ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • TV9’s Manish Kumar Jha wins big as honest voice of global journalism

    TV9’s Manish Kumar Jha wins big as honest voice of global journalism

    MUMBAI: In a world where headlines often blur the line between noise and news, TV9 Bharatvarsh’s executive editor Manish Kumar Jha has made India’s voice ring clear and credible on the global stage. Jha was honoured with the ‘Honest View 2025’ International Media Award in Moscow on 29 October 2025, a distinction that celebrates truth-driven journalism in an era of polarised narratives.

    The award part of the Honest View International Competition of Information Projects for Foreign Media, now in its fourth edition recognises excellence in global journalism that champions objectivity, factual integrity, and balanced storytelling. Each year, it spotlights journalists and media projects that illuminate international affairs with nuance and honesty, particularly in their coverage of the Russian Federation’s humanitarian and global engagements.

    Jha received the award in the ‘Best Journalism & Documentary’ category for his gripping reportage on the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ shelling of the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), a story that demanded both courage and clarity. His coverage combined on-ground observation with deep geopolitical insight, presenting an unflinching account of one of the world’s most sensitive conflict zones.

    With a career spanning over two decades and 25 countries, Jha has become one of India’s most seasoned and respected voices in international relations, defence, and conflict reporting. From exclusive interviews with world leaders to ground reports from war zones, his work embodies journalism that informs, contextualises, and connects.

    Congratulating Jha on the honour, the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in India extended its appreciation on X (formerly Twitter), commending his contribution to “cross-cultural understanding through truthful storytelling” and wishing him continued success in advancing ethical journalism across borders.

    TV9 Bharatvarsh, managing editor Paritosh Chaturvedi lauded the recognition, calling it “a proud moment not just for the network, but for Indian journalism at large.” He added, “Manish’s work exemplifies our newsroom ethos fearless, factual, and global in perspective. His achievement reinforces TV9 Bharatvarsh’s commitment to telling stories that matter, beyond borders and biases.”

    The accolade also reflects the growing global footprint of TV9 Network, which has steadily redefined India’s Hindi news landscape through its editorial depth, credible storytelling, and focus on international relevance. In recent years, TV9 Bharatvarsh has distinguished itself as the Hindi channel with a global outlook, delving into how geopolitics, diplomacy, and global economics shape India’s strategic position in the world.

    Its consistent emphasis on explaining, not sensationalising the news has positioned TV9 Bharatvarsh as a new-age leader in Hindi journalism, a channel that bridges the local and the global, giving audiences both context and clarity.

    For Jha, the ‘Honest View’ award is not just a personal milestone but a validation of his two-decade pursuit of stories that hold power to account while connecting humanity across borders. And for Indian journalism, it’s another reminder that integrity travels and sometimes, it brings home the world’s applause.

     

  • Word Play Returns as Sahitya Aaj Tak Turns Delhi into a Lit Fest

    Word Play Returns as Sahitya Aaj Tak Turns Delhi into a Lit Fest

    MUMBAI: Delhi’s about to get a serious case of literary fever and no one’s complaining. The India Today Group organized and much-loved Sahitya Aaj Tak is back from 21 to 23 November 2025, transforming the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium into a buzzing playground of poetry, prose and performance.

    Now in its latest edition, the three-day fiesta promises to be a heady mix of words, wisdom and rhythm, with over 30 celebrated voices from literature, music and performance coming together to make language sing again.

    This year’s line-up reads like a who’s who of India’s creative scene Piyush Mishra, Kumar Vishwas, Imran Pratapgarhi, Varsha Singh Dhanoa, Malini Awasthi, Neha Kakkar, Namita Dubey, Manoj Muntashir, and Jasbir Jassi each bringing their unique flavour of expression to Delhi’s cultural calendar.

    From soulful shayari to pop beats, Sahitya Aaj Tak 2025 is where a verse meets a voice and rhythm meets reason. Whether you’re there for Kumar Vishwas’s philosophical masterpiece Apne Apne Ram (which will feature across all three days), or Neha Kakkar’s chart-topping energy, the event promises moments that move the heart as much as they make you hum.

    Adding a contemplative layer are thematic sessions like Jeewan Ki Jagrukta: Kitni Zaruri…, delving into mindfulness and awareness in today’s whirlwind life. Another highlight, Rahgeer Live…, brings together poetic voices like Marham, Deveshi Sahgal, and Rahgir, blending verse and melody into one mesmerising flow.

    As always, the festival’s magic lies in its ability to make literature feel alive not confined to dusty pages or late-night screens, but performed, sung, debated and celebrated. With folk icon Malini Awasthi, Punjabi powerhouse Jasbir Jassi, and Hargun Kaur adding melody to the mix, it’s a feast for the senses as much as the soul.

    Registration for the festival is now open on sahitya.aajtak.in.

    So mark your calendars and charge your creative batteries because for three days this November, Delhi won’t just speak, it’ll rhyme, sing and soar.

     

  • Strategy meets soul as Mudramax brings Atrayee on board

    Strategy meets soul as Mudramax brings Atrayee on board

     MUMBAI: At Mudramax, strategy just got a spiritual upgrade. The agency has appointed Atrayee Chakraborty as senior vice president of Strategy, tasking her with shaping human-centred media strategies built on insight, data, and innovation. She will report to Navin Kathuria, executive vice president of Mudramax.

    Armed with over 20 years of experience across India and global markets, Atrayee brings an enviable mix of creativity, analytics, and cultural intuition. Her career has spanned leadership roles at Lodestar UM, Essence Mediacom, and Red Fuse Communications, where she guided brands like Colgate-Palmolive and several D2C disruptors through transformative media journeys.

    Speaking on her appointment, Navin Kathuria said, “We are thrilled to have Atrayee join us. Her expertise will bring immense value as we strengthen our strategic media capabilities, focusing on data- and tech-driven next-gen media solutions. Her international experience will help unlock new growth avenues by creating experiences that don’t just reach audiences but engage deeply, inspire action, and deliver results.”

    For Atrayee, the move feels serendipitous. “This role feels almost tailor-made for what I love doing, blending creativity with strategy to unlock client growth,” she shared. “Mudramax’s agility, collaborative spirit, and integrated creative-media structure give us a unique edge in the market and I’m looking forward to amplifying that advantage.”

    A strategist by day and a certified Spiritual Life Coach by calling, Atrayee’s creative compass extends beyond media decks, she’s also the author of ‘Soul Compass’ and a painter of cosmic landscapes. Her multidimensional background hints at the kind of holistic storytelling she’s likely to champion at Mudramax where data and design meet heart and human insight.

    As the agency sharpens its strategic muscle for the next growth phase, Atrayee’s blend of intuition and intellect might just be the north star guiding Mudramax’s next big leap.

     

  • Raunac goes viral as News18 India mixes humour and headlines

    Raunac goes viral as News18 India mixes humour and headlines

    MUMBAI: When news meets views and memes meet meaning, it’s time for Viral Baat Raunac ke Saath. News18 India, the country’s No. 1 Hindi news channel, is plugging into Gen Z’s frequency with its latest show featuring India’s favourite radio prankster-turned-digital dynamo, RJ Raunac.

    Airing every Thursday and Friday at 8:35 pm starting next week, the show promises a punchy mix of trending talk, digital explainers, and laugh-out-loud insights on everything that’s making India scroll. Think AI-powered video explainers, viral social trends, national headlines with a meme-worthy spin and of course, Raunac’s trademark wit that turns even serious news into shareable moments.

    The format is tailor-made for today’s short-attention-span audience: snackable clips will roll out across News18 India’s social handles, ensuring the show lives far beyond television screens. With humour, speed and digital savvy baked into its DNA, Viral Baat Raunac ke Saath aims to bridge the great divide between primetime anchors and your favourite reel-makers.

    News18 India (PH & JKLH) managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “RJ Raunac is one of India’s most loved radio personalities and enjoys immense popularity among the youth. This show reflects our continuous efforts to adapt to new formats, collaborate with influencers, and engage audiences where they are. With Viral Baat Raunac ke Saath, we aim to blend news in a refreshing and relatable style, trending topics, humour and insights together in one engaging experience.”

    For Raunac, the idea is simple, if the world can go viral, why not the news? “These days, everything goes viral, memes, reels, even people! So why not news? That’s exactly what we’re doing with Viral Baat Raunac ke Saath, where news meets views in the most entertaining way. With News18 India, we’re creating a show that makes you think, smile and share all at once!” he quipped.

    The collaboration marks a clever turn in how mainstream media is courting digital creators to capture younger audiences. By bringing influencers into the news fold, News18 India is blurring the lines between newsroom rigour and online spontaneity turning current affairs into current fun.

    From the mic to the meme, Raunac’s viral voice is all set to make prime time scroll-worthy again. So, when the clock hits 8:35, don’t just watch the news vibe with it. Show airs every Thursday and Friday, 8:35 pm on News18 India, and streams across its digital platforms.

  • NDTV accelerates growth spending as revenue climbs in transformation push

    NDTV accelerates growth spending as revenue climbs in transformation push

    NEW DELHI: NDTV is pressing the accelerator on its transformation strategy, ramping up investment in marketing and expansion even as revenue growth gains momentum. The Adani-controlled broadcaster posted a 12 per cent increase in half-year revenue to Rs 230 crore whilst completing a Rs 396 crore oversubscribed rights issue and merging four subsidiaries to streamline operations.

    Revenue from operations rose 10 per cent year-on-year to Rs 123 crore in the September quarter on a consolidated basis, reflecting improving traction as the company positions itself for a new era. For the six months ended September, the top line climbed to Rs 230 crore from Rs 205 crore, signalling steady progress in a fiercely competitive media landscape.

    The numbers reveal a company making bold strategic bets. Marketing, distribution and promotional expenses surged 33 per cent to Rs 115 crore for the half-year—a clear signal that management is prioritising audience acquisition and brand visibility over short-term profitability. The September quarter alone saw Rs 58 crore deployed towards growth initiatives, up 29 per cent year-on-year.

    “This is classic growth investing,” said one analyst who tracks the media sector. “NDTV is leveraging its capital raise to build market share and strengthen its competitive position whilst the fundamentals improve.”

    The rights issue, completed on 9 October, was oversubscribed 1.11 times, with proceeds specifically earmarked for expansion, brand-building, debt reduction and corporate purposes. The successful raise increased paid-up capital from Rs 26 crore to Rs 45 crore, providing ammunition for the company’s ambitious reinvention plans.

    NDTV also executed a major structural overhaul, merging NDTV Networks, NDTV Worldwide, NDTV Media and NDTV Labs into the parent company with effect from 1 October. The consolidation, sanctioned by the regional director of the ministry of corporate affairs, is designed to eliminate operational silos and create a more agile organisation. Authorised share capital now stands at Rs 237 crore.

    The broadcaster is simultaneously pursuing inorganic growth. NDTV has entered a binding term sheet to acquire the GoodTimes channel and associated intellectual property from Lifestyle & Media Broadcasting, pending regulatory approval from the ministry of information and broadcasting. The deal would expand the company’s content portfolio and distribution footprint.

    Management changes underscore the focus on operational excellence. Akhil Kumar Gupta, a chartered accountant with 19 years’ experience spanning media, infrastructure, healthcare and entertainment, will assume the chief financial officer role from 1 December. Gupta, who previously held senior positions at Adani Enterprises, Zydus Lifesciences and Bharti Airtel, brings deep expertise in financial transformation, digital systems and strategic decision-making. He replaces Anup Dutta, who reaches superannuation.

    The board also re-appointed independent director Viral Jagdish Doshi for a second three-year term beginning January 2026, ensuring continuity in governance as the company navigates its transition.

    NDTV’s investment phase reflects a calculated gamble: sacrifice near-term margins to capture long-term market share in India’s rapidly evolving media ecosystem. With a freshly capitalised balance sheet, a streamlined corporate structure, and aggressive growth spending, the broadcaster is positioning itself as a serious player in the battle for eyeballs and advertising rupees.

    Whether the strategy succeeds depends on execution—and whether revenue growth can eventually outpace the current marketing blitz. But for now, NDTV is signalling it has both the resources and the resolve to compete. The transformation is underway, and the company isn’t holding back.

  • Zee Media appoints Manish Seth as chief revenue officer

    Zee Media appoints Manish Seth as chief revenue officer

    NEW DELHI:  Zee Media has brought in Manish Seth as chief revenue officer, banking on his track record of doubling digital revenues to power the broadcaster’s next growth phase.

    Seth joins with immediate effect from 28 October, the company told stock exchanges on Monday. The appointment, approved by the board on the recommendation of the nomination and remuneration committee, designates him as senior management personnel under India’s listing regulations.

    The new chief revenue officer arrives with a formidable reputation. At TV9 Network, where he most recently served as revenue head for digital and business head for Money9, Seth doubled digital revenues in just two years. He also pioneered integrated television and digital sales models that broke new ground in Indian media.

    Before TV9, Seth spent years at Zee Unimedia, Zee Media and Bennett Coleman, consistently delivering double-digit growth and launching multiple channels and products. His expertise spans revenue strategy, sales transformation, go-to-market planning and profit-and-loss management across broadcast and digital platforms.

    Seth holds a postgraduate diploma in marketing management from the Times School of Marketing and a bachelor’s degree in science from Delhi University.

    Zee Media is betting that Seth’s digital chops and proven ability to build high-performing teams will accelerate its transformation at a time when traditional broadcasters are scrambling to capture online audiences and advertising rupees. With 25 years of trench warfare in media sales under his belt, Seth now has the mandate to write the next chapter of Zee Media’s revenue story.

  • Business Today’s AI summit 2025 sets stage for India’s tech tomorrow

    Business Today’s AI summit 2025 sets stage for India’s tech tomorrow

    MUMBAI: It’s brains meet bytes this week in Bengaluru, as Business Today gears up to host the AI Summit 2025, a high-powered gathering designed to script India’s next big leap in artificial intelligence.

    Happening on 29 October 2025, the flagship event by India’s leading multi-platform business news brand from the India Today Group will convene policymakers, tech visionaries, researchers, and industry leaders under one roof to shape the country’s AI roadmap.

    Arriving at a time when artificial intelligence has shifted from buzzword to backbone of modern economies, the summit, backed by the Indiaai mission, aims to explore how India can lead the charge in responsible, inclusive, and human-centred AI adoption.

    The impressive line-up includes some of the sharpest minds across business, academia, and technology: Infosys chairman & co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan, Microsoft India & South Asia COO Himani Agrawal, Accenture MD & lead – India business Saurabh Kumar Sahu, Mckinsey & Company partner Aparajita Puri, Kpmg India partner & national leader – industrial manufacturing S Sathish, L&T Construction corporate centre head R Ganesan and Fractal CTO Shashidhar Ramakrishnaiah.

    Through a mix of keynote sessions and power panels, discussions will range from AI-driven manufacturing and data intelligence to smart governance, sustainable innovation, and digital inclusion. The event promises to deliver a panoramic view of how AI is rewriting India’s economic and industrial playbook.

    As one of the most anticipated events in India’s tech calendar, the summit will also be broadcast across Business Today’s vast multi-platform network, spanning print, broadcast, and digital, ensuring that the ideas shaping the nation’s AI future reach millions.

    Register here: https://subscriptions.intoday.in/businesstoday-ai-conference/registration
     

  • Business Today powers up with AI Summit 2025

    Business Today powers up with AI Summit 2025

    MUMBAI: When intelligence meets innovation, the future takes shape. Business Today, India’s leading business news platform from the India Today Group, is bringing together the brightest minds under one roof for the Business Today AI Summit 2025, being held today in Bengaluru.

    At a time when Artificial Intelligence has leapt from buzzword to boardroom, the summit aims to decode how India can harness its power responsibly, inclusively and at scale. Backed by the India AI Mission, the event marks a key milestone in India’s journey to becoming a global hub for ethical AI innovation.

    The summit’s power-packed line-up features some of the biggest names across technology, policy and industry, including Infosys co-founder and chairman Kris Gopalakrishnan; Microsoft India & South Asia COO Himani Agrawal; Accenture managing director & lead India business Saurabh Kumar Sahu; McKinsey & Company partner Aparajita Puri; and Fractal CTO Shashidhar Ramakrishnaiah. Also joining them are L&T Construction’s R. Ganesan and KPMG’s Sathish in India.

    Through a series of keynotes and panel discussions, the Business Today AI Summit 2025 will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming industries, from manufacturing and finance to healthcare, education and sustainability. It will also examine how India can lead the global conversation on ethical and human-centric AI deployment.

    As the buzz around AI continues to grow, this summit promises to cut through the hype and focus on what truly matters: how intelligence, both human and artificial, can power progress.

     

  • Epstein Files resurface in Times Now bombshell

    Epstein Files resurface in Times Now bombshell

    MUMBAI: The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein refuses to rest quietly. In a Times Now Global Exclusive that’s shaken the corridors of power, survivor Reena Oh and veteran investigative journalist Barry Levine have reignited the world’s most chilling scandal, hinting that the darkest secrets may still lie buried in classified files.

    Speaking with Times Now and Times Now Navbharat group editor-in-chief  Navika Kumar, the duo revealed shocking new details about the Epstein network, the alleged cover-ups, and the silence that continues to shield the powerful.

    The revelations follow the leak of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, which reportedly includes explosive rape allegations against a man described as a “prime minister.” Levine disclosed that more than 100,000 pages of FBI documents on Epstein remain sealed, potentially containing multiple references to former U.S. president Donald Trump. “Epstein and Trump were friends for nearly 15 years,” Levine said, adding that the two were photographed and filmed together at private events.

    Reena Oh, who survived Epstein’s circle of abuse, offered a haunting account of Ghislaine Maxwell’s home, describing “a closet full of sadistic objects” that stood as proof of the horrors endured by young girls. She confirmed she had cooperated with the U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI, helping investigators piece together parts of Maxwell’s prosecution.

    “Oh, many survivors have stopped speaking out,” she said quietly. “They’re scared. Some have even received death threats. That’s why the Epstein files must be made public.”

    Levine echoed her call for transparency. “Until those files are released,” he said, “justice remains unfinished and democracy untested.”

    With Maxwell already convicted and Epstein’s network still under scrutiny, the storm around his legacy is far from over. As Navika Kumar summed it up on air, “The truth is in those files. It’s time the world learns what power tried to bury.”

    The full interview airs tonight at 9:30 pm on Times Now, in The Epstein Files: The Secrets, The Silence, The Survivors, a broadcast that promises to raise more questions than it answers.

     

  • Amit Shah steps into Bihar’s political dangal

    Amit Shah steps into Bihar’s political dangal

    MUMBAI: When it comes to Bihar, the battle is always bigger, the banter sharper, and the stakes sky-high. News18 India’s Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar 2025 promises just that, a full day of political punchlines, fiery face-offs and candid confessions, live from Patna.

    As the state gears up for its much-awaited assembly elections, union home minister Amit Shah will headline the conclave, decoding Bihar’s development priorities, political pulse and the broader national vision. His appearance is set to be the showstopper of the event, offering viewers an inside track on the BJP’s strategy and outlook ahead of the polls.

    Kicking off with a charged debate featuring Waris Pathan (AIMIM), Abhay Dubey (Congress) and Ajay Alok (BJP), the day’s discussions promise no shortage of fireworks. Ravi Shankar Prasad, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Pawan Khera will bring their own political flavours to the mix, dissecting Bihar’s governance, leadership and future course.

    The conclave’s star-studded lineup also features Chirag Paswan, Rajneet Ranjan, Samrat Chaudhary, Keshav Maurya, Mukesh Sahani, and Bhupesh Baghel, among others. Each session aims to go beyond election rhetoric, tapping into the hopes, challenges and choices shaping Bihar’s tomorrow.

    With voices across party lines, Guru Prakash Paswan, Divjyoti, Rajiv Ranjan, and journalist Kanhaiya Bhelari, joining the fray, expect sparks to fly as politics meets perspective.

    Closing the day on a reflective note, JDU’s Sanjay Jha will share his insights on Bihar’s evolving political landscape and development journey.

    Sabse Bada Dangal Bihar 2025 is more than a pre-election spectacle. It’s where power meets people, politics meets purpose, and Bihar’s heartbeat is felt, loud, live and unfiltered.