Tag: IBN7

  • Sumit Awasthi comes back for his second innings at Zee Media Corp

    Sumit Awasthi comes back for his second innings at Zee Media Corp

    MUMBAI:  Zee Media Corporation Ltd has announced the appointment of Sumit Awasthi as Resident Editor, today.

    Sumit Awasthi, a Science graduate and post-graduate in Journalism from Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, has rejoined Zee Media after a gap of 14 years in which he had been with Aaj Tak and IBN7. In his last assignment at Aaj Tak, he was the Deputy Editor (Political) and a Primetime Anchor (Dastak – the flagship primetime show was anchored by him). In addition he also was reporting on major assignments.

    On the occasion Sumit Awasthi said, “14 years back, I had started my career at Zee Media and this is going to be my second stint here and it is feels like coming back to home. Zee Media is the place where I started my Journalism profession as a Reporter and then as an Anchor as well. And, it was here that people started recognising me. So it feels great to be part of Zee Media family once again.”

    In these last 14 years the TV News industry has seen a sea-change and I have come back to lend my hand to India’s biggest News Network to become India’s most watched network as well. In this TRP race, I will try to make Zee News to be No 1 Channel as well. With everybody’s efforts and teamwork, this can be achieved. ”

    His major forte has always remained Political assignments, but apart from this he has extensively worked on Cricket and International Politics. He is the proud recipient of NT Awards 2012 for ‘Best Anchor’ and Madhavji Jyoti Puraskar for ‘Best Journalist’. He has also been nominated for Indian Telly Awards and Hero Honda ITA Awards for ‘Best Anchor’.

    On the occasion, Mr Alok Agrawal, CEO, Zee Media Corporation Ltd said, “ We were looking for a seasoned hand in the Political Reportage spectrum and with Sumit on board, we are sure that Zee Media will gain with Sumit’s experience.” We are also confident that the job entrusted to Sumit will be undertaken with a finesse that has become his trademark.”

    On the occasion, Mr Sudhir Chaudhury, Editor, Zee Media Corporation Ltd said, “We at Zee Media are readying ourselves for major reporting during the Assembly Elections in Delhi, MP, Chhattisgarh, Manipur and Rajasthan in 2013 and the General Elections in 2014. Having Sumit will add to our Political Reporting acumen and Zee Media Corp is happy to welcome him.”

  • Acting on its mandate

    Acting on its mandate

    The NBSA has been cracking the whip on certain complaints filed with the standards body. Here is a example of three cases which were censured by it. Several other examples can be found on the nbanewdelhi.com.

    1. Decision dated 20.12.2012 passed by NBSA regarding complaint dated 14 September 2011 filed by the Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust against TV18 Broadcast Limited in respect of broadcast dated 1.8.2011 and subsequent broadcasts in relation to the RGCT – Channels: CNN IBN & IBN7

    The NBSA, accordingly, directed that the Broadcaster be visited with the following consequences:

    (a) The Broadcasters be directed to carry an apology by running the following text (static) on full screen in large font size with voice over (in slow speed) expressing regret for the said telecast on their channels for 5 consecutive days at 9.00 pm sharp on 24.12.202, 25.12.2012, 26.12.2012, 27.12.2012 & 28.12.2012 respectively (IBN7 will carry the apology in Hindi):

    (b) The Broadcaster is issued a “censure” by the NBSA for wilful violation of NBA Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards and norms of ethical journalism;

    (c) A fine of Rs one lakh is imposed upon the broadcaster, to be paid to NBA within one week of receipt of this order.

    2. Decision dated 25.10.2012 passed by NBSA regarding complaint dated 21.06.2012 filed by Dr. Kalind Prashar against broadcasts made on Aaj Tak (on 10.6.12) & on IBN7 (on 11.6.12) of a one sided story of a matrimonial dispute – Channels: Aaj Tak

    Insofar as Aaj Tak is concerned, the NBSA held that the channel was clearly in breach of the NBA Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards, Specific Guidelines and committed wilful violation of the NBSA Advisory on Reportage of Family/Matrimonial Matters dated 16.9.2011, for the reasons recorded above. The NBSA therefore directs that TV Today Network Ltd. / Aajtak be visited with the following consequences:

    (a)The channel must carry the unedited version of the complainant, prominently for a duration of three minutes at the same time that the first broadcast was made on 10.6.12 i.e. at 6.00 pm for three consecutive days i.e. on 30.10.12, 31.10.12 & 1.11.12 respectively. The complainant’s version must also be preceded by an apology to be tendered by the channel, by running the following text (static) on full screen in large font size with voice over (in slow speed) expressing regret for the said telecast on their channel Aaj Tak.

    (b) Directed the broadcaster to pay a fine of Rs 1,00,000 to the NBA within seven days of receipt of this Order for wilful violation of NBA Advisory dated 16.9.11 on reportage of family/matrimonial matters.

    3 . Decision dated 16.7.2009 passed by NBSA on complaint filed by Eye Bank Co-ordination & Research Centre & Arpan Eye Bank, Mumbai – Channel: NDTV India for breach of the principle of impartiality and objectivity in reporting and (ii) of not ensuring neutrality in reporting.

    Decision:

    a) To run an announcement, expressing regret for the said telecast prominently on their channel NDTV India prior to the commencement of the telecast of the program Mumbai Central stating the following (text to be translated in Hindi).

    b) To also run the apology text on NDTV India on following three consecutive days, an apology/regret as a scroll in legible font and at normal speed between 8.00 pm. and 9.00 pm, five times with a space of 12 minutes each.

    c) To grant to EBCRC and Arpan an opportunity to express their version on the subject matter of the said telecast, by broadcasting EBCRC’s and Arpan’s un-edited version on the subject matter of the said telecast of a duration not exceeding an aggregate of five minutes on the channel NDTV India in the program Mumbai Central.

    d) Proof of compliance of this Order by NDTV by submitting a Compact Disc containing the telecast/apology/regret with particulars of the time and date of the telecast be submitted to the News Broadcasters Association within 15 days of receipt the Order passed by the Authority.

    4. Decision dated 19.10.2011 passed by NBSA on suo motu action regarding telecast of a programme “Will Kanimozhi turn approver” – Channel: Times Now for “conjecture and speculation” in its Prime time debate show News Hour.

    The Authority issued to the said Broadcaster a “censure” for the breaches committed by it and made it clear that any further transgression by the said Broadcaster would be dealt with more severely. 13. The Authority further directed the NBA:

    (a) to send a copy of this Order to the said Broadcaster for noting and for future compliance;

    (b) to circulate this Order to all Members/Editors of NBA;

    (c) to host a summary of these proceedings and of the present Order on the NBA website and to include such summary in the NBA’s Annual Report.

  • Zindagi LIVE: Identity Crisis

    Zindagi LIVE: Identity Crisis

    This week, IBN7’s award-winning reality show Zindagi LIVE talks about the issue of identity crisis faced by many in India. In a country like ours where gay marriages, changing gender preferences etc. are still taboo subjects, it’s a challenge for people with alternative sexuality to lead normal lives. Instead they end up living dual lives for the fear of being judged and rejected. This episode brings you remarkable stories of those gays, eunuchs and transgenders who fought all odds, came out of the closet, and openly proclaimed and celebrated their sexuality.  

    Don’t miss this special episode of Zindagi LIVE

    Only on
    IBN7
    Sunday, Sep 29th, 2013 @ 11 AM & 8 PM

  • The Citizen Journalist Show

    The Citizen Journalist Show

    MUMBAI: This week The Citizen Journalist Show showcases the impact of a video report made by CJ Mahesh Rajak, who exposed how a government school in Jharkhand demanded bribes from students to let them take exams. The report shows the headmaster confessing on camera taking donation for ‘chai paani.’ Also on the show, a 17-year-old boy uses the CJ platform to narrate how his childhood was marred by drug addiction and child labour. This week, the CJ show also announces its new initiative ‘Save My Back’, following a petition started by Uday Foundation in an appeal to lessen load on children.

    To know more, tune into ‘The Citizen Journalist Show’

    September 21st, Sat @ 9:30 PM, only on CNN-IBN

    September 22nd, Sun @ 5:30 PM, only on IBN7

  • Zindagi LIVE: To Punish or to Reform?

    Zindagi LIVE: To Punish or to Reform?

    MUMBAI: This week, IBN7’s award-winning reality show Zindagi LIVE discusses whether convicted murderers deserve a second chance at life. Should the society accept such criminals who have served their punishment? Do they deserve a chance to live a reformed life? In this episode, we meet a victim of domestic abuse who killed her husband and a man who killed his wife for having felt betrayed among others, and try to address these issues. Also, we meet another victim of circumstance who killed a person while trying to save a girl from molestation thereby reinforcing the question, do murderers deserve a second shot at life?

  • Dilip Venkatraman bids adieu to TV18, to pursue entrepreneurial interests

    Dilip Venkatraman bids adieu to TV18, to pursue entrepreneurial interests

    MUMBAI: CNN-IBN and IBN7 CEO N. Dilip Venkatraman has decided to move on from his role in order to pursue his entrepreneurial interests. During his eight year stint, Venkatraman managed a variety of mandates on the general news side of the group. Prior to his current role, he led marketing operations for CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat and also managed IBN Focus, the customised media solutions unit for these news channels.

     

    Apart from his leadership role in building CNN-IBN into one of the country’s most reputed news brands, Venkatraman is well-known for conceptualising benchmark properties at the IBN News Network. Network18 COO Ajay Chacko will oversee the operations of the IBN News Network in the interim.

     

    Speaking on this development, Network18 group CEO B. Sai Kumar said “Dilip has played a pivotal role in building our general news network, right from the outset. Today, CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat are benchmark brands in the general news space and Dilip has contributed significantly to laying such a strong foundation for the future. We thank him for his invaluable contribution and commitment to the group.”

     

    Commenting on this, IBN News Network editor-in-chief Rajdeep Sardesai added “Dilip’s passion and leadership has been instrumental in making the IBN News Network into one of the most trusted news voices in the country today. He has been a great colleague and we wish him the very best for his future endeavors.”

     

    N. Dilip Venkatraman added “The past few years have been one of the most fulfilling and exciting phases of my professional career. I’m thankful to all my colleagues who have been a part of this enriching journey and I now look forward to taking on newer challenges.”

     

    Venkatraman has over two decades of corporate experience and prior to joining TV18, he held leadership positions at the India Today Group and Zee Network. Venkatraman is a graduate in public administration and holds management qualifications from IIM Bangalore and Harvard Business School.

  • IBN7 Wins at Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards

    IBN7 Wins at Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards

    New Delhi, July 24, 2013: IBN7, India ’s Channel of Impact, has once again won an award at the sixth Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards. At a grand ceremony held in the capital on Tuesday, IBN7 journalist Smita Sharma received the award in the Reporting on Politics and Government category.

    She was recognised for her reportage on the Kashmir valley uprising in 2010 and the political dialogue process that followed. Her show Ground Zero Mission Kashmir captured the reasons behind the youth anger and discussed the challenges that lay ahead for the state and central governments to bring about peace and reconciliation in the state.

    Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards are one of India ’s biggest and most prestigious awards. These awards recognise print and broadcast journalists, who do stories that create a far-reaching impact. Started in 2006 to honour the late Ramnath Goenka, freedom fighter and founder of The Indian Express Group, these awards acknowledge accuracy, courage, credibility and fairness in journalism, and honour the best and the brightest in Indian media every year.

    Ashutosh, Managing Editor, IBN7 said, “It gives us great pride to have become a recipient of a Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Smita Sharma for her undying efforts and encourage all our reporters to continue their excellent work and to strive for the best.”

  • IBN7 dons a new look from today

    IBN7 dons a new look from today

    MUMBAI: IBN7, the Hindi news channel of Network18 is now ‘Bebaq. Bekhauf‘. The channels‘ new slogan which went on air today, replaces its previous slogan ‘Khabar har keemat par‘, which had defined the channel for nearly seven years. The channel has also perked up its logo and altered its colour as well as the font. The changes have been made to keep pace with the changing times.

    IBN7 CEO Dilip Venkatraman said, “The channel has been fearless in its reporting. The new slogan has a sharper focus which is clear in stating what it wants to offer to its viewers. The logo has been designed keeping in mind different screens with the rise of convergence of media. The new font, which has been designed especially for IBN7 will be used across the channel and is also designed to appear outstanding on the digital platform.”

    Speaking to www.indiantelevision.com CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai said, “The rebranding of IBN7 is to re-emphasise its core values as a Hindi news channel committed to fearless and independent journalism and qualities which have given IBN 7 a distinctive appeal in the Hindi news universe. Our aim is to keep the look direct and classy.”

    The campaign titled ‘Nidar. Atal. Prachanda. Satya.‘ is only being done for IBN7 and not for the remaining channels of Network18. IBN7 Managing Editor Ashutosh said, “The revamped look of the channel celebrates many glorious years of bringing the untold truth to our viewers. The move is aimed to reiterate the channel‘s vision and philosophy and convey its message in a firm manner.”

    “The defining value of IBN7 which projects fearlessness, boldness and an unbiased approach will now reflect in the channel‘s everyday reporting. India‘s Channel of Impact, with its refined positioning, will continue to stand out from the rest,” reiterated to Network18 Media CEO Sanjay Dua.

  • Amagi raises Rs 31.25 crore from Mayfield Fund

    Amagi raises Rs 31.25 crore from Mayfield Fund

    BENGALURU: Targeted TV ad network Amagi Media Labs (Amagi) has raised Rs 31.25 crore from Mayfield Fund and its existing investor Nadathur Investments. Mayfield India‘s Vikram Godse would be joining the board of directors at Amagi.

    Amagi had earlier raised Rs 37.5 crore from Nadathur Investments. With this new investment, Amagi has raised a total capital of Rs 69.25 crore from investors till date. The company intends to use these funds to invest in its R&D and expand its presence in India as well as international markets. Amagi was recently adjudged the second fastest growing tech company in India by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

    “We have grown by over 4500 per cent in the last four years and we are looking at accelerating this growth with the new investments,” said Amagi co-founder S Baskar to indiantelevision.com.

    The company plans to buy some exciting inventory from channels in India. Its Indian broadcast partners include Times Now, India TV, CNBC Awaz, IBN7, UTV Movies, Maa, Zoom and Udaya Movies and Udaya Music. Its DTH partner is Tata Sky.

    “Internationally, Amagi is already present through partnerships and dealerships in the US, UK, Europe, South America and Singapore. We have already gone live on two television networks in Singapore. We want to expand our growth globally,” added Baskar.

    Amagi enables advertisers to target their spends effectively on TV. With Amagi, brands can advertise in select cities or regions on pan-India TV channels. For example, an advertiser can target only Mumbai or only Gujarat on a national TV channel at a fraction of the national rate. This is similar to ‘split runs‘ on print media – while brand A ad runs in Gujarat, brand B can advertise in Punjab on the same channel at the same time using Amagi platform.

    Also read:

    ‘TV is the only medium that does not have geographic targeting for advertisers‘

    Amagi Media Labs ropes in LS Krishnan

    Amagi reaches for the cloud at IBC 2012

  • TV18 Broadcast returns to profitability in Q3

    TV18 Broadcast returns to profitability in Q3

    MUMBAI: TV18 Broadcast turned profitable in the third quarter ended 31 December on fall in operating expenditure and a small rise in operational income from a year earlier.

     

    TV18 Broadcast, which owns news channels CNBC TV18, CNB Awaaz, CNN IBN and IBN7, reported a net profit of Rs 223 million in the third quarter against a loss of Rs 138 million a year earlier. In the second quarter of this financial year, it had reported a loss of Rs 252 million.

     

    The company’s operating revenue rose 5 per cent to Rs 1.47 billion in the third quarter from Rs 1.40 billion a year earlier.

     

    The news broadcaster was able to report a profit in the third quarter as its operating expenses fell 16 per cent to Rs 1.09 billion from Rs 1.30 billion a year earlier, on lower staff costs, marketing and distribution expenses and flat production expenses.

     

    The company’s interest cost in the third quarter was Rs 216 million, flat compared to a year earlier but down by a sharp 51 per cent from a quarter earlier (Rs 365 million).

     

    The fall in interest cost was a result of part repayment of debt from the large flow of funds into the company through a rights issue in the previous quarter.

     

    Raghav Bahl, managing director, Network18, the holding company of TV18, said, “I am delighted …. that TV18 has returned to profitability this quarter. Our recast balance sheet has helped us rationalise our interest payouts.”

     

    “We are now entering an exciting phase in our journey as we strengthen our existing operations and consolidate our regional acquisition,” Bahl added.

     

    The rights issue was largely meant for the acquisition of ETV non-Telugu news and entertainment channels from Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).

        
    B Saikumar, Group CEO at Network18, said, “We are extremely pleased that all our broadcast operations grew their margins despite softness in the advertising environment. The News Network will further consolidate its leadership position with the addition of ETV News to the stable.”

     

    Business News operations had a strong quarter with margins expanding almost three-fold from a year earlier.

     

    In the third quarter, revenues from business news channels were up nearly 10 per cent at Rs 780 million. Operating profit from business news was Rs 307 million, nearly three times a year earlier and two times a quarter earlier.

     

    The significant improvement in margins in business news operations came on the back of expansion of net distribution income, the company said.

     

    TV18’s general news operations broke into positive territory with 10 per cent margins. In the third quarter, revenues from general news operations were Rs 723 million, nearly flat compared with a year earlier. Operating profit from general news was Rs 69 million in the third quarter against a loss of Rs 16 million a year earlier and loss of Rs 33 million a year earlier.