ITV

Category: People

  • Discovery appoints Arthur Bastings as DNAP president and MD

    Discovery appoints Arthur Bastings as DNAP president and MD

    MUMBAI: Discovery Networks International (DNI) has appointed Arthur Bastings as Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) president and managing director, effective 1 September, 2015. He will report to DNI president Jean-Briac Perrette.

     

    As part of the new role, Bastings will be responsible for setting the regional strategy and maximising the potential of DNAP’s business and workforce to accelerate the company’s expansion. He will be based out of the Singapore office. Bastings’ remit will include fortifying DNAP’s sports offering and leading strategies in the region, in partnership with Eurosport CEO Peter Hutton.

     

    “The Asia Pacific region encompasses two thirds of the world’s population and thus represents one of the biggest growth opportunities for our company. Arthur has a remarkable combination of experience in Asia, strong strategic thinking, and a proven track record of growth and building strong teams.  His deep knowledge of Discovery and familiarity with the Asia market will give him a great head start in accelerating DNAP’s expansion,” said Perrette.

     

    Bastings joins DNAP from Millicom, an international telecommunications and media company, where he was a member of the executive committee responsible for Africa and Financial Services, focusing on mobile and information and communications technology convergence.  He brings over 20 years’ experience working in the TV and media business, including several years leading strategy and business development for Viacom across Asia. Bastings also previously spent six years as executive vice president and managing director for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) for Discovery. Under his leadership, Discovery’s EMEA business transformed by doubling audiences and generating exceptional organic growth that resulted in one of the fastest growing and largest pay TV businesses in the region. 

  • Monica Tata quits HBO India

    Monica Tata quits HBO India

    MUMBAI: HBO India managing director Monica Tata has decided to move on after a two year stint with the network. Confirming the development first to indiantelevision.com, Tata said that she will be with HBO till the end of this week.

     

    She informed, “Yes, I have put down my papers and it’s my last week at HBO.”

     

    About her next move, she said, “While I have not yet decided my next movement, there is no timeline. I am ready for the next challenge.”

     

    At HBO India, she was responsible for introducing and developing various initiatives to enhance the company’s offerings in India and its subcontinent including providing strategic direction and managing partner relationships.

     

    Tata has over 23 years of media experience and before joining HBO, she was with Turner International India as general manager, entertainment networks, South Asia where she was responsible for steering and overseeing all network initiatives across Turner’s entertainment brand portfolio in South Asia.

     

    Prior to joining Turner she was the senior vice president -advertising sales, Star India, where she was responsible for advertising revenue on Star Movies, Star World, Channel [V], National Geographic Channel and History Channel.

  • Saregama accelerates its television business

    Saregama accelerates its television business

    MUMBAI: As part of its growth strategy, the music company and also the entertainment arm of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, Saregama has ramped up its television content management team. It has appointed two senior creative people, namely Rajesh Beri and Siddharth Anand.

     

    Saregama MD Vikram Mehra commented, “Saregama is very serious about creating good quality content for television and with Beri and Anand, two industry veterans, on board we hope to achieve greater highs in the coming time.”

     

    Beri features in the Limca Books of Records for writing the maximum number of episodes of any serial and the only writer in the country to write 1,328 episodes, story, screen play, dialogues and lyrics for one serial solely. He has more than 45 serials to his credit, telecast across all the major national channels like Star Plus, Sony, DD, Zee TV to name a few.

     

    Anand comes on board with a degree in film making from Hampshire College in Massachusetts. With directorial projects like Zinda on Sony, Hello Pratibha on Zee TV, Shastri Sisters on Colors, he has established himself as one of the finest directors in the television world.  

  • Arnab Goswami becomes first journalist to ring opening bell at BSE

    Arnab Goswami becomes first journalist to ring opening bell at BSE

    MUMBAI: Times Now and ET Now president news and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami has become the first journalist in the 140 year history of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) to be ringing the opening bell, thus marking the opening of proceedings at the exchange.

     

    He was accompanied by BSE MD & CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan, along with other officials of the exchange.

     

    Chauhan said, “We are pleased to have Arnab Goswami at the Bombay Stock Exchange for the opening bell-ringing ceremony. This event marks another significant milestone for Asia’s oldest stock exchange as it celebrates its 140th anniversary, and  Goswami’s presence has enhanced the celebrations.”

     

    Goswami added, “I am happy that someone from the media has been given the honour to ring the opening bell at this august institution, and I am humbled to have been chosen for it. This is the most important financial institution in the business capital of India, and is a place where great capital and wealth are generated for the nation. This year, BSE is celebrating 140 eventful years, and on behalf of the entire media fraternity, I wish it all the best.”

  • Eros’ Kishore Lulla wins ‘Entertainment Visionary’ award

    Eros’ Kishore Lulla wins ‘Entertainment Visionary’ award

    MUMBAI: Eros international executive chairman Kishore Lulla has bagged the Entertainment Visionary award at the 2015 Annual Gala Dinner organized by Asia Society Southern California on 20 June. Lulla was recognised for being a game changer as well as for his efforts in taking Bollywood to a global platform. The gala evening honoured Lulla’s quest to connect the Indian diaspora through films and bridging of cultures by introducing Bollywood to non-Indian audiences. 

     

    Lulla said, “It is an honour to be recognised by the reputed Asia Society Southern California and I’m grateful to my family, the Eros team, our associates, investors and the Indian film industry for their unstinted support. It continues to be a remarkable journey for us at Eros and I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the Asia Society in appreciating our endeavor to bring Indian cinema to the forefront globally.”

     

    Asia Society Southern California & of McLain Partners LLC chairman Thomas McLain added, “Kishore Lulla is much more than a head of a successful film studio, who controls 40 per cent of the Hindi language film market in India; he’s also a philanthropist who is seeking to bring 250 million Indian children out of poverty through his educational initiatives and a visionary who is promoting equality for women in the workplace in India. His personal story of starting his business in Israel and Germany inspired all, and at the same time he kept the audience laughing with his great sense of humor. Kishore’s goals are synonymous with those of the Asia Society – we are both building bridges between the East and West through education, culture and business initiatives.”

     

    “We are thrilled to honour Kishore with the Entertainment Visionary Award, for taking Bollywood global and blazing paths to build Eros International into an integrated, worldwide media company, Kishore epitomizes Asia Society’s mission of forging understanding between Asia and the world, as well as among Asians, by championing the power of popular culture,” said Society Southern California executive director Jonathan Karp Asia.

  • News Corp Oz CEO to retire; APN’s Michael Miller steps in as chairman

    News Corp Oz CEO to retire; APN’s Michael Miller steps in as chairman

    MUMBAI: Even as News Corp’s Rupert Murdoch unveiled succession plans for 21st Century Fox with the appointment of his sons James and Lachlan to key positions, News Corp Australia CEO Julian Clarke has decided to step down at the end of the year.

     

    In the wake of Clarke’s retirement, the company has roped in APN News & Media CEO Michael Miller as executive chairman for Australasia. Additionally, News Corp Australia COO Peter Tonagh has been upped as CEO and will step into Clarke’s shoes.

     

    With Miller leaving, APN has appointed Ciaran Davis as CEO of the Group, effective 1 September, 2015. Davis is currently CEO of the Australian Radio Network (ARN), a position he has held since January 2010. Miller will remain as APN CEO during a transition period for the company.

     

    APN chairman Peter Cosgrove said, “Michael will work side by side with Ciaran to ensure the smoothest possible transition for the business, and, on behalf of the Board, we wish Michael all the best in his future endeavours.”

  • Brian Williams demoted; Lester Holt to anchor ‘NBC Nightly News’

    Brian Williams demoted; Lester Holt to anchor ‘NBC Nightly News’

    MUMBAI: Brian Williams, who was suspended as the anchor of NBC Nightly News earlier this year, has been replaced by Lester Holt as the permanent anchor of the show.

     

    Holt, 56, has been a television news reporter for thirty-four years. He joined NBC in 2000 and became the full-time anchor of Weekend Nightly News in 2007. He also anchors Dateline and co-anchors Weekend Today.

     

    NBC News and MSNBC chairman Andrew Lack and NBCU CEO Steve Burke have decided that Williams will not be the anchor of Nightly News, which he hosted from 1996 to 2004.

     

    In a review conducted by NBCUniversal, it was found that Williams made a number of inaccurate statements about his own role and experiences covering events in the field. The statements in question did not for the most part occur on NBC News platforms or in the immediate aftermath of the news events, but rather on late-night programs and during public appearances, usually years after the news events in question.

     

    Williams will now join MSNBC as anchor of breaking news and special reports. He will work with NBCU News Group SVP of special reports Mark Lukasiewicz, who will help lead a team to strengthen MSNBC’s daytime coverage by further leveraging NBC News’ expertise in breaking news. In addition, Williams will serve as a breaking news anchor for NBC News live special reports when Holt is not available. He will begin the new role in mid-August.

     

    Speaking about Hold’s appointment as the new anchor of NBC Nightly News, Lack said, “Lester has done outstanding work for NBC News over the last ten years, and he’s performed remarkably well over the last few months under very tough circumstances. He’s an exceptional anchor who goes straight to the heart of every story and is always able to find its most direct connection to the everyday lives of our audience. In many ways, television news stands at a crossroads, and Lester is the perfect person to meet the moment.”

     

    Holt added, “This is an enormous honor. The respect and admiration I have for the Nightly News team has only grown deeper over the last several months that we’ve been together. Day-in and day-out under an uncomfortable spotlight they have produced world-class journalism. I’m very proud and grateful to be part of such an unflappable and dedicated team of professionals as we move forward together.”

     

    Speaking about Willians, Lack said, “Brian now has the chance to earn back everyone’s trust. His excellent work over twenty-two years at NBC News has earned him that opportunity.”

     

    Burke said, “First of all, I want to thank Lester Holt. Lester stepped into the anchor chair in a trying time and has really come through for us. We are lucky to have him and I know he will continue to do great things at NBC News for years to come.”

     

    “As you would imagine this was a difficult decision. Brian Williams has been with NBC News for a very long time and he has covered countless news events with honor and skill. As I said in February, we believe in second chances, and I am hopeful that this new beginning will be good for Brian and the organization. This matter has been extensively analyzed and deliberated on by NBC. We are moving forward,” Burke continued.

     

    On his return to NBC, Williams said, “I’m sorry. I said things that weren’t true. I let down my NBC colleagues and our viewers, and I’m determined to earn back their trust. I will greatly miss working with the team on Nightly News, but I know the broadcast will be in excellent hands with Lester Holt as anchor. I will support him 100 per cent as he has always supported me. I am grateful for the chance to return to covering the news. My new role will allow me to focus on important issues and events in our country and around the world, and I look forward to it.”

  • Universal Television appoints Mike Clements as EVP comedy development

    Universal Television appoints Mike Clements as EVP comedy development

    MUMBAI: Universal Television has named Mike Clements as its new executive vice president of comedy development and Jim Donnelly as senior vice president, comedy development.

     

    Clements will report to Universal Television president Bela Bajaria, while Donnelly will report to Clements.

     

    Bajaria said, “Mike Clements is an extremely well-regarded comedy executive. In addition to being very supportive and collaborative with writers, he is excited about helping us launch great comedies. We are pleased to bring him on board to head comedy at the studio where we remain committed to producing innovative and smart break-out comedies.”  

     

    She added, “We’re additionally thrilled that Jim Donnelly has joined us from CBS Studios. I have a longtime relationship with Jim and know firsthand how well he works with the creative community. He’ll be a great addition to our strong comedy team, which includes our talented VP of comedy, Dan Shear.”

     

    Clements has a long history on the comedy side, most recently at animation studio Bento Box where he was head of creative development and original programing. Previously he was president of Tom Werner’s Good Humor Television. Before joining the producing side of television in 2006, Clements spent 14 years as a network comedy executive during the early stages of both Fox and the WB. He began his television career at NBC as an assistant in the photo department.

     

    Donnelly most recently served as VP of comedy development at CBS Studios. Previously he was at Paramount Television and CBS Productions on the comedy side as well.

  • Murdoch scion to take over 21st Century Fox from 1 July

    Murdoch scion to take over 21st Century Fox from 1 July

    MUMBAI: The Board of 21st Century Fox has made a series of senior management changes, which will take effect 1 July, 2015. As was reported by Indiantelevision.com last week, Rupert Murdoch, the company’s founder, chairman and CEO, together with Lachlan Murdoch, currently co-chairman, will become executive co-chairmen.

     

    Additionally, Chase Carey, the company’s deputy chairman, president and COO since 2009, will become the executive vice chairman and serve in that role through 30 June, 2016. James Murdoch, currently co-chief operating officer, will become CEO.

     

    In conjunction with these changes, the company’s corporate functions, and its global television and film operations will now jointly report to Lachlan and James Murdoch.

     

    Rupert Murdoch said, “It has always been our priority to ensure stable, long term leadership for the company, and these appointments achieve that goal. Lachlan and James are each talented and accomplished executives and together, we, as shareholders and partners, will strive to take our company to new levels of growth and opportunity at a time of dynamic change in our industry.”

     

    He added, “I can’t thank Chase Carey enough for his friendship, counsel and leadership over the past decades. He will be actively engaged in supporting Lachlan and James as they step in to their new roles.”

     

    Carey said, “I am grateful to Rupert for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and truly believe there isn’t a company out there that’s more exciting, with more growth potential, than 21st Century Fox. I look forward to continuing to work with Rupert to support Lachlan and James in their new positions.”

     

    In a joint statement, Lachlan and James Murdoch said, “We are both humbled by the opportunity to lead, with our father and the talented team of executives at 21st Century Fox, this extraordinary company. We are grateful to Chase for being the leader and partner that he has been, and we are both delighted that his wisdom and sure handedness will continue to serve 21st Century Fox. We are also grateful to the Board for providing us the opportunity to lead this great company. Most importantly, we each look forward to working with the entire team of creators, executives, artists and all of our colleagues that make up our global businesses, to steer the company into the future, and to drive continued value for our shareholders.”

     

    21st Century Fox lead director Rod Eddington said, “The Board has long been focused on succession and we’re fortunate to have two very talented executives in Lachlan and James to take this company into the future. Working in tandem with Rupert, we’re confident their partnership and stewardship will give this business real momentum for many years to come. We are also deeply grateful to Chase Carey for his many years of exceptional leadership and his agreement to continue his contributions through his new position.”

  • Sky News makes senior editorial appointments

    Sky News makes senior editorial appointments

    MUMBAI: Sky News has announced a host of foreign and domestic editorial appointments.

     

    Dominic Waghorn has been appointed diplomatic editor. Waghorn is one of Sky’s most experienced foreign journalists, most recently as US correspondent based in Washington where he has reported on major stories including the recent riots in Ferguson, Superstorm Sandy and the Boston Marathon bombing. Previous to that Waghorn spent five years as Sky’s Middle East correspondent reporting extensively from across the region. He was named the RTS Television Journalist of the Year in 2007 for his exclusives from China.

     

    Mark Stone is to become Europe correspondent, based in Brussels, and will play a key role in covering the EU Referendum. Stone’s appointment follows three years as Sky News’ Asia correspondent, where he covered a variety of stories, including travelling to North Korea and explaining the complexities of China for which he was nominated for an RTS Award.

     

    After a successful tenure as Moscow correspondent, Katie Stallard will replace Stone as Asia correspondent, based in Beijing. She has been a major journalistic voice in the Ukraine crisis, as well as reporting closely on the Russian political landscape. 

     

    In the UK, Robert Nisbet has been appointed Political correspondent covering Anushka Asthana’s maternity leave. Following a successful term as Sky’s Europe correspondent, Nisbet will bring his wealth of experience to cover the UK political scene, including David Cameron’s campaign to reform the Union and the UK’s position in Europe. 

     

    Sky News director of newsgathering Jonathan Levy said, “Dominic, Mark, Katie and Robert are first class journalists who’ll bring a huge amount of expertise and journalistic endeavour to their new roles, offering our customers the very best analysis from their respective beats.”