Tag: news channel

ET NOW celebrates the indomitable spirit of Indian entrepreneurship at the 6th annual ‘Leaders of Tomorrow Awards’ 2017

MUMBAI: ET NOW, India’s leading English Business News channel, hosted the 6th edition of the ‘LEADERS OF TOMORROW’ (LOT) awards. India’s most coveted awards for MSMEs, ‘LEADERS OF TOMORROW’ (LOT) awards recognises and celebrates MSMEs who are shaping the future of Indian economy.

‘LEADERS OF TOMORROW’ awards 2018 was presided by Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas; Minister, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India as the Chief Guest. Pioneers from various industries including Mr. RC Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki India, Mr. R Chandrasekar, President, NASSCOM and Mr. V Vaidyanathan, Founder & Executive Chairman, Capital First felicitated the winners of coveted ‘LEADERS OF TOMORROW’ awards across ten categories.

Delivering the keynote address at ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ Awards, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas; Minister, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India, Dharmendra Pradhan, said, “A lot of economic activities in India are based on emerging entrepreneurial models. But the challenge in the Indian scenario is that we do not have any formal financial leakage accountability. We should assess our requirements and know our strengths. We have to create a technologically driven world. I congratulate ET Now for this great initiative and I’m sure that the thinking group will jot down a new pathway for new aspirations and youngsters of this country.”

Commenting on this occasion, Times Network, MD & CEO, MK Anand said, “It takes determination and passion to bring alive an idea and no one knows this better than entrepreneurs. Through the LEADERS OF TOMORROW awards, we celebrate and salute the indominable spirit of MSME leaders, who have not only led their organizations to the pinnacles of success, but also are a source of inspiration to others. We firmly believe that India’s most coveted awards for MSMEs, will inspire new stories of entrepreneurial success.”

The glittering awards night saw a large number of high profile dignitaries like Gopal Krishna Agarwal, Member- MSME Task Force, Ministry of Finance & National Spokesperson- Economic Affairs, BJP, Gaurav Kapoor, Senior Head – Industry Partnership, CSR, Media and Advocacy at National Skills Development Corporation, Sunita Singh, Senior Director, National Entrepreneurship Network, Archana Garodia Gupta, Chair- MSME Committee, FICCI, Chandrakant Salunkhe, Founder & President, SME Chamber of India, Hiru Bijlani, Managing Director, Leadership Management

International, India, Vineet Nayar, Former CEO, HCL Tech & Founder, Chairman, Sampark Foundation, to name a few.

In association with ET NOW, the LOT Awards has had five successful editions and organised the 6th edition on March 8th, which received 1000 nominations from across the country. In this season of ‘LEADERS OF TOMORROW’, the winners of the most inspiring MSMEs were shortlisted after a country-wide selection process, where their extraordinary contribution to the sector has been appropriately acknowledged. This year, the Presenting Partner Capital First, Associate Partner LMI, Supported by MSME department and Knowledge Partner SME Chamber of India ensured complete process compliance and veracity of the data received from nominee MSMEs.

Catch the Indian entrepreneurs’ undying spirit on the most definitive MSME platform which will as 2 part Awards special on ET NOW – India’s leading English Business News channel on March 21st and 22nd.

March 14, 2018
ZEEL increases regional reach, launches ZEE Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand news channel

MUMBAI: The ZEE Media group today launched the ZEE Uttar Pradesh Uttarakhand television news channel at a grand ceremony at Taj Vivanta, Lucknow, where Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was the chief guest. Uttarkhand Chief Minister Trivendra Rawat, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, Rajya Sabha MP, Subhash Chandra, Deputy Chief Ministers of UP Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma, former UP chief minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rajya Sabha MPs Amar Singh and Vivek Tankha were also present as special invitees.

Speaking on the occasion, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “ZEE Media Group has highlighted key national issues from time to time”. He hoped that, “the new channel will provide correct and unbiased news to 25 crore people of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.”

Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Chandra spoke to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on many important topics and advised him to have a discussion with the Muslim community and take them into confidence.

Mr Trivendra Singh Rawat congratulated Zee Media Group for launching the new channel, and also presented the roadmap his government has prepared for the development of Uttarakhand. Baba Ramdev joined the programme from Haridwar. Highlighting the good work being done by PM Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Baba Ramdev said the county will soon witness ‘achche din’.

December 21, 2017
Times Network to launch 3 new channels; announces apps for 3 existing channels

MUMBAI: The Times Network is all set to launch two news channels and one non-news channel. The network will unveil the three channels in the financial year 2016-17. Expanding its footprint in the digital space, the network will also launch apps for three of its channels namely Zoom, ET Now and Times Now. The apps will roll out in four month’s time starting with the launch of Zoom app.

“We are working extensively on the three app licenses for now. After that we will be able to give a better idea about the channels and when we will them for our viewers,” says Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand.

When asked if the network is experimenting with a new genre, Anand refused to comment.The network is also in talks to launch a digital platform once digitisation settles down in India.

March 31, 2016
Times Network to launch 3 new channels; announces apps for 3 existing channels

MUMBAI: The Times Network is all set to launch two news channels and one non-news channel. The network will unveil the three channels in the financial year 2016-17. Expanding its footprint in the digital space, the network will also launch apps for three of its channels namely Zoom, ET Now and Times Now. The apps will roll out in four month’s time starting with the launch of Zoom app.

“We are working extensively on the three app licenses for now. After that we will be able to give a better idea about the channels and when we will them for our viewers,” says Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand.

When asked if the network is experimenting with a new genre, Anand refused to comment.The network is also in talks to launch a digital platform once digitisation settles down in India.

March 31, 2016
Nikhil Wagle to helm new Marathi news channel Maharashtra One

MUMBAI: The Marathi news industry is soon going to see a new addition with the launch of a 24×7 news channel called Maharashtra One. The national news channel operating in Marathi is speculated to launch within the next two months.

Veteran journalist renowned for his brave and flawless journalism Nikhil Wagle has been roped in as the editor-in-chief of the channel.

Speaking exclusively to Indiantelevision.com Wagle says, “I will join the channel on 1st September, and then eventually we will form a team which will have both young and experienced minds. My role will be to make sure that we are presenting quality, credible and timely content to our consumers.”

Sources in the industry inform that there have been a series of resignations in IBN Lokmat recently. It is speculated that many of them are slated to join Maharashtra One. Eminent journalists from ABP Majha and Zee 24 Taas are also said to be linked with the new channel.

“There are many senior journalists who have shown interest and will join the team but it’s too early to take names. There are a few who I have worked with before in past organisations who will be joining the team,” asserts Wagle.

The channel will also have a bureau office in Delhi as well as in other parts of the country informs Wagle.

August 11, 2015
ZMCL to launch English news channel for global audience

MUMBAI: Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) is looking at expanding its portfolio of news channels. The network is prepping itself for an English news channel now, albeit for the global audience.

“I have been harbouring this thought of starting a global news network in English for the global audience but with an India point of view,” said Essel Group chairman Dr Subhash Chandra.

The network is currently working on the channel. “We will announce the launch soon, it could be any week or any month,” added Chandra.

The channel could be launched with or without a partner, informed Chandra adding that the channel will first launch in India and then have a global presence. “We will start with our nation and then go global,” he said.

August 7, 2015
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.

February 27, 2015
“I don’t see a revenue stream from digital for 2-3 years”: Kartikeya Sharma

MUMBAI: At the Seventh Indian News Television Summit, ITV Network managing director Kartikeya Sharma took the stage to speak about the success of his network and the future plans. Hailing from a political family, Sharma was adamant that he did not want to get into politics.

It was while he was studying in London that he got attracted to the media industry. “When I was studying, the only way of being in touch with home was television with the first channel that came on Sky. That drew me into the space,” he said while speaking to indiantelevison.com founder, CEO and editor in chief Anil Wanvari. He added that what affected him was the rise of primetime during 2004-05 and the way India was reacting to the world while it was fresh off the boat.

On being asked about the difference in running his hospitality business vis a vis media business, he said that the two cannot be compared. “News is definitely a tough business and there isn’t any particular revenue model that works well. You have to improvise. Circumstances are also important. So at what point a channel is being launched and the policies at that time is crucial,” he said.

Speaking about the growth of his Hindi News channel, India News, Sharma said that the initial projected benchmark was 6-7 per cent market space but it actually went to 11 per cent within a span of six to eight months. “We don’t fight for filling ad slots on the channel anymore,” he said.

The growth of the ITV Network has been a combination of both internal accruals and external debt. It will be going after a few more acquisitions and product launches in the regional space in the coming months. “By 2016 we want to be the largest and most profitable news network in the country,” he added.

Responding to Wanvari’s question about whether syndication of news was an alternative means of revenue for sustaining the business, Sharma said that surely that will bring in a new source of revenue. “There is enough content floating around with 400 channels but the true value of syndication is debatable and I don’t think you can look at it vis-?-vis subscription or ad sales,” he said.

While digital is touted as the ‘next big thing’, according to Sharma it is still too early to predict its fate. “In foreign countries, people aren’t able to monetise the digital platform as expected. There has been very little work done in research and development. I am not very optimistic about a revenue stream coming out of digital for the next two-three years,” he said adding that there is a need to look at digital as a synergy between evolution of content and technology.

According to him, evolution of digital does not mean the old world will end. “I am a big fan of digital myself but we are being bullish when we talk of this medium. It is a matter of fact that it is the future but the timing is important. We have made huge errors of calculating that in the past and we are doing the same again,” he said.

Talking about his tenure as Association of Regional TV Broadcasters (ARTB) president, Sharma said that the main aim was to help regional broadcasters since he realised that they needed a voice. “I managed to get 40 per cent of revenue for broadcasters from the government,” he stated.

For the industry to progress, Sharma said that unity was necessary but collective decision doesn’t last long. “DD Freedish has pushed up its rates from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 5 crore in five years because of GECs wanting to get onto it. We all decided that we won’t go on the platform but then some of us ended up breaking that decision,” he shared with the audience.

While the news space was cluttered, he believes that there is space and chance to be a number one in news.

October 30, 2014
Election Commission issues strict guidelines to media for poll coverage

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission, which recently announced polls for the Maharashtra and Haryana assemblies, said today that news broadcasters must not air any final, formal and definite results until such results are formally announced by the returning officer. The results must have been carried with a clear disclaimer that they are unofficial or incomplete or partial results or projections which should not be taken as final results.

The Commission, which issued detailed guidelines relating to the polls said these should be duly observed by all the concerned media.

It reiterated that the TV/radio channels and cable networks should ensure that the contents of the programme telecast/broadcast/displayed by them during the period of 48 hours referred to in Section 126 of the Representative of People’s Act 1951 do not contain any material, including views/appeals by panelists/participants that may be construed as promoting/prejudicing the prospect of any particular party or candidate(s) or influencing/affecting the result of the election. This shall, among other things include display of results of any opinion poll and of standard debates, analysis, visuals and sound-bytes

It said: “During the period not covered by Section 126 or Section 126A, concerned TV/Radio/Cable/FM channels are free to approach the state/district/local authorities for necessary permission for conducting any broadcast related events which must also conform to the provisions of the model code of conduct and the programme code laid down by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the Cable Network (Regulation) Act with regard to decency, maintenance of communal harmony, etc. They are also required to stay within the provisions of Commission’s guidelines dated 27 August 2012 regarding paid news and related matters. Concerned Chief Electoral Officer/District Election Officer will take into account all relevant aspects including the law and order situation while extending such permission.”

During the elections, there are sometimes allegations of violation of the provisions of Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act 1951 by TV channels in the telecast of their panel discussions/debates and other news and current affairs programmes.

The Commission has clarified in the past that the Section 126 prohibits displaying any election matter by means, inter alia, of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in a constituency. ‘Election matter’ has been defined in that Section as any matter intended or calculated to influence or affect the result of

an election. Violation of the aforesaid provisions of Section 126 is punishable with imprisonment up to a period of two years, or with fine or both.

Attention is also invited to Section 126A of the Act, which prohibits conduct of exit poll and dissemination of their results during the period mentioned therein, that is, from the hour fixed for commencement of polls and half hour after the time fixed for close of poll.

The Commission has drawn attention to the guidelines relating to coverage of elections issued separately for the print media by the Press Council of India and by the News Broadcasters Standards Authority.

Among others, attention has been drawn to the Guideline that the Press should refrain from publishing false or critical statements in regard to the personal character and conduct of any candidate or in relation to the candidature or withdrawal of any candidate or his candidature, to prejudice the prospects of that candidate in the elections. The Press shall not publish unverified allegations against any candidate/party.

News broadcasters must endeavour to avoid all forms of rumour, baseless speculation and disinformation, particularly when these concern specific political parties or candidates. Any candidate/political party, which has been defamed or is a victim of misrepresentation, misinformation or other similar injury by broadcast of information should be afforded prompt correction, and where appropriate granted an opportunity of reply.

News broadcasters are required to scrupulously maintain a distinction between news and paid content. All paid content should be clearly marked as ‘Paid Advertisement’ or ‘Paid Content’ and paid content must be carried in compliance with the ‘norms and guidelines on paid news’ dated 24 November 2011.

The Election Commission will monitor the broadcasts made by news broadcasters from the time elections are announced until the conclusion and announcement of election results. Any violation by member broadcasters reported to the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) by the Election Commission will be dealt with by the NBSA under its regulations.

September 18, 2014
Reporting news the ‘Prudent’ way!

MUMBAI: Think Goa and what comes to mind is idyllic surroundings but never the frenzied pace of a news channel. However, the reality is that there are not one but five news channels in the tiny state whose area measures just 3,702 km.

Of the five, only one manages to call the shots i.e. Prudent Media, which is based out of Panjim and owned by powerful business conglomerate, Fomento. Having started operations in 2007, the news channel has already made it to being the market leader, according to media planners.

Prudent Media has an experienced editor in Pramod Acharya, who has been with the group for five years. In his 11 years of journalism, Acharya has worked with India’s premier news channel CNN-IBN, prior to which he was with local dailies Sunaparant and Rastramath. Other anchors include Suyash Gavnekar and Priyanka Prabhu Chodnekar who host news bulletins in English and Konkani.

The channel has a 60-strong team including 10 journalists based outside Goa who are stringers. Many of the journalists double as video journalists. Six news bulletins are telecast every day and the channel uses Panasonic 102 and PD 170 cameras to capture news imagery for the same. Some of Prudent Media’s signature shows are Head On and The Debate. In Head On, the host takes on the guest, usually a local politician, with some hard questions. The Debate, as suggested by the name, is in a debate format. Among other shows are Sattagraha, Gajali, Hello Career, Simply Sport, Lokshay Hai Hai, Just Imagine and Counter Point.

Through a barter system with CNN IBN, Prudent Media gets footage of national and international issues from the former in return for local news feeds. Currently, the channel is available on two multi system operators (MSOs) – Future Digital Infotainment and Indusind Media and Communications Limited as well as eight to 10 smaller cable operators. The state has an interesting phenomenon of duopoly system, where viewers subscribe to both DTH and local cable operators. In the beach belt where tourism flourishes, hoteliers mostly subscribe to DTH.

While Goa has a population of 14-15 lakh, according to Prudent Media editor Pramod Acharya, the channel has a viewership of 7-9 lakh. “This is based on half yearly surveys our channel conducts,” he says. In terms of advertisers, both local and national brands are on-board the channel in a ratio of around 70:30, respectively. Among national brands, Amul is a recent entrant. According to highly placed industry sources, the ad rates for a 10 second slot could vary from anything between to Rs 300 to Rs 800.

In terms of digital presence, Prudent Media has an Android app which when launched on 15 August last year witnessed over 1,000 downloads in 48 hours. As of now, the channel’s Facebook page has 16,036 likes, while it has 2,303 followers on Twitter. The channel website offers live streaming of shows to audiences in India and abroad.

While Prudent Media in particular and the news industry in Goa in general are still far from their regional counterparts, once digitisation kicks in, this nascent industry may well start getting its due recognition.

June 2, 2014