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Tag: Viacom18

  • Bigg Boss18 used to reveal IPL team Punjab Kings’ skipper Shreyas Iyer

    Bigg Boss18 used to reveal IPL team Punjab Kings’ skipper Shreyas Iyer

    MUMBAI: There are many synergistic benefits that the merger between Star India and Viacom18 under Reliance can  -and will-  bring. And this was  an obvious one – the low hanging fruit –but it was not expected.  An IPL team announcing its captain on an entertainment reality show.

    Yes, that did happen. And it’s kudos to JioStar vice-chairman Uday Shankar and his band of merry executives. Can’t forget our man from Endemol, Deepak Dhar and his creative bunch. And to the team which ventured to do it.

    The 12 January weekend  episode of Bigg Boss18 saw, for the first time in IPL history, the Punjab Kings unveiling their captain in a way that’s never been done before—on the Bigg Boss18 stage, hosted by none other than Salman Khan! And of course the Punjab Kings skipper was revealed to be Shreyas Iyer, the swashbuckling batsman and leader.

    “We are breaking barriers between sports and entertainment. This iconic collaboration between cricket and entertainment celebrates innovation and ambition, setting the tone for IPL 2025. Shreyas Iyer, our leader, is ready to guide PBKS to new heights,” said the Punjab Kings in a post.  

    It went to congratulate “the visionary teams at Punjab Kings and Endemol for making this happen. Satish Menon (CEO) and  Saurabh Arora (CCO).”

    Added  London-based sports consultant Anduhav Roda on Linkedin: “This unprecedented move not only captured the attention of cricket fans but also showcased a brilliant marketing strategy that leverages one of India’s largest entertainment platforms By choosing Bigg Boss18 as the stage for their announcement, Punjab Kings effectively tapped into the show’s massive viewership, reaching millions of potential fans in a single broadcast The involvement of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and the involvement of players with housemates added a layer of excitement to the announcement, making it a memorable moment for both cricket and reality TV fans This approach allowed for a more personal connection with fans, as they witness their favorite players in a familiar entertainment setting. This not only sets a new precedent for how sports franchises can engage with audiences but also highlights the growing intersection between sports and entertainment in India.”

    However, a senior media planner who was not willing to be identified said this was only possible as both the streaming and television telecast rights for the IPL are now  under one roof –that of JioStar. Says she: “Earlier it was not possible as both Viacom18 and Disney Star had to be on tenterhooks in case one objected to the other’s innovation.”

    Let’s hope the merger gives us a lot more surprises – like the one Punjab Kings did. 

  • Vikas Khanna appointed cluster head emerging markets at Jiostar

    Vikas Khanna appointed cluster head emerging markets at Jiostar

    MUMBAI: Vikas Khanna has been appointed as cluster head for emerging markets at JioStar, bringing over 25 years of experience in media and entertainment. Known for driving business growth and scaling revenue above Rs 250 crore, Khanna has excelled in profit center-management, public policy advocacy, and sales across print, radio, television, and live events.
    Previously, Khanna led critical clusters at Viacom18, including Colors Marathi and Colors Gujarati, achieving significant revenue growth. He was in the driver’s seat doing sales for the kids’ cluster for five years, first only for the north and  east, and then on a national level.  His assignment with Viacom18 kept him occupied for 17 years in all. His strategic focus on analytics, collaboration, and team leadership has consistently delivered strong results. 

    Khanna’s expertise also includes launching branded content solutions, fostering government partnerships, and spearheading innovative revenue streams in the media industry. A graduate of Delhi University, with further qualifications from the Indian School of Business and Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan,  he has now moved to Mumbai from Gurugram.

  • Arijit Basu joins Spotify as sales director – media, entertainment & finance in India

    Arijit Basu joins Spotify as sales director – media, entertainment & finance in India

    MUMBAI:  His new job is like music to his ears  like it was around 12 years ago.  Arijit Basu, a distinguished professional in sales and business development, has embarked on a new chapter in his career as the director of sales – media & entertainment and finance, India at Spotify. Basu brings nearly 20 years of experience to the world’s leading music streaming platform.

    Sharing his enthusiasm for the role, Basu announced on social media:”Am really excited to share that I will be starting a new position at Spotify as director of sales – media & entertainment & finance, India! Looking forward to collaborating and doing some stellar work.”

    Basu’s career is defined by a series of impactful roles that showcase his expertise in sales, business development, and digital marketing:

    * Vice-president – growth & strategy at BC Web Wise (Feb 2022 – Sep 2024): Championed growth initiatives, spearheaded digital marketing campaigns, and drove business development for two and a half years.
    * Head of business development at Arré (May 2018 – May 2021): Led strategic partnerships and sales..
    * Director – Head of sponsorship (west) at Viacom18 (Jan 2013 – May 2018): Played a pivotal role in driving sponsorship strategies for youth and English entertainment segments.
    * National sales lead for Sunburn Music Festival at Percept D Mark (Jan 2010 – Dec 2012): Contributed significantly to establishing Sunburn as a leading music festival in India.
    * Senior manager at Vh1 India (Apr 2006 – Sep 2009): Expanded the channel’s business footprint during his tenure.

  • Reliance, Viacom18 & Disney joint venture comes into effect

    Reliance, Viacom18 & Disney joint venture comes into effect

    MUMBAI:  It has taken its time to take its form, but it’s finally got there. Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Viacom 18 Media (Viacom18) and The Walt Disney Co  (Disney) today announced that following the approval by the NCLT Mumbai, Competition Commission of India (CCI) and other regulatory authorities, the merger of the media and JioCinema businesses of Viacom18 into Star India Pvt Ltd (SIPL) has become effective (the JV). In addition, RIL has invested Rs 11,500 crore ($ 1.4 billion) into the JV for its growth. The latter has  in turn allotted shares to Viacom18 and RIL as consideration for the assets and cash, respectively. 

    The transaction values the JV at Rs 70,352 crore (US$ 8.5 billion) on a post-money basis, excluding synergies. At the closing of the transactions noted above, the JV is controlled by RIL and owned 16.34 per cent by RIL, 46.82 per cent by Viacom18 and 36.84 per cent by Disney.  

    Nita M. Ambani will be the chairperson of the JV, with Uday Shankar as vice chairperson providing strategic guidance to the JV. 

    The JV is home to the most iconic and engaging media brands in India across TV and digital platforms. The combination of Star and Colors on the television side and JioCinema and Hotstar on the digital front will provide extensive choice of content across entertainment and sports to viewers in India and globally. 

    A press release issued by the trio hailed the JV as heralding a new era in India’s entertainment industry for consumers. This unique joint venture of Reliance and Disney brings together the companies’ content creation and curation prowess, world-class digital streaming capabilities along with a digital first approach that will help the JV deliver unparallelled content choices at affordable prices to Indian viewers and the Indian diaspora globally.  

    The JV will be one of the largest media and entertainment companies in India with pro forma combined revenue of approximately Rs 26,000 crore (US$ 3.1 billion) for the fiscal year ended in March 2024. The JV operates over 100 TV channels and produces 30,000 plus hours of TV entertainment content annually. The JioCinema and Hotstar digital platforms have an aggregate subscription base of over 50 million. The JV holds a portfolio of sports rights across cricket, football and other sports.  

    The CCI  approved the transaction on 27 August 2024, subject to the compliance with certain voluntary modifications offered by the parties. Apart from the CCI, the transaction has been approved by anti-trust authorities in the EU, China, Turkey, South Korea and Ukraine. 

    “With the formation of this JV, the Indian media and entertainment industry is entering a transformational era,” said RIL chairman & managing director Mukesh Ambani. “Our deep creative expertise and relationship with Disney, along with our unmatched understanding of the Indian consumer will ensure unparalleled content choices at affordable prices for Indian viewers. I am very excited about the JV’s future and wish it all the success.” 

    “This is an exciting moment for our two companies, as well as for India’s consumers, as we create one of the top entertainment entities in the country through this joint venture,” said Disney CEO Bob  A. Iger. “By joining forces with Reliance, we are able to expand our presence in this important media market and deliver viewers an even more robust portfolio of entertainment, sports content, and digital services.” 

    “James and I are excited to be partners in this journey to disrupt the media and entertainment industry in India. The new organisation is committed to deliver an unprecedented level of creativity, disruption and new age consumer experience,” said Bodhi Tree Systems co-founder Uday Shankar. “As media consumption continues to move to an integrated TV-digital ecosystem, the merger of Viacom18 and Star India offers a unique opportunity to reorient the industry to better serve diverse cohorts of consumers across the country. Together, we aim to build India’s largest integrated media platform which will deliver unparalleled experiences in innovative and exciting ways.”

    Media observers agree. Says one of them: “This is a win-win for both the Mukeshbha-run RIL and Disney. The have the extremely skilled and talented Uday Shankar on their side of the fence. They can only grow in strength from hereon. And their opponents in the sector – Zee, Sony, Warner Bros Discovery, Sun TV , Google, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Microsoft  –  look like midgets compared to the giant that has been created.  For sure, in the coming years we are going to see attempts by the others to agglomerate and get scale for themselves. Not just consumers the entire sector is in for shakeups and exciting times.”

     

  • Superb Ideas Trending’s ‘Pati Patni Aur Baby’ moves to Colors

    Superb Ideas Trending’s ‘Pati Patni Aur Baby’ moves to Colors

    Mumbai: As 2024 comes to a close, Colors presents Pati Patni Aur Baby, the popular YouTube series from Superb Ideas Trending, bringing its family humour to television. This series, featuring relatable marriage and family sketches, showcases Chhavi Mittal as the demanding Rohini, Karan Veer Grover as her loving husband Rishi, Pracheen Chauhan as Abhimanyu, Pooja Gor as his wife Meera, and Shubhangi Litoria as Baby, the mischievous house-help. Every family can see their day-to-day life come alive in ‘Pati Patni Aur Baby’, premiering on 18 November and airing at 12:30 pm every day only on COLORS.

    With Colors’ wide audience and Superb Ideas Trending’s signature humour, Pati Patni Aur Baby captures the chaos of Indian households and fits seamlessly into Colors’ lineup of relatable and engaging content. The series’ portrayal of daily family life has gained millions of fans, and its move to Colors will bring families together with laughter, extending the show’s reach and impact.  

    Superb Ideas Trending founders Chhavi Mittal & Mohit Hussein jointly said, “We’re thrilled to join hands with Colors to bring our popular YouTube series to television with Pati Patni Aur Baby. At Superb Ideas Trending, our goal has always been to tell stories that every family member can connect with, stories that make you laugh and think about the peculiarities of life. Moving to Colors feels like an exhilarating progression for the show, and we’re excited for more families across India to enjoy the entertaining rollercoaster of Pati Patni Aur Baby in their living rooms with their loved ones. We hope that families across India will find their own stories in the fun and relatable characters of the show. A huge thanks to Colors for welcoming our content into its programming, making it accessible to a larger audience base.”

  • boAt partners with MTV Hustle 4 to amplify Indian hip-hop culture

    boAt partners with MTV Hustle 4 to amplify Indian hip-hop culture

    Mumbai : boAt, India’s leading audio wearable brand, is thrilled to announce its sponsorship of MTV Hustle 4- Hip Hop Don’t Stop, India’s premier hip-hop reality show. This partnership underscores boAt’s commitment to empowering creative expression and individuality, solidifying its position as a cultural icon resonating with the nation’s youth.

    From the streets to the spotlight, hip hop has emerged as the voice of India’s new generation, and boAt is committed to amplifying this movement. As Indian hip hop continues to break barriers and reshape cultural norms, boat is proud to support a platform that ensures these artists are heard, driving the culture forward with each beat. Hip hop has redefined how young India engages with music, fashion, and lifestyle, and boAt is excited to be a part of this transformation, empowering the next wave of creative talent to rise.

    boAt’s association with MTV Hustle 4 aligns seamlessly with the brand’s vision to foster a vibrant music ecosystem. The show’s platform will provide boAt with an unparalleled opportunity to connect with a passionate audience of hip-hop enthusiasts and music lovers across India. By supporting emerging talent and celebrating the rich tapestry of Indian hip-hop, boAt aims to inspire and empower the next generation of artists.

    “We are excited to partner with MTV Hustle 4, a show that has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s hip-hop landscape,” said, co-founder and CMO boAt Aman Gupta. “Our brand resonates with the energy, passion, and authenticity that the show embodies. Through this collaboration, we aim to amplify the voices of talented artists and contribute to the growth of the hip-hop culture in India.”

    As a brand that has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged conventions, boAt’s association with MTV Hustle 4 is a natural extension of its commitment to innovation and cultural relevance. The partnership will see boAt actively engage with the show’s audience through various initiatives, including product integrations, brand activations, and social media campaigns.

    Viacom18, head – youth, music, and English entertainment cluster Anshul Ailawadi said: MTV Hustle amplifies the voice and sentiment of India’s youth on a global stage. Since desi hip hop is about showcasing creative innovation, we’re happy to collaborate with a popular youth-centric brand like boAt, as they are influencing youth culture too, with differentiated tech experiences. I’m sure that our collaboration will drive a deeper connect with the young music communities across urban India.

    MTV Hustle 4 is set to captivate audiences with its high-octane performances, intense battles, and inspiring stories. With boAt’s support, the show promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for viewers and elevate the hip-hop scene in India to new heights.

  • Disney Star and Viacom18 merger: Major leadership shakeup unfolds

    Disney Star and Viacom18 merger: Major leadership shakeup unfolds

    Mumbai: The entertainment landscape is buzzing with news of a seismic shift as Disney Star, country manager and president, K. Madhavan steps down after a remarkable 15-year tenure. This pivotal change comes in the wake of the impending merger between Disney Star and Viacom18, signalling a new era for the companies involved. The industry watches closely as this merger reshapes leadership dynamics and strategic directions.

    Madhavan’s departure is not just a personal milestone; it marks a significant transition for Disney Star, which has been a powerhouse in the Indian media sector. His leadership has been instrumental in steering the company through various challenges, including changing viewer preferences and fierce competition in the streaming space.

    Disney+ Hotstar head, Sajith Sivanandan, another key player at Disney Star, also announced his exit, further emphasising the magnitude of this restructuring. Both executives have played crucial roles in defining the company’s vision and operational strategies. Their resignations raise questions about the future leadership structure as the merger progresses.

  • Charuta Saoji joins Viacom18 as Colors marketing head, leaving L’Oréal

    Charuta Saoji joins Viacom18 as Colors marketing head, leaving L’Oréal

    Mumbai: In a notable move within the marketing and media landscape, Charuta Ambardekar Saoji has joined Viacom18 as the vice president and head of marketing for Colors, the network’s flagship entertainment channel. Saoji’s transition from L’Oréal, where she served as marketing director, marks a strategic shift in her career towards the dynamic world of television.

    Saoji brings with her a wealth of experience in brand management, having successfully spearheaded campaigns for several high-profile brands at L’Oréal. Her appointment at Viacom18 comes as Colors continues to seek innovative ways to engage audiences and strengthen its market position in the highly competitive television space.

    Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Saoji stated, “I am thrilled to join the Viacom18 family and look forward to shaping the future of Colors’ brand strategy. It’s an exciting time for the channel as we explore fresh approaches to content and audience engagement.”

    This move comes at a crucial time for Viacom18, as the company aims to further consolidate its leadership position in the entertainment industry. Saoji’s expertise in consumer insights and her ability to craft compelling marketing narratives are expected to play a pivotal role in driving Colors’ growth trajectory. The channel, known for its wide range of popular shows, stands to benefit from her leadership in enhancing brand communication and expanding its reach across diverse audience segments.

    Prior to this, Saoji made significant strides at L’Oréal, where she led campaigns that bolstered the brand’s presence in the Indian market. Her experience in navigating the complexities of consumer behavior and brand loyalty will be instrumental in crafting Colors’ future marketing strategies.

    Industry insiders view Saoji’s appointment as a strategic hire that will add considerable depth to Viacom18’s leadership team. With her track record of executing successful marketing strategies, she is well-positioned to elevate the brand’s market presence.

    “Charuta’s appointment reflects our commitment to bringing on board marketing leaders who can drive brand growth through innovation and consumer focus,” said a Viacom18 spokesperson. “Her ability to understand consumer trends and create impactful brand stories aligns perfectly with our vision for Colors.”

  • Quo vadis Disney+Hotstar? Quo Vadis JioCinema?

    Quo vadis Disney+Hotstar? Quo Vadis JioCinema?

    MUMBAI: Will the joint venture between Reliance’s Viacom18 and Disney Star India result in the integration of   their respective streaming  platforms – JioCinema and Disney+Hotstar – into one?  Speculation has been running rife, and various guesses have been made.

    Initial predictions were that Disney+Hotstar would become a button on the JioCinema app. When Reliance acquired Viacom18, it had merged three streaming services under it – Voot, Voot Select, Voot Kids  – into JioCinema.  The reasoning was that Disney + Hotstar would meet the same fate, at that time.

    Then media reports appeared stating that the two would stay as separate streaming services, one for sports and the other for entertainment.

    Other pundits  had followed up theorising that premium content  would move to  Disney+Hotstar and it would continue as an SVoD service, and JioCinema would end up being the AVOD product. More  guesses followed that it would be the other way round, with JioCinema becoming the premium SVOD offering and Disney+Hotstar being the AVOD one.

    Now a report in The Economic Times has stated that sources close to the matter told the newspaper that JioCinema’s fate has been decided. That Disney + Hotstar is going to be the sole  streaming platform  that will be left after the merger because of its superior technological backend and infrastructure.

    The report also cites download numbers from the Google Play store for Disney+Hotstar which stood at 500 million and for JioCinema that were at a much lower 100 million. Disney+Hotstar, according to the ET report, had 335 million active users in Q4 2023, while JioCinema (according to Reliance’s annual report)  had reached an average 225 million monthly users. Finally, Disney+Hotstar had 35.5 million paid subscribers of June 2024 much lower than the 61 million it had when it streamed the IPL and HBO shows.

    Which way will Reliance and Disney+Hotstar swing? No confirmation or direction was given by either Reliance or Disney+Star India. Neither to ET or to any other publication.

    But let’s look at how the mouse house is working with its three major services in the US, Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu.  It offers Hulu with advertising at $10.99 a month; Hulu with no ads at $18.99 a month. Disney+  premium is offered at $13.99 a month ($139.90 per year); Disney+ standard at $9.99 ($99.90 a year) and Disney+ standard with ads at $5.99 a month. Then it offers different bundles. Disney+ and Hulu with ads at $10.99 a month. Disney+ and Hulu with no ads at 19.99 a month. The Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+  trio basic bundle with ads is available at $16.99 a month whereas the same package  with no ads can be bought for $26.99 a month.  A  Disney+, Hulu and Max bundle with ads is available for $16.99 a month;  the same without ads costs $29.99 a month.

    In March 2024, Disney+ started putting content from Hulu (which has a slight adult tilt to its programming and is geared for a general audience as compared to Disney+ which is more family oriented)   onto its app with films and shows from the latter coming alongside the Disney+ offerings.

    Disney+ had 150 million  subscribers as of December 2023 and Hulu nearly  50 million.  That  pales compared to Netflix’s latest subscriber numbers at 282.5 million, but it shows that there are many ways that streamers can be targeted and sold to  subscribers.

    Yes, the Indian consumer is a totally different beast, many may argue and she/he prefers simplicity. But throw in a deal that gives them a financial advantage and they are quite likely to go for it.

    So have we heard the last of what lies ahead for Disney+Hotstar and JioCinema? 

    Until the duo or one of the two or Uday Shankar comes on record, we, at indiantelevision.com believe we might still see some more permutations and combinations being considered before a final announcement is made. 
     

  • IndiaCast lands Fast channel DesiPlay TV on Mena region’s Starz On

    IndiaCast lands Fast channel DesiPlay TV on Mena region’s Starz On

    MUMBAI: It’s making real fast plays (no pun intended) in the middle east and north Africa.

    We are referring to DesiPlay TV,  the Fast channel, from the Mukesh Ambani-owned Viacom18.  

    IndiaCast Media Distribution (IndiaCast), the content asset monetisation arm of Viacom18 and Network18, today announced DesiPlay TV’s launch on Starz On in the middle east & north Africa (Mena), marking the Fast channel’s  availability on two key streaming platforms in the region offering audiences a diverse range of Indian entertainment content and making it accessible to a wider audience of Hindi entertainment enthusiasts across the region. 

    DesiPlay TV, a curated collection of popular Hindi television shows and Indian cinema  films, has garnered popularity among viewers worldwide. With this launch, DesiPlay TV is now available on leading Fast platforms, including Starz On, Shahid, Telus, Pluto TV, Plex, Sling, Rakuten TV, and Yupp TV, providing audiences with easy access to the rich tapestry of Indian storytelling across Mena, Americas and Europe. 

    The Fast channel vertical has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for affordable and accessible content.  The middle east, with its diverse population and growing digital penetration, presents a lucrative market for Fast channels. DesiPlay TV’s presence on Starz On, a prominent streaming platform in the region, is expected to further fuel its popularity and reach among Hindi content consuming audiences. 

    Says IndiaCast executive vice-president & head of international business Govind Shahi:  , “We are thrilled to further solidify DesiPlay TV’s presence in the Middle East through our partnership with Starz On. This expansion is a testament to the growing demand for Indian content globally. We believe that DesiPlay TV’s unique blend of entertainment and cultural richness will resonate with viewers in the region.”

    Starz On & evision head of content Sunil Joy adds:  “As part of our ongoing commitment to providing our audience with the best possible content, we are excited to announce the addition of DesiPlay TV to our platform. This partnership aligns with the growing demand for Asian content in the region and allows us to offer our viewers a more diverse and engaging entertainment experience.”