ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • Republic TV loses veteran operations chief after eight-year stint

    Republic TV loses veteran operations chief after eight-year stint

    NEW DELHI: Hersh Bhandari, chief operating officer of Republic Media Network, has called time on his eight-year tenure at the news broadcaster, announcing his departure in a LinkedIn post that urged colleagues to “ignore all rumours” about his next move.

    The media veteran, who has spent three decades climbing the ranks of India’s television industry, said he was taking a “small break to reinvent myself and gear up for the next adventure.”

    His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Republic TV, where Bhandari served as both chief operating officer for the broader network and chief executive officer of Republic World since December 2018.
    In his farewell message, Bhandari thanked Arnab Goswami and the editorial team for their “intensity and support”, while crediting his time at Republic with teaching him strategic thinking and leadership skills. He described the experience as helping him learn “great entrepreneur lessons” and draw “inspiration from colleagues every single day.”

    Bhandari’s career spans some of India’s most prominent media houses, including a six-year stint at Times Network, where he served as vice-president of sales and national revenue head for Times Now. Before joining Republic, he spent nearly two years as national revenue head at TV Today Network.

    His media journey began in the 1990s with a marketing role at Star TV Network, after cutting his teeth in the clothing industry with a seven-year tenure at Pepe Jeans London. At Times Network, he also held senior positions at Zoom, serving as vice-president and national head for four years.

    The executive, who describes himself as an “avid enthusiast of sports and music,” has built a reputation for driving growth across people and media operations. His LinkedIn profile carries the motto: “No matter how far down we may be, we are never too far down to come back.”

    Republic Media Network has not yet announced a replacement for Bhandari’s role. The news comes as India’s television news sector continues to face intense competition and evolving viewer preferences in the digital age.

  • Vivek Makker returns to NDTV as national revenue head

    Vivek Makker returns to NDTV as national revenue head

    NEW DELHI: NDTV has brought back seasoned sales leader Vivek Makker as national revenue head for NDTV India, NDTV Madhya Pradesh–Chhattisgarh and NDTV Rajasthan, entrusting him with the task of supercharging advertising revenues across its flagship Hindi news network.

    Makker knows the terrain well. From 2012 to 2022 he climbed the NDTV ladder to become national head of NDTV India, shaping strategy and client relationships in the intensely competitive Hindi news segment. He now returns after a three-year stint at News Nation, where as executive vice-president he steered national sales, digital marketing and customer experience.

    His earlier career spans nearly every corner of India’s broadcast and out-of-home market. At Star India he managed northern-region sales, while at JSL Media he headed the outdoor revenue function. At Times Innovative Media he was part of the core team that launched airport advertising in Delhi and Mumbai in 2007, taking monthly billings from zero to Rs 10 crore within a few years. He recruited and retained a high-performing team and built direct relationships with top developers such as DLF, Emaar and Unitech, as well as brands from Volkswagen to GM and BMW.

    Makker started out in media marketing at Hindustan Times in 1999, later moving to Star TV to handle marquee real-estate and IPO clients. Across these roles he earned a reputation for meticulous client servicing, sharp sales strategy and the ability to build lasting partnerships in a sector known for churn.

    The NDTV executive say his mandate is clear: grow advertising share in Hindi heartland markets while deepening ties with national advertisers and agencies. With more than two decades of experience and a track record of turning fledgling revenue streams into major profit centres, Makker is expected to give NDTV’s Hindi channels fresh commercial momentum as the network readies for the next phase of expansion.

  • Rajat Sharma takes helm of India’s top news broadcasters’ body

    Rajat Sharma takes helm of India’s top news broadcasters’ body

    NEW DELHI: Rajat Sharma, the seasoned television news anchor and promoter of India TV, has been unanimously elected president of the News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) for 2025-26. The appointment, announced at the organisation’s board meeting on 19 September positions him at the head of India’s most influential media news lobbying group as the industry navigates mounting regulatory pressures and fierce competition from digital platforms.

    Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing , managing director M.V. Shreyams Kumar will serve as vice-president, whilst News24 Broadcast India chairperson and managing director Anuradha Prasad Shukla takes the honorary treasurer role. Both appointments were unanimous.

    The NBDA board includes heavyweights from India’s media landscape: Rahul Joshi of Network18 Media & Investments, Kalli Purie Bhandal from TV Today Network, and Anil Kumar Malhotra of Zee Media. Other members are Dhruba Mukherjee (ABP Network), I. Venkat (Eenadu Television), Rahul Kanwal (New Delhi Television), Mahesh Kumar Rajaraman (Sun TV Network), and Rohit Gopakumar Velloli from Bennett Coleman & Co.

    Annie Joseph remains secretary general, providing continuity as the association faces an increasingly complex media environment marked by regulatory scrutiny and the relentless rise of streaming platforms and independent news influencers.

  • GST set to star as Network18 reloads reforms with economic power summit

    GST set to star as Network18 reloads reforms with economic power summit

    MUMBAI: When it comes to India’s growth story, the script is being rewritten and Network18 is handing the nation a sneak peek. On 22 September 2025, Delhi will host Reforms Reloaded 2025, a high-impact summit designed to unpack the country’s most pressing economic questions. With GST 2.0, Aatmanirbharta, Make in India, and Vision 2030 taking centre stage, the event promises to bring together the sharpest minds from government, industry, and diplomacy to map India’s next big leap.

    The summit will feature sector-specific dialogues on how the latest GST reforms are reshaping industries from manufacturing and e-commerce to services and hospitality. At the same time, big-picture conversations will tackle themes like public relief, governance, and international cooperation.
    A star-studded line-up

    Network18 has assembled a heavyweight speaker list that reads like India’s economic Avengers. Among those taking the stage are:

    ●    V. Anantha Nageswaran, chief economic advisor, GoI

    ●    Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, defence secretary of India

    ●    Arunish Chawla, secretary, DIPAM

    ●    Ambassador Anil Sooklal, South African high commissioner to India

    ●    Benedikt Höskuldsson, ambassador of Iceland to India

    ●    Kimmo Lähdevirta, ambassador of Finland to India

    ●    Amitabh Kant, ex-G20 sherpa & former CEO, NITI Aayog

    ●    Rajiv Memani, president, CII & chairman & CEO, EY India

    ●    V. Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO, IDFC First Bank

    ●    Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India

    ●    Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak Mahindra Asset Management

    ●    Utpal Sheth, founder & mentor, Trust group

    ●    Atul Suri, CEO, Marathon Trends Advisory

    ●    Shashi Shekhar Vempati, co-founder, Deeptech for Bharat

    ●    Vivek Mishra, co-founder & CEO, Raphe Mphibr

    This eclectic mix of economists, policymakers, diplomats, and CEOs will explore everything from macro reforms to micro impact ensuring the conversation spans boardrooms, trading floors, and households alike.

    “Reforms Reloaded 2025 is a platform that brings together India’s top minds to discuss the next chapter of India’s economic journey,” said Network18 CEO for (broadcast) & MD, A+E Networks | TV18 Avinash Kaul. “Global shifts and tech disruption are transforming industries. This summit will highlight how inclusive reforms can empower a self-reliant India.”

    Echoing the sentiment Network18 group chief strategy officer Puneet Singhvi said: “The latest GST reforms have put the spotlight back on Make in India and Vision 2030. By uniting policymakers and business leaders, Reforms Reloaded will spark fresh thinking and deliver practical solutions to unlock opportunities across manufacturing, services, e-commerce, and beyond.”

    The day-long summit, starting 11:00 am onwards, will air live on Network18 channels, giving viewers a front-row seat to the ideas shaping India’s economic destiny. With GST spends and compliance challenges in focus, the summit aims to provide both vision and actionable roadmaps bridging policy intent with ground realities.

    For a nation chasing high growth while balancing global uncertainties, Reforms Reloaded 2025 promises not just a conversation but a compass: charting how India can move from reform to resilience, and from resilience to reinvention.

  • News9’s ‘Duologue NXT’ hands the mic to women ‘set for the big leap’

    News9’s ‘Duologue NXT’ hands the mic to women ‘set for the big leap’

    MUMBAI: Move over monologues, Duologue is back, and this time, it’s passing the spotlight to women ready to take the big leap. TV9 Network has launched ‘Duologue NXT’, presented by Radico Khaitan, as the newest chapter of its acclaimed ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ series, now in its fourth season.

    Hosted by TV9 Network, md & ceo, Barun Das, ‘Duologue NXT’ blends the intimacy of a podcast with the power of a movement. It puts future-forward women achievers centre stage, showcasing their grit, ambition, and next big goals. From enterprise and aviation to global cinema, fashion, and glamour, the line-up promises conversations that go beyond clichés and cut through the noise.

    “This is more than dialogue; it’s a movement championing women-led development,” said Das. “By amplifying their voices, we hope to inspire not only women but also men to break barriers and aim higher.”

    Radico Khaitan, continuing its three-year association with ‘Duologue’, echoed the sentiment. Coo Amar Sinha said, “True progress stems from inclusivity. Our partnership with Duologue NXT reflects our commitment to celebrating women achievers and fuelling India’s women-led growth story.”

    With its pledge to focus on substance over tokenism, the show explores the idea that “what got you here won’t get you there.” Each conversation is designed to inspire audiences across generations with strategies, stories, and success paths for the future.

    For ‘Duologue,’ which has already hosted luminaries like David Cameron, Oliver Kahn, NR Narayana Murthy, and Allu Arjun, this new season is a bold leap in itself, proof that the Sheconomy isn’t just a buzzword but a movement in motion.
     

  • Sowing seeds of change: Zee 24 Taas honours farmers at Krushi Sanman 2025

    Sowing seeds of change: Zee 24 Taas honours farmers at Krushi Sanman 2025

    MUMBAI: Ploughing ahead with pride! Maharashtra’s most trusted Marathi news channel, Zee 24 Taas, turned the spotlight on the state’s unsung heroes at Krushi Sanman 2025, a celebration of farmers, agri-entrepreneurs and the resilience of rural India.

    More than just an award ceremony, the event blossomed into a powerful dialogue on the future of farming, spotlighting shrinking landholdings, rising input costs, and the mounting impact of climate change, while also celebrating trailblazing farmers who embraced innovation, sustainability and entrepreneurship.

    Graced by agriculture minister Dattatray Bharne, cabinet minister Bharat Gogawale and union minister of state Murlidhar Mohol, the event reinforced the message that agriculture is not just the backbone of India’s economy but the heartbeat of rural transformation.

    “Krushi Sanman 2025 is a movement that celebrates resilience and ushers in change,” said Zee 24 Taas, editor, Kamlesh Sutar. “We want to shift the narrative of agriculture from hardship to opportunity and from survival to success.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Bharne spoke of his own roots in farming and assured the community of the government’s firm support: “Agriculture today is about courage, adaptability, and innovation. Events like Krushi Sanman strengthen our resolve to honour farmers and ensure rural prosperity.”

    Adding perspective, Zee media corporation limited, CEO, Karan Abhishek Singh, described the initiative as “a long-term ecosystem where knowledge, policy, and innovation converge for the benefit of farmers.”

    Viewers can catch the special telecast of Krushi Sanman 2025 exclusively on Zee 24 Taas on Saturday, 20th September at 2:30 pm, and Sunday, 21st September at 2:00 pm.

    By honouring excellence and igniting dialogue, Zee 24 Taas has ensured that Krushi Sanman 2025 is more than an event, it’s a milestone in making agriculture not only a source of livelihood, but also of lasting pride.

  • Bihar turns centre stage as India News Manch 2025 fuels poll fire

    Bihar turns centre stage as India News Manch 2025 fuels poll fire

    MUMBAI: Democracy had its loudest drumroll in Patna as India News Manch 2025 lit up Hotel Maurya with a day-long spectacle of fiery speeches, charged debates, and political one-upmanship. Billed as Bihar’s grandest political conclave yet, the event didn’t just host discussions, it set the narrative for the state’s fiercely awaited 2025 assembly elections.

    From the opening mantrochchar by Pandit Dr. Ranjit Narayan Tiwari to the final curtain call, the conclave was a political marathon that gripped audiences both in Patna and nationwide. The dais was nothing short of a power parade: Deputy CMs Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, veteran voices Ravi Shankar Prasad and Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, challenger-in-chief Tejashwi Yadav, strategist Prashant Kishor, and a chorus of leaders including Mukesh Sahani, Upendra Kushwaha, Ashok Choudhary, and Shambhavi Choudhary.

    Each session packed in headlines of its own. The debate titled “क्या PK का परचम लहराएगा?” turned into a spirited battle over Prashant Kishor’s political roadmap. The NDA vs INDIA clash lived up to its billing, with sparks flying as party representatives went head-to-head. And Sachchidanand Rai’s session, rooted in his IIT and industrialist background, struck a chord as he spotlighted youth, industry, and Bihar’s developmental trajectory.

    But the Manch wasn’t just politics, it was culture too. Bhojpuri stars Ritesh Pandey and Gunjan Singh brought the flavour of Bihar’s art and entertainment into the mix, reminding the audience that the state’s identity is as much about music and cinema as it is about manifestos and mandates.

    “This conclave shaped narratives and presented Bihar’s politics in its raw, unfiltered form,” said India News managing editor for input Rakesh Singh adding that Patna had never before seen such a convergence of power and ideology. Echoing this, Dr. Aishwarya Pandit Sharma, Founder of Itv Foundation, called it “a democratic celebration like no other,” emphasising how the conclave connected citizens directly with decision-makers.

    With India News Manch 2025 drawing over a dozen heavyweight leaders and thousands of engaged viewers, the conclave has firmly cemented Patna as the crucible of India’s electoral pulse, a place where not just Bihar’s, but the nation’s political future is being scripted.

  • Times Network taps NKN Media to sell its stories in the Middle East

    Times Network taps NKN Media to sell its stories in the Middle East

    MUMBAI: Times Network, the broadcast arm of India’s Times Group, has appointed NKN Media FZC as its exclusive advertising sales partner for the Middle East. The deal gives NKN the reins to bring in ad revenue for the international feeds of Times Network, ET Now and Zoom, all of which already beam into regional homes via Etisalat, DU, Ooredoo and Starzplay.

    For Times Network, the tie-up is more than just business, it’s a bridge. With millions of Indians living and working across the Gulf, the network sees fertile ground for both connection and commerce. By leaning on NKN Media’s local expertise and market know-how, Times hopes to create fresh avenues for advertisers eager to reach a diaspora that is both sizeable and influential.

    The bouquet on offer is varied: Times Now, synonymous with sharp debates and global news; ET Now, trusted for market insight; and Zoom, Bollywood’s glossy home for film, music and celebrity sparkle. Together, they promise brands a stage where credibility meets entertainment.

    “This partnership deepens our connection with one of the most dynamic Indian communities overseas,” Times Network said, adding that the collaboration offers advertisers “a robust platform to engage with a highly influential audience.”

    NKN Media, ceo and md, Abdul Majid Khan was equally upbeat and said, “Partnering with Times Network, India’s leading media house, is a proud moment. With our global ad-sales experience, we’re confident of unlocking strong growth opportunities for both partners in the Middle East.”

    In short, the network that prides itself on making headlines has just made one of its own, by giving its Middle East audience (and the brands chasing them) a reason to stay tuned.

  • News18 India stays a cut above as Hindi news crown slips from rival Aaj Tak

    News18 India stays a cut above as Hindi news crown slips from rival Aaj Tak

    MUMBAI: When it comes to news wars, News18 India is scripting the headline itself by clinching the Hindi news crown yet again. The latest BARC report cements its dominance, showing the channel outpacing rival Aaj Tak by a clear margin across both overall and primetime viewership.

    Between Week 32’25 and Week 35’25, News18 India drew a whopping 83,768 AMA’000s, leaving Aaj Tak trailing at 79,108 AMA’000s. The gap widens in the fiercely contested evening primetime slot (6 pm–11 pm), where over 12 weeks (Week 24’25–Week 35’25) News18 India commanded 36,480 AMA’000s, while Aaj Tak managed 27,916 AMA’000s. (Source: BARC | TG: NCCS All 15 plus | HSM).

    This streak of leadership underscores how the channel has become the go-to destination for audiences seeking credible, fast, and impactful journalism. Its combination of breaking news speed, on-ground reporting, and sharp debates has given it a formidable edge in the Hindi-speaking markets.

    Fronting this rise are a powerhouse of star anchors Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, Aman Chopra and Pankaj Bhargava whose shows consistently set the evening agenda with fiery debates and exclusives.

    Part of the larger News18 Network, the channel has also extended its clout beyond TV screens, strengthening its hold across digital platforms to capture viewers wherever they consume news.

    With these numbers, News18 India isn’t just reporting the story, it’s becoming the story, turning primetime battles into a showcase of audience trust and loyalty.

  • Delhi dreams big as Live Times Xchange charts vision for 2047 future

    Delhi dreams big as Live Times Xchange charts vision for 2047 future

    MUMBAI: When the capital talks, the country listens jkand Live Times Xchange made sure Delhi’s voice roared loud and clear at its 4th flagship conclave on 10 September 2025 at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. Centred on ‘Mission Delhi @2047: Reinvent India’s Capital’, the event gathered an eclectic mix of powerbrokers, policymakers, and public voices to reimagine the city’s future.

    The line-up was nothing short of formidable: chief minister Rekha Gupta, MPs Sanjay Singh and Manoj Tiwari, ministers Kapil Mishra, Ashish Sood, Parvesh Verma, AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bhardwaj, Congress leaders Devendra Yadav and Alka Lamba, Delhi mayor Raja Iqbal Singh, JNU vice-chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi, former AIIMS director Dr. M.C. Mishra, and justice Sudheer Aggarwal. Together, they debated the policies, politics, and pathways to transform Delhi into a global, citizen-first capital by 2047.

    Rekha Gupta unveiled an ambitious blueprint: complete electrification of public transport, seven million new trees to expand Delhi’s green cover, and a renewed push to restore the city’s healthcare credibility. “Delhi will not only see change in infrastructure but also in intent, as governance becomes truly people-first,” she assured.

    Ashish Sood spotlighted futuristic education reforms, from 75 CM Shri Schools teaching AI, robotics, and data science to a Rs 900 crore allocation for 21,000 smart classrooms, alongside the clean yamuna Mission. Alka Lamba, reflecting on her 30 years in politics, credited Sheila Dikshit’s legacy of flyovers, metros, schools, and hospitals, and urged today’s leaders to carry forward long-term, responsible governance.

    Manoj Tiwari brought personal grit to the table, recalling his journey from Bhojpuri cinema to Parliament and defending Delhi’s migrants. He touted initiatives like Rs 1 lakh free healthcare for the poor, Ayushman Arogya centres, GPS-tracked water tankers, Yamuna clean-up drives, and the UVR-2 road project as proof of development with intent.

    The conclave distilled five big pillars for Mission Delhi @2047:

    ●    Smart, transparent governance

    ●    Sustainable green infrastructure

    ●    EV-led future mobility

    ●    Knowledge and innovation hubs

    ●    Inclusive healthcare, housing, and citizen services

    For Live Times founder & editor-in-chief Dilip Kumar Singh the gathering epitomised the brand’s ethos: “Sampoorna Satya, Har Keemat Par is not just a slogan, it is our responsibility. LT Xchange shows that when leadership and media collaborate on facts, democracy thrives.”

    As the curtains fell, the message was unmistakable: Delhi’s reinvention rests on collaboration, innovation, and accountability. With optimism and determination in the air, the conclave left one lingering thought, if politics, policy, and people can pull together, Delhi 2047 won’t just be a capital, it’ll be a global benchmark.