ITV

Tag: Times Television Network

  • Zoom promotes the trending phenomenon of ‘selfie’

    Zoom promotes the trending phenomenon of ‘selfie’

    MUMBAI: From bus stops to the bathroom, youngsters these days can be seen striking a pose and pouting at a smartphone clicking themselves tirelessly. What follows next can be anyone’s guess. ‘Selfie’ has become a form of self-expression and is indicative of one’s state of mind that receives due adulation on social media. What’s amazing is that it’s catching up with a lot of brands as a way to start a conversation with its consumers.

     

    ‘Safi Selfie’ contest is the first off the block to connect emotionally with the youth. By following simple mechanisms like uploading one’s selfie on the social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and hash tagging it #SafiSelfie, youngsters can win a chance to get up close and personal with bollywood celebrities. 

     

    Safi brand manager Nilotpal said, “As we move forward, we are taking initiatives to connect strongly with the youth. Keeping this in mind, we are glad to associate with Zoom that brings us closer to our TG. With an interesting activation like the ‘Safi Selfie’ contest and our association with Zoom, we are certain that we will achieve the desired impact.”

     

    “We are extremely happy to partner with Safi and leverage their brand through an interesting contest. Zoom is not only the number one bollywood channel but also highly active in the digital domain. Through this campaign, we are engaging the youth with something that they love doing the most – taking selfies!” added MD and CEO Times Television Network MK Anand.

     

    ‘Safi Selfie’ is a 21 day contest that will be promoted heavily on Zoom. Four lucky winners with the maximum likes and re-tweets on social media platforms for their ‘selfies’ will not only get a chance to meet and spend some time with the bollywood actors Kunal Kapoor and Sonal Chauhan but also get an opportunity to be featured on the channel.

  • Mansi Shrivastav bids adieu to Times Television Network

    Mansi Shrivastav bids adieu to Times Television Network

    MUMBAI: It was in April, this year, when Times Television Network English entertainment channels CEO Ajay Trigunayat called it a day. And, now, according to sources, the English entertainment channels content head Mansi Shrivastav too has put down her papers and is currently serving her notice period. Her responsbilities included looking after the programming of the two film channels Romedy Now and Movies Now.

     

    Sources also suggest that though she had resigned last month, she is expected to take a long break till  January next year.

     

    Even after repeated attempts, Shrivastav remained unavailable for comment.

     

    Meanwhile, sources from the channel say that with MK Anand taking over as TTN MD and CEO, the network is busy putting in a new system, which facilitates direct reporting to him.

     

    If sources are to be believed,  a few appointments will be announced soon for the English entertainment cluster of the network.

  • TRAI recommendation on media and ownership including cross-media issues expected next month

    TRAI recommendation on media and ownership including cross-media issues expected next month

    NEW DELHI: More than 15 months after its second consultation paper on media ownership, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is expected to come out with its recommendations on media control and ownership including the tricky issue of cross-media ownership next month.

     

    TRAI chairman Rahul Khullar has said that he hopes the final recommendation will be out in early August but says that at the latest it would be available before the end of the month.

     

    TRAI had in 2008 and in its consultation paper in February 2013 given its view on the matter in which it ruled out state and government ownership leading to a furore since states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have applied for state ownership of either television channels or TV signal distribution. After issuing the paper, TRAI had also organised several Open House meets with stakeholders in different parts of the country. Open Houses were in Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bhubaneswar and Indore.

    It has gained urgency with Tamil Nadu once again raising the issue of Arasu licensing for Digital Access Systems.

    While bodies like the Delhi Union of Journalists have suggested dismantling of existing monopolies and cross media empires, Times Television Network wants a ban on entry of lobbyists having association with public relations or political parties, religious bodies, urban and local administrative bodies, central government ministries and departments, and central government owned companies undertakings.

     

    However, the Indian Newspaper Society feels TRAI should stay out of this as this will mean placing restrictions on the print media with which TRAI is not authorised to deal.

     
    Besides media companies, industry bodies including Cable Operators Association of India, CII, CASBAA, FICCI and IAMAI also participated in consultation process.

     

    In its paper issued in February last year, TRAI had sought comments on devising ownership rules for vertical integration between broadcasting and distribution entities.

     
    The paper was expected to devise rules/restrictions in case of mergers and acquisitions in the media sector, and media ownership rules within and across media segments.

     

    Methodology to measure ownership or control of an entity over a media outlet, identification of genres to be considered while framing media ownership rules and prescribing norms for mandatory disclosures by media entities are some other issues.

     
    TRAI also discussed in its paper issues relating to identification of media segments wherein media ownership rules are to be prescribed, and identification of relevant markets for evaluating various parameters to be used for devising ownership rules and the methodology for measuring these parameters.

     
    At the outset, TRAI said the paper had been issued at the request of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry earlier last year following a report of the Administrative Staff College of India, in Hyderabad.

     

    TRAI said that it was felt that reasonable restrictions may need to be put in place on ownership in the media sector, to ensure media pluralism and to counter the ills of monopolies. It pointed out that such restrictions do exist in many international markets.

     

    In the Open Houses, a majority of the participants in the fifth Open House on Media Ownership in Indore today alleged that the media in the country was in the hands of just a handful of large corporate houses.

  • ET NOW & IndiaMART celebrates entrepreneurial spirit of Indian SMEs

    ET NOW & IndiaMART celebrates entrepreneurial spirit of Indian SMEs

    MUMBAI: The fourth edition of ET NOW presents IndiaMART Leaders of Tomorrow, which is India’s biggest SME awards, awarded the most promising and innovative SMEs from across the country on 30th May 2014 at The Oberoi, New Delhi. The event was graced with the presence of chief guest Mr. K. V. Kamath (Non-Executive Chairman, ICICI Bank) who gave away the awards. Other special guests included notable dignitaries like Mr. Vijay Thadani (CEO, NIIT) and Mr. Kunwer Sachdev (Founder & MD, Su-Kam).

     

    The fourth edition of ET NOW presents IndiaMART Leaders of Tomorrow garnered enormous response with over 1 lakh nominations. The entrepreneurs were awarded in 17 categories spread across manufacturing, services and special recognition. Prior to this, Regional Awards were held at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru to recognize corporate leaders from different parts of the country.

     

    ET NOW presents IndiaMART- Leaders of Tomorrow aims to recognize and establish the importance of small & medium scale enterprises in sustaining economic growth, increasing trade, generating employment and creating new entrepreneurs in India.

     

    Commenting on the success of the fourth edition of ET NOW presents IndiaMART- Leaders of Tomorrow, Mr. Dinesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO, IndiaMART said, “When we had conceived the idea of bringing recognition to the unsung heroes of our country, we had little idea that our initiative would make such an impact in the SME space. I believe SMEs have the Midas touch when it comes to creating jobs, safeguarding the economy from taking a hit from a slowdown or building a robust economy. Through these awards, ET NOW & IndiaMART have tried to acknowledge the massive contribution they have made to the Indian economy.”

     

    Speaking on this initiative, Mr. Hemant Arora, Business Head, Branded Content, Times Television Network said, “Leaders of Tomorrow was probably our first foray in the Branded Content space.  Today in the 4th year it has become the largest & most recognized exercise of truly celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of India. Spanning over a period of 10 months with integrated marketing efforts across India, Leaders of Tomorrow is looked forward to by the SME’s across categories and anyone who has engaged with the property in the past.  We are glad that we have been able to deliver on the vision and the objectives of IndiaMART as set 4 years ago and in the process have been able to impact the most important segment of the Indian industry in a substantial way”.

  • ET NOW and Capgemini announce Season 3 of ‘Super Techies Show’

    ET NOW and Capgemini announce Season 3 of ‘Super Techies Show’

    MUMBAI: India’s no. 1 business news channel ET NOW and Capgemini, one of the world’s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, has announced the third season  of the Capgemini ‘Super Techies Show’- a global technology-based reality television show for Information Technology students and professionals. This year, participants from India, United Kingdom, United States of America, Netherlands, Sweden and France are being invited to battle it out and solve real business challenges faced by some of the largest enterprises across the globe.

     

    This year Capgemini Super Techies Show has broad-based its format to include university students with technology background from the 6 participating countries. The participants will get an opportunity to work on real life business challenges faced by some of the largest enterprises across the globe and interact with Capgemini experts and global technocrats across sectors. The winning team will be awarded with a cash prize of USD 25,000.

     

    “In today’s dynamic business environment, companies across the globe understand the need to identify the right talent that can leverage technology to support businesses on their digital transformation journey. The Capgemini Super Techies Show has always strived to be one such platform where young IT professionals have the opportunity to showcase their innovative skills in solving real-life business challenges put forth by global business leaders,” said Aruna Jayanthi, Chief Executive Officer, Capgemini India and member of Capgemini Group Executive Committee.

     

    “The tremendous response we received last year from Indian and North American IT professionals and the enthusiasm and pride that it generated within the Group, encouraged us to extend this platform to participants from other countries. The show had a social media reach of over seven million people. This year’s show will also be the first time where university students can participate and leverage the capabilities of digital tools to solve business challenges,” she added.

     

    Speaking about the announcement of the new season, Hemant Arora Business Head, Branded Content TIMES TELEVISION NETWORK said, “Capgemini ‘Super Techies Show’ has evolved over the period of last 2 years.  It is a one-of its-kind project in India in terms of scale, scalability, global production standards, and meticulous quality. It is the result of an integrated content and communication strategy that we have worked on with a collaborative spirit of partnership with Capgemini.  The previous seasons have met their objectives in terms of business impact as well as in offering a pool of distinct and differentiated content. We are eagerly looking forward to an equally exciting and engaging series this year, as the footprint increases to 6 countries and brings with it  the excitement and energy so far seen only in the entertainment genre of reality series.”

     

    Registrations for the show are open until 30th June ’14 and all eligible applicants can apply online at www.capgeminisupertechiesshow.com

     

    The show will be aired later this year on ET NOW and will also be broadcasted on Capgemini’s official YouTube channel for the global audience. This year, Abhimanyu Radhakrishnan, who has been anchoring the Capgemini Super Techies show from the very first season, will be joined by Ronette Chambers as a co-anchor.

  • 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.

  • Times TV Network and DuPont The Power of Shunya bags DMAi and Goafest Awards

    Times TV Network and DuPont The Power of Shunya bags DMAi and Goafest Awards

    MUMBAI: DuPontThePower of Shunya™ and TIMES TELEVISION NETWORKregisters 5 wins at the recently concluded Direct Marketing Association India (DMAi) Awards and Goa Fest 2014.

    DuPont The Power of Shunya™ is a collaborative and science driven platform consisting of two inspiring television series – The Quest for Zero on TIMES NOW and The Challenge for Zero on ET NOW.The 26 part series showcased companies and individuals that epitomize the spirit of Indian ingenuity and how science-driven solutions can help solve some of the key challenges facing India. The TV series were developed in collaboration with Ogilvy Entertainment.In addition to Television the initiative encapsulated a mix of multimedia platforms such as Digital Print, Outdoor, PR and Activation to create and build a sustained interest amongst its viewers and relevant target audience.

    The Quest for Zero on TIMES NOW-

    Quest for Zero a stimulating 16 part television series that examined the critical challenges facing a growing India, as well as showcasing the exciting opportunities and solutions that are shaping our future. The series followed the stories of each sector’s best-in-class companies and people who strive to unlock the power of zero everyday through their innovations and ideas.

    Challenge for Zero on ET NOW-

    Challenge for Zero is a motivating 10–episode series which provided a platform for the best student innovations in science and technology across the country. Following a nation-wide search across , an eminent jury selected 16 most impact full innovators and 16 business minds as finalist. to market their innovations on the show. 

    Jitin Munjal, Regional Director – South Asia & ASEAN, Corporate Marketing & Sales, DuPont, said, “At DuPont, we believe in the power of collaboration to address the world’s most important challenges. We co-created The Power of Shunya™ initiative to start a conversation about the various challenges facing India, and how science can play an important role in solving them. It has resonatedwell with our audiences as we saw our business enquiries jump up by more than 60%. The business success of this program and these 5 awards clearly demonstrate the power of branded content and activation efforts to build customer engagement and reinforce DuPont’s position as a preferred innovation partner. Times Television Network and Ogilvy have been great partners for this program and we hope to receive an even better response from our audience in the season 2.”

    Speaking in this context, Hemant Arora, Business Head Branded Content, Times Television Network said, “We are proud to receive the awards and the recognition from the industry.  Delivering value to our advertisers has been our focus at all times. TIMES NOW and ET NOW have always been positively influencing it’s  relevant audiences through quality content coupled with cutting edge production and  marketing which has been the core of our success.  In DuPont and Ogilvy Entertainment we found collaborative partnership and the passion to create The Power of Shunya™ – which has set the Global standards for Branded Content emanating out of India.  

  • On Result Day-India tunes in to TIMES NOW

    On Result Day-India tunes in to TIMES NOW

    MUMBAI: It was a historic election, one that threw up a clear mandate after several years of coalition governments at the centre. And just like the result of the elections which saw a clear winner, amongst English TV News viewers the winner continues to be Times Now.
     
    TIMES NOW has been the number one choice in election week and on Counting Day, the 16th of May. Viewership data released by TAM shows TIMES NOW far ahead of its competitors with 908 Gross TVTs and 45% of the share (Source: TAM All Indian 1 mn+ TG CSM 25+AB) which is greater than the share of both NDTV and CNN-IBN put together.
     
    During Prime Time, the viewership surges further ahead with TIMES NOW recording 251 Gross TVTs and registering 51% share. TAM data also shows TIMES NOW as the channel of choice during the entire Election week registering 35% viewership share
     
    This year TIMES NOW led election coverage by changing the paradigm of News Coverage, introducing technological innovations like the Hologram which saw reporters beamed directly into studio and Augmented Reality based 3D graphics; combined with the depth of experience provided by TIMES NOW’s expert panel and voices of guest speakers across the political spectrum.
     
    TIMES NOW Editor–in-Chief Arnab Goswami says “This is one of the biggest margins of victory for any news channel on election day. Clearly it reaffirms the faith the viewers have in TIMES NOW. This election we have also pioneered the use of innovative technologies like Holograms and Augmented Reality to provide viewers with a never before experience.”
     
    “Our content, technology, presenters and sets were simply superior. The drama of the momentous day was best captured on Times Now. Over 50% share during prime time meant more viewers spent more time with us.” said M.K. Anand, MD & CEO, Times Television Network.
     
    With this clear win on Result Day and during Election week TIMES NOW has once again shown that when it comes to News there is only one channel that India tunes into.  
     
    GROSS TVTS (RESULT DAY) [Source: TAM All Indian 1 mn+ TG CSM 25+AB]
     
    TIMES NOW 908, IBN 517 NDTV 263; ; HT 204; NEWSX 105
     
    ALL DAY SHARE (RESULT DAY[Source: TAM All Indian 1 mn+ TG CSM 25+AB]
     
    TIMES NOW 45%, IBN 25% ; NDTV 13%; HT 10%; NEWSX  5%
     
    GROSS TVTS COUNTING DAY PRIME TIME (RESULT DAY)[Source: TAM All Indian 1 mn+ TG CSM 25+AB]
     
    TIMES NOW 253, IBN 81; NDTV 75; HT 61; NEWSX 11
     
    COUNTING DAY PRIME TIME (RESULT DAY)[Source: TAM All Indian 1 mn+ TG CSM 25+AB]
     
    TIMES NOW 51%, IBN 16 % ; NDTV 15%; HT 12%; NEWSX  2%
     
    COUNTING HOURS 8am-12NOON [Source: TAM All Indian 1 mn+ TG CSM 25+AB]
     
    TIMES NOW 48%, IBN 27%, NDTV 11%, HT 5%, NEWSX 8%
     
    GROSS TVTS COUNTING HOURS 8am-12NOON [Source: TAM All Indian 1 mn+ TG CSM 25+AB]
     
    TIMES NOW 244, IBN 139; NDTV 57; HT 28; NEWSX 40
     
    ELECTION WEEK; WEEK20 [Source: TAM All Indian 1 mn+ TG CSM 25+AB]
     
    TIMES NOW 35%, IBN 27%, NDTV 14%, HT 12%, NEWSX 11%
     
    GROSS TVTS ELECTION WEEK; WEEK20 [Source: TAM All Indian 1 mn+ TG CSM 25+AB]
     
    TIMES NOW 2110, IBN 1629; NDTV 825; HT 744; NEWSX 678

  • TIMES NOW leads with innovation on Multiple Platforms!

    TIMES NOW leads with innovation on Multiple Platforms!

    MUMBAI: TIMES NOW, India’s No.1 English News channel has once again surpassed all records by effectively providing best & innovative coverage of elections to its audiences across platforms. To give its viewers the best election experience and to provide them with minute – to – minute analysis of India’s epic election polls, TIMES NOW took the multi-dimensional route to reach out wide and far, holding an edge over other news channels, making it truly India’s Election News Headquarter.

     

    To suit the political attitude of the nation and constantly engage with its viewers and keep them updated on the election season, TIMES NOW created a comprehensive line up of over 15 new shows and formats. As part of its exhaustive programming to deliver non-stop action and path – breaking analysis throughout the week it also extended Arnab Goswami’s sensational talk show ‘The Newshour’ on Sundays.

     

    It’s a first in the history of news TV broadcast, TIMES NOW proved its supremacy not just on TV and social media but also across mediums like Print, Radio, and Theatre. It connected with its viewers on Radio leveraging Radio Mirchi’s reach across cities by inviting them to voice their opinions on the elections. TIMES NOW tied up with leading theatres like PVR cinemas to engage and broaden their reach in the country.

     

    A first of its kind by a news channel again, TIMES NOW engaged with audiences across Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore by setting up huge LED screens in malls showcasing this election season’s most ground- breaking news. TIMES NOW made its presence not just in India, but also across various countries by hosting a series of interactive events, engaging with its viewers globally to voice their views on the impact of this historic election.

     

    Commenting on this MD and CEO of Times Television Network, M.K Anand, said, “TIMES NOW positioned as India’s Election News Headquarters wanted to create a truly unique election experience for its viewers given that this has been so far the largest elections the world has ever seen. We believe in engaging and evolving with audiences and their interests. TIMES NOW wanted to create a platform where people connect and express their opinions live, adding another perspective to the election coverage”

     

    TIMES NOW outshined the rest in the social media space with highest fan interactivity in terms of fan engagement, be it Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, amongst others. The entire election coverage which used the hashtag #WhoWillFormGovt on Twitter brought the nation together, especially millions of youth who voted for the first time by doing a live sentiment analysis of Twitter feeds. The channel came up with an innovative app called ‘The Election Mobile App’ that aimed to provide users real time information through video, image and text feeds on the General election.

     

    With such innovative content and unmatched exclusivity across platforms, TIMES NOW continues to become an even more formidable force to reckon. As the nation awaits and gears up for the final verdict few days from now, Tune into TIMES NOW till 16th May to get all the action on elections results with 250 hours of non- stop Election coverage.

  • Ajay Trigunayat bids adieu to Times Television Network

    Ajay Trigunayat bids adieu to Times Television Network

    MUMBAI: Not too long ago we at indiantelevision.com were the first to report that the former Disney UTV Media Networks MD MK Anand will be taking over as the new MD and CEO of Times Television Network (TTN), stepping into Sunil Lulla’s shoes.

     

    Well, now news is that TTN English entertainment channels CEO Ajay Trigunayat has called it a day. Sources close to the network have revealed that Trigunayat will be shortly moving on from the Times Group and is currently ensuring that the transition is smooth for his team.

     

    The source reveals that there will be centralisation of functions now. While earlier all the functions like – HR, finance, distribution, legal, among other things, reported to Times Now, ET Now and Zoom CEO Avinash Kaul, they will now be directly reporting to M K Anand.

     

    Plans are also afoot for getting in a network sales head, currently for the English cluster (Movies Now and Romedy Now). The network has undergone some major reshuffling. While it has appointed Mandeep Singh as network sales head; Movies Now head of sales for north Arunabh Madhur, will now take charge of national sales for the channel. Not only this, Movies Now head of sales for west Siddharth Chopra has been elevated to Romedy Now national sales head.

     

    “Both these individuals have been around since the inception of Movies Now, which was back in 2010, and have been given the responsibility keeping in mind their commitment and hard work for the network,” says the source.

     

    “The idea is to completely centralise the work flow of the network and to get a chief sales/revenue officer and hold fort and report directly to M K Anand,” reveals the source.

     

    On the marketing front Shantanu Gangane will head it for both Movies Now and Romedy Now; and the programming and content team will directly report to M K Anand.

     

    Prior to joining TTN, Trigunayat was in the Middle East in an entrepreneurial capacity, and has also been the business head of the Zee English Channels bouquet, and put in stints at Lintas, Contract and Rediffusion and at Pepsi in a sales role.

     

    But, that’s not all! In another blow to the network, the source also reveals that Romedy Now associate business head Harsh Sheth is on his way out from the network, but will be handling operations for at least another couple of months.

     

    Sheth has been with the TTN for just over three years; first handling the channel and business strategy for Movies Now for a period of nearly two years and then being acknowledged and elevated as the associate business head for the seven month old English entertainment channel, Romedy Now.

     

    Prior to joining the network, Sheth has had a stint with Star India, starting out by working and handling varied Star properties across genres i.e. Star Gold, Star Movies, Star World, Star Pravah and Channel [V]. His mandate was to use consumer insights for scheduling, on-air presentation, distribution, marketing and content. He also looked after content acquisition and development of fiction as well as non-fiction shows for Channel [V] later on. He started out as an assistant manager – key accounts with TAM Media Research and handled clients like Sony, Sahara, Disney, UTV, MTV.

     

    Both Trigunayat and Sheth were unavailable for comment, even after repeated attempts. Both these individuals have been instrumental in running the English cluster for TTN and will certainly be a loss to the organisation.