News Broadcasting
UTV to evolve from ‘content provider’ to ‘solutions partner’
MUMBAI: Yes, production major UTV is definitely evolving with major expansion plans that promise to change the role of production houses today.
United Television is all set to expand the scope of its services to television channels by setting up a channel planning team. This strategic move has been on the cards for over a month now, and the team should be in place by the end of August or first week of September.
Interestingly, the team is not going to be directly drawn from the TV production business, but would have borne experience in the advertising, marketing and research arena.
The teams vision would largely be driven by insight; their approach being viewer driven and not just reactive to current trends but being proactive to upcoming trends and motivation.
UTV is taking the leap from being a ‘supplying content’ vendor to a ‘solutions partner’ which will include understanding larger content space with viewers across segments, ability to translate learnings to address specific channel needs and ambitions as well as instilling a process of “shared understanding” with channels via “common agenda workshops.”
In a conversation with indiantelevision.com, UTV’s COO Vikas Varma explains, ” UTV products do not exist alone in the marketplace. Along with competition from shows across various channels, there is competition not only for eyeballs on TV sets but for quality time which could be spent in cinema hall, on the internet, in a restaurant or maybe just plain shopping. Our research will take everything that affects our shows into account.”
How is this any different from any other production house?
Well, UTV’s endeavour will be to continue infusing insight platforms to create continuous engagement in story. Additionally, tracking viewer engagement with story and advise course corrections will also be a part of their strategic planning.
Taking off from client servicing, UTV has plans of extensive channel servicing ensuring timely and quality delivery of quality product from inception to sustain phase. Varma adds, “That would also mean using strategic planning and ‘outside the industry creative instigators’ for ensuring creative freshness. Here we are talking of a paradigm shift in the way a traditional production house operates. So, to answer your question, this UTV team is not different from other production houses in a small way. Here we are talking of an evolution leap… no missing links in between.”
But considering the channels’ role in programming, content has evolved quite extensively, will channels be receptive to this concept?
Varma answers, “Logically, all inputs should be welcome. Star, for example, is our client and their business is very important to us. I in my old advertising avatar was doing business with Star and even Set and Zee. They have always welcomed inputs from me in the past and I am sure that will not change.
In terms of UTV’s topline and bottom line, the production house is looking at achieving taking a jump from 8.5 hours per week to 30 hours per week by the year end.
Well, surely an insightful plan of action. This might just be the start of a new evolution in the content generation space.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
