ITV

Tag: TheOneAlliance

  • TheOneAlliance to switch off signals for Reliance Big TV

    TheOneAlliance to switch off signals for Reliance Big TV

    MUMBAI: TheOneAlliance has decided to suspend the signals of its premium channels to direct-to-home (DTH) service provider Reliance Big TV for non-payment of outstanding dues.

     

    According to TheOneAlliance, the DTH operator has failed to make payments of the outstanding amount despite constant follow ups and repeated reminders.

     

    This resulted in an issuance of a public notice for disconnection of signals on 18 March. In case the DTH operator fails to clear the outstanding dues, approximately 1.6 million Reliance Big TV subscribers will face a blackout after three weeks of the issuance of the public notice. 

     

    The switch-off could be a setback for sports enthusiasts, in view of the upcoming season of Pepsi IPL 2015, which commences on 8 April and will be aired on Sony Six and Max.

     

    In addition to the Pepsi IPL 2015, the subscribers of Reliance DTH platform will also miss viewing other channels including Sony Entertainment Television, Max2, Sab, Sony PAL, Mix, Pix, AXN, Animax and Aath.

     

    It seems as though Reliance BIG TV is making a habit of this. It may be recalled that last year too, TheOneAlliance had informed subscribers of Reliance Big TV via a public notice that the channels it aggregates can go off, if the DTH player doesn’t clear outstanding dues.

  • Sony admits it is investigating its India operations

    Sony admits it is investigating its India operations

    MUMBAI: Sony Corp has admitted that investigations are on at its India unit – Multi Screen Media (MSM) – for alleged corruption in business practices.

     

    In an email sent out to media, Sony Corp today stated that “this investigation is ongoing… Sony Pictures is strongly committed to business ethics and the investigation of allegations of wrongdoing that might arise anywhere in the world. If wrongdoing is identified, we take appropriate action.”

     

    The Sony Pictures Entertainment email was sent out in response to a Bloomberg report on alleged business malpractices at MSM based on emails leaked following the hack on the electronics and entertainment giant’s IT infrastructure late last year.

     

    The Bloomberg report stated that the leaked emails revealed that Sony ordered an investigation, led by Ernst & Young, to look into its India business practices, which in turn revealed evidence of wrongdoing. And the hacked emails revealed that E&Y had allegedly uncovered fraudulent business practices in the case of the Sony and Discovery Communications joint venture (TheOneAlliance). Cases of fraudulent bids, kickback and excessive handouts to government officials came to light in the investigation by E&Y, said the Bloomberg report.

     

    It may be recalled that the Sony-Discovery JV company – TheOneAlliance – was allegedly dissolved on 1 January, 2015 due to the new regulations by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which stated that distributors could no longer bundle channels from different broadcasters while selling content to various platforms such as cable operators and direct-to-home (DTH) companies.

     

    Additionally, as per the Bloomberg report, an email from Sony Pictures Entertainment senior vice-president and compliance counsel Cindy Salmen  in early October stated that “further investigations be conducted, employees be re-trained and that some workers face disciplinary actions, including termination.”

     

    She cited four areas of concern in a memo, the Bloomberg report states. The first related to TheOneAlliance as a distributor of television channels to cable TV or DTH operators. The second to carriage or retransmission fees.  The third was linked to potential gifts and entertainment to government officials.  And finally the fourth referred to customs payments.  All these were investigated by E&Y.

     

    And on the first area of concern, the probe revealed that the process of appointing vendors for distribution through competitive bids was suspect. In some instances some of those who bid did not exist and those who won had ties to those who lost. Employees were aware of the practice, the Bloomberg report has the memo saying.

     

    E&Y stated that it received allegations that both MSM and MSM Discovery were receiving kickbacks from cable TV operators and distributors ranging from 10-15 per cent of carriage fees.  This apart, MSM Discovery recruited employees who were fired by other rivals for receiving kickbacks. 

     

    On the third probe, the memo pointed out that government officials were given expensive IPL tickets and laptop bags, much beyond the MSM Discovery limits.  As far as payments to customs by MSM Discovery’s marketing group were concerned, the memo stated that E&Y found some communication which was questionable.

     

    Sony Pictures senior vice president for global investigative and forensic services Raymond Smith had called for an investigation with regards to the alleged malpractices and policy violations in September. Emails from him revealed that he was planning to travel to India along with his colleague Mike Ornelas (executive director for global investigative and forensic services) to investigate the matter in October 2014, said the Bloomberg report.

     

    The report added that the leaked emails disclosed that “alleged” corruption at MSM as well was being investigated. This followed  an anonymous email to Sony Pictures Television worldwide networks president Andy Kaplan and to Sony Pictures Home Entertainment boss Man Jit Singh who headed  the India venture until last year.  The email alleged that MSM India deputy president Sneha Rajani was allegedly routing all movie acquisitions for the channel via an external agent namely Manish Shah of Goldmines Telefilms, which in turn raised the cost of buying by as much as 35 per cent. The email further alleged that Rajani also communicated to movie producers, who wanted to sell satellite rights for their films, to route their proposals through Shah.

     

    When Indiantelevision.com contacted MSM officials no one was willing to come on record. But a senior manager called the allegations against Rajani as a total fabrication or motivated by a disgruntled fired employee. 

     

    Goldmines Telefilms owner Shah stated that “it was a bunch of crap. Let the investigations continue. I have been dealing with all the broadcasters not just Sony. So I am not worried. We have been very transparent.”

     

    No one was available to comment from MSM Discovery at the time of writing the report.

     

    With heavy charges of malpractice and company policy violations, it remains to be seen what the outcome of the probe throws up and more importantly, what it means for the people, whose names are involved.

  • TheOneAlliance appoints Subhadip Bhattacharyya as vice president – sales

    TheOneAlliance appoints Subhadip Bhattacharyya as vice president – sales

    MUMBAI: TheOneAlliance has roped in Subhadip Bhattacharyya as vice president sales to handle the DAS and analog business for North and East markets.

     

    Bhattacharyya will be a part of the core group responsible for the overall strategy of the company. In his new role, he will be also responsible for conceptualizing and implementing business plans with a view to penetrate new accounts and expand existing ones. He will be a part of the sales and strategy team and will be working closely with TheOneAlliance executive vice president sales and strategy Makarand Palekar.

     

    Bhattacharyya is a veteran from the industry and brings with him over 20 years of experience handling the sports business, distribution expansion, channel management and retail development of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). He has worked with ESPN Star Sports for more than a decade. In his last assignment Bhattacharyya was heading the distribution business of Taj Television (Zee group).

     

    Known for his business acumen, analytical and problem-solving skills, Bhattacharyya is adept at forging strong business partnerships.

     

    Palekar said, “We are delighted to have Shubhadip onboard with us. With his proven track record and rich and diverse experiences, he will further strengthen the formidable team of TheOneAlliance. I am confident that the business will scale newer heights under his leadership.”

     

    Bhattacharyya added, “I am excited to be associated with TheOneAlliance and I am looking forward to begin a new innings in my career with a dynamic team and a powerful organization. I am sure there are abundant opportunities for us to tap on to as we look at expanding the existing business.”

  • 2014: A year of de-aggregation

    2014: A year of de-aggregation

    2014 was a year when the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued, as many said, the ‘death warrant’ for the powerful aggregators. The year started with the regulator throwing the ‘big bomb’ on the channel aggregators by introducing the ‘de-aggregation paper’. The paper clearly stated that the broadcaster appointed content aggregators could not mix and bundle channels from different networks before signing deals with the distribution platforms.

    With the regulation, the once content aggregators were given a new name, that of ‘agents’ who would carry out the deals ‘on behalf of’ the broadcaster. TRAI gave the aggregators six months to dismantle operations, or realign as agents. As part of the regulation, it was the broadcasters who could now sign deals with the distribution platforms either directly or through agents, who could only work on behalf of the broadcaster and not bundle channels from different networks. The regulation came as a shock as it curbed the power of aggregators Media Pro, IndiaCast UTV Media Distribution and TheOneAlliance.

    Soon after, aggregators started disintegrating. MediaPro, the JV between Star Den and Zee Turner was the first to announce its separation. Thereafter, both of them began distributing on their own. Zee Network created a separate distribution entity called Taj Television which would also act as agents for Turner channels. MediaPro CEO Gurjeev Singh Kapoor headed off to handle Star India’s international business while COO Arun Kapoor became CEO of Taj. Soon after this, MediaPro terminated its alliance with NDTV, MGM and MCCS.

    The next in line to break up was IndiaCast UTV, the JV between Network 18 (TV18) and UTV. The last to do so was TheOneAlliance (a JV between MSM and Discovery) which has already announced its decision to break away but will formally happen only on 1 January 2015. Meanwhile IndiaCast will act as an agent for UTV as well as Epic TV channel, while MSM and Discovery will be setting up their own operations.

    While on one hand broadcasters were figuring out how they could deal with the new clause from TRAI, on the other hand distribution issues were being fought in the Telecom Disputes Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). The fiercest of them was between Hathway Cable & Datacom and Star India/Taj Television that lasted for nearly seven months.

    The first accusation was from Star when it stated that Hathway had removed its sports channels and placed them as a separate pack. Zee Network was nearing the end of its deal with Hathway and wanted to re-negotiate it with the MSO. Hathway failed to reply on time, leading to disconnection of signals from the broadcaster. Thereby, the MSO took Zee to court.

    After long hearings between the three parties, the two cases got combined and it was settled that till the time the case does not come to an end, Hathway would pay Star and Zee at the rate of Rs 23 and Rs 21.5 cost per subscriber (CPS) basis for their entertainment channels and Rs 4 CPS for Star’s sports channels. The last verdict of the hearing came as the TDSAT directed Hathway to enter into RIO agreements with Taj Television and Star India for the DAS markets.

    When everyone thought that the case would come to an end, Hathway went to TDSAT once again claiming that there would be partiality in providing RIO rates to various platform operators. The case came to an end with Star India coming forth and stating that it would only be executing RIO deals for DAS markets with all distribution platforms from 10 November. Though Taj Television had also been ordered to get into a RIO deal with Hathway, the broadcaster later on signed a CPS (carriage) deal.

    The year’s ending saw much discussion on Star’s incentives that were being provided on the basis of channel penetration, reach and channel placement. While most MSOs vehemently protested against the new RIO at first, in the end they took up the channels on incentive basis and created new packs. Most MSOs decided to put the popular channels on the base pack and give the remaining as separate packs, in higher packs or as a-la-carte.

    The year also saw a rise in the carriage fees, which according to many has risen by 20-25 per cent for niche and news channels.

  • Discovery’s six point agenda for 2015

    Discovery’s six point agenda for 2015

    MUMBAI: The network has tripled itself in India in the last five years, and today operates in six unique genres through its robust portfolio of 11 networks reaching a cumulative 260 million homes in five languages.

    We are talking about Discovery Networks, which extended its brand experience by launching Discovery Channel Magazine. It has expanded the business fuelled by marquee initiatives – new channels, unmatched India productions and marketing innovations.

    And going forward, the network is going to focus on six points – maintain leadership across genres, maximise viewership, build on the strength of Discovery Kids; establish ID as a ‘must watch’ channel; deliver on ‘male-centric’ brand promise of Turbo; continue to produce path-breaking India content, continue to innovate; and deliver value to advertisers and relentlessly explore new opportunities for growth.

    The year 2015 brings with it a heap of opportunities, but the path was laid in 2014 itself. The network revamped its channel, Turbo, to skew more towards men. The repositioning came in as a response to research conducted over the past couple of years.  “The viewers’ feedback and our constant research suggested a vacuum in English entertainment genre for men. Indian television has primarily been dominated by female led programming. The refreshed Turbo channel is an upscale men’s television network that provides high-octane programming for its viewers.  Turbo broadens its content with more genre mix to offer variety to its male audience.  It also enhances its value proposition for its viewers, advertisers and affiliates,” says Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific south Asia and southeast Asia executive VP and GM Rahul Johri.

    One of the key reasons to rebrand was to widen the channel’s appeal. Its core strength will be variety.  “Turbo will be the only specialised content channel in the English genre, reflecting the promised benefits of digitisation.  The Indian television landscape is ever changing and we have stayed ahead of the curve by recognising the evolving trends and addressing them by creating new television genres and distinct audience segments,” he adds.

    With each brand having its own identity and evolution process, the network is continuously evaluating all its channels, and when need arises, it shall plan if others too need to be revamped or not.
    Not only this, a surprise move for many in the industry, the network was able to get its recently-launched channel ID-Investigation in Tata Sky’s Hindi channel base pack. The move was to cater to Hindi speaking masses.  “The channel’s specialised content dedicated to crime and investigation has wider appeal.  In three months of its launch, ID has gained tremendous popularity, and has become an ideal ‘channel of choice’ for the base pack,” explains Johri when asked the reason behind the move.

    Others like Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Science have wider demographic appeal and thus, are the preferred channels for viewers in the factual entertainment genre.  These channels too are in the base packs of DTH platforms.

    Nonetheless, with TheOneAlliance, the distribution JV between Multi Screen Media (MSM) and Discovery Network, being dissolved with effect from 1 January 2015, after 12 long years, the network is pulling all strings to make the coming year a remarkable one.

  • We will launch more channels in next one year: Rajesh Kaul

    We will launch more channels in next one year: Rajesh Kaul

    MUMBAI: It was in February that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its regulation on the role of content aggregators and since then, several changes have taken place in the structure of the existing aggregators. While MediaPro decided to split post the regulation, good news is that aggregators IndiaCast UTV Media Distribution and TheOneAlliance are still standing strong in their respective joint ventures.

     

    Announcing the strong allegiance is the MSM Discovery (MSMD) joint venture TheOneAlliance which will continue to be the authorised sole and exclusive distribution agent for Multi Screen Media, Discovery Communications India and TV Today Network to various distribution platforms – Cable (both analogue and digital), DTH, HITS, IPTV and hotels and commercials establishments.

     

    “As per the TRAI regulation, we will now be the exclusive agents for MSM, Discovery and TV Today,” informs TheOneAlliance president Rajesh Kaul.

     

    While the distributor earlier had 28 channels in the bouquet, with Times Television Network (Times Now, ET Now, Movies Now and Zoom) moving out from the bouquet, to set up its independent distribution team, TheOneAlliance will now have 24 premium channels to distribute.

     

    “It was a mutual decision to part ways. We have a strong bouquet and we would like to concentrate on that,” adds Kaul.

     

    Apart from the current 24 channels distributed by MSMD, the network will be making heavy investments in the form of new channels such as Max 2 – a contemporary Hindi movie channel showcasing Indian cinema, Pix HD, AXN HD and a new entertainment channel from the MSM stable.

     

    “We have one of the most stable and dynamic distribution partnerships in the industry. Given the current strength and the aggressive future investment plans of our partners, TheOneAlliance will continue to excel as the powerful leader in the industry,” he says.

     

    TheOneAlliance’s plate seems to be very tempting with MSM acquiring premium sporting properties for its sports and entertainment channel, Sony Six. The channel currently broadcasts sporting events like NBA, UFC, TNA Wrestling and Australian Open tennis along with the Indian Premier League and is home of international football for the next five years with exclusive rights to telecasting the world’s largest sporting spectacle FIFA World Cup 2014 – Brasil & FIFA World Cup 2018 – Russia along with UEFA EURO 2016.

     

    It is not just MSM that is launching new channels, but Discovery Communications India too is set to increase its channel offerings with: Investigation Discovery (ID), a suspense Hindi entertainment channel, TLC HD and Animal Planet HD. 

     

    Over the course of the next one year, both the networks are looking forward to launching new channels in both SD and HD across different genres. “We have huge plans of launching many more channels in different genres in the next one year. Our bouquet will only grow from strength to strength,” says Kaul.

     

    “We believe in nurturing and fostering positive and strong relationships with our partners which is mutually beneficial to both and we are happy to extend this partnership to the future also. We are very confident that TheOneAlliance is perfectly enabled to monetise the valuable and exclusive premium content that we produce and acquire,” MSM CEO N.P Singh said through a statement.

     

    Added Rahul Johri, EVP and general manager – south Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and southeast Asia, “Discovery has a very strong partnership with Sony and we are fully committed to TheOneAlliance. It is Discovery’s endeavour to provide the Indian viewers with the finest entertainment and TheOneAlliance will continue to distribute our eight current channels and our new launches across India.” 

     

    The 24 premium channels distributed by TheOneAlliance include: SET, Max, Max 2, Sab, Mix, Pix, Six, AXN, Animax, Aath, Discovery Channel, Discovery Channel Tamil, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Kids, Discovery HD World, Sony HD, Six HD, Pix HD, Headlines Today, Aaj Tak and Tez.

  • Times Television Network, TheOneAlliance terminate distribution alliance

    Times Television Network, TheOneAlliance terminate distribution alliance

    MUMBAI: When the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) came out with its regulation on the fate of the content aggregators, the industry did predict that many networks could now move out of the current distribution ventures. And clearly they weren’t wrong.

     

    The first to move out of the joint venture was Star India and Zee TV as they announced the disbanding of MediaPro and setting up of their independent cable TV affiliate distribution teams. If this wasn’t enough, MediaPro also decided to not renew its distribution deal with New Delhi Television (NDTV) with effect from 1 April and Media Content & Communications Services (MCCS) and MGM programming Service India (MGM) with effect from 16 April. As a result of this, NDTV (NDTV India, NDTV 24×7, NDTV Good Times and NDTV Profit), MGM (MGM) and MCCS (ABP News, ABP Majha and ABP Ananda) decided to distribute their respective channels through their own independent affiliate teams.

     

    While this was just the beginning, now through a public notice published in the leading newspapers, Times Television Network has informed the stakeholders, that starting 1 April, the network will no longer be distributed by the content aggregator TheOneAlliance. “MSM Discovery has ceased to distribute the Times channels effective 1 April,” reads the public notice.

     

    “This is to inform all concerned that with effect from 1 April 2014, Times Global Broadcasting Company Limited (TGBCL) is the sole and exclusive distributor for the television channels namely, Romedy Now, Romedy Now+, Zeem, ET Now (of Bennett, Coleman & Co.), Movies Now (of Zoom Entertainment Network) and Times Now (of Times Global Broadcasting Co.) all forming part of the Times Television Network,” adds the notice.

     

    With this, the channels will now be distributed solely and exclusively by TGBCL that will undertake all activities that are necessary, ancillary and incidental for effectively distributing the channels throughout the country.

     

    TGBCL will also be responsible for collection of subscription revenue for the channels, through the distribution platforms comprising analogue cable, digital cable, DTH, IPTV, HITS, OTT, 4G and new emerging digital technology platforms, hotels and commercial establishments and marketing and channel penetration activities.

  • Broadcasters to hike rates in both DAS and analogue areas

    Broadcasters to hike rates in both DAS and analogue areas

    MUMBAI: Things will be different the next time multi-system operators (MSOs) and direct-to-home (DTH) players sit across the table with broadcasters for renewal of channel contracts. Thanks to the price defreeze proposed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) after nearly seven years. The regulator on Monday released a notification, offering a 27.5 per cent inflation-linked hike to stakeholders in the tariff ceiling. The hike can be implemented in two phases: 15 per cent from April and the remaining 12.5 per cent from January 2015.

     

    Broadcasters in particular have welcomed the move. With the 15 per cent hike April onward applicable to the analogue business, broadcasters are happy that they can at least increase their ARPUs.

     

    “CPS deals in DAS areas will not be impacted with this tariff ceiling hike. But if the MSO or DTH player has a RIO deal, be it in the DAS or non-DAS region, the rates will go up,” informs Media Pro COO Gurjeev Singh Kapoor.

     

    For those wondering how rates can head north in DAS areas when the tariff ceiling notification is for non-addressable areas, here’s the logic. With RIO rates on digital platforms being 42 per cent of those on analogue platforms, a 15 per cent increase in analogue rates is bound to raise RIO rates for digital. Hence, while the hike in tariff ceiling is for non-DAS areas, the same is applicable to DAS areas as well. “This is the best thing that has happened to the industry, as we now have a platform to increase the ARPU and ask for more from consumers,” says Kapoor.

     

    While an aggregator, on condition of anonymity, puts it as: “DAS rates are related to non-DAS rates. The hike of 15 per cent is on the RIO rate. So even though many feel that the fixed deals will not get affected, they will. Because the matrix for negotiation will change now and this is not only for analogue areas, but also for DAS areas. The negotiation for fixed deals is done on the RIO rate, and if that goes up, of course, the fixed deal will also rise.”

     

    Most of the contracts are up for renewal in April; for TheOneAlliance, 60 per cent of the contracts will be renewed now whereas for Media Pro, close to 90 per cent of the contracts with both DTH operators and MSOs are up for renewal.

     

    “We have a very good scope and so, have decided to increase the rates for every MSO and DTH player in both DAS and non-DAS areas.  After a long time, broadcasters have got a hike in tariff ceiling and so, we would take the opportunity to hike the rates,” says TheOneAlliance EVP sales and strategy Makarand Palekar. “We will sit with the concerned MSOs and DTH players and try and incorporate this even in existing channel deals. And I am sure that DTH operators and MSOs will be happy with this as they can collect the same from the ground now.”

     

    Will consumers see a hike in bills this month onward? “We will move things gradually. We will sit for negotiations now,” informs Palekar.

     

    Are broadcasters happy with the percentage of hike? Palekar feels it could have been better. “But with digitisation, MSOs are currently in investment mode. So, in the current scenario, this could have been the best,” he says.

     

    Kapoor agrees with Palekar saying, “Yes, it is not enough. The increase should come in every year, but then it is a welcome move. They have finally woken up from their slumber.”

     

    According to the aggregator, “This figure of 15 per cent has been derived by the authority using past metrics and calibrations. While the hike is under the inflation rate, this is the best TRAI could have come up with.”

     

    Apart from broadcasters, are MSOs happy with the move? “MSOs will get bothered with this hike. We may end up paying for this from our own pocket if we cannot collect it from the ground,” rues ABS 7 Star CMD Atul Saraf.

     

    According to him, MSOs don’t put pressure on LCOs by hiking rates in the analogue regime. “There are chances that the local cable operator can go to the other MSO, if the other player doesn’t hike the price. So either both the MSOs operating in a particular area increase the price, or else, there will be competition,” he adds.

     

    About hiking prices in DAS areas, Saraf says, “Broadcasters have already hiked the price in DAS areas. Also, the deals are on per box basis and there is 100 per cent declaration. So why would they want to increase the price in the DAS regime? So in the DAS regime, if broadcasters plan to hike prices, a few of us may go to the court.”

     

    The increase in RIO by 15 per cent leaves a grey area for broadcasters to hike rates in both DAS and non-DAS areas, according to Saraf. “But there are hardly any RIO deals currently, as we prefer entering into a fixed deal, and especially in the non-DAS areas. But now it may be that MSOs may do a RIO deal, especially for sports channels,” he informs.

     

    GTPL Hathway COO Shaji Mathews too feels MSOs will not benefit from the tariff hike. “Given that DTH rates are also low today, this hike will lead to more competition between the MSO and DTH,” he says.

     

    Kapoor however begs to differ. “The ARPU for DAS phase III and IV is Rs 160 while for DTH, it is close to Rs 300. Even with the hike, the ARPU for cable will go up to Rs 190. There is a big gap between the two and I don’t see consumers moving from cable TV to DTH due to this hike,” he opines.

     

    Whether the MSOs and LCOs will benefit from the move or no, still needs to be seen. The question now is, whether the consumer will pay for the hiked price in the cable TV bills? “The problem is not with the consumers, they are ready to pay,” says Palekar.

     

    “We are showcasing around 400 channels, so the hike was much needed. It is also a good way to move people to digitisation,” concludes Kapoor.

  • What’s-on-India’s TSM expands reach to 2200 head-ends

    What’s-on-India’s TSM expands reach to 2200 head-ends

    MUMBAI: TV guidance company What‘s-on-India today said it has expanded the reach of its TV channel distribution and connectivity monitoring system Television Street Maps (TSM) to 2,200 cable-head ends and control rooms across 1700 towns up from 700 head-ends and 250 towns that it used to cover.

    Some of the new markets added by TSM in the expansion plan include small (less-than-one-lakh) population towns in Hindi-Speaking-Markets (HSM LC1).

    These markets are being analysed anew by the industry as they become critical for subscription revenues with digitalisation. The HSM LC1 markets now play a more crucial role in TV Channel‘s ad revenues and TSM has already launched data for these markets.

    The company plans to make TSM a census of cable headends and control-rooms through aggressive expansion. The target is to reach coverage of 3,000+ head-ends by the end of 2013.

    TSM business head Joydip Kapadia said, “We‘ve seen tremendous support from broadcasters for our initiatives. They understand that in the fast evolving digital landscape, distribution, reach and quality play key roles. The consumer is spoilt for choice and the onus is on the broadcasters to ensure that their channel is readily available to viewers in the best possible quality. Last year, TSM promised the industry a huge expansion and we have delivered it.”

    TSM delivers day-to-day TV channel monitoring by head-ends and towns to the TV industry. It also monitors cable and DTH Channel Packs, pack prices and EPG quality.

    Over the last two years, it has sharpened the delivery of its Weekly Reports, alerts and other extended offerings such as neighbourhood analysis, sensitivity analysis, short term daily placement monitoring, EPG scan, EPG quality monitoring, leading & following gap analysis.

    Launched more than a year ago, TSM already counts the likes of TheOneAlliance, Star India, BBC, Multi Screen Media (MSM), Disney-UTV, and Viacom18.

  • Indian DTH industry to benefit from digitisation, says MPA

    Indian DTH industry to benefit from digitisation, says MPA

    MUMBAI: India‘s move to digitise its fragmented and unorganised cable TV sector is going to give a fillip to the seven odd Indian DTH operators, according to Singapore based pay TV research firm Media Partners Asia (MPA).

    This is totally contrary to the behavior observed on the ground in the first two phases of digitisation wherein cable TV has held its ground and consumers have not really rushed out to buy DTH boxes even though analogue signals have been switched off.

    The MPA report says that revenues for DTH operators are expected to treble to over $5 billion by 2020 as mandatory cable TV digitisation would help the DTH players expand their subscriber base.

    It adds that DTH industry revenues will reach $3.9 billion by 2017 and $5.3 billion by 2020 on the back of a growth in subscriber numbers. Estimates are that the India™s DTH players raked in $1.5 billion last year.

    MPA says that active DTH subscribers will grow from 32.4 million in 2012 to 63.8 million by 2017 and 76.6 million by 2020. The figure for 2011 was at 28.7 million. The increase in active subscribers in 2012 over 2011 was a mere 3.7 million which is alarming, it says.

    The report points out that the content deals between operators and content aggregators such as IndiaCast, MediaPro and TheOneAlliance are likely to be on a cost per subscriber basis rather than a fixed rate as was the practice earlier.

    As it is DTH operators have been making efforts to improve their per subscriber economics over the past year by increasing the number of packages and entry level pricing. They have also tried to reduce churn levels by reducing trade margins and the window of free viewing by new subscribers, revealed MPA.

    The report warns that marketing and staff expenses will remain high with DTH operators as the rollout of digitisation makes further inroads into the remaining parts of India.

    MPA has also given the pecking order of the leading DTH players. Dish TV continues to lead with a market share of 27 per cent in terms of gross additions, while Videocon d2h leads in terms of incremental additions in 2012.

    Tata Sky and Airtel Digital TV have 19 and 18 per cent market share, respectively. These four players together accounted for 88 per cent of total gross additions last year, says MPA.