ITV

Category: People

  • Rahul Shivshankar appointed chief editor of Times Now

    Rahul Shivshankar appointed chief editor of Times Now

    MUMBAI: It’s official now. Times Network has announced the appointment of Rahul Shivshankar as the chief editor at Times Now. This would be his second stint with the network after a gap of close to 6 years.

    In his new role, Shivshankar will lead the editorial team of Times Now and will work closely with the business and leadership teams to ensure that the channel grows significantly and profitably.

    “This is my second stint with Times Now and it’s more like a homecoming. Leading a channel that has already set a very high benchmark is always a challenge. I look forward to taking on this mantle and hope to help Times Network achieve our objectives,” added Shivshankar.

    Based out of Mumbai, he will directly report to Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand.

    “I am pleased to welcome Rahul as the Chief Editor of Times Now. We are confident that the vast knowledge and domain expertise which he brings with him will hold TIMES NOW in good stead and reaffirm the channel’s leadership position in the market,” said Anand.

    In a career spanning almost 20 years, Shivshankar has served as editor in chief of NewsX, executive editor of Headlines Today (TV Today Network) and as senior editor of Times Now. He has also worked for the editorial page of The Times of India.

  • Rahul Shivshankar appointed chief editor of Times Now

    Rahul Shivshankar appointed chief editor of Times Now

    MUMBAI: It’s official now. Times Network has announced the appointment of Rahul Shivshankar as the chief editor at Times Now. This would be his second stint with the network after a gap of close to 6 years.

    In his new role, Shivshankar will lead the editorial team of Times Now and will work closely with the business and leadership teams to ensure that the channel grows significantly and profitably.

    “This is my second stint with Times Now and it’s more like a homecoming. Leading a channel that has already set a very high benchmark is always a challenge. I look forward to taking on this mantle and hope to help Times Network achieve our objectives,” added Shivshankar.

    Based out of Mumbai, he will directly report to Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand.

    “I am pleased to welcome Rahul as the Chief Editor of Times Now. We are confident that the vast knowledge and domain expertise which he brings with him will hold TIMES NOW in good stead and reaffirm the channel’s leadership position in the market,” said Anand.

    In a career spanning almost 20 years, Shivshankar has served as editor in chief of NewsX, executive editor of Headlines Today (TV Today Network) and as senior editor of Times Now. He has also worked for the editorial page of The Times of India.

  • Viacom regularises Bob Bakish as CEO; discontinues potential combination with CBS

    Viacom regularises Bob Bakish as CEO; discontinues potential combination with CBS

    MUMBAI: The Board of Directors of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) announced today that it has discontinued the exploration of a potential combination with CBS following receipt of National Amusements’ letter and request, and dissolved the Special Committee that was formed to evaluate a potential transaction. It has appointed Bob Bakish as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board, effective immediately.

    Bakish has served as the acting president and the chief executive officer of Viacom since 15 November 2016. He held leadership positions throughout the organization since joining in 1997, most recently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Viacom International Media Networks prior to his Acting CEO role.

    Board chairman Tom May said, “In Bob’s short time as Acting President and CEO he has impressed the Board of Directors with the decisive steps he has taken. He has moved quickly to deliver upon the mandate given to him – to maximize Viacom’s potential as a strong, growing and independent company. We have great confidence in Bob’s strategic vision and his ability to move forward aggressively to position Viacom for the future.”

    Board vice chair Shari Redstone said, “I am very excited by the strategy Viacom is pursuing under Bob’s leadership, as well as the relentless hard work and passion he has demonstrated not only in his fast start at the helm but in his many years at the company. While there is much work to do, I firmly believe that Viacom has a bright future, and that confidence is underpinned by senior management’s commitment to innovation and a more coordinated, global approach to managing our brands.”

    Bakish said, “I am honored to be chosen by the Board to lead Viacom, its world-class brands and exceedingly talented people. I believe unequivocally in this company and its potential to create new opportunities and drive greater value as our business evolves and our industry transforms. We’ve been working very quickly to mobilize the organization, reenergize our culture and address our areas of greatest need. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Board and our team to build on this momentum, and will share more on our plan and path forward in the New Year.”

  • Viacom regularises Bob Bakish as CEO; discontinues potential combination with CBS

    Viacom regularises Bob Bakish as CEO; discontinues potential combination with CBS

    MUMBAI: The Board of Directors of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA) announced today that it has discontinued the exploration of a potential combination with CBS following receipt of National Amusements’ letter and request, and dissolved the Special Committee that was formed to evaluate a potential transaction. It has appointed Bob Bakish as President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board, effective immediately.

    Bakish has served as the acting president and the chief executive officer of Viacom since 15 November 2016. He held leadership positions throughout the organization since joining in 1997, most recently serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Viacom International Media Networks prior to his Acting CEO role.

    Board chairman Tom May said, “In Bob’s short time as Acting President and CEO he has impressed the Board of Directors with the decisive steps he has taken. He has moved quickly to deliver upon the mandate given to him – to maximize Viacom’s potential as a strong, growing and independent company. We have great confidence in Bob’s strategic vision and his ability to move forward aggressively to position Viacom for the future.”

    Board vice chair Shari Redstone said, “I am very excited by the strategy Viacom is pursuing under Bob’s leadership, as well as the relentless hard work and passion he has demonstrated not only in his fast start at the helm but in his many years at the company. While there is much work to do, I firmly believe that Viacom has a bright future, and that confidence is underpinned by senior management’s commitment to innovation and a more coordinated, global approach to managing our brands.”

    Bakish said, “I am honored to be chosen by the Board to lead Viacom, its world-class brands and exceedingly talented people. I believe unequivocally in this company and its potential to create new opportunities and drive greater value as our business evolves and our industry transforms. We’ve been working very quickly to mobilize the organization, reenergize our culture and address our areas of greatest need. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Board and our team to build on this momentum, and will share more on our plan and path forward in the New Year.”

  • Discovery appoints FremantleMedia’s Monisha Jaising Vaid

    Discovery appoints FremantleMedia’s Monisha Jaising Vaid

    MUMBAI: Discovery Networks is on a hiring spree. In its endeavour to accelerate growth and embrace opportunities beyond linear, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has now appointed Monisha Jaising Vaid as the director of original content for real world products. She joins from FremantleMedia India TV Productions where she served as the senior creative director and consultant for almost eight years.

    Senior executives Sameer Rao and SVP head of products Nikhil Madhok are the other recent hires.

    Vaid will be based in Mumbai and will report to Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific vice-president real world products – South Asia Sameer Rao.

    She will curate home-grown concepts, identifying formats, localizing for India, pitching to broadcasters, supervising pre and post sales, brand integrations, show production for Discovery’s Real World product suite which includes Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Tamil, Discovery HD World and Animal Planet HD World.

    Experienced in content creation, project management, creative strategy for brands and broadcasters, partner tie-ups and discovering new content opportunities, Vaid is a veteran in the media and entertainment professional.

    She has the ability to ideate cross-platform with a successful background in non-fiction, international formats, magazine format, reality, talent, fiction and digital. She has been a part of various projects like, international formats: Indian Idol , India’s Got Talent , X Factor; indigenous formats: Mission Covershot , Nat Geo Covershot Maximum city; regional formats: Amra na Ora , Amar Bor Superstar; digital : Opening up Fremantlemedia India as a digital fiction player with Confessions – It’s Complicated.

  • Discovery appoints FremantleMedia’s Monisha Jaising Vaid

    Discovery appoints FremantleMedia’s Monisha Jaising Vaid

    MUMBAI: Discovery Networks is on a hiring spree. In its endeavour to accelerate growth and embrace opportunities beyond linear, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has now appointed Monisha Jaising Vaid as the director of original content for real world products. She joins from FremantleMedia India TV Productions where she served as the senior creative director and consultant for almost eight years.

    Senior executives Sameer Rao and SVP head of products Nikhil Madhok are the other recent hires.

    Vaid will be based in Mumbai and will report to Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific vice-president real world products – South Asia Sameer Rao.

    She will curate home-grown concepts, identifying formats, localizing for India, pitching to broadcasters, supervising pre and post sales, brand integrations, show production for Discovery’s Real World product suite which includes Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Tamil, Discovery HD World and Animal Planet HD World.

    Experienced in content creation, project management, creative strategy for brands and broadcasters, partner tie-ups and discovering new content opportunities, Vaid is a veteran in the media and entertainment professional.

    She has the ability to ideate cross-platform with a successful background in non-fiction, international formats, magazine format, reality, talent, fiction and digital. She has been a part of various projects like, international formats: Indian Idol , India’s Got Talent , X Factor; indigenous formats: Mission Covershot , Nat Geo Covershot Maximum city; regional formats: Amra na Ora , Amar Bor Superstar; digital : Opening up Fremantlemedia India as a digital fiction player with Confessions – It’s Complicated.

  • Network18 appoints News X’s Karishma Dhawan

    Network18 appoints News X’s Karishma Dhawan

    MUMBAI: The factual entertainment genre in India is witnessing several changes — revamps, channel launches and senior level movements. After hiring former Discovery Networks programming head Arun Thapar as its EVP and head of content, Network18 has appointed Karishma Dhawan as the cluster head of History TV18, FYI TV18 and international business.

    In her second stint with the network, she will handle ad-sales, client servicing and sales management of the entire network.

    Dhawan will report to the group’s recently appointed executive vice president of English news cluster and network sales head for north and south Priyanka Datta as well as VP of head sales for Forbes India and international business for English news channels of the network, Preeti Sahni. The two executives report to TV18 president for revenue and Forbes CEO Joy Chakraborthy.

    With more than 13 years of experience of generating revenue beyond the regular vanilla advertising, she has handled brands such as HT City, Indian Express, Radio City, Trav Talk and CNN IBN, etc. She has also handled concept sales on profit and generated revenue through organising events, media partnerships and AFPs, and integrations.

    Prior to taking this role, she was with NewsX as the sales head since March 2016. She handled the national responsibility for all the regional sales team (revenue, sales grooming, hiring etc.)

    She was hired as the assistant VP and regional head of HistoryTV18 in April 2013. In her tenure of around three years with the group, Dhawan was responsible for revenue generation as well as grooming and creating next level managers.

  • Network18 appoints News X’s Karishma Dhawan

    Network18 appoints News X’s Karishma Dhawan

    MUMBAI: The factual entertainment genre in India is witnessing several changes — revamps, channel launches and senior level movements. After hiring former Discovery Networks programming head Arun Thapar as its EVP and head of content, Network18 has appointed Karishma Dhawan as the cluster head of History TV18, FYI TV18 and international business.

    In her second stint with the network, she will handle ad-sales, client servicing and sales management of the entire network.

    Dhawan will report to the group’s recently appointed executive vice president of English news cluster and network sales head for north and south Priyanka Datta as well as VP of head sales for Forbes India and international business for English news channels of the network, Preeti Sahni. The two executives report to TV18 president for revenue and Forbes CEO Joy Chakraborthy.

    With more than 13 years of experience of generating revenue beyond the regular vanilla advertising, she has handled brands such as HT City, Indian Express, Radio City, Trav Talk and CNN IBN, etc. She has also handled concept sales on profit and generated revenue through organising events, media partnerships and AFPs, and integrations.

    Prior to taking this role, she was with NewsX as the sales head since March 2016. She handled the national responsibility for all the regional sales team (revenue, sales grooming, hiring etc.)

    She was hired as the assistant VP and regional head of HistoryTV18 in April 2013. In her tenure of around three years with the group, Dhawan was responsible for revenue generation as well as grooming and creating next level managers.

  • India Today’s Ashish Bagga is new NBA president

    India Today’s Ashish Bagga is new NBA president

    MUMBAI: News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has elected India Today Group chief executive officer (CEO) Ashish Bagga as the president. The news was announced at a board meeting held earlier this week.

    Bagga replaces former ABP News Network CEO Ashok Venkatramani following his exit from the channel on 4 November. Venkatramani was appointed as the president of NBA in September 2016 at the ninth annual general meeting where Bagga was elected as the vice-president.

    Times Network MD and CEO M.K. Anand will replace the Bagga’s role as the vice-president, while newly elevated New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV) group CEO and executive vice chairperson K.V.L. Narayan Rao has been elected as the honorary treasurer.

    Bagga, Anand and Rao also serve as the board members of NBA.

    Other board members of NBA are — TV18 Broadcast chief executive, news, and group editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi, India TV chairman and editor-in-chief Rajat Sharma, Zee Media group CEO Bhaskar Das, News24 Broadcast India chairperson and managing director Anurradha Prasad and Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing whole-time director M.V. Shreyams Kumar.

    Currently, NBA has 23 news and current affairs broadcasters (59 news and current affairs channels) as its members.

  • India Today’s Ashish Bagga is new NBA president

    India Today’s Ashish Bagga is new NBA president

    MUMBAI: News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has elected India Today Group chief executive officer (CEO) Ashish Bagga as the president. The news was announced at a board meeting held earlier this week.

    Bagga replaces former ABP News Network CEO Ashok Venkatramani following his exit from the channel on 4 November. Venkatramani was appointed as the president of NBA in September 2016 at the ninth annual general meeting where Bagga was elected as the vice-president.

    Times Network MD and CEO M.K. Anand will replace the Bagga’s role as the vice-president, while newly elevated New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV) group CEO and executive vice chairperson K.V.L. Narayan Rao has been elected as the honorary treasurer.

    Bagga, Anand and Rao also serve as the board members of NBA.

    Other board members of NBA are — TV18 Broadcast chief executive, news, and group editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi, India TV chairman and editor-in-chief Rajat Sharma, Zee Media group CEO Bhaskar Das, News24 Broadcast India chairperson and managing director Anurradha Prasad and Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing whole-time director M.V. Shreyams Kumar.

    Currently, NBA has 23 news and current affairs broadcasters (59 news and current affairs channels) as its members.