News Broadcasting
Pakraman 1, 2, 3… fatigue setting in?
MUMBAI: One can have too much of a good thing! Even cricket is not immune to this phenomenon. The following data which deals with the India Pakistan series over the past three years shows why.
Back in 2004, when India toured Pakistan after a long time, there was a huge sense of anticipation. Some of the ODIs on Ten Sports alone got TVRs of 10 and 12. The deciding ODI when DD is factored in delivered a magnificent combined TVR of over 22.
After this one would have thought that the sky was the limit. Wrong! In 2005 when Pakitan came down the maximum rating that DD was able to get was 6.68 for the ODIs. The average ratings was 4.41. This time around even with India winning the series the average rating on Ten Sports was 5.50. Ten Sports got a high of 6.86 for the fourth ODI.
For those wondering whether the sharing of feed had an impact this may come as a surprise. DD would not have added much. Ten Sports in fact managed better ratings than DD for the ODIs. Viewers clearly prefer Ten Sports to DD though the coverage may be exactly the same. It may be recalled that Ten had shared its ‘dirty’ feed with DD.
For the week 12 -18 Feb 2006 c&s 4+ Tam data shows that Ten Sports’ coverage of the ODIs got far better ratings than DD. In the Tam Top 100 c&s 4+ Ten Sports came in at number 11 and 12 for the third and fourth ODIs at a TVR of 6.9 and 6.8. The broadcaster also comes in at number 23.
DD meanwhile, came in at number 55 with a TVR of 2.7. Clearly viewers are not searching for the pubcaster on their remote control.
There is still the question of fatigue. An industry observer expressed some concern over this. After all ad rates are going up. However, he says that cricket will continue to attract a premium in terms of sponsorship as it has a passionate following that nothing else on television can match. He also points to the fact that any show once it has been on air will start experiencing fatigue. Perhaps with cricket the feeling is that it is immune.
The big question than is what kind of ratings would be delivered should India play a match with Pakistan during the Champions Trophy that takes place in September (telecast on Set Max and DD). Most observers believe the ratings will be better. That is because this is a unique event that does not happen too often (whatever may be the BCCI’s views on the matter). The same logic holds true for the World Cup. Some food for thought at a time when the BCCI has decided to have a series against Australia practically every year from 2007.
If there is a constant though in all this it is the fact that Test matches ratings were low compared to ODIs even in 2004 and will probably stay that way. Of course the period of play is much longer.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
