It's natural for all television channels to vie for rights to air the audio release functions of big heroes and big films. To the channels, the opportunity to grab a programme which is likely to have high TRPs and making good advertising moolah are the main draw.
However, the norm is that the audio rights are sold the channel which is also the media partner for the film. One reason is that being the media partner, the channel will give out soft stories about the film right from the time the film is in production to the time it releases. This apart, some ties, both personal and financial result in acquisition of audio function rights.
Recently, one particular news channel put in that extra effort to grab the audio release function rights of the film of a big hero. Incidentally, it also succeeded in securing the rights.
But according to gossip in tinsel ville, the channel is said to have given soft threats to the makers hinting that they would inundate their channel with negative stories if they are not sold the rights. Since the channel claims that it is now on top in terms of ratings, the makers had to give in to their demand say industry insiders.
Another channel which usually bags such rights, quietly opted out of the race to not create further problems for the unit and the movie, say industry sources.
But such developments are definitely not good for the industry as the producers will end up being scared of organizing such functions in future. Also, if one channel is sold the rights, it will surely make other channels angry.
To circumvent such problems, the producer must bear the cost of audio release function and give output links to all channels instead of selling rights. Or they must hold small functions.
Else, unhealthy developments will mar relations between the industry and media which is not good for all parties involved.
