony is betting big on the seventh season of Kaun Banega Crorepati, which comes to drawing rooms in a new and improved avatar.

    Big B to play Sapt Koti Mahadhani… Kaun Banega Maha Crorepati starting 6 September

     

    Sapt Koti Mahadhani… Kaun Banega Maha Crorepati premieres on Sony on September 6 at 8.30pm and will be aired over 13 weekends, with the aim of creating a platform of opportunities for Indians across ages, genders and socio-economic groups.

     

    The channel is looking for a big change in viewership numbers through the show. “Yes, we are not satisfied with a few of our currently running shows. Also the TAM TV ratings have moved to a new currency and we will take time to stabilise. The show will surely help us gain momentum,” says Multi Screen Media CEO Man Jit Singh.

     

    A measure of just how much is riding on the show is the many changes it has undergone in terms of its format, level of audience engagement, prize money and so on.

     

    For starters, not only has the set moved base from Film City to Yash Raj Films Studio, the set design too has had a complete makeover.
    Sneha Rajani is hopeful that the format, its simplicity and Big B will surely make it tick

     

    This time round, audiences will get to hear a different sound track as well. While the music has been scored by Sawan Dutta, Varsha Jain has done the set designing.

     

    Explaining why they’ve changed the set, Sony EVP & business head Sneha Rajani says: “We had booked YRF Studios last year to shoot this season of KBC. The set this time is bigger, better and grander. We have added more elements.”

     

    Adding to this, Big Synergy Media CMD Siddhartha Basu says: “It was a challenging task, but we achieved it. The licensors loved the changes and accepted the change in format and set. They have also suggested that it be used in other countries, if affordable.”

     

    The biggest change comes in the form of the prize money, which has been increased from Rs five crore to Rs seven crore. About the figure, Singh says, “Seven crore in the seventh season, is the right amount.”

     

    Elaborates Basu: “We had to increase the engagement level of the audiences. With the changes in format, the drama has risen and so has the engagement of the audience,” and points out that the show needed a change. “It has been accepted by people for 13 years. But now, the viewers deserved evolution, development and variety. Keeping the fundamentals same, we have given our audiences the change,” he says.

     

    Speaking at the show’s press launch at ITC Grand Maratha in Mumbai, Rajani says, “Big B is roaring in this season. The format, its simplicity and Big B will surely make it tick.”  

     

    What’s new?

    ·The money tree will now consist of 15 questions.

     

    ·Introducing Sapta Koti Sandook, which will give contestants a chance to win anything from Rs one crore to three crore, five crore and seven crore.

     

    ·The Fastest Finger First round will now be a ‘best out of three’ with the winner at the end getting to the hot seat.

     

    ·More choice of lifelines – Flip the question (Alat Palat) replaces Ask the expert and 50:50 replaces Double Dip.

     

    ·A brand new lifeline called ‘Power Paplu’ that will aid those who seek to revive an already used lifeline.

     

    ·In the entire game play however, a hot seat contestant may use only four of the five lifelines on offer.

     

    ·Introducing Play along for the Fastest Finger First contestants, who do not make it to the hot seat. These contestants can now play along with the hot seat contestant and the one who answers the maximum number of questions in the minimum amount of time gets to win Rs one lakh at the end of the episode.

     

    ·The time limit for the Phone a friend lifeline will now be 45 seconds instead of 30 seconds.

     

    ·Audiences can win by playing Ghar Baithe Jeeto Jackpot.

     

    As things stand, the first three episodes have already been shot and Sony is going the whole hog in terms of marketing and promoting the show. “It is a 360 degree market campaign on radio, TV, print and hoardings,” informs Rajani while a highly placed media planner reveals, “KBC is the biggest show for Sony. The channel hopes to improve its position in the ratings chart through this. It would have spent anywhere between Rs 10-12 crore on promotions.”

    The team brings a better, bigger and grander Kaun Banega Maha Crorepati

     

    Digitally-speaking, the channel is leaving no stone unturned to promote the show. It has launched its flagship KBC 2013 website (www.kbcsony.com) and the KBC official mobile application. On the cards is a host of rich and immersive video content and games that will see users take home Apple iPads.

     

    The website will include entire episodes of the show and an AB special, where users can watch Big B rendering poetry and catchy one-liners. Joyous moments of contestants on winning large sums of money and glimpses of interactions with stars and celebrities will also feature on the website. Surfers will be able to play games like Globe Quiz, where they can scroll and move round the earth’s axis, click on any part of the world and answer a trivia question. Other highlights will be the KBC Web Game, where users can test their speed and accuracy online, Insta Hot Seat and Prize meter & Heat map to name some.

     

    Elaborates SET executive VP-new media, business development and digital/syndication Nitesh Kripalani: “KBC is one of the most admired and loved game shows on television today. The popularity quotient is huge and the fan base is getting bigger every year. Our digital platform is especially designed to give our users much more than what they can get from their television sets – a whole new immersive on-demand second screen experience right at their fingertips.”

     

    He explains that the idea is to bring “the KBC experience up, close and personal, across multiple platforms, be it mobile, tablet or online.”

    With the changes in format, the drama has risen and so has the engagement of the audience, says Siddhartha Basu

     

    Says the top-placed media planner, “The channel will look strong with the show in the ratings chart,” and points out that with an airing time of one and a half hour, it will rake in money from advertisers. “The channel should have sold its advertising slot at Rs 3.5 crore (approximately) for per ten second advertisements. They would be targeting getting close to Rs 200 crore through ad sales,” he says.

     

    While Sony is sure hoping Big B’s charms reflect on its ratings, “The real competition will come from Bigg Boss and 24, both to be aired on Colors. Though the show will get good viewership in its first week,” he adds.

     

    Now whether this Maha Crorepati will have a maha effect on Sony’s rating, is something we will have to simply wait and watch…

  • Sab back at No. four; beats Sony and Life OK

    Sab back at No. four; beats Sony and Life OK

    MUMBAI: The war for ‘the best among the rest’ continues even as the top three positions see no change in week 34 of TAM TV ratings. Sab, a sister channel of Sony Entertainment Television is back on the number four spot with 295,176 GVTs (293,433).

    As reported earlier by indiantelevision.com, Sab EVP and business head Anooj Kapoor had said that before digitalisation happened the channel couldn‘t place itself where top three or four GECs could. However, now the channel falls in the GEC cluster and its sampling is bound to only soar up.

    In week 34, all the Hindi GECs have witnessed a drop in ratings. While Star Plus retains its number one position even after losing 19,495 TVTs taking its tally to 470,197 GVTs (489,692). Colors shed 20,741 TVTs and reported 435,673 GVTs (456,414), still maintaining its number two position.

    Zee TV lost 37,821 TVTs and scored 377,685 GVTs (415,506), holding the number three spot. Life OK surpassed Sony and reported 293,188 GVTs (303,478), whereas on the other hand coming in at number six – Sony generated 292,684 GVTs (349,377).

    Coming back to the leader Star Plus, Diya aur Baati Hum saw a fall in its ratings and rated 9,483 TVTs (11,166). Another prime time show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai saw a slight fall in its reach taking its score to 7,124 TVTs (7,284). Pyar Ka Dard Hai reported 6,482 TVTs (6,503) and Saathiya registered 5,374 TVTs (5,949). New reality show Junior Master Chef witnessed a huge fall and rated 2,804 TVTs (4,277).

    Colors‘ popular celebrity dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is on the winning side this week when it generated 6,869 TVTs (5,826) on Saturday and lost its ratings 5,540 TVTs (5,047) on Sunday. Long running fiction series Balika Vadhu registered 6,294 TVTs (6,276),Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon rated 4,646 TVTs (4,304) and Uttaran scored 4,736 TVTs (4,839). The comedy show Comedy Nights with Kapil saw a marginal rise and generated 6,988 TVTs (6,847).

    Zee TV‘s reality dance show DID Super Moms rated 5,664 TVTs (5,893) on Saturday and notched up 5,635 TVTs (5,498) on a Sunday. Its fictional offering Do Dil Bandhe Ek Dori Senoticed 4,435 TVTs (5,341). Its Qubool Hai scored 6,618 TVTs (7,435). Pavitra Rishtagenerated 4,990 TVTs (4,959). The historical show Jodha Akbar observed a drop scoring 5,896 TVTs (6,011).

    Fourth placed, Sab‘s fiction show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continues to be the channel leader with 7,048 TVTs (7,070). Chidiya Ghar lost its audiences and scored 3,069 TVTs (3,262). Lapataganj reported 2,318 TVTs (1,941). Other fictional shows witnessed marginal rise and fall as well.

    Fifth placed, Life OK’s top series Mahadev rated 3,020 TVTs (3,426). Do Dil Ek Jaan stood at 1,554 TVTs (1,721), Savdhan India rated 2,526 TVTs (2,653), whereas Shapath generated 3,330 TVTs (3,352) and the new entrant Gustakh Dil rated 1,238 TVTs (1,624).

    Sixth placed, Sony’s long running crime series CID scored 5,061 TVTs (5,210) and Crime Petrol saw a slight fall when it rated 3,500 TVTs (3,815). On the other hand, Comedy Circus ke Ajoobe Mahabali witnessed a rise 3,071 TVTs (2,482). The channel‘s historical showMaharana Pratap managed to remain close to its last week‘s ratings, generating 3,068 TVTs (3,028). Other fiction shows either held on to their viewership or dipped marginally during the week. Sony‘s Indian Idol Junior had a good viewership on Saturday and reported 4,064 TVTs (4,529) while it reported 4,617 TVTs (4,279) on Sunday.

    Sahara One continues to remain in the bottom scoring 30,527 TVTs (34,398).

    In the movie channel‘s genre: Zee Cinema saw a fall, reporting 248,031 GVTs (252,322); Star Gold witnessed a fall with 207,543 GVTs (215,873) and Movies OK rated 131,215 GVTs (137,781). On the other hand, Max witnessed a rise with 218,449 GVTs (213,437).

    Let’s wait and watch, how the GECs fare in the coming weeks!

  • Sony highest gainer in week 33, Life OK back to five

    Sony highest gainer in week 33, Life OK back to five

    MUMBAI: In the week 33 of TAM TV ratings, Hindi GECs seems to be in a shuffle mood. Unlike last week, where Life OK had surpassed Sony and Sab, this week Life OK is back to its fifth position.

    Sony is the highest gainer this week as it added 48,804 TVTs (Television Viewership in thousands) taking its cumulative to 349,377 GVTs (Gross Viewership in thousands) (300,573 last week). Viacom18 Group’s mainstay Colors was the next highest gainer holding on to the number two slot adding 18,648 TVTs taking its tally to 456,414 GVTs (437,766).

    Other GECs have seen a fall in their GVTs. Though Star Plus continues to be the leader and has maintained its stability as it reported 489,692 GVTs (505,715), Zee TV holds number three slot and registered 415,506 GVTs (424,270). While, Life OK who was the highest gainer last week, it witnessed a drop to report 303,478 GVTs (315,728). Sab remains stagnant at 293,433 GVTs (298,326).

    Coming back to the leader Star Plus, Diya aur Baati Hum proved to be the star yet again and as it rated 11,166 TVTs (10,356). Another prime time show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai saw a huge rise in its reach taking its score to 7,284 TVTs (6,542). Pyar Ka Dard Hai fared well with 6,503 TVTs (6,233) and Saathiya registered 5,949 TVTs (5,525). A special event named Saath Hai Hum Uttarakhand that aired on 15 August didn’t fare too well and rated 1,107 TVT. New reality show Junior Master Chef saw a good start as it rated 4,277 TVT.

    Colors‘ popular celebrity dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is on the winning side this week when it generated 5,826 TVTs (5,299) on Saturday and 5,047 TVTs (4,503) on Sunday. Long running fiction series Balika Vadhu witnessed a drop and scoring 6,276 TVTs (6,644),Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon rated 4,304 TVTs (4,396) and Uttaran scored 4,839 TVTs (4,508). The comedy show Comedy Nights with Kapil saw a marginal rise and generated 6,847 TVTs (6,831). The new entrant on the channel Mrs Pammi Pyarelal witnessed a fall as it rated 1,575 TVTs (1,766).

    Zee TV‘s reality dance show DID Super Moms with its outstanding performances notched up and rated 5,893 TVTs (5,551) on Saturday and 5,498 TVTs (4,349) on a Sunday. Its new showDo Dil Bandhe Ek Dori Se started off well with 5,341 TVT. Its fictional offering Qubool Hai saw a rise and rated 7,435 TVTs (7,188). Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke registered a slight rise taking its score to 4,386 TVTs (4,332). The historical show Jodha Akbar observed a huge growth scoring 6,011 TVTs (5,547).

    Fourth placed, Sony Entertainment Television‘s long running crime series CID scored 5,210 TVTs (5,177) and Crime Petrol saw a slight fall when it rated 3,815 TVTs (3,859). On the other hand, Comedy Circus ke Ajoobe Mahabali witnessed a dropdown 2,482 TVTs (2,816). The channel‘s historical show Maharana Pratap managed to remain close to its last week‘s ratings, generating 3,028 TVTs (3,139). Other fiction shows either held on to their viewership or dipped marginally during the week. Sony‘s Indian Idol Junior had a good viewership on Saturday reporting 4,529 TVTs (4,351), but seems to lose its audiences on Sunday scoring 4,279 TVTs (4,602). Its new entrant Jee Le Zara scored 2,620 TVTs on the starting day i.e 15 August.

    Fifth placed, Life OK’s top series Mahadev rated 3,426 TVTs (3,493). Do Dil Ek Jaan scored 1,721 TVTs (1,783), Savdhan India rated 2,653 TVTs (2,867), Shapath saw a rise with 3,352 TVTs (3,088) and the new entrant Gustakh Dil rated 1,624 TVTs (1,884).

    Sixth placed, Sab‘s top chart fiction show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continues to be the channel leader with 7,070 TVTs (7,032). Chidiya Ghar lost its audiences and scored 3,262 TVTs (3,412). Jeanie Aur Juju saw a fall when it reported 2,049 TVTs (2,490). Other fictional shows witnessed marginal rise and fall as well.

    Sahara One continues to remain in the bottom scoring 34,398 TVTs (32,326). 
    In the movie channel‘s genre: Zee Cinema saw a rise, reporting 252,322 GVTs (228,837); Star Gold witnessed a fall with 215,873 GVTs (219,247) and Movies OK saw slight improvement and rated 137,781 GVTs (122,304). On the other hand, Max reported 213,437 GVTs (232,253).

    Let‘s wait and watch, how the channels fare in the coming week…

  • Life OK and Zee TV biggest gainers in week 32

    Life OK and Zee TV biggest gainers in week 32

    MUMBAI: In week 32 of TAM TV ratings, there seems to be a change in the scenario than the last week. Unlike last week, where Hindi GECs were on the winning side, this week most of the Hindi GECs lost its audiences. But that isn‘t the case with Life OK and Zee TV.

    The newest entrant in the GEC genre, Life OK, has surpassed Sony and Sab this week and took the number four position. Life OK is the highest gainer as it added 74,067 TVTs marking its score to 315,728 TVTs (241,661). Zee TV was the second highest gainer and holds on its number three position adding 54,579 TVTs taking its tally to 424,270 TVTs (369,691).

    Life OK general manager Ajit Thakur

    “We had put together a plan where we were going to focus on the festive season (August to October) and the first hit has already happened. Good thing is that the ratings have gone up across all shows and not in any one particular programme. And I think this is the good chance to enter the festive season with confidence.”

    On the other hand, Star Plus continues to be the leader and has maintained its stability as it reported 505,715 TVTs (509,558). Colors saw a drop of 20,867 TVTs marking 437,766 TVTs (458,633) but still managing its number two position.

    Sony saw a fall in its TVTs when it lost 21,378 TVTs taking its tally to 300,573 TVTs (321,951). Sab was at number six position this week after it saw a fall of 24,185 TVTs taking its final score to 298,326 TVTs (322,511).

    Coming back to the leader Star Plus, Diya aur Baati Hum proved to be the star yet again and maintained its stability as it rated 10,356 TVTs (10,393). Another prime time show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai saw a fall in its reach taking its score to 6,542 TVTs (6,799). Pyar Ka Dard Haifared well with 6,233 TVTs (6,141) and Saathiya registered 5,525 TVTs (5,815).

    Colors‘ popular celebrity dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa is on the winning side this week when it generated 5,299 TVTs (4,603) on Saturday and 4,503 TVTs (3,734) on Sunday. Long running fiction series Balika Vadhu witnessed a drop and scored 6,644 TVTs (7,340),Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon rated 4,396 TVTs (4,884) and Uttaran scored 4,508 TVTs (4,626). The comedy show Comedy Nights with Kapil saw a huge rise in its viewership when it generated 6,831 TVTs (6,079). The new entrant on the channel Mrs Pammi Pyarelal witnessed a slight growth as it rated 1,766 TVTs (1,699).

    Zee TV‘s reality dance show DID Super Moms with its outstanding performances, rated 5,551 TVTs (4,956) on Saturday and 4,349 TVTs (4,491) on a Sunday. Its fictional offering Qubool Haisaw a drop when it rated 7,188 TVTs (7,250). Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke registered a slight fall taking its score to 4,332 TVTs (4,498). The historical show Jodha Akbar aired one hour special episode this week and observed a huge growth scoring 5,547 TVTs (3,659).

    Life OK‘s shows have recevied good viewership this week. It‘s top seriesMahadev rated 3,493 TVT (3,455). Do Dil Ek Jaan scored 1,783 TVTs (1,488), Savdhan India rated 2,867 TVTs (2,471), Shapath reported 3088 TVTs (2,477) and the new entrantGustakh Dil rated 1,884 TVT.

    Fifth placed, Sony Entertainment Television‘s long running crime series CID rated 5,177 TVTs (5,144) and Crime Petrol saw a huge fall when it rated 3,859 TVT (4,347). On the other hand, Comedy Circus ke Ajoobe Mahabali witnessed a marginal dropdown with 2,816 TVTs (3,025). The channel‘s historical show Maharana Pratap managed to remain close to its last week‘s ratings, generating 3,139 TVT (3,281). Other fiction shows either held on to their viewership or dipped marginally during the week. Sony‘s Indian Idol Junior seems to lose its audiences as it reported 4,351 TVTs (5,391) on Saturday but notched up taking its score to 4,602 TVTs (3,840) on a Sunday.

    Sixth placed, Sab‘s top chart fiction show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continues to be the channel leader with 7,032 TVTs (8,218). Chidiya Ghar managed to remain stable and scored 3,412 TVTs (3,433). Wah Wah Kya Baat Hai shed and rated 1,257 TVTs (1,856).Lapataganj saw a slight drop scoring 2,421 TVTs (2,508). Other fictional shows witnessed marginal rise and fall as well.

    Sahara One continues to remain in the bottom scoring 32,326 TVTs (36,400).

    In the movie channel‘s genre: Zee Cinema saw a slight rise, reporting 228,837 TVTs (215,299); Star Gold too saw an improvement to 219,247 TVTs (187,810) and Movies OK scored 122,304 TVTs (124,621). On the other hand, Max reported 232,253 TVT (312,088).

    Let‘s wait and watch, how the channels fare in the coming week…

    Note: Bihar 1mn+ has been added back into the universe as it has attained the requisite digital penetration as per the standards, and hence the TAM HSM Universe has expanded to 205.4 million.

  • Star and Zee the highest gainers in wk 31

    Star and Zee the highest gainers in wk 31

    MUMBAI: In week 31, Hindi GECs seem to be on the winning side of TAM TV ratings as most of them saw a rise in their TVTs. The TAM TV ratings are in thousands, colloquially referred to as TVT (Television viewership in thousands). The TVTs are in terms of gross numbers. The data collected is for viewers in the CS4+, HSM markets.

    Star Plus continues to climb in the ratings ladder, as it added 31,927 TVT taking its score to 505,925 TVT (473,998). Zee TV was the next highest gainer and holds on its number three position adding 26,264 TVT taking its tally to 367,073 TVT (340,809).

    Colors ranked number two this week, adding 762 TVT and stands strong at 456,365 TVT (455,603). Sab came back to its number four position when it notched up 20,797 TVT scoring 320,558 TVT (299,761) followed by Sony with 319,606 TVT (315,840), while Life OK notched up 240,191 TVT (239,981). Sahara One continues to remain in the bottom scoring 36,253 TVT (33,964).

    Let‘s take a closer look at how the shows fared this week. The numero uno Star Plus‘, Diya aur Baati Hum proved to be the star yet again, witnessing a growth and rated 10,332 TVT (9,133). Another prime time show, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai increased its reach taking its score to 6,749 TVT (6,114). Pyar Ka Dard Hai fared 6,090 TVT (5,939) and Saathiya registered 5,779 TVT (5,460). The reality show India‘s Dancing Superstars‘ grand finale rated 5,503 TVT on Saturday and 2,162 TVT (3,181) on Sunday.

    Colors‘ popular celebrity dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa seems to be on the losing side when it generated a 4,579 TVT (5,853) on Saturday and 3,705 TVT (4,690) on Sunday. Long running fiction series Balika Vadhu witnessed a drop and scored 7,308 TVT (8,018),Madhubala – Ek Ishq Ek Junoon rated 4,846 TVT (4,822) and Uttaran scored 4,611 TVT (4,126). The comedy show Comedy Nights with Kapil though lost a few points and generated 6,059 TVT (6,352) on Saturday and Sunday. The new entrant on the channel Mrs Pammi Pyarelal rated 1,690 TVT (1,796).

    Zee TV‘s reality dance show DID Super Moms with its outstanding performances, rated 4,934 TVT (4,979) on Saturday and 4,485 TVT (4,233) on a Sunday. Its fictional offering Qubool Haisaw a drop when it rated 7,213 TVT (7,380). Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Keregistered a slight fall taking its score to 4,462 TVT (4,472). The historical show Jodha Akbar observed a growth scoring 3,630 TVT (3,132).

    Fourth placed, Sab‘s top chart fiction show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah continues to be the channel leader with 8,161 TVT (7,724). Chidiya Ghar shed and scored 3,409 TVT (3,691).Wah Wah Kya Baat Hai saw an improvement in its score when it rated 1852 TVT (1465).Lapataganj saw a slight rise scoring 2502 TVT (2324). Other fictional shows witnessed marginal rise and fall as well.

    Fifth placed, Sony Entertainment Television‘s long running crime series CID rated 5122 TVT (5169) and Crime Petrol saw a huge hike when it rated 4331 TVT (3906). On the other hand,Comedy Circus ke Ajoobe Mahabali witnessed a marginal growth with 3008 TVT (2955). The channel‘s historical show Maharana Pratap managed to remain close to its last week‘s ratings, generating 3271 TVT (3302). Other fiction shows either held on to their viewership or dipped marginally during the week. Sony‘s Indian Idol Junior notched up 5348 TVT (4441) on Saturday but dipped taking its score to 3813 TVT (3850) on Sunday.

    Sixth placed, Life OK‘s top series Mahadev rated 3328 TVT (3074). Other shows seems to have lost its viewership, thus Do Dil Ek Jaan scored 1447 TVT (1700), Savdhan India rated 2466 TVT (2523), Police Dial 100 scored 558 TVT (667) and Shapath reported 2466 TVT (2684).

    In the movie channels genre: Zee Cinema saw a fall, reporting 214046 TVT (238378); Star Gold too saw a drop to 186424 TVT (203238) and Movies OK improved as it scored 123662 TVT (112714). On the other hand, Max reported a huge jump scoring 309861 TVT (215075) mainly thanks to the world television premiere of Aashiqui 2 on 28 July.

    Let‘s wait and watch, how the channels fare in the coming week…

  • NDTV-WPP spat gets ugly; NDTV reveals Kantar CEO’s email sought end to litigation

    MUMBAI: The NDTV-WPP spat took an ugly turn on Saturday. In an onslaught against WPP CEO Martin Sorrel’s tirade against NDTV for its lawsuit against TAM TV ratings, NDTV has disclosed that WPP-owned Kantar has, via an email on 8 August 2012, suggested the Indian news broadcaster bring an end to litigation.

    A fuming NDTV went on an offensive as Sorrel continued his tirade against the broadcaster saying WPP, its subsidiaries Kantar and TAM Media Research were being subjected to trial by the media at the behest of NDTV.

    WPP is a global communications agency and owns half of TAM Media Research in India through its subsidiaries, with the other half owned by The Nielsen Company. NDTV filed a lawsuit in the US on 31 July 2012 accusing Nielsen, Kantar, TAM and WPP of knowingly allowing manipulation of TV viewership ratings in favour of channels that are willing to provide bribes to its officials.

    NDTV has sought $810 million as compensation for the loss in revenues it has suffered over the years and $580 million in penalty for negligence by Nielsen and Kantar officials.

    NDTV, in a statement on Saturday, said it did not wish to make public the receipt of mail from Kantar CEO Eric Salama. The broadcaster said it was forced to do so after Sorrel was reported in a newspaper as saying that NDTV has asked for a settlement of the dispute.

    NDTV said the biggest accusation against Sir Martin‘s TAM rating system in India has come from Nielsen‘s own global head of security, Robert Messemer, not just from Indian broadcasters and NDTV.

    “Messemer, formerly of the FBI, in a meeting in Delhi on 11th April, in front of two dozen people (including the CEO of Kantar), called Sir Martin‘s TAM India operations the most corrupt in the world – and that he has been to many, many countries to fight fires for Nielsen. Sir Martin needs to check his facts with Messemer or would he perhaps threaten to sue him for defamation?”

    The following is the full text of NDTV’s statement that seek to point out the errors that Sorrell has committed:

    Sir Martin Sorrell knows better than all of us that the first rule of any PR campaign is never to get your facts wrong. Hence we can only conclude that Sir Martin Sorrell has been misled by his team into making several incorrect statements. Let us list some of the errors.

    But first, we request Sir Martin not to take India lightly. We request him to clean up his ratings operation in our country and to refrain from using his global PR clout to perpetuate corruption in his India ratings operation; to respect our country and the serious issues raised in our very real lawsuit (Sir Martin referring to it as “hypothetical” was bizarre) and take real steps to correct them. We, like all other Indian broadcasters, are happy to work together with Sir Martin to establish an honest, reliable and credible institution to measure ratings in India. This has not happened, despite repeated requests by us and promises made by Kantar and Nielsen.

    The first error: Sir Martin has alleged that NDTV‘s lawyers reached out to his lawyers to ask for a settlement. This is completely untrue. There was no such approach after the Complaint was filed and communicated. In fact, it was his own CEO, Eric Salama, the CEO of Kantar, a WPP company, who sent a confidential mail to NDTV on the 8th of August, suggesting a meeting if NDTV would “halt litigation”. A further mail exchange followed. NDTV has respected Mr Salama‘s confidentiality by not making this public till now- but Sir Martin would do well to check with his own senior executives before making baseless charges.

    The second error: The biggest accusation against Sir Martin‘s TAM rating system in India has come from Nielsen‘s own global head of security, Mr. Robert Messemer, not just from Indian broadcasters and NDTV. Mr. Messemer, formerly of the FBI, in a meeting in Delhi on 11th April, in front of two dozen people (including the CEO of Kantar), called Sir Martin‘s TAM India operations the most corrupt in the world — and he has been to many, many countries to fight fires for Nielsen. Sir Martin needs to check his facts with Mr. Messemer or would he perhaps threaten to sue him for defamation?

    The third error: Sir Martin seems to have finally discovered that this is not a “hypothetical” lawsuit. It is available on the website of the Supreme Court of New York for his team to read if Sir Martin is busy. Strangely, Sir Martin contradicts himself by now applying to the New York court for dismissal of the real lawsuit, using a plea based on technicalities of jurisdiction. Sir Martin and his lawyers (presumably) are not refuting any facts; they are merely using legalistic technical grounds to challenge NDTV. Our request is for Sir Martin and his team to argue the substantive factual merits of the case, and demonstrate a desire to stop the bribery and corruption.

    As an aside, Sir Martin must know that his sudden outbursts have done even more to prove that jurisdiction is indeed in the US and not in India, as Sir Martin has openly acknowledged how deeply involved he and thus Nielsen ( his partner) are, in Indian TAM viewership ratings operations.

    The fourth error: No amount of maliciously false and defamatory statements will work against our lawyers. Sir Martin‘s 10 billion pound global operations – for which we normally have great admiration – may indeed be able to hire the biggest and most famous legal names, but Sir Martin should know that the truth wins in the end – not lawyers. We leave it to our lawyers to respond to the allegations made against them.

    We may not have a 10 billion pound empire backing us, but WPP should realize that a court case is fought on the merits. We urge them to read the 194 page lawsuit, which contains indisputable facts, and respond to it on the factual merits, not with personal attacks.

    The fifth error: Sir Martin keeps referring to NDTV‘s low market cap (vs. his 10 billion pound). Size matters? We would like to point out that it is indeed near impossible for an honest Indian media company to function in the dishonest environment his company has helped create in India. If Sir Martin had a similar corrupt system in the UK or US, he wouldn‘t be where he is at the moment. Yes, if NDTV‘s true ratings were reflected as 62% (see attached evidence for this) rather than TAM‘s corrupted 25%, the impact on NDTV‘s revenues and market cap would be hugely significant. Sir Martin, or rather his team, knows that too. The details can be found in our (non-hypothetical) lawsuit.

    The sixth error: Sir Martin said “We will do everything to improve the system but not with a gun to our head” In fact, Sir Martin Sorrell was personally informed about all the problems with TAM ratings at a meeting at The Oberoi Hotel in Gurgaon in August 2011, in the presence of a large number of media journalists and eminent people. That was a year ago, and there was no “gun to the head”. Why was nothing done?

    Finally, we would like to thank Sir Martin for respecting NDTV‘s editorial position. We are a fiercely independent Indian news operation and proud to be a leader in India. Sir Martin Sorrel has appeared on many occasions on our channels, which clearly shows a mutual respect (and perhaps an indicator that he actually recognises that NDTV is larger than his TAM ratings suggest).

    NDTV has provided enough fodder for WPP to react offensively. Watch this space for more in what promises to be another bout of war of words!

    Also Read: The fight gets vengeful; WPP discloses Vikram Chandra‘s email