WATBlog met up with TN Prabhu CEO of UTV New Media which is the digital arm of UTV Media and handles properties like Techtree (acquired by acquiring IT Nation), UTVi.com and UTVatplay.com the entertainment downloads portal.
During our discussion with Prabhu we came to know the following about UTV Media ‘s Future plans:
UTV’s Content Focus & Strategy
UTV New Media will look at creating media properties that help users discover, compare and recommend. This could be across verticals like tech, entertainment and so on. The three main verticals that UTV New Media is currently focussing on is Tech (via Techtree, CXOToday and other ITNation properties), Personal Finance (UTVi.com) & Entertainment (UTVatplay.com).
Sharper focus for properties & Mobile foray
Techtree will soon have a sharper focus and will launch a WAP site and a Mobile application. UTVatplay is also working on a mobile foray which will drive revenues.
Increase in revenue from Mobile channels. Break even in 8 months.
UTVi currently earns 20% of revenue from mobile and 80% via online advertising. Prabhu expect this to change to a 40:60 ratio in a years time. The overall contribution of UTV New Media to the overall UTV business would be around 4-5 %. UTV New Media expects to breakeven in 6-8 months.
View on Online Video
Prabhu said that they are deliberately staying limited in their initiatives with regards to online video. They first want to establish the identity of their properties in a big way and then look at launching multiple video initiatives. Just to point out Techtree has already intiated Video section called Techtree.tv which has tech and gaming reviews.
We have shot a WATShow with Mr.Prabhu which we shall be releasing soon. So stay tuned!
