HT in a new avatar

Hey guys,
I had posted something about Deccan Herald taking the e-paper route sometime back. But now my very own Hindustan Times and its Hindi clone Hindustan are also available in e-form. For the e-paper you just need to log onto epaper.hindustantimes.com and register. You can view the paper in printed format and zoom onto the stories. What more you can even hear the stories read out to you with the help of text to speech engine of the site.
Moreover, this gives you access to the current and previous six days editions at any given point of time. However, the editions beyond seven days are available only through subscription.
The electronic copy combines the best of the web and the print. You can search, email, print and zoom in on stories, pictures and even the advertisements. To read the ePaper, you do not need to download any fonts or install any special software.
The digitally processed electronic copy of the actual print edition allows you to zoom in on stories, pictures and even the advertisements to maximise your reading experience.
Access the editions any time, anywhere across the globe. In fact, the ePaper lets you read the editions even before the actual print editions are circulated. You can even access the newspaper Archives through the ePaper.
Keyword searches help you find the topic of your choice instead of scanning the entire edition.You can jump to article continuations with a single click and even share it with your friends through the email facility.
So, check it out guys. It's fun.

Global Ad agencies sizing up Indian markets

Ya, we knew that Indian ad market is growing at a rapid pace but I (being least interested in advertising after MMC lectures) was surprised to know that four giant conglomerates that dominate world advertising also control 96 per cent of India's ad market. The country's $2.7 billion ad biz is growing at 13 per cent annually. There are 250-odd TV channels, up from 100 five years ago, while scores of new newspapers, magazines, and Web sites present fresh opportunities. To know more click below
http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2005/dec/19bspec.htm

Here it comes. The IBN thing

Global Broadcast News, a Television Eighteen group company today launched its fully-owned and operated general news channel, CNN-IBN. The channel will be available for cable & satellite television viewers across India starting today.

Commenting on the launch, the Hon'ble Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Mr. Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi said "I think that in the days to come, months to come and years to come, CNN-IBN shall make a mark in the history of India's electronic media as well as provide a new light, a new direction, a new goal in the centre of the fourth estate which will strengthen this pillar of Indian democracy. I wish CNN-IBN's new venture good luck"

CNN-IBN is a joint venture between Raghav Behl promoted TV18 group,CNN, Rajdeep Sardesai and Samir Manchanda. The launch of CNN-IBN will mark the return of Rajdeep Sardesai to the television screen. Recently CNN-IBN had roped in Dilip Venkatraman as Director of Marketing and Sanjay Dua as Head of Advertising Sales to add to the already existing strong team at TV 18 group.

Let's see how they fair in direct competition with NDTV. My bets on NDTV. You put yours.

Half the population on FM

The Indian govt has big plans with one of the most ambitious being to cover 50 per cent of the population through FM stations. Twelve satellite radio channels on DTH platform are available throughout the country (except the Andaman and Nicobar Islands). The primary grade signal is available to 91.42 per cent by area and 99.13 per cent by population. After completion of the 10th Plan schemes, it would increase to 92.92 per cent by area and 99.49 per cent by population, said Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunshi in the House.

Advertisers go for young blood

Marketers love them, brands want them and companies are doing everything they can to woo them. Young people are angst-ridden but positive. They are willing to experiment with new things and new ideas. To connect with young people and young minds, it is important for brands to be young and desirable. Thus, the ‘Grow Young’ philosophy.

E-paper on its way

Now this is new.
Deccan Herald has taken the e-paper route after recently effecting changes in the size of its print version. Sister publications, daily ‘Prajavani’ and magazines ‘Sudha’ and ‘Mayura’, are also expected to take an e-avatar soon. Currently, there is no charge to access Deccan Herald’s e-paper.
While news via SMS is expected to happen in some time, the publication also believes that there is a possibility of advertising on the e-paper to take off as well. However, no time line has set been set for this so far.

Grassroot journalism in Chittoor

Hey, I have come across this website www.hoot.org. It's a great website for people related to media and hosts useful information regarding stats, news, jobs etc. There was this article on grassroot journalism in chitoor, however, that caught my attention. Leading by an example again, Andhar Pradesh can boast of this publication being run by women, most of them dalits.Rural women handle all the reporting, writing, editing, layout, artwork, photography and even circulation. Read the full text by clicking on link below.
http://www.thehoot.org/story.asp?storyid=Web61952349Hoot63833%20PM1506&pn=1

Indian newspapers sales grew by 8 % in 2004

I'ts interesting : Three-quarters of the world’s 100 best selling dailies are now published in Asia. Indian newspaper sales increased 8 percent in 2004, Pakistani sales 3 percent.
In Bolivia, only 5 percent of the population buys a new newspaper occasionally.
In Bosnia, 53 percent of adults have no confidence in any print media.
There is no printing press in Equatorial Guinea and newspapers are photocopied.
Indian newspapers, published in 18 languages, include not only bi-lingual but tri- lingual publications.
In Jordan, where dailies are obliged by law to have a minimum capital of 700,000 US$, there is also a legal obligation for editors-in-chief to have ten consecutive years as a journalist before they can be appointed.
In Mozambique, the chief distribution means for dailies is by fax. These fax publications consist of four pages, including ads.
The Uzbek government has invented newspapers without news. Private newspapers are allowed to publish advertising, horoscopes and other features - but no news.
For more of stats and such interesting tit bits click on link below
http://thehoot.org/story.asp?storyid=Web202159222205Hoot60818%20PM1645&pn=1

Welcome to my blog

Hi people,
It's good to see you navigate to my blog on media and related news. I had been continuously searching for a blog that discusses media issues frequently and with much more interest. To my dismay, there were not many posts around which talk about media. The scene of Indian media was more pathetic. I would try to update this post with latest news from media industry for the benefit of all, especially Mass Communicaties who need it all the more. I would also love to see you guys share the developments coming your way. Looking forward to your responses.
Manu