ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • Deepak Chaurasia plugs into Live Times: The original of Hindi TV news joins as director news

    Deepak Chaurasia plugs into Live Times: The original of Hindi TV news joins as director news

    MUMBAI:  In a move that’s making noise for all the right reasons, Live Times—the  “Global Multicast News Hub”—has roped in Hindi TV’s firebrand journo Deepak Chaurasia as director news. Known for his bulletproof journalism and gritty reportage over three decades, Chaurasia is set to add some serious muscle to the channel’s editorial engine.

    The man who’s covered everything from battlefields and bomb blasts to political fireworks and street protests is now bringing his fearless firepower to Live Times. With a career that spans war zones, natural disasters, the 26/11 terror attacks and the CAA storm, Chaurasia promises to turbocharge the channel’s motto of “Complete Truth, Whatever It Takes.”

    “Deepak becoming part of Live Times means more fire to Live Times’ core value of Satyam Shivam Sundaram. At a time when TRP has overtaken truth, and noise has overtaken news, Deepak with Live Times would contribute towards reversing the trend of TRP over truth and fakes over facts,” said Live Times founder, CEO and editor in chief Dilip Kumar Singh. “With Deepak’s journalistic gravitas and ground-level connect with the viewers and users, Live Times is not just building a newsroom but, building a movement for truth-first journalism.” 

    “I have always believed in journalism that serves people, not agendas,” said Deepak Chaurasia. He further added, “Live Times is that rare newsroom today that prioritizes authentic, verified reporting over virality. I am thrilled to be part of a mission that champions factual storytelling, asks uncomfortable questions, and puts viewers and users at the center of news & information.”

    In his new role, Chaurasia will helm a soon-to-launch primetime show that puts verified news and deep-dive investigations front and centre. Expect fewer shouting matches and more substance—with boots-on-the-ground reports, spine-straight journalism, and just enough spice to keep eyeballs glued.

    Reporting directly to Dilip Kumar Singh, Chaurasia’s arrival signals a sharp pivot for Live Times—one that blends tech, talent and truth to create content that travels across borders and platforms.

    From Bharat to beyond, Live Times wants to own the narrative. And with Chaurasia now in the front seat, the channel’s news caravan just got a serious upgrade.

  • Pranav Bakshi takes charge as chief growth officer for Network18 Connected

    Pranav Bakshi takes charge as chief growth officer for Network18 Connected

    MUMBAI: Network18’s next big digital leap has a new commander. Pranav Bakshi, the veteran media strategist, has been elevated to chief growth officer at Network18 Connected, the digital-forward vertical of Network18 Media & Investments Limited. The announcement was made public via LinkedIn on 20 May 2025.

    This isn’t just a title change — it’s a pivot that reflects Network18’s ambitions to expand aggressively across connected TV, social platforms, digital distribution, and new-age partnerships. Bakshi, with a career spanning over two decades, will now be steering growth, product, revenue, and content innovation across a portfolio that includes CNN-News18, CNBC-TV18, News18 India, Moneycontrol, Firstpost, History TV18, and more.

    “I’m excited to step into the role of chief growth officer – Network18 Connected. This isn’t just a title change — it’s an opportunity to lead the growth and transformation of content and content consumption across platforms that are shaping how audiences engage today: Connected TV, social ecosystems, and strategic digital partnerships”, Bakshi said. “The vision is clear: create impact where audiences are headed, not where they’ve been”.

    Bakshi previously led Network18’s digital video strategy and partnerships division. From spearheading digital video transformation across 45+ brands to building early off-platform momentum, he has been instrumental in crafting the network’s modern media engine. His earlier stints include leadership roles at Times Network and NDTV, where he handled P&L, content innovation, and revenue transformation.

    A recipient of the Chairman’s Excellence Award at Times Network, Bakshi has consistently worked at the intersection of content, business and emerging tech. At Network18, his new mandate includes expanding presence in international markets, growing CTV viewership, and driving monetisation across social and connected ecosystems.

  • TV news explodes as Operation Sindoor captures India’s attention

    TV news explodes as Operation Sindoor captures India’s attention

    MUMBAI: TV news viewership in India rocketed during the week of 3 to 9 May, driven by the high-octane drama of Operation Sindoor —a military blitz by Indian armed forces against terror hubs in Pakistan.

    Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India reported a staggering 507 million viewers tuning into news content that week—the highest weekly total since 2022. Over the three critical days (7-9 May), news grabbed 16 per cent of total TV viewing, up from its usual 6 per cent slice.

    Hindi news channels led the charge, clocking 254 gross rating points (GRPs), smashing previous highs seen during the 2024 Lok Sabha election results and major state elections. Viewer engagement spiked, with the average time spent on Hindi news jumping to 60 minutes—a 67 per cent rise over pre-operation weeks.

    The frenzy peaked during ministry of external affairs (MEA) briefings on the operation. The first briefing on Wednesday sent viewership soaring by 509 per cent. Thursday and Friday briefings saw gains of 125 per cent and 242 per cent, respectively.

    Operation Sindoor also brought 65 million fresh eyes to Hindi news—viewers who hadn’t touched the genre in the previous month. Daily tune-ins nearly doubled, leaping from 73 million to 142 million.

    In the Hindi-speaking market (HSM 2+), the news genre’s share of TV content surged from three per cent to 13 per cent, with the 15+ age group soaring from four per cent to 15 per cent—outstripping the 2016 surgical strikes.

    Barc India said the data reaffirms television’s enduring role as the go-to medium for news during major national events, underscoring its unparalleled reach and influence.

  • One Tap Wonder as TV9 Clicks with Google’s Global Spotlight

    One Tap Wonder as TV9 Clicks with Google’s Global Spotlight

    MUMBAI: When it comes to logging in, less really is more and TV9 Digital has proved just that. In a rare nod from Silicon Valley’s finest, Google has spotlighted the Indian news platform in a global case study for its swift, smart, and successful rollout of Google One Tap sign-in.

    The feather in TV9’s cap? Over 2 lakh user registrations in just 60 days. No passwords, no confusion, no drama just a single click and straight into the news. The result? Fewer drop-offs, happier users, and a treasure trove of first-party data.

    The case study from Google highlights how this friction-free feature supercharged TV9 Digital’s user acquisition and retention. It wasn’t just about the numbers, though. The richer data allowed for smarter personalisation think curated newsletters, targeted alerts, and reader experiences that feel like they were written just for you.

    Emphasising that innovation TV9 Network’s DNA chief growth officer Raktim Das said, “Being recognized by Google in a global case study is a proud moment for us. It underscores our commitment to combining journalism with cutting-edge technology to deliver a superior experience to our digital audience.”

    Das added: “Google’s partnership on Google One Tap has been instrumental in our user acquisition strategy, delivering a seamless sign-up experience. The resulting 200,000 registrations in 60 days demonstrate the immense potential of this collaboration. We see this as a significant opportunity to further leverage this partnership for enhanced audience engagement and first-party data growth.”

    March was already a milestone month for TV9, with 138 million unique visitors recorded on ComScore. But this Google case study has turned a strong run into a standout moment, positioning the brand not just as a news destination, but as a tech-forward leader in digital publishing.

    As platforms everywhere scramble to future-proof their audience strategies, TV9’s “One Tap” masterstroke shows that when it comes to engagement convenience really is king. Or in this case, news you can trust with a single click.
     

  • News18 India tops charts with 96.5 per cent viewership jump during India-Pakistan conflict

    News18 India tops charts with 96.5 per cent viewership jump during India-Pakistan conflict

    MUMBAI: As tensions flared during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, viewers across the country turned to News18 India in record numbers. The Hindi news channel soared to the top of the charts, notching a 96.5 per cent spike in Average Minute Audience (AMA000’s), according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data.

    From 7-9 May, News18 India clocked 39,341 AMA000’s, establishing itself as the most-watched Hindi news channel during the period. Its Cumulative Reach’00 also saw a substantial rise, touching 45,438—a 49.9 per cent increase. (Source: BARC, Market: HSM, TG: 2+, Period: Wk 18’25)

    In a volatile media environment flooded with misinformation about India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, News18 India focused on accurate, responsible, and timely reportage. The channel broke key developments, including the pivotal DGMO calls that halted further escalation.

    Network18’s broader general news portfolio also registered a sharp rise in performance. With an AMA000’s count of 81,155, the network saw an 82.8 per cent boost. Its Cumulative Reach’00 reached 1,02,485, marking a 38.6 per cent week-on-week surge. (Source: BARC, Market: India, TG: 2+)

    The network’s editorial strength stems from its top-tier anchors and an extensive on-ground network that enabled comprehensive, ground-up coverage. Network18’s portfolio includes News18 India and CNN-News18 on the national front, and a robust regional slate including News18 Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand, News18 Bihar/Jharkhand, News18 Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh, and News18 Bangla, among others.

    Network18 has consistently held its position as the country’s number one news network for over two years, with its mix of rigorous journalism and regionally rooted storytelling continuing to win the trust of Indian audiences.

  • ABP Network cements third place in India’s digital media race with 152 million monthly users

    ABP Network cements third place in India’s digital media race with 152 million monthly users

    MUMBAI:  ABP Network has tightened its grip on India’s digital news landscape, emerging once again as the country’s third-largest publisher, according to Comscore MMX Multi-Platform data for March 2025. The network reached over 152 million unique users across platforms, outshining rivals such as HT Media, Zee Digital, India Today Group, Times Network, and NDTV.

    ABP Network’s dominant digital footprint spans web, apps, and Youtube, supported by an unmatched edge in regional news segments. With this continued performance, the network has retained its third-place ranking for the second month in a row.

    In the Hindi news category, ABP News led the charts with 93.8 million unique visitors—beating NDTV.in by more than 28 million. Meanwhile, ABP Ananda topped the Bengali market with 10 million desktop and mobile users, and secured the number two position overall with a combined reach of 22.5 million when factoring in social media.

    In Maharashtra, ABP Majha reigned supreme in the Marathi segment for a second consecutive month, drawing 22 million users in March and outperforming TV9 Marathi, Sakal Media, and Lokmat. ABP Nadu also made strong inroads in Tamil Nadu, ranking second with 10 million unique visitors.

    This performance reflects ABP Network’s growing command over regional markets and its strategic focus on digital growth. The consistent growth underscores ABP Network’s commitment to expanding its national footprint while deepening its roots in local language markets. With its strong audience engagement, the company continues to raise the bar for digital journalism in India.

  • Ellana Lee takes charge of CNN’s new global productions unit in expanded APAC leadership role

    Ellana Lee takes charge of CNN’s new global productions unit in expanded APAC leadership role

    MUMBAI: CNN has handed a major new brief to Ellana Lee, elevating her to group senior vice president, general manager APAC, and global head of productions. The expanded role places her at the helm of a newly created global productions team, which will spearhead all multi-platform sponsored content across CNN’s global network.

    The move, effective immediately, builds on Lee’s 25-year tenure at CNN, where she most recently served as SVP, managing editor for Asia Pacific, and global head of features content. She led the launch of award-winning editorial properties like Call to Earth and steered CNN’s features division into a global storytelling powerhouse.

    As global head of productions, Lee will now guide the creation and distribution of sponsored content across digital, television and other platforms. The remit also includes building out new roles in the U.S. to expand CNN’s existing features team, which currently operates from hubs in Atlanta, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and London.

    “Under Ellana’s leadership, our Features team has consistently innovated, delivering award-winning, multi-platform, editorially robust and engaging feature content that has attracted commercial partnerships with some of the world’s most dynamic and successful brands,” said CNN Worldwide managing editor Mike McCarthy. “She will now bring that experience, creativity and skill to bear across the network.”

    Lee will remain based in Hong Kong, continuing as CNN’s most senior executive outside the United States. In her ongoing role as APAC head, she will retain oversight of CNN’s editorial strategy across the region, including programming, correspondent deployment and eight editorial operations.

    The appointment signals CNN’s intent to integrate editorial innovation with brand-driven storytelling at scale, tapping Lee’s track record in building meaningful global content ecosystems.

  • Planet-ary applause as Sony BBC Earth honours Attenborough at 99

    Planet-ary applause as Sony BBC Earth honours Attenborough at 99

    MUMBAI: From jungles to ice caps, volcanoes to urban sprawls Sir David Attenborough has taken us everywhere without leaving the sofa. This 8 May, Sony BBC Earth rolls out the green carpet for the voice that has defined nature storytelling for generations. As Sir David Attenborough turns 99, the channel will celebrate the global treasure with a 12-hour programming marathon featuring his most iconic works from awe-inspiring jungles to icy wilderness, and the whispering secrets of plants to the thunder of migrating herds.

    Running from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the tribute includes classics like Life, Planet Earth II, and Seven Worlds, One Planet, alongside newer gems like Mammals, The Green Planet, and the visually dazzling Planet Earth III.

    The special programming will feature a marathon of acclaimed series and episodes, including:

    •  LIFE: This breathtaking series explores the glorious variety of life on Earth and the spectacular and extraordinary tactics animals and plants have developed to stay alive.

    •  LIFE STORY: Narrated from the lens of animals, this captivating series follows their journey from birth to parenthood. Each episode focuses on one stage of life, starting with the early days to the challenges of the grown-up world.

    •  Frozen Planet II: Frozen Planet II explores Earth’s icy realms, showcasing the incredible wildlife that inhabits them. The series delves into the unique challenges and adaptations of life in these extreme, frozen environments.

    •  Planet Earth II: Exploring the diverse habitats and animal life found across the globe, Planet Earth II highlights the challenges animals face in a changing world. From bustling cities to remote islands, the series reveals the wonders of our planet.

    •  The Green Planet: The series offers a unique perspective on the world of plants and their complex lives. It explores their intricate relationships and surprising behaviours of how plants communicate, defend, and reproduce, revealing a lesser-known world to viewers

    • Mammals: The series reveals their unique adaptations, survival strategies, and complex social behaviours of mammals – from the smallest shrew to the largest whale. Sir David Attenborough uncovers the secrets of their success in every corner of the planet.

    • Seven Worlds, One Planet: Unveiling the unique wildlife and habitats of each of Earth’s continents, each episode showcases the distinct evolutionary journeys and survival struggles found on these seven diverse landmasses. The series captures the breathtaking beauty and fragility of our planet’s continents.

    •  A Perfect Planet: A Perfect Planet examines the powerful natural forces that shape our planet. The series reveals how interconnected systems like weather, oceans, and volcanoes create the conditions for life to thrive. Sir David Attenborough explores how these forces work in harmony.

    • Planet Earth III: Showcasing the wonders of the natural world in stunning detail, this series delivers breathtaking footage of our planet’s most extraordinary landscapes and creatures. It also addresses the pressing challenges facing wildlife in our rapidly changing world.

    Expect breathtaking cinematography, moving narratives, and gentle reminders of the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world. Series like Frozen Planet II and A Perfect Planet go beyond pretty pictures, diving into the science behind nature’s resilience and the fragile harmony keeping life on Earth ticking.

    Each episode is a window into a different world, narrated with Attenborough’s signature blend of wonder, wisdom, and urgency. Whether it’s a baby penguin’s first slide on ice or the slow-motion unfurling of a rainforest fern, his storytelling makes even the smallest detail feel monumental.

    So if you’re in the mood to be awed, educated, and deeply moved, tune in on 8 May. It’s not just a birthday bash, it’s a masterclass in seeing the world through the eyes of someone who’s spent a lifetime making us care about it.
     

  • Zee J&K Ladakh: Zee Media’s northern frontier reboot with a mission for truth and unity

    Zee J&K Ladakh: Zee Media’s northern frontier reboot with a mission for truth and unity

    MUMBAI: In a strategic pivot steeped in regional pride, Kesar TV has been rebranded to Zee J&K Ladakh— a new avatar designed to capture the pulse of India’s northern frontier. Zee Media’s fresh orange and red brand identity goes beyond mere optics, standing as a beacon for integrity, resilience, and the region’s indomitable spirit, according to a press release issued by it.

    The rebranding is not just cosmetic, adds the release. It’s a statement. Zee J&K Ladakh is here to amplify the voices of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh—showcasing local stories, bridging communication gaps, and serving as a platform for hyper-local journalism. In a region where history, culture, and geopolitics collide, the channel aims to provide a steady, truthful narrative.

    Zee Media CEO Karan Abhishek Singh highlighted in the release: “With the strategic rebranding, Zee J&K Ladakh, the channel/ platform aims to be the voice of a region that has long been at the crossroads of history, culture, and geopolitics.  In fact, it is a bold step towards redefining how regional stories are told, heard, and understood. We look forward to bringing the stories of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh to the forefront, with integrity, empathy, and a relentless focus on truth.”

    Salaam TV and  Zee J&K Ladakh editor Tarique Faridy added: “Zee J& K Ladakh is committed to shedding light on the issues that matter most to the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. We are focused on providing the region with a platform for authentic storytelling, tackling everything from local politics to the aspirations of its youth. Through this, we aim to foster understanding, cultivate hope, and inspire change within and beyond the region.”

    The press release further highlighted that Zee J&K Ladakh’s digital-first strategy would enhance its reach with a revamped website and YouTube platform, offering trusted news and insightful public interest content to audiences across borders and generations. From the snow-clad peaks of Ladakh to the bustling streets of Srinagar and Jammu, the channel pledges to be a trusted source of news, covering politics, technology, sustainability, and more.

  • Siddharth Zarabi and Alok Nair take charge of Business Today in sweeping leadership shuffle

    Siddharth Zarabi and Alok Nair take charge of Business Today in sweeping leadership shuffle

    MUMBAI: At Business Today, the winds of change are charging at bull-run speed. In a significant leadership shake-up announced by the India Today Group, Siddharth Zarabi has been elevated to the role of group editor, while Alok Nair has taken independent charge of the overall Strategic Business Unit (SBU). Both executives now steer one of India’s most influential business media outfits into its next ambitious chapter.

    Zarabi, who has been with Business Today for just four years, will now helm the brand’s digital mandate in addition to his leadership across print and TV. With this expanded portfolio, Zarabi completes the vision of a unified, synergistic business vertical across platforms—a strategy laid out by Aroon Purie and the Group’s top brass. In his new role, he reports to Purie for print and to the author of the announcement for digital and TV operations.

    Congratulating Zarabi, the note hailed his growth as a homegrown ITG talent and recognised his leadership in shaping Business Today’s editorial voice. His promotion positions him at the forefront of an integrated content strategy amid growing media convergence.

    On the business side, Business Today COO Nair has taken independent charge of the entire SBU. Having spent four years scaling up the business, Nair has seamlessly integrated into the company’s high-performance culture. The announcement lauded his blend of energy, vision, and what were cheekily referred to as “magic beans”.

    Nair will now report directly to India Today Group, group CEO Dinesh Bhatia. His elevation is seen as a bold move to energise Business Today’s business trajectory and deepen its market impact.

    In a separate but equally enthusiastic email, Kamlesh Kishore Singh, host of the podcast Teen Taal was welcomed back into the newsroom after a brief sabbatical. Singh, known for his 16-year stint at the group and his mentorship at Lallantop, resumes a full-time role from 1 May, adding further heft to the Group’s editorial firepower.

    With Singh’s ‘unretirement’, the reunion with longtime collaborator Venkat promises what leadership calls a “lethal combo” for doubling down on AI and digital transformation. In lighter moments, the note teases an “Unfarewell party” to celebrate his return.

    Both announcements underline India Today Group’s renewed faith in internal leadership and long-standing editorial talent. “Get ready for a real bull run”, the memo concludes—a statement that may apply as much to markets as it does to this spirited newsroom.