ITV

Tag: Headlines Today

  • Newsroom Gets a Newsmaker as Rahul Kanwal Takes Charge at NDTV

    Newsroom Gets a Newsmaker as Rahul Kanwal Takes Charge at NDTV

    MUMBAI: From breaking headlines to making one Rahul Kanwal has officially taken the hot seat at NDTV. India’s most trusted news network, New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV), has named Rahul Kanwal as its new chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, signalling a high-octane chapter in the brand’s storied legacy. In this dual role, Kanwal will steer both editorial and business operations at NDTV, an institution that has long been the gold standard in Indian journalism.

    With over 25 years of newsroom muscle, Kanwal brings a potent mix of prime-time credibility, investigative grit, and election coverage flair. His previous innings at India Today, Aaj Tak, Business Today, Headlines Today, and Zee News saw him rise through the ranks as news director, executive director, and senior editorial leader.

    An alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s General Management Program, and a Chevening Scholar trained in international broadcast journalism at Cardiff University, Kanwal also holds a journalism degree from Delhi University. His mantle includes accolades like the Roy Peck Trust Grant for Hostile Environment Journalism, among other awards for excellence in the field.

    Welcoming the appointment AMG Media Networks CEO Sanjay Pugalia said, “NDTV is a news super-brand that has stood for credibility and trust for nearly four decades through path-breaking journalism across television and digital platforms. With five new product launches over the past two years, NDTV continues to expand its footprint while remaining steadfast in its founding ethos. Rahul brings deep editorial insight, a passion for journalism, and proven leadership qualities that will be instrumental as we scale our presence across products and platforms.”

    Rahul Kanwal said, “Like many in my generation, I grew up watching NDTV. I am super charged about the prospect of infusing new life and energy into this marquee news brand. For years, NDTV has been the go-to brand for election coverage and big breaking news. I consider it a great honour to lead this storied media brand, and I am confident that NDTV will continue to rise to great heights of journalistic and business excellence. I look forward to working with the stellar teams at NDTV as we build on the extraordinary legacy of this great institution.”

    The NDTV Board also took a moment to commend Sanjay Pugalia for steering the ship through a crucial phase of transformation and reaffirmed their intent to tap into his strategic vision going forward.

    With five new product launches in the last two years and a growing digital footprint, NDTV isn’t just reporting the future, it’s writing it. And with Kanwal at the helm, it seems the best scoops may still be ahead.

  • 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.

  • Q3-2016: TV Today revenue up 18%; PAT up 40%

    Q3-2016: TV Today revenue up 18%; PAT up 40%

    BENGALURU: Following revenue and profit growth in the previous quarter, TV Today Network Limited (TVTN) reported 18.1 per cent YoY increase in standalone Total Income from Operations (TIO) in the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2016, current quarter) to Rs 149.67 crore as compared to Rs 126.88 crore and 17.8 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 127.04 crore.

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

    All numbers in this report are standalone unless stated otherwise.

    Profit after tax (PAT) for Q3-2016 increased 40.1 per cent YoY to Rs 36.90 crore (24.7 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 26.34 crore (20.8 per cent margin) and 51.8 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 24.32 crore (19.1 per cent margin). 

    The company had sold four of its radio stations at Amritsar, Patalia, Jodhpur and Shimla on 18 September, 2015 to Entertainment Network (India) Limited (ENIL) as an ongoing concern for a lump sum consideration of Rs 4 crore adjusted for net working capital as a sale agreement. The transaction resulted in a profit of Rs 2.07 crore included in ‘Other Income’. 

    The company had sought permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to grant approval of its three radio stations in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, which was subsequently refused. Subsequently, TVTN has filed a writ petition at the High Court in New Delhi against the MIB’s refusal, which is still pending.

    EBIDTA calculated for Q3-2016 at Rs 55.82 crore (37.3 per cent margin) increased 27.7 per cent YoY as compared to Rs 43.71 crore (34.5 per cent margin) and was 27.7 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 35.71 crore (28.1 per cent margin).

    Segment revenue

    TVTN’s Television Broadcasting segment (TV segment) reported a 16.6 per cent YoY increase in operating revenue in Q3-2016 at Rs 147.65 crore as compared to Rs 126.68 crore and 18.7 per cent more QoQ as compared to Rs 124.43 crore in Q2-2016. Operating profit from the segment in the current quarter increased 49.1 per cent YoY to Rs 54.48 crore as compared to Rs 39.22 crore and 49.1 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 36.68 crore.

    The company’s radio segment reported 49.4 per cent YoY decline in operating revenue at Rs 2.02 crore as compared to Rs 4 crore, and 22.5 per cent lower operating revenue as compared to Rs 2.61 crore in the immediate trailing quarter. The segment’s operating loss in the current quarter was higher at Rs 2.54 crore as compared to the operating loss of Rs 1.94 crore in Q3-2015 but lower than the operating loss of Rs 5.48 crore in Q2-2016.

    Rebranding of Headlines Today to India Today

    In Q1-2016, TVTN rebranded its English news channel from Headlines Today to India Today from 23 May, 2015 in order to benefit from the brand name of India Today. TVTN says that it incurred a marketing expense of Rs 14.38 crore towards re-branding in that quarter. Consequently, the company’s advertisement, distribution and sales promotion expense (ad expense) in Q1-2016 was Rs 38.24 crore (30.1 per cent of TIO). This quarter, TVTN’s ad expense was one per cent lower YoY at Rs 24.82 crore (16.6 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 25.06 crore (19.8 per cent of TIO) but was 5.5 per cent more than Rs 23.53 crore (18.5 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2016.

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by TVTN

    Total Expenditure in Q3-2016 at Rs 101.24 crore (67.5 per cent of TIO) was 11.7 per cent higher YoY as compared to Rs 86.20 crore (71.4 per cent of TIO) and was two per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 99.03 crore (78 per cent of TIO) in the previous quarter.

    Production cost in Q3-2016 increased 14.9 per cent YoY to Rs 13.75 crore (9.2 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 11.96 crore (9.4 per cent of TIO) and almost flat (up 0.2 per cent) QoQ as compared to Rs 13.72 crore (10.8 per cent of TIO).

    Employee Benefit Expense in the current quarter at Rs 37.26 crore (24.9 per cent of TIO) was 19.5 per cent higher YoY as compared to Rs 31.19 crore (20.7 per cent of TIO) and was 11.6 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 33.38 crore (26.3 per cent of TIO) was 16 per cent higher YoY as compared to Rs 28.78 crore.

    Other expenses in Q3-2016 at Rs 18.02 crore (12 per cent of TIO) was 22 per cent higher YoY as compared to Rs 14.77 crore (11.7 per cent of TIO), but was 12.9 per cent lower QoQ as compare to Rs 20.71 crore (16.3 per cent of TIO).

  • Q3-2016: TV Today revenue up 18%; PAT up 40%

    Q3-2016: TV Today revenue up 18%; PAT up 40%

    BENGALURU: Following revenue and profit growth in the previous quarter, TV Today Network Limited (TVTN) reported 18.1 per cent YoY increase in standalone Total Income from Operations (TIO) in the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q3-2016, current quarter) to Rs 149.67 crore as compared to Rs 126.88 crore and 17.8 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 127.04 crore.

    Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore

    All numbers in this report are standalone unless stated otherwise.

    Profit after tax (PAT) for Q3-2016 increased 40.1 per cent YoY to Rs 36.90 crore (24.7 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 26.34 crore (20.8 per cent margin) and 51.8 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 24.32 crore (19.1 per cent margin). 

    The company had sold four of its radio stations at Amritsar, Patalia, Jodhpur and Shimla on 18 September, 2015 to Entertainment Network (India) Limited (ENIL) as an ongoing concern for a lump sum consideration of Rs 4 crore adjusted for net working capital as a sale agreement. The transaction resulted in a profit of Rs 2.07 crore included in ‘Other Income’. 

    The company had sought permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to grant approval of its three radio stations in New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata, which was subsequently refused. Subsequently, TVTN has filed a writ petition at the High Court in New Delhi against the MIB’s refusal, which is still pending.

    EBIDTA calculated for Q3-2016 at Rs 55.82 crore (37.3 per cent margin) increased 27.7 per cent YoY as compared to Rs 43.71 crore (34.5 per cent margin) and was 27.7 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 35.71 crore (28.1 per cent margin).

    Segment revenue

    TVTN’s Television Broadcasting segment (TV segment) reported a 16.6 per cent YoY increase in operating revenue in Q3-2016 at Rs 147.65 crore as compared to Rs 126.68 crore and 18.7 per cent more QoQ as compared to Rs 124.43 crore in Q2-2016. Operating profit from the segment in the current quarter increased 49.1 per cent YoY to Rs 54.48 crore as compared to Rs 39.22 crore and 49.1 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 36.68 crore.

    The company’s radio segment reported 49.4 per cent YoY decline in operating revenue at Rs 2.02 crore as compared to Rs 4 crore, and 22.5 per cent lower operating revenue as compared to Rs 2.61 crore in the immediate trailing quarter. The segment’s operating loss in the current quarter was higher at Rs 2.54 crore as compared to the operating loss of Rs 1.94 crore in Q3-2015 but lower than the operating loss of Rs 5.48 crore in Q2-2016.

    Rebranding of Headlines Today to India Today

    In Q1-2016, TVTN rebranded its English news channel from Headlines Today to India Today from 23 May, 2015 in order to benefit from the brand name of India Today. TVTN says that it incurred a marketing expense of Rs 14.38 crore towards re-branding in that quarter. Consequently, the company’s advertisement, distribution and sales promotion expense (ad expense) in Q1-2016 was Rs 38.24 crore (30.1 per cent of TIO). This quarter, TVTN’s ad expense was one per cent lower YoY at Rs 24.82 crore (16.6 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 25.06 crore (19.8 per cent of TIO) but was 5.5 per cent more than Rs 23.53 crore (18.5 per cent of TIO) in Q2-2016.

    Let us look at the other numbers reported by TVTN

    Total Expenditure in Q3-2016 at Rs 101.24 crore (67.5 per cent of TIO) was 11.7 per cent higher YoY as compared to Rs 86.20 crore (71.4 per cent of TIO) and was two per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 99.03 crore (78 per cent of TIO) in the previous quarter.

    Production cost in Q3-2016 increased 14.9 per cent YoY to Rs 13.75 crore (9.2 per cent of TIO) as compared to Rs 11.96 crore (9.4 per cent of TIO) and almost flat (up 0.2 per cent) QoQ as compared to Rs 13.72 crore (10.8 per cent of TIO).

    Employee Benefit Expense in the current quarter at Rs 37.26 crore (24.9 per cent of TIO) was 19.5 per cent higher YoY as compared to Rs 31.19 crore (20.7 per cent of TIO) and was 11.6 per cent higher QoQ as compared to Rs 33.38 crore (26.3 per cent of TIO) was 16 per cent higher YoY as compared to Rs 28.78 crore.

    Other expenses in Q3-2016 at Rs 18.02 crore (12 per cent of TIO) was 22 per cent higher YoY as compared to Rs 14.77 crore (11.7 per cent of TIO), but was 12.9 per cent lower QoQ as compare to Rs 20.71 crore (16.3 per cent of TIO).

  • Headlines Today becomes India Today; group to pump 10% of budget in marketing

    Headlines Today becomes India Today; group to pump 10% of budget in marketing

    NEW DELHI: Emphasising that the launch of the ‘India Today’ news channel was being treated as a fresh channel launch and not a re-branding of Headlines Today, spokespersons from the channel said that it sports a completely new look as compared to any other news channel in the country.

     

    Speaking about the key reason for changing the brand name of the channel, India Today group CEO Ashish Bagga told Indiantelevision.com that research had shown that the brand recall value of India Today was much higher than that of Headlines Today and therefore it was being promoted as a new news channel.

     

    The channel will also be promoted through television commercials, newspaper and web advertisements and outdoor publicity. In addition, the channel will also be eyeing media partnerships with events like the Indian International Film Academy (IIFA) Awards or premieres of important films.

     

    Bagga informed that approximately five to ten per cent of the channel’s total budget would be spent on marketing it. 

     

    He considered this the biggest initiative by the India Today Group in the last forty years.

     

    Bagga also said that the channel was not visible on all DTH platforms including Doordarshan’s FreeDish.

     

    With 40 niche magazines in its kitty, the group had already connected with viewers and readers all over the country.

     

    When asked if a research had been conducted before the channel’s launch, he said research was conducted on two levels. On a qualitative level, the aim had been to gauge what people were seeing and what they wanted in news channels. Secondly, an Eye-7 test had been conducted whereby special kind of glasses were worn to gauge eye movements and also check if the viewer had any problem in seeing a channel, which carries more than one box of written matter apart from the visuals. 

     

    Talking about the channel’s branding and content, India Today Group synergy and creative officer Kalli Purie said that the new channel had a lot more depth.

     

    Purie said that the India Today magazine had set a standard that other print publications were attempting to emulate, and the aim was to bring the same standard to television news reporting. 

     

    The new look of the channel not only has a headline at the top and bottom of the screen, but also on the left of the news presenter, which is in the form of a box making it legible even from a distance. She denied that this would be make the screen look cluttered and said it had been tested amongst viewers who had liked the format.

     

    Speaking on whether there would be any changes in content, Purie said that the Group had around forty print magazines and the experience would be used for formatting shows on niche programmes on automobiles, luxury items, celebs, and so on. 

     

    Unlike most channels, the content presentation on the India Today news channel would not follow a linear pattern but would be multi-layered. 

     

    When queried on the involvement of senior journalists like Rajdeep Sardesai and Karan Thapar, Purie said that they were already established and credible names in the news world, who didn’t believe in beating around the bush but in getting the real news out. 

     

    “Their contribution will be immense in formatting various programmes,” she added.   

     

    She also confirmed that the show On The Couch with Koel would continue on the channel.

     

    While Bagga refrained to comment on the ad cap matter as it was in court, he opined that the group did not agree with the government on cross-media investments. 

     

    “No single group dominates in media fragmentation,” he said. 

     

    At the same time, he said that the group had no intention to enter FM Phase III for more radio channels.

     

    Referring to Music Today, he said that the aim had been to bring out recordings of non-film music. “While all music is now available on digital platforms, we have no intention of entering that sphere,” he added.

     

  • Sachin Tendulkar all set to return to World Cup 2015

    Sachin Tendulkar all set to return to World Cup 2015

    MUMBAI: The fight for the World Cup 2015 is getting bigger and better. And gearing for the same are news channels Aaj Tak and Headlines Today that have roped in cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar for their World Cup 2015 coverage.

     

    India Today Group chairperson and editor in chief Aroon Purie said, “He is the master who redefined the sport for the world’s most passionate cricketing nation. A World Cup without him is nothing but unimaginable. His presence on the shows will help fill the void in cricket since his last match. It is an honour for the group to have the legend himself on our channels.”

     

    Commenting on his association, Tendulkar said, “The shows that I will be doing on Aaj Tak and Headlines Today are quite impressive and interesting. This is the first time that I am doing something of this sort and it will be a completely new experience for me. What makes this all the more special, is the fact that, I will get to share my experience of the last six world cups with the youngsters, cricketers and budding talent.”

     

    He added, “Obviously World Cup 2015 is going to be a lot more competitive and important. The rules having changed, and with 20 -20 changing the norm in cricket, new and innovative batting styles are coming to the fore. We have discussed these and more in the programmes and am really excited that we could do so many shows of this kind. Most importantly, I would like to wish the very best to Team India to win the world cup. Along with the Aaj Tak and Headlines Today teams, the whole nation is with Team India.”

    Cricket and Tendulkar are synonymous and this World Cup too, the legacy will continue with him bringing his insights and more on Aaj Tak and Headlines Today.

     

    For the first time Tendulkar will also interact with the audience directly on the shows and take questions. The legend, who has given 25 years of his life to cricket, is taking care of his team but from a different pitch. His presence will ensure that the World Cup 2015 will only be bigger, better and more inspiring.

     

    From his lifting the trophy in 2011 to his experience on and off the field, viewers on both the channels will get a first-hand view of the game from the legend himself.

  • India Today Group to hold 3rd India Today Global Roundtable

    India Today Group to hold 3rd India Today Global Roundtable

    MUMBAI: From New York to New Delhi and from PM Modi’s trip to the US to President Barrack Obama’s trip to India, the third edition of The India Today Global Roundtable is poised to be the highpoint in the meeting of the two world Leaders. After the landmark events at New York and Kathmandu coinciding with PM Modi’s foreign trips, the third edition of the Roundtable at New Delhi running parallel to President Obama’s India visit is all set to raise the bar.

     

     The India Today Global Roundtable has established itself as the definitive global event that has seen the most eminent thought leaders from across the globe having intelligent discourses on issues of international consequence.  The success of the first two roundtables at New York on September 2014 and Kathmandu on November 2014, have clearly put the series on a pedestal as an Industry first and among the most keenly followed event of this stature.

     

     In the backdrop of the first American president’s visit for the Republic Day celebrations, the conclave will make sense of US implications on the subcontinent from trade to defence, nuclear deals to the war on terror and other key aspects of Indo – US significance.

     

     The most respected stalwarts with experience on issues pertaining to Obama’s India mission will debate and share their views on the unprecedented expectation of whether the historic event of the American President’s visit will truly be history in the making.

     

     The sessions at the roundtable will have General V.K. Singh (Retd), Union Minister of State for External Affairs talking on the role of India and the US in the War on terror. While the national and Global issue of Climate change will be taken up by Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change. Jayant Sinha, Union Minister of State for Finance will share his views on a Successful journey in the Indo US Economic partnership.

     

    The eminent panelists at the roundtable will include the top faces in politics and business who have had a track record as the most respected names in their field.  The distinguished speakers at the event will include Manish Tewari, Former Union Minister, Seshadri Chari, Editor, AGNI & Former Editor, Organiser, and  Abdul Basit, Pakistani High Commissioner to India who will debate on the fragile trust issues between India, Pakistan and the USA.

     

    Nirupama Rao, Former Ambassador to the US will speak on bridging the distance between the two countries. While Hardeep Puri, Former Envoy to the United Nations and Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M) Leader will debate on the road ahead for the Indo – US Nuclear Deal.

     

    On the business front Banmali Agrawala, President and CEO, GE South Asia and Som Mittal, Former president, NASSCOM will share his views on whether Modi will add to the investments.

     

    Rahul Chaudhry, CEO, Tata Power SED, Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing India and Nik Khanna, Country Director, Raytheon India will speak on Defense related issues in the session Defense of the Realm – Life after Make in India.

     

    The Rise of the NRI and Becoming Part of the American Dream will see insights from Ram Madhav, General Secretary, BJP and Sanjay Puri, Convener, United States India Political Action Committee.

     

    The India Today Global Roundtable promises to be the defining event that will add the real perspective amidst the fanfare of President Obama’s India visit. The Event will be telecast through the day on 23rd January exclusively on Headlines Today.

  • “Mr Modi, when are you giving me the big interview you promised?”: Rajdeep Sardesai

    “Mr Modi, when are you giving me the big interview you promised?”: Rajdeep Sardesai

    He is one of Indian television’s most recognisable face as a news presenter and now the author of the best seller ‘2014: The Election That Changed India’. Rajdeep Sardesai may have quit Network18 as IBN18 editor in chief and later on joining the India Today Group as consulting editor, but the man with over 26 years of experience in the field continues to be recognised for his work.

     

    Sardesai was honoured with the Asian TV Award on 11 December for ‘The Best News Presenter’ for his coverage on the counting day of the general elections.

     

     The award is a special one for him as he becomes the first Indian to receive the recognition. On the occasion, in a quick chat with Indiantelevision.com’s Herman Gomes, Sardesai speaks about the recognition and upcoming plans for the New Year.

     

    Your feelings on receiving the award? Do you see Indian journalism receiving its due credit?

    When I was with NDTV, The Big Fight had won the Asian TV Award, three times in a row. At CNN-IBN, India at 9 and our election coverage had won awards for the best news coverage and best current affairs, but to win an individual award as the ‘Best News Presenter’ feels special. Being nominated with icons from CNN, Discovery, Nat Geo and CNBC, along with Chinese and Korean TV, makes it special. I feel honoured to be honoured as the only Indian.

     

    Are awards and recognition important for journalism?

    Being the first Indian to receive an award like this, feels nice, but only for a moment. Journalism is not about winning awards but about work or the interview you do.  Elections after all is a team game. The award is also for all those who worked with me as a team at my old organisation, CNN IBN.

     

    Any celebrations planned?

    I am going to have a quiet dinner when my son returns from his hostel. I am planning to take him out for dinner next weekend.  I owe a lot to the family.

     

    How well is your book ‘2014:The Election That Changed India’ been performing on the shelves?

    The book as of last week was placed at number two in the non-fiction category, behind Sachin Tendulkar’s autobiography: ‘Playing It My way’.  It has been on the best seller list for six weeks. I am told that in one month it has sold more than any other nonfiction political book of 2014. I am taking the book across the country for various promotions and lit fests.  On the weekends I promote the book while on weekdays I am caught up anchoring my show. It’s a packed week!

     

    Are politicians affected by the revelations in the book?

    Interestingly I find the Congress politicians having more problems with the book than BJP. The BJP politicians had feared the book, but Congress seems to be unhappy now.

     

    How has the state of journalism changed over the last one year?

    One of the continuing fears I have is the tendency to sensationalise. That continues to remain a trend and has not stopped. This is what I call window journalism, where you have eight people in a window, talking at each other rather than talking to each other.

    But at the same time there is some good work being done. But the sad part is it does not get the due recognition, because some of the less important work dominates the more worthy work.

     

    We are destroying our credibility in the long run.

     

    How do you view the growth for online journalism?

    My belief is that digital is going to see a big revolution in the next few years. It will not happen overnight but will take two to three years.

     

    Are there chances of you joining back CNN-IBN?

    There are no such plans. 2014 has been a roller coaster year for me. Our election coverage is being recognised at the Asian level. The book was a high point while my departure from CNN IBN was an unfortunate one. 

     

    It has been six months since the new government came to power. Do you think Aache Din Aa Gaye?

    Ache Sitare Aa Gaye, ache din we don’t know. Maybe next year. It’s too early to judge.

     

    One question you would want to ask the Prime Minister Narendra Modi?

    Mr Modi, when are you giving me the big interview you promised?

     

    How do you see the year ahead for the Indian media and how are you planning to welcome the New Year?

    I view the year 2015 as the year of introspection for the media including myself. 2014 has been a year of excitement. I am welcoming 2015 by going to Goa and resting by the beach.

     

    For this year do you want to be known as Rajdeep Sardesai: the journalist or the author?

    I want to be known as a journalist who has written a bestselling book!

  • Election broadcast must be seen in context of electoral constituencies: NBSA

    Election broadcast must be seen in context of electoral constituencies: NBSA

    MUMBAI: A case had been filed against English news channels CNN-IBN, NDTV, Times Now and Headlines Today regarding a piece of news that was broadcast on 7 April 2014.

    The complaint filed by Vishal  Kudchadkar and  Syed Ali Hussaini claimed that on the particular day, some constituencies in Assam and Tripura went to polls but the above mentioned channels chose to broadcast the BJP manifesto release on the same day. According to the complainants, they have violated the Section 126 (1) of the Representation of People Act, 1951, which prohibits any public display of  election  matter  by means  of cinematography,  television and other  similar apparatus  during  the  period  of 48 hours  prior  to  the end  of  polling.  

    This apart they allege that it also violates the direction of the Election Commission of India and Guideline 12 of the NBA guidelines for election broadcasts.

    The NBSA sought a reply from the ECI in this regard to which it said, “The legal opinion (obtained by EC) on the issue relating to Section 126 of  RP Act was that the said section,  being a penal provision,   had  to be strictly construed; and that the telecasting of an election related event such as release of election manifesto or an election address or a press conference outside the limits of a constituency  going  to   the  poll  would  not  attract  the  penal  provisions  of Section 126; and that the prohibition  regarding the release of  a manifesto or election address or press conference will have to be restricted  to any election matters relating to that constituency and the candidates in that constituency.”

    Guideline 12 of the NBA says, ‘The  broadcasters shall not broadcast any ‘election matter’ that is, any matter intended  or calculated to influence or affect  the result of  an election during the 48 hours ending with the hours fixed for the conclusion of  poll, in violation of  Section 126 (1) (b) of  the Representation of People Act. 1951.’ The EC was proposing to consider the broadcast of the BJP manifesto as a violation of section 126 of RP Act.

     

    Therefore, the NBSA feels that this falls in the jurisdiction of the criminal courts. It says that it could have considered that the broadcasters had violated the provision of section 126 (1)(b) of the RP Act, had the words ‘in violation of section 126(1)(b) of the Representation of People Act, 1951’.

     

    The election matter also involves the fact that whether anything was done to disturb or tilt the voting scenario in the area where it is being held rather than throughout the country. Therefore, the NBSA says that the complaints have no merit and can be closed.