The revenues of media took a beating during this lockdown period. Several TV news channels are looking at huge losses. If this trend continues for another two or three months, some channels may close the shop.
Even sales of newspapers going downwards due to rumors that newspapers spreading novel coronavirus. The ad revenue of YouTube channels has evaporated as well.
However, the viewership of General Entertainment Channels (GEC) has increased multifold.
People are switching on the TV to watch movies on these channels or subscribing to digital streaming apps. Last week TV ratings show a huge increase in viewership.
While Mahesh Babu’s “Sarileru Neekevvaru” beat the records of ‘Baahubali’ movies in terms of viewership, even Sai Dharam Tej starrer “Prati Roju Pandaag” also gained immensely. The Maruthi directed movie has garnered about 16 TVR, a record in Sai Dharam Tej’s career.
Even old films like “Rakshasudu”, “Baahubali 2” and “iSmart Shankar” had witnessed huge viewership (repeat telecast) last week.
Disney+ also began its operations in India from yesterday. It is hoping to gain huge subscriptions in this lockdown period.