ITV

Tag: viewership

  • TV news explodes as Operation Sindoor captures India’s attention

    TV news explodes as Operation Sindoor captures India’s attention

    MUMBAI: TV news viewership in India rocketed during the week of 3 to 9 May, driven by the high-octane drama of Operation Sindoor —a military blitz by Indian armed forces against terror hubs in Pakistan.

    Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India reported a staggering 507 million viewers tuning into news content that week—the highest weekly total since 2022. Over the three critical days (7-9 May), news grabbed 16 per cent of total TV viewing, up from its usual 6 per cent slice.

    Hindi news channels led the charge, clocking 254 gross rating points (GRPs), smashing previous highs seen during the 2024 Lok Sabha election results and major state elections. Viewer engagement spiked, with the average time spent on Hindi news jumping to 60 minutes—a 67 per cent rise over pre-operation weeks.

    The frenzy peaked during ministry of external affairs (MEA) briefings on the operation. The first briefing on Wednesday sent viewership soaring by 509 per cent. Thursday and Friday briefings saw gains of 125 per cent and 242 per cent, respectively.

    Operation Sindoor also brought 65 million fresh eyes to Hindi news—viewers who hadn’t touched the genre in the previous month. Daily tune-ins nearly doubled, leaping from 73 million to 142 million.

    In the Hindi-speaking market (HSM 2+), the news genre’s share of TV content surged from three per cent to 13 per cent, with the 15+ age group soaring from four per cent to 15 per cent—outstripping the 2016 surgical strikes.

    Barc India said the data reaffirms television’s enduring role as the go-to medium for news during major national events, underscoring its unparalleled reach and influence.

  • JioHotstar hits 200 million paying subscribers as Uday Shankar eyes domestic growth

    JioHotstar hits 200 million paying subscribers as Uday Shankar eyes domestic growth

    MUMBAI: JioStar India’s JioHotstar  has reached a milestone of 200 million paying subscribers, making it “one of the biggest streaming services anywhere in the world,” according to vice-chairman Uday Shankar. The rapid subscriber growth since JioStar’s merger validates the company’s belief that “Indians are willing to pay” for content, albeit at “very aggressive” pricing.

    “Our challenge is not to compete with someone. Our challenge is to create a much bigger market,” Shankar said on an interview with BloombergTV’s  Haslinda Amin. “We want to get into every household. We want to be if there is a connected device, we want our content to surface there. We want to be the destination for every Indian who has access to connectivity and data to come in every day for all their requirements of premium content.  “

    The streaming service, backed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, appears well-positioned to weather global trade tensions. As tariffs roil international markets, JioStar’s “heavily domestic focused” business provides shelter from the storm. “Our consumers are largely Indian. Our content and the driver content, most of it is Indian,” Shankar explained.

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) remains JioStar’s crown jewel, with viewership expected to cross 400-450 million by tournament’s end on  JioHotstar and Star Sports TV channels. However, Shankar views IPL as a “tactical asset” due to its seasonal nature, emphasising the need for year-round content in Indian languages supplemented by Hollywood partnerships.

    While acknowledging potential interest from international investors (read Chelsea club owner Todd Boehly) in IPL teams, Shankar remained coy about JioStar’s future bidding strategy: “We would be very committed to IPL… But then there is a lot of cricket going around, and it finally comes down to the price.”

    Looking ahead, JioStar aims to “consolidate” over the next 12 months by deepening user engagement for its JioHotstar service. “Now that we have got to a sizable number of subscribers, we definitely want to make sure that we get their attention more and more,” said Shankar, though he declined to provide specific subscriber targets beyond the current 200 million. ”Our focus is can we create JioHotstar as an alternative to television as a bouquet, and make sure that we have the attention of everyone every day?”

    With India facing lighter tariff impacts than other nations—26 per cent on some goods, temporarily suspended for 90 days—Shankar expressed optimism about bilateral arrangements between India and the US. Nevertheless, he cautioned that if “global turmoil” continues, “there’ll be impact on consumption, and all of us will be impacted.”

  • TAM seeks to re-enter TV ratings: Storyboard18 report

    TAM seeks to re-enter TV ratings: Storyboard18 report

    MUMBAI: The TV ratings saga in India has got a new twist, if Network18’s Storyboard18 is to be believed. According to an unconfirmed report filed with it, the erstwhile TV viewership monitoring body TAM Media is seeking to take a majority stake in its 49: 51 joint venture with BARC – Meterology Data  Pvt Ltd (MDPL), the meter management company which manages panel operations for India’s  current TV audience measurement system.

    MDPL deploys and maintains the meters that form the TV panel, as per sample design specifications and guidelines laid down by the BARC technical committee, and supplies raw data to it which in turn provides it to channels, agencies and marketers.

    To get some perspective, TAM has been pursuing the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) to issue it a licence to monitor viewership of India’s television landscape, a role it performed prior to BARC taking charge, following a section of the industry’s disgruntlement with the former. But the MIB has yet to decide on its application.

    Currently, management control of MDPL lies in BARC’s hands,  which provides TV viewership figures, while TAM provides advertising expenditure, radio listenership and sports related data.

    A section of the industry believes that with TAM taking majority control of MDPL, a reverse merger between the two would be a logical conclusion, the storyboard18 report states, quoting anonymous sources, The other option is that TAM gets a licence and television in India has two ratings agencies, which will be unaffordable to the media and advertising industry because of the huge costs involved, explains the storyboard18 report.

     It adds that TAM (a 50:50 joint venture between Nielsen and Kantar Media) will also have to undergo shareholding structural changes with media agency Group M exiting from Kantar Media (on account of conflict of interest, as per Indian regulations) before the MIB can issue it a licence. 

    Picture courtesy Hathway annual report)

  • KBC dominates non-fiction TV shows with top viewer engagement

    KBC dominates non-fiction TV shows with top viewer engagement

    Mumbai: Hosted by the iconic Amitabh Bachchan, Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) in its 16th edition continues to captivate audiences nationwide. According to BARC data (HSM Urban 15+, Week 37, 2024), KBC holds the top spot with an average viewing time of 37.8 TSV.

    In a time of short attention spans, KBC’s success in maintaining high engagement is a testament to its enduring appeal and compelling storytelling. The show’s ability to connect with viewers of all ages and demographics, along with its focus on personal stories and intellectual challenge, ensures that it consistently holds the audience’s attention longer than other non-fiction shows.

    In comparison, other shows such as India’s Best Dancer Season 4 and Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi have average viewing times of 31.2 TSV and 34.3 TSV, respectively.

  • KBC viewership soars to 24 per cent in week four

    KBC viewership soars to 24 per cent in week four

    Mumbai: Kaun Banega Crorepati, in its 16th season, continues to solidify its position. As per BARC data, the viewership of its original airings soared by 24 per cent (16 GRPs to 20 GRPs) in its fourth week and the non-fiction show registered a growth of 18 per cent, averaging 1.1 TVR in week 36.

    Its recent Olympics-special episode featuring Manu Bhaker, who took the hot seat with bronze-medallist Aman Sehrawat rated 1.3 TVR. The heartwarming episode featuring Banti Vadiva, from an Adivasi community of Asadi, in Madhya Pradesh, drew an overwhelming response, reflected in its rating of 1.3 TVR, capturing the hearts of millions of viewers.

    Throughout the season, the program pays tribute to an array of exceptional individuals, from global champions who bring glory to India like Manu Bhaker and Aman Sehrawat to selfless healthcare pioneers like doctors Ajay and Rani Bang, who have transformed lives through their tireless dedication in remote areas.

    Data source: BARC HSM Urban 15+ (week 33 to week 36, 2024).

  • Star Sports’ Wimbledon Championships 2024 sets record for most-watched grand slam

    Star Sports’ Wimbledon Championships 2024 sets record for most-watched grand slam

    Mumbai: Disney Star has set a new viewership record for major sporting events with its coverage of The Championships, Wimbledon 2024. According to BARC, Star Sports’ broadcast of Wimbledon 2024 became the most-watched grand slam ever in India. The total watch time increased by 40 per cent from the previous edition, reaching a claimed 930 million minutes. The 2024 tournament attracted 36.3 million viewers, a reported 176 per cent rise from 2023. The newly introduced Hindi coverage reached 18.4 million unique viewers, contributing notably to the viewership growth in Hindi-speaking regions such as Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP/Uttarakhand, MP/Chhattisgarh, and Bihar/Jharkhand.

    Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 2 – Disney Star’s premium sports channels for core viewers – also watched 106 minutes of the tournament on average and clocked seven per cent growth in overall watch time.

    Disney Star recorded the highest ratings ever for both the men’s and women’s finals across any grand slam. The men’s singles final, featuring Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, achieved the highest rating for a men’s Grand Slam final, with a claimed 22 per cent increase in TVR compared to the previous highest. The women’s singles final between Barbora Krejcikova and Jasmine Paolini set a new record with a reported 91 per cent increase in TVR from the previous highest, making it the highest-rated women’s Grand Slam final.

    Disney Star head – sports Sanjog Gupta said, “Star Sports has taken the tradition and prestige associated with Wimbledon to new viewers this year. Our production efforts entailing live coverage in Hindi, programming efforts entailing improved surround programming and highlights in Telugu and Kannada and marketing efforts entailing a consideration-driving 360-degree campaign have piqued the interest in the ‘Grandest Slam’, fuelling its growth. The enhanced viewing experience served to Tennis fans and viewers of Star Sports Select network has also fuelled a significant boost in engagement metrics.”

    All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) commercial and marketing director Usama Al-Qassab said, “Broadening our audience in India is key for Wimbledon to achieve its global targets. Disney Star is a critical partner and has contributed significantly to the exponential growth of the Wimbledon brand which has never been stronger in India. We look forward to building on those results in 2025.”

    Indian legend and Tennis Hall of Famer, Vijay Amritraj provided expert insights on the matches and engaged with the biggest celebrities building the Indian context for the tournament including Sachin Tendulkar, Aamir Khan, Rohit Sharma, Sidharth Malhotra, and Kiara Advani. The surround programming shows like Wimbledon Daily Live, Wimbledon Daily Review, and Wimbledon Heroes witnessed a growth of 231 per cent in reach and 71 per cent in consumption compared to the previous edition. The shows and packaged highlights in Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada reached out to an additional 14 million viewers who sampled the marquee property for the first time. The gripping action on the grass courts notwithstanding, Wimbledon 2024 on Disney Star delivered a viewing experience like no other. Star Sports had six sponsors on board for The Wimbledon Championships 2024 – Jaquar, ICICI Prudential, Amul, Castrol Edge, OnePlus, and LIC.

    Source:

    BARC data for 2+U+R

  • Aaj Tak Tops Charts across platforms with Unmatched Viewership on Union Budget 2024 Coverage

    Aaj Tak Tops Charts across platforms with Unmatched Viewership on Union Budget 2024 Coverage

    Aaj Tak has set new benchmark with its coverage of the Union Budget 2024, reinforcing its position as the leading Hindi news channel. According to the latest BARC data, Aaj Tak was the most-watched channel during the Finance Minister’s live speech as well as throughout the budget day.

    During the live telecast of the Finance Minister’s speech on Union Budget 2024, which took place on 23rd July from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Aaj Tak led the Hindi news segment with a notable 15.2% share, demonstrating its dominance in the coverage of this crucial event. Throughout the entirety of Union Budget Day, Aaj Tak continued to lead with a 14.9% viewership share, highlighting its absolute dominance and audience engagement over the 24-hour period.

    In addition to its success on traditional television, Aaj Tak also achieved a significant milestone in the digital realm. The channel’s YouTube Live stream during the FM speech garnered an impressive average concurrent user count of 127.9k. This achievement underscores Aaj Tak’s leadership and impact in digital news viewership, further cementing its role as a key player in both traditional and online media.

    Source: BARC |HSM | 15+ | 23-07-2024 | 11:00:50 – 12:28:24 Hrs | Gross AMA’000

    Source: BARC |HSM | 15+ | 23-07-2024 | 24 Hrs | Gross AMA’000

    Source: Ratingology | YouTube Live | 23-07-2024 |11:00-12:27 Hrs | Average Concurrent Users

  • Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 reaches historic 2.7 crore viewers

    Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 reaches historic 2.7 crore viewers

    Mumbai: Launched on 10 March 2024, this season of Asianet’s Bigg Boss Malayalam captivated audiences with 25 dynamic contestants from diverse backgrounds, offering a rich tapestry of conflicts, friendships, romances, physical challenges, and strategic games. This season’s grand finale reached a historic viewership milestone, making it the highest-rated season ever in the show’s history.

    Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 maintained stellar ratings throughout its run, underscoring the deep connection between Asianet and its dedicated viewers. The show not only dominated television but also made waves on digital platforms, becoming a cultural phenomenon among Malayalis. In Kerala alone, it reached an astonishing 2.7 crore viewers (Source: BARC 2+U+R).

    The magnetic presence of host Mohanlal was a major draw, with his charisma elevating the show to new heights. This season was packed with innovative twists, including the introduction of the power room and the unprecedented simultaneous entry of six wildcard contestants. Mohanlal’s iconic ‘A 10’ digital font presentation, cinematic narratives, CID Ramdas, live sketches in the finale, and impactful social messages like organ donation kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

    Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6’s ratings soared by 35 per cent compared to the previous season (BARC 2+ Kerala U+R). The show’s viewership on Disney+ Hotstar surged by an impressive 55 per cent. Engagement metrics also saw remarkable growth, with social media mentions doubling and voting for contestants increasing by 69 per cent. The final week’s voting alone witnessed an extraordinary 87 per cent spike in votes, showcasing the show’s immense popularity and viewer investment.

    The success of Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 was amplified by its esteemed sponsors. The show was title sponsored by Ski Ice Cream and co-presented by Atomberg, Amruthaveni, Domex, and Lloyd. Key partners included India Gate, Britannia Good Day & Comfort, with Dazller Eterna as the beauty partner and Gold Winner as the health partner. Special partners featured 7Up, Squad, and Tang, while co-sponsors included K.P. Namboodiris, Premier Tissues, Milma, M4Marry.Com, Exo Gel, Kerala Matrimony, AirTel, Veranda Race, Peet & Joe, Eastern, John’s Umbrella, MyG, MI, and Confidence Group. The Prize Sponsor for the season was Confident Group.

    Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 6 has not only set a new benchmark for reality TV but has also become an integral part of Malayali culture, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

  • Aaj Tak dominates exit poll concurrency, sets streaming viewership records

    Aaj Tak dominates exit poll concurrency, sets streaming viewership records

    Mumbai: Aaj Tak dominates exit poll concurrency, surpassing all competitors combined as streaming takes front seat in media consumption planning. Aaj Tak in a remarkable demonstration of its unparalleled reach and emerged as the leading news channel in India.

    According to the latest viewership data, Aaj Tak’s exit poll coverage garnered an audience greater than two to three times the combined viewership of all other Hindi news channels on the primary feed.

    The channel resonated strongly with viewers if we combine all feeds too.  

    This was highest prime-time concurrency reported by any news channel in the last one year.

    Aaj Tak’s success is matched by its sister channel which too maintained no1 position across the four hours of 6 to 10 pm yesterday.

    This makes streaming a strong media platform for advertisers.

  • JioCinema logs over 71.5 crore views for the MI vs CSK clash

    JioCinema logs over 71.5 crore views for the MI vs CSK clash

    Mumbai: JioCinema logged over 71.5 crore views for the marquee fixture between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings on 14 April which was lit by MS Dhoni’s last-over cameo and blistering ton by Rohit Sharma. The official streaming platform for the TATA IPL amassed 933 Crore minutes of watch time and 13 crore viewers, bettering the reach of TATA IPL 2023 final.

    JioCinema commenced the 2024 season with over 59 crore views which led to 660 crore minutes of watch-time on day one. After 29 matches, over 1200 crore views and 14,800 crore minutes of watch time were clocked from 38.3 crore viewers on the platform, a 42 per cent growth in viewers compared to the same period last season. The time spent per viewer per match on connected TV (CTV) has crossed 80 minutes.

    JioCinema’s free-to-play predict and win game, Jeeto Dhan Dhana Dhan has enhanced the overall fan engagement efforts. The opening night contest saw Bhandup-based Antony D’Cruz winning gold worth Rs 50 lakhs. Over 25 viewers from lengths and breadths of the country have won an elegant hatchback, motorcycle, and a smart TV, among many other prizes.

    JioCinema’s list of digital streaming sponsors for the 2024 TATA IPL season includes Dream11 as a co-presenting sponsor, while Tata Motors, PayZapp by HDFC Bank, SBI, Cred, AMFI, Upstox, Charged by Thums Up, Britannia, Pepsi, Parle products, Google Pixel, Haier, Jindal Steel, Vodafone, Dalmia Cements, Kamla Pasand, Rapido, MRF Tyres, RuPay and Jaquar Bath & Light, have joined hands as associate sponsors.

    Fans can watch the 2024 TATA IPL season in 4K, across 12 languages, including Haryanvi for the first time, with multi-cam options, including the much-loved Hero Cam.