Media
Varun Kohli joins as COO of Times Network's News Broadcasting Business
As the COO of Times Network, I spearhead innovative strategies in collaboration with industry leaders, driving growth and success in news broadcasting. Leveraging my extensive experience, I aim to position Times Network as a frontrunner in Revenue Management and Operations, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Broadcasters cannot transfer operations of TV channels to third party, warns MIB
In an advisory on Tuesday, the ministry directed all permitted broadcasters to follow the policy guidelines in letter and spirit by ensuring that the operations and core functions of the channel are managed by the permission holder only. "Therefore, it is hereby clarified that the letting of the channels to any third party, including the group entities, without the prior permission of the ministry is not allowed as per the existing policy guidelines," the MIB advisory reads.
Tata Play’s loss widens 3-fold as DTH takes a hit
Tata Play’s net loss for fiscal 2024 surged more than threefold due to heightened competition in its direct-to-home (DTH) TV distribution business. The company reported a net loss of Rs 354 crore for the fiscal year ended March 31, compared to Rs 105 crore the previous year. Revenue from operations fell by over 4% to Rs 4,304 crore, while expenses rose 1.47% to Rs 4,761 crore. The DTH segment posted a net loss of Rs 247 crore, while the broadband business saw a narrower net loss and a 27% revenue increase.
NCLT allows Zee to withdraw its merger implementation application
NCLT allows ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited to withdraw its implementation application related to the merger deal with Sony Group Corp-owned Culver Max Entertainment and Bangla Entertainment.
Sony Pictures Networks India appoints Gaurav Banerjee as MD & CEO
Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has appointed Gaurav Banerjee as the new Managing Director and CEO, effective August 26, 2024. Banerjee, formerly head of content at Star India, succeeds NP Singh, who becomes non-executive chairman. Banerjee aims to enhance SPNI’s programming, distribution, and revenue, continuing the network’s legacy of excellence.
Unusual T20 cricket world cup timings impact TV viewership
The ICC T20 Men's World Cup has seen an 8% drop in TV ratings for the first 30 matches compared to 2022, despite a 4% rise in cumulative audience reach to 205 million. The average ratings have dropped 8% to 0.97 TVR for all-India male and female 2+ audiences and 13% to 1.2 TVR for all-India male 15+ audiences.
The Economic Times' "The Morning Brief" podcast wins SOPA 2024 Award for excellence in audio reporting
The Economic Times' Morning Brief Thursday won the Excellence in Audio Reporting (Regional) award at The SOPA 2024 Awards, marking the first time an Indian news podcast has won a SOPA Award. The episode, hosted by Anirban Chowdhury, discussed excessive flying, inadequate rest periods, regulatory lapses, and safety hazards in Indian pilots.
Trai suggests infrastructure status, single-window clearance for broadcasting sector
In July 2023, the ministry of information and broadcasting had urged Trai to provide its inputs for the formulation of the NBP. The Trai had issued a consultation paper on NBP seeking stakeholder comments in April. While suggesting steps to grow the TV and radio footprint in the country, the regulator has also asked the MIB to establish a credible audience measurement system for TV, radio, and OTT.
TRAI calls upon MIB to establish credible measurement system for TV, radio, OTT
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended establishing a transparent audience measurement system for television, radio, and OTT services to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It suggests revamping the existing system, expanding sample sizes, encouraging multiple rating agencies, and utilising advanced technologies. TRAI also proposes granting infrastructure status to the broadcasting sector to boost investment, streamlining processes, measuring broadcasting's impact on GDP, implementing a policy for the AVGC sector, and expanding TV reach through broadband infrastructure and subsidised schemes for underserved populations.
Nachiket Pantvaidya appointed GM of Sony Pictures International Productions India
Sony Pictures Entertainment has named Nachiket Pantvaidya as the new General Manager for Sony Pictures International Productions (SPIP) in India. He will work closely with Shony Panjikaran, the General Manager and Head of Sony Pictures Releasing International, India. Nachiket will oversee local Indian productions.
Must Watch
Anil Jayaraj quits as CEO of Viacom18 Sports
Anil Jayaraj, Viacom18's sports CEO, resigned after nearly three years. His departure coincides with Viacom18's merger with Star India under Reliance Industries. Sources revealed Jayaraj submitted his resignation on Monday, but Viacom18 did not respond to requests for comments
Dish TV shareholders reject director appointments once again
Dish TV shareholders rejected the appointment of Mukesh Chand and Manish Khandelwal as independent directors but approved the appointment of CEO Manoj Dobhal as a whole-time director. Chand and Khandelwal vacated their positions, leading to the immediate appointment of Garima Bharadwaj and Azeezuddin Mohammad as independent directors.
Delhi HC restrains unauthorised broadcast of T20 cricket world cup
Star India said it held the media rights in respect of various sporting events, including domestic and international cricket matches organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Willow by Cricbuzz strikes deal with YES Network for MLC matches
The YES Network has partnered with Willow by Cricbuzz to broadcast seven Major League Cricket matches featuring defending champion MI New York on YES television and app, as well as Willow's TV network and streaming platform. The move aims to capitalise on the growing cricket interest in the U.S. The broadcast will start with the July 5 season-opener between MI New York and Seattle Orcas.
Govt, digital news publishers discuss revenue sharing with big tech companies
The DNPA had petitioned the government to evolve a revenue sharing mechanism with big technology companies such as Google and Meta that aggregate and distribute content created by others and monetise the internet traffic generated in the process.
World Athletics signs five-year broadcasting services deal with Tata Communications
World Athletics announced a five-year global broadcasting deal with Tata Communications, making the Indian telecom major a key partner for marquee events starting with the Tokyo World Championships. The agreement aims to enhance innovation and audience engagement. Tata Communications will be the host broadcaster for World Athletics Series events, delivering immersive coverage and custom live content across continents. Strategic initiatives include expanding the sport's reach and supporting sustainability efforts.
