In 2019, the Indian media industry, worth INR 1.82 trillion, is now beginning to lose INR 25,000 crore. In the media and entertainment industry, the lockdown has had different impacts on several industries. While box offices and event management companies are taking an enormous blow, OTT services are more common than ever before. The vicious socio-economic inequalities present within one country have been uncovered by this pandemic. As with other sectors, the worst affected have been migrant workers and daily wagers. There have been multiple reports of daily wage earners who have nothing but their savings to turn to, after Bollywood movies stopped shooting in mid-March. Organizations such as CINTAA, TWICE and India ‘s Production Guild have stepped up their efforts to help these staff, as well as actors and other production houses. There can be no denying the fact, however, that the preservation of safety norms will remain in doubt even when work arrives. Impact on Box Office Absolutely nothing is certain, with theatre openings delayed, shooting on hold, and cinema halls closed. Even when theatres are open, norms of social distance and weakened livelihoods are likely to discourage people from thronging to watch films. Smaller productions can lose out, with large-budgeted films vying for release dates. Production houses will have to place prospective ventures on hold, keen on expected revenues. In other words, the lockout effect and the virus are likely to persist until FY21. TV shows TV usage has literally risen during the lockdown, with so many individuals being homebound. Viewers regularly watch the news and keep up-to – date in the middle of the turmoil with the latest developments. They also enjoy material previously existing. Mahabharat and Ramayan come to mind as Doordarshan airs. The channel is the most watched in the world for two weeks. The problem , of course, is that advertisement has been shot down, as businesses that supply revenue from networks face problems themselves. There is also a danger that it will face intensified competition from new channels after the lockdown. Impact OTT Platforms OTT media services tend to be a glimmer of hope in what are obviously dark days for M&E. Over the last few months, there has been increased use of these channels. Many people are opening themselves up and discovering them, who may never have used OTT services before. They are also getting used to the ‘pause and play’ options that are not available on dish TV operators, and are fond of them. Platforms could, of course, as with television, do with the material they already have. This pattern, however, has emphasised, among other things, the permanence of digitization. Going forward, advertisers are likely to shift their focus even more to the Internet. On Disney+ Hotstar, the Bollywood movie, Angrezi Medium, that could not have a box office release, was released. The industry has gone through a harrowing experience during this lockdown. Respite has been found online, if any. Recovery will be sluggish, but it does not deter those inside the industry. After all, it was always the art and media that provided the whole world with relief and encouragement. With Regards Ms.Sandhya Agrawal Voluntree-Indian Media Council
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