Category: News Broadcasting

Step into the nation’s nerve centre at Agenda Aaj Tak 2024

MUMBAI: Imagine a stage where the sharpest minds converge, debates ignite, and ideas take flight—a platform that doesn’t just discuss India’s future but shapes it. This December, Aaj Tak’s iconic thought leadership conclave, Agenda Aaj Tak 2024, promises to be the ultimate intellectual arena.

To be held on 13–14 December, this two-day extravaganza—fondly called Hindi Jagat Ka Mahamanch—is not just an event; it’s a celebration of ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs. With luminaries from the worlds of politics, defense, sports, entertainment, and beyond, Agenda Aaj Tak 2024 offers a front-row seat to the conversations that matter.

From decoding India’s toughest challenges to unveiling untapped opportunities, this conclave isn’t just about listening—it’s about thinking, questioning, and being inspired.

This year’s event promises unparalleled insights from influential leaders shaping their fields, focusing on India’s strategic direction for 2025 and beyond. Agenda Aaj Tak will serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue, enabling attendees to engage directly with decision-makers on issues critical to the nation’s growth.

Key highlights:

1 Distinguished Speakers: The two-day event will feature a stellar lineup of influential leaders, policymakers, and experts. Political heavyweights such as Union Home minister, Amit Shah, Union minister of Road Transport Nitin Gadkari, BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and former CM of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal will engage in dynamic discussions.

2 Cultural and Entertainment Icons: Renowned figures from entertainment, including Kangana Ranaut, Kartik Aaryan, Taapsee Pannu, and Varun Dhawan, will share insights into their craft and its societal impact.

3 Global Perspectives: International voices like former president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai and domestic visionaries, including Medanta Hospital chairman, Naresh Trehan will enrich discussions with their expertise.

Aaj Tak’s leadership team emphasised the event’s significance, noting its role in providing actionable insights during pivotal moments in India’s development.

With a reputation for fostering impactful conversations, Agenda Aaj Tak 2024 reaffirms its mission to bring together visionaries and change-makers, creating a space for collaboration and innovation.

Book your seat now at: www.aajtak.in/agenda

December 12, 2024
Network18’s Green Bharat conclave to chart India’s road to green

MUMBAI: As the world races toward a greener future, electric vehicles (EVs) are taking centre stage in the quest for sustainable mobility. In this spirit of innovation and commitment to environmental responsibility, Network18 is set to launch Green Bharat, an annual conclave scheduled for 13 December 2024 in New Delhi. This initiative in collaboration with Ola Electric, aims to ignite a nationwide conversation about the transformative power of EVs, spotlighting their economic, environmental, and social benefits while addressing the challenges that stand in the way of widespread adoption.

Green Bharat has been launched in collaboration with Ola Electric, a leading pure-play electric vehicle (EV) company to chart the Road to Green. This is designed to be an ongoing, multi-platform conversation spanning television, digital platforms, print, and on-ground activation. This integrated approach ensures a holistic coverage of India’s vast EV landscape, fostering collaboration and innovation at every level of the ecosystem.

The maiden edition of Green Bharat will bring together influential policymakers, industry pioneers, and sustainability advocates to discuss the future of electric mobility in India. The event will feature distinguished guests, including Nitin Gadkari, union minister of road transport and highways, and Piyush Goyal, minister of commerce and industry, who will attend as guests of honour. Their participation will underscore the growing importance of EV adoption in the context of India’s broader sustainability goals and the pivotal role of government policies in driving this transition.

The prime minister, Narendra Modi, has emphasised the pivotal role of the EV revolution, stating that the silent revolution of electric vehicles is reshaping India’s mobility landscape, marking a significant step towards sustainability and innovation. This transition reflects India’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting green growth. With sustained investments in EV infrastructure, local manufacturing incentives, and technological innovation, India is all set to become a global hub for electric mobility.

AETN18 chief executive officer Network18 (broadcast) & managing director Avinash Kaul stated, “The global automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards electrification, reshaping economies worldwide. India’s transition to electric vehicles is not only an environmental milestone but also a significant driver of economic growth. Green Bharat is bringing the EV community together and highlighting the dynamic potential of this emerging sector. We are thrilled to partner with Ola Electric, a brand that has been a leader in driving EV adoption in India, and we share their passion for a sustainable, electrified future.”

Green Bharat aims to be a transformative platform for driving meaningful discussions and fostering collaborative efforts to address the challenges within India’s electric vehicle ecosystem. By focusing on innovation, policy advocacy, and actionable solutions, the initiative will play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of EVs across the country. The conclave will facilitate an in-depth analysis of India’s current EV landscape, identifying key challenges and opportunities, while setting a clear roadmap for positioning India as a global EV hub. Through these efforts, Green Bharat aims to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the nation, embarking on the Road to Green and inspiring collective action towards environmental responsibility.

December 12, 2024
TV viewing in the US rises five per cent in November: Nielsen’s The Gauge

MUMBAI: It was the month of the election and the results thereafter and then you had some great sports on air in the month of November 2024. So there’s no prizes for guessing that it was the month that the residents of Uncle Sam stayed glued a lot more to their TV sets to set a few viewing records.

The results from viewing monitor Nielsen’s The Gauge report bear this out. Time spent watching TV in November reached a nine-month high, according it, as viewing levels increased five per cent compared to October to record the largest monthly viewing total since February.

TV viewership in the November interval was impacted primarily by sports, the presidential election and live streaming, all of which drove peak shares of TV for viewing categories each in separate weeks this month. Additionally, as this interval ended on November 24, the typical Thanksgiving holiday surge in TV viewing will be included in the December report of The Gauge.

Broadcast viewing in November was up three per cent and accounted for 23.7 per cent of time spent watching TV. The first week of the interval was the most dominant for the broadcast category as it featured Games 3, 4 and 5 of the MLB World Series on Fox, in addition to the usual slate of NFL and college football games.

The final three World Series games totaled over 10 billion viewing minutes combined, and the Dodgers’ victory over the Yankees in the Game 5 conclusion drew 18.2 million viewers to make it the sixth most watched broadcast telecast this interval. This more concentrated week of broadcast sporting events lifted the category to a peak share of 24.9 per cent of TV in the first week of the month, and helped increase broadcast sports viewing by 34 per cent over October.

Coverage of the presidential election drove viewing increases in the second week of the month, most notably for cable. While cable ultimately finished with a 25 per cent share of viewing in November, its share during the week of the election jumped to 26.5 per cent of TV with much of the increase attributable to cable news. Interestingly, cable news viewing was up just one per cent on a monthly basis, but climbed from 36 billion viewing minutes to 48 billion viewing minutes between weeks one and two (+32 per cent) to give it the boost in share.

Streaming viewership increased 7.6 per cent in the November interval and the category posted a record share of TV with 41.6 per cent (+1.1 pt.). Some of this increase can be attributed to viewers seeking solace from the atypical, election-fueled news cycle covered by many traditional TV networks, and was also illustrated by the streaming category reaching 42.6 per cent of TV viewing during the third week of the interval.

Moreover, Netflix also exhibited peak viewership during week three when it hit 8.5 per cent of TV (compared to its overall monthly share of 7.7 per cent). This peak for Netflix coincides with the live-streamed Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match, and was also fueled by viewing to its original series The Lincoln Lawyer, which was the most watched streaming program this interval with 3.9 billion viewing minutes.

There were also three streaming services that notched platform-best shares of TV in November, including The Roku Channel (up 12 per cent to 1.9 per cent of TV), Prime Video (up 10 per cent to 3.7 per cent of TV), and YouTube, which secured a new category record with 10.8 per cent of TV. Peacock, while short of its Olympics-driven platform record, still drew the largest monthly increase among streamers for 1.5 per cent of TV (+0.2 pt.). Peacock’s considerable increase was partially due to Despicable Me 4, which drove 1.5 billion viewing minutes and a 58 per cent increase in kids viewing on the platform.

December 11, 2024
ANI lawsuit against OpenAI for copyright infringement

MUMBAI: Cheating may seem harmless until the consequences come crashing down—a classic case of “play stupid games, win stupid prizes”.

Imagine the titan of artificial intelligence, the very force reshaping our understanding of innovation, now standing accused of stepping over the ethical boundaries it once sought to redefine.

With a jaw-dropping market cap of $157 billion as of October 2024, OpenAI—the so-called savior of human progress—is now grappling with a high-stakes copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Asian News International (ANI) in India.

This legal clash, steeped in complexity and a touch of irony, pits the ambitions of cutting-edge AI against the enduring principles of intellectual property rights. Could this be a case of progress overstepping its bounds? Or a necessary infringement in the name of human advancement?

ANI has taken OpenAI to court, accusing the tech giant of unauthorised use of its copyrighted content to train its large language model (LLM). The case not only raises pressing questions about copyright infringement and fair use but also dives deep into the murky waters of territoriality and intellectual property in the age of artificial intelligence. The stakes? Nothing less than the future of AI innovation and creators’ rights in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies.

ANI accused OpenAI of using its copyrighted material without permission and highlighted the inadequacy of OpenAI’s opt-out policy, which ANI claims fails to prevent its content from being scraped through third-party websites. ANI also alleged that OpenAI’s models produced outputs either verbatim or substantially similar to its copyrighted content, further compounding the copyright violation. Additionally, ANI flagged fabricated responses generated by ChatGPT that falsely attributed interviews or news stories to the news agency.

OpenAI defended its practices by citing fair use, which permits limited use of copyrighted material under specific conditions. It argued that its models do not reproduce content verbatim and that it sufficiently transforms language to comply with copyright exceptions. On fabricated responses, OpenAI stated it resolved issues flagged by ANI and committed to addressing such problems promptly in the future.

ANI is seeking an interim injunction to prevent OpenAI from storing, publishing, or reproducing its content and has requested a prohibition on accessing ANI’s material through any channel, including subscribers. OpenAI countered by asserting that no legal action could apply within India, as its data processing and model training occur outside the country, with no offices or servers in India.

The lawsuit brings two critical issues to the forefront: the balance between copyright infringement and fair use, and the challenges of territoriality in data storage. India’s existing copyright law lacks explicit provisions regarding AI training, making the applicability of fair use a grey area. Moreover, the absence of text and data mining (TDM) provisions complicates the country’s approach to fostering innovation while safeguarding content creators’ rights.

The territoriality argument further underscores complexities in applying local laws to global AI platforms. Data sovereignty issues arise as distributed AI models utilise data generated in India but processed across international cloud environments, challenging traditional legal frameworks.

Globally, AI platforms and news publishers have clashed over the use of copyrighted material. While some publishers have entered licensing agreements with AI firms, others, such as The New York Times, have pursued legal action. ANI’s lawsuit reflects a broader struggle over how GenAI platforms interact with intellectual property.

India’s policymakers face the task of balancing innovation in AI with content creators’ rights. A permissionless innovation approach, which allows experimentation with new technologies while addressing harms retrospectively, may provide a pathway for advancing AI while protecting intellectual property.

This lawsuit will likely serve as a landmark case in determining the accountability of AI developers for content generated by their platforms. As the first legal action of its kind in India, the outcome will influence how AI platforms navigate copyright, fair use, and territorial regulations in the country.

December 11, 2024

20th CNBC-TV18 IBLA honour leaders in innovation & growth

MUMBAI: The 20th edition of CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards (IBLA), presented by Standard Chartered Bank, celebrated India’s visionary leaders who are driving innovation, growth, and transformation across industries through bold actions and impactful contributions.

Emeritus, DLF chairman KP Singh received the ‘Hall of Fame recognition, cementing his legacy as a pioneer in the transformation of India’s real estate sector. The ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award was conferred on Serum Institute of India founder Cyrus Poonawalla for his extraordinary contribution to delivering affordable public health solutions globally. For her exceptional efforts in showcasing India’s cultural heritage and fostering global connections, Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani was honoured with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Brand India’ award.

Actor Rajkumar Rao was named ‘Entertainment Leader of the Year’ for his compelling performance in films like Srikanth and Stree 2. The managing director of Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj received the ‘Outstanding Company of the Year’ award for Bajaj Auto.

The evening also featured engaging sessions with policymakers who offered thought-provoking insights on India’s economic landscape and growth opportunities.

In a fireside chat, union minister of road transport & highways Nitin Gadkari said, “Our GDP structure highlights both challenges and opportunities. Agriculture contributes 14 per cent, manufacturing accounts for 22–24 per cent, and services dominate with 52–54 per cent. Despite this, 65 per cent of our population depends on agriculture, yet its growth rate remains at 14 per cent. This imbalance underscores the urgent need to embrace innovation, science, technology, and global best practices to enhance productivity. By shifting to value-added agriculture, empowering rural communities, and diversifying into energy production, we can elevate agricultural growth to 22 per cent, thereby increasing purchasing power in rural India and aligning it with our broader development goals.”

In conversation with Network18’s editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi, Piyush Goyal, union minister of commerce and industry said, “I’ve long questioned how interest rates—whether high or low—truly impact the demand for essentials like onions, tomatoes, rice, or pulses. This outdated thinking, tied to traditional inflation metrics like CPI, no longer serves us. In fact, high interest rates may fuel inflation, further burdening the common man. It’s time for economists to come together and assess the real impact of monetary policy on food inflation. While the economy remains strong with positive indicators like GST collections and manufacturing growth, we must adapt to changing realities. I’m confident that by the end of the year, we will maintain our position as the fastest-growing economy globally. However, the debate around inflation and interest rates is one we can no longer afford to overlook.”

In his first private media event after taking oath as Maharashtra’s chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis said, “The people of Maharashtra have given us an unprecedented mandate, and with it comes a great responsibility of driving India’s economy forward. Maharashtra has always been ahead, and I am proud to share that in just the first six months of this year, we have already achieved 90 per cent of last year’s FDI inflows—poised for a record-breaking year. In infrastructure, Maharashtra is leading the way with projects like the Badhwar port, which is set to become India’s largest and transformative development, such as the third Mumbai airport in Panvel and the Atal Setu connecting Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Additionally, we are building a ‘third Mumbai,’ three times the size of the current city, to become India’s next business capital. Maharashtra offers unparalleled opportunities, and I assure you that conducting business here will be seamless and supportive. Together, we can make Maharashtra India’s first trillion-dollar sub-national economy.”

The jury panel for IBLA 2024 comprised a distinguished group of senior industry leaders, including Bharat Forge chairman & managing director Babasaheb N Kalyani, who chaired the panel. Other esteemed jurors included Standard Chartered Bank CEO, India & South Asia Zarin Daruwala, State Bank of India chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Kotak Mahindra Bank managing director & CEO Ashok Vaswani, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise managing director Suneeta Reddy, Federal Bank managing director & CEO KVS Manian, L&T president, whole-time director & CFO R Shankar Raman, Asian Paints CEO & managing director Amit Syngle, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S, Titan Capital co-founder Kunal Bahl, and Blume Venture Advisors co-founder & managing partner Karthik Reddy.

CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Awards (IBLA) is a coveted leadership award, which celebrates trailblazers whose courage, vision, and influence are redefining success. Spread across seventeen categories, IBLA recognised emerging and established business leaders in its 20th edition.

Here’s the full list of winners:

CATEGORIES	WINNERS
BRAND CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR	ARIEL
YOUNG TURK OF THE YEAR	NOISE
YOUNG TURK STARTUP OF THE YEAR	THE SLEEP COMPANY
BREAKOUT BRAND OF THE YEAR	BLISSCLUB
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO CLIMATE CONSCIOUSNESS	BATX ENERGIES
DISRUPTOR OF THE YEAR	BLINKIT
MOST PROMISING COMPANY OF THE YEAR	PI INDUSTRIES
OUTSTANDING BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR	VELLAYAN SUBBIAH
OUTSTANDING COMPANY OF THE YEAR	BAJAJ AUTO
IN MEMORIAM	NARAYAN VAGHUL, VINEET NAYYAR, RANJIT SHAHANI, FALI NARIMAN
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO PUBLIC SERVICE	SUNITA NARAIN
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO INDIAN ECONOMY	IIT MADRAS (SPECIAL RECOGNITION)
ENTERTAINMENT LEADER OF THE YEAR	RAJKUMMAR RAO
SPORTS LEADER OF THE YEAR	INDIAN CHESS TEAM – TANIA SACHDEV
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD	DR CYRUS POONAWALLA
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO BRAND INDIA	NITA AMBANI
HALL OF FAME	KP SINGH

December 10, 2024

Republic Bharat unveils the logo of ‘Sangam – Sahitya, Sur aur Shakti’

MUMBAI: Republic Bharat, the Hindi news channel of Republic Media Network, announced the launch of Sangam – Sahitya, Sur aur Shakti, a cultural initiative that highlights and showcases the essence of India’s artistic and cultural heritage.

As per the press release, Republic Bharat mentioned reaching over 49 crore people annually and is watched by every second viewer in India’s TV universe, Republic Bharat is taking a bold step beyond the news to establish Sangam – Sahitya, Sur aur Shakti as a beacon of India’s rich traditions in literature, music, spirituality, and women empowerment.

With Sangam – Sahitya, Sur aur Shakti, Republic Bharat promises an unparalleled energy of musical performances, inspiring storytelling, meaningful discussions, and vibrant cultural expressions. The initiative will feature a stellar lineup of India’s most revered speakers, musicians, writers, artists, and novelists, each contributing their unique voices to celebrate the nation’s legacy.

Republic Media Network CEO Hersh Bhandari remarked: “As a network rooted in the principle of ‘Nation First,’ we firmly believe that culture lies at the heart of our national identity. With Sangam – Sahitya, Sur aur Shakti, we are launching a cultural IP that embodies this belief, showcasing India’s unmatched artistic brilliance to the world. This is more than an event; it’s a movement – a commitment to celebrating our traditions, creativity, and diversity.”

Republic Media Network’s Sangam – Sahitya, Sur aur Shakti is poised to become a powerful platform for cultural dialogue and creative exchange, bringing together audiences from all walks of life. By weaving together music, literature, and art, the IP aspires to inspire a deeper appreciation for India’s timeless traditions while offering a fresh perspective on the cultural narratives that unite the nation.

December 9, 2024
News9 becomes the arena for live football

MUMBAI: In a moment as unpredictable as a last-minute goal, News9 shattered the conventional boundaries of news broadcasting by stepping onto the turf of live sports. On 4 December, the channel made history as the first Indian news network to air a professional football match, delivering Bayer Leverkusen’s nail-biting 1-0 triumph over Bayern Munich in the German Cup directly from the iconic Allianz Arena. A gamble so audacious it bordered on bizarre, this bold move rewrote the rules of news broadcasting—proving, as they say, that sometimes the wildest ideas yield the greatest victories.

The live broadcast showcased News9’s commitment to redefining news content by integrating sports and entertainment, captivating a broader audience. The match, rich in drama, featured Bayer Leverkusen’s resilience against the might of Bayern Munich, led by a game-changing header from substitute Nathan Tella in the 69 minute. Bayern Munich, reduced to 10 men after Manuel Neuer’s red card in the 17 minute, failed to break through despite standout performances by Kingsley Coman and Leon Goretzka.

“This is a historic moment not just for News9 but for Indian news media as a whole,” said TV9 Network, MD & CEO, Barun Das. “Bringing live football action to a news platform demonstrates our commitment to evolving news content to meet the diverse interests of our audience. This marks the beginning of a new era in engaging and relevant broadcasting.”

News9 complemented its live telecast with in-depth pre- and post-match analysis, featuring insights from seasoned football experts. The channel also offered a concise recap for viewers, highlighting Bayer Leverkusen’s determination and Bayern Munich’s first defeat of the season in league and cup matches.

News9’s foray into live sports broadcasting signals a bold step forward in blending news with entertainment. This initiative underscores the channel’s innovative approach to broadening its audience base while maintaining its commitment to quality journalism.

December 5, 2024
Assamese channel Prag News engages Kunal Deshamukhya as COO

MUMBAI: Prag News – Assam’s oldest news channel – has got a new operational boss. Veteran Kunal Deshamukhya has joined AM Television Pvt Ltd – the company which runs the news channel – as chief operating officer.

Kunal has been in the television and distribution trade and has in the past worked with Star India, Star Den, BBC Worldwide, GTPL Hathway, Digi Jadoo Broadband and Afghani channel Ariana Radio and TV network. He has had stints with Joyco, Mother Dairy and has also tried his hand at turning entrepreneur.

Prag News which is beaming off a GSat 30 transponder is owned by chairman & managing director Sanjive Narain.

A free to air service, it is available on various DPOs including top ones like: Tata Play, Airtel DTH, and Dish TV.

December 4, 2024
NDTV Indian of the Year 2024 to celebrate trailblazers shaping modern India

MUMBAI: NDTV Indian of the Year returns with its much-anticipated 2024 edition, celebrating exceptional Indians whose remarkable contributions have left a lasting impact on the nation and beyond. With its legacy as the pioneer of the Indian of the Year platform, NDTV continues to spotlight extraordinary achievers across diverse domains such as politics, business, sports, entertainment, and more. The theme for this year, ‘Celebrating India – Inspiring Excellence’, encapsulates the spirit of innovation and achievement propelling the country forward.

The prestigious event, set to take place on 6 December 2024 in New Delhi, will feature a stellar line-up of luminaries and leaders across various fields, highlighting the immense talent and achievements that define modern India. Attendees will include prominent personalities like External Affairs minister S. Jaishankar, I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Commerce and Industry minister Piyush Goyal, business stalwarts such as Gautam Hari Singhania and Roshni Nadar Malhotra, actors Rajkummar Rao and Ananya Panday, and the multi-talented entertainer Kapil Sharma, among others.

Past editions of the NDTV Indian of the Year have celebrated icons who have shaped India’s narrative, including cultural legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan, cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar, India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, Chandrayaan-3 visionaries, and tech luminary Satya Nadella. This year’s event promises to continue the tradition by recognising individuals who embody innovation, resilience, and excellence.

The 2024 edition boasts a distinguished jury featuring RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, chairman, Sanjiv Goenka, veteran actor Asha Parekh, advertising guru Piyush Pandey, former supreme court judge A.K. Sikri, former Sebi chairman U.K. Sinha, and former chief of the Naval Staff, Karambir Singh. Supporting the jury’s deliberations, Grant Thornton serves as the trusted Consulting Partner.

The event will be aired live across the NDTV network on 6 December, showcasing the achievements of India’s finest talents and honouring their contributions to shaping the nation’s future.

NDTV Indian of the Year 2024 stands as a grand celebration of excellence and the indomitable spirit of India, bringing together visionaries, innovators, and changemakers under one roof.

December 4, 2024
Audiences are increasingly turning to big screens for rich & lengthy content: India TV’s Ritu Dhawan

She has always carved a distinct path for herself. From her early stints at British Sky Broadcasting and Zee TV to co-founding Independent News Service in 1997, Ritu Dhawan broke new ground by seamlessly introducing news programming into what was then a predominantly fiction-focused satellite television space in India.

Her achievement in producing & directing the iconic talk show Aap Ki Adalat, has captivated audiences since its debut in 1993. Building on this success, she reached the pinnacle of her career by establishing India TV along with Rajat Sharma. Her leadership at India TV has not only propelled the channel into millions of households but has also positioned it as a pioneer in embracing new-age digital platforms.

Indiantelevision.com’s Rohin Ramesh caught up with Dhawan, where she discussed the evolution of digital-first news platforms, Connected TV’s (CTV) evolution & impact in news streaming and much more.

Edited excerpt

On the rise of digital-first news platforms & India TV adapting to this trend

Today, staying relevant means embracing new ways to connect with our audience where they are most active. At India TV, we are deeply committed to a digital-first approach, transforming how we create, distribute, and engage with content online. Our flagship digital initiative “Speed News” exemplifies our commitment to delivering rapid and high-quality updates. We have also launched different dedicated segments to offer tailored content that resonates with our viewers’ interests, ensuring that our content aligns with their viewing habits and expectations.

Using advanced analytics, we closely monitor audience feedback to refine our approach and deliver more engaging and shareable content. On platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X we focus on dynamic video content that can quickly capture attention while providing deeper coverage on our digital channels. This approach ensures that India TV remains at the forefront of the digital age, meeting the evolving needs of a modern, online-first audience.

On audience consumption pattern changing over the years, especially with the rise of mobile and internet news consumption

Audiences are increasingly turning to big screens, particularly for rich & lengthy content. CTV is reshaping how people consume news, with many preferring the comprehensive experience of watching on larger screens. Understanding these shifts, we adapt our content to meet viewers where they are. For instance, video content, including short-form updates and interactive segments, performs well on social media, while traditional articles continue to engage readers on websites and discovery platforms like Google. By recognising these distinct preferences, we offer a range of formats tailored to the needs of our audience, whether they are scrolling on mobile or watching on CTV. This approach keeps our content accessible, adaptable, and relevant across all platforms.

On seeing the relationship between traditional TV news and social media evolving

At India TV, we are using social media not only as an extension of our TV broadcasts but as an active engagement tool. Real-time updates, short video snippets, and highlights help us reach younger audiences who prefer quicker, on-the-go content. At the same time, our longer TV segments continue to offer in-depth reporting and analysis.

With new formats like video-on-demand (VOD), short reels, and real-time updates, we can deliver news faster than ever, engaging viewers instantly. Social media allows us to provide early insights and instant access, and our viewers can tune into live broadcasts for a comprehensive perspective.

That said, the rise of social media has introduced unique challenges, particularly around credibility, as these platforms can sometimes contribute to the spread of misinformation. To address this, we prioritise fact-checking and sourcing to maintain the trust and credibility that define our brand. This dynamic integration enables us to stay relevant and maintain the credibility and trust associated with our brand.

On CTV emerging as a significant platform for streaming content & being a dinner table conversation for the media industry

CTV is setting a new standard for the broadcasting industry, driven by the principles of content, connectivity & convenience—the three Cs that define the future of viewing. India TV’s commitment to delivering quality content stands at the heart of our CTV strategy. With a focus on producing high-caliber news stories that retain depth and integrity, we’re shaping an experience that resonates with today’s viewers seeking credible journalism.

Connectivity is another pillar of our approach. By developing apps optimised for smart TVs, tablets and smartphones, we’re ensuring adaptability across all devices. This allows viewers to stay informed and engaged on any platform they choose, whether they’re watching from home or on the go.

Convenience completes the trifecta, offering a tailored, on-demand viewing experience that puts control in the hands of the audience. With interactive features like live chats, personalised recommendations, and seamless streaming, our CTV platform meets viewers wherever they are and whenever they’re ready to tune in.

India TV is combining traditional news depth with the immediacy and flexibility of CTV, positioning us to engage a generation that values trusted journalism as much as the freedom to watch on their terms.

On striking a balance between delivering hard news & incorporating lighter, more engaging content to appeal viewers

Our strategy at India TV is to provide a mix of hard-hitting news and lighter, more engaging content. We ensure credibility and depth with hard news segments covering politics, international events, and investigative journalism, while appealing to younger viewers through segments that explore lifestyle, entertainment, and trending topics.

Our Speed News segments, such as Speed 50, Speed 100, Duniya 20, Mausam 20 & Sports 20, provide quick, impactful updates, allowing us to deliver a broad range of topics in digestible formats.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we introduced two uplifting shows—Yoga News & Jeetega India, Harega Corona—to bring positivity to our viewers. These programs showcased our ability to balance hard and soft news, offering both reassurance and reliable information during challenging times. This dual approach lets us stay true to our journalistic roots while embracing the variety that today’s diverse audience values. By offering both serious reporting and lighter fare, we cater to the wide-ranging interests of our viewers, keeping them informed and engaged.

On gen Z audience turning increasingly towards digital platforms for news rather than traditional TV

While digital platforms have become the primary source of news for younger generations, traditional TV news continues to hold a strong reputation for credibility among them. Take “Coffee Par Kurukshetra,” for example, a segment that resonates deeply with younger viewers, with 40 per cent of its audience under the age of 35. We see similar engagement across other segments, such as Speed News on YouTube, where half of the viewers are under 35, as well as our yoga channel and “Aap Ki Adalat,” with 56 per cent and 47 per cent of their respective viewership also within this younger demographic.

This demonstrates that younger audiences value trusted journalism but prefer to access it in formats suited to their digital habits. By tailoring our content for digital platforms, we ensure that these viewers stay connected to trusted journalism while engaging with us on their terms.

On India TV ensuring credibility and trust with its viewers

In today’s climate of misinformation, India TV stands firmly for credibility and trust. Our fact-checking team rigorously verifies content before it reaches the public, ensuring that our viewers receive only accurate, well-vetted information.

We also proactively monitor the spread of fake news, maintaining vigilance to protect our viewers from misinformation. This commitment to authenticity has allowed us to build lasting trust, making India TV a reliable source in an age of unreliable information.

On working behind the scenes for years, shaping the channel’s growth, your personal motivation & guiding philosophy throughout this journey

A deep sense of purpose and responsibility toward our viewers has always driven my journey with India TV. I approach each decision as a meaningful step toward building a stronger connection with our audience. Guided by an audience-centric philosophy, I focus on understanding diverse viewer needs and aligning our content to serve those needs.

As a certified content producer, adapting to technological shifts and staying ahead of media trends have been integral to my role. This focus on innovation and audience engagement has allowed me to contribute to India TV’s growth in a way that is both impactful.

December 4, 2024