It seems to be Sony‘s turn to ride the crest of the Balaji wave.

Kkusum and Kutumb, both family soaps from the Balaji stable have peaked at all time high TVRs of 10.2 and 8.3 respectively during the week ended 2 February, according to the channel. Quoting TAM figures, Sony says the channel has steadily consolidated its position in the 9 - 10 pm slot from October 2001, when the two serials went on air. The gradual phasing out of the once hugely popular Kaun Banega Crorepati on Star Plus coupled with the mass appeal of the staple Balaji fare seem to have combined to create a winning formula for Sony in the beginning of 2002.

While Kkusum is pitched as the extraordinary story of an ordinary girl and her family, Kutumb is touted as a fiery saga of a couple who get married for revenge. Kkusum goes on air at 9 pm on weekdays while Kutumb is aired Mondays to Thursdays at 9:30 pm. The channel is attempting to strengthen its prime time band by bringing in Dhadkan, a hospital series that airs Mondays to Wednesdays 8:30 pm.

Rivals Star Plus and Zee are mustering up their prime time fare as well. While Star has launched a slew of new shows from the New Year, Zee has also introduced new programmes across genres to bring in the audiences.

Comparative ratings during the week ended 2 February, 2002

Source: TAM Peoplemeter
Daypart: 2100-2159 Mon-Thu
TG: CS Females ABC 15+ years
Markets: Northwest

News channels are girding their loins as they get ready to fight for viewership during the assembly elections in four states scheduled this month.

While Sahara has already announced elaborate coverage plans, Aaj Tak, the channel that claims the top slot among news channels, too has unveiled a meticulous strategy it plans to deploy to ensure the best poll coverage.

The channel has devised a comprehensive strategy to bring the assembly live to the nation, say officials. Dubbed Aap Ka Faisla, the coverage has started on 24 January and will continue till counting culminates on 24 February.

According to the channel, the election programming initiative has been split into three parts. The pre-election coverage will encompass the campaigns and will cover factors that could influence the elections, through a half hour programme titled Voton Ka Bandar Bant, to be aired daily between 10:30 and 11 pm. The programme includes a psephological analysis and includes a pre poll survey done for the channel by C-Voter. Anchor Gaurav Banerjee and C-Voter‘s Yashwant Deshmukh, along with expert panels comprising Prabhu Chawla and other invitees will analyse the scenario on the basis of historical data. This will include regional trends, caste break-up and political parties involved. Aaj Tak has also created an exclusive Election Room for the purpose where all data are being explained with the help of maps and graphics, say channel sources.

The second phase will involve the actual election day coverage as well as the exit polls on 13, 14, 18 and 21 February. Chunav Ke Rang, a half hour programme, will attempt to convey the livelier aspects of the entire election exercise, including interviews with chief ministers, past and present, young aspirants in the fray and will touch upon subjects like the entry of criminals in politics, giving viewers an insight into the political games and strategies. The channel is also running a special profile section called Maharathi, which will profile the political careers of some of the key players in the fray.

On the day of the results, the channel will run a round-the-clock programme subtitled Chunav Ke Akhare Se. Studio guests, five OB vans placed at strategic locations and graphics for trends and results will be employed to make the live coverage interesting. The channel, a part of the India Today group well known for its indepth election coverage, has 12 complete units at important locations along with five OB vans; apart from the existing Aaj Tak bureau offices to cover the elections live. Satellite and landline connections are being put to maximum use, says the channel.