Tag: Hindustan Times

Vodafone, Idea pay Rs 72 bn to DoT for merger

MUMBAI: Vodafone India and Idea Cellular have paid Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Rs 72 billion in cash that was the key condition for approving their merger. With the financial dues out of the way, the merger of Vodafone and Idea Cellular is likely to be approved in the next few days.

“Idea has submitted its compliance to the DoT’s conditional approval letter dated July 9 2018, for the merger of Vodafone India Ltd and Vodafone Mobile Services Ltd with Idea Cellular Ltd, including the payment of Rs 3,926.34 crore (in cash) and bank guarantee of Rs 3,322.44 crore. With this we hope to get final approval from DoT for the merger at the earliest,” said a spokesperson from Idea as quoted by Economic Times.

To avoid any kind of delay the two companies- Idea and Vodafone decided to pay the full amount demanded by the government. The two companies have started joint training sessions.

Vodafone Idea will be the country’s largest telecom operator, with a revenue market share of around 37.4 per cent and more than 438 million subscribers. Headquartered in UK, Vodafone had announced the merger of its India operations with Kumar Mangalam Birla-led Idea Cellular in March last year. The companies were hoping to complete the merger by the end of June but the process got delayed by a month.

The Vodafone – Idea merger is expected to make the country a three player universe, one of the biggest being Reliance Jio, which has captured a revenue market share of around 20 per cent in just 18 months of commercial operations. Recently, Bharti Airtel (India) CEO Gopal Vittal had said that the telecom sector was set to have just three big players holding similar market share.

If that’s the case, then Vodafone Idea could lose some market share as Airtel and Jio are expected to continue to exert pressure on margins.

The companies have earlier announced that Kumar Mangalam Birla will be at the helm as non-executive chairman while the Vodafone insider and current chief operating officer (India) Balesh Sharma will be CEO of the merged entity.

September 21, 2018
Right time for India-centric global news channel: Smriti Irani

MUMBAI: Information and broadcasting (I&B) minister Smriti Irani is ready to take India abroad. The minister has said it is the right time for the state-owned broadcaster to launch a news channel focused on India for the international market, although she added that no decision has been taken yet.

In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Irani added that Doordarshan’s (DD) quality of content had to improve significantly for it to compete with private news and general entertainment channels but added that Prasar Bharati (DD’s parent body) had the kind of infrastructure and reach that could not be matched by private broadcasters.

According to Irani, the big priorities for the I&B ministry are to minimise the interference of the government, but because I&B is a sensitive area, there are many regulations that need to be reviewed. “I need to increase the efficiency of how we work, because this is the first time in the history of the I&B ministry that we have eight zones specially set up (as communication hubs for the government). Zone-wise, state-wise, our communication has to be strengthened. My third big focus is on communication in local and regional languages,” she said hoping that the CEO of Prasar Bharati can make some big-bang changes.

“The data needs to be democratised—that data cannot have only have a few masters. It is this data that helps fund channels and programmes. It is this data that drives what the viewer consumes. Advertising decisions are based on this data. The kind of programmes produced is based on this data. If the data is opaque, it leaves many questions unanswered,” she said during the interview.

But Irani is not in the habit of casting aspersions at random. “The facts at hand are simply that we do not have details on many aspects related to ratings agency BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council), and when BARC gives us that information I can make a more informed decision. As things stand, there’s very little understanding of BARC in the public domain,” she said.

She said that there have to be more voices from regional media and language-based media houses — editors, creators. “On budget day, when DD was the only channel with the finance minister and ministry officials, we saw a 582 per cent growth in viewership,” she added.

On the talks of expanding the reach of DD News to over 100 countries, she said, “If we do something like this, we will also have to involve the Ministry of External Affairs, but there is no decision on this. Yes, the timing is right to do something like this, and the market also seems to be ready.”

She brushed away claims that the department controls advertising. “That’s a misconception. Government departments and ministries decide how much they want to spend and where they want to spend it. We just become the channel for implementing it. To say I&B decides who spends what and where is an anomaly,” she pointed out.

Also read:

MIB mulls broadcast of DD News to 100 countries

Doordarshan’s R-Day broadcast notches up record TV viewership

February 13, 2018
IAA’s new initiative seeks to end rigidity in office timings

A new social initiative titled #WorkToLiveToWork has been undertaken by the International Advertising Association’s (IAA) India chapter with Nandini Dias, managing committee member of IAA and CEO of Lodestar India, at the helm. Dias lost two colleagues in separate accidents related to railways during rush hour in the last 18 months.

Dias has conceptualised #WorkToLiveToWork to urge CEOs/HR heads to help Mumbai-based companies to implement flexible office timings for employees so that they don’t risk their lives to reach their workplaces.

Ramesh Narayan, President, IAA India Chapter, said, “Every year IAA undertakes initiatives to show that communication can be an effective force for the good of society. This year Nandini Dias is spearheading this meaningful project.”

The initiative intends to end the irrational rigidity in Mumbai’s office timings and save lives. Reports show that every day approximately nine people die on the suburban rail network, which is nearly 3,300 people in a year. Many of these people travel in the overcrowded transit system just to avoid a late mark as that leads to penalty on their salary.

A campaign has also been designed around #WorkToLiveToWork.

“Instead of waiting for the transport infrastructure to be fixed, which would obviously take a long time, Dias’ idea was as practical as it was simple. When asked, most CEOs and HR heads agree that flexi timing is a good idea. In fact many also say that in their office, they had implemented flexi timings since a couple of years. The fact is that while heads of offices are not against it, they have done very little to actually roll it out. There is no data to say how many people actually are on flexi timing. Also if it was real then the rush hour traffic would have eased out,” he added.

Said Dias, “I am urging all companies to come forward and adopt this to save the lives of Mumbaikars. Let’s all agree that, besides expressing outrage we need to help the government in mitigating the crisis. So, whether you are an employer or an employee, think about it, talk about it, bring it up as often as you can to drive change and save lives. Even if we reduce the number of people losing life from nine to seven per day, we would have saved over 700 lives in a year.”

To take this initiative forward, besides Lodestar UM, IAA has the support of Taproot Dentsu that created the communication. The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Laqshya Media and Radio City have come on board as media partners.

Also Read:

FabIndia sets aside 40% on digital advertising

The year of hiccups for marketers

People’s mindset determines workplace safety: Havas’ Anita Nayyar

January 18, 2018
BTVi hires Times’s Shetty & CNN IBN’s Pisharody, strengthens rev & strategy team

MUMBAI: BTVi – Business Television India has appointed Shilpa Shetty and Seema Pisharody to jointly work towards revenue generation for the channel. They will be closely working with the COO Megha Tata (Monica Tata) to drive the business news channel to strengthen the next level growth in India.

BTVi is reinforcing senior experienced people in the team to build a quality think tank with a focus on the revenue model of the channel. Anuj Katiyar, who has recently joined the team as the marketing & research head, has played an integral role in channel’s development in the past two months.

Shetty will be actively involved in the strategic planning for generating revenue for the channel. Shetty was last associated with the Times Network as the vice-president – revenue and was the national sales head for the Times Network cluster of channels for several verticals. Shetty was also associated with the Network18 group for 10 years.

On joining BTVi, Shetty said, “I felt it is an interesting opportunity that has come my way to lead BTVi and create a path towards success.”

Pisharody, in her role will be investing her expertise in crafting strategic approach for business development for the channel. Pisharody has over 15 years of experience in the media &entertainment industry with brands like Turner and Hindustan Times. Her last assignment was with CNN IBN, as the head of Branded Content for South region.

On the new role, Pisharody said, “BTVi is poised to be a game changer in the dynamic Business News segment. And I am excited to be part of this winning team.”

Welcoming them to the team, Tata said, “We believe that their expertise in the domain will be a valuable asset to the channel.”

July 3, 2017
Kyoorius’ 2nd edition of Zee MELT is scheduled for August 2016

MUMBAI: Kyoorius is all set to host Zee MELT 2016 on 26 and 27 August with a brilliant line-up of speakers and panel discussions. Its first time in Delhi, the unique festival aims to bring together advertising, digital, marketing, emerging technologies, media and PR industry to celebrate creativity. MELT is a 2-day rollercoaster event conceptualized in partnership with Zee Entertainment, Hindustan Times, GroupM, and D&AD.

This year MELT 2016 will feature some of the most influential names in the business of creativity and marketing communications. It will have sessions curated for different interests, skill sets and audiences. From advertisers, industry experts such as Ted Mellström (Art Director, Forsman & Bodenfors, Sweden) to leading marketers like Per Nilsson (Corporate Communication & Marketing Director at Semcon, Sweden) and Mark van Iterson (Global Head of Design & Concept at Heineken, Amsterdam), the top professionals, will be presenting and engaging at the anchor events of melt. Some other speakers to watch out for are Tom Betts (Chief Data Officer, Financial Times), Andrew O’Dell (CEO & Co-Founder, Pereira & O’Dell), Karrelle Dixon (Director of Emerging markets, Wieden+Kennedy ) to name a few.

MELT 2016 will consist of a range of conferences, seminars, exhibitions, showcases, workshops and networking sessions for delegates from across marketing and communication genres by industry experts, catering to all experience levels. The organizers are expecting more than 2000 creative, marketing people will convene to discuss, inspire and learn through sharing and interaction.

The stimulating line-up of speakers and the agenda for the second edition of ZEE MELT 2016, is ready to be browsed through at Readytomelt.com, a dedicated website for the festival. This website boasts of a full line up of speakers from all over the world, spanning a variety of events throughout the 2 days.

The content for MELT 2016 is divided across four key pillars i.e. Learning, Showcase and Gallery, Networking and Celebration. Each of these pillars will be driven by content partners and participating brands at MELT 2016.

Commenting on the line up, Kyoorius CEO and founder Rajesh Kejriwal said, “The aim of MELT 2016 is to spoil its attendees with choice of multiple sessions that not only excites and informs but also engages them. What sets this edition apart are the best speakers and presenters from the industry with the addition of experience zones and workshops. We want our partners and all attendees to get the most out of their time at MELT 2016.”

All delegates can sign up for individual events which can be bookmarked. Zee MELT 2016 welcomes everyone to create their own itinerary for each day in accordance to their predilection.

August 2, 2016
Kyoorius’ 2nd edition of Zee MELT is scheduled for August 2016

MUMBAI: Kyoorius is all set to host Zee MELT 2016 on 26 and 27 August with a brilliant line-up of speakers and panel discussions. Its first time in Delhi, the unique festival aims to bring together advertising, digital, marketing, emerging technologies, media and PR industry to celebrate creativity. MELT is a 2-day rollercoaster event conceptualized in partnership with Zee Entertainment, Hindustan Times, GroupM, and D&AD.

This year MELT 2016 will feature some of the most influential names in the business of creativity and marketing communications. It will have sessions curated for different interests, skill sets and audiences. From advertisers, industry experts such as Ted Mellström (Art Director, Forsman & Bodenfors, Sweden) to leading marketers like Per Nilsson (Corporate Communication & Marketing Director at Semcon, Sweden) and Mark van Iterson (Global Head of Design & Concept at Heineken, Amsterdam), the top professionals, will be presenting and engaging at the anchor events of melt. Some other speakers to watch out for are Tom Betts (Chief Data Officer, Financial Times), Andrew O’Dell (CEO & Co-Founder, Pereira & O’Dell), Karrelle Dixon (Director of Emerging markets, Wieden+Kennedy ) to name a few.

MELT 2016 will consist of a range of conferences, seminars, exhibitions, showcases, workshops and networking sessions for delegates from across marketing and communication genres by industry experts, catering to all experience levels. The organizers are expecting more than 2000 creative, marketing people will convene to discuss, inspire and learn through sharing and interaction.

The stimulating line-up of speakers and the agenda for the second edition of ZEE MELT 2016, is ready to be browsed through at Readytomelt.com, a dedicated website for the festival. This website boasts of a full line up of speakers from all over the world, spanning a variety of events throughout the 2 days.

The content for MELT 2016 is divided across four key pillars i.e. Learning, Showcase and Gallery, Networking and Celebration. Each of these pillars will be driven by content partners and participating brands at MELT 2016.

Commenting on the line up, Kyoorius CEO and founder Rajesh Kejriwal said, “The aim of MELT 2016 is to spoil its attendees with choice of multiple sessions that not only excites and informs but also engages them. What sets this edition apart are the best speakers and presenters from the industry with the addition of experience zones and workshops. We want our partners and all attendees to get the most out of their time at MELT 2016.”

All delegates can sign up for individual events which can be bookmarked. Zee MELT 2016 welcomes everyone to create their own itinerary for each day in accordance to their predilection.

August 2, 2016
Den denies being taken over by Star India

MUMBAI: In a letter to the stock exchanges, the Sameer Manchanda led Den Network Limited (Den) has denied news item appearing in the Hindustan Times that it is being taken over by Star India.

A letter signed by the company secretary of the leading Indian MSO Jatin Mahakan to the stock exchanges in India says:

“This is with reference to the news item appearing in a leading Newspaper entitled ‘Star in News to acquire DEN on June 11, 2016. The company denies the news item and has a policy never to comment on any market speculation.

We always ensure that the appropriate intimations are provided to the Stock Exchange with respect to material events, information, etc., in terms of the Listing Agreement and as and when the same is bring approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.

You are requested to take the same on record.”

Early in May 2016, there were rumours that Siti Cable was likely to take over Den Networks Limited which both companies strongly denied.

Siti Cable denies acquisition of Den Network

June 13, 2016
Den denies being taken over by Star India

MUMBAI: In a letter to the stock exchanges, the Sameer Manchanda led Den Network Limited (Den) has denied news item appearing in the Hindustan Times that it is being taken over by Star India.

A letter signed by the company secretary of the leading Indian MSO Jatin Mahakan to the stock exchanges in India says:

“This is with reference to the news item appearing in a leading Newspaper entitled ‘Star in News to acquire DEN on June 11, 2016. The company denies the news item and has a policy never to comment on any market speculation.

We always ensure that the appropriate intimations are provided to the Stock Exchange with respect to material events, information, etc., in terms of the Listing Agreement and as and when the same is bring approved by the Board of Directors of the Company.

You are requested to take the same on record.”

Early in May 2016, there were rumours that Siti Cable was likely to take over Den Networks Limited which both companies strongly denied.

Siti Cable denies acquisition of Den Network

June 13, 2016
Network18 hires Zee Business’ Amish Devgan as executive editor

MUMBAI: The game of musical chairs in the Indian news TV channel business continues unabated. Over the last couple of months there have been many a high profile resignation and reappointment amongst those delivering news to Indian viewers. The latest to also make a move is Amish Devgan who has hopped on board Network18 as executive editor.

Devgan will closely work with Network18 news CEO and group editor in chief Rahul Joshi and consulting editor Prabal Pratap Singh. He will use his expertise to devise various strategies and plans for all the Hindi news channels under the group. Network 18 has two Hindi news channels namely IBN7 and CNBC Awaaz.

With 16 years of journalistic experience, Devgan recently moved out of Zee Media after 14 years. In his last role, he was a prime time anchor and chief editor with Zee Business and hosted the highest TRP gaining show Big Story Big Debate at 8 pm daily. The show included several debates and discussions on various current day-to-day issues across politics, economy, and financial markets with high profile political, corporate guests and experts on camera.

Devgan started his career with Hindustan Times and joined Zee News in 2002. He later moved to Zee Business in 2005. He has won several accolades in the past and has successfully created a niche for himself amongst business anchors.

A tweet from Subhash Chandra appreciating Amish Devgan

June 6, 2016
Network18 hires Zee Business’ Amish Devgan as executive editor

MUMBAI: The game of musical chairs in the Indian news TV channel business continues unabated. Over the last couple of months there have been many a high profile resignation and reappointment amongst those delivering news to Indian viewers. The latest to also make a move is Amish Devgan who has hopped on board Network18 as executive editor.

Devgan will closely work with Network18 news CEO and group editor in chief Rahul Joshi and consulting editor Prabal Pratap Singh. He will use his expertise to devise various strategies and plans for all the Hindi news channels under the group. Network 18 has two Hindi news channels namely IBN7 and CNBC Awaaz.

With 16 years of journalistic experience, Devgan recently moved out of Zee Media after 14 years. In his last role, he was a prime time anchor and chief editor with Zee Business and hosted the highest TRP gaining show Big Story Big Debate at 8 pm daily. The show included several debates and discussions on various current day-to-day issues across politics, economy, and financial markets with high profile political, corporate guests and experts on camera.

Devgan started his career with Hindustan Times and joined Zee News in 2002. He later moved to Zee Business in 2005. He has won several accolades in the past and has successfully created a niche for himself amongst business anchors.

A tweet from Subhash Chandra appreciating Amish Devgan

June 6, 2016