Business Television India
(BTVI)
Description
A View of India’s Business News Channel: Business Television India (BTVi)
Business Television India, or more popularly known as BTVi was essentially a business news channel which served the Indian viewers with all news related to economy, finance, and businesses. It had ruled the Indian business media scenario for years. Although the channel has been shut down, it always lingered in people’s minds as one of the sources to derive industry analysis along with market information.
What was BTVi?
BTVi stands for Business Television India. It was an English news channel that provided information on stock markets, money trends, business changes, and economy policies, along with industry news. The channel’s target audience included businessmen, investors, and industrialists, and generally those wanting to remain updated with financial affairs.
The name UTVi (UTV Interactive) was rechristened on BTVi in 2008. It was founded by the UTV Software Communications, known for its operations in Indian content media and entertainment.
It rechristens itself Bloomberg TV India after joining hands with a renowned global financial media behemoth, Bloomberg L.P in 2012. It easily gained a good reputation when international reporting from Bloomberg’s credibility was being witnessed for providing the right financial information.
Finally, the agreement with Bloomberg expired in 2016, and it was rechristened as BTVi (Business Television India) once again. Subsequently, it began to operate as an independent business news channel.
What’s on Offer with BTVi?
BTVi was widely known for offering detailed and up-to-the-minute information regarding:
- Market index (NSE, BSE)
- Corporate News on a Day to Day basis
- Financial results and performances
- Policy changes by the Indian government or the Reserve Bank of Indi
- Interviews from CEOs, industry leaders, and policymakers
- Financial and investment advice from professionals
The channel’s viewers were able to grasp the business business not only what, was happening in the business world, but also why it was happening.
Popular Shows and Their Anchors
A few of the famous shows telecast on BTVi included:
- The Auto Show: A story of cars and the car business.
- The Big Story: An in-depth update of the day’s most important business news event
- They provided real-time information on the stock markets.
- Wealth Manager: Money management tips, investment planning
Such programs have been designed to be both educative and interesting for new as well as old hands at investment activities.
The End of Broadcasting
Hundreds of messages had appeared on the BTVi ticker to assist the channel’s viewers after it had shutdown. That day went off: “BTVi shutting down and will go off air from August 31, 2019.” Though the reasons have not been spelt out in full, industry reports say that it was a mix of money problems and fierce competition from other known business channels like CNBC-TV18, ET Now, and NDTV Profit.
The competitive scene in Indian business news sections always has been intense. With the likes of CNBC-TV18, ET Now, NDTV Profit, and Zed Business … people have numerous options to select from. These are heavily funded, strong media connections, and longevity of good work channels. After breaking up with Bloomberg, BTVi became an independent network and had struggled to be at par in competition.
BTVi’s Past
BTVi may have ceased its operations, but its contribution to the industry is indelible. It was identified with:
- Professional Journalistic Standards
- Objectivity & Fact-Based Reporting
- Clean & Professional Look
- Simplifying Business News thereby making it easily accessible & comprehended by a layman.
In addition, it contributed towards increasing the general public’s interest in the economy and share market, especially among Indians.
WHY BUSINESS NEWS CHANNELS ARE IMPORTANT
All countries should have channels as done by BTVi because:
- Educate the masses on economic decisions that impact their daily lives.
- Aid investors and traders in prompt and intelligent decision-making
- Educate the public on the subject of money and the modes of using it
- Watchdog by questioning businesses and government.
BTVi would have shut down, but it actually made India’s business media ecosystem a bit better.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, BTVi was not just a small news channel. It was a platform through which people could be educated in an easily understandable, lucid, and practical manner related to money. BTVİ is not operational as it has shut down, but many remember it for its great content and commitment to transparent reporting.
BTVi might just be remembered in Indian corporate journalism as it evolves. It had tried to internationalize the Indian audience on various business issues. The story also has us recall that good content requires a strong business model to prop up its survival amid today’s cutthroat competitive world.