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Zee Kannada to have exclusive content for HD channel
MUMBAI: If there’s any broadcaster known to be a pioneer it’s the Zee Network. With a wide reach in the regional part of India, Zee already has leadership positions in Bangla, Marathi and Bhojpuri markets as per BARC data week 48. Now it wants to buck up in the Kannada market with the newly launched HD channel for its GEC.
The rationale behind the revamp and the launch of HD channel was the changing mindsets of the ambitious Kannadiga wanting to break free from things that are holding them back in life, wanting to thrive and become the architect of their own lives. Building on the consumer sentiment, a new brand proposition 'Bayasid'dha Bāgilu Tegiyōṇa', which translates to “Open Doors to Possibilities”, was planned to inspire women to rise above their circumstances and craft their own destiny.
Zee Kannada’s market share in the weeks 14-20 was 22 per cent from week average of 21-39 that came to 27 per cent (total TV). Its relative share grew by 6 per cent i.e., from 19 per cent in FY16 to 25 per cent in FY19, till week 39 (total market). The channel grew rapidly from 295 GRPs in FY16 to 546 GRPs in FY19 (week 39) and registered an 85 per cent growth in both urban and rural markets.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, Zee Kannada business head Raghavendra Hunsur said that most of the content on Zee Kannada will be showcased on the new HD channel, accompanied by the new brand proposition which will provide viewers a whole new content line up offering a complete visual experience with its new HD channel.
“We are still working out our exclusive content offering for the HD channel and will speak about it when the time is right. All our content reflects the changing mindsets of our viewers and is deeply rooted in our culture and tradition,” he added.
As per BARC data week 48, Zee Kannada stood at second position with 389247 impressions (000s) sum, followed by Udaya TV, Udaya Movies and Colors Super securing third, fourth and fifth positions respectively with 196316 impressions (000s) sum, 188975 impressions (000s) sum and 141803 impressions (000s) sum. Meanwhile, Colors Kannada garnered leadership position with 450055 impressions (000s) sum.
The channel’s overall promotional and marketing strategy included brand refresh teasers, a brand film, and four fiction promos that would bring alive the brand promise. Speaking about which genre is working well with the Kannadigas, Hunsur said that both fiction and non-fiction genres have been doing extremely well. But in terms of ratings, non-fiction offerings have been growing phenomenally year on year.
He further added, “We are also witnessing impressive growth in the fiction genre, which offers differentiated content reflective of today’s changing mindsets, deeply rooted in our culture and tradition and based on our extensive research and insights.”
He claimed that the characters and protagonists have resonated well with the audience. Giving more information about Zee Kannada’s flagship shows, he named Comedy Khiladigalu and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs (season 14), Naagini and Kamali.
Echoing the new brand positioning of Zee Kannada, the channel underwent a brand refresh with the key existing fiction and non-fiction shows that included Kamali, Brahmagantu, Jodi Hakki, Subbalakshmi Samsara, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Season 15, Shree Vishnu Dashavatara, and soon-to-be-launched Paru and Aatma Bandhana.
As per the KPMG in India's Media and Entertainment Report 2018, the Kannada segment saw a 63 per cent change in viewership in the year 2017 compared to 2016. When it comes to language-wise AdEx split based on ad value, Tamil and Marathi saw a marginal decline of 2 per cent and 9 per cent respectively while other major ones like Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Malayalam and Oriya saw a growth in their contribution to the overall AdEx in FY18.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
