GEC Genre: Star Plus in trouble, Colors climbs up in Week 3

Tushar Patel - Televisionpoint.com | Mumbai
The chronological order in the Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) genre is all set for a makeover as Colors has emerged as a dominant contender for the top slot.

For the third week of 2009, only 8 GRP (gross rating points) separates Colors from the current leader Star Plus. This is according to data by TAM Media research data covering C&S 4+, Hindi speaking markets. Star Plus is at 271 GRP while Colors is at 263 GRP.

Star Plus' channel share in the latest week is 25 per cent, while Colors' is 23 per cent. Colors started the year by garnering 256 GRPs and increased this to 263 last week. It is learnt that tough times are ahead for Star Plus, which has been ruling the GEC space for the past eight years now.

Zee TV comes in third place with 195 GRPs after being placed in the second position in the Week 1. Zee TV' relative channel share stands at 17 per cent, and its daily soap, Chhoti Bahu, has been able to garner a TVR of 4, while Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge has managed a TVR of 3.3.

Sony occupies the fourth position with 93 GRPs, grabbing an 8 per cent share in the GEC pie. The channel hasn't been able to hit upon the right formula for success, its big ticket show, Indian Idol, has also not been a great hit in its fourth season.

Star One and NDTV Imagine are at fifth spot with 69 and 65 GRPs, respectively, both the channels garnered a 6 per cent share each. Sab TV is at number six, with a 5 per cent share and 52 GRPs.

Sahara One has recorded 47 GRPs, while 9X has managed only 37 GRPs. Their channel shares are 4 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively.

Real Global Broadcasting will be launching its first channel, Real, a Hindi GEC in March. The channel promises to be an urban oriented GEC, with a focus on real stories featuring real people and delivering real entertainment. The new entrant promises a real competition.