MAM
Value airtime to maximise resources: James Wilkinson
MUMBAI: Broadcasters need to value airtime in order to maximise their resources, James and Wilkinson Media co-founders Alan James and Jo Wilkinson said at PromaxBDA 2012.
“This asset helps in not one but four ways. It serves as your biggest marketing tool, can be used for branding, reduces off-air spends and is under your control. This is especially true in India where you can charge up to Rs two million per TRP,” explained James.
The market today is much more fragmented than two decades back and, thus, to reach out to a specific set in the audience, one needs to have a targeted marketing strategy and air time is a valuable ally in doing so.
Next on the list is setting clear objectives, outlining single-minded strategies and having effective campaign tactics. When the first two are well defined, the latter will follow. With a plethora of channels out there, these three tenets will make sure that your channel is differentiated from the lot.
Also, while deciding one’s promotional campaign, the channel needs to be clear about the demographic profiles of its audiences and the expected ROI on the campaign.
Annual planning and setting priorities by allocating funds accordingly is another aspect a broadcaster needs to pay heed to. It is important to analyse, differentiate and decide whether the priority is strengthening brand equity or delivering volumes and revenue. The ideal model is one that does both.
Things like the TRPs your channels garner, the break routines and the reach of your channels need to be kept in mind while planning promotional activities. Apart from this, other resources like the web, radio and mobile also need to be considered. Having taken all this into account, a network then needs to decide how many promotional campaigns it can sustain effectively in a week, month and a year respectively.
Aspirational targeting can lead to programme credibility, brand repositioning and future proofing the network to an extent which also helps in extending the reach of the content. The next step is to then decide the frequency to maximise the effectiveness of the creative.
“This effective frequency maybe defined as the number of times a person must be exposed to an advertising or promotional message to get a response and before exposure is considered wasteful,” says James.
Considering that audiences today use more than one screen, the idea of cross promotion is beneficial for a channel. Here too, it is necessary what to cross promote to whom. Making use of the sister channels, radio and web are tools for cross promotions that come handy in this case. Audience relevance, editorial relevance and timeliness make for good cross promotion guidelines.
A very important tool for any network is its break regime. An ideal break allows for three things – give the viewer a chance to navigate, deliver information or choice and make the broadcast network recognised. Navigation is the part that needs special attention.
There are different kinds of viewers: the programming led viewers who rarely surf, the surfers who surf moderately and the super surfers who keep jumping from one channel to another. While the first category needs to be informed, the second needs to be enticed and the third needs to be navigated.
Using on-air announcers is a concept novel to India, but has been a success elsewhere like in the UK. This tool helps contemporarise content, make the transitions and breaks seamless, and add a personal touch to the programming content to evaluate every step.
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.
