News Broadcasting
UTV to evolve from ‘content provider’ to ‘solutions partner’
MUMBAI: Yes, production major UTV is definitely evolving with major expansion plans that promise to change the role of production houses today.
United Television is all set to expand the scope of its services to television channels by setting up a channel planning team. This strategic move has been on the cards for over a month now, and the team should be in place by the end of August or first week of September.
Interestingly, the team is not going to be directly drawn from the TV production business, but would have borne experience in the advertising, marketing and research arena.
The teams vision would largely be driven by insight; their approach being viewer driven and not just reactive to current trends but being proactive to upcoming trends and motivation.
UTV is taking the leap from being a ‘supplying content’ vendor to a ‘solutions partner’ which will include understanding larger content space with viewers across segments, ability to translate learnings to address specific channel needs and ambitions as well as instilling a process of “shared understanding” with channels via “common agenda workshops.”
In a conversation with indiantelevision.com, UTV’s COO Vikas Varma explains, ” UTV products do not exist alone in the marketplace. Along with competition from shows across various channels, there is competition not only for eyeballs on TV sets but for quality time which could be spent in cinema hall, on the internet, in a restaurant or maybe just plain shopping. Our research will take everything that affects our shows into account.”
How is this any different from any other production house?
Well, UTV’s endeavour will be to continue infusing insight platforms to create continuous engagement in story. Additionally, tracking viewer engagement with story and advise course corrections will also be a part of their strategic planning.
Taking off from client servicing, UTV has plans of extensive channel servicing ensuring timely and quality delivery of quality product from inception to sustain phase. Varma adds, “That would also mean using strategic planning and ‘outside the industry creative instigators’ for ensuring creative freshness. Here we are talking of a paradigm shift in the way a traditional production house operates. So, to answer your question, this UTV team is not different from other production houses in a small way. Here we are talking of an evolution leap… no missing links in between.”
But considering the channels’ role in programming, content has evolved quite extensively, will channels be receptive to this concept?
Varma answers, “Logically, all inputs should be welcome. Star, for example, is our client and their business is very important to us. I in my old advertising avatar was doing business with Star and even Set and Zee. They have always welcomed inputs from me in the past and I am sure that will not change.
In terms of UTV’s topline and bottom line, the production house is looking at achieving taking a jump from 8.5 hours per week to 30 hours per week by the year end.
Well, surely an insightful plan of action. This might just be the start of a new evolution in the content generation space.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
