Tag: ITV Network

  • iTV Network organised veeron ko jai hind- Ab Ki Baar Aatank Ka Sanhaar conclave to honor braveheart soldiers

    iTV Network organised veeron ko jai hind- Ab Ki Baar Aatank Ka Sanhaar conclave to honor braveheart soldiers

    MUMBAI: As the entire nation stands today against terrorism, iTV Network, India’s leading media house (India News & NewsX) today organized ‘Veeron Ko Jai Hind- Abki Baar Aatank Ka Sanhaar’, a felicitation ceremony to honor the braveheart soldiers of CRPF, BSF, ITBP and Delhi Police who displayed valor in the battlefield. Held at Hotel Shangri-La in New Delhi, the event shown a light on the bravery of the armed forces who fought against terrorism and some even lost their lives during encounter with terrorists. With recent incidents like Pulwama terror attack on CRPF convoy in which more than 40 bravehearts lost their lives. A few days later, our armed forces retaliated by surgical strikes and destroyed terror camps in POK which again proven the mettle of our armed forces.                        

    The event was graced by political dignitaries like Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqwi, Union Minister of Minority Affairs; Shri Subramanian Swamy, Member of Parliament, BJP; Shri Randeep Surjewala,

    Senior Congress Leader; Shri Manoj Sinha, MoS (Independent Charge) of Communications & MoS, Ministry of Railways along with them there were retired veterans from the armed forces, army men and families of martyrs.   

    The special guest at the event were star cast of the upcoming film RAW-Romeo Akbar Walter-Actors- John Abraham and Sikandar Kher. They were accompanied by RAW director Robbie Grewal and music sensation Hans Raj Hans. The team encouraged men in uniform and felicitated the bravehearts and martyrs families. At the event, John Abraham said, “I have huge respect for our Indian armed forces and in my opinion, every student should serve in the defense forces for atleast 2 years after completing higher studies. I also would like to urge the voters to elect the candidates on basis of development, not religion.” Sharing his experience of shooting in Kashmir for RAW, John said, “It was a great experience to shoot in J&K, people of the valley are really nice and Indian army was very supportive to the whole team of RAW.” 

    While attending the event, Mr Kartikeya Sharma, Founder & Promoter, iTV Network said, “The security and the well-being of the nation largely depends on the courage of the bravehearts who are protecting the nation to ensure our safety and we should never forget their sacrifices. These awards is to express our gratitude towards them who have shown exemplary valor and devotion while performing their duties.”  

    In an interesting session, ‘Salute to Service’ with Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqwi, Union Minister of Minority Affairs, the minister shared his views on how the BJP government took strong steps against terrorism he said “Modi government gave a free hand to defense forces to retaliate and eliminate the enemy.” 

    On the National security amid poll season, Shri Subramanian Swamy, Member of Parliament, BJP and Shri Randeep Surjewala, Senior Leader, INC churn over politics on defense forces.   

    Shri Randeep Surjewala questioned Subramanian Swamy and said “How did the explosive used in the Pulwama attack?”, however Shri Subramanian Swamy retaliated by saying that “The ruling party did nothing after 26/11 attack and our current government has given freehand to defense forces to act against terrorism.” 

    Shri Manoj Sinha, MoS (Independent Charge) of Communications & MoS, Ministry of Railways also shared his views on Sena, Shaurya and Samman. Shri Manoj Sinha said, “Politics should not be done over defense force and their operations.” Further he also added that “Our government has already Rs 35000 crore has been sanctioned by the government on One Rank One Pension.”

    While in an exclusive session with Shri Birender Singh, Union Minister of Steel, the minister shared his views on various national issues. He said, “Politics should not be done over defense forces and their operations.”      

    Another session was with Commandant Chetan Cheetah, 5th Battalion CRPF who is also known as ‘India Ka Cheetah’, where he spoke about his extra ordinary tales of bravery, during his session he said “For a soldier family support is the biggest power, for him his wife and kids are biggest strength and I am still willing to go back to border to fight against terror forces.” He miraculously survived nine bullet injuries he received during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.”  There was another session with the war veterans from armed forces who have shared their views on how the armed forces are equipped with latest technology to tackle any tough situation.     

    iTV Network also felicitated the brave men during the ‘Veeron Ko Jai Hind- Abki Baar Aatank Ka Sanhaar’ conclave-  

    1. Commandant Shri Chetan Chitah of 05 Battalion, CRPF

    2. Commandant Shri Vinay Anand Prakash of 86 Battalion, CRPF

    3. Second-in-Command Shri RK Shaurya Padak, CRPF

    4. Second-in-Command Shri Ashok Kumar, CRPF

    The families of the following martyrs were also felicitated by iTV network- 

    5. Constable Shri Rajesh Kumar, BSF

    6. Constable Shri Naresh Kumar, BSF

    7. Constable Shri Vinod Kumar, BSF

    8. Constable Shri Dinesh Kumar, ITBP

    9. Head Constable Shri Khajan Singh, ITBP

    10. Head Constable Shri Bijender Singh, Delhi Police (Special Security Vice President) 

  • iTV Network strengthens senior editorial team

    iTV Network strengthens senior editorial team

    Noida : As part of its strategic review, iTV Network has restructured and strengthened its national editorial team.  

    Sarvesh Tewari has been appointed as Managing Editor -News for INDIA NEWS, India’s leading Hindi news channel.

    In his new role, Tewari shall be responsible for managing day-to-day newsroom operations and strengthening newsgathering processes. He will be responsible for heading the news desk, news programming, news production and other input functions. With a career spread over 20 years, Tewari has worked with established names in the media domain such as Aaj Tak, NDTV, Zee News, Live India, Voice of India, HT Media and most recently at News Nation Network, as Executive Editor.

    Rana Yashwant has been appointed to the newly created position of Managing Editor – Programming and Branded Content for India News. His responsibilities will include daily special shows, weekend programmes, branded content, brand integration, brand innovation and events.

    Kartikeya Sharma, Founder and Promoter of iTV Network, said, “High-quality content is at the core of our work at iTV Network and this new structure is designed to meet the long-term needs of the business. Internally, it will allow swifter decision-making and better cross platform working. Externally, we will be better equipped to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing media environment. We are confident that Tewari’s vast knowledge and domain prowess will hold INDIA NEWS in good stead and his entry will definitely help us consolidate our position further.” He further added that “I would like to congratulate Rana for his new responsibility. Rana is highly experienced in the television industry, and I’m confident that these changes to structure will only add to the quality of content we provide to our viewers’ every day.”

    On his appointment, Tewari said, “I look forward to working with the talented and impressive pool of reporters and producers, and to reach the viewers through innovative, informative and credible content.”

    Commenting on his new role, Rana said, “I am thankful to INDIA NEWS for an opportunity as this one. The channel has been built on key pillars of integrity, speed and accuracy, and I am certain that we will continue to deliver value for all our viewers and stakeholders.”

    Tewari is a graduate from Lucknow and holds a post-graduate degree in Mass Communication from Indian Institute of Mass Communication. He has also done screenplay writing for Doordarshan documentaries.

  • iTV Network Appoints Pooja Gupta as VP – Brand & Content Marketing

    iTV Network Appoints Pooja Gupta as VP – Brand & Content Marketing

    MUMBAI: iTV Network, India's fastest growing news and infotainment network appoints Pooja Gupta as Vice President – Brand & Content Marketing. Pooja is a seasoned marketing professional with vast experience in electronic and print media. With a career spread over two decades, she has worked with established names in the media domain such as News Nation, News 24, NewsX, India TV, Business Standard and most recently at Zee Media Corporation Limited, as Head Marketing where she helmed the
    marketing functions and content strategy to build the brand awareness of all its national and regional channels.

    Apart from traditional marketing, she holds a strong expertise in handling complete portfolio of marketing, branding, public relations, events and corporate communications. Her core competence lies in new product launches and content marketing. 

    Pooja is an iTV alumna, and elaborating on the vision that she aims to follow in her new role at iTV Network, she said, "The inherent value of content is realized in its presentation, and likewise, the importance of presentation rests in the ability to deliver the right content, in the right way, to the right audience. I will work towards driving a strong content-led value proposition for our viewers, as well as to amplify the premiumness and the brand iTV network as distinctive competence." 

    Speaking on Pooja's new role with iTV Network, Kartikeya Sharma, Founder and Promoter of iTV Network, said, "With increasing competition, emergence of multiple media and an increasingly transitory audience attention span, Pooja with her experienced blend of marketing acumen will play an instrumental role in helping our marketing activities keep pace with Network's growth as we ramp up to launch more sustainably designed products to meet the demands of our viewers, and seek to reinforce our commitment through engaging and thought provoking content to increase traction with the company's advertiser-customer."

    Pooja is a Post-graduate in Commerce and holds a diploma in management from YMCA, New Delhi.

  • With four elections due, networks with regional news channels set to benefit

    With four elections due, networks with regional news channels set to benefit

    MUMBAI: With four key assembly elections lined up towards the end of the year, India’s regional news channels could be laughing their way to the bank. In a bid to maximize their revenues, channels are in the process of sprucing up their programming and hiking ad rates. iTV Network, Network18, Zee News Network will be the ones set to benefit the most because due to their presence in the Hindi, English and regional markets.

    Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram are the our states going to polls ahead of the big 2019 general election.

    iTV Network CEO Varun Kohli says, “If you see, the regional market is growing and the local people want to consume content in local languages. Regional channels in the coming future are going to be the biggest growth areas than anybody else and the coverage will be hyper local. In a national channel the programming will be of an hour or so, but the regional channel will cover the elections for 24 hours a day.”

    News24 editor-in-chief Annuradha Prasad feels, “Three elections in the Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh they are all Hindi heartland channels and national news channels expect a better response from the brands and advertisers unlike the Karnataka elections which didn’t have a great impact on the national news channels because of the local language affinity.”

    The news genre contributes eight per cent to the total TV viewership. It was the third biggest genre on television in terms of viewership in 2017, as per the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India data.

    Zee Media CEO- regional news Purushottam Vaishnava says, “We have started four programmes based on the coming elections. Our focus is to reach all the constituencies and give a real picture of the issues. At the time of elections the general entertainment channels (GEC) viewers shift to news channels and we are expecting minimum of 25-30 per cent hike in ad rates for our regional channels.”

    iTV Network has NewsX in English, India News in Hindi and for the regional focus on elections India News Rajasthan and India News MP-CG.

    “The increase in consumption helps in getting advertisers as they look at the eyeballs. Both national and local advertisers show interest at the time of elections and for national advertisers it is not that expensive like the Hindi news channels. Ad rates at the time of elections grow by 25-30 per cent. The regional news channels command half the price  of Hindi news channels”, Kohli adds.

    FMCG, retail and India-based multinational companies are the major advertisers on Hindi news channels, whereas automobile, banking financial services and electronic brands tend to utilize their ad spend on English news channels. FMCG brands and local retail brands are the primary advertisers on regional channels.

    Network18 has dedicated channels – News18 Rajasthan, News18 MP-CG and News18 Assam/North-East –  in all the election-bound states.

    TV18 president- revenue and Forbes India CEO Joy Chakraborthy said, “Every state elections has become the national things these days, in the recent Karnataka elections, the national channels also made good money along with the regional channels.”

    Zee Media’s regional sales team is pitching to national brands and corporates. The state assembly elections are a very big opportunity for companies that are planning enter the tier two, three and four markets.  

    On national brands approaching regional news channel for greater air time Prasad says, “ Yes, that happens because viewers watch the regional channel at the time of elections and get to know about each constituency. But the reach of a Hindi news channel cannot be matched by anyone.”

    Network18 is planning to increase the ad rates 10-12 times for all the English, Hindi and regional channels.

     “The counting day ad rates are sold at a high premium compared to the normal rates. The rates touch Rs 1 lakh mark at some special spots on the counting days”, Chakraborthy points out.

    Also Read:

    BTVI to leverage digital mediums for growth

    Karnataka election helps news channels increase ratings

  • ITV Network readies Punjabi music channel

    ITV Network readies Punjabi music channel

    MUMBAI: All the Punjabi music lovers have a new destination to groove to the bhangra. ITV Network is launching a new music channel P Tunes.

    A source close to the development confirmed the news and revealed that the channel will be launched next month. “There will be two channels, HD which will be a paid channel and SD will be a free-to-air channel,” said the source.

    Considering the Punjabi space not as crowded as the other markets, 9X Tashan, MH1 and PTC music channels only being the three players in the space, ITV Network will be the fourth entrant and the first to launch in HD. “The Punjabi music channels’ space is growing exponentially and it is the fastest growing music genre other than Hindi, so it’s quite logical to enter the Punjabi music genre,” he added.

    The source also disclosed that they have not yet opened up the inventory slots. “We have not even opened up the inventories; the commercial advertisements will go on air after the first twelve-week period.”

    The network has started the test transmission service from GSAT 17 satellite at 93.0 degree east. The channel will play Punjabi albums and Hindi movie songs.

    According to FICCI Frames report 2018, the regional music continues to grow. The music industry is split in three streams: Hindi genre, which accounts for 60 per cent of the consumption, and international and regional genres constitute 20 per cent each.  As far as the consumption of music is concerned, 93 per cent of people were reported using mobile devices for music consumption in 2017, a rise from 85 per cent in 2016. Falling data rates, coupled with growth in streaming music options are further expected to boost the digital music industry. 

    Will a music channel, that too a regional one, be able to sustain itself against the smartphone?

    Also Read :

    Is it the end of the road for anime in India?

    ‘Bigg Boss’ holds appeal across languages: Viacom18’s Ravish Kumar

    Will launch two OTTs before end of this year: Discovery India’s Karan Bajaj

  • iTV Network Launches NewsX Kannada, its First Regional Channel in South India

    iTV Network Launches NewsX Kannada, its First Regional Channel in South India

    MUMBAI: iTV Network, one of India’s leading media houses, has forayed into the Southern India news space with the launch of a dedicated channel for Karnataka – NewsX Kannada. In sync with the NewsX approach to promote ‘News, Not Noise,’ the new channel will focus on real issues and highlight matters that concern Kannadigas across the globe.

    Emphasising on current subjects and trends, the channel will offer news and other well-research content that will include crime and investigation, spiritual and entertainment programmes, reality shows and much more. Being launched ahead of the Karnataka Elections, 2018, Election Express will be a programme to watch out for.

    Being an extension of brand NewsX gives NewsX Kannada an immediate advantage. NewsX has a steadily-increasing stream of followers in South India and is recognised as a trendsetter in the English news segment in India, distinguished by its crisp format, direct reportage, pointed debates, trending hash tags and an engaging mix of stories. The launch of the Kannada channel substantiates the brand’s endeavour to reach out to a larger audience and create products that respond to the growing need for credible providers of regional news services.

    Speaking about the new venture, iTV Network, CEO, Varun Kohli said, “NewsX is committed to editorial independence, impartiality and public purpose. Our regional ventures are aimed at fostering local identity while encouraging debate and participation. NewsX Kannada reiterates our position as a valuable source of news and information and is set to further highlight the personality and distinctive culture of Karnataka.”

    iTV Network has been in news due to its steady expansion into the regional news market in India. The two other regional language channels the network launched in less than a year’s time include India News Gujarat and India News Punjab. This adds to the already existing line-up of channels for the regional news space that includes India News Haryana, India News Uttar Pradesh-Uttarakhand, India News Rajasthan, and India News Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh.

  • Dr. Subramanya Kusnur Joins iTV Network as Senior Director

    Dr. Subramanya Kusnur Joins iTV Network as Senior Director

    MUMBAI: “SwachhShree” Dr Subramanya Kusnur, an Indian next generation social entrepreneur and the architect of Swachhagraha, a movement to create a culture of cleanliness in India, has joined iTV Network as Senior Director. His presence and support will inspire the network to further leverage its prominence in the Indian news space as it continues to create differentiated, c-suite relevant products that drive sustainable performance across the network’s businesses and geographic regions.

    Dr. Subramanya Kusnur is known for his advocacy for water and sanitation and is also the Founder Chairman and CEO of Aquakraft Projects, an entity that creates actionable solutions to drive improvements in areas of sanitation, clean drinking water, health and hygiene across India. He has spearheaded a movement that has been able to successfully leverage innovation, advocacy and capacity building.

    He has been recognised with several awards and recognition both in India and globally.Having garnered positive corporate participation for several projects he has been associated with in the past, Subramanya Kusnur’s presence will further amplify the network’s vision and efforts towards developing impactful media services and products.

    Speaking on Dr.Subramanya Kusnur’s new role,Kartikeya Sharma, the founder and promoter of iTV Network said, “We are happy to have Dr. Subramanya Kusnur in the team as we set long-range goals and strategise ways to grow the business. We believe his insights will be instrumental in further developing the diverse perspective of our media services, leverage and integrate the capabilities of our network and accomplish complex, multiple-level objectives.”

    Upbeat about his association with iTV, Subramanya Kusnur said, “The greatest thing about iTV is that it is built on strong fundamentals of innovation and has demonstrated the highest standards of journalism.

    It is my great privilege to be a part of the leadership team and contribute towards nation building & democratizing information far and wide.”

    Dr.Subramanya, 47, is a Graduate in Science from the University of Mumbai and holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Software and Applications. He started his career with CANFINA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canara Bank, a leading Indian Public Sector Bank and subsequently moved to the private sector in the area of Equity Broking, Debt Market Operations, Resource Mobilization and Structured finance. He then leveraged his experience in the BFSI segment to the IT arena where his experience spans from e-business strategies to Enterprise Banking Software, Enterprise Risk Management and Payment Systems. He was also involved in developing a comprehensive strategy for a nationwide project enabling financial inclusion of rural masses leveraging a Mobile Transaction Platform. He brings in rich experience of over 25 years in the BFSI, IT & Public Affairs spanning through both Public & Private Sector, domestically and internationally. He has travelled extensively across rural India and has a strong international exposure by virtue of having traveled across the Middle East, South East Asia, Africa and United States of America. He has held several leadership roles in the past including his position as the Managing Director and CEO of Riskraft Consulting, a provider of risk management services, and General Manager of C-SAM, a mobile wallets and payment solutions company that was later acquired by MasterCard.

    He serves as the Chairman of US India SME Council, Co-chairman of the Youth Development and CSR Committee, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, (Government of India) & Member – Foreign Affairs of the Bihar Investment Promotion Committee dedicated to promoting the state of Bihar as an investment and business destination globally. He has been awarded with the prestigious title of the Goodwill Ambassador by the State of Maryland, USA and has won several national & international awards.

  • iTV Network launches regional channel India News Gujarat

    iTV Network launches regional channel India News Gujarat

    MUMBAI: News broadcaster iTV Network has expanded further into the regional news space with the launch of a dedicated channel for Gujarat – India News Gujarat on 4 December 2017.

    The channel being formally inaugurated in Gandhinagar, India News Gujarat will seek answers to burning questions and highlight matters that concern Gujaratis across the globe.

    iTV Network’s existing regional channel offering includes India News Haryana, India News Uttar Pradesh-Uttarakhand, India News Rajasthan, India News Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh and India News Punjab, which reiterate the network’s strong foothold in the regional news market.

    The channel will focus on well-researched, high-impact content aimed at striking a true chord that captures the imagination of the Gujarati community. The channel will maintain brand India News’ emphasis on current subjects, concerns and trends with entertainment elements thrown in an infotainment platter aimed at accentuating the uniqueness of Gujaratis.

    Being launched ahead of the highly-anticipated Gujarat Elections, 2017, the Gujarat Debate will be a programme to watch out for.

    Speaking about the new venture, iTV Network founder and promoter Kartikeya Sharma, said, “Regional and local concerns often get subsumed in national broadcasting formats. We strongly believe regional programming must be given the due space and promotion it deserves. The launch of India News Gujarat is our response to the need for credible providers of regional news services in the state. Gujarat is a vibrant, development-oriented state and our new channel seeks to capture its diversity and plurality in the inimitable India News format, characterised by crisp reportage and engaging presentation.”

  • iTV’s new exec Sandeep Amar: We’ll launch video-first, multi-platform content properties

    iTV’s new exec Sandeep Amar: We’ll launch video-first, multi-platform content properties

    MUMBAI: Sandeep Amar, a senior leader in the Indian digital space, has joined iTV Network as the CEO of iTV – digital.

    In his new role, Amar, with two decades of experience, will focus on building the digital assets for iTV Network and launch multiple new projects, he will be reporting directly to iTV founder and promoter Kartikeya Sharma.

    Before joining iTV, Amar was the CEO of Indian Express Digital, prior to which he worked as the CEO for India.com, a ZEEL and Penske Media JV. Indian Express Digital and India.com properties reached leadership positions during his tenure.

    Earlier, he also worked for Audiences, Times Internet Limited., Citigroup, Times Business Solutions, Zee Telefilms and The Times of India.

    A six sigma black belt and alumnus of FMS, Delhi, Amar has been an avid blogger and speaker in digital space and considered as a thought leader in digital space in the country.

    Sharma said, “We are happy to have Sandeep (Amar) on board at a time when the group is promoting several new-edge media solutions and working feverishly towards making information available in formats that will appeal to today’s tech-savvy consumers.”

    Amar said, “We will be launching multiple projects including video-first properties, strong multi-platform digital video content properties, powerful native platforms and future tech projects in AI and Machine Learning. The key is to focus on building the future of digital publishing businesses as the metrics and environment are changing dynamically, the future is mobile, vernacular, video and strong product vision backed by future tech.”

  • NewsX hires Times’ former exec Kukian as COO, to oversee entertainment & sports too

    MUMBAI: iTV Network, one of the fastest growing news networks, has appointed Ashit Kukian as the NewsX COO and iTV CRO – regionals, entertainment & sports businesses.

    In this new role, his responsibilities will include providing leadership and strategic direction to create new revenue generation opportunities in the market for iTV Network.

    iTV Network founder & promoter Kartikeya Sharma said, “Ashit is a seasoned and trusted leader who consistently delivers results. Ashit, with his in-depth understanding of the advertising ecosystem, shall be a great asset to leverage the revenue opportunities.”

    iTV Network CEO Varun Kohli said, “Ashit will bring his rich experience and expertise in growing iTV Network, and taking it to the next level. His understanding of the market will be of immense value to our network.”

    Kukian said, “What’s more exciting is the group is providing me an opportunity to handle new initiatives that have been planned for the near future.”

    Kukian was the president – revenue for Times Network. A part of the leadership team, Kukian strengthened the networks’ efforts in meeting its aggressive growth targets.

    Prior to joining the Times Network, Kukian was the president and COO at Radio City.

    Kukian, a Bachelor of Science from Mumbai University, invested 13 years at the Times Group managing various important roles. In his last assignment at the group, he was part of the core team that launched Zoom.