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Coexistence of music channels and digital devices is shortlived: Neeraj Vyas
MUMBAI: Digital platforms are threatening the very existence of music channels today. With rising cost of licencing music, the profitability of channels has drastically dropped.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, SAB & MAX cluster EVP and head Neeraj Vyas says that music channels carry more advertising than any other genre but the slots are sold at extremely low rates. “It’s a genre that doesn’t get its due from the advertising industry. We need to wake up quickly.”
Music channels are barely making money these days but he strongly believes they deserve more. “Given the kind of eyeballs we generate, we certainly deserve a bigger share from the advertising pie and that correction is something we as a genre and we as an industry need to come together and work on. That’s going to be critical for everyone’s survival going ahead,” he says.
Vyas went on to say that it may not be viable for music channels to sustain beyond a point with licensing prices going up every year and the only monetisation avenue will be through ad sales. He is aware that stickiness to television is limited today when it comes to music. New songs are repeatedly played after which they are downloaded from paid apps. “TV will help you discover the sound and fall in love with the song,” he says. Be he warns that the happy co-existence between music channels and digital devices is short-lived and three years later the scenario will change.
The music genre gained a bit from the advent of digitisation. “Three to four months ago, the genre was decaying at around 115 to 120 GRPs. There were 16-17 channels. Today it has grown to 150-155 with consistency,” he highlights.
As far as Sony Mix is concerned, the channel will always have the quotient of playing older songs since it gains audience attraction. The music in the late last century is what Vyas calls as ageless music which is also replicated in reality shows, parties and singing contests.
The channel was launched to end the dominance of advertisement and trailers on other music channels. Moreover, the few songs played by the networks were for free from the music labels for 15-20 days. “I think what we lack even now to some extent is the playout reality. So from then till now, we are clear that we will stay musical, add more eras and variety,” he adds.
Sony Mix’s day kicks off with slow music followed by the 90s era. Later in the day, it shows mellow and soft songs followed by new tracks up till 9 pm. The last 3 hours of the night is dedicated to retro music.
The network follows cross promotional activities under their cluster of 29-30 channels along with brand strategy and brand films in its space. When asked whether the BARC ratings are an accurate indicator of viewership, Vyas said that it has taken its time. “Various developments have kept on happening from individual to household data to universe expansion. It is definitely a lot more settled than what it was a few months back” he feels.
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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.
