ITV

Tag: ITV Network

  • Bharat Express brings back Varun Kohli as group chief executive

    Bharat Express brings back Varun Kohli as group chief executive

    NOIDA:  In the media industry, boomerang hires are increasingly common. But when a news channel rehires the executive who built it from scratch, it signals ambition rather than desperation.

    Bharat Express has brought back Varun Kohli as director and group chief executive, marking his return to an organisation he helped launch in January 2023.  Kohli, who spent just over a year at Bharat Express before joining Times Network as chief operating officer, is being tasked with expanding the channel’s reach and deepening its impact in India’s competitive news broadcasting market.

    During his first stint, Kohli shaped the channel’s editorial and business strategy, built its core team and established its operational framework. His move to Times Network in 2024 saw him oversee critical operations across a larger network. Now, armed with that broader experience, he returns to accelerate Bharat Express’s growth trajectory.

    “During his first innings, Varun played a foundational role in successfully launching the channel and positioning Bharat Express as a credible voice in Indian news media,” said Bharat Express chairman, managing director & editor in chief Upendrra Rai. “With his return, we are confident that his deep industry experience and visionary approach will help us accelerate our growth and take the channel to new heights.”

    Kohli brings three decades of media experience, having held leadership roles at ITV Network, Deccan Chronicle Holdings, Network18, Bennett Coleman & Co., HT Media and Amar Ujala Prakashan. He is known for launching and turning around media brands, with a reputation for driving revenue growth and building high-performance teams.

    The appointment positions Bharat Express for its next phase of expansion, with Kohli’s return bringing both institutional knowledge and fresh strategic insights gained from his time at one of India’s largest broadcasting networks.

  • 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.
     

  • Times change again as Varun Kohli exits, Gopakumar takes interim charge

    Times change again as Varun Kohli exits, Gopakumar takes interim charge

    MUMBAI: Another shuffle at Times Network has set the industry buzzing. Varun Kohli, who joined as chief operating officer barely a year ago, has suddenly stepped down from the role. In the interim, Rohit Gopakumar, currently CEO of entertainment and digital business at The Times Group, has been handed charge of the broadcast business.

    The development comes against the backdrop of CEO M.K. Anand’s exit in July 2024, when he quit after more than a decade at Bennett, Coleman & Co. (BCCL). Kohli was brought in just a month earlier, in June 2024, to oversee the network’s revenue function across its television broadcast business.

    Kohli, a seasoned media professional, moved to Times Network from Bharat Express, where he spent a year and a half as director and CEO. Before that, he briefly helmed Sporty Media Solutionz as CEO and held senior stints at ITV Network (group CEO), Network18, HT Media, and Amar Ujala Prakashan.

    Meanwhile, Gopakumar isn’t new to the media house. He joined the group in August 2023 as CEO of Worldwide Media and was later elevated to lead entertainment and digital. His expanded remit now includes steering Times Network’s broadcast operations during a tricky phase for the industry.

    With two top exits in just over a year, Times Network finds itself once again at a leadership crossroads and all eyes will now be on how Gopakumar steadies the ship.

  • Ervan Preet Bagga takes charge as national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms

    Ervan Preet Bagga takes charge as national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms

    MUMBAI:  Media sales maven Ervan Preet Bagga has stepped into the role of national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms – India, marking a dynamic return to the broadcaster where she earlier led the charge as regional sales head for the North.

    With over 15 years of experience in revenue strategy, relationship management, digital marketing, and sales leadership, Bagga has carved a niche as one of India’s most agile P&L experts. Her last role as director – SMB sports at Viacom18 saw her scale monetisation across key sports properties, blending strategic partnerships with sharp execution.

    Bagga’s previous roles at ByteDance, IN10 Media, iTV Network, Zee Entertainment, and Network18 add depth to her multi-platform expertise—across entertainment, sports, and digital-first media. She is known for her people-centric leadership style, keen market instincts, and a robust track record of unlocking new business.

    Back at Goldmines, Bagga’s focus will be on driving national revenues, crafting integrated brand solutions, and future-proofing the sales playbook as the company scales its content ambitions.

  • iTV Nework ropes in Deepak Saxena as general manager – sales

    iTV Nework ropes in Deepak Saxena as general manager – sales

    MUMBAI: The  Kartikeya Sharma founded iTV Network, has appointed  Deepak Saxena as general manager – sales, effective January 2025. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Saxena is set to play a pivotal role in steering the company’s sales strategy during a time of significant growth and expansion.

    Saxena joins iTV Network from Rachna Television., where he held the position of deputy general manager of sales for NTV, a Telugu news channel. In this role, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic skill, managing a talented sales team and developing effective sales initiatives that enhanced the channel’s market presence.

    Before his tenure at NTV, Saxena was the head of sales and marketing (North) at Sakshi TV, a leading Telugu news channel. He played an instrumental role in the launch and establishment of the channel in northern India, overseeing the sales operations in Delhi and Kolkata regions. His vision and execution contributed to Sakshi TV becoming a recognized name in the competitive landscape of regional news broadcasting.

    Earlier in his career, Saxena held key positions at ETV Network, where he served as group head for Hindi regional channels based in New Delhi. His strategic approach led to significant airtime sales within a cluttered market, allowing Hindi regional channels to carve out a niche for themselves. His career began at Amar Ujala group, where he advanced from space sales in print media to becoming an Advertising Officer.
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    Saxena’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in economics from Aligarh Muslim University and a post graduate diploma in marketing Management from Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management and Development Studies, where he graduated with first-class honors. This combination of practical experience and academic excellence has equipped him with a solid foundation in both business strategy and marketing prowess.

  • ITV Network honours UP’s bravest at Shaurya Samman 2025

    ITV Network honours UP’s bravest at Shaurya Samman 2025

    MUMBAI: Heroes aren’t born; they are forged in the fires of courage and sacrifice.

    While the nation sleeps, they stand guard, embodying resilience and patriotism.

    The Shaurya Samman 2025, hosted by ITV Network and India News at Lucknow’s iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, became a beacon of gratitude on 6 January, illuminating the heroic tales of Uttar Pradesh’s police, paramilitary, and army personnel. In a night of honour and reverence, leaders, dignitaries, and citizens united to celebrate those who shield the nation’s soul with unflinching determination and unmatched bravery.

    Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath graced the occasion as the chief guest and presented the Shaurya Samman awards to the families of fallen heroes, including Lance Naik Martyr Sudama Ram, Major Martyr Narendra Kumar Tuli, and Martyr captain Manoj Pandey, among others. Adityanath also honoured retired major Dhirendra Nath Singh, a Veer Chakra awardee for his gallant efforts during the 1965 war.

    The chief minister lauded ITV Network’s initiative, emphasising that paying homage to the sacrifices of martyrs is a fundamental duty that fosters national unity. “A martyr’s sacrifice defines a community’s essence, infusing society with renewed vitality,” he stated. He further highlighted the pivotal role of security forces in safeguarding the nation under arduous conditions and referenced PM Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, urging collective effort in achieving this ambitious goal.

    The Shaurya Samman ceremony also recognised UP’s leading figures from various walks of life, including actors Vineet Kumar Singh, Kushal Tandon, and Aahana Kumra. Dignitaries like Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma and deputy CM Brajesh Pathak commended the state’s police force for its relentless efforts in maintaining law and order. ADG Amitabh Yash reaffirmed Uttar Pradesh’s strengthened security framework, while Pathak highlighted the state’s strides toward development and safety.

    The Sunday Guardian Foundation chairperson Aishwarya Pandit Sharma extended gratitude to Adityanath and reaffirmed ITV Network’s commitment to honouring the nation’s brave-hearts. “We remain steadfast in recognising the sacrifices and service of our heroes, ensuring their legacy inspires generations,” she said.

    The event underscored the vital importance of honouring those who ensure national security and called for a continued commitment to fostering an equitable and secure society.

  • NewsX & Legally Speaking organise third law & constitutional dialogue

    NewsX & Legally Speaking organise third law & constitutional dialogue

    MUMBAI:  ITV Network’s NewsX’S  Legally Speaking, televised legal platform, hosted the Third Law & Constitution Dialogue 2024 on 13 December 2024. Marking 75 years of the Indian Constitution, it  brought together prominent legal experts, lawmakers, jurists, and thought leaders for insightful discussions on pressing legal and constitutional matters.
     
    Union minister of law & justice Arjun Ram Meghwal spoke about the importance of the Indian Constitution and discussed the concept of “One Nation, One Election.” Meghwal traced the origins of Constitution Day, initiated by prime minister Narendra Modi in 2015, to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy and celebrate the constitution’s foundational role in India’s democracy.

    In his keynote address,  chief guest supreme court judge Surya Kant  highlighted the changes introduced by the 2018 Amendment to the Specific Relief Act, 1963. Justice Kant discussed the legal and economic implications of the amendment, emphasizing its role in strengthening India’s position as a global economic powerhouse.

    Key Panels and Discussions 

    Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul addressed the long-standing tragedy of the Kashmiri pandit genocide, calling for official acknowledgment and a healing process. He stressed that while the community does not seek a return to the past, they expect recognition of the wrongs committed against them.

    Veteran lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal joined editor-in-chief Rishabh Gulati for a thought-provoking discussion. Sibal advocated for global protection of minorities, specifically highlighting the plight of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.  

    A session on the Places of Worship Act, 1991, witnessed a spirited debate among experts like former Patna high court chief justice  Iqbal Ansari) and former union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. The panel deliberated on whether the act aligns with India’s secular fabric or hinders historical justice.

    The issue of ‘bulldozer justice’ was addressed by BJP leader Sudhanshu Mittal, political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla and former Delhi DCP  SN Srivastava. The question of whether the act of demolition is unconstitutional was addressed in a heated discussion, with the panelists concluding that justice delayed is justice denied. 

    The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Will Delimitation Create a North-South Imbalance in Parliament?” Panelists, including DMK’s Kalanidhi Veeraswamy, BJD’s Sasmit Patra, and  senior advocte P.P. Chaudhary explored the socio-political implications of delimitation.

    Another session with member of parliament Karti Chidambaram, examined whether India requires more MPs in parliament. Chidambaram stressed, “Representation should reflect economic and social realities, not merely religion or caste. Pragmatic reforms are needed for effective governance.”

    In a heated panel discussion, former chief election commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, Congress’ Supriya Shrinate and  BJP member G.V.L. Narasimha Rao  debated the implications of simultaneous elections. 

    A dialogue on Challenges to Women’s Reservation featured influential voices such as Swati Maliwal, Iqra Hassan, Jebi Mathers and Shubhrasthra. The panelists discussed the Women’s Reservation Bill’s implementation hurdles and its potential to transform Indian politics.

    The growing menace of cybercrime was addressed in a panel featuring former DGP Goa Muktesh Chander,  and cyber law expert Pawan Duggal .Discussions focused on balancing cybersecurity and constitutional freedoms.
     
    Abhishek Singhvi examined the fundamental tenets and underlying principles of the Indian constitution, emphasising its resilience and adaptability in safeguarding democracy.

    Former chief justice of the Punjab & Haryana high court Mukul Mudgal  delved into the progress and challenges of sports governance in India.

    Lok Sabha member Manish Tewari reflected on the success and shortcomings of the Indian Constitution over decades, exploring its impact on governance, citizens’ rights, and evolving societal needs.

    In a discussion with senior advocate Vivek Tankha and Former ASG Aman Lekhi, experts examined the changes in Indian criminal law, evaluating whether recent reforms address historical gaps in the system.

    A panel featuring cyber technology expert Subimal Bhattacharjee, the Esya Centre’s  Meghna Bal, former union minister K.J. Alphons, and member of parliament  Kartikeya Sharma  explored the potential risks and challenges AI poses to governance, politics, and the judiciary.

    The day-long event featured 22 sessions, each addressing critical legal and constitutional issues. Topics ranged from “Bulldozer Justice” to “The Constitutionality of the Waqf Act”. The dialogue delved into the evolving nature of India’s justice system and the need for judicial and policy reforms.

  • 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

  • It’s Network18 ahoy for Palki Sharma as managing editor

    It’s Network18 ahoy for Palki Sharma as managing editor

    Mumbai : She built her name as a savvy on-air anchor on the programme Gravitas and as managing editor of Zee Media’s English news channel Wion. Now Palki Sharma has hopped on to Network18 Media as managing editor. She will be heading a new video project which is slated to be multi-platform. This will be her second stint at Network18, where she has previously worked in various capacities.

    “I am excited to join hands with Network18, India’s largest news network, to launch a futuristic project with a global footprint, that will transform the news experience and make India proud,” says Sharma. “It will be a content innovation lab that challenges traditional news formats and experiments with the latest technology and interactive tools to make news stories intelligent, interesting, and accessible for the global audience.”  

    Sharma will build and direct a video project that will cover all aspects of news reporting and presentation. The news product will aim to attract a new generation of viewers for the company.

    Adds Network18 group business news CEO Smriti Mehra: “Palki is a distinctive journalist and editor, thanks to her persona, voice, and audience connect.”  

    She further adds: “The news product she will lead will cater to audiences across platforms. It will help the network expand its footprint, along with imagining new formats of showcasing news content.”

    Sharma has over 21 years of experience in media, having worked for the ITV Network, Network18, Doordarshan News, and The Hindustan Times.

    Gravitas, a popular prime-time English news program, as well as the highly regarded digital program Gravitas Plus on Wion, were both hosted by her. She also created and oversaw the Wion Global Summit, an annual channel event held in Dubai.

    Palki has interviewed several national and international heads of state during her two-decade career. She has also covered major stories and events on the ground, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Quad Summits in Tokyo and Washington, DC, and many more.

  • Wion managing editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay quits

    Wion managing editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay quits

    Mumbai: English news broadcaster Wion on Friday said its managing editor, Palki Sharma Upadhyay, has quit. She announced her resignation in a meeting with the Wion team held on Friday at 2 p.m.

    Sharing the news, journalist and TV anchor Vir Sanghvi wrote on Twitter: “A great loss to Wion & a huge coup for whichever channel lands her.”

    Upadhyay was associated with the news broadcaster for over five years. She joined as an executive editor and was promoted to be the managing editor of the channel in May 2022. She was hosting the prime-time news programme Gravitas.

    Prior to Wion, Upadhyay was associated with iTV Network and CNN-IBN as anchor and senior editor.

    Upadhyay has been at the forefront of covering news from all over the world for more than 20 years in the field of journalism. Not only have viewers from all over the world praised her reporting on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but also world leaders like Dr. Igor Polikha, the Ukrainian ambassador to India.