ITV

Tag: India TV

  • Audiences are increasingly turning to big screens for rich & lengthy content: India TV’s Ritu Dhawan

    Audiences are increasingly turning to big screens for rich & lengthy content: India TV’s Ritu Dhawan

    She has always carved a distinct path for herself. From her early stints at British Sky Broadcasting and Zee TV to co-founding Independent News Service in 1997, Ritu Dhawan broke new ground by seamlessly introducing news programming into what was then a predominantly fiction-focused satellite television space in India.

    Her achievement in producing & directing the iconic talk show Aap Ki Adalat, has captivated audiences since its debut in 1993. Building on this success, she reached the pinnacle of her career by establishing India TV along with Rajat Sharma. Her leadership at India TV has not only propelled the channel into millions of households but has also positioned it as a pioneer in embracing new-age digital platforms.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Rohin Ramesh caught up with Dhawan, where she discussed the evolution of digital-first news platforms, Connected TV’s (CTV) evolution & impact in news streaming  and much more.

    Edited excerpt

    On the rise of digital-first news platforms & India TV adapting to this trend

    Today, staying relevant means embracing new ways to connect with our audience where they are most active. At India TV, we are deeply committed to a digital-first approach, transforming how we create, distribute, and engage with content online. Our flagship digital initiative “Speed News” exemplifies our commitment to delivering rapid and high-quality updates. We have also launched different dedicated segments to offer tailored content that resonates with our viewers’ interests, ensuring that our content aligns with their viewing habits and expectations.

    Using advanced analytics, we closely monitor audience feedback to refine our approach and deliver more engaging and shareable content. On platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X we focus on dynamic video content that can quickly capture attention while providing deeper coverage on our digital channels. This approach ensures that India TV remains at the forefront of the digital age, meeting the evolving needs of a modern, online-first audience.

    On audience consumption pattern changing over the years, especially with the rise of mobile and internet news consumption

    Audiences are increasingly turning to big screens, particularly for rich & lengthy content. CTV is reshaping how people consume news, with many preferring the comprehensive experience of watching on larger screens. Understanding these shifts, we adapt our content to meet viewers where they are. For instance, video content, including short-form updates and interactive segments, performs well on social media, while traditional articles continue to engage readers on websites and discovery platforms like Google. By recognising these distinct preferences, we offer a range of formats tailored to the needs of our audience, whether they are scrolling on mobile or watching on CTV. This approach keeps our content accessible, adaptable, and relevant across all platforms.

    On seeing the relationship between traditional TV news and social media evolving

    At India TV, we are using social media not only as an extension of our TV broadcasts but as an active engagement tool. Real-time updates, short video snippets, and highlights help us reach younger audiences who prefer quicker, on-the-go content. At the same time, our longer TV segments continue to offer in-depth reporting and analysis.

    With new formats like video-on-demand (VOD), short reels, and real-time updates, we can deliver news faster than ever, engaging viewers instantly. Social media allows us to provide early insights and instant access, and our viewers can tune into live broadcasts for a comprehensive perspective.

    That said, the rise of social media has introduced unique challenges, particularly around credibility, as these platforms can sometimes contribute to the spread of misinformation. To address this, we prioritise fact-checking and sourcing to maintain the trust and credibility that define our brand. This dynamic integration enables us to stay relevant and maintain the credibility and trust associated with our brand.

    On CTV emerging as a significant platform for streaming content & being a dinner table conversation for the media industry

    CTV is setting a new standard for the broadcasting industry, driven by the principles of content, connectivity & convenience—the three Cs that define the future of viewing. India TV’s commitment to delivering quality content stands at the heart of our CTV strategy. With a focus on producing high-caliber news stories that retain depth and integrity, we’re shaping an experience that resonates with today’s viewers seeking credible journalism.

    Connectivity is another pillar of our approach. By developing apps optimised for smart TVs, tablets and smartphones, we’re ensuring adaptability across all devices. This allows viewers to stay informed and engaged on any platform they choose, whether they’re watching from home or on the go.

    Convenience completes the trifecta, offering a tailored, on-demand viewing experience that puts control in the hands of the audience. With interactive features like live chats, personalised recommendations, and seamless streaming, our CTV platform meets viewers wherever they are and whenever they’re ready to tune in.

    India TV is combining traditional news depth with the immediacy and flexibility of CTV, positioning us to engage a generation that values trusted journalism as much as the freedom to watch on their terms.

    On striking a balance between delivering hard news & incorporating lighter, more engaging content to appeal viewers

    Our strategy at India TV is to provide a mix of hard-hitting news and lighter, more engaging content. We ensure credibility and depth with hard news segments covering politics, international events, and investigative journalism, while appealing to younger viewers through segments that explore lifestyle, entertainment, and trending topics.

    Our Speed News segments, such as Speed 50, Speed 100, Duniya 20, Mausam 20 & Sports 20, provide quick, impactful updates, allowing us to deliver a broad range of topics in digestible formats.

    During the Covid-19 pandemic, we introduced two uplifting shows—Yoga News & Jeetega India, Harega Corona—to bring positivity to our viewers. These programs showcased our ability to balance hard and soft news, offering both reassurance and reliable information during challenging times. This dual approach lets us stay true to our journalistic roots while embracing the variety that today’s diverse audience values. By offering both serious reporting and lighter fare, we cater to the wide-ranging interests of our viewers, keeping them informed and engaged.

    On gen Z audience turning increasingly towards digital platforms for news rather than traditional TV

    While digital platforms have become the primary source of news for younger generations, traditional TV news continues to hold a strong reputation for credibility among them. Take “Coffee Par Kurukshetra,” for example, a segment that resonates deeply with younger viewers, with 40 per cent of its audience under the age of 35. We see similar engagement across other segments, such as Speed News on YouTube, where half of the viewers are under 35, as well as our yoga channel and “Aap Ki Adalat,” with 56 per cent and 47 per cent of their respective viewership also within this younger demographic.

    This demonstrates that younger audiences value trusted journalism but prefer to access it in formats suited to their digital habits. By tailoring our content for digital platforms, we ensure that these viewers stay connected to trusted journalism while engaging with us on their terms.

    On India TV ensuring credibility and trust with its viewers

    In today’s climate of misinformation, India TV stands firmly for credibility and trust. Our fact-checking team rigorously verifies content before it reaches the public, ensuring that our viewers receive only accurate, well-vetted information.

    We also proactively monitor the spread of fake news, maintaining vigilance to protect our viewers from misinformation. This commitment to authenticity has allowed us to build lasting trust, making India TV a reliable source in an age of unreliable information.

    On working behind the scenes for years, shaping the channel’s growth, your personal motivation & guiding philosophy throughout this journey

    A deep sense of purpose and responsibility toward our viewers has always driven my journey with India TV. I approach each decision as a meaningful step toward building a stronger connection with our audience. Guided by an audience-centric philosophy, I focus on understanding diverse viewer needs and aligning our content to serve those needs.

    As a certified content producer, adapting to technological shifts and staying ahead of media trends have been integral to my role. This focus on innovation and audience engagement has allowed me to contribute to India TV’s growth in a way that is both impactful.

  • Nirahua on Aap Ki Adalat: ‘Legalize polygamy for married men with kids, I’m ready’

    Nirahua on Aap Ki Adalat: ‘Legalize polygamy for married men with kids, I’m ready’

    New Delhi: Bhojpuri actor and former BJP MP Dinesh Lal Yadav ‘Nirahua’ revealed many secrets about his personal life in Rajat Sharma’s ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ show, which was  telecasted tonight at 10 pm on India TV.

    Asked about his personal relationship with his co-star Amrapali Dubey with whom he has done 35 movies, Nirahua said: “Our fans created all this ‘chakkar’ (affairs). Earlier when I used to co-star with Pakhi Ji (Pakhi Hegde with whom Nirahua co-starred in his earlier movies), and I used to go on stage, the audience used to ask me to bring Bhauji (my wife)… and after I co-starred with Amrapali Ji in movies and went for election campaigning in Azamgarh, people used to chant slogans ‘Dinesh Lal Yadav Zindabad, Amrapali Bhauji Zindabad’. I used to tell people, ‘arre yaar’, why are you spoiling somebody’s life. I am married, I have two children. She is such a beautiful actor, if she marries, she will choose a person of her choice. Why do you make her ‘Bhauji’ (my wife)? Now, what can we do?….”

    When Rajat Sharma pointed out that it was Amrapali, who when asked about her relationship, had commented, ‘what better thing can happen than an affair with Nirahua..marrying means having a dip in the Holy Ganga’?

    Nirahua replied: “Today we are sitting in Adalat, and our Judge (Malini Awasthi) is here. You make a law that a man with two kids can marry, I am ready for it.”

    When Rajat Sharma pointed out that he had prayed at Ram Lala temple in Ayodhya with Amrapali by his side, Nirahua replied: “Look, when we do some show, or visit some shrine, and the heroine says, I will go with you for darshan, what should I say? That I will do the darshan alone and I won’t take you with me? That’s why we went together”.

    Rajat Sharma: You are not that innocent. When both of you met Swami Rambhadracharya, he asked whether she is your sister, and you replied, she is my Ardhangini (wife).

    Nirahua replied: “Let me explain the reason. We went and touched the feet of Baba. He joked with me asking whether your sister is with you. Then I too joked with Baba and said, she is my Ardhangini. He is a great guru and he knows everything. The baba has claimed that he has seen Bhagwan Ram. When he has seen so much, she has played the role of my wife in 35 movies, she never played the role of sister in a single movie, and the Baba was asking, is she your sister?”

    Karishma Kapoor

    The Bhojpuri star revealed his crush on Bollywood actor Karishma Kapoor when he was an adolescent. When Rajat Sharma asked him why he used to put posters of Karisma Kapoor on the walls of his home, Nirahua replied: “Mujhe Lagta Hai, Woh Jawani Jawani Nahin, Jishi Koi Kahani Nahin’ (Adolescene is worthless if there are no happenings). We have all got a life. Nobody knows whether  one will get another life. We don’t want to go to Heaven and God tellin you that you were offered everything in life. So I don’t  lose any opportunity.”

    Nirahua disclosed: “I am a big fan of Karisma Kapoor. I never missed the first day, first show of her movie. I bunked classes to watch her first show. Once I even sneaked out of an Army NCC camp to watch the first Friday show. I did not want my record to be broken. I was so crazy that I used to pin Karisma’s posters on the walls of our home. When my father used to do pooja, some of the smoke from incense sticks used to go towards those posters. My dad used to scold and thrash me for these posters.”

    Rajat Sharma: Do you still remember those thrashings?

    Nirahua: Now when I go to sleep, my dad appears in my dreams and thrashes me.

    Rajat Sharma: You haven’t stopped doing mischief?

    Nirahua: “A monkey, even when  old, never stops doing somersaults.”

    Mumbai Film Industry

    The Bhojpuri star lashed out at the Mumbai film industry alleging that it was trying to “degrade” Bhojpuri movies by labelling them as “vulgar”.

    He said: “It is a big conspiracy to defame Bhojpuri movies. We make our movies at a cost of nearly Rs 1 crore, while their movies cost Rs 10 crore, 20 crore, 50 crore to Rs 100 crore.  When they try to screen their movies in our cinema halls, the owners say, Nirahua’s movie is being screened, we won’t screen yours.  Industry people start thinking how dare these owners not screen movies of big Bollywood superstars. Then they find methods to ‘degrade’ Bhojpuri movies. In every interview, on every platform, Bhojpuri movies are described as vulgar and obscene. Let the nation decide. If our songs have vulgar lyrics, Hindi movies also have vulgar lyrics. In our movie, if we show a wife asking her husband to fix the hook of her bra, who can do that except the husband? And what do they show, ‘Choli Ke Peechey Kya Hai’?

    Nirahua said: “I want to make one thing clear. Movies made for entertainment, in whichever industry, are made like this. It is for the audience to choose what to see. Pawan Singh (Bhojpuri actor) Ji once said, I sang more than 500 bhajans for gods and goddesses, why don’t people watch them? Why do they watch ‘lollypop’ song? Whereve we go across the world, they play similar songs. So, it is the audience who should decide what they would like to watch.”

    On Bhojpuri Stars

    Nirahua frankly described the manners of other Bhojpuri movie stars like Manoj Tiwari, Ravi Kishen, Pawan Singh and Khesari Lal.

    Asked whom does he consider as no one in Bhojpuri film industry, given the present competition for the top slot between Pawan Singh and Khesari Lal, Nirahua replied jokingly: “I have told both these brothers that the top three slots are reserved for Nirahua, and they should fight for the fourth and fifth slots.”

    Rajat Sharma: Whom do you consider the most mischievous among these?

    Nirahua: “Pawan Singh is the power star. He is the most mischievous. During the 2019 elections, we decided to go for filing nominations – Pawan Singh, Khesari Lal and me. A helicopter was booked. I and Pawan Singh sat. Pawan Singh wanted the helicopter to take off. I said, Khesari is coming. He became crazy. He said, why did you call him?  I said, let him come too. He challenged me saying, show me if all three can go. Before the chopper was to take off, Pawan Singh stood up and asked the pilot to come to the back. He said he would himself fly the chopper. He said, I am the power star, I will fly the chopper. Khesari was scared. He said, I am not going, and  he went away. Then Pawan Singh asked the pilot to take off. So, nobody can match him in the matter of pranks. People used to say, he is Hanuman. He is still like that.”

    Rajat Sharma: I heard Ravi Kishen is the one who gives ‘gyaan’ to all? Tells all of you, how to handle producers?

    Nirahua: Actually, he is the guru among all of us. Whenever we meet, he says, ‘Zindagi Zhand Baa, Phir Bhi Ghamand Baa’.

    On politics, Nirahua described how he first became a fan of RJD founder Lalu Prasad Yadav, and then followed Mulayam Singh and Akhilesh Yadav, and now he considers Narendra Modi as the best among all.

  • Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Aap Ki Adalat: Actresses like Hema Malini are goddesses

    Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Aap Ki Adalat: Actresses like Hema Malini are goddesses

    Mumbai: In a recent episode of Rajat Sharma’s India TV show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, BJP leader and chief of Kalki Peeth – Acharya Pramod Krishnam expressed his views on female actors, stating, “for me, all female actors like Monica Bedi, or Hema Malini, or Rati Agnihotri are Devis (goddesses).” He asserted that Monica Bedi, who was arrested with gangster Abu Salem, “did not commit any crime and yet she suffered more punishment than the terrorist.”

    Reflecting on his early career in the Mumbai film industry 40 years ago, he noted, “Actor toh sabhi banna chahte hain, kuch ban patey hain, kuch nahin ban patey hain.” He confirmed investing family money in films, stating, “Yes, I did not become a faqeer (mendicant) today. I was a faqeer since childhood.” He reminisced about his lyric-writing, saying, “Not tried… I wrote several lyrics,” including a song sung by Kishore Kumar.

    It is to be noted that actor Monica Bedi and terrorist Abu Salem were arrested by Interpol in Portugal in 2002, where they served prison sentences for entering the country using forged documents. Two years later, a Portugal court cleared their extradition to India for Abu Salem to face trial in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. Both of them were handed over to India in 2005. Monica Bedi was convicted of passport forgery by an Indian court in 2006. In 2010, the Supreme Court upheld her conviction but reduced her prison term to the period that she had already served.

    When asked about female actors visiting his ashram, he stated, “Main in sab mein Devi Ka Darshan Karta Hoon,” referencing the belief that “Yatra Naryastu Pujyante, Tatra Ramantey Devata.” On Monica Bedi’s situation, he reiterated, “Monica Bedi ne koi gunaah nahin kiya… Monica Bedi ko Monica Bedi hone ka privilege mat do. Lekin Monica Bedi ko Monica Bedi hone ki sazaa bhi mat do.”

    Acharya described his ashram as sacred, highlighting Lord Vishnu’s prophesied Kalki incarnation and recalled Hema Malini’s desire to perform a dance drama there. He also addressed the disruption by then UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, stating, “On 6 November 2016 night, Akhilesh Yadav’s government clamped restrictions… His own tent (government) got uprooted, and till today, he is yet to come back to power.”

  • Nine state results will decide Modi govt’s stability: Prashant Kishor on Aap Ki Adalat

    Nine state results will decide Modi govt’s stability: Prashant Kishor on Aap Ki Adalat

    Mumbai: Election strategist and Jan Suraaj Party co-ordinator Prashant Kishor has said that assembly elections in nine states in the next one year will decide the course and stability of prime minister Narendra Modi’s NDA government.

    Replying to questions from Rajat Sharma in the Aap Ki Adalat show, telecasted on India TV, Prashant Kishor said, “Results in nine state assembly elections, J&K, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam, will decide the stability of this government. These results will also decide the direction this government will take. If BJP loses in five or six out of these nine states, definitely the question of stability will become an issue.”

    2024 Lok Sabha results

    Describing the 2024 Lok Sabha results as ‘a good one’, Prashant Kishor said, “People have sent a clear message to Modi asking him to run the government. They have also conveyed to him that ‘You Are Not God’…run the government, but not as a dictator, run the government like a democratic leader. People have given the message to Modi that he should run the government carefully.”

    On prospects of Rahul Gandhi emerging as a forceful alternative to Modi, Prashant Kishor said, “As a leader, Rahul Gandhi has miles to go before he reaches a stage where we can say that he has indeed arrived. But yes, Congress as a party has done better than most people expected, including me, and to that extent, we must give credit to Rahul Gandhi. In this election, Rahul has established himself as the leader of Congress, and none others can claim that stature in the party for the next five to ten years. But to establish himself as a leader of the country, he has a long way to go. Winning 99 seats is one thing, and winning 250 to 260 seats is another.”

    Prashant Kishor gave an analogy about 1977, when the then PM Indira Gandhi lost the Lok Sabha elections and Congress had won 154 Lok Sabha seats, and this time, Congress has won 99 under Rahul’s leadership. “Rahul should get the credit for bringing revival of Congress”, he said.

    The poll strategist said, “The opposition now seems to be appearing more cohesive as a unit. This is a good thing for democracy. At least Parliament is having good debates. ..We should applaud their efforts in setting their own narrative in a coordinated manner.”

    Jan Suraaj Party

    Prashant Kishor, planning to launch his Jan Suraaj Party in Bihar on 2 October, said, “The biggest beneficiaries of this year’s Lok Sabha election are parties like us who are offering an alternative to the voters. If the BJP had won 350 to 400 seats, they would not have allowed us to work in Bihar…The opposition will never become weak in a country like India, where more than 60 crore people earn less than Rs 100 per day. No amount of ads, or PR through Facebook, YouTube can impress them. They are not your bonded laborers.”

    The poll strategist said that BJP would continue to be the political axis on the national scene for the next 25 to 30 years, irrespective of whether it wins or loses elections. “The Congress was the political axis from 1950 till 1990, and there has been a clear shift of this axis from Congress to BJP”, he said.

    Prashant Kishor admitted that his assessment of BJP winning 300 Lok Sabha seats this time proved wrong. “Those who make political assessment are not gods”, he said.

    Citing reasons, Prashant Kishor said, “One of my six assessments for the elections proved wrong. BJP’s vote share remained at 36 per cent, though there was a 0.7 per cent drop. My assessment was, it should have won 300 seats, but it won 240. The intensity of support that Modi got in 2014 and 2019 was lesser this time. On the ground level, rural distress, farmers’ problems and growing inequality was one of the reasons. Uttar Pradesh politics has become a big challenge for BJP and RSS, irrespective of numbers. I admit I made a mistake in assessment. When there is a strong government, there is a fear factor that develops. A wrong perception developed.”

    Asked whether BJP made a mistake by coining the slogan ‘Ab Ki Baar, 400 Paar’, Prashant Kishor replied, “The slogan was good, but it was completed not by BJP, but by the opposition. The opposition succeeded in projecting that the BJP wanted 400 seats in order to amend the Constitution and end caste reservation. All credit goes to the opposition. Some loudmouthed BJP leaders also said the party would change the Constitution after winning 400 seats.”

    On whether the use of words like mujra, mangalsutra by Modi during electioneering could be one of the reasons, Prashant Kishor said, “BJP core supporters never expected such words from the prime minister considering the imagery that was created over the last 10 years about Modi. Instead of galvanizing the cadres, it disappointed them. In some places, it caused panic.”

    Yogi and Modi

    Asked whether the electoral losses in UP were due to reported differences between Yogi Adityanath and Amit Shah,  Prashant Kishor replied, “I do not see it as personal rivalry. But if you see from a wider perspective, I can cite the example of 2009 LS elections. At that time, Modi was chief minister of Gujarat and L K Advani was the party’s national leader. In 2009, BJP did not do well in Gujarat, but I am not saying Modi’s supporters sabotaged Advani’s campaign.  The message that went through was that if Advani won, then our leader Modi will take more time to become PM.  Maybe this was what happened in Uttar Pradesh this time.”

    Prashant Kishor said, “Some people felt that if Modi and Amit Shah won a huge majority, Yogi may lose his chair. What Kejriwal said about Yogi at that time clicked. Even in Bihar, during my padyatra, people asked me whether Yogi would be removed if BJP won 400 seats. It is not that Yogi may have told his supporters to defeat BJP candidates. This is not my topic and I normally do not speak on such matters. But the message surely went out among Yogi’s supporters.”

    Asked whether the arrest of two chief ministers Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren impacted the elections, Prashant Kishor replied negatively. “I don’t think so. Had it been so, BJP would have been swept off in Jharkhand. Instead, BJP faced losses in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. If Hemant Soren’s arrest could have caused tremors, then the biggest losses to BJP would have been in Bihar and Jharkhand.”

    On the Bihar results, Prashant Kishor said, “Lalu phenomenon is the biggest factor in Bihar for the last 25-30 years.  A large section of voters in Bihar, who have seen the jungle raj for 15 years during RJD rule, will never vote for Lalu. Nitish Kumar won 12 LS seats only because of this Lalu factor.”

  • India TV brings 24×7 news coverage stream of Paris Olympics 2024 on CTV

    India TV brings 24×7 news coverage stream of Paris Olympics 2024 on CTV

    Mumbai: India TV, a leading Indian news broadcaster, announces the launch of an exclusive 24×7 news stream for the Paris 2024 Olympics for the CTV audience. With this initiative, India TV once again proves its commitment to delivering CTV-first content. And with this India TV provides firsthand coverage of the Olympic Games, following its comprehensive coverage of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 through its connected TV platforms.

    This dedicated Olympics 24×7 stream service will deliver nonstop coverage of the 2024 Olympics, from on-ground coverage from Paris, real-time updates, exclusive interviews with athletes and coaches, athlete’s life stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and highlighted moments.

    India TV managing director  Ritu Dhawan said, “With our vision of CTV growth, we understand the requirements of demanding audience. Along the same lines, we also understand the importance of the Olympics and its growing popularity among viewers. With this CTV first Olympics stream, we aim to bring the Olympics closer to viewers, allowing them to witness every triumph, every remarkable feat, and every moment of glory as it happens”.

    India’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics is eagerly anticipated, with hopes for strong performances from athletes like Neeraj Chopra in javelin, PV Sindhu in badminton, and Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting. India aims for its best-ever performance with 117 participants, showcasing its growing prowess on the global sporting stage. The launch of “India House” at the Paris 2024 Olympics will celebrate India’s talent and progress in the Olympic movement. It will serve as a platform to highlight India’s cultural and sporting achievements and support young athletes.

  • India TV chairman Rajat Sharma elected as president of NBDA

    India TV chairman Rajat Sharma elected as president of NBDA

    Mumbai: India TV chairman Rajat Sharma has been elected as the President of the news broadcasters & digital association (NBDA),for another term in 2024-25. the largest organization of news broadcasters in India, consisting of almost all major news networks in the country. The appointments took place during NBDA’s board meeting held at 9 July 2024

    Addressing the NBDA, Rajat Sharma remarked on the significant challenges facing news broadcasters today. “There is a concentrated effort to discredit the news broadcast industry,” he said. “A section of the digital media is being misused to constantly attack news broadcasters. We have to work together to fight this menace.”

    Sharma further emphasised the pressures faced by those in the news industry, stating, “Our editors, anchors, and reporters are being targeted. They are working under tremendous pressure as an ecosystem has been created to consistently threaten their credibility. It is our responsibility to ensure that they get a fearless atmosphere to deliver fair news.”

     

  • India TV’s Rajat Sharma wins personality rights and trademark case in Delhi High Court

    India TV’s Rajat Sharma wins personality rights and trademark case in Delhi High Court

    Mumbai: India TV and Rajat Sharma have achieved a significant legal victory, protecting their trademark and personality rights from misuse of the India TV logo and the “Aap Ki Adalat” show and mark. The Delhi High Court has ruled, in an interim order, in favour of the senior journalist, Shri Rajat Sharma, recognizing his personality rights and India TV’s trademarks/logos.

    India TV and Shri Rajat Sharma initiated legal action by filing a suit for a permanent injunction before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court, seeking relief against an infringer who was unlawfully using trademarks/logos resembling “India TV” and “Aap Ki Adalat.” The infringing party, identified as “Jhandiya TV ” was utilizing an identical logo and the name ” Baap ki Adalat ” Additionally, the plaintiffs sought an injunction to prevent the unauthorized use of any photograph, video, or name of Shri Rajat Sharma, in violation of his personality rights, across various mediums including trademarks/logos, trading styles, domain names, social media posts, audio-video content, and related services.

    Recognizing the merits of the case, the court issued an interim order granting protection in the following terms:-

    1- Trademark and Logo Use Restrained: The infringing party and its representatives are barred from using the disputed trademark/logo, such as “Baap ki Adalat,” or any deceptively similar marks/logos to “India TV” and “Aap Ki Adalat” across various mediums including trademarks, trade names, logos, trading styles, domain names, social media posts, audio-video content, and related services.

    2- Protection of Personality Rights: The infringing party and its representatives are prohibited from using the photograph, video, or name of Shri Rajat Sharma in any form (e.g., trademarks, logos, trading styles, domain names, social media posts, audio-video content, or related services) to prevent the violation of Shri Rajat Sharma’s personality rights.

    3- Content Removal: Internet platforms [‘X’ (formerly Twitter), YouTube (Google India Private Limited), and Facebook (Meta)] have been directed to remove the disputed content, including social media posts/links containing the infringing trademarks/logos and any other deceptively similar marks/logos identified in the court application. Additional links identified by India TV must also be removed.

    India TV and Shri Rajat Sharma stand resolute in safeguarding their intellectual property and personality rights. In the dynamic digital realm, where information spreads swiftly, preserving these rights is imperative. Emerging technologies underscore the crucial need for robust intellectual property protection, ensuring the preservation of reputation, integrity, and commercial interests. The commitment to pursue all legal avenues underscores the determination to maintain the integrity of its brand and identity in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

  • “God has ordained that I should continue to work till 2047”, PM Modi tells Rajat Sharma

    “God has ordained that I should continue to work till 2047”, PM Modi tells Rajat Sharma

    Mumbai: Brimming with confidence, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I believe God has ordained that I should work 24×7 till 2047 to achieve the aim of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).”  

    He was replying to questions from Rajat Sharma at ‘Salaam India’ show, that telecasted on 23rd May at 9 pm on India TV.  

    Modi said: “I feel, God Almighty has sent me for a special purpose. God has sent me to achieve the objective of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. God is showing me the path, God is giving me the energy. I am fully confident I will achieve that target by 2047 and until that target is achieved, God will not call me back  (Jab Tak Poora Nahin Hota, Mujhe Parmatma Waapas Nahin Bulayenge). I do not have any other place in this world now excdept this.”  Modi is presently 74 years old.  

    Modi said, “400 Paar” is a slogan not coined by BJP, but by the people. “We were already 400 in strength in Parliament during the last five years, given the support that we got from other parties. Any child who gets 95 per cent marks will naturally strive for a higher target.”

    LEVEL-PLAYING FIELD

    Modi hit out at Congress and other opposition parties for complaining that they have not been given a level-playing field in this election. He reminded how the then Chief Election Commissioner (T.N. Seshan) postponed polling across the country in 1991 for 22 days after Congress leader Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated in Sriperumbudur on May 21, 1991, when only one round of polling was over. Elections were postponed till mid-June and voting finally took place on June 12 and 15.

    “Was that a level-playing field?”, asked PM Modi. He said, “Normally, when a candidate dies, election in that constituency is countermanded, but in 1991, election across the country was postponed and polling resumed only after tthe funeral of the departed leader was widely publicized”.  

    “The same person (T.N.Seshan), after retirement, fought against our party president ( L K Advani) in Gandhinagar in 1999 on a Congress ticket”, Modi said.  

    Asked why two serving chief ministers (in Delhi and Jharkhand) were jailed when election process was on, Modi replied: “We did not send them to jail. The courts sent the two chief ministers to jail. We do not have the power to send somebody to jail or keep anybody in jail. Courts have the powers. Look at what Supreme Court said in the ex-Jharkhand CM (Hemant Soren)’s case. Look at what Delhi High Court said about ex-minister (Manish Sisodia) in money laundering case.  People have seen huge loads of cash in crores seized by Enforcement Directorate. All of us should honour ED for seizing Rs 2200 crores in cash, which can be filled up in at least 70 tempos, while during 10-years of UPA rule, ED had seized onlty Rs 34 lakh cash which can be stuffed in a school bag.”  

    Modi hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi liquor case, saying : “They wanted to spoil the lives of children by opening liquor outlets near schools, offered one liquor bottle free for every bottle sold, because they were getting commission on the number of bottles sold…Let me make this very clear. I won the 2014 elections only because I had promised to take action against the corrupt. I was elected only because of that. Big leaders used to get away away scot-free. I do not run this government for getting nice editorials or good TV headlines. My government works to stamp out corruption.”

    PAKISTAN  

    On Pakistan’s allegation about Indian hand behind “targeted assassinations by unknown killers” of terrorists in that country, Modi replied: ” That is not the issue. I know, people of Pakistan are nowadays worried. I also know that I am the root cause of their worries (Main Jaanta Hoon Unki Pareshani Ka Kaaran Main Hoon). But I also know that some people in our own country are also worried.  Woh rote Rahen Samajh Me Aa Sakta Hai, Yahan Waale Kyun rote hain, Main Samajh Nahin Sakta Hoon (I can understand when they weep, but I cannot understand why our people weep).”

    Modi cited example of how “the leader of a respected party, that ruled out country for 60 years, and during whose rule 26/11 Mumbai attacks took place, once alleged that it was not Pakistani terrorist Ajmal Kasab and his men, but our own people who killed our own countrymen. This is really saddening. How can such a leader give statement in favour of Pakistan and Ajmal Kasab? My head hangs in shame whenever I hear such remark. I feel pained.”

    On Mani Shankar Aiyar’s remark that India should accord respect to Pakistan because it has atom bombs, Modi, in a light-hearted manner replied: “Taaqat Main Khud Pakistan Jaake Check Karke Aaya Hoon (I’ve myself gone to Pakistan and checked their power). I landed in Lahore without any security checks, and one of their TV reporters was saying Hai Allah, Modi has landed in Pakistan without any visa. Yes this was in their live debates. Main Kyun Nahin Ja Sakta, Woh Mera Desh Tha Kizi Zamaane Mein (Why can’t I do, Pakistan was part of our country at one time)”

    On one Shiv Sena (UBT) leader predicting that Modi may send trainload of devotees to the new Ram temple in Ayodhya before elections and Pakistan may blow up the train, leading to riots and making Modi’s election easier, Modi replied: “Why can’t journalists go and ask that leader, why he is not taking medicines or get a medical check-up done. Was any train blown up? Did riots take place? He should get his diseased mindset checked.”

  • India TV’s election 2024 coverage gets a flavorful twist with new shows

    India TV’s election 2024 coverage gets a flavorful twist with new shows

    Mumbai: India TV, a prominent news broadcaster known for its innovative approach to news coverage, has come up with extraordinary ideas for groundbreaking lineup of new shows dedicated to providing in-depth coverage and analysis of the much-anticipated 2024 general elections in India. As the only newsgroup with CTV-first news channels in the country, India TV continues to set new standards in journalism by offering viewers a diverse range of programs aimed at informing, engaging, and empowering the public in the realm of elections.

    India TV’s new programming lineup includes “Abki Baar Kiski Sarkaar,” “Jaati Ganit,” and “Chunav 360,” each providing unique perspectives on the upcoming 2024 general elections. “Abki Baar Kiski Sarkaar” takes a forward-looking approach, airing twice daily, Monday to Friday at 10 am and 7 pm, to predict potential election outcomes through expert insights and data-driven analysis, offering viewers a glimpse into India’s future political landscape. Meanwhile, “Jaati Ganit” airs daily at 10.20 pm, delving into the influence of caste dynamics on voter behavior and political outcomes, shedding light on an often-overlooked aspect of the electoral process. “Chunav 360,” airing daily at 7.20 pm, provides viewers with a comprehensive view of the elections, covering campaign strategies, voter sentiments, and various dimensions of the electoral landscape, ensuring a holistic understanding of the electoral process.

    Aap ki Adalat, one of the most renowned shows in India, will also provide viewers with exceptional insights into various viewpoint on elections directly from the leaders themselves, hosted by the esteemed Anchor Rajat Sharma. The special edition of Aap ki Adalat focusing on elections will offer the latest updates on each leader’s perspective, revealing secrets never disclosed before. The appearance of Madhavi Lata and Revant Reddy as guests on Aap ki Adalat was a success. Prime Minister Modi even took to Twitter to praise Madhavi Lata’s episode, hailing it as one of the finest shows.

    India TV’s new programming lineup also includes “कॉफ़ी पर कुरुक्षेत्र” and “400 Ka Root,” two shows designed to offer viewers unique insights into the upcoming 2024 general elections. “कॉफ़ी पर कुरुक्षेत्र” is set to air daily at 6 pm provides a casual yet insightful setting for discussing election-related matters over coffee. On the other hand, “400 Ka Root” is dedicated to decoding the intricate mathematics behind elections, analyzing constituencies, voting trends, and key battlegrounds covering impact of south India politics on national elections.

    “Muqabla” engages directly with the audience, capturing their diverse viewpoints and sentiments on the elections. “Bike reporter” presents a unique approach to news coverage, with a TV anchor traversing India on a bike to deliver amplifies voices and perspectives of the people, reflecting their opinions, views, and support concerning the 2024 elections. Together, these shows epitomize India TV’s commitment to delivering comprehensive and diverse coverage of one of the nation’s pivotal democratic events.

    “Modi Aur Musalman” delves into the pulse of Muslim-majority areas during the 2024 elections, offering insightful feedback and perspectives. Through “Pradhanmantri Kaun Banega,” a packaged show, viewers are presented with comprehensive coverage of the election landscape. “Maidan e-Jung” brings ground reporting to the forefront, offering a raw and unfiltered view of the political battleground. Finally, “Hot Seat” ignites discussions on various electoral seats across India, dissecting their significance and potential impact on the broader political spectrum.

    With the launch of these new shows, India TV aims to provide viewers with an in-depth understanding of the 2024 general elections, revamping viewing experience for the audience, ensuring they stay informed and engaged throughout the electoral journey. By combining timely updates, expert analysis, and engaging discussions, India TV continues to uphold its reputation as a trusted source of news and information for millions of viewers across the nation. As the countdown to the elections begins, viewers can look forward to insights and compelling debates on India TV, reaffirming its commitment to delivering excellence in journalism.

  • Leveraging data-driven journalism in the age of Connected TV for enhanced news channel performance

    Leveraging data-driven journalism in the age of Connected TV for enhanced news channel performance

    Mumbai: In today’s digital backdrop, the coming together of data-driven journalism and connected TV (CTV) has modernized the way news channels function and connect with their viewers. The introduction of CTV has not only spread out the reach of news content but has also presented helpful insights about spectator behaviour, preferences, and engagement metrics. By exploiting the potential of data analytics, news channels can now formulate educated strategic decisions that push performance and improve viewer experience.

    Connected TV platforms have turned out to be a repository of statistics, providing news channels with a pool of facts and figures on viewer demographics, geographic locations, viewing patterns, device usage, content consumption habits, ad effectiveness, and conversion rates. This data pool empowers news channels to custom-build their content and programming to be acquainted with the precise requirements and preferences of their audience segments, eventually directing to greater engagement and reliability.

    By digging into these records, news channels can not only get a picture of their audiences better but also adjust their content strategy for maximum impressions.

    One of the significant benefits of data-driven journalism in the CTV age is the competence to provide individualized content recommendations on the grounds of perceptions collected from spectator numbers. For example, channels like India TV Speed News have effectively accommodated audiences who have a preference for speedy updates by presenting a 24/7 Speed News Channel. This differentiated line of track not only develops viewer contentment but also encourages retention and trustworthiness. This personalised content strategy not only further expands spectator engagement but also promotes an appreciation for the relationship and relevance with the audience.

    By leveraging real-time feedback collected through concurrent viewers, news channels can enthusiastically connect with their listeners and modify their content strategy appropriately. Furthermore, predictive analytics play a central character in predicting upcoming trends and audience interests, such as the approaching Election 2024, permitting channels to stay ahead of the curve and bring appropriate and well-timed news coverage.

    This hands-on approach to feedback and analytics authorizes news channels to remain clear-headed and responsive to changing viewer preferences and trends. As stated by India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan “Understanding viewer engagement metrics allows Us as a news brand to craft more compelling experiences that resonate with their audience, leading to increased time spent on the platform and higher viewership ratings.”

    In conclusion, the integration of data-driven journalism with connected TV presents news channels with unprecedented opportunities to enhance their performance and engage with audiences in more meaningful ways. By leveraging viewer data, personalised content recommendations, real-time feedback, predictive analytics, and strategic promotional strategies, news channels can not only increase viewership and ratings but also foster stronger viewer loyalty and satisfaction. Embracing the power of data in the age of CTV is key to unlocking new levels of success and performance in the ever-evolving landscape of journalism.

    This article has been authored by India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan