ITV

Category: People

  • Focus News to revamp regional channels under Shailesh Kumar

    Focus News to revamp regional channels under Shailesh Kumar

    MUMBAI: It was in September that Shailesh Kumar quit as editor in chief and CEO of news channels.

    After a small holiday, the man is back with a mission. Kumar has joined Focus News as managing editor-regional news channels. As part of his new role, he will be handling the five regional channels – Focus Odisha, Focus Bangla, Focus NE, Focus Haryana and Focus Hi Fi.

    “My primary focus here will be to revamp the channels in the coming three to four weeks,” says Kumar about his new role and plans for the network.

    The revamp of the five channels will be done simultaneously. “We will concentrate on content right now as we want the channels to be more relatable in their particular regions,” highlights Kumar and adds, “We will plan our FPCs accordingly.”

    Kumar brings with him a wealth of media experience spanning over a career of three decades cutting across print and TV. He has worked in leading news organisations like the Navbharat Times , Aaj Tak, Zee TV and most recently News Nation.

     

  • Done my bit at AXN, says Sunil Punjabi

    Done my bit at AXN, says Sunil Punjabi

    MUMBAI: In 2012, AXN Network had created a new position to focus on one of its fast-growing markets, leading it was Sunil Punjabi.

    However, Punjabi has decided to move on from the network as AXN Networks India business head and Multi Screen Media EVP. Confirming the news to Indiantelevision.com, Punjabi whose last day in the network is 15 December says, “I thought it was time to move on as I think I have done my bit here. Today AXN is at a good place.”

    In a move to kill piracy, he can be credited for showcasing some programmes like ‘Sherlock’, ‘Top Gear’ and ‘Orphan Black’ in the same week of their UK/ US releases.

    Punjabi , who was based in Mumbai, was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the channel, with the development of business opportunities and channel equity. In May this year, MSM named Pix EVP and business head Saurabh Yagnik as head of the English channels which meant Punjabi was reporting to Yagnik.

    Prior to AXN, Punjabi was CEO at multiplex company Cinemax and also headed the film production and distribution strategy at Fox Star Studios India for two years.

    On his next move, he says, “I have always been on a run. But will take a break till New Year.”

     

  • RK Arora joins News Nation as CEO

    RK Arora joins News Nation as CEO

    MUMBAI: In a major industry move, RK Arora, who is credited with building brands in the news broadcasting space, has been roped in as chief executive officer (CEO) of News Nation Network. He has a standout track record, result-oriented approach and has a deep understanding of the news ecosystem.

    He will report to the Board. Arora has an experience of 24 years and brings with him industry expertise and formidable credentials.

    In his new role, Arora will spearhead overall responsibility of strategic and operational management of News Nation Network and will oversee the Group’s portfolio of assets spanning news broadcasting.

    Arora was, until recently, a Group CEO of ITV Network and managed group’s six news channels –NewsX, India News and four regional news channels in the Hindi heartland and was instrumental in the company’s transformation and its unprecedented growth within a short span of two years. Prior to ITV Network, he was the CEO with BAG Network (News 24, E24 and Darshan 24). He was also associated with India TV since its inception.

    News Nation Network chairman Abhay Oswal said, “Arora’s illustrious track record make him an ideal choice to lead News Nation Network. He brings a unique combination of astute business acumen and in-depth industry knowledge. Arora has the vision, tenacity and integrity to ensure that News Nation Network will quickly become the success we expect it to be and we are committed to support him to strengthen the company’s leadership in the news genre.”

    On his appointment, Arora said, “I am delighted to be joining News Nation Network as chief executive officer as it moves into the next exciting phase of growth and development. I’ve watched News Nation Network’s impressive strides on both the programming front and in building a unique content network that is clearly unmatched in the marketplace. The company is in a perfect position to dramatically expand in the market and I’m thrilled to take on the role and be a part of the success of News Nation Network.”

  • Zee Entertainment strengthens its digital team

    Zee Entertainment strengthens its digital team

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) in order to strengthen its digital presence has appointed Anjana Kshetry.

    As Zee Digital brand solutions head, Kshetry will report to Essel Group chief knowledge officer Debashish Ghosh.

    Kshetry will be working in close coordination with the India Web Portal, Ditto TV and Zee Digital teams. She will also be responsible for leveraging the Zee sales team for integration of digital propositions with TV sales propositions in the most optimum manner. Furthermore, she will be looking at brand integration opportunities in the digital arenas being explored with Essel Vision.

    Kshetry was previously the senior vice president – sales and brand solutions, heading the national sales portfolio for brand solutions and Zee Khana Khazana. She has been associated with Zee for about 14 years, and has worked with the organisation in multiple capacities.

     

  • Shailesh Shah moves on from IBF

    Shailesh Shah moves on from IBF

    MUMBAI: After more than two years as Indian Broadcasting Foundation general secretary, Shailesh Shah has decided to move on.

     

    Shah, who had taken charge in February 2013, ended his relationship with the Foundation in November, this year. With over 28 years of experience in a variety of industries, Shah pushed IBF’s efforts in building a robust and profitable broadcasting industry in India.

     

    Currently, the Foundation’s deputy director Radhakrishnan Nair is looking after the responsibilities left vacant by Shah.

     

    Nair, who has over 33 years of experience in publications and television, has been associated with IBF since 2001. A post-graduate in public administration, Nair manages the Foundation’s day-to-day functioning, orchestrate several issues in various forums and committees, help in advocacy with the government and in particular, weigh in on legal and regulatory issues with deft counsel.

     

    No formal decision has yet been taken on who will take charge as the next general secretary of IBF.

     

    In September, at the 15th annual general meeting (AGM), Star India CEO Uday Shankar was appointed as the new president of the Foundation.

     

    The IBF board also elected Punit Goenka as vice president – measurement, N P Singh as vice president – distribution, Rajat Sharma as vice president – strategic affairs and Rahul Johri as treasurer.

  • Eros International appoints Dinesh Modi as India CFO

    Eros International appoints Dinesh Modi as India CFO

    MUMBAI: Eros International Media’s group chief financial officer (CFO) Kamal Kumar Jain has quit the company. An announcement to the Bombay Stock Exchange states that Dinesh Modi has been appointed as the new group CFO for India.

     

    Modi has had an experience of over 15 years in finance while Jain had been associated with Eros since 2010. “Kamal was a valuable member of our team and we wish him all the best for his future,” states the BSE statement adding that he will be moving on to pursue his other interests.

     

    Kamal has 17 years of experience and has worked with DNA, Percept Group and Ciba Specialty. Modi was senior VP- finance and operations at Prana Studios and has also worked with companies such as WNS, BearingPoint, MC Dean and Gujarat Guardian.

  • TSA appoints Sudhir Sahni as new India MD

    TSA appoints Sudhir Sahni as new India MD

    MUMBAI: One of Asia’s global leader in sports content and branding solutions, TSA (Total Sports Asia) has appointed Sudhir Sahni as its new managing director Indian-subcontinent based in Delhi.

     

    Sahni comes with over 25 years of experience in the advertising industry. With a post graduate degree from India Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, he comes with a deep understanding of various consumer segments and the experience of building strong brands across various product and service categories.

     

    Sahni has worked with leading global brands and organisations like American Express, Coca Cola India, Pernod Ricard India, Max New York Life, Pepsi Foods, Glaxo Smith Kline, KFC, Taco Bell, Gillette, besides leading Indian brands like Religare, Usha, HT Media, Spice Telecom, among many others.

     

    Besides shorter stints at leading advertising agencies like RK Swamy (BBDO), JWT and Draft FCB, Sudhir spent 16 years with O&M India, in various roles, including the last three years as the president – head of advertising at the Delhi office. Sahni was also the country manager, India at Tag Worldwide before joining TSA.

     

    Founder and group CEO of TSA Marcus Luer stated: “We are delighted to welcome both Sudhir and Al to the TSA Senior management team. I am confident that their deep knowledge of the Indian and Malaysian advertising industry will provide us with new and fresh perspective. TSA has evolved over the past years and today our brand consulting and strategy approach linked to sports properties as well as branded real estate projects have created waves across the region. I am confident that under the leadership of Sudhir, we will continue to be on the forefront of new and exciting projects in the country.”

     

    Speaking on his new appointment, Sahni added: “Sports is a great platform for communication and branding. Being associated with local and global sports properties is a very powerful way for brands and corporations to connect with their consumers and stakeholders. For years, India was only about cricket, now finally the interest in sports is becoming much broader and TSA is well placed and committed to provide fresh and unique brand building solutions to marketers in the area of sports, entertainment and real estate. I am extremely excited about the opportunity to drive TSA’s business in India and add my expertise to the overall vision of the company.”

  • Network18 appoints new directors and a CFO

    Network18 appoints new directors and a CFO

    MUMBAI: New appointments have been made at the Reliance Industries’ controlled Network18.

     

    Rajiv Luthra and Dhruv Kaji have been appointed as independent directors of the company. Additionally, Hariharan Mahadevan has been appointed as the chief financial officer (CFO) and Kshipra Jatana as manager.

     

    The appointments are effective from 27 November. Earlier this year when Reliance Industries’ took over Network18, CFO RDS Bawa quit along with a host of other executives including CEO B Sai Kumar, COO Ajay Chacko, editor in chief Rajdeep Sardesai etc.

     

    As of now, founder Raghav Bahl, Rohit Bansal, Vinay Chhajlani, Deepak Parekh and Adil Zainulbhai are the directors of Network18.

  • Bhupendra Chaubey is now CNN-IBN consulting editor

    Bhupendra Chaubey is now CNN-IBN consulting editor

    MUMBAI: After being elevated to executive editor of CNN-IBN a few months ago, Bhupendra Chaubey has now shifted his role to consulting editor.

     

    He will now do only one show a week and appear on screen for big days such as elections but will not be looking at hourly/daily management of news. He will also be focusing a lot on the digital space.

     

    In a series of tweets, Chaubey said that ’24 hour management doesn’t leave you any space to unlearn and learn again.’ He also tweeted ‘Journalism without passion and processes of enquiry isn’t journalism. I believe new age media platforms do provide you with that space.’

     

    While several media reports suggested that Chaubey would be leaving the organisation, following the footsteps of Rajdeep Sardesai, Sagarika Ghose, Vinay Tewari etc, it seems like he is still committed to Network18.

     

    Chaubey has been in the field from the past 17 years, starting his career with NDTV post which he joined TV18 in 2005 as chief political correspondent. 

  • Omar Qureshi bids adieu to Zoom

    Omar Qureshi bids adieu to Zoom

    MUMBAI: Times Television Network (TTN) has announced the official departure of Zoom TV’s editor in chief and creative head Omar Qureshi. He was part of Zoom for over six years and had played a role in building its unique properties. Qureshi also hosted Zooming with Omar which was a movie review based show.

     

    Speaking on the move, Zoom vice president and product head Sunder Venketraman said, “Omar has constantly driven the team to showcase compelling Bollywood content for our audience. His contribution has been exemplary and we wish him luck and all the very best in his future endeavors.”

     

    Recently the channel celebrated a decade of its existence. The channel conducts entertainment news, features, countdowns, music, trends, celebrity interviews and reviews. The Bollywood channel is available across 58 countries worldwide besides heavy presence in the social media space on platforms like facebook and twitter making it a one stop shop for everything related to Bollywood.