GEC Genre: Colors claims top spot in Week 29

Ankit Jain - Televisionpoint.com | Mumbai
As per TAM Media Research data for C&S 4+, HSM, Colors has managed to cross the 300 GRP mark in Week 29. The channel is at No. 1 position with 308 GRPs and its share in the overall Hindi general entertainment channel (GEC) genre remains unchanged at 22 per cent.

According to Rajesh Kamat, chief executive officer, Colors, the channel has cemented its position over the months with its strategic mix of bumper reality shows and top-rated serials, supported by Bollywood blockbusters. He adds, "It's very important for a channel to become a discussion point, to be on the viewers' radar."

Despite making an impact on television audiences with its new reality show, Sach Ka Saamna, Star Plus could not retain its top position in the Hindi GEC space. It follows Colors, with 293 GRPs in the latest week, grabbing 21 per cent relative share.

However, Sach Ka Saamna helped the channel retain the No. 2 position, which was occupied by Zee TV two weeks ago. Sach Ka Saamna had a viewership share of 4.3 per cent. In Week 28, Star Plus had grossed 287 GRPs against Zee TV's 259 GRPs.

Anupam Vasudev, executive vice-president, marketing and communications, Star Plus, points out, "The tussle for leadership in the Hindi GEC segment will continue. But yes, eventually, a leader will emerge."

Reality shows create crucial drawing room buzz, but it is soaps and serials which are the staple diet, the lifeblood of every channel. That's why no GEC player will ever write off Zee TV, because many of its soaps like Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo and Pavitra Rishta have been showing an upward trend in ratings.

In Week 29, Zee TV, with 19 per cent relative share, is at No. 3 and has recorded 266 GRPs. A few weeks back, Zee TV made it to the top slot, after almost nine years, but subsequently slipped again.

It's been a good week for Sony Entertainment TV, which added 22 GRPs from Week 28 to reach 142 GRPs. The new reality show, Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao, has opened with a TVR of 3.1. The channel has managed to grab 10 per cent share of the GEC pie.

NDTV Imagine, which is only 4 GRPs behind Sony, has garnered 138 GRPs in the current week. It's much hyped show Rakhi Ka Swayamvar has recorded an average TVR of 3 in its third week, and is nearing to its logical conclusion.

Sab TV and Star One are at par with 59 and 51 GRPs respectively. The two channels have managed to grab 4 per cent share each. DD1, 9X, Sahara One and Star Utsav have garnered 2 per cent share each in the GEC pie, while Real stays put with 1 per cent share.

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai on Star Plus is the top rated show amongst Hindi GECs, with a TVR of 7.2. Balika Vadhu on Colors follows with 6.7 TVR. The other shows that made it to the Top 10 list are - Bidayi, Sach Ka Saamna, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, Uttaran, Na Aana Is Des Laado, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs-09, Chhoti Bahu and Pavitra Rishta.