ITV

Category: People

  • NDTV appoints Anupam Srivastava as chief executive producer, NDTV India and regionals

    NDTV appoints Anupam Srivastava as chief executive producer, NDTV India and regionals

    MUMBAI: NDTV has appointed Anupam Srivastava as chief executive producer for NDTV India and its regional channels. He brings over two decades of expertise in broadcast journalism, long-form factual storytelling, and channel operations.

    Anupam combines the immediacy of live news with the depth of storytelling. At Times Now, Times Now, Navbharat, and Times Chronicles, he has led coverage of pivotal national events – from the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to high-stakes election nights and conducted two rare, exclusive interviews with the Prime Minister.

    In long-form content, his portfolio spans some of the most acclaimed factual series in recent years, including Love Kills on Discovery+, Tiranga on National Geographic India, 1971: Birth of a Nation, Tales of Valour, Kashmir: The Story, and Gallantry of Galwan. His work, marked by rigorous research, cinematic visual design, and disciplined narrative structure, has earned multiple NT Awards and ENBA honours.

    Beyond his editorial work, Anupam has played a pivotal role in shaping the visual and operational identity of channels – from leading the transition from SD to HD, to managing complete channel relocations, overseeing brand-defining design projects, and commissioning original programming for global OTT platforms. His ability to reimagine archival footage into fresh, high-impact narratives has enabled him to deliver premium content across a range of budgets.

    In his new role, Anupam will oversee NDTV India’s flagship programming and also spearhead content strategy, editorial direction, and brand positioning for NDTV’s growing network of regional channels. His mandate includes strengthening regional storytelling, deepening local engagement, and ensuring that the distinct cultural and linguistic character of each market is reflected in the network’s coverage.

    “NDTV’s strength has always been credible, well-crafted storytelling,” said Anupam on his appointment. “My focus will be on building on that strength across both national and regional platforms — refining our craft, and ensuring every story connects with viewers in a meaningful way.”

    “Anupam brings the judgement, experience, and creative focus to elevate NDTV’s premium content. His ability to translate editorial vision into high-quality execution makes him a valuable addition to the team,” said Rahul Kanwal, NDTV India CEO & editor-in-chief.

  • Gaurav Banerjee to chair CII media and entertainment council for 2025-26

    Gaurav Banerjee to chair CII media and entertainment council for 2025-26

    NEW DELHI:  Gaurav Banerjee, managing director and chief executive of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), has been named chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry’s national media and entertainment council for 2025-26. The move signals CII’s push to turbocharge the M&E sector’s global competitiveness with a focus on policy reform, skilling, tech-creative innovation and inclusive growth.

    Banerjee, who also chairs BARC India, steps into the role at a time when India’s media and entertainment engine is revving up to be a $100bn juggernaut—fuelled by AI, VFX, and a hungry Gen Z audience. His mandate? Drive trust, sharpen policy, and make “Create in India” the global gold standard.

    “At a time when the world is looking to India for inspiration, our M&E industry is uniquely positioned to reflect our cultural ethos while shaping global narratives,” said Banerjee. “We need frameworks that empower innovation, creative-tech and opportunity—without compromising trust or accountability.”

    As council chair, Banerjee will double down on four key levers:

    * Policy and regulation: Partnering with government to streamline norms, fight piracy, and foster a level playing field.
    * Tech meets creativity: Embracing AI, AR/VR and automation to supercharge content quality, personalisation and productivity.
    * Skill-building: Rolling out future-ready courses via the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies to upskill youth in animation, VFX and immersive storytelling.
    * Going global: Backing Indo-foreign co-productions and showcasing Indian stories to the world with tech muscle and cultural soul.

    The CII council under Banerjee will act as a bridge between industry, academia and government—taking on thorny issues like fair monetisation, content ethics, data privacy and equitable tech access. Expect sharp focus on regulating generative AI without stifling innovation.

    A filmmaker by training and former journalist at Aaj Tak, Banerjee brings over two decades of experience to the table. At SPNI, he has been the force behind bold content bets and digital pivots—balancing creative risk with fiscal discipline.

    His new role is likely to give India’s M&E sector the push it needs to move from scale to stature on the global stage.

  • Way2news ropes in Telugu media veterans to lead AP, Telangana sales

    Way2news ropes in Telugu media veterans to lead AP, Telangana sales

    MUMBAI: From press powerhouses to digital disruptors Telugu media veterans take the hyperlocal highway. In a strategic move to cement its dominance in the Telugu-speaking heartland, Way2news, India’s leading vernacular hyperlocal news platform has appointed three seasoned professionals to lead business operations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Collectively bringing over 90 years of experience from marquee media brands like Eenadu, Sakshi Media, Andhra Jyothi, and Vartha, the new sales leaders will spearhead advertising growth, strengthen client relationships, and scale regional revenues.

    Meet the new power trio:

    . Bhatlapenumarthy Ranganath, with 37 years of experience, most recently served as deputy general manager at Sakshi Media. He joins Way2news as head of sales for Key and Enterprise Accounts in Andhra Pradesh, where he will focus on large-scale revenue partnerships.

    . Ajjarapu Bhanu Venkatesh, a 30-year veteran of Eenadu, now takes charge as head of sales for the Urban SMB Market in Hyderabad. His deep understanding of urban media behaviour and administration makes him ideal for driving advertiser value in the state capital.

    .  Adapa Venkateswara Rao, who spent 32 years with Eenadu, assumes the role of head of sales for Andhra Pradesh’s SMB Market. Known for his expertise in promotional and government advertising, Rao brings unmatched regional know-how.

    The appointments come as Way2news continues to expand across the South, delivering real-time news coverage across 1,292 mandals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The platform’s mobile-first model and scalable ad tech make it a compelling proposition for advertisers aiming to reach deep into vernacular markets.

    “These appointments mark a big leap in our ambition to lead the regional digital news economy,” said Way2news founder & CEO Raju Vanapala. “The collective experience of these leaders will deepen our advertiser relationships and accelerate monetisation across our strongest markets.”

    Ranganath noted the shift towards digital-first strategies among enterprise clients: “Way2news combines editorial credibility with innovation. I look forward to driving impactful campaigns tailored to Andhra Pradesh’s fast-evolving market.”

    Venkatesh added, “The rise of hyperlocal vernacular consumption has transformed urban marketing. Our goal will be to harness Way2news’ scale and mobile reach to help SMB advertisers thrive.”

    Rao echoed the sentiment, “Advertisers today want more than eyeballs, they want relevance and reach. Way2news delivers both, and I’m thrilled to lead the sales charge for SMBs in Andhra Pradesh.”

    With a growing user base and renewed leadership, Way2news is not just reporting local stories, it’s rewriting the playbook for digital news monetisation in regional India.
     

  • Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation (IDMIF) announces Kevin Vaz as its new president

    Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation (IDMIF) announces Kevin Vaz as its new president

    MUMBAI: The Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation (IDMIF), a subsidiary of the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF), has announced the appointment of Mr. Kevin Vaz as its new President. The decision was taken at the IDMIF Board of Directors meeting held on 30 July 2025.

    One of India’s most influential media and entertainment leaders, Kevin Vaz brings to bear nearly three decades of experience that have shaped the industry. Currently serving as chief executive officer of the entertainment business at JioStar, he succeeds K. Madhavan, under whose leadership IDMIF has grown into a key advocate for India’s digital media sector.

    Speaking on his appointment, Vaz said, “I am honoured to take on this responsibility and build upon the strong foundation laid by Mr. Madhavan. As we move into 2025–26, my focus will be on fostering fair competition, innovation and sustainable growth across India’s digital media landscape. Digital is a critical pillar of the media and entertainment industry and with the right policy push and collaborative efforts, we have an incredible opportunity to further innovate, empower creators and enhance audience experiences. By working closely with the government, industry stakeholders and the creative community, we can shape an inclusive, future-ready ecosystem that delivers lasting value for all.”

    IDMIF’s Digital Media Content Regulatory Council (DMCRC), established on 31 May 2021 under the IT Rules, 2021, functions as an independent self-regulatory body for non-news content of IDMIF member Online Curated Content Providers (OCCPs). Registered with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), the DMCRC ensures balanced content governance, protecting consumer interests while upholding creative freedom.

    The DMCRC is chaired by Justice Mukul Mudgal (Retd.) and comprises eminent industry experts, including:

    ●   Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (Writer & Filmmaker)
    ●   Nikkhil Advani (Producer & Director)
    ●   Deepak Dhar (CEO, Banijay Asia)
    ●   Tigmanshu Dhulia (Director, Actor & Screenwriter)

    The Council also includes representatives from leading Online Curated Content Providers (OCCPs) such as Anil Lale (JioHotstar) and Ritesh Khosla (SonyLIV).

    Modelled on the highly acclaimed Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) – IBDF’s self-regulatory body for non-news television channels, the DMCRC plays a vital role in addressing viewer concerns and promoting responsible content practices. Notably, Justice Mudgal also previously chaired the BCCC, which has been commended by Indian courts for its effective self-regulation framework.

  • Gaurav Banerjee appointed chairman of BARC India

    Gaurav Banerjee appointed chairman of BARC India

    MUMBAI: Gaurav Banerjee, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)’s Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer has been appointed as Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India’s new Chairman at its Board Meeting on 1st August 2025. This is with immediate effect. He takes over from Shashi Sinha, executive chairman of IPG Mediabrands India, who served as BARC India’s chairman for over three years.  

    Mr. Banerjee is a distinguished leader with over two decades of experience in the Media and Entertainment industry and also represents Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) as its Vice President.  He is a director on the boards of MSM-Worldwide Factual Media Private Limited and Bangla Entertainment Private Limited.

    Speaking on being elected as BARC India’s new Chairman, Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, SPNI, said, “BARC India continues to empower stakeholders across the ecosystem with data driven decision making and it is a privilege to take on the role of Chairman at the world’s largest television audience measurement company. A big thank you to Shashi Sinha for his exceptional leadership and steady guidance over the last three years. As we navigate a rapidly converging media landscape, I look forward to continue strengthening BARC’s position as a trusted and credible currency for TV measurement in India.”

    Shashi Sinha, Executive Chairman of IPG Mediabrands India, and the outgoing Chairman of BARC India, said, “Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to partner with BARC and the various committees at different levels. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at BARC for their unwavering support and collaboration. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new Chairman, Gaurav Banerjee. I am confident that with his unique leadership style, BARC will continue to grow and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our industry.”

    Nakul Chopra, CEO, BARC India, added, “We welcome Gaurav Banerjee as our new Chairman. His leadership will be invaluable as BARC continues to evolve and serve the dynamic needs of the broadcast and advertising ecosystem. We would also like to express our deep respect and thanks to Shashi Sinha for his stewardship and commitment to BARC. His tenure has been instrumental in enhancing data granularity while reinforcing BARC’s dedication and commitment to the industry.”

  • Ekta Lakhi takes the reins as general manager at TV Today

    Ekta Lakhi takes the reins as general manager at TV Today

    MUMBAI: Ekta Lakhi, a seasoned pro in the cut-throat world of advertisement sales, has bagged a plum new gig: general manager at TV Today. With a CV that reads like a who’s who of the entertainment industry, Lakhi is clearly no stranger to the small screen, having demonstrated a rather impressive knack for getting brands to cough up the dosh.

    Armed with a Bachelor of Management Studies, with a keen focus on marketing, Ms. Lakhi isn’t just about the chat; she’s got the academic chops to back it up. 

  • CNN-News18 remains undisputed leader of English News Genre

    CNN-News18 remains undisputed leader of English News Genre

    MUMBAI:  According to the latest data from the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), CNN-News18 continues to dominate the English news genre, maintaining a strong lead of 179 per cent ahead of Times Now and 79 per cent ahead of NDTV.

    As per the latest data,  CNN-News18 has outperformed its competitors NDTV 24×7 and Times Now with a market share of  41 per cent. The market share of NDTV 24×7 stood at 22.9 per cent, while Times Now stayed at just 14.7 per cent.  (Source: BARC India | MKT: India | TG: 2+ | Period: AVG Wk 29’25 |Market share%)

    With a consistent lead over its competitors, CNN-News18 has remained the undisputed leader of the English news genre, thanks to its sharp editorial focus, credible journalism, and unmatched viewer trust.

    CNN-News18 has always been the voice of the people, bringing major public issues to the forefront. Adding to its commitment is the latest initiative, #SaveOurCities, because We The People deserve better. CNN-News18’s #SaveOurCities campaign asks the tough questions: Flooded roads, traffic chaos, potholes, piles of garbage, drainage failures, crumbling infrastructure—same problems, every monsoon.

    Speaking about CNN News18’s No.1 position and its latest initiative, Zakka Jacob, Managing Editor of CNN News18, says,  “CNN-News18 has been No.1 for the last three years now. There is no competition anywhere close to us, even in the latest BARC data. The gap between the No.1 and No.2 players is wide, and I believe this is a strong affirmation of our journalism. We put citizens’ concerns first and bring their issues and concerns to the forefront. For example, our latest initiative, #SaveOurCities, focuses on the monsoon season in Delhi, Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, where urban infrastructure is completely failing with overflowing drains and flooded roads. This is the story of urban India, and urban India is tuning in to CNN-News18 to watch stories like these.”
    “We are very happy with our journalism, the kind of story we do, and we are delighted that our viewers are accepting this. The numbers reflected in the BARC ratings, where we continue to hold the No.1 spot, are proof of that,” he added.

    Led by award-winning journalists like Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar and Shivani Gupta, the channel has maintained its number one position in the English news genre since the resumption of BARC ratings in March 2022. In order to maintain CNN-News18’s position far ahead of its competitors, the News18 network has made substantial investments in technology and editorial resources.

     

  • Ajit Varghese exits JioStar less than a year into top revenue role

    Ajit Varghese exits JioStar less than a year into top revenue role

    MUMBAI: Ajit Varghese has quit as head of revenue, entertainment and international at JioStar, the Reliance–Disney joint venture created in November 2024. His departure, confirmed via an internal memo, comes under a year after he was brought in to drive monetisation across television, digital and overseas businesses.

    Mahesh Shetty, currently head of  revenue for the 90 plus channels and JioHotstar for large client universe which acounts for more than 80 per cent of the platform’s income will take charge of the entertainment revenue mandate. A Viacom18 alumnus, Shetty has more than 20 years’ experience in media sales, including a stint as head of network sales.

    Varghese, a veteran with over three decades in advertising and media, joined Disney Star in January 2023 to head network sales before moving to JioStar. He earlier led monetisation at ShareChat and Moj, and spent over a decade at WPP, where he rose to global president of Wavemaker.

    He was recently awarded with an Indian Telly Award for his performance as head of revenue. 
    Industry watchers are now keenly awaiting Varghese’s next move, given his track record of steering businesses through transformation across agencies, broadcasters and digital platforms.

  • Jasbir Singh zooms up the ranks at Zee News as chief manager

    Jasbir Singh zooms up the ranks at Zee News as chief manager

    MUMBAI: Jasbir Singh has stepped into a new avatar at Zee Media Corporation Ltd, now donning the hat of chief manager at Zee News. A familiar face in the corridors since 2017—when he joined as senior manager—Singh’s elevation marks a steady rise fuelled by grit, grind, and serious sales chops.

    Before his Zee innings, Singh racked up impressive mileage across India’s top media houses—stints at India Today as deputy manager – corporate sales, Jagran Prakashan, and Infomedia18 (Network18) as senior executive saw him build a well-rounded armoury in corporate sales and business strategy.

    An MBA in marketing and sales from the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology – SMU, Singh blends street-smart execution with boardroom savvy. As the media landscape grows fiercer and faster, Zee News now has a seasoned player steering the charge from the frontlines.
     

  • Asha Sharma tunes into Network18 as regional sales head – branded solutions & IP

    Asha Sharma tunes into Network18 as regional sales head – branded solutions & IP

    MUMBAI: After over a decade of making brands sing at Big FM, Asha Sharma has changed frequencies. She’s now joined Network18 Media & Investments Ltd as regional sales head – branded solutions & IP. And from the looks of it, she’s ready to turn up the volume on content-driven partnerships and high-impact intellectual properties.

    With 15 years under her belt as senior business partner – sales (group head) at Reliance Broadcast Network, Sharma is no stranger to the pitch-and-powerplay of India’s media circuit. Her résumé reads like a masterclass in national-level key account management, corporate sales, and business development, with a particular flair for building teams that don’t just meet targets, they rewrite them.

    Known for her results-first mindset and a knack for unlocking brand value through innovative storytelling, Sharma now brings her radio-honed instincts to the fast-paced TV and digital ecosystem at Network18. As branded content becomes the battleground for audience attention, expect Sharma to lead with insight, intensity, and IPs that leave a mark.