ITV

Tag: Avinash Pandey

  • 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.

  • Jeetega India: ABP News curates special programming for Olympics 2020

    Jeetega India: ABP News curates special programming for Olympics 2020

    MUMBAI: ABP News Network’s Hindi news channel ABP News has launched a special programme ‘Jeetega India’ for Tokyo Olympics 2020. It’s a special show that intends to cover every single aspect of the athletic event.

    Focusing on to promote sports in India, ‘Jeetega India’ will have a 360-degree approach to connect with the viewers. ABP News is all set to spread its wings for the biggest sports event of the world with celebrity brand ambassadors and grand ceremonies to felicitate the winners of Olympic 2020

    ‘Jeetega India’ will cover various topics like the journey of Olympics, the stories behind the games, India at the Olympics, memorable Olympic matches, the Olympic greats, and Olympics world politics.

    These subjects are not only aimed at viewers’ entertainment, but will also serve as a knowledge-sharing platform, giving the audiences an insight into the world of sports and its history.

    The campaign Jeetega India’s programming will comprise on-air vignettes which will be based on trivia, factoids, anecdotes and interstitials on Olympics and will run throughout the day on ABP News.

    The weekend show of the campaign will be starting from July 2020 till August 2020 and will be aired every weekend, covering all the latest updates on the Olympics. Moreover, the real-time updates all along the day will also be shared by the team deployed at the Tokyo Olympics.

    Besides on-air programming, ABP News will be hosting various on-ground initiatives in India and Japan to promote the games and encourage the participants at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.

    The event will also act as a medium for discussion on matters like ‘Sports in India’. Yet, another major highlight of the show will be the launch of the official “Jeetega India Anthem”.

    ABP News chief executive officer Avinash Pandey says: “We at ABP News took this initiative to bring the entire country together in supporting our athletes competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The occasion of the Olympics is nothing short of a sports festival that is being celebrated by the entire world.”

    He further adds: “Jeetega India is not just a campaign, but a movement that will encourage the youth so that they indulge more into sports, as India has been performing phenomenally in various sport events.”

  • ABP News unveils new season of ‘Pradhanmantri’

    ABP News unveils new season of ‘Pradhanmantri’

    MUMBAI: India’s leading Hindi news channel, ABP News, has unveiled the second season of its highly-acclaimed show, Pradhanmantri. A show that promises to delve into the stories and intricacies of contemporary India is slated to premiere on 25 January, 2020.

    With the fresh season, Pradhanmantri is all set to create television history with never-told-before reality-based stories in the news genre. Pradhanmantri Season II will be hosted by the internationally acclaimed director, producer, and actor, Mr. Shekhar Kapur. Mr. Kapur is
    a visionary who works at the intersection of art, myth, and activism and will effectively bring in the same qualities to the new season of Pradhanmantri.

    Talking about this new offering, ABP News Network CEO Avinash Pandey said, “We are extremely excited to present this show to the audience owing to its highly unique concept. Pradhanmantri Season II is sure to transcend all expectations of the viewers through comprehensive and compelling storytelling, backed by long, painstaking research. We at ABP want to go beyond the common perception of TV news as a speed news churner and create content that connects to the audience on a much more deeper and profound level. Pradhanmantri Season II is the epitome of such viewer-driven content.”

    The show host Shekhar Kapur, said, “Ever since its inception, Pradhanmantri has held a special place in the heart of the viewers. The new season has been brought to the fore after identifying the pulse of the audience, with newer concepts and intriguing topics. Through the fresh season, we want to take the viewer through an entrancing journey of the Indian history and share with them– the old, the new and the
    unexplored.”

    The first season of Pradhanmantri, in 2013, was praised by the former Deputy Prime Minister of India, L.K. Advani. Mr. Advani mentioned the show in one of his speeches saying, it made him happy to see that the show delved into those ‘unexplored aspects of history that the common people were oblivious about.’

    Furthermore, the show was also recommended by the leading online learning platform, Byju’s as a ‘tremendous source of knowledge.’ The show also amassed tremendous traction on YouTube with more than 32 million views.

    The first season of Pradhanmantri depicted some of the most important incidents and developments that have shaped the destiny of independent India. The second season, on the other hand, will discuss the ideas which will give India its due place in the comity of great nations.

  • ABP News stands at first position during Shikhar Sammelan

    ABP News stands at first position during Shikhar Sammelan

    MUMBAI: ABP News, India’s most trusted Hindi news channel, acquired the first position on 02 January 2020 between 15:00 and 22:00 hrs in TG ABC 15+ at HSM level owing to its flagship show Shikhar Sammelan in Delhi.

    The renowned show was attended by the honourable home minister Amit Shah, who gave his first interview of 2020 on ABP News. Shah kept the viewers on their toes as he deliberated on critical issues such as CAA, NRC, and NPR as well as events in Maharashtra, Haryana and Jharkhand.

    Furthermore, considering the time band of between 8 and 9 PM, ABP News also witnessed 80 per cent more viewership than the nearest competitor.

    To make the summit highly informative, Shikhar Sammelan also hosted dignitaries such as BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra, Congress spokesperson Abhay Dubey, union minister of minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Uttar Pradesh deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, Congress national spokesperson Gaurav Vallabh, journalist and author Tarek Fatah, former union minister of information and broadcasting Manish Tewari and union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

    Keeping the viewers apprised about the latest happenings, the knowledge-sharing platform highlighted various views and discourses on the government, the upcoming Delhi elections, and other national imperatives such as CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act), NRC (National Register of Citizens), NPR (National Population Register) and the happenings in J&K.

    With the on-going political upheaval in the country, the channel has been able to successfully encapsulate the views of the masses by providing minute-to-minute updates of the key developments.

    ABP News Network chief executive officer Avinash Pandey said, “We are absolutely delighted to mark the beginning of 2020 with this eminent touchstone. As per BARC data, ABP News acquired the highest market share of 18 per cent during Shikhar Sammelan in Delhi on 02 Jan 2020. This statistic has re-established our venerable position in the industry as the leader of the Hindi news genre. Shikhar Sammelan has always been a noteworthy show in our portfolio with an overarching intention of keeping the viewers aware of the intricacies of the nation’s pressing issues. Here onwards, our goal is to keep the momentum going through such special programming initiatives and empower our viewers through dedicated content. ”

  • ABP garners 271 million viewership on Ayodhya verdict day

    ABP garners 271 million viewership on Ayodhya verdict day

    MUMBAI: Committed towards bringing vital information to its viewers on a real time basis, India’s most trusted media conglomerate – ABP News Network has yet again topped the charts with a gross viewership of 271 Million in the 46th week of 2019. (Source: BARC; TG- ABC 15+; Mkt:HSM; Weekly GVMs).

    With its minute-to-minute updates, of each and every issue to delivering analysis and comprehensive insights on salient policies, ABP News ensured all its viewers were well-informed.

    As per the BARC data, ABP news has maintained its supremacy during the prime-time hours for the crucial week of November 9 to November 15, 2019 in delivering each and every key fact of the nation’s pressing issues. These include Ayodhya Verdict, Maharashtra Political Crisis and Supreme Court’s Rafale Verdict, among others.

    Speaking on the success, Mr. Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP News Network said, “This data is a reiteration of our commitment and dedicated towards updating our viewers on a real time basis. It proves our dominance in the television landscape and affirms our content as reliable, unique and preferable. I am delighted to see that our efforts and hard work have garnered the trust of millions of viewers. Keeping the momentum going, our goal is to ensure the same credibility to our viewers and be the vanguard of ethical journalism.”

    Last month during the elections in Maharashtra and Haryana, ABP had earned the recognition of being the most prominent source of information in providing minute to minute updates of the states, rallies and the movements.

  • Hindi news genre sees 22% growth in beginning of festive quarter

    Hindi news genre sees 22% growth in beginning of festive quarter

    MUMBAI: According to BARC data, this year festive season has brought 22 per cent viewership growth on Hindi news channels. The genre has recorded 988.5 million average impressions from week 33 to 39 2019 whereas the average impressions in 2018 were 811.7 million in the respective week of 2018. Ad insertions also grew by 4 per cent this year on the genre. Last year from week 33 to 39 there were 551,535 ad insertions and this year the number has jumped to 571,649.

    This year, due to the general election, Pulwama attack and few other events, news channels have grabbed the interest of various brands and festive season also added to the growth of viewership. ABP News CEO Avinash Pandey said, “News as a genre is very dynamic. There is never a dull period. If you look at this year, it kick-started with major events – like Pulwama, Balakot strike, General election, Article 370 and now three state elections. Needless to say, it will be an action-packed time.”

    He also said, “Festive season is a fantastic time for news genre since there are several categories that are super active especially categories like automobile, retail, services and e-commerce. These categories advertise heavily on news genre to maximise their reach and take full advantage of this celebratory period when people spend more.”

    “Festive season always brings cheers and enthusiasm as far as ads are concerned. The industry witnesses about 25 to 30 per cent growth in the festive quarter. Channels plan specific launches and revise programming line-up to get better viewership during this period because advertising happens on the boom in viewership,” said Times Network English entertainment cluster president – strategy and business head Vivek Srivastava.

    TG for Hindi News Genre: HSM 15+
    Data Period – W33-39 2018 and 2019

    Week 33-39

    2018

    2019

    Growth

    Avg Impressions

    Avg Impressions

    Hindi News Genre

    811.7 Mn

    988.5 Mn

    22%
           
           

    Week 33-39

    2018

    2019

    Growth

    Ad Insertions

    Ad Insertions

    Hindi News Genre

    5,51,535

    5,71,649

    4%

    However, newscasters are noticing a dip in the post-festive season from the last 2-3 years. Pandey also added that ad rates have not been in sync with the festive trend. “Television ad volumes have been a bit stagnant in the last few months as against a decline in print and radio volumes. However, TV advertising volumes are beginning to see an upward trend with the approaching festive season,” Network18 English & business cluster CEO Basant Dhawan opined.

    “In FY19, the English news genre saw around 6 per cent increase over the previous year but CNN-News18 saw a humongous jump of 32 per cent over the last year in viewership terms. We are hoping the same trend to continue given the new programming impetus we are providing,” said Dhawan.

    However, if we look at the BARC data, the beginning of the festival quarter recorded negative growth in the English news genre’s viewership and ad insertions. Week 33 to 39, 2019 had few regional festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Onam, Parsi New Year and Raksha Bandhan. The genre had witnessed -29 per cent growth in that respective week. Last year the average impressions on English news channels were 4 million and this year the average impression fell to 2.8 million. Similarly in those weeks, the ad insertions also recorded negative growth by 27 per cent. Last year on the genre there were 169,456 ad insertions from week 33 to 39, this year Ad insertions also fell to 123,290.

    TG for English News Genre: India/AB Male 22+
    Data Period – W33-39 2018 and 2019

     

    Week 33-39

    2018

    2019

    Growth

    Avg Impressions

    Avg Impressions

    English News Genre

    4 Mn

    2.8 Mn

    -29%
           
           

    Week 33-39

    2018

    2019

    Growth

    Ad Insertions

    Ad Insertions

    English News Genre

    1,69,456

    1,23,290

    -27%

    But Dhawan remained positive as the rest of the festive week might see huge interest from brands. He said, “Post the General Elections period there was an anticipated marginal decline in the television news advertising volumes especially so in English news genre. As I mentioned earlier we are now at the cusp of the festive season where the demand is going up. We are seeing interest from various brands on our new programming initiatives on both CNN-News18 and CNBC TV18. In fact, the new programming is being offered to brands at a premium pricing.”

    Srivastava also commented on the impact of economic slowdown on the channels, he said, “There is some slowdown in the market but the good part is that the brands are doing well. Our brands are in a strong place and geared up to turn around the economy slow down. We are having a positive conversation happening with the advertisers. We have number 1 and Number 2 brands in the portfolio and the slowdown will impact smaller brands rather than the bigger one because bigger brands have stable viewership.”

    News Channels Programming strategies for festive season:

    To attract advertisers’ attention news broadcasters have developed programming strategies during the festive seasons. ABP News’ regional channels came up with special shows focussing on regional festivals. “We have structured our programming aptly to give viewers a taste of this festive period. Sharad Ananda is the biggest Flagship Programme of ABP Ananda that captures the true spirit of the Durga Puja festival in Bengal and grabs a million eyeballs. It is the most comprehensive coverage of Durga Puja from across the globe. For ABP Asmita, we have Garba Samman which brings to viewers Navratri celebrations across Surat, Rajkot, Baroda and Ahmedabad,” said Pandey.

    Whereas, Network18’s Hindi news channels and English channels focused on the market trends. Speaking on its revamped programme line-up Dhawan said, “A lot of new programming has been developed. For instance on CNBC TV-18, we have launched a brand new show ‘Startup Street’, where one will get to see stories of entrepreneurial successes, expert advice for business challenges and insights from the leaders of India Inc., leveraging on the new drivers of the new economy – the startups. The same show concept in Hindi ‘Startup Nation’ reaching out to the Hindi speaking belt of India will be launched on CNBC Awaaz on 23 September. Looking at the consumer interest and current volatility in the markets, and the insatiable appetite that Indians have for the yellow metal, we have launched a show called Gold Spot on CNBC Awaaz. It will be a one-stop guide for everything one needs to know about gold – from industry issues, latest jewellery trends to gold funds.”

    He also informed, “Also on CNN-News 18 we are trying to break the norms of the standard programming in the English news genre; on 16 September, we had revamped our prime time lineup. Viewpoint in a new format launched at 5.57 pm where seasoned journalist Bhupendra Chaubey brings the citizens’ voice to centre stage from across the length and breadth of India. The Right Stand which has been reconceived as a 90-minute hardcore debate show with a nation-first philosophy at its core to be hosted by Anand Narasimhan. This show also had live viewers’ participation. We have moved News Epicentre to 10.26 pm where Marya Shakil presented burning political stories of the day with the biggest political voices and newsmakers present. Overall the new primetime lineup will bring all key stories in various formats such as discussions, debate & explainers which we think will help our viewers get to details of the stories in a unique, informative and engaging manner.”

  • Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP News Network appointed as a board member of Mobile Marketing Association

    Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP News Network appointed as a board member of Mobile Marketing Association

    MUMBAI: The Mobile Marketing Association of India (MMA) has appointed Mr. Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP News Network as a part of the advisory board of the organization. Mr. Pandey has been an advocate of digital accentuation of the network and has been instrumental in ABP News Network’s shift from TV to the digital spectrum. His concerted efforts in generating a strong presence of the network in multiple Indian languages has been a key factor in helping ABP News Network achieve greater heights.

    Mobile Marketing Association is the world’s leading global non-profit trade association comprising of more than 800-member companies, from nearly fifty countries across the globe. The association’s Indian Local Council strives to stimulate the growth of mobile marketing and its associated technologies in the country.

    Commenting on his appointment Mr. Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP News Network, said, “It gives me immense pleasure to be a part of the Mobile Marketing Association and join forces with some of the erudite think tanks in the business. I look forward to enhancing mobile effectiveness and working on ways to integrate the same in all business mediums in the country and around the globe.”

    Further adding to this Ms. Moneka Khurana, Country Head MMA India, said, “I would like to welcome Mr. Avinash Pandey as a board member and a part of the MMA family. We hope to work together towards scaling mobile marketing through his regional and localized expertise in a diverse market like India.”

  • ABP News elevates Avinash Pandey as CEO

    ABP News elevates Avinash Pandey as CEO

    MUMBAI: Avinash Pandey has been elevated as the chief executive officer of ABP News effective from 2 January 2019. Pandey is at the helm of the organization as the COO of ABP News and has been instrumental in growth of network over the last 5 years. 

    Commenting on his appointment as CEO, Pandey said, “I am delighted and thankful to the Board of Directors of ANN for bestowing such faith in me. ABP News has been consistently setting benchmarks in the media and entertainment industry for innovation and growth in India, which is one of the world’s fastest growing markets.The convergence of telecom, media and technology is one of the major drivers of the industry and India’s media ecosystem has reached an inflection point. Am looking forward to taking the channels to the next level in these exciting times.”

    An HBS graduate and post graduate in History, Avinash has over two decades of experience in news media, advertising, sales, distribution, marketing, and content creation. He has been with ANN since 2005, guiding the growth of advertising revenue and playing a key role in the expansion of the network's reach over the past decade.

    Commenting on the appointment, ABP Pvt. Ltd MD and CEO D.D. Purkayastha said, “Avinash has rendered invaluable services during the past 13 years of tenure in the organization.Wishing him success in the new role.We are proud of our success and look forward to the next chapter of growth under Avinash’sdynamic leadership.”

  • ABP News Launches New Primetime show ‘ Masterstroke’ with Punya Prasun Bajpai as its host

    ABP News Launches New Primetime show ‘ Masterstroke’ with Punya Prasun Bajpai as its host

    MUMBAI: ABP News has launched its new primetime show, ‘Masterstroke’, from 2nd April, being telecast Monday to Friday from 9 pm to 10 pm, this show marks the return of news anchor Punya Prasun Bajpai to the world of News television.Mr Bajpai was last seen on Aaj Tak. Punya Prasun Bajpai is a well-known and respected name in the field of electronic media. He has more than 20 years of experience in electronic and print media. 

    ABP News has always been known for its ground breaking programming and news coverage, Masterstroke is another step in the same direction. Amidst the deluge of news & news channels prevalent today, Masterstroke stands tall as a show which fearlessly talks about not just the ‘news’ but the issues that matter to the nation and society..

    Speaking about the new show, ANN, COO, Mr Avinash Pandey said that “Masterstroke is a sincere attempt from our side not just to deliver another primetime news show, but rather to inform the people of our country about the reality of their society and thereby empower them further to take decisions which will shape their own, and also, the country’s future.”

    The combination of the concept of ‘Masterstroke’ with the anchor Punya Prasun Bajpai, who has his own inimitable ‘no holds barred’ style, is all set to redefine the way how news is not just shown on television, but also how it is consumed by the viewers. The attempt with this show is to deliver a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of the biggest issues of the day to the viewers, thus enabling them to not just ask questions, but also decide for themselves as to what exactly is happening in the country today.