NDTV and Star India have decided to end their sales and marketing deal where Star handled the sales and marketing function for NDTV, as reported by Afaqs. This decision would mean that NDTV would now handle sales and marketing for three of its channels including NDTV 24x7, NDTV India and NDTV Profit, which were previously handled by Star India. According to the report, both organisations will work towards ensuring that the transition process is seamless. Apart from that, the current Star sales team that was working on the NDTV channels will be transferred to NDTV. In addition to frontline sales, STAR India was also responsible for commercial back-office management such as traffic, scheduling, billing and collections as well, which will be henceforth handled by NDTV. NDTV claims that the transition will ensure close integration with a number of initiatives that NDTV plans to launch. It's interesting to note that NDTV had signed a deal with Star India to handle to advertising sales for the three channels of the group for a period of five years in April 2011. Prior to that, Raj Nayak founded Aidem Ventures handled sales for NDTV. NDTV's fourth channel, NDTV Lifestyle, is still handled by Aidem Ventures. Other developments: NDTV reported a net loss (consolidated) of Rs 14.68 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2012. NDTV is also at loggerheads with WPP in a spat over TAM Ratings.
