ITV

Category: People

  • Gujarat Tak launches Gujarati-news website to expand digital footprint

    Gujarat Tak launches Gujarati-news website to expand digital footprint

    Mumbai: India Today group’s digital-first regional channel Gujarat Tak announced the launch of its Gujarati language website during its election focussed on-ground political event ‘Gujarat Tak Baithak’.

    The event was graced by eminent personalities from Gujarat’s political realm including chief minister Bhupendra Patel, home minister Harsh Sanghvi, BJP’s CR Patil, Congress’s Jignesh Mevani and Lalit Kagathara, AAP’s Isudan Garvi and AIMIM’s Waris Pathan.

    Tak managing editor Milind Khandekar commented, “Our journey in the Gujarat market has been impeccable. We entered through varied social media platforms and within a year we are ready to launch our digital destination. The website will feature exclusively tailored content, especially for Gujarati-speaking digital audiences. It will act as a comprehensive platform with all content categorised in systematic formats like text-news articles, web stories, and videos.”

    Tak CEO Vivek Gaur said, “After covering Maharashtra and UP, Gujarat will be the third regional market with our native platform. Gujarat Tak as a channel had crossed 100 million views in FY21-22 on social media. The launch of the website further establishes trust, authenticity & knowledge with the end-consumer.

  • Zee Media appoints Joy Chakraborthy as new chief business officer

    Zee Media appoints Joy Chakraborthy as new chief business officer

    Mumbai: He’s hoping to bring some joy to Zee News. Veteran broadcast executive Joy Chakraborthy has hopped on board Zee Media as its chief business officer. His task: oversee advertising, distribution, sales and marketing at the news network. Chakraborthy has over 27 years of experience in the media industry with a core competence of ad sales and revenue generation.

    His last employment was with the Manish Shah promoted Goldmines Telefilms as its CEO, a post he held for eight months.

    Prior to that  he was the CEO of Enterr10 Media and even before that with TV Today.

    It is a homecoming of sorts for Joy as in the past he held the position of executive director at Zee Group.  He has had experience with the print medium too as director of the Times of India group. He served as president-TV18 and executive vice president-Star TV in the early 2000s.

    He is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School and a graduate from National Defence Academy.

  • Pamela Kaufman replaces Raffaele Annecchino to lead Paramount Global’s international business

    Pamela Kaufman replaces Raffaele Annecchino to lead Paramount Global’s international business

    Mumbai: Pamela Kaufman has been appointed as Paramount Global’s new president and CEO of international markets, global consumer products, and experiences. Prior to joining this position, Kaufman was the president of global consumer products and experiences.

    This newly created position reports to Paramount president and CEO Bob Bakish. The company said that this move reflects its ongoing strategy of globalising its operations. has decided to leave the company in his role as

    Former Paramount International Networks, Studios, and Streaming president and CEO Raffaele Annecchino, who, according to the studio, has “decided to leave the company,” was suddenly put on leave last month. At the time, no more information concerning his departure was made public.

    In her expanded role, Kaufman will be responsible for driving the continued growth of Paramount’s international business and ensuring the strength of the company’s international operations across six continents, including broadcast and cable networks, streaming and studios, and the company’s commercial capabilities. She will work closely with Paramount’s international leadership team, as well as the global content and streaming organisation, to do so, including helping to guide the continued international rollout of Paramount+ and Pluto TV. Kaufman will maintain her current responsibilities overseeing the global multi-billion-dollar consumer products and experiences organisation.

    “Pam has been the strategic force behind growing and expanding some of the most iconic global franchises and properties in entertainment,” Bakish said in a statement. “She is a proven and trusted visionary leader who has transformed our consumer products organisation by driving innovation and operating as a global business. Pam is uniquely qualified to lead our international business as we expand and diversify our worldwide footprint and accelerate Paramount’s transformation to operate with a truly global approach.”

    Bakish added, “I want to extend my thanks to Raffaele Annecchino for the critical role he has played in building Paramount’s international business and expanding our global footprint. I am grateful for the dedication he has shown throughout his 25 years at Paramount and wish him well in the future.”

    Speaking on joining her new role, Kaufman said, “I am honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for Paramount’s international business. I know firsthand the global strength of our brand portfolio, and I look forward to working with Bob and the incredible international team as we continue pursuing our global growth strategy, investing in key partnerships, furthering our push into mobile and digital platforms in new markets, and operating as one team globally.”

    In November 2021, Kaufman assumed the role of Paramount president, global consumer products and experiences, overseeing worldwide product and business development, marketing, franchise planning, creative strategy, retail sales, and consumer insights for all brands in the portfolio. In less than a year, Kaufman has led the transformation of the consumer products business, unifying the organisation by placing the full power of the Paramount ecosystem behind its most valuable IP. Her commitment to transformation, innovation, and brand building has led to some of the most groundbreaking partnerships in the company’s history, including cutting-edge co-branded collaborations with the biggest names in social media.

    Kaufman was also responsible for Viacom’s first direct-to-consumer e-commerce site in 2019 – The SpongeBob Shop – and has since led the expansion of additional online direct-to-consumer businesses for merchandise tied to various top CBS and Showtime programming, including similar standalone initiatives for brands such as Star Trek, South Park, and MTV.

    Prior to that role, she served as Nickelodeon’s president of consumer products and CMO. She was responsible for building Nickelodeon’s franchises, ranging from PAW Patrol to SpongeBob SquarePants, shepherding them through important tentpole campaigns and milestone celebrations.

    Before joining Nickelodeon back in 1997, Kaufman held positions at Turner International, Equity Marketing, and Grey Advertising.

  • Zee Media’s Q1 FY23 revenues up by 21.6 per cent and ad revenues soars 23.7 per cent YoY

    Zee Media’s Q1 FY23 revenues up by 21.6 per cent and ad revenues soars 23.7 per cent YoY

    Mumbai: Zee Media Corp Ltd (ZMCL) announced its first quarter financial results for the financial year 2023 on 29 July. The company reported total revenues of Rs 206.96 crore compared to Rs 170.18 crore during the corresponding quarter last year up by 21.6 per cent.

    ZMCL’s advertising revenues for the quarter stood at Rs 196.53 crore, up by 23.7 per cent YoY. Subscription revenue declined by 10.2 per cent to Rs 8.93 crore.

    ZMCL’s earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortization (EBIDTA) dipped marginally to Rs 39.84 crore from Rs 45.32 crore year-on-year (YoY).

    The company reported profit after tax of Rs 8.19 crore compared to a loss of Rs 9.04 crore YoY.

    The news broadcasting company’s operating expenditure increased by 33.8 per cent to Rs 167.12 crore versus Rs 124.86 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. The company’s operating costs went up by 58.2 per cent to reach Rs 36.02 crore and employee benefit expenses went up by 35.6 per cent to reach Rs 66.92 crore. Its other expenses increased by 29.8 per cent to reach Rs 44.84 crore.

    ZMCL operates 14 TV news channels comprising one global, four national and nine regional language channels, together with five digital channels, 17 digital brands and is one of the largest news networks in the country.

    Its flagship Hindi news channel Zee News had 9.2 per cent market share as per Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) data for Week 26 2022 (four week rolling average), Hindi-speaking market (HSM) 15+ audience, 0600-2400 hours. It recorded 15 minutes ATSV (average time spent per viewer).

    Zee News YouTube channel garnered 660 million video views during the April-May-June quarter and reached over 60.1 million viewers through continued focus on innovative programming.

    Its global channel Wion was awarded 13 prestigious News Television (NT) awards recognising the channel’s unbiased and non-cluttered approach towards news. The channel enjoyed 7.9 minutes ATSV and is the No. 1 English news channel on YouTube based on video views.

    Source: BARC, All 22+ Male AB, India Urban, 0600-2400 hrs, WK 26’22 (4 weeks rolling average)

    The network’s Hindi business channel Zee Business has 58.6 per cent market share, an average weekly reach of 1.32 million and 25.6 minutes ATSV as per Barc data, All 22+, Male ABC, HSM, 0600-2400 hrs WK 26’22 (4 weeks rolling average).

  • Uday Shankar & Punit Goenka to speak at APOS 2022

    Uday Shankar & Punit Goenka to speak at APOS 2022

    Mumbai: Former Disney Asia Pacific head Uday Shankar, who has now teamed up with James Murdoch for a JV Bodhi Tree Systems and who is also Marigold Park founder, director, and ZEEL manging director & CEO Punit Goenka, is among the speakers at APOS 2022, which will take place in-person in Singapore at the Capella from 27-29 September 2022. The event will also be streamed, keeping in mind the current COVID situation.

    Created and curated by Media Partners Asia, APOS positions itself as the ultimate destination for deals, partnerships, and thought leadership as industry leaders focus on sustainable growth and investment across content, connectivity, and commerce.

    The other speakers include Meta India VP & MD Ajit Mohan, JIO Platforms group CFO Saurabh Sancheti, Warner Bros. Discovery president, international Gerhard Zeiler, Paramount senior VP, Head of Office and Streaming, Asia Catherine Park, Candle Media co-CEO, founder Kevin Mayer, Prime Video VP, International Kelly Day, Sky NZ CEO Sophie Moloney and YouTube global head of media co partnerships Lori Conkling.

    The key themes are:

    Media Macros: The Long And Short View

    APOS takes the pulse of key APAC markets, providing an outlook on advertising and consumer spending across media with discussions on key drivers and challenges along with secular shifts.

    Streaming’s Sustainability

    2022 will help investors and industry stakeholders assess the scalability of streaming with a laser focus on the sustainability of customer growth, monetisation and the path to profitability. APOS brings global and local perspectives into sharper focus.

    Valuations And Investor Expectations

    TV remains profitable with low growth, while streaming is rapidly growing but unprofitable. What is the inflection point for streaming and the outlook for long-term cash generation? What are the various approaches toward valuations of pure-play streamers, companies in transition, and other proxies?

    Growth of Premium Asian Content

    Korean dramas and Japanese anime drive nearly 40 per cent of premium online video consumption across the region. Production values in Thailand, Indonesia, and other markets continue to improve as budgets increase and broadcasters recoup investments across TV and online. What is the future forecast? Will Korean dramas continue to dominate? Can Japanese anime and other genres grow share? What is the outlook for local dramas in the country and regionally?

    Metaverse Impact

    New applications are being pioneered to drive consumer experiences with growing use cases across gaming, movies, music, TV content, and social connectivity. What will be the impact on consumer engagement and the development of new media franchises?

    Battle for the Living Room

    The growth of smart TVs along with the proliferation of video services has driven demand for aggregation with an emphasis on customer simplicity, improved content search and discovery, and efficient payment. 2022 will see competition for the living room escalate amongst internet & technology giants and telcos & pay-TV operators. What does customer success look like in key markets and what compelling use cases are emerging?

    Scalability of Premium AVOD

    TV broadcasters and regional platforms are capitalising on CTV growth, local IP, and attractive demos to help shape the premium AVOD market in major Asia-Pacific markets. How are the dynamics playing out amongst key stakeholders and what will drive future growth?

    Expanding the Creator Economy

    What are the latest innovations and emerging technologies expanding the creator economy as platforms and advertisers look to next-gen content creators to reach new audiences and build engagement? How are key platforms investing in monetization engines and unique platform features to drive new revenue streams that sustain creator ecosystems internationally and in large local markets in APAC?

    Recalibration of Sports

    After pandemic-induced lockdowns in 2020-21, rights fees experienced a correction; is market demand returning to pre-Covid levels, and if so, which markets and franchises benefit and which lag? How are distribution dynamics and drivers changing with the growth of online video?

    Telco State of Nation

    Telco strategy and investor focus across key markets are being driven by 5G and mobile consolidation. What catalysts across consumer, enterprise, and other key verticals will drive value creation for telcos in 2022 and beyond?

    New Normal for Movies

    2022 box office is still relatively depressed in most markets. When will demand snap back and what role will streaming continue to play? How are exhibitors, studios, and production houses positioning themselves? How are investors reacting?

    Optimising Content and the Video Experience

    How are new technologies helping platforms optimise customer experiences across content and connectivity? What applications are helping companies thrive in a highly competitive video landscape with content personalisation, targeted advertising, and the overall consumer experience?

  • Bharat 24 announces senior-level appointments in key function of the sales & marketing team

    Bharat 24 announces senior-level appointments in key function of the sales & marketing team

    Mumbai: Soon-to-be launched national hindi news channel, Bharat 24, has kept the industry buzzing with a slew of new appointments. Recently, the channel has announced senior-level appointments in key functions of sales and marketing ahead of its launch.

    Bhim Shankar Negi has joined Bharat 24 as vice president (North and East). With over 16 years of media sales experience, Negi is known for increasing revenue with his solution-based approach, especially with selling events, IP’s and customized brand solutions for his clients. In his previous role, he has worked with leading media networks like Zee Media, Network18, NDTV and The Times of India.

    Speaking on his appointment, Negi said, “It is a privilege to have been entrusted with this new responsibility. While Bharat 24 is the first-to-introduce augmented reality in its studios, we are confident of offering a wide range of customized media solutions to fraternity”.

    Partha Sarthi Kuila is appointed as vice president for the west and south region. He will be based out of the Mumbai Office. In his illustrious career spanning over two decades, Partha has been responsible for driving ad sales revenue from the west & south markets where he has worked with Zee Media, Sab TV, Network18, 9X Media, Star India and Red FM.

    Speaking about his new role, Sarthi Kuila said, “I am extremely delighted to join the team at Bharat 24. My experience and learnings will help me charter into newer arenas to tap into the full potential of the channel.”

    The channel also announced the appointment of Nishant Mishra as vice president of marketing. He will be responsible for the brand’s launch and other marketing activities in his national role.

    Nishant has been instrumental in creating successful brand strategy, curating IP’s and customized brand solutions for the leading media brands he has worked with in his career spreading over 15 years like TV Today, TV 18, Zee and iTV Network. Before joining Bharat 24, he was associated with India Ahead News as DGM, Marketing & Branded Content.

    On these new appointments, Bharat 24 chief business officer and strategic advisor to the board Manoj Jagyasi commented, “Bhim, Partha and Nishant bring a wealth of experience & strategic thinking which should bolster our growth plans for Bharat 24. Cashing in on all the excitement for Bharat 24 in the market, I am pleased to inform you that we are already in advanced stages towards signing a few large advertisers”.

  • Zee’s MD & CEO Punit Goenka is the ‘Game-Changer of the Year’: IAA Leadership Awards

    Zee’s MD & CEO Punit Goenka is the ‘Game-Changer of the Year’: IAA Leadership Awards

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) managing director and chief executive officer Punit Goenka was conferred with the coveted ‘Game-Changer of the Year Award’ at the International Advertising Association’s (IAA) Leadership Awards held in Mumbai.

    Goenka was awarded for his invaluable contribution towards the growth of the media and entertainment industry. He has also been credited for scripting the success story of ZEE in a year that tested the resilience and agility of businesses across industry.

    Crediting this recognition to all the teams at ZEE, Goenka said, “This is not only a source of encouragement, but also proof that we have been taking the right steps and moving forward. This win belongs to every member of the ZEE family who has consistently strived to achieve success and generate higher value for all our stakeholders.”

    As the MD & CEO of ZEE, he has been extremely successful in enhancing the company’s performance and driving the business towards its set goals by not just creating quality entertainment content, but also by bringing about a positive change across society. His futuristic vision and sharp acumen in the media domain have enabled ZEE to become the frontrunner in the entertainment sector, leading the company to achieve a global stature today.

    Under his notable leadership, ZEE has successfully expanded into international markets, with a presence across 190 countries and a reach of over 1.3 billion viewers today across consumption platforms.

  • CJ Group vice chairwoman Miky Lee will receive the International Academy’s 2022 Directorate Emmy Award

    CJ Group vice chairwoman Miky Lee will receive the International Academy’s 2022 Directorate Emmy Award

    Mumbai: CJ Group vice chairwoman Miky Lee will receive the International Academy’s 2022 Directorate Emmy Award. The announcement was made by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences president and CEO, Bruce L. Paisner.

    The International Academy’s Special Emmy will be presented to Lee at the 50th International Emmy Awards Gala on 21 November 2022, in New York City.

    Paisner said, “Miky Lee is in a class of her own, a visionary leader who has harnessed her exceptional business acumen and love of her country’s culture by tirelessly spearheading the global phenomenon of the Korean wave for over twenty-five years. The whole world witnessed her commitment to our industry and Korea when she, along with the creators of “Parasite,” enthusiastically accepted the Oscar for her company’s award-winning film “Parasite,” a historic milestone for Korean content.”

    CJ’s presence was strengthened by leading the global phenomenon of the Korean wave, starting with the investment by DreamWorks SKG in 1995, which was a monumental moment in the company’s transformation from a food company to an entertainment business. In fact, she was the key driving force behind K-Pop’s global success, creating and growing KCON, the world’s No. 1 K-culture festival that celebrates Korean culture and music. In 2019, she was executive producer of “Parasite,” the first foreign language film in history to win the Best Picture Oscar. Since 2020, she has been serving as vice chair of the board of trustees of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Lee is the grandchild of Lee Byung-Chul (the founder of CJ and the Samsung Group).

    Headquartered in Seoul, CJ ENM engages in businesses across the industry spectrum, including media content, music, film, performing arts, and animation. CJ ENM’s credits include the television series Crash Landing on You, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Hospital Playlist, and the films “Snowpiercer,” “Miss Granny,” the BAFTA-winning “Handmaiden,” and the Tony Award-winning Broadway production “Kinky Boots.” CJ ENM’s critically acclaimed content is enjoyed by a global audience on various media platforms and has been remade into multiple versions.

    United under the slogan “We live to discover Untold Originals,” CJ ENM has three production and distribution studios: drama production powerhouse Studio Dragon, K-OTT content production studio CJ ENM Studios, and US-based studio Endeavor Content, which it acquired in 2021.

  • Sant Prasad Rai resigns as Managing Editor of TV9 Bharatvarsh; Deep Upadhyay to lead currently

    Sant Prasad Rai resigns as Managing Editor of TV9 Bharatvarsh; Deep Upadhyay to lead currently

    Mumbai: Sant Prasad Rai has stepped down as managing editor of TV9 Bharatvarsh. He was associated with the channel for over three years. To synergize broadcast & digital editorial operations, TV9 Bharatvarsh to be helmed by Deep Upadhyay who is currently the editor of convergence & strategy.

    Upadhyay will be assisted by Rahul Chaudhary in day-to-day news operations at TV9 Bharatvarsh.

    Rai has three decades of experience in electronic media. Earlier, he was associated with India TV as senior executive editor for a year. He has held many reputed positions at Zee Media, News 24, Sahara Samay and ETV UP. Rai has been relieved from his day-to-day newsroom responsibilities with immediate effect at TV9 Bharatvarsh.

    Upadhyay has joined the news network from News 24. He has worked with various media houses such as India TV, Zee News and Dainik Bhaskar.

     

  • Shemaroo Entertainment appoints A Chakravarty as COO; K Gada becomes president- new business opportunities

    Shemaroo Entertainment appoints A Chakravarty as COO; K Gada becomes president- new business opportunities

    Mumbai: Shemaroo Entertainment has appointed Arghya Chakravarty as chief operating officer. Kranti Gada has been named president-new business opportunities.

    Chakravarty will be spearheading the overall business operations of Shemaroo and will work with CEO Hiren Gada and the senior management team to implement the strategic vision and values of the firm. His primary focus will be to scale and steer Shemaroo’s numerous business verticals.

    Chakravarty’s previous stint was with Disney Star where he was EVP – ad sales, entertainment business. In a career spanning close to three decades, he has held various leadership positions in different sectors across a gamut of reputed organisations like Times Innovative Media, PepsiCo, and Asian Paints.

    Moreover, Gada in her role as the COO was instrumental in transforming the organisation from a B2B entity to a successful B2C brand. Under her able leadership, the organisation has launched various initiatives such as a robust broadcast network, an OTT platform, and several digital initiatives. She will now pass on the baton to Arghya. As president of new business opportunities, Kranti will focus on her passion and strengths to identify & build new business opportunities for the organisation.

    Shemaroo Entertainment’s CEO Hiren Gada said, “In the last four years, Kranti and I have laid the foundation to build a strong, scalable, and professionally run organisation. I firmly believe that Arghya with his proven track record, expertise, and extensive experience is an ideal fit to attain Shemaroo’s ambitions. I welcome him to the Shemaroo family and wish him all the best.”

    Shemaroo Entertainment president-new business opportunities Kranti Gada said, “We are thrilled to have Arghya join us at this juncture as we are celebrating 60 years of Shemaroo. Aligned with our vision, he brings with him deep domain expertise and he can steer our company’s growth exponentially. With his three decades of experience with leading brands, I am confident that Arghya will help us scale new heights with a strong focus on B2C initiatives while staying true to our vision and core values.”

    “I am excited to come on board with Shemaroo, which has been a household name for entertainment in India for 60 years,” said Chakravarty. “I have been watching Shemaroo for the past few years and have been a great admirer of the way Hiren, Kranti, and the team have reinvented the businesses. They have kept the brand relevant to meet the modern consumer’s tastes and moods. I look forward to further build and expand the business across platforms to create even more compelling value for the brand and our loyal consumers.”

    Chakravarty completed his Bachelors in Electronics and Communication from Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, which was followed by a Post-Graduation in Marketing Management from IIM-Calcutta.