ITV

Tag: TV18

  • IndiaCast partners JKN Media to bring Indian content to Thailand

    IndiaCast partners JKN Media to bring Indian content to Thailand

    MUMBAI: In a bid to strengthen its international foothold and provide unparalleled entertainment to the transnational viewers, IndiaCast Media Distribution – the domestic and international distribution arm of Viacom18 and TV18, has partnered JKN Media, Thailand to bring content from the network’s Indian repository through an exclusive soon-to-be-launched digital channel on JKN’s OTT Platform titled 'Bflix' for Thai viewers in 2019. The channel will showcase exclusive content from the vast Viacom18 library, dubbed in Thai, that will be available in Thailand and key South East Asia markets. The deal was signed-off at the recently held Asia Television Forum (ATF) in Singapore.

    IndiaCast and JKN Media together have successfully syndicated shows from COLORS for over five years in Thailand. This customized and exclusively packaged digital channel will bring specially curated content from the youngest and fastest growing media and entertainment company in India to the digital savvy viewers in Thailand.

    Speaking about the association, Viacom18 Group CEO and MD Sudhanshu Vats said, “With an increasing number of viewers graduating towards the digital mode of entertainment worldwide, we are continually evaluating our play in the international digital distribution space. This symbiotic partnership with JKN Media will further strengthen our equation with the country’s viewers who have enjoyed and appreciated our shows from COLORS over the years. There are many cultural similarities between India and Thailand, and hence the strong resonance with our offerings. This endeavor is another step towards providing seamless and individualized Indian-origin entertainment to Thai viewers.”

    On this strategic alliance IndiaCast Group CEO Anuj Gandhi said “We want to reach to audiences who want to experience contemporary, imaginative and high-quality relevant entertainment. It gives us immense pleasure to partner with JKN, to now take Viacom18 content to Thai viewers in their local language. We are confident that this will be a whole new exciting experience for the audiences. We would also like to thank JKN Media for their continuous partnership in scaling new heights in Thai market.”

    Adding to further, JKN CEO Anne Jakrajutatip said, “At JKN, we constantly strive to partner with brands that share our sensibilities towards great storytelling and the emotions that high-quality content can evoke. Over the past five years, we have formed a strong association with IndiaCast, which has seen us exclusively acquiring almost all the drama series from ‘COLORS’ for Thailand. Shows like Madhubala, Balika Vadhu, Chakravarti Ashoka Samrat, Chandrakanta, Udann, Naagin, Shakti, Shani, Mahakali, Ishq Mein Marjawan, Bepannah and many more have been hugely loved by all audiences in Thailand. I am glad that we have now extended our association with IndiaCast through this digital channel which will enable us to distribute all their content on our OTT platform in Thailand and across distribution platforms in Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong.”

  • HISTORY TV18 is back with a new season of OMG! Yeh Mera India to wow viewers with more mind-boggling stories

    HISTORY TV18 is back with a new season of OMG! Yeh Mera India to wow viewers with more mind-boggling stories

    MUMBAI: 'New-age' and ‘Techno-talent’ will take center stage in the latest season of OMG!  Yeh Mera India, slated to launch on 3rd December, 2018; every Monday at 8PM. The show, now in its fifth season,promises an enthralling experience for its audiences across platforms. Popular actor and standup comedian, Krushna Abhishek, returns as the show’s host, bringing his own known brand of witty humor, taking the show to the next level.This season has a mix of unique &new-age inspiring human stories from a group of students who’ve developed a robot to clean sewers to a young conservationist who saves snakes out of passion to an armless cricketer from Kashmir, the new season has it all!

    Krushna Abhishek Anchor and Actor said“OMG!  YehMera India is one of the shows closest to my heart. India is a beautiful country with endless number of stories that will make you say “OMG!  YehMera India” with pride. Even after four seasons, every shoot surprises me teaching me something new about our great nation. I am thankful to HISTORY TV18 for this opportunity, it’s truly an honor to be presenting such amazing stories.”

    Avinash Kaul, MD A+E Networks |TV18 and COO Network18 said“We’re happy that OMG!  Yeh Mera India is now in its fifth season and thus one of the most successful factual entertainment franchises in the country. I really believe it wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of millions of our audiences. True to our brand ethos, we will continue to innovate and create many more great franchises for our viewers.”

    OMG!  Yeh Mera India is not only the longest running, but also the most successful factual series in India. It has evolved over the years to become the only show in the genre with a franchise of five seasons. This year also the focus will be to wow the audience by presenting the unexpected. The previous seasons of OMG! Yeh Mera India have been a huge success reaching an estimated audience of over 100 million viewers every year. The show is a success not just on TV but has also gone viral on social platforms. So far the OMG stories have clocked more than 400 million+ video views, drawing over 2 Billion impressions across social media. Its stories have been shared by numerous influencers: politicians, bureaucrats, technocrats and thought leaders.

    Catch this exciting series of OMG!  Yeh Mera India only on HISTORY TV18 starting from 3rd December, every Monday at 8:00PM

  • Network18 hands Avinash Kaul, Rahul Kansal additional portfolios

    Network18 hands Avinash Kaul, Rahul Kansal additional portfolios

    MUMBAI: Close on the heel of a senior executive from Network18 group announcing his departure and internal synergies being brought about in the company for better cohesion and functioning, the organisation has handed some other top execs newer responsibilities.

    Reliance Industries Ltd-controlled Network18 COO Avinash Kaul  has been handed the sales responsibilities for the group with all national sales heads reporting into him. Kaul will continue to be the MD of A+E at TV18, the television arm of Network18 that controls the largest number of TV news channels in India.

    Brand wiz Rahul Kansal , who cut his teeth at the Times of India group and joined Network18 earlier this year as group brand advisor, has been given interim charge of the overall marketing for network. Day-to-day activities will be taken care of by respective TV channels.

    Two recent departures from the group and a joint venture included that of Forbes India CEO and Network 18 President (Revenue) Joy Chakraborthy  and Viacom18 COO Raj Nayak . Nayak will stay on till early 2019 with the company that’s a joint venture with American media giant Viacom.  

    Apart from Kaul and Kansal getting additional responsibilities, Network18 president of special projects Priyanka Kaul will take over the charge of broadcast Focus and branded content and is shortly expected to revamp the Focus division.

    The two Kauls and Kansal will continue to report to Network18 and TV18 MD Rahul Joshi.

    Network18 Media and Investments Ltd is a media and entertainment company with interests in television, internet, filmed entertainment, digital business, magazines, mobile content and allied businesses. The company manages various digital businesses, including portals such as moneycontrol.com, ibnlive.com, burrp.com, in.com and firstpost.com.

    It also operates digital commerce properties like HomeShop18 and bookmyshow.com. In addition, Network18 is a leading player in the publishing space having under its wing titles such as Forbes India, Overdrive, Better Interiors and Better Photography.

    Through its subsidiary TV18 Broadcast Limited, the group operates news channels such as CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNBC Bajar, CNBC-TV18 Prime HD, CNN-News18, IBN7, ETV channels and News18 Lokmat (a Marathi regional news channel in partnership with the Lokmat group).

    TV18 also operates a joint venture with Viacom, called Viacom18, which houses a portfolio of popular entertainment channels like Colors, Colors HD, Colors Infinity, Rishtey, MTV India, MTV Indies, Comedy Central, Vh1, Nick, Sonic, Nick Jr, Teen Nick and Viacom18 Motion Pictures, the group's filmed entertainment business. TV18 operates a factual entertainment channel History TV18 and FYI TV18 through a joint venture with A+E Networks.

  • IndiaCast rejigs revenue top brass in bid to grow across markets, platforms

    IndiaCast rejigs revenue top brass in bid to grow across markets, platforms

    MUMBAI: In a move aimed at synergizing processes and business opportunities to scale up revenues, IndiaCast, the domestic, international and digital distribution arm of Viacom18 and TV18, today, announced an organizational rejig of its revenue management structure.

    Amit Arora, who has exceptionally steered the domestic business for IndiaCast to greater heights over the years, has been elevated as president, India affiliate business.  Additionally, Arora will also drive the South Asia business along with linear distribution with telcos.

    Govind Shahi, a seasoned veteran, known for his sharp & strategic mindset, will now take over the mandate of heading the International business for IndiaCast. As the International business head, Shahi will oversee and drive business and revenues across functions and regions. All regional and vertical heads would report to him.

    Commenting on the organizational restructuring, IndiaCast group CEO, Anuj Gandhi commented, “As technology opens up newer viewing platforms and content evolves in both duration and variation, the business of distribution and syndication of content is evolving rapidly – in terms of new markets and new avenues of showcase, thereby ensuring that monetization opportunities are scaling up beyond traditional markets and platforms. This organizational rejig allows us to leverage the existing capabilities and strengths of our leaders and their teams in growing revenues and to explore new opportunities across various technologies and markets globally”.

    Sachin Gokhale, previously responsible for nurturing and successfully developing and rapidly growing the Middle East and Africa region and has managed our Asia Pacific & Business operations verticals, will now assume the new role of heading the Americas’ Business. Gokhale would be responsible for expansion and growth of business to new markets in the Americas and dialing up various digital initiatives in the region. 

    Debkumar Dasgupta, who continues to impressively grow the global syndication business, will take on the added responsibility of heading the Middle East and Africa region.

    Both Amit Arora and Govind Shahi will continue to report into Anuj Gandhi.

  • A+E Networks | TV18 launches FYI TV18 HD

    A+E Networks | TV18 launches FYI TV18 HD

    MUMBAI: AETN18, the joint venture between A+E Networks and Network18 has planned to launch the high definition (HD) version of the contemporary lifestyle entertainment channel—FYITV18 on 18 October 2018.

    The new channel will draw on the success of FYI TV18, which is a unique blend of adventurous, personalised and innovative lifestyle programming. FYI TV18 HD will offer a perfect blend of local Indian shows and International programming. The new channel will feature carefully curated content, touching different aspects of food, home, glamour, though relationships would be at its core.

    A+E Networks I TV18 MD and Network18 COO Avinash Kaul said, “Through FYI TV18, we’ve always provided our viewers with the very best in lifestyle entertainment. Now in high definition, FYI TV18 HD is guaranteed to enthral the young and dynamic audience across India.”

    From relationship to food, home, travel and glam FYI TV18 HD will cater to the needs of the young and dynamic Indian audience. FYI TV18 HD is the fourth channel to be launched from the A+E Networks and TV18 bouquet after the success of its FYI TV18 SD, History TV18 SD and History TV18 HD channels.

  • TV18, Sony Pictures India announce new channel rates

    TV18, Sony Pictures India announce new channel rates

    MUMBAI: Days after Zee announced its new tariff rates, TV18 Broadcast and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) have also made public their own rates, in accordance with TRAI tariff rules.

    IndiaCast, the authorised distributing agency of TV18 channels, has updated the new format based Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO) on its website. This updated RIO will be effective for the term commencing from 29 December 2018. SPNI has also published its new RIO on its website.

    All TV18 channels will be available on an a-la-carte basis, as required by regulations. The a-la-carte rate of all SD & HD channels is under Rs 19 per month. The maximum retail price (MRP) of the basic bouquet for Hindi speaking market (HSM) named as Hindi Base starts at Rs 36 which includes Colors, MTV, Rishtey and CNN News 18. The Hindi Ultra pack has been priced at Rs 58. There’s an India Base pack which includes important channels from all regions and each genre at Rs 79.

    The broadcaster has announced multiple bouquets for several regional markets including base and ultra-pack both in SD and HD. Karnataka Base pack will cost Rs 53, while Maharashtra Base pack price has been fixed at Rs 45 and Bengal Base at Rs 41.

    SPNI is also providing a total of 32 channels including SD and HD on a-la-carte basis at under Rs 19 per month.

    SPNI has also declared ten bouquets concentrating on different regional markets as well along with focusing on its premium channels. The base pack BST Regular pack has been fixed at Rs 55 while its variants of regional languages are priced higher. SPN Blockbuster Pack priced at Rs 86.4 includes SET, Sony Yay!, Sony BBC Earth and ESPN. The Blockbuster pack also has variants with Bengali and Marathi languages.

    Two different packs focusing on the South Indian market are also available. The Big HD pack with all HD channels is priced at Rs 116 where Sony Marathi HD is proposed to be launched in place of TEN Golf HD. While the viewers of HD channels are growing slowly but gradually, two HD bouquets, one for South, are also available.

    The deadline given by TRAI was 31 August for publication of RIO, declaration of MRP and nature of channels, in connection with its tariff order. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) was the only broadcaster to publish its RIO before the given deadline.

    Star India is the only big broadcaster which has not filed its ROI yet. The broadcaster is also one of the main petitioners against the TRAI tariff and interconnect order which will now be heard on 5 September by the Supreme Court.

  • Sudhanshu Vats appointed MD Viacom18; Rahul Joshi is MD Network18 and TV18

    Sudhanshu Vats appointed MD Viacom18; Rahul Joshi is MD Network18 and TV18

    MUMBAI: It’s promotion time at the Reliance Industries-owned news firm TV18 Broadcast and Network18 Media and entertainment broadcasting major Viacom18. The boards of the three companies have upped their respective CEOs to managing director (MD). Sudhanshu Vats who was earlier group CEO, Viacom18 has now been designated as MD even as Rahul Joshi  has been given the same designation at both Network18 Media and TV18 Broadcast. Joshi’s position is for a term of three years with effect from 9 July 2018, while  Vats’s redesignation awaits the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals.

    Vats has been associated with Viacom18 from last six years, while Joshi has worked at Network18 Group since September 2015 and is CEO news and group editor in chief.

    Adil Zainulbhai, chairman of Network18 and TV18 said “Both the appointees have tremendous skill and experience and will continue to drive our news and entertainment businesses towards leadership, as we continue to invest in these areas.”

    Joshi has done his masters in management studies from Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai University. 

    Prior to joining the Network18 group, he worked for more than two decades with The Economic Times, where he rose through ranks to quickly become one of India’s youngest editors, and has also worked as its editorial director. He also launched ET Now and helped shape the digital coverage of ET Online. 

    Joshi was also employed with The Indian Express in the past. He is also on the board of News Broadcasters Association (NBA). 

    Vats is a management graduate from the Indian Institute of Management – Ahmedabad. Prior to joining Viacom18, he spent about 20 years in Hindustan Unilever (Unilever India) where he worked in sales & marketing and general management roles across categories and shaped many popular household brands. Vats is also chairman of the national media & entertainment committee of CII (Confederation of Indian Industry), VP of IBF (Indian Broadcasting Foundation) and director of BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council). 

  • Film business boosts TV18 revenue

    Film business boosts TV18 revenue

    BENGALURU: Indian news, entertainment and film company TV18 Broadcast Ltd (TV18) reported triple the revenue from its film business for the year ended 31 March 2018 (FY 2017-18, the year under review) as compared with the previous fiscal. Consequently, the company’s consolidated operating revenue increased by 70 per cent in FY 2017-18 as against FY 2016-017. TV18’s operating revenue, including GST for the year under review, was Rs 1,665 crore vis-a-vis Rs 979 crore. It may be noted that GST was not applicable in FY 2016-17. Revenue for the film business for the year under review was Rs 450 crore as compared with Rs 150 crore in the previous year. The numbers have been rounded off to the nearest Rs crore.

    The company has turned the corner only recently. Profit after tax increased by 33 per cent to Rs 8 crore in FY 2017-18 in comparison with Rs 6 crore in the year before. The company reported total comprehensive income of Rs 9 crore for FY 2017-18 as against loss of Rs 2 crore in the previous year. Operating profit increased by 87.1 per cent to Rs 58 crore during the year under review as compared with Rs 31 crore in FY 2016-17.

    Network18 chairman Adil Zainulbhai said, “We continue to invest into filling whitespaces, and creating the most compelling bouquet for the Indian consumer. This complements the strong performance of our flagships.”

    Based on its current structure of ownership, TV18 has restated its consolidated numbers. Consolidated restated revenue increased by 16 per cent in FY 2017-18 to Rs 4,813 crore from Rs 4,142 crore. Consolidated operating EBIDTA in FY 2017-18 increased by 41 per cent to Rs 240 crore from Rs 170 crore in FY 2016-17.

    Majority of TV18’s income comes from its entertainment business, which comprises Viacom18 and Indiacast. The company says in its earnings press release that entertainment income grew by 10 per cent in FY 2017-18 to Rs 3,781 crore from Rs 3,160 crore. Operating EBIDTA of the entertainment business increased by 43 per cent in FY 2017-18 to Rs 198 crore from Rs 139 crore in FY 2016-17.

    TV18’s standalone business comprises business and general news. Standalone income increased by 10 per cent during FY 2017-18 to Rs 735 crore from Rs 667 crore. Standalone operating EBIDTA declined by 29 per cent in FY 2017-18 to Rs 157 crore from Rs 122 crore in the previous year.

    Regional news (ex-IBN Lokmat) and infotainment revenue decreased by 8 per cent to Rs 297 crore in FY 2017-18 from Rs 316 crore in FY 2016-17. Regional News (ex-IBN Lokmat) and infotainment operating EBIDTA loss was higher at Rs 115 crore in FY 2017-18 as against loss of Rs 91 crore in the previous year.

    Restated fourth quarter numbers

    The company said in its earnings press release that restated consolidated operating revenue grew by 41 per cent in the quarter ended 31 March 2018 (Q4 2017-18, the quarter under review) to Rs 1,540 crore from Rs 1,092 crore. Consolidated operating EBIDTA grew by 41 per cent to Rs 61 crore from Rs 44 crore.

    Entertainment income grew by 51 per cent in Q4 2017-18 to Rs 1,228 crore from Rs 812 crore. Operating EBIDTA of the entertainment business more than doubled (increased by 120 per cent) in Q4 2017-18 to Rs 38 crore from Rs 17 crore in Q4 2016-17.

    TV18’s standalone business consists of business and general news. Standalone income increased by 12 per cent during the quarter under review to Rs 228 crore from Rs 203 crore. Standalone operating EBIDTA declined to 20 per cent in Q4 2017-18 to Rs 50 crore from Rs 63 crore in the corresponding previous year’s quarter.

    Regional news (ex-IBN Lokmat) and infotaiment revenue grew by 8 per cent to Rs 84 crore in Q4 2017-18 from Rs 77 crore in Q4 2016-17. Regional news (ex-IBN Lokmat) and infotainment operating EBIDTA loss was lower at Rs 26 crore in Q4 2017-18 as against loss of Rs 36 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

    Network18 Media and Investments Ltd results

    TV18 is a subsidiary of Network18 Media and Investments Ltd (Network 18). TV18 has taken operational control and has increased its stake in Viacom18 to 51 per cent by acquiring 1 per cent from its joint venture partner Viacom Inc. Besides TV18, Network18’s digital and print business adds to its numbers.

    Network18 reported 16 per cent growth in its consolidated operating revenue to Rs 5,027 crore in FY 2017-18 from Rs 4,333 crore in FY 2016-17. Consolidated operating EBIDTA increased by 42 per cent to Rs 187 crore in FY 2017-18 from Rs 132 crore in FY 2016-17.

    TV18 numbers have been mentioned above. Network18’s digital and print business operating revenue increased by 12 per cent to Rs 213 crore from Rs 191 crore. Digital and print business operating EBIDTA rose by 193 per cent to Rs 31 crore from Rs 10 crore.

    Zainulbhai said about Network18, “We are continuing our investments in digital and regional content and seeing growth in most segments of our business.”

    Also Read:

    TV18 to increase Viacom18 stake to 51%

    TV18 completes acquisition of Viacom shares

  • CNBC Awaaz Goes Big With Market Hours

    CNBC Awaaz Goes Big With Market Hours

    National: CNBC Awaaz, India’s leading Hindi business news channel, today revamped its market hours by roping in an impressive line-up of expertise in stock markets analysis. The Channel will take a deep dive to decode the stock markets and their implications on the economy on Weekdays from 7 am to 4 pm.

    The veterans of capital markets include Udayan Mukherjee, Ashwani Gujral, Sudarshan Sukhani, S P Tulsian, Sandeep Wagle, Prakash Gaba, Mitessh Thakkar and Prakash Diwan.

    Alok Joshi, Managing Editor, CNBC-Awaaz says, “We remain committed towards best in class markets coverage for our audiences. Our news channel has always consciously brought forward personalities who are thought-leaders in the field of market analysis and who engage with the viewers through their impeccable judgement and knowledge. With such stalwarts on board, we aim to continue to dominate the Hindi Business News space.”

    Udayan Mukherjee, Consulting Editor, Business News, TV18 said, “The CNBC channels have played an instrumental role in expanding the reach of business news & information in the country. From encouraging wealth creation & entrepreneurship to spreading awareness about the markets, the channels have played a multi-faceted role in the rise of Indian business and enterprise. CNBC-Awaaz is the most admired and watched Hindi Business News channel and I take great pride in contributing to its unmatched salience in the minds of Indian investors and traders.”

    CNBC Awaaz celebrated its 13th anniversary in January, 2018. For the last 13 years, CNBC Awaaz has been offering viewers the news that impacts their lives the most. The channel, through its most trusted anchors and experts, offer a wide range of news covering politics, economy, sports, entertainment and much more in the language of their choice.

  • Network18 appoints Avinash Kaul as COO

    Network18 appoints Avinash Kaul as COO

    MUMBAI: Network18, one of India’s most diversified media conglomerates, has elevated Avinash Kaul as chief operating officer. In his new role, Kaul will oversee the operations of all national and regional news channels.

    He will continue to remain the managing director of A+E Networks at TV18.

    Kaul joined TV18, one of India’s leading television broadcast networks, in mid-2014 and since then has been responsible for the overall profit and loss responsibilities of all the brands managed by him.

    Network18 recently unveiled India’s largest News Network–News18 Network at a highly successful event Rising India in New Delhi. The event marked an important milestone in the journey of the group as it transitioned the entire general news network under one brand.

    Kaul has nearly 20 years of experience across advertising sales, distribution, programming and marketing. Prior to joining TV18, he was the CEO at Times Television Network managing Times Now, ET Now and Zoom.

    According to his LinkedIn profile, Kaul is a board member of the Media Research Users Council (MRUC), an industry body that owns and manages the IRS (Indian Readership Survey).

    Also read:

    Regional to be at the forefront of content

    Network18 unveils new identity for all news channels

    Network18 emerges as the most viewed news network on youtube in india