Mumbai: Times NOW, the leader in the English news space in India is expanding its presence in the International market. The flagship channel of Times Network, the broadcast arm of Bennett Coleman & Co., Times NOW has officially launched in the UK.
The launch of a channel like Times NOW in the UK is welcome news for the Indian diaspora that forms the largest ethnic group in the country. The affinity between the two countries has grown over the years and the proof of that would be the increased visits by the heads of states. British Prime Minister David Cameron has visited India thrice since taking over in 2010. India is the only country he has travelled to so many times in his first term in office. UK-India ties were strengthened further with the recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Britain. Therefore, the UK launch of Times NOW couldn’t have been better timed.
Times NOW — which is led by Arnab Goswami, President – News and Editor-in-Chief, Times NOW and ET NOW — is known for bringing to the fore the voice of the nation. The channel believes in bringing a change and inspiring responsible Indian citizens to do so too – hence its tagline: ‘ACTION BEGINS HERE’.
Announcing the UK launch of Times NOW, M K Anand, CEO & MD –Times Network, said, “Times NOW has had a dream journey in India where it is has remained a leader in the English news space for the past 7 years. The success of Times NOW among the viewers here has encouraged us to launch it for the Indians who live abroad and want to keep completely abreast of all the important news of their country and its growing eminence in the world.”
“The expansion of the channel in the UK market, for us, is the most important one since we launched in America in 2011, our International debut. UK is probably our biggest diaspora market. With this launch, we have just started building our presence in the European market and we intend to enter France and Germany too by next year,” Anand added.
Goswami further said, “Times NOW is not just another English news channel that is launching in the UK. The channel is launching in the country because we want to give viewers in the UK a platform to voice their opinion. Times NOW will stay true to its tagline ‘ACTION BEGINS HERE’ and will encourage the viewers in the UK to take action and not wait for others to change their fortune. Times Now, in the UK will initially focus on Indian news. However, we will be developing original content eventually for the British and global audiences.”
Naveen Chandra, Head of international business, Times Network added. ‘ With this launch, Times Network channels have rapidly reached over 80 countries in 5 continents in a little over 4 years. We are now building our local sales team and will enlist for BARB ratings soon. We have received encouraging feedback from advertisers with half a dozen clients already on board at launch. Our innovative marketing during PM Modi’s Wembley address is the start of our 3 phase marketing plan over the next six months to introduce the channel to the UK audiences’
The content:
Times Now is entering the UK with an array of shows from its popular, world class news reporting and programming. The channel will also air shows from the Bollywood industry covered by sibling Zoom, and business news evenings from 7 to 8 pm.
The shows include:
THE NEWSHOUR – The only show that attracts appointment viewing in the News genre. Covers 2-3 debates from the political/social issues that the nation faces with insightful analysis from eminent panelist. The show is presented by the Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami.
THE GAME – This weekday evening show covers events around sports, stories and interviews. Hosted by Anand Narasimhan and Tina Sharma Tiwari.
TOTAL RECALL – Nostalgia-driven one hour show that delights the viewer on a trip down memory lane. From tracing the roots of the News Television Industry in the country, to the first ever advertisement conceptualized, to tracing the inspiring career of a film personality…Total Recall looks back, relives and celebrates these extraordinary journeys. It shows interesting trivia and untouched facts of Bollywood legends.
WIDE ANGLE – All the Political news of the day in a fast paced, quick format show India 2014 Wide Angle will be a one-stop show for the viewer to catch all the political news quickly
BLUEPRINT – THE BIGGEST STORY OF THE DAY. Focus specifically on the day’s biggest story. Show format ranges from panel discussions to on ground live reports. The day’s newsmakers and the most comprehensive coverage on the nation’s hottest talking point. Also considering the show deals with the day’s most popular story there is lot of scope for social media interactivity as well.
LIVE WIRE – A comprehensive news roundup of the day in a de-packaged, seamless format which is fast & newsy in the shortest span of time.
Marketing blitz
Times Now is going all out to announce its arrival in the UK market. The channel is leveraging all forms of media including television, radio, print, digital & OOH to create a buzz around its arrival there.
Distribution plan
In the UK, Times Now will be distributed on Sky, one of the largest distribution platforms, with a reach of 12mn+ households.
