ITV

Category: People

  • Viacom names Gianopulos CEO of Paramount Pictures

    MUMBAI: Viacom Inc. has announced the appointment of Jim Gianopulos as the chairman and chief executive officer of Paramount Pictures, effective 3 April, 2017. Gianopulos will report directly to Viacom president and CEO Bob Bakish.

    In his new role, Gianopulos will oversee the studio’s film and television operations worldwide, including production, marketing, distribution and all other facets. He also will be charged with setting a new strategy for Paramount, including developing new content, strengthening Paramount’s slate with co-branded releases from Viacom flagship brands, and expanding the studio’s global footprint.

    Bakish, said, “Jim is a remarkably talented executive with all the tools – strategic vision, strong business expertise, deep industry and creative relationships – to bring films to life that resonate throughout culture and deliver commercial results. I’m thrilled we will have the benefit of his experience, savvy and global expertise as we lay out a clear path forward and begin the next chapter in Paramount’s storied history.”

    Gianopulos said, “Paramount is one of Hollywood’s truly iconic studios, and the role it has played in shaping the entertainment industry cannot be overstated. Looking ahead, I see a strong opportunity to position the studio for success by creating valuable franchise opportunities, developing fresh creative ventures, and mining Viacom’s deep brand portfolio to bring exciting new narratives to life.”

    Gianopulos has been a leading figure in the global entertainment industry for more than 30 years. For 16 years, he served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fox Filmed Entertainment, overseeing Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox International Productions, and Twentieth Century Fox Animation/Blue Sky Studios. During his tenure, he oversaw numerous box office hits, ranging from “Avatar” and the “X-Men” series, to “The Descendants” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” and most recently “Deadpool” and “Hidden Figures.”

    Previously, Gianopulos served as the president of 20th Century Fox International. Prior to joining the company, he held senior positions at Columbia Pictures and Paramount. He began his career as an attorney specializing in entertainment law. Gianopulos is the treasurer of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, chairman of the Motion Picture & Television Fund, and a trustee of Carnegie Melon University and the American Film Institute. He also serves on the USC School of Cinematic Arts Board of Councilors.

    Gianopulos attended the LLM program at the New York University School of Law and received his JD from Fordham University School of Law. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston University.

  • Saluting India’s TV women

    Women in media. Women in banking.

    When you think of it, there are more women holding- or have held – powerful positions in banks today, then there are those holding them in media and entertainment companies.

    Arundhati Bhattacharya chairs India’s largest bank – the State Bank of India. Chanda Kochchar occupies the corner office as CEO and managing director of ICICI Bank. Shikha Sharma sits atop in the CEO’s seat at Axis Bank. There are other names too whose names have been perched above the C office including Usha Ananthasubramanian (Punjab National Bank), Naina Lal Kidwai (HSBC), Kaku Nakhate (Bank of America Merrill Lynch) and Shubhalakshmi Panse (Allahabad Bank).  And there are scores of other unnamed women who run other banks, branches and finance companies. They collectively oversee money running into lakhs of crore.

    Banks and the finance sector encourage diversity a lot more than India’s entertainment and media firmament, or so it appears.

    Go down over the years and one has to really dig deep to name women who have been appointed in positions of power leading the business of media and entertainment companies in India. Some of the names that come to mind are Ravina Raj Kohli who helped Kerry Packer set up Channel 9 in early 2000. Monica Tata who oversaw HBO in India and now heads a business channel. Swati Mohan who is the business head of Fox Networks Group and National Geographic India. BBC south Asia & south east Asia senior vice-presidet & general manager Myleeta Aga Williams. Then there is Supriya Sahu who currently leads India’s pubcaster Doordarshan.

    The major broadcast networks across the country are led by men: Uday Shankar, Punit Goenka, Sudhanshu vats, and NP Singh.

    And women who have got the topmost position in broadcasting have achieved it by virtue of being promoters. India TV has Rajat Sharma’s wife Ritu who keeps the business in order while her husband handles editorial. Kaveri Kalanithi  is executive director of Sun TV of which her husband Kalanithi is executive chairman. Anurradha Prasad promoted the BAG group and leads the radio and TV network. Ritu Kapur and Vandana Mallick of course held powerful leadership positions at Network18 group before its was sold to Mukesh Ambani

    The broadcast and digital sectors have their  share of women who have the responsibility of either heading programming, ad sales, marketing or channel clusters. Examples are Manisha Sharma and Simran Hoon at Colors, Nina Jaipuria at Nick, Kavitha Jaubin at Sun TV, Sharda Sundar and Sunita Uchchil at Zee TV, Gayatri Yadav at Star India, and Swati Shetty at Netflix are some of the names that immediately come to mind.

    It is on the TV production front that women have made a stellar mark. Ekta and Shobha Kapoor, Rashmi Sharma who heads a production house that bears her name, Raadhika who promoted Radaan Television down south, Fazilla Allana and Kamna Menezes of SOL Productions, Benaifer Kohli,  Anita Kaul Basu, Comall Wadhwa or Bhairavi Raichuria are some of the ladies who have produced content which has earned them a reputation and their broadcast networks hundreds of crores.

    Then of course women have become iconic on television shows – soaps, drama, factual and non-fiction, and news. The number of female characters on TV which are unforgettable far outnumber the men. For every Kapil Sharma or a Daya there are many more Tulsis, Parvatis, Ballika Vadhus, Priya Ram Kapoors or  Naagins.

    On the news front,  Barkha Dutt, Shereen Bhan, Sweta Singh, Anjana Om Kashyap, Nidhi Razdan, Ayesha Faridi, Nidhi Kulpati, Nidhi Razda, Sagarika Ghose among scores of others have stood out. There was a time when India’s Doordarshan news ladies were the nation’s connect to developments. Remember the eighties and nineties?

    Going forward with the world of digital exploding and television continuing to go from strength to strength, more and more opportunities will crop up. And India’s talented women will embrace them.

    (The list of women executives mentioned here is just representative of those working in television and is illustrative. There are many more women working in television whose names could have been mentioned. And the editorial team at indiantelevision.com would like to see more women running television and digital businesses. As is the case with banks where women are business leaders.)

  • Gadkari unveils Marathi edition of Subhash Chandra’s ‘The Z Factor’

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra celebrated the birth anniversary of its most beloved poet Kusumagraj as ‘Marathi Bhaasha Diwas’ on 27 February, 2017. Extending the celebrations, prominent political leaders of the country hailing from Maharashtra came together on 2 March to express their love for Marathi Bhaasha and Maharashtra.

    On this auspicious occasion, Essel Group chairman and Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Subhash Chandra released the ‘Marathi Edition’ of his best-selling autobiography ‘The Z Factor – My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time’ as his small contribution towards the Marathi language. The glittering ceremony held at the ITC Grand Central Hotel in Mumbai was graced by eminent politicians including Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Govt. of India Nitin Gadkari, CM Devendra Fadnavis, former CM and Rajya Sabha MP Sharad Pawar, and former CM Prithviraj Chavan.

    Stalwarts from the Marathi Film & Television industry including Madhur Bhandarkar, Sonali Kulkarni, Manoj Joshi, Sai Tamhankar, Sunil Barve, Mahesh Kothare and Sidharth Jadhav, were also present at the function.

    The English edition of Dr. Chandra’s best-selling autobiography was launched by PM Narendra Modi in January 2016 followed, by the launch of the Hindi edition by the Nobel Peace prize recipient Kailash Satyarthi in September 2016. The book has greatly influenced the minds of students and aspiring entrepreneurs across the country, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and ambitions.

    Paying a tribute to the city of Mumbai and Marathi culture, Dr. Chandra said, “While Haryana is my ‘janmabhoomi’ (homeland), Mumbai is my ‘karmabhoomi’ (land of work). After living and working in Mumbai for the last 35 years, I feel that I have been accepted as a Maharashtrian. Mumbai is the land of dreams, where like me, millions of people strive to make their dreams come true. At Essel Group, it has always been our endeavour to preserve and promote the true essence of Marathi culture through our various ventures such as Zee Marathi, Zee Talkies, Zee Yuva, Zee 24 Taas and our Marathi films like ‘Natarang’, ‘Fandry, ‘Killa’,‘Lay Bhari’, ‘Natsamrat’ and ‘Sairat’.”

    Unveiling the Marathi edition of ‘The Z Factor – My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time’, Gadkari said:

    “My association with Subhashji has extended for over 30 years. His most striking feature is that he never hides behind his words. It was on my recommendation that he stepped into the infrastructure sector. However, for one road project, I felt that he would lose Rs. 250 crores, so I recommended him not to continue with that project. He then told me that once I have put my hand into a project, I will see it into completion, whether or not there is any loss. And with this resolve and determination, Dr. Chandra has completed more than 2000 kilometres of road projects in the country over the years.”

    Fadnavis said: “Subhash Chandra is a person who has shown us that a common man can do extraordinary work. It is a miracle that Subhashji came to Delhi with only Rs. 17 in his pocket and now he has established such a successful empire.”

    Pawar said: “When I read his book, I got to know various aspects of his personality. The most important aspect of his life is that he is never scared of challenges, he faces all the problems with full determination.”

    Chavan said: “Subhash Chandra’s life is a direct inspiration. Each youth and Marathi person must read his autobiography. Subhashji left his education mid-way but he never got defeated.”

    Even today with his busy schedule, he manages to share his experiences with students and guide them for a better life.”

    From the book:

    It was 14 December 1991 when Ashok Kurien of Ambience ad agency and I reached Star TV’s office in Hong Kong. There were 10 to 12 senior and junior executives in the room. Richard Li, head of Star TV, was not there. So we waited awhile. It was like waiting for the king to come in and give his blessings.

    Richard walked in suddenly and sat opposite me. ‘OK, Indian channel… Hindi channel. Where is the money in India?’ Richard was very dismissive. ‘I am not interested in a joint venture.’

    Most of us in the room, including his executives, were shocked. It appeared that Richard had already made up his mind about the futility of the project.

    So I addressed him directly. ‘Mr Li, if you are not interested in the joint venture, can you consider leasing the [satellite] transponder to us?’

    ‘There is no transponder available for less than $5 million per year,’ Richard said. It was a haughty statement to put me off. ‘That is fine. I will pay $5 million!’ It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. I did not realize the implication of what I had said…

  • Ben Pyne to end 25-year journey at Disney Media Distribution

    MUMBAI: Asians and Indians are pretty familiar with Disney Media Distribution president Ben Pyne. The tall, well-spoken executive who endeared himself to many in India and Asia, has decided to hang up his boots after working 25 years with the company.

    The announcement was made on 3 March by Disney/ABC president business operations to whom he reports. Pyne will stay on in his role through the summer to aid in the transition.

    In making the announcement, Rosenblum stated, “Ben’s reputation in our industry is second-to-none. What he’s built here at Disney, and what he’s been able to accomplish over the past 25 years, is truly remarkable. While we’ll be sad to see him leave, we’re excited to see what his next chapter holds.”

    “I am honored to have had such an amazing career at The Walt Disney Company, which has been rich with unique experiences and incredible accomplishments, and prepared me well for my next opportunity,” said Pyne. “It has been a special privilege to help build and grow brands, networks and programming that touch and enrich the lives of viewers all around the world. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with fantastic people both at Disney, across the wider industry, as well as around the world, and I would like to thank them all for their passion, commitment and hard work.”

    Throughout his illustrious tenure at Disney, Pyne accomplished numerous substantial distribution achievements.

    Under his guidance, Disney Channel transitioned from a small pay cable channel to the successful global service it is today, growing its distribution from 6.5 million U.S. subscribers in 1992 when Pyne joined the company to nearly 100 million U.S. households, as well as an additional 500 million subscribers to over 107 international Disney channels that have been launched in the past 20+ years.

    Pyne has played a leading role in the negotiations of key deals with major U.S. and global distributors; was a chief architect in the ABC owned station retransmission consent strategy and the network’s “clearing house” initiative, which has further strengthened ABC’s relationship with its broadcast affiliates; and has been instrumental in securing unique video on demand VOD and subscription VOD deals, which included the popular subscription service Disney Channel On Demand and ABC’s fast forward-disabled VOD offering, a first for the U.S. television industry dating back to 2007.

    His team also oversaw affiliate-related aspects of the successful rebrand of Toon Disney to Disney XD, and has increased the distribution of Disney Media Network’s mobile video distribution business exponentially. He was integral to the 2013 launch of WATCH ABC, the U.S. television industry’s first live linear and on-demand authenticated local broadcast TV Everywhere service; the 2012 launches of the 24/7 linear channel for preschoolers, Disney Junior.

    Named president, global distribution, Disney Media Networks, in June 2007, Pyne worked with teams around the world and WDI to create an integrated distribution team known today as Disney Media Distribution. These efforts resulted in tremendous growth of sales revenue related to Disney|ABC series across more than 240 territories, and also saw the launch of a broad range of new distribution activities and branded services across broadcast, pay, digital and subscription video-on-demand platforms, including the growth of newer subscription video-on-demand services around the globe, including ABC Studios on Demand, Disney Movies on Demand and Hot from the U.S.

    In his current role, Pyne has the chief responsibility for the global distribution and sales of the far-reaching portfolio of entertainment and news content produced by The Walt Disney Company. This includes traditional television programming and short-form content – and their distribution to all platforms, including video-on-demand (VOD) and broadband platforms such as Netflix, Hulu and iTunes. Rounding out Pyne’s duties are responsibilities for The ABC Television Network’s Affiliate Relations department, including retransmission opportunities.

  • Nikhil Gandhi joins Times Network as president – revenue

    MUMBAI: Times Network has announced the appointment of Nikhil Gandhi as president – revenue. He will report to Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand. His key responsibility will be growth of profitable monetisation of the entire bouquet of channels under the network.

    This is his second stint with the network. He was a part of the core team at Zoom during the launch of the channel in 20064. Gandhi replaces Ashit Kukian who was appointed in November 2015.

    Anand said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Nikhil into the Times Network family as president – revenue. His strong  leadership skills, people management abilities and operational expertise along with his extensive background in the M&E space will definitely add value to Times Network. Nikhil embodies the Action Orientation that Times Network is known for, and is a great business leader.”

    He further added that, “Ashit Kukian has decided to move on and pursue other opportunities and we would like to wish him all the best for his future endeavours.”

    Gandhi added, “Leading the revenue vertical of a network that is growing and leading the Media and Entertainment space is exciting. My efforts will be to propel Times Network to greater heights and achieve the business objectives.”  

    Gandhi comes with over 17 years of experience in media with revenue and business specialization and he last held the position at Disney India Media Networks vice president and head of revenue.

     

  • iTV Network elevates Varun Kohli as CEO

    MUMBAI: Varun Kohli has been elevated to the post of chief executive officer (CEO) of iTV Network. Prior to this promotion, he was India News CEO.

    In his new role, Kohli will be handling India News, NewsX, NewsX HD and digital assets and will be instrumental for providing strategic direction, leading teams and strengthening revenues for the organisations.

    iTV Network founder and promoter Kartikeya Sharma said, “We are delighted to elevate Varun as the CEO of iTV Network. This elevation is in line with our commitment to growth. His skills and wide experience will surely help iTV Network reach the next level of growth. Over the course of time, Varun has played a more central role in the leadership of the company and with his elevation to CEO, iTV Network; he will take on an even wider role. His strong track record of delivering growth and understanding of industry will help our continued success, moving forward.”

    “I’m humbled by the new role. iTV network is a young and dynamic organization which has witnessed tremendous growth in the recent years and I am privileged to be a part of this journey. My focus will be to lead iTV Network to the next level of growth and tap newer opportunities in the ever-expanding news space,” added Kohli.

    With a professional experience spanning over 23 years, Kohli is a seasoned sales specialist and is credited with creating sustainable business development and management strategies that have increased top and bottom lines and enhanced efficiency in organisations.

    Prior to joining iTV network, Kohli was the head of sales for IBN7. His career includes leadership stints at Amar Ujala, Bennett, Coleman & Company Ltd., Deccan Chronicle, Dainik Bhaskar, Hindustan Times and Indian Express.

  • Viacom announces leadership transition at Paramount Pictures, CEO Brad Grey to step down

    MUMBAI: Viacom Inc. has announced that Brad Grey will step down from his role as chairman and chief executive officer of Paramount Pictures. The company is commencing a comprehensive search to identify a successor, and Grey will remain at Paramount for a period to support the transition.

    Viacom president and CEO Bob Bakish, who would be present at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in San Francisco, on 1 March, will work closely with Paramount’s leadership team, including Marc Evans (President, Motion Picture Group); Andrew Gumpert (Chief Operating Officer); Amy Powell (President, Paramount Television and Digital Entertainment); Megan Colligan (President, Worldwide Distribution and Marketing) and Mark Badagliacca (Chief Financial Officer), to maintain momentum until a new CEO is appointed.

    “Brad has overseen the production and distribution of some of Paramount’s most celebrated hits, and more recently championed the successful relaunch of the studio’s television division. We are grateful for his 12 years of extraordinary service and wish him every continued success,” said Bob Bakish. “Paramount has produced some of the most recognizable and cherished films in Hollywood, making it a key part of Viacom’s history, and our future. As we look ahead, I couldn’t be more excited by our early plans to re-energize the slate, more deeply integrate the studio and networks, and make the most of our incredible assets.”

    “It has been my privilege to be a part of Paramount’s storied history, and I am grateful to Sumner Redstone for giving me this opportunity. I want to wish Shari, Bob and their entire team the best as they embark on Viacom’s next chapter,” said Brad Grey. “From the moment I came to Paramount in 2005, I saw myself as a steward of an iconic institution. In that time, it has been my great honor to work with a group of wildly talented storytellers. But above all, I am indebted to the wonderful people at this studio, whose creativity, professionalism and integrity are second to none.”

    US$1.3 bn subordinated debt offering

    Viacom announced that it has agreed to sell US$ 650 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875 per cent fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures due 2057 at a price equal to 100.000 per cent of the principal amount thereof (the “NC5 Debentures”) and US$ 650 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.250 per cent fixed-to-floating rate junior subordinated debentures due 2057 at a price equal to 100.000 per cent of the principal amount thereof (the “NC10 Debentures” and, together with the NC5 Debentures, the “Debentures”).

    The sale of the Debentures is expected to close on 28 February, 2017, subject to customary closing conditions. Viacom intends to use the net proceeds from the offering primarily for the repayment of outstanding indebtedness.

  • Times Internet appoints Rattan Chugh & Vivek Pandey in leadership roles

    MUMBAI: Looking to further consolidate its position as India’s leading digital product company, Times Internet, today, announced the addition of two experienced and proven corporate leaders to their senior management team. Rattan Chugh comes in as the new chief people’s officer from Standard Chartered, while Vivek Pandey joins in from the Tata Group as the vice president of growth and analytics.

    Rattan Chugh, who earlier held the role of executive vice president & head of Global HR Shared Services at Standard Chartered Bank, has over 25 years of experience with diverse companies ranging from leading multinationals to startups. He will be at the forefront of the people strategy at Times Internet. The former Country Head for Fidelity Investments in India, also founded Cornerstone Portfolio Services.

    Vivek Pandey, a published author of books and research papers, has held leadership positions across marketing, business, analytics and product development in large corporates like Tata group, Times Group and MakeMyTrip. Vivek will be responsible for Growth marketing and analytics functions for the company.

    Times Internet CEO Gautam Sinha said, “At this critical juncture in our trajectory, where we are set out to make Times Internet stronger than ever before.”

    “Rattan’s career journey and aspirations are in complete alignment with the vision that we have for Times Internet. It is this alignment of purpose and perspective, that gives us the confidence in his anchoring of the most important aspect of our strategy – our People.”

    “Vivek’s experience in leadership positions across marketing, business, analytics and product development will be of immense benefit for Times Internet. With Times’ resources and their proven ability to lead, we are well positioned to continue to lead this digital revolution in India.”

  • Akash Chawla bids adieu to ZEEL after 12 years

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises company Zee Studio’s executive vice-president – films, and business head Akash Chawla has resigned after a long stint of 12 years.

    A source close to the network confirmed the news to Indiantelevision.com. In May last year, ZEEL elevated Chawla along with Deepak Rajadhyaksha for key roles in Zee TV to drive the organisational goals.

    In addition to his portfolio as Essel Vision Productions Limited and Zee Studio’s business head, he was given the additional charge as the business head of Zee TV.

    In his earlier broadcasting stint, Chawla successfully spearheaded the marketing function for the flagship and national channels like Zee TV, Zee Cinema and Zee Classic. He also played a pivotal role in the launch of channels such as &pictures, Zee Anmol and Zindagi.

    Chawla joined ZEEL in 2005 as Zee TV brand head where he was in charge of brand strategy and building the brand to be No. 1 in market share and strong in brand equity. Prior to Zee, he worked with TAM as the marketing manager. As a part of the TAM S-Group, he had the responsibility to maximise non-TRP revenue from Mumbai and Delhi.

  • Vikas Handu joins India TV as VP digital strategy

    MUMBAI: Vikas Handu has joined India TV as a vice president, Digital Strategy. Prior to this he had been heading product and technology at The Indian Express group. He will report to Ritu Dhawan, MD and CEO, India TV.

    Handu played a pivotal role in taking forward The Indian Express brand on the digital platform, opening up new avenues for traffic growth and revenues.

    On his appointment Handu said, “India TV as a brand has grown immensely and has established itself as one of the foremost media brands in the country. I am excited for this opportunity that shall let me contribute to India TV’s rapidly growing digital footprint.”

    In his new role as business head, Handu shall be responsible for spearheading India TV digital. His portfolio includes indiatvnews.com,khabarindiatv.com and paisa.khabarindia.com, amongst others.

    India TV MD and CEO Ritu Dhawan on the appointment said, “We welcome Vikas on board and we are sure that with the type of track record he has, he will be able to seamlessly match our digital division’s growth with the continuous & rapid rise and rise of India TV.”

    Handu specializes in setting up product and technology operations for media organizations and has over 20 years of experience in managing business operations in diversified verticals, which includes business development, strategic alliances and content syndication.