ITV

Tag: Kartikeya Sharma

  • 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.

  • ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ Season 01 now on connected TVs

    ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ Season 01 now on connected TVs

    Mumbai: The highly acclaimed and awarded Season 01 of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ now makes its world premiere on connected TVs. This rendezvous of legends or legends in the making is set to enthrall audiences with cerebral exchanges of ideas, theories, and experiences that would challenge conventional wisdom.

    After redefining the talk show genre through intellectually stimulating exchanges between the host, TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das and his eclectic array of guests – ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ is now available on Connected TVs on News9 Live every night at 10 pm starting 22 September, through 29 September.

    Speaking about the world premiere TV9 editor News9 MediaVerse – English cluster Rakesh Khar said, “Duologue with Barun Das is the perfect blend of an eclectic discussion worthy of prime-time showcase, as well as an OTT series that stands the test of time. With the first season now premiering on Connected TVs, the synergy between News9 Live and News9 Plus truly comes to light. And that’s the convergence model at play at News9 Mediaverse.”

    News9 Live deputy managing editor Kartikeya Sharma said, “Duologue is not a typical TV interview, it is a stimulating piece of conversation, which is like a breath of fresh air in a cluttered audio-visual world. The series encompasses distinguished achievers from all walks of life, who have left an indelible mark in their respective fields.”

    Along with an updated play out of the News9 Plus season of Duologue, the connected TV and app convergence would truly happen on 29 September with a simulcast of the final episode of Duologue with Barun Das Season 01, featuring celebrated cardiac surgeon and founder of Narayana Health Dr Devi Shetty. This season finale is timed for release on World Heart Day – where the duo discuss the opportunity India has in creating a disruptive health insurance ecosystem that can cater to social security needs for the whole nation.

    “Barun has an easy-going and yet razor-sharp conversational style. He got me to open up on subjects I’ve been quiet about, and I’m glad we ‘duologued’ like I haven’t before,” shared Republic Media Network editor-in-chief and chairman Arnab Goswami about his experience being a guest on Duologue.

    Industry veteran and The Linus Adventures founder & chief evangelist Sunil Lulla said that the show is “Tantalising and intriguing. Duologue opens new voices and new perspectives.”

    News9 Live, which airs Season 01 on connected TVs, can be accessed across the connected TV ecosystem, including live streaming platforms such as Fire TV, Patchwall, Cloud TV, and TCL, as well as aggregator platforms like Distro TV and YuppTV.

    Catch one episode every night at 10 pm:

    22 September: David Cameron, Former Prime Minister of UK
    23 September:  Vijay Deverakonda, Actor
    24 September:  Arnab Goswami, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, Republic Media Network
    25 September:  Subhash Chandra, Chairman Emeritus, ZEEL
    26 September:  Mithali Raj, Former Cricket Captain, India
    27 September:  Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, Spiritual Guru
    28 September:  Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy and Author & Philanthropist Sudha Murty
    29 September:  Devi Shetty, Chairman & Executive Director, Narayana Health 

  • iTV Network launches new show ‘Mukhya Mantri Manch’

    iTV Network launches new show ‘Mukhya Mantri Manch’

    Mumbai: iTV Network has announced a series called “Mukhya Mantri Manch” which will air on its channels India News and NewsX. The show will showcase interactive interviews with chief ministers from across India over the next 20 days, daily.

    “The interviews will give an opportunity for people from the state to ask questions to their chief ministers on camera and through social media,” said the statement. “The chief ministers will also offer guidance to young people, especially students powered by First In Class.”

    The first episode will feature Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant and will go live on 6 May starting at 6 p.m. The programme will also be streamed live on major OTT platforms including Dailyhunt, Zee5, ShemarooMe, JioTV, Watcho, MX Player, Mzaalo, Tata Play, Public TV and Paytm live streams.

    “Building on our legacy of innovative and engaging programming, iTV network will continue to host such impactful programmes keeping viewers at the core of its strategy,” said iTV Network founder Kartikeya Sharma. “It’ll be a pleasure to host chief ministers from across the country to participate in some of the most compelling discussions on our network.”

    The second episode with Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Bhagel will air on Saturday on India News and NewsX at 7 p.m.

  • iTV network launches news broadcast media institute

    iTV network launches news broadcast media institute

    Mumbai: iTV network has announced the launch of ITV Media Institute (ITVMI) in New Delhi.

    The institute offers media aspirants the opportunity to register for a one-year full time diploma course in television and digital journalism. This will give entry-level journalists the professional and technical expertise to work across media platforms. The course will impart knowledge of various aspects of television and digital journalism viz. script and content writing, reporting, PTC, walk-through, anchoring, voice-over, video-editing, graphic designing, camera, lighting, news production, working of PCR and MCR, mobile journalism, live streaming and nitty-gritty of digital media like news writing for news portals and social media.

    The media aspirants may also choose from a variety of short-term certificate courses (four months) at the institute in reporting, anchoring, video-editing, script and creative writing.

    “The programmes will give students access to national network and professional resources laying a strong foundation for a future in media,” said the statement. “The courses will help students learn all aspects of journalism including editorial and technical. And, they get an opportunity to work in a news channel to put theory into practice.”

    “There’s immense competition out there and as a credible media network, it’s our responsibility to not get lost in the confusion and deliver news with clarity and integrity,” said iTV Network founder Kartikeya Sharma. “We take pride to warm-heartedly welcome media aspirants to the best academic institute in Delhi.”

    “With the new concept: ‘Newsroom as classroom’ assisted with highly experienced and professional faculty, the courses at ITVMI will not teach students from books, but from real scenes as the action unfolds,” he further said.

    The institute offers features such as an interactive teaching approach, emphasis on practical training, well-equipped infrastructure with state-of-art studios, live to track, student friendly focused learning environment, covid protection in total capacity, training under well-equipped newsroom with high-end cameras, editing machines, graphic machines, live broadcast graphics like Vizrt and Wasp-3d, online editing, 3D animation on Maya software et al, guaranteed placement based on performance assessment of students and access to live production and outdoor shoots with an expert production team, said the statement.

     

  • Mukund Setlur named as iTV advisor – sales, strategy & revenue

    Mukund Setlur named as iTV advisor – sales, strategy & revenue

    Mumbai: iTV Network has named Ad Rustle Media Services LLP founder Mukund Setlur as its advisor – sales, strategy, and revenue. He will report to the network’s board. 

    In this new role, Mukund will be responsible for strengthening the revenue for the entire network. He will also be responsible for incubating new ideas, delivering breakthrough solutions at iTV network and executing sales strategies aimed at driving growth, said the statement.

    “We are excited to welcome Mukund who comes with a demonstrated history of spearheading and scaling business growth,” said iTV Network founder Kartikeya Sharma. “We believe that the market is evolving rapidly, throwing up unique opportunities. He deeply understands iTV network’s vision and will bring in an outside-in view of trends from his experience and expertise. Backed by his extensive sales expertise, we are excited to work with him to strengthen our brand’s market position and create new growth streams in the future.”

    Mukund is a seasoned professional, with expertise in handling revenue, collections and new business development with the ability to manage large teams as well as to handle multiple functions and activities.

    His career spans over two decades with stints in leading media houses and agencies including Network 18, NDTV, TV Today, Sun network, Rediffusion DY&R, Purnima Advertising and McCann Erickson Ltd.

    “It’s really exciting to join iTV network as the network is all set to come back with renewed vigour and improved content,” said Mukund Setlur. “I’m sure that there will be a lot of excitement in the days to come. With the enhanced mandate, I look forward to building and enhancing the company’s monetisation roadmap.”

  • iTV Network appoints R K Arora as director – strategy and planning

    iTV Network appoints R K Arora as director – strategy and planning

    Noida: In an announcement made on Friday by iTV Network, R K Arora joins as director – strategy and planning. Arora has a wealth of leadership experience of around two-and-a-half decades in the news broadcasting, spanning the entire spectrum from strategic vision and planning to execution. He has a standout track record, result-oriented approach and has a deep understanding of news ecosystem.

    Arora was, until recently, the executive director and CEO of Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL). He has previously held various senior executive positions with various media houses of repute viz. News Nation, India News, News 24 and India TV.

    Arora is a Chartered Accountant by profession and has formidable experience in Finance, Distribution, overall operations and formulating strategies for the organization. In his new role at iTV network, he will focus on creating streamlined operating models between cross-functional teams, orchestrating a rhythm of the business system of focus and accountability, and driving efficiencies in go to market activities by streamlining processes and automating work.

    He will report to the network's board.

    Arora is an iTV alumnus, and elaborating on the vision that he aims to follow in his new role at iTV Network, he said, “It is a nice moment to come back to iTV network. With so much change and disruption unfolding in the news industry, this is an opportune time to work with increased focus on growth and innovation, and I am excited to channel my experience and insights from towards overall strategic development and growth of iTV network.”

    Speaking on Arora’s new role with iTV Network, Kartikeya Sharma, Founder and Promoter of iTV Network, said, “His extensive experience across news industry brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on how technology is disrupting and transforming the industry. As iTV network continues to grow in 2019, Arora’s unique insights and expertise will help guide the vision and drive forward our ambitious global growth plans.”

  • iTV Network gives additional charge to Varun Kohli, strengthens senior management team

    iTV Network gives additional charge to Varun Kohli, strengthens senior management team

    MUMBAI: iTV Network on Friday announced strengthening its senior management team with CEO Varun Kohli being handed additional responsibility for print companies.

    Kohli is currently handling India News, NewsX, digital assets and is providing strategic direction, leading teams and strengthening revenues for the organisations. With a professional experience spanning over 25 years, he is a seasoned sales specialist and is credited with creating sustainable business development and management strategies that have increased top and bottom lines and enhanced efficiency in organisations.

    In addition to his existing role, he will be handling The Sunday Guardian and Aaj Samaj, fastest growing and most selling daily newspaper in north India.

    In this endeavor, he will be supported by Rakesh Gopal, National Sales Head – Regional Channels. Gopal is a seasoned media professional with rich experience in media sales. He is presently consolidating the company’s regional channels and now he will be supporting Mr. Kohli in the sales function of the print companies for the efficient growth of the network.   

    Speaking on the new roles and responsibilities, Kartikeya Sharma, Founder and Promoter of iTV Network, said, “We are excited to have Mr. Varun Kohli and Mr. Rakesh Gopal holding their additional responsibilities, each brings extensive and highly relevant industry experience to the table. We are looking forward to leveraging their knowledge and leadership in this expanded role.”

    Kohli on his new role said “it is an opportunity than a challenge and I look forward to achieve growth oriented results. Our print assets, The Sunday Guardian and Aaj Samaj delivers credible, innovative and informative content for our readers.”

    Prior to joining iTV network, Varun was the head of sales for IBN7. His distinguished career includes leadership stints at Amar Ujala, Bennett, Coleman & Company Ltd., Deccan Chronicle, Dainik Bhaskar, Hindustan times and Indian express.

    Varun is a management graduate from SIMS, Ghaziabad and post graduate from YMCA besides being a certified coach from Results Coaching Systems.

  • Budweiser’s digital film ‘We Are All Kings’ celebrates diversity through the lens of Holi

    Budweiser’s digital film ‘We Are All Kings’ celebrates diversity through the lens of Holi

    MUMBAI: Budweiser, true to its brand purpose, has launched a digital film showcasing the colourful festival of Holi as the ultimate celebration of inclusion and positivity that transcends cultures and boundaries. The feature effectively displays the brand’s overarching sentiment of bolstering individuals to be themselves.

    Set in an urban Indian locale, the video depicts an energetic Holi celebration where a group of people are seen happily clad in colour while smearing each other’s faces. A sudden downpour of rain slowly unmasks their faces, which reveals to everyone’s surprise that the people celebrating are not the usual suspects, but are diverse individuals who have come together to celebrate the festival. This diversity transcends nationality, religion, caste, and gender, yet people are seen to be visibly comfortable and jolly in each other’s presence, while reveling in the inclusive vibe of Holi.   

    Talking about this campaign, AB InBev vice president marketing – south Asia Kartikeya Sharma said, “At Budweiser, we have been constantly striving to inspire people to own their lives and be freedom energisers, not only for themselves but also for others. Holi is a global gathering that disregards stereotypical notions, and supersedes prejudice with a feeling of absolute togetherness. With this film, we aim to debunk the divide and unite people through the shades of the festival.”

  • Budweiser Experiences x VH1 Supersonic back for another edition of music fiesta

    Budweiser Experiences x VH1 Supersonic back for another edition of music fiesta

    MUMBAI: VH1 Supersonic presented by Budweiser Experiences will witness the latter’s very own stage-Budxawakening-for the first time ever. Music enthusiasts will be in for stellar performances headlined by techno maestro – Paul Ritch, with subsequent high-energy acts by Bart Skills, Layton Giordani, Ash Roy, Tuhin Mehta, Browncoat, Sequel, BLOT!, KOHRA, Arjun Vagale, Colin Benders and Gaiser. For an unmatched festival experience, select guests will also get exclusive access to the Budweiser Viewing Stage – providing for a panoramic view of the musical madness.  

    In addition, there will be an exclusive Budweiser Brew District with tons of engaging experiences for people to feel more energised and integrated into the festival vibe. Barber shops, tattoo parlours, immersive photobooths and a chance to purchase merchandise from Budweiser’s limited edition Street wear collection.

    As a precursor to the festival, Budweiser will be rolling out special packs, allowing one and all to live and feel the VH1 Supersonic vibe, irrespective of where they are. The pack consists of a special scratch card with a unique code, which on being sent to the registered number, leads to an array of assured rewards. Few lucky winners will also get a chance to win passes to the main festival, uniting the Budweiser tribe for a one of its kind experience.

    Commenting on the association, AB InBev vice president marketing – South Asia Kartikeya Sharma said, “Over the years, music has evolved to be a passion point that is vehemently shaping culture in India. Identifying the same, at Budweiser, we have ensured that we resonate and bond with our brew lovers through this very point – enabling them to live and witness world class music experiences. With VH1 Supersonic, we have ventured to enthral fans with an all-encompassing Budweiser escapade – bringing them fresher and newer avenues to enjoy their music. We are excited to grow this partnership with immersive experiences such as the BUDXAWAKENING stage and the Budweiser Brew District. This year especially, our patrons are in for a treat with the VH1 special pack rollout, an activation we expect to be spreading the energy of the festival – to all enthusiasts beyond just the festivalgoers.”

    The special packs will be available in stores near you, while the music aficionados can grab their festival passes on BookMyShow.com

  • Budweiser Experiences launches first ever streetwear collection in India

    Budweiser Experiences launches first ever streetwear collection in India

    MUMBAI: Budweiser Experiences has unveiled its first-ever street-wear collection ‘BUDXSTREET’- in collaboration with five leading culture shapers in the country, namely VegNonVeg, Huemn, NorBlackNorWhite, Hanif Kureshi and Boxout.FM-in India.

    The collection is a dive into Budweiser’s archives and iconic styles of the past, giving the pieces a modern-day yet vintage feel. It focuses on exposing a new generation of consumers to the brand’s legacy through a contemporary fashion lens, while also catering to vintage collectors and lovers.

    AB InBev vice president marketing – South Asia Kartikeya Sharma said, “We are thrilled to launch BUDXSTREET in India, which is our platform to engage the rising street culture community in India. The synergies in the ideals and beliefs of the brand and that of the collaborators have enabled the curation of a collection that is not only exclusive but also inspirational and distinct. We are also very glad to see the enthusiastic response from the collaborators and community to this platform, and have a strong ambition for this in the future.”

    The collection will be exclusively available on www.budfactory.in, while the official launch event commemorating the release is slated for 19 January at One Style Mile, New Delhi.