MAM
Raj targets global audiences with new design positioning
MUMBAI: Chennai-based Raj Television Network has made an effort to break away from the typical regional look and feel that most Tamil channels possess when it comes to channel design. The new design change it has unveiled on 5 June is an attempt to project a more globally accepted appearance.
The move is part of the network’s strategy to strengthen its hold on the Tamil-speaking diaspora spread all over the world. The network has a global expansion plan in mind as well.
“The change in the design strategy is part of the network’s plans to tap more global audiences. Currently we are available in the Europe. We have just made an entry in Sri Lanka on the Direct-to-Home (DTH) platform. Raj has plans to enter Latin America and North America in the next phase,” says Raj TV executive vice-president, programming and production, V Chandrasekaar.
Raj Network channels Raj TV and Raj Digital Plus were launched in Sri Lanka on the country’s only DTH platform CBNSat last week, with an eye on the country’s significant Tamil population.
“The attempt is to change that regional feeling. We wanted to give it an internationally accepted look. We wanted the new design to match the channel’s quality content, adds G Raja Ganapathy, who heads RMG David Chennai, the agency that handles the network’s creative account.
Apart from launching new logos, the network has introduced fresh animation, graphics, promos, break-bumpers and music for its channels Raj TV, Raj Digital Plus, Raj Musix and Vissa TV. The Network has used contemporary colours to project a fresh look. The way programming transitions were conveyed has also undergone a change.
“All the network channels have got new logos now. The interface designs have also been re-worked. We have also got a freshly composed music,” says Chandrasekaar.
When queried whether the network’s core audience would accept the design change, Ganapathy said the core elements hadn’t been disturbed. “Everything cannot change. We have made sure that our loyal viewers are able to relate to this new look.”
Ganapathy adds that the process is not over. “This is just the first step. Or we can say, this is the beginning of a new look. At least a year will take for the network to complete the process. What is in store is, a lot of fresh programming initiatives that will change the face of the channel,” he says.
Sony shows CID and Aahat in Raj TV
An interesting development on the programming front is that Sony Entertainment Television’s popular shows Aahat and CID taking their Tamil avtars on Raj TV from today. While Aahat, renamed in Tamil as Osai, is slotted for 10:05 pm, CID is placed in the 9:30 pm slot. Both the shows will air Monday to Thursday. A Raj TV executive refused to comment when queried whether more such associations were being considered.
Elaborating further on the programming activities, Chandrasekaar says Raj TV has now revamped its afternoon band by packing it with four soaps which are re-runs. “Earlier there were no soaps in this band. Now we are bringing some of the highly successful soaps Raj TV has in its library in this time band. We have plans to launch fresh programming here in the near future,” says Chandrasekaar.
Brands
Anurag Mittal returns to PwC India as partner
Former Barbeque Nation CFO rejoins PwC after three years
MUMBAI: PwC India has appointed Anurag Mittal as partner, marking a return to the firm where he began his professional career.
Based in Mumbai, Mittal brings nearly two decades of experience in transaction advisory, deal execution and financial leadership. He joins PwC India after a three-year stint as senior director at Alvarez & Marsal, where he led complex financial due diligence and deal advisory assignments across sectors.
Mittal is a former chief financial officer of Barbeque Nation Hospitality Limited, where he oversaw financial strategy at one of India’s largest casual dining operators. His earlier career includes a combined nine-year tenure at Alvarez & Marsal across leadership roles and nearly six years in transaction advisory services at EY.
He began his career as an article trainee at Price Waterhouse Lovelock & Lewis, making his elevation to partner a full-circle return. In his new role, Mittal will spearhead PwC India’s advisory roadmap, with a focus on transactions and complex financial engagements.
