Times of India eyes Asia's ad revenues

The company says it is talking to Singapore-based companies looking to target the Indian market. From 1 October 2011, it is also set to carry local advertising on its Times Now channel, which airs on SingTel’s mioTV.

The group comprises key print and online publications The Times of India and Economic Times, 22 radio stations, two portals and four TV stations.

Nilanjan Bhowmick, deputy general manager for international media marketing
The Times of India Group Singapore said the company is looking to launch more TV channels in Singapore and the region from its portfolio that also includes ET Now, Movies Now and Zoom.

Asked whether this expansion beyond India is due to that market’s highly competitive environment, Bhowmick agreed that India is very competitive, but stressed that Times of India and Economic Times are both market leading titles.

Media agencies tend to agree, saying that the Group is entering the region from a position of strength rather than weakness. “Their media properties target not only India but the many Indian expats around the region and in Singapore,” commented one executive.

The Group’s digital offerings are seen as very strong, “I would suggest those are the most attractive proposition for advertisers (outside of India) to reach Indian companies and diaspora. I would also suggest that it’s the digital properties the Group is (or should be) looking to monetize,” said another media agency source.

“With the opening of the Singapore office of The Times of India Group, we look forward to enhancing business ties between India and Singapore by offering customized media solutions across our market leader media brands,” said Bhowmick.

He added that apart from traditional media, the Group is also providing platforms for business networking opportunities through forums, thought leadership platforms and exhibitions.