News Broadcasting
Mobile video services getting more innovative in the US
MUMBAI: Mobile video services are important tools to recover investments in high-speed networks. The initial end-user experience and expectations have to be managed carefully at this stage to ensure a satisfactory uptake.
Mobile operators will then have to play the role of ‘mobile media company’ and approach the planning, developing and delivery of mobile multimedia with such a mentality-something that is already being done. Small, innovative companies can actually show how these processes can be managed successfully. Other important concepts include mobile video advertising, subscriber interactivity, product bundling and others.
Frost and Sullivan finds that premium revenues from the US Mobile Video Services Markets totaled $60.79 million in 2005 and estimates to reach $1516.75 million in 2010.
The firm notes that the future of the US mobile video services market is extremely bright. With considerable resources already committed to developing this segment, stakeholders are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a satisfactory uptake. With both linear video and made-for-mobile video content available to subscribers, the overall mobile video services market expects to increase at a considerable pace.
Frost and Sullivan industry analyst Vikrant Gandhi says, “For example, mobile multicasting networks that are dedicated to providing data services promise high-quality mobile video content at reasonable price points. This combined with technology enhancements in cellular world will make more bandwidth available for next-generation wireless data services and result in greater choice for subscribers.”
The challenge then is to offer all these services in an easy-to-use manner at attractive price points. Mobile subscribers should be able to access multiple services without a proportionate increase in pricing. For instance, subscribers may not like to pay $15 for wireless data plans, $10 for multicasting services and another $5 for other types of premium mobile video services(over and above their voice plan).
“Mobile multicasting services will require a subscription pricing of their own, as will the 3G services. Any premium content offered within these two types of services will be charged extra also” adds Gandhi
Intelligent bundling of services could provide the answer. A single subscription charge for voice, video and other data services could be offered. This will then require a close cooperation between all value-chain participants.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
