ITV

Tag: ABP News Network

  • ABP News Network’s positive initiatives around COVID19

    ABP News Network’s positive initiatives around COVID19

    MUMBAI: ABP News Network channels have been implementing an effective strategy to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, and create a positive environment through its initiatives. The channels under its banner are ABP News, ABP Majha, ABP Ananda, ABP Asmita and ABP Ganga.

    One of the most heartfelt initiatives from the network is ‘Senior Patrol’, which has been carried out in collaboration with Robinhood Army (RHA). Senior Patrol is targeted towards helping the most senior and susceptible members of the society. Under this initiative, the group delivered essential supplies like food and medicines, among others, to senior citizens amid the lockdown.

    The network reporters of all the channels have been at the frontlines in delivering every piece of information to the viewers. This includes an exclusive report on COVID-19 testing kits, wherein the reporters of the group visited a pathology lab to help viewers understand the workings, proceedings, and components of the Mylab testing kit.

    Consequently, through continuous efforts, minute-to-minute updates, and comprehensive insights on the pandemic, the network’s digital platform also garnered a whopping 15.7 billion impressions in the month of March (Source: Youtube Analytics), attesting their dominance on the digital front.

    ABP News initiated a message-driven campaign called #CoronakoDhona to strengthen the consciousness on the pandemic and ensure the safety of the people. The campaign was successful in spreading awareness on the preventive measures against the spread of the virus through the reach of their news channel and digital platforms. In Facebook alone, the channel accrued 5.42 million interactions and 132.79 million views.  

    The group also undertook various innovative steps such as ‘Live Bulletins from Home’, to ensure that anchors could work effectively from a safe space during Janta Curfew. In this regard, the ABP Ananda news anchor Suman De also conducted a live show from home, instilling the important message of ‘staying home’ amongst the viewers.

    Furthermore, with an intention to eradicate fake news and debunk myths on COVID-19, ABP News took special programming initiatives such as ‘Sachchai ka Sensex’, to apprise the viewers of the facts and separate them from the misleading medical information, rumours, falsehoods, etc.

    Another special segment on ABP News called ‘Ghar Ghar Big Boss’ was telecast to subtly share a message on social distancing and staying home, wherein celebrities were interviewed from their respective homes, to create a sense of calm and entertainment for the viewers.

    The regional channels of the network: ABP Majha, ABP Ananda, ABP Asmita & ABP Ganga have been equally pertinent in creating a positive societal impact through their thoughtful initiatives.

    ABP Majha’s specially-curated show ‘Corona Parishad’ was one such step. The unique show featured eminent doctors from Maharashtra like Padmashree Dr Tatyarao Lahane, Dr Avinash Phadke (Head of SRL Diagnostics), and Dr Pallavi Saple to impart knowledge to the viewers. Through this show, the doubts, concerns of the viewers were addressed along with a thorough understanding of the virus.

    The Marathi news channel of the group also conducted exclusive interviews with Maharashtra health minister, Rajesh Tope, on the state government’s plan of action to tackle COVID-19 and also with the state’s home minister Anil Deshmukh on lockdown measures to help fight this battle.

    Similarly, ABP Ganga, a regional news channel of the group that caters to the viewers of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarkhand, was on the forefront in generating maximum awareness on the pandemic.  A segment on ABP Ganga called ‘Corona Ke Karam Yodha’ was telecasted to throw light on the unsung heroes of COVID-19, whether they are policemen, doctors, or any other individuals.

    Another significant initiative was that of ABP Asmita, a Gujarati news channel of the group, wherein educational lectures were conducted by experts for ninth standard students on Science, English, and Math which were telecast from 2 pm to 3 pm from 19-28 March on the channel.

    On the organisational front, the network has taken an abundance of caution to ensure the health & well-being of their employees. They did so by implementing a number of steps including regular office sanitisation, video conferencing in lieu of in-person gatherings, E-invoicing to ensure timely closure of estimates, POs, invoices, and work from home measures.

    Despite a myriad of challenges posed by the pandemic, the network’s comprehensive business continuity protocols have ensured seamless operations of all services as efficiently as before. This all-encompassing approach has not only safeguarded the health and well-being of all stakeholders but also prevented any disruption in business operations.

    Additionally, the group’s reporters have set an exemplary example for the viewers by using a mic with a stick while interviewing as a measure to encourage social distancing. Also, many interviews were also carried out through instant messaging application – WhatsApp’s video call feature.

    ABP News Network chief executive officer Avinash Pandey says: “At ANN, we measure the impact and success of our organisation through the kind of influence we have on our viewers and the larger society. For us, nothing comes above the support and aid to people and communities in the time of need.”

    “Through these initiatives, our aim was to safeguard the health of the people, spread maximum awareness, create a positive societal impact, and most importantly, fulfill our long-standing commitment to deliver the best at all times,” Pandey adds.

  • ABP News Network appoints Zulfia Waris as business head of ANN Content Studio

    ABP News Network appoints Zulfia Waris as business head of ANN Content Studio

    MUMBAI: ABP News Network has appointed Zulfia Waris as the business head of ABP News Network Content Studio. Waris will be responsible for the organisation’s new subsidiary, ANN Content Studio, to produce path-breaking content for all platforms.

    ABP News Network chief executive officer Avinash Pandey says, “We are pleased to infuse Zulfia’s expertise and vision into ABP News Network’s Content Studio, especially since it is in a period of rapid digital growth. I can say with confidence that her approach and values align with our culture, and her knowledge and creativity will add to the organisation’s success, over the next few years.”

    Waris comes with an immense experience of over 20 years. She was the vice-president – product head, premium head & digital networks at Discovery India. She has also worked with several companies, including TV18 India Ltd, MTV India, Channel V India, Star TV Network and Zee Entertainment Ltd.

    Since 2007, Waris has held numerous leadership roles in the media and entertainment industry. She was at the helm of content & creative strategy, marketing, on-air promotions, production, acquisition, programming, budgets, social media innovations, content partnerships, and community building.  

    Waris is an English Literature graduate from Sophia College, Mumbai followed by a post-graduate diploma in social communications & media from Sophia Polytechnic Mumbai in 1999.

  • News channels spread awareness on Covid19 through unique campaigns

    News channels spread awareness on Covid19 through unique campaigns

    MUMBAI: During these testing times when coronavirus is spreading rapidly in the country, news channels have taken measures to make viewers more vigilant to fight this pandemic through various TV and social media campaigns.

    In this regard, each network is doing its bit by spreading awareness and helping the government to send positivity. Along with that, the channels are also trying to bust rumours and fake news regarding Covid19. Even prime minister Narendra Modi asked people to spare a thought for the journsliu  who are in the thick of this pandemic, reporting.

    Not just news channels, many brands have stepped forward and started a campaign with an aim to break the chain of virus spread.

    Times Network launched #IndiaFightsCoronaVirus, a consumer awareness campaign to fight and control the spread of the pandemic. Says Times Network’s president – strategy and business head – english entertainment cluster Vivek Srivastava, “It aims to encourage and empower the viewers with accurate and verified news, diffuse panic while offering uninterrupted news and entertainment.” 

    “Ensuring that the viewers are protected from misinformation and fake information, TIMES NOW, ET NOW and MIRROR NOW drives home the importance of fighting fear with factual and accurate information. News brands are also on top of the coverage with the content offerings like safety tips, do’s and don’ts, myth busters, and ask the expert among others,” adds Srivastava.

    In the digital sphere, the network is also leveraging its social media assets across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok through a series of curated short format videos led by the network’s anchors, that explain and bust myths around the virus and covers relevant questions and concerns of the viewers, explains Srivastava.

    Similarly, ABP News Network has come up with a public awareness campaign to address the virus. The campaign, which is called ‘#CoronaKoDhona,’ has garnered tremendous traction on television as well as the social media pages of ABP News. The video campaigning comprised of 13 short clips featuring the network’s anchors, presenting a short awareness message on the importance of handwashing.

    In this regard, ABP News Network chief executive officer Avinash Pandey, says: “When mankind is fighting a deadly pandemic, awareness and sensibility are the initial steps. Through this campaign, we aim to safeguard the health of the people by providing requisite information on the virus so that preventive measures can be taken effectively, while also dispelling fear & worry on the pandemic.”

    India TV has created a campaign “India TV Ki Pukar, Ghar pe Raho Iss Baar” with a campaign hashtag #StayAtHome, which is shown on its news channel and social media platforms. Moreover, the channel has also made other offline services available such as a 24×7 dedicated helpline to address viewer queries during distress.

    India TV marketing manager Aruna Jamwal says: “The idea is to ensure that in these testing times we should all come together, by staying away, and support country’s united response led by prime minister Narendra Modi in ensuring that his message should reach every Indian and each one of us take it as a responsibility upon us to abide by the same.”

    India TV digital has also been making all efforts that users across spectrum receive credible information at all times through its social media handles, which has millions of followers. Highpoints of all related shows on news channels are also interestingly packaged for dissemination on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube among others.

    India TV’s marketing manager also says: “The programming is not only dedicated to spreading credible knowledge, disseminate awareness as possible, but by also sharing expert opinions and spreading the list of do’s and don’ts at regular intervals. We are also creating audience-connect specials for a real-time face-fo-face query redressals to the benefit of millions sitting in their homes.”

  • News channels encash ‘taali bajao, thaali bajao’ initiative to gain more traction

    News channels encash ‘taali bajao, thaali bajao’ initiative to gain more traction

    MUMBAI: News channels across genre certainly tried to chance upon the opportunity to engage viewers during the ‘taali bajao, thaali bajao’ event. An initiative called by prime minister Narendra Modi as a tribute to the heroes, who are the vanguard of fighting against coronavirus.

    On 19 March, PM Modi urged citizens to voluntarily participate in the ‘Janta curfew’ from 7 am to 9 pm on 22 March to stop the spread of novel coronavirus. He also urged people to send a tribute to the doctors, nurses, and police, among others, on the same day at 5 pm by either clapping, banging utensils or ringing a bell from the balcony or at the doorstep.

    In this regard, news channels across genres, apart from broadcasting the people’s participation in the ‘taali bajao, thaali bajao’ initiative from various corners of India, also tried to engage with them proactively on social media as well as on live news channels of the network.

    TV Today Network’s news channels, both English and Hindi, urged viewers to make a video while participating in the ‘taali bajao, thaali bajao’ initiative with a hashtag #5baje5minute and send to the network which will be shown on their channels.

    According to India Today, the group had asked citizens to send videos of what they did to express gratitude for thousands of those fighting against Coronavirus across the country. Selected videos were broadcast on both India Today and AajTak.

    “The campaign — #5baje5minute – become a massive hit as the network received one lakh videos on the WhatsApp numbers shared while announcing the campaign. Meanwhile, the hashtag has also witnessed over 1.87 lakh tweets with a reach to at least 26 million people,” said a channel spokesperson.

    Times Network’s president – strategy and business head – English entertainment cluster, Vivek Srivastava says: “The network also ably supported PM’s fervent appeal for a ‘Janta Curfew’ call on 22 March, 2020 by running a pledge campaign on news brands to mobilise awareness and participation from the viewers by sending in their video messages supporting the initiative.”

    “India TV has also run two successful social media campaigns so far, the first one was to ask people to support ‘Janta Curfew’, a call by PM Narendra Modi and the second one was to answer common queries of the people getting anxious due to a huge influx of information, attempting to debunk the myths surrounding the issue”, says India TV marketing manager Aruna Jamwal.

    Meanwhile, all other network channels such as ABP News Network, New Delhi Television, Zee News, Republic Media Network and Network18, among others, opted for traditional methods to grab eyeballs during the ‘taali bajao, thaali bajao’ initiative. The difference all these channels had were the visuals of people participating in the initiative shown on the TV screen.

    At least half a dozen reporters of respective news channels were stationed at various prominent locations to speak to the people supporting PM Modi’s call. The channels also showed the visuals of politicians, ministers and Bollywood actors participating in an initiative called by PM Modi.

  • News broadcasters gear up to face coronavirus challenge

    News broadcasters gear up to face coronavirus challenge

    MUMBAI: Amid the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, news channels are facing the challenge of keeping the show running. Many of them have opted for alternative methods to not only keep employees sound and safe but also ensure that the business and credibility of the channel don't go down.

    With the government urging private firms to rest 50 per cent of the workforce by giving them a work-from-home option, news channels across genre have readily accepted the module and are trying to cope with the smooth functioning of the programming of the news network.

    In this regard, Times Network’s EVP & head – human resources S Srivathsan says, “Our editorial (newsrooms) teams in Mumbai and Delhi are divided into two groups, wherein one group works from office and the other works parallel from remote locations to support the newsroom function.”

    In addition, to ensure the safety of our workforce across the organisation, Srivathsan adds, “For our other departments and functions, we have adopted technological services to ensure day-to-day operations are fully functional over skype, video & audio conferencing, without any disruptions.”

    ABP News Network chief executive officer Avinash Pandey says: “We have a very robust and well-tested work-from-home capability, and the majority of our employees have the flexibility to work remotely. Our contingency measures for digital business and long-term resilience will ensure seamless business continuity and optimum employee productivity. This is our time to thrive and we want our advertising partners to stay invested in the news genre.”

    From the first piece of information being flashed on the news channel to the final analysis of the story, many departments and people are involved to get a fast and accurate output. And, to achieve this, each member of this chain has to be on his/her toes. However, during these testing times, the channels, probably, for the very first time, are doing something that could never have been thought of before.

    Srivathsan also says: “As a precautionary measure, we are encouraging our employees to make use of personal vehicles and car-pooling to minimise the use of public transport. We have also made adequate arrangements for pick-up and drop services for our staff members.”

    Moreover, “We have also ensured mandatory thermal screening at our offices and provided masks, sanitizers to all our news channels on-filed reporters, who are ensuring non-stop reportage on this situation from potential high-risk areas,” he adds.

    Pandey says that newsrooms might be vulnerable to this epidemic but this isn’t a first for them. "As journalists, we have always worked during strikes, natural disasters, riots, epidemics, wars, etc. We realise our sense of responsibility during these times to contribute to wider cultural currents of cosmopolitanism whilst taking the necessary precautions," he says.

    “Being a responsible news organisation, we feel it’s imperative we exercise caution, increase awareness and curb fake news," says Srivathsan. “As we operate with the abridged workforce, we are committed to our employees’ safety while continuing to work collaboratively & cohesively to ensure our broadcast services remain uninterrupted.”

    Echoing Srivathsan’s view, Pandey says, “At ABP News Network, it is our topmost priority to ensure that the viewers are apprised at all times, while also safeguarding the health of our employees.

    The novel coronavirus that has first appeared in the Wuhan city of China has spread over 100 countries. At least three succumbed to the infection and over 150 positive cases have been confirmed in various states of India.

  • ABP News celebrates Women’s Day with ‘Shakti Samman’

    ABP News celebrates Women’s Day with ‘Shakti Samman’

    MUMBAI: Initiating a conversation on gender stereotypes, ABP News Network’s Hindi news channel ABP News held an event, ‘Shakti Samman’ in the light of International Women’s Day.

    The event was graced by union cabinet minister Smriti Irani, who threw light on the theme of gender stereotypes. She said, “Men are not the problem, the mindsets are.”

    She also felicitated mindset challengers like Deepa Malik (Chairman – Paralympic Committee of India), Dr Seema Rao (India's first woman commando trainer, having trained Special Forces of India), Aarohi Pandit (First woman in the world to fly solo across the Atlantic in an LSA), Chitra Rajagopal (Distinguished Scientist & Director General (RM & Impl.), DRDO, Ministry of Defence), Sunchika Pandey (The woman behind Mumbai Police's Twitter handle), Anuradha Prabhudesai (Founder, Lakshaya Foundation), Rajkumari Devi (Also known as ‘Kisan Chachi’ – She empowered over 300 rural women to take up farming, and lead an independent life), and Asha Devi (Nirbhaya’s mother).

    Through this initiative, ABP aims to reflect on the experiences of these powerful women, work towards eliminating stereotypes and provide a platform to empowered women — to empower women.

    Shakti Samman is an initiative to inspire society to look at women for who they are and not how they look. With the idea of ‘Mindset Challengers’, ABP News has taken up a challenge to break the regressive mind-set about women in our society and shed light on the lives of strong personalities who are making strides for gender equality in their respective industries.

    The event witnessed young men and women taking an oath to challenge mindsets and help grow the nation by eliminating biases around women, recognising them for their work & skills and not for their appearances.

    ABP News Network chief executive officer Avinash Pandey, says, “Women’s Day is not only a tremendous opportunity to celebrate strong females but also a call to action for everyone to continue to push for complete gender equality."

    He adds, “This year we have initiated an eminent theme to challenge the retrogressive mindsets in the society, by sharing the stories of many inspiring women who have made significant strides in different fields and were an active contributor in ensuring equitable norms for women all across the country.”

  • ABP News Network conducts ‘Asmita Sanman Puraskar 2020’ in Gujarat

    ABP News Network conducts ‘Asmita Sanman Puraskar 2020’ in Gujarat

    MUMBAI: Asmita Sanman Puraskar 2020 – an initiative by ABP News Network’s Gujarati news channel ABP Asmita, to facilitate the successful figures from different walks of life, who carved their presence across the state and the nation.

    ABP Asmita’s aim was to recognise iconic Gujaratis, who have made a significant contribution to society and have strengthened the foundation of the state through their dedication and hard work.

    The event was graced by Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani and various other dignitaries and awardees such as GCMMF chief operating officer Kishore Jhala, folk singer Padma Shri Bhikhudan Gadhvi, novelist Raghuveer Chaudhari, former cricketer Nayan Mongia, singer Parthiv Gohil, Lokbharti Education managing trustee Dr. Arunbhai Dave, Donate Life founder Nilesh Mandlewala and actor Kiran Kumar.

    ABP Asmita, through this award show, celebrated the excellence of eminent personalities who have made their mark in various spheres such as Sports, Cinema, Music, Education, Culture, Social Service, Literature, and Entrepreneurship.

    The award ceremony, ‘Asmita Sanman Puraskar 2020’, was exclusively curated for the Gujarati speaking viewers on ABP Asmita. ABP group aims to cater to the multi-lingual masses through their regional channels.

  • News channels go all out to cover upcoming Delhi election

    News channels go all out to cover upcoming Delhi election

    MUMBAI: Election days belong to news channels. Right from guessing the outcome to getting audience views to covering the result day, news channels cash in on every opportunity. With 2020’s first election – the Delhi battleground – approaching, channels have lined up insightful content with innovative approaches.

    The ABP News Network has assigned one reporter in every constituency of Delhi, to highlight the realities of the ground. The Hindi news channel believes having 70 on-ground reporters for the elections will ensure accurate and real-time updates. On the other hand, both Times Now and Mirror Now will cover the polls with over 20 reporters assigned respectively.  

    With respect to programming and content line-up, ABP News has scheduled a different bouquet of programmes for weekdays and weekends, under the umbrella of Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri. There are eight shows: Seedha Sawal, Siyasat ka Sensex, Vijay Factors, Delhi Darshan, School Chalen Hum, and Big Interviews with Big Faces.

    At the end of the polling day, Times Now in association with IPSOS, a global leader in market research will broadcast the exit poll. Similarly, the English news broadcaster will also bring the result day live with a new-age look for election result analysis, featuring some of the country's top election experts.

    Mirror Now will have non-stop coverage on counting day, 11 February, from 6 am onwards. The channel will also air election updates and press conferences (if any) will be interspersed with other news bulletin.

    ABP News Network has onboard Sugarlite, Rakesh Masale, Tata Altroz and Signature Pan Masala as official sponsors for the Delhi election shows all day long. “We not only want to grab eyeballs but also create a profound impact on our viewers by incentivising voting, improving civic engagement and bringing a positive impact on the democratic process,” said a channel representative. 

    The Delhi Legislative Assembly election, scheduled on 8 February, is hotly contested between two key political parties –the Bharatiya Janata Party which holds the centre and the Aam Aadmi Party, which is the incumbent in the national capital.

  • ABP News Network overhauls ABP Live team to elevate digital content

    ABP News Network overhauls ABP Live team to elevate digital content

    MUMBAI: ABP News Network’s digital platform, ABP Live, is restructuring its workforce. Vijay Jung Thapa will be the chief digital officer. With a professional experience of over 25 years, he will be spearheading ABP’s new and refined vision on the digital front. 

    With an aim to take ABP’s digital assets to newer milestones, Ramakrishnan Laxman will be taking over as AVP-Digital Media.  Allen Sharma will be taking over the new role of Head – Digital Revenues. In this role, he will be accountable for Direct Sales, Digital Revenues, Programmatic Monetization and Brand Solution Monetization.

    Furthermore, Tushar Banerjee has been appointed as the Head- Digital Content Strategy. He will ensure ABP Live’s Content and Social Media verticals with emphasis on programming pipeline, growth in viewership and monetization.

    The platform operates 8 web portals in 6 different languages. ABP Live is implementing this step to transform their digital division and improve the effectiveness of their intellectual property.

     Since its inception in December 2013, the digital arm of ABP News Network has championed issues on multiple spectrums – may it be social, political, environmental or cultural. ABP Live has kept its viewers engaged through Live TV, on-cue updates and real-time news on various social media platforms. In the same vein, ABP News Network’s regional penetration has also ensured the burgeoning success of its digital front.  

    To have a sharper edge in the digital era, ABP News Network is acting as the frontrunner in transforming and upgrading the platform. The hierarchy in the digital sphere of ABP News Network is undergoing a special makeover. This move will help revolutionize digital news and ensure the channel is more viewer-centric and responsive towards its audience.

    Speaking on the development, ABP News Network CEO Avinash Pandey said, “In an ever-growing digital era, it is crucial to evolve and keep up with the market pace. The main aim of this decision is to empower our workforce to revolutionize digital news through innovation. This digital push will also help us tap newer audiences and overall maximize the potential of our content. Through this step, we aim to elevate our intellectual property to create ground-breaking, viewer-driven content."

  • ABP News Network names Mona Jain as chief revenue officer

    ABP News Network names Mona Jain as chief revenue officer

    MUMBAI: Mona Jain, a veteran media professional with nearly two decades of experience, has joined ABP News Network as the company’s chief revenue officer. She will be responsible for the organisation’s revenue efforts across ANN channels, live events and digital platforms.

    Jain comes to ANN with a proven track record of nearly 30 years in media marketing and promotions. She spent the last six years in Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (ZEEL), serving as executive vice president, AD sales.

    Congratulating on her new role, ABP News Network CEO Avinash Pandey said, “We are happy to welcome Mona Jain to ANN family. Mona Jain brings a high-level of expertise and commitment to the organisation that is aligned with ABP values and vision. She is a critical addition to the leadership team and for our future plans. We look forward to her valuable contributions in the company’s progress.”

    Prior to her tenure in ZEEL, Jain was the CEO of Vivaki Exchange for almost nine years, where she was designated as India head – strategic investments. She has also worked at Cheil Communications and Mudra Communications in the past, where she was deputed as executive director and media director respectively and was responsible for setting up media for various brands. She started her career with Hindustan Thompson Associates (HTA) and holds a vast experience in the field of communications and marketing.