ITV

Tag: India News

  • Polls apart: NDA leads as Bihar warms up to vote

    Polls apart: NDA leads as Bihar warms up to vote

    MUMBAI: It’s polling season in Bihar, and the numbers are already making noise. As the state gears up for its high-stakes election, India News and Newsx have joined hands to take the electorate’s temperature, and the results are sparking plenty of chatter.

    Their two-phase Bihar opinion poll, conducted in partnership with Ians–Matriz, offers an early snapshot of the political battlefield. The survey gives the NDA a clear lead with 49 per cent of the vote share, while the Mahagathbandhan trails at 36 per cent, and others stand at 15 per cent. Development has emerged as the top voter priority, leaving caste and religion in the rear-view mirror.

    The poll dug deep across Bihar’s heartland, from Patna and Muzaffarpur to Gaya, Purnia, and Bhagalpur, capturing both urban buzz and rural voices. Beyond numbers, it decoded what’s driving Bihar’s electorate: leadership credibility, alliance chemistry, and Narendra Modi’s continuing influence.

    “The Bihar Opinion Poll reflects the authentic voice of the people,” said India News managing editor Rakesh Singh, adding that the channel aimed to deliver an unbiased, data-backed pulse of the state. Newsx & Newsx World editor-in-chief Rishabh Gulati, noted that the project went “beyond speculation” to analyse why voters are thinking the way they are.

    Aired on 6 October at 7 pm, the broadcast generated strong engagement and debate across social media, as analysts and party watchers dissected what the trends could mean for the final verdict.

    Meticulously researched and sharply presented, the India News–Newsx Bihar opinion poll has set a new benchmark for pre-election coverage, turning raw sentiment into smart insight, and giving voters a mirror to their own political mood.

  • Bihar turns centre stage as India News Manch 2025 fuels poll fire

    Bihar turns centre stage as India News Manch 2025 fuels poll fire

    MUMBAI: Democracy had its loudest drumroll in Patna as India News Manch 2025 lit up Hotel Maurya with a day-long spectacle of fiery speeches, charged debates, and political one-upmanship. Billed as Bihar’s grandest political conclave yet, the event didn’t just host discussions, it set the narrative for the state’s fiercely awaited 2025 assembly elections.

    From the opening mantrochchar by Pandit Dr. Ranjit Narayan Tiwari to the final curtain call, the conclave was a political marathon that gripped audiences both in Patna and nationwide. The dais was nothing short of a power parade: Deputy CMs Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, veteran voices Ravi Shankar Prasad and Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, challenger-in-chief Tejashwi Yadav, strategist Prashant Kishor, and a chorus of leaders including Mukesh Sahani, Upendra Kushwaha, Ashok Choudhary, and Shambhavi Choudhary.

    Each session packed in headlines of its own. The debate titled “क्या PK का परचम लहराएगा?” turned into a spirited battle over Prashant Kishor’s political roadmap. The NDA vs INDIA clash lived up to its billing, with sparks flying as party representatives went head-to-head. And Sachchidanand Rai’s session, rooted in his IIT and industrialist background, struck a chord as he spotlighted youth, industry, and Bihar’s developmental trajectory.

    But the Manch wasn’t just politics, it was culture too. Bhojpuri stars Ritesh Pandey and Gunjan Singh brought the flavour of Bihar’s art and entertainment into the mix, reminding the audience that the state’s identity is as much about music and cinema as it is about manifestos and mandates.

    “This conclave shaped narratives and presented Bihar’s politics in its raw, unfiltered form,” said India News managing editor for input Rakesh Singh adding that Patna had never before seen such a convergence of power and ideology. Echoing this, Dr. Aishwarya Pandit Sharma, Founder of Itv Foundation, called it “a democratic celebration like no other,” emphasising how the conclave connected citizens directly with decision-makers.

    With India News Manch 2025 drawing over a dozen heavyweight leaders and thousands of engaged viewers, the conclave has firmly cemented Patna as the crucible of India’s electoral pulse, a place where not just Bihar’s, but the nation’s political future is being scripted.

  • Bihar call as India News Manch 2025 puts politics centre stage in Patna

    Bihar call as India News Manch 2025 puts politics centre stage in Patna

    MUMBAI: When Bihar speaks, India listens and this September, the microphone will be turned up to full volume. India News Manch 2025, the flagship political conclave from Itv Network’s India News, is set to storm into Patna’s Hotel Maurya on 12 September 2025, bringing together the who’s who of Indian politics just months ahead of the state’s high-stakes election.

    Now in its legacy-making run, the Manch has built a reputation as one of the nation’s most influential forums. This year’s edition is particularly charged, with Bihar’s verdict expected to ripple far beyond its borders, shaping alliances, governance strategies and even the national democratic roadmap.

    The conclave will see a powerhouse line-up of more than 20 leaders, including deputy CMs Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, BJP stalwarts Ravi Shankar Prasad and Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, Congress MPs Akhilesh Prasad Singh and Rajesh Ram, RJD’s Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, VIP’s Mukesh Sahani, Jansuraaj’s Prashant Kishor, RLM’s Upendra Kushwaha, and LJPR MP Shambhavi Choudhary. From Pappu Yadav to Dilip Kumar Jaiswal, the conclave ensures every major party and ideology has a voice on stage.

    Beyond the political star power, the agenda is just as weighty: governance, economy, youth aspirations, equity, policy reform, and India’s global standing. With Patna as its stage, the forum will drill into how Bihar’s decisions could once again alter the balance of power across India.

    “The future of Bihar is inseparable from the future of India,” said India News managing editor for Input Rakesh Singh. “This Manch will bring those voices to the national stage.” Echoing him, ITV Foundation founder Aishwarya Pandit Sharma noted: “By putting leaders and citizens on one platform, we bridge the gap between governance and grassroots voices.”

    As anticipation builds, one thing is clear: this isn’t just another conclave. With Bihar at the crossroads of history, India News Manch 2025 promises fireworks, frank talk, and a front-row seat to democracy in action.

  • ITV Network strikes a festive chord with Rasrang ad engagement platform

    ITV Network strikes a festive chord with Rasrang ad engagement platform

    MUMBAI: Festivals in India aren’t just about lights, laddoos and laughter, they’re also prime time for brands to shine. ITV Network has now rolled out Rasrang, a festive-special ad engagement platform designed to help advertisers hit the right note with over 100 million users across India. With Navratri, Diwali and Christmas just around the corner, the timing is more than auspicious.

    Rasrang blends data-driven targeting with editorial storytelling, giving brands both cultural resonance and measurable impact. Built on the scale of ITV’s flagship platforms including Newsx, Newsx World, India News, Inkhabar, The Daily Guardian and The Sunday Guardian the offering provides a multi-platform push across web, social, video and marquee live events. Brands can tap into 8,500 plus audience cohorts spanning entertainment, auto, BFSI, health, fitness, fashion, travel, sports and tech, while leveraging premium ad formats like Display, Video, Spotlight and AdTalk.

    What sets Rasrang apart is its promise to deliver not just eyeballs, but ROI with recall. According to iTV, its digital properties already generate 100 million impressions monthly across websites, social media, YouTube and events. This reach, paired with Rasrang’s precision, positions campaigns to ride India’s festive frenzy while staying relevant to regional cultures and consumer aspirations.

    The ethos remains rooted in iTV’s DNA of fearless journalism, incisive analysis and credible storytelling, now extended to brand partnerships. As the festive calendar kicks into high gear, Rasrang pitches itself as the stage where advertisers can not just be seen, but remembered, a platform where data meets diya, and campaigns celebrate alongside the country.
     

  • India News makes Dish-tinct move, returns to DD Free Dish on Channel 0073

    India News makes Dish-tinct move, returns to DD Free Dish on Channel 0073

    MUMBAI: Breaking news just found a new address Channel No. 0073. India News, Itv Network’s flagship Hindi news channel, is back on DD Free Dish, renewing its promise of fearless, fact-driven journalism for every Indian household, from metro hubs to remote hamlets. DD Free Dish, the country’s largest free DTH platform, already beams into 49 million homes making India News’ renewed slot a move of scale and substance. Securing one of only two vacant MPEG-2 slots in Prasar Bharati’s 90th e-auction, the channel has cemented its place in an increasingly crowded media landscape, giving advertisers a rare opportunity to tap into one of India’s widest free-to-air audiences.

    For India News, the return isn’t just about numbers, it’s about purpose. “Strengthening our nationwide reach through DD Free Dish allows us to take fearless, accurate journalism to millions more,” said India News managing editor for input Rakesh Singh. “In an era where reliable information is more important than ever, this expansion ensures citizens can make decisions based on facts.”

    Echoing the sentiment Itv Foundation chairperson Aishwarya Pandit Sharma added: “This renewed inclusion is a strategic step in our commitment to democratising access to quality journalism. It brings our content to every corner of the country while offering advertisers a trusted and credible platform.”

    Renowned for its investigative reporting, hard-hitting analysis, and no-nonsense coverage, India News has long stood out in the Hindi news space. With this move, it doubles down on its mission: to empower citizens with reliable, unbiased, high-impact journalism, one household at a time.
     

  • iTV Network shuffles its pack with two chief executive appointments

    iTV Network shuffles its pack with two chief executive appointments

    NEW DELHI: India’s iTV Network has announced a significant management reshuffle that sees two of its executives elevated to chief executive roles, effective 13 August 13. The appointments signal the network’s determination to capitalise on India’s booming digital media market whilst reinforcing its traditional broadcasting strengths.

    Akshansh Yadav has been appointed chief executive of digital operations, taking charge of what the network describes as its “most dynamic digital properties.” Yadav, who brings over a decade of experience from heavyweight media organisations including ABP News, Zee News and the India Today group, will oversee an eclectic portfolio spanning NewsX, India News, The Daily Guardian, The Sunday Guardian and Inkhabar.

    His credentials extend beyond traditional media. A computer science engineering graduate from Rajasthan Technical University with an MBA from MICA and a machine learning qualification from Harvard University, Yadav has also cut his teeth in fintech and direct-to-consumer sectors at Canara HSBC Insurance, Insurance Dekho and CarDekho. This blend of media savvy and tech expertise positions him well for iTV’s digital ambitions.

    Meanwhile, Rishabh Gulati becomes chief executive of NewsX, NewsX World, NXT and—rather unexpectedly—the Indian Arena Polo League. A journalist with more than two decades in electronic media, Gulati has been instrumental in building NewsX’s credibility and will now oversee the network’s push into international markets through NewsX World, whilst nurturing NXT as what the company calls a “trendsetter focused on future affairs.”

    The polo league addition reflects iTV’s appetite for diversification beyond news into premium sports content—a strategy that mirrors other Indian media conglomerates seeking new revenue streams.

    “High-quality content is at the core of our work at iTV Network,” said iTV Foundation  chairperson Aishwarya Pandit Sharma. The restructuring, she explained, would enable “swifter decision-making and better cross-platform collaboration” whilst better equipping the network to tackle “the challenges of the rapidly changing media environment.”

    The appointments come at a pivotal moment for Indian media. Traditional broadcasters face mounting pressure from streaming platforms and digital-first news operations, whilst advertisers increasingly shift budgets towards digital channels. India’s digital advertising market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 20 per cent, making the battle for digital dominance increasingly fierce.

    For iTV Network, owned by entrepreneur Kartikeya Sharma, these leadership changes represent a bet that specialised management can unlock growth across its diverse properties. The network’s portfolio spans serious news through The Daily Guardian to entertainment-focused content, requiring different strategies and audience approaches.

    The challenge for both executives will be maintaining editorial credibility whilst driving commercial growth in an increasingly crowded and competitive market. With regional players expanding nationally and global platforms localising content, iTV’s success will depend on how effectively it can leverage its established brand whilst innovating for digital-native audiences.

  • iTV network exits Barc, pull out 9 channels from the viewership ratings

    iTV network exits Barc, pull out 9 channels from the viewership ratings

    Mumbai: “There is a total loss of faith and credibility in the working of Barc,” said iTV network when it announced its exit from the TV rating agency Broadcast Audience Research Council.

    iTV network which owns nine channels has announced its decision to pull out from Barc ratings with immediate effect on Tuesday.

    In an official communiqué, iTV network said, “Time and again, we’ve raised our concern and reservations over the arbitrary and unilateral mechanism being used by Barc. We have raised very serious issues regarding the reliability/trustworthiness of the ratings, but none of our concerns has been addressed till date. There is a total loss of faith and credibility in the working of Barc, and we along with many broadcasters are forced to remain connected with Barc because it is the only TV ratings agency and enjoys a dominant position. The unexplained actions of Barc have greatly damaged our networks.”

    In lieu of above, iTV network has sent a letter to the TV viewership measurement company Barc informing the decision to suspend ratings for the time being till its grievances are taken care of by the audience measurement body.

    The media networks runs two national channels – India News, NewsX and seven regional channels – India News Haryana, India News UP/UK, India News MPCG, India News Gujarat, India News Rajasthan, India News Punjab-Himachal-Jammu Kashmir and NE News.

    On 1 October 2022, ZEE Media, one of the biggest media giants, who also took this bold and definite decision to stop participating in the Barc ratings, also questioned the rating agency about their whole structure and operation transparency towards the news industry. Now, iTV network seems to have joined the same league.

    Also read: Zee Media announces pulling out 14 new channels from Barc ratings

  • Bharat24 onboards news anchor Shazia Nisar

    Bharat24 onboards news anchor Shazia Nisar

    Mumbai: National Hindi news channel Bharat24 on Monday announced the appointment of senior anchor Shazia Nisar to host its daily 5 p.m. debate show, Public Hai Sab Janti Hai.

    In addition to her prime-time show, Shazia will also be covering the upcoming assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh for Bharat24’s mega election show, Mukhyamantri.

    Prior to joining Bharat24, Nisar was associated with RBharat as a prime-time anchor for the past four years.

    The anchor is also known for her recent ground reporting of the Russia-Ukraine war, the 2019 General Elections, the Assembly Elections in Uttar Pradesh and Bengal, and  the farmers’ agitation in New Delhi.

    Born and brought up in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Nisar is an alumnus of Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. She has also worked with TV9 Bharatvarsh, India News, and Zee Media.

  • First India and Bharat24 honour entrepreneurs from Gujarat with Shikhar Samman

    First India and Bharat24 honour entrepreneurs from Gujarat with Shikhar Samman

    Mumbai: First India News and Bharat24 celebrated the contribution of entrepreneurs and businesses towards the development of Gujarat with Shikhar Samman in a glittering ceremony.

    Gujarat chief minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and home minister Harshbhai Sanghvi are the chief guest and guest of honour, respectively. They gave the prestigious “Gujarat Shikhar Samman – Pride of Gujarat” awards to the winners across various categories. The event was attended by business luminaries, leading journalists, and elite members of civil society.

    The initiative not only reinforced the significant role of entrepreneurs towards the state’s economy but also marked panel discussions on key developmental issues, including “Rising Gujarat, Badta Bharat” and “Swastha Gujarat,” a healthcare development in Gujarat that hosted esteemed panellists who addressed the issues and deliberated upon way forward strategies.

  • M. Abul Nasr Iqbal joins India News as senior anchor

    M. Abul Nasr Iqbal joins India News as senior anchor

    Mumbai: India News has announced the appointment of Abul Nasr as senior anchor.

    With a career spread over 17 years, Abul has worked with established names in the media domain. Prior to joining India News, he was associated with India TV as an anchor and executive producer. He has also worked with News Nation, Sahara TV and Jain TV.

    Abul is an iTV alumnus. He has engaged himself in various important assignments throughout his career.

    iTV Network founder Kartikeya Sharma said, “Abul is a remarkable talent and his history of creative ingenuity and fluency will move India News in promising new directions that connect directly with what our viewers are seeking. I am thrilled to welcome him to the brand.”

    I’m incredibly honoured to be joining the team at India News, said Abul. “I look forward to working with the talented editors and reporters to define what’s next for India News. The network has such a rich history, and I’m excited to be a part of its future.”

    Abul holds a post graduate degree in Mass Communications from YMCA New Delhi.