MUMBAI: English news channel Republic TV will introduce its first set of 10-series VR (virtual reality) news stories for viewers on its digital platform Republic World next month in a move that could probably be a first for an Indian news channel.
“The future of digital is going to be (dominated by) the three areas of vertical videos, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Over 37 per cent of the content on Republic TV is being streamed live,” Republic TV founder Arnab Goswami told the audience at the Indiantelevision-organised Vidnet 2017 here on Thursday while dwelling on the type of video content that will drive digital and connect and engage with the new-age viewer. He was in conversation with Indiantelevision.com Group founder, CEO and chief editor Anil Wanvari.
VR is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds
Explaining the rationale behind betting big on digital and things like VR, Goswami said that Republic TV has 10 content partners in different languages in various states and the company was not “looking at digital as a source of income, but as a brand extension" initiative. Republic TV will have a separate VR feed on Republic World, the digital platform.
Holding forth on content, technology and bigger competitors (David vs. Goliath is his oft-repeated expression), Goswami said he sees his company more “as a content creator not a content distributor”, adding, “The future of digital will be (dependent) on the engagement levels of the content, not just the scale that you (have) built up. In a fully digitised market, we are the content creators and are at absolutely even play (compared to incumbents). It no longer depends on money. We are spending our resources on content, reporter and talent”.
Republic is offering its wide range of content with the help of media partners including Sambad, BusinessWorld, News Live, Niyomiya Barta, North East Live, Punjab Kesari, Aajkaal, S Newz, Dainik Bhaskar, Nirmana News, Kashmir Monitor and Lokmat. Community partners include tripoto.com, RSJ, LBB.in, yourstory.com, digit.in and AutoX.
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