Music and Youth
MTV eyes acquisitions; but puts SS deal on hold
MUMBAI: MTV Networks is aiming at growth through acquisitions, both in the music and the kids’ space. It has, however, put its plans to acquire Chennai-based Southern Spice Music (SS Music) on hold.
“We are not pursuing talks now. But this does not necessarily mean that we will not open them up again,” says MTV Networks Asia Pacific president Frank Brown.
SS Music, sources say, was asking for a valuation of $10 million and MTV has not got back after that.
Says Brown, “We plan to have at least two-three acquisitions over the next three years. This could be in the area of radio, print, production facilities and digital media. We are also interested in local language TV channels.”
Acquisition, Brown adds, will be both for MTV and Nick. “It could be joint ventures, programming blocks, and not necessarily total buyouts.”
MTV Networks has identified two new revenue streams, each to have a business head. Digital new media and consumer products are going to evolve as businesses with potential for fast growth, says Brown. “The boom in digital new media has happened in Japan and Korea. And it is happening in China. Along with consumer products, this will be a brand extension for MTV and Nick in India as well.”
HUNT ON FOR CEO, COO
The hunt is on for a chief executive officer (CEO) and a chief operating officer (COO) even as the company is planning for growth in India. “The CEO will look at business development, new launches, acquisitions and joint ventures while the COO will be handling operations,” says Brown.
The company is eyeing launch of new genre of channels even as the direct-to-home (DTH) and the industry grows. “India is one of the fastest growing markets for us. The macro indicators are in favour of us. The youth population is rising, retail is opening up, and we see immense potential for merchandising and licensing on the back of Nick and MTV. We are strategically well positioned to ride on the boom,” says Brown.
MUMBAI: Mumbai is about to witness something it has never seen before. The Global Youth Festival arrives on 6-7 December at Jio World Garden with 15,000 attendees and 60-plus experiences sprawled across six sprawling arenas. On its sixth edition, this is no ordinary jamboree—it is a carefully orchestrated collision of wellness, adventure, arts, music, yoga and social change.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis will throw open the proceedings with a landmark ceremony, signalling the state’s backing for a movement that has already mobilised youth across 20-plus countries and 170-plus cities. The sheer scale is staggering: 500-plus volunteers powering the machine, 600,000-plus volunteer hours logged across previous editions, and millions of lives touched annually.
The speaker roster is formidable. Diipa Büller-Khosla and Dipali Goenka, chief executive of Welspun India, will share the stage with Malaika Arora in conversations spanning leadership, creativity and culture. Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Mansukhbhai Mandaviya will also attend, reinforcing GYF’s reach into the corridors of power.
But this is not mere talk. The Solaris Mainstage promises concerts from renowned Indian artists. Innerverse delivers a 360-degree LED spectacle of art, technology and sound. The Love and Care Arena houses hands-on projects spanning women’s empowerment, child education, rural upliftment and animal welfare. India’s largest outdoor sound-healing experience awaits. An inflatable obstacle course, neon drifter karts and open-sky bouldering cater to thrill-seekers.
Some have branded GYF the “Coachella of Consciousness.” Others call it “India’s Largest Sober Festival.” Spiritual visionary Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, who inspired the festival, will deliver the Wisdom Masterclass. Every rupee goes to charity.
After Mumbai comes Kolkata on 14 December. New York looms next year. For one weekend in December, Mumbai becomes the epicentre of youth-driven change—and nothing will be quite the same after.
Tickets available on BookMyShow. Visit youthfestival.srmd.org or follow @globalyouthfestival on Instagram.
