MAM
After 2 years, Star ups ad rates
MUMBAI: Advertisers will need to cough out more to place their ads on television as two leading Indian broadcasters have indicated that they would be upping their rates this fiscal.
After a gap of two years, Star India said Tuesday it would increase the advertising rates for its bouquet of channels by 20 per cent with immediate effect.
“We expect our revenues to grow by around 15-20 per cent this fiscal as compared to 12-13 per cent in the last year. Since advertisements are the major source of income for this industry, the increase in rates will help us achieve the target,” says Star India COO Sanjay Gupta.
The other leading broadcasting company, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel), has forecast a 12-14 per cent ad revenue growth in FY‘12.
Star‘s decision has come amid rising content costs, an increase in market share and a leadership position of its flagship Hindi general entertainment channel Star Plus.
Says Gupta, “We have achieved an unprecedented growth of 30 per cent in the last two years. Today we are leaders in 18 key states of India. This unstoppable growth is riding on the back bone of significant investments, innovative content and delivery of quality of experience through technologically advanced platforms.”
Broadcasters have been pressing for a fair rise in ad rates as the cable and satellite homes in India have increased from 90 million in 2009 to 116 million in 2011, while the digital homes have almost double (from 15 million in 2009 to 26 million in 2011).
Star claims that its market share and reach has gone up substantially. However, the advertising revenue growth has not kept the same pace.
Says Gupta, “The total viewership share of the network in 2009 was 12.4 per cent, which today stands at 16.1 per cent. Advertisers should accept our increase.”
Star justifies the increase in ad rates as it has come in the backdrop of spiraling cost of talent, increased investments in technology, advanced delivery and distribution platforms as well as increased production costs.
Says Star India ad sales president Kevin Vaz, “Our network reach has increased and at the same time for the advertiser, the cost of reaching 1000 people has reduced by 38 per cent in the last two years. This rate increase of 20 per cent is just a part correction in lieu of the phenomenal growth the network has shown in the past two years.”
Some senior industry executives do not find sense in Star making a public announcement. “Why do you need to announce the hike in ad rates when you don’t do business on rate cards? The deals are signed after negotiations and advertisers always try to beat down the price. This announcement is amusing,” says a senior ad sales executive from a rival network.
Media buyers feel the pricing will be determined by the demand-supply equation.
Says Madison Media Group COO Punitha Arumugam, “The television rates are decided by the TVR performance and not by rate cards. As Star is performing, it can charge premium. It all depends on the ratings and not on rate cards.”
On the point of CPT (cost per thousand) going down, RK Swamy Media Group president Chintamani Rao believes that in India deals are not signed on the basis of CPT. “Deals are done on CPRP (Cost Per Rating Point). If deals would have been signed on CPT basis, the rates would have been much higher,” he says.
Many drivers assume basic coverage is just a formality until an accident involving someone else brings legal notices, compensation claims, and unexpected financial pressure. At that point, the real importance of car insurance becomes clear. A single road incident can quickly create obligations that are difficult to manage alone.
In this blog, you will learn how third-party online cover supports legal safety, what it includes, and why securing it online is a smart first step.
Why Third-Party Insurance is Legally Mandatory
Indian motor law requires vehicles used on public roads to carry third-party liability cover. The intent is to protect the public by ensuring there is a recognised route for compensation when a vehicle causes harm to others.
If a vehicle is driven without this cover, penalties can apply, and the owner may have to pay the compensation amount personally if legal liability is decided against them. This helps ensure that people who suffer loss are not left without support.
How Third-Party Online Insurance Works
When third party car insurance is purchased online, the proposer shares vehicle and personal details, pays the premium, and receives the policy document in digital form. The cover applies during the policy period and provides legal liability protection for others arising from the use of the insured vehicle.
If an incident leads to a claim, the process usually involves reporting, submitting required papers, and following the steps set by the authority handling the matter.
What is Covered Under Third-Party Insurance?
This cover is designed to pay for losses suffered by others when legal liability is established. The response depends on the policy terms, the evidence, and the decision made during the claim proceedings.
Bodily Injury to Third Party
If someone else is injured in an accident involving the insured vehicle, the policy can cover the insured person’s legal liability. Compensation is assessed using medical records and other supporting documents, along with findings on responsibility. Payment is made based on the final compensation amount decided in the case, as per the policy terms.
Property Damage
If another person’s property is damaged, the policy can respond to the insured person’s liability for that loss, within the limit mentioned in the policy. The amount is generally based on documents that support ownership and the assessed repair or replacement cost. Timely reporting and clear paperwork can reduce delays in assessment.
Legal Support During Claim Proceedings
Third-party claims can involve notices, hearings, and filings because they focus on legal liability. Under the policy terms, the insurer may assist in organising documents and managing parts of the defence process through appointed representatives. This can support orderly communication and reduce missed deadlines.
What is Not Covered
Third-party cover is narrow, so some common expenses are excluded. These exclusions are common, but the exact details depend on the policy terms.
● Damage to the insured vehicle is not covered, including repair costs.
● Loss or damage to the insured person’s belongings is not covered.
● Injury cover for the owner-driver or passengers is typically separate.
● Claims linked to use that breaches policy terms may not be payable.
● Contractual promises beyond legal liability are generally not included unless stated.
Why Buying Online Strengthens Legal Safety
Buying online does not change legal duties, but it can make compliance easier to maintain and easier to prove. Digital records also support clarity if cover dates are questioned after an incident.
● Digital issuance can reduce the risk of an accidental gap in cover.
● A stored e-policy can be retrieved quickly when proof is requested.
● Receipts and time stamps help confirm when the policy was active.
● Online renewals can support timely payment and avoid lapsed cover.
● Clear documents make limits and required steps easier to understand.
Conclusion
Third-party liability cover is a direct step towards legal protection because it covers losses suffered by others when a vehicle causes harm. It supports compliance and reduces the risk of penalties for uninsured driving. Buying online can help keep policy documents, dates, and receipts easy to retrieve during checks and claim proceedings. When the cover’s scope and exclusions are understood in advance, it becomes easier to stay compliant, prepared, and confident on the road.
