ITV

Tag: ITV Network

  • iTV Network MD Kartikeya Sharma invests in Pro Wrestling League

    iTV Network MD Kartikeya Sharma invests in Pro Wrestling League

    MUMBAI: With India becoming home to not just cricket, when it comes to sports, iTV Network managing director Kartikeya Sharma is all set to invest in a wrestling league. 

     

    With an aim to give the game a fillip, Sharma has formed Pro Sportify, which will first start with Pro Wrestling League and later expand into the business of sports leagues, not just in India, but globally.

     

    Sporty Solutionz promoter Ashish Chadha will also be a stakeholder in the league.  

     

    According to Sharma, Pro Sportify will usher in a new era for the business of sports in India. “Our philosophy as a company reflects in our name – ‘Pro Sportify.’ Our approach to uplift and transform the sports will be thoroughly professional, but there will be no compromises with the basics and essence of the sports. We will also keep the culture and heritage of the sport intact. This philosophy will also reflect in our first venture Pro Wrestling League, which in spite of all commercial exploitations shall remain the real deal for sportsmen,” said Sharma.

     

    “I thank Kartikeya from the core of my heart for his whole-hearted support for the cause of sports in India. Professionalism in any industry does not mean minting money. It’s about creating more opportunities for each constituent of that particular industry and that is what we are going to do in Pro Sportify. Betterment of sportspersons, more opportunities and positive gains to our associates and more excitement, fun and sporting innovations for the fans will be a continuous process in Pro Sportify,” added Chadha.

  • iTV Network launches new brand campaign; revamps logo

    iTV Network launches new brand campaign; revamps logo

    MUMBAI: iTV Network launches a mega brand campaign for the first time since its inception covering all its media brands namely NewsX, India News (National and its four regional channels) and its two print publications – The Sunday Guardian and Aaj Samaj. Starting 16 March, 2015 iTV Network will also reveal a fresh look.

     

    Themed as ‘Connecting Dots…’, this new brand campaign will replicate the channel’s vision and editorial ethos. Every dot has a story. They are often the links to the bigger patterns of the universe and life. But these are often so tiny that we miss it literally and metaphorically. iTV Network will find the invisible and connect them with what is known and discover what is still a possibility.

     

    Speaking on the launch of this campaign, iTV Network managing director Kartikeya Sharma said, “This is the first time we are launching a brand campaign for the entire network since its inception. This will take the network’s philosophy to the next level.”

     

    iTV Network Group CMO Savvy Dilip added, “We are confident that this new look of the network complemented by this brand campaign will be highly appreciated and bring in a breath of fresh air to the brand. This campaign will be supported by a robust 360 degree marketing campaign.”

  • NewsX launches new campaign targeting youth

    NewsX launches new campaign targeting youth

    MUMBAI: iTV network’s English news channel NewsX has launched its new See Beyond campaign to enhance its brand values and depict its stand. Targeted primarily at the youth, the campaign is a continuation to the channel’s motto – News Not Noise – and is expected to explore a new dimension.  

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com about the theme and target audience of the campaign, iTV network group CMO Savy Dillip says, “The campaign theme is ‘See Beyond’ and the target audience is between 25 – 44 Sec AB, basically from Metros and 1+ audience.”

    The creative agency behind the execution of the new campaign is WPP’s Wunderman. “We are very happy that the agency seems to have understood the brand and cracked a brilliant campaign, which is like a fresh breath of air from the routine news channel brand campaigns. Usually the general sense is that the news brand campaigns talk about unbiased, true journalism that is existent in the channels. We have tried to do something different here,” Dilip says.

    The 360 degree campaign will be promoted in all possible mediums to ensure substantial reach. Dilip adds, “We have tried to use the traditional and social mediums to promote it comprising B2B, B2C, outdoor, OOH, on-air and social platforms. We would want to reach the audience across platforms and across genres. Hence we are trying to communicate the message through the best of the mediums.” 

    NewsX is planning to launch five back to back campaigns for the same. “We are actually coming up with five campaigns from the network, which has never been done before by any media house or for any news network. The campaign depicts the DNA of our national English news channel, NewsX, which is a dominant leader in the age group of 25-44 in Metros.”

    The theme of the campaign suggests that one has to see beyond what is shown, which indirectly throws the ball in viewers’ court to decide which content to trust and what to ignore. “The theme in itself, suggests that one needs to see beyond things, be it a news channel or the viewer for that matter anyone. There is so much sensationalism and hyperbole involved in the news genre these days, and hence as a channel we would like to bring to the viewers what lies beneath and make them see the unseen,” asserts Dillip.

    News channels are today deriving campaigns based on social issues, which has become a trend of sorts. When queried if NewsX was also following the same trend, Dilip asserts, “If you really see, the theme of the campaign is used never before. If you take any news channel, they keep bombarding about best journalism, best stories, best facts, best coverage, unbiased, innovative, impactful, inclusiveness etc. But our theme is ‘See Beyond’, which does not actually communicate about our journalists or the news, or the importance of the brand. More importantly, it is not in the social space. We have done six creatives, based on politics, human rights, sports and religion, which are basically the issues that we are covering and battling on a daily basis,” she concludes.

  • NewsX launches new brand campaign titled ‘See Beyond’

    NewsX launches new brand campaign titled ‘See Beyond’

    MUMBAI: In order to differentiate itself in the news channels’ space, NewsX has repositioned itself to bridge the differences between the augmented reality and ground reality of every story. The channel has launched a new brand campaign titled ‘See Beyond’ to this effect.

     

    The campaign looks to take the channel’s brand values to the next level and seek to promote its philosophy at large. With the theme ‘See Beyond’, the campaign will be a continuation of ‘News. Not Noise’, which is the defining value of the English News channel. 

     

    Speaking on the launch of the campaign, iTV Network managing director Kartikeya Sharma said that the channel is evolving and the group is overwhelmed with its success in a short span of time.

     

    According to Sharma the campaign is a conscious effort to emphasise on facts, not opinions. The campaign will be devoid of hysteria and sensationalism. “This brand campaign will help the brand stand out as a catalyst of fair and unmolded news broadcaster,” he adds.

     

    iTV Network group CMO Savvy Dilip said she was delighted to introduce the novel brand campaign as it continued with their legacy of delivering quality news. She stated that this brand campaign will be promoted through a 360 degree campaign across platforms comprising on-air, print, outdoor, digital and social media along with interactive viewers engagement activities. 

     

    “We are also optimistic about adding considerable value to all our stakeholders through this brand repositioning,” concluded Savvy.

  • News Channels continue their innovations for World Cup

    News Channels continue their innovations for World Cup

    MUMBAI: When India and Pakistan face each other on the Cricket ground, it’s bigger than just a game. With emotions running high in two neighboring sides of the border for the World Cup face-off between India & Pakistan, NewsX and India News will join hands with PTV Sports and DIN News of Pakistan to present ‘War of the Worlds-Indo-Pak Clash’ and ‘India Mange Cup’ respectively, that will bring to the viewers extensive coverage around the Indo-Pak matches in the World Cup 2015.

     

    Continuing with its objective of delivering quality content, iTV Network brings exclusive shows under this association. The channels will telecast multiple joint shows where panellists from both nations will discuss and analyze the teams, their performances and the likely outcome of the matches. The shows will also take a closer look at the history of the World Cup matches played between India and Pakistan. The channels together will conduct build-up shows on 13 and 14 February before the nations’ first face-off in World cup on 15 February. The special show will also analyse the impact index of the teams and the players by using Wisden Wizard Impact Index by Wisden India.

     

    The array of special programming on the channels will include:

     

    NewsX:

     

    ·         On 13 & 14 February, Preview show before the epic battle between India Pakistan which will reminisce India’s unbeaten record against Pakistan in World Cup matches. The show will also compare both the teams using the Wisden Wizard Impact.

     

    ·         On 15 February @ 7.30am, a half an hour pre-match show that will analyse the likely outcome of the match and a post-match review show to dissect the match from every aspect.

     

    The guest panel will include many big names from India and Pakistan Cricket and Journalism fraternity like Anshuman Gaiekwad, Ayaz Memon, Vinod Kambli, Mohsin Khan, Sarfraz Nawaz, Jonty Rhodes etc.

     

    India News:

     

    ·         On 14 February: A preview show (7pm-10pm) along with debates between the players of respective teams.

     

    ·         On 15 February:  Pre-match special (at 8am) and post-match special, culminating into a mega show at 8pm in the evening that will review the match from all aspects.

     

    The guest panel on the channel will include dignitaries and legendary names from India & Pakistan, such as  Vinod Kambli, Nayan Mongia, Ritender Sodhi, Rajkumar Sharma (Coach, Virat Kohli) & Salim Malik (DIN News).

     

    In addition to these, the channel will also telecast a special show if India & Pakistan fight each other in the knockouts and a mega preview show before the Grand Finale.

     

    Speaking on this partnership, NewsX editor-in-chief Rahul Shivshankar said, “India & Pakistan matches have always creating a huge stir in both of our nations. Catching up with this rising excitement around the world cup face-off between the nations, we are glad to partner with PTV Sports, Pakistan and bring to the viewers a unique line-up of programming never seen before in World Cup. I am confident that this association will enhance our World Cup coverage and will bring the best to our viewers.”

     

    India News editor-in-chief Deepak Chaurasia added, “India-Pakistan cricket matches are like a treat for the cricket lovers of two nations. While all other channels will be busy highlighting reactions from India, we at India News will make one step further by getting coverage direct from the other side of the border. Association with DIN News will certainly add an edge to our programming.”

  • iTV Network joins hands with Wisden India for ICC World Cup 2015

    iTV Network joins hands with Wisden India for ICC World Cup 2015

    MUMBAI: iTV Network joins hands with Wisden India for the World Cup 2015. This unique association will enrich the World Cup programming content of the iTV channels and make the World cup stories stand out from the rest. Coupled with robust analysis and technology enabled tools ‘War of The Worlds’ on NewsX and ‘India Mange Worldcup’ on India News is all set to decode the ICC World cup and redefine the cricket viewing experience for the viewers.

     

    To create a buzz around this partnership, NewsX and India News in association with Wisden India also ran a 10-day long online contest called ‘Man vs Machine’. Every day, a question was asked around the World Cup matches held in the past.

     

    The channels have also roped in the richest panel of guests with former players and coaches like Vinod Kambli, Nayen Mongia, Anshuman Gaikwad, Ayaz Memon, Rajkumar Sharma, Dinesh Lad, Deepak Sharma, Madan Sharma, Sanjay Rastogi, Shrawan Kumar and Reetinder Singh Sodhi.

     

    Speaking on this partnership, Rahul Shivshankar, Editor-in-Chief, NewsX said, “We are glad to associate with Wisden India for the World Cup 2015 coverage. This partnership is set to leverage our programming and further add to the legacy of our unmatched programming. As we line up the most comprehensive World Cup coverage on our channel I am hopeful that NewsX will be a one-stop destination for the cricket lovers.”

     

    Deepak Chaurasia, Editor-in-chief, India News said, “Big event like World Cup calls for a grand coverage. At India News, we are all geared up to get the viewers the best. We will ensure our coverage on the World Cup 2015 will be an absolute treat for the cricket enthusiasts. Wisden India with its vast expertise will definitely add value and precision to our programming and give the viewers a rare insight to the game.”

  • Dilip Venkatraman joins iTV Network

    Dilip Venkatraman joins iTV Network

    MUMBAI: iTV Network has announced yet another appointment in the leadership team by getting onboard Dilip Venkatraman as its group chief operating officer, strategy and business development.

     

    As part of his new mandate he will be responsible for planning strategic solutions and business development for the network. He will be reporting to iTV Network managing director Kartikeya Sharma.

     

    Welcoming Venkatraman on board, Sharma said, “I am delighted to welcome Dilip on board as the new group COO. His strong track record of delivering growth and understanding of the industry, brands and advertisers will be a great asset for us as he joins us at this juncture of aggressive growth.”

     

    On joining the  network, Venkatraman said, “iTV Network is now at a very exciting point in its journey where it is all set to emerge as theIndia’s most profitable and largest TV News Network. I am looking forward to drive the growth momentum and add significant contribution to strengthen the network through innovative and effective strategic solutions.”

     

    Prior to this, Venkatraman was the CEO of CNN-IBN and IBN7, owned by the Network18 group. With over 23 years of profound corporate experience, including three years in USA he held many key positions at the India Today Group and the Zee Network. A Graduate in Public Administration, he also did his management programme from IIM Bangalore, and the Advanced Management Program from the Harvard Business School, Boston. 

  • Arun Aggarwal joins ITV Network, as group CFO

    Arun Aggarwal joins ITV Network, as group CFO

    MUMBAI: Continuing its growth plans, ITV Network, has got on board Arun Aggrawal as the group CFO. This is Aggarwal’s second stint with the Network, after a brief stint overseas for the launch of a 24×7 English news channel. Prior to his overseas assignment, he was holding the same portfolio at ITV Network, for almost two years and was actively involved during the takeover of ‘NewsX’.

     

    As part of his mandate, he will be overseeing all aspects of financial operations for the network.

     

    A Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary and Graduate in Law, Aggrawal comes with professional experience spanning over 25 years with 15 years of exhaustive experience in the media sector. He was also associated with Zee Network for nearly 10 years holding various positions including CFO, senior vice president and vice president. At Zee he was responsible for the crucial functions of credit control, finance and commercial.

     

    ITV Network managing director Kartikeya Sharma said, “The decades of experience that Arun brings with him is invaluable for ITV Network.  We are positive that Arun’s strong financial leadership in the media and entertainment sector, and his skills and relationships will surely help the network reach the next level.”

     

    On re-joining the network, Aggarwal said, “It gives me immense pleasure to be back with ITV Network. I am looking forward to an enriching experience again and I am confident to contribute to the growth of the network.”

  • ITV Network appoints Manoj Jagyasi as business head, regional channels

    ITV Network appoints Manoj Jagyasi as business head, regional channels

    MUMBAI: It seems that ITV Network is on a hiring spree. It has got on-board Manoj Jagyasi in the business leadership team. He has joined in as business head, regional channels.

     

    As part of his new role, he will be responsible for the sales activities including sales strategy, planning, ad sales operations and revenue generation for the regional channels of India News. He will be reporting to NewsX CEO and ITV Network CRO Sanjay Dua.

     

    Dua believes that Jagyasi has got vast industry knowledge. His ‘go-getter’ approach and strong relationship with clients and agencies will ensure boost in sales revenues.

     

    ITV Network managing director Kartikeya Sharma said, “With Manoj’s expertise and stronghold in managing markets like Delhi, Mumbai, Gujarat and MPCG, I believe he makes the ideal person to drive our sales activities for our regional channels. I am confident that his association with our group is definitely going to bring great value to our leadership.”

     

    On his appointment Jagyasi stated, “I am delighted to be a part of ITV network and look forward to the new challenges. The group is doing exceptionally good and has all the potential to be a market leader. I take this opportunity to fasten the growth momentum and raise the bar even further.”

     

    He carries more than 13 years of experience in business development and sales across industries; television, radio, internet and FMCG. In his earlier association with TV18 Broadcast, he worked as an AVP, where he was the revenue head, India and prior to this, he was the sales head, ETV News Network- MPCG and Gujarat. In the past, he was also associated with organisations like India Today (Red FM 93.5) and Hindustan Unilever Ltd. A Bachelor in Commerce, he also holds Post Graduate Diploma in Management from Nirma Institute of Management.

     

  • RK Arora joins News Nation as CEO

    RK Arora joins News Nation as CEO

    MUMBAI: In a major industry move, RK Arora, who is credited with building brands in the news broadcasting space, has been roped in as chief executive officer (CEO) of News Nation Network. He has a standout track record, result-oriented approach and has a deep understanding of the news ecosystem.

    He will report to the Board. Arora has an experience of 24 years and brings with him industry expertise and formidable credentials.

    In his new role, Arora will spearhead overall responsibility of strategic and operational management of News Nation Network and will oversee the Group’s portfolio of assets spanning news broadcasting.

    Arora was, until recently, a Group CEO of ITV Network and managed group’s six news channels –NewsX, India News and four regional news channels in the Hindi heartland and was instrumental in the company’s transformation and its unprecedented growth within a short span of two years. Prior to ITV Network, he was the CEO with BAG Network (News 24, E24 and Darshan 24). He was also associated with India TV since its inception.

    News Nation Network chairman Abhay Oswal said, “Arora’s illustrious track record make him an ideal choice to lead News Nation Network. He brings a unique combination of astute business acumen and in-depth industry knowledge. Arora has the vision, tenacity and integrity to ensure that News Nation Network will quickly become the success we expect it to be and we are committed to support him to strengthen the company’s leadership in the news genre.”

    On his appointment, Arora said, “I am delighted to be joining News Nation Network as chief executive officer as it moves into the next exciting phase of growth and development. I’ve watched News Nation Network’s impressive strides on both the programming front and in building a unique content network that is clearly unmatched in the marketplace. The company is in a perfect position to dramatically expand in the market and I’m thrilled to take on the role and be a part of the success of News Nation Network.”