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Tag: News18.com

  • Network18 reports strong Q1 growth of Rs 3141 crores

    Network18 reports strong Q1 growth of Rs 3141 crores

    Mumbai: Network18 Media and Investments Ltd reported consolidated operational revenue of Rs 3,141 crore for the quarter ending 30 June, fueled by impressive performances in the sports and news segments. The company’s digital portfolio also expanded in both reach and engagement.

    Network18 stated that its subsidiary Viacom18 has continued to invest in the sports and news sectors to drive future growth. The company noted that even though these segments are still in the development phase, they have rapidly achieved a strong brand presence and consumer recognition.

    TV News portfolio delivered 30 per cent advertising growth during the quarter. The network leveraged its leadership positions across key markets and election-linked advertising tailwinds to deliver industry-leading ad growth. EBITDA for the quarter saw a turnaround as revenue grew 14 per cent while costs were flat. The TV news network posted EBITDA of Rs 40 crore in Q1FY25, a 46 per cent increase (YoY).

    JioCinema achieved record digital IPL viewership during the quarter. IPL 2024 reached 620 million viewers, marking a 38 percent increase from the previous year. “Engagement also saw a significant rise, with audiences spending a total of more than 350 billion minutes watching the most popular annual sports event, over 50 percent higher than last season,” the company reported.

    Meanwhile, Network18 group’s digital brands solidified their leadership positions over the quarter, experiencing a substantial rise in monthly unique visitors. “With approximately 250 million unique visitors, Network18 narrowed the reach gap with the leader to about 10 percent, down from over 50 percent in March 2023,” the statement revealed.

    Network18’s digital news business recorded a 34 per cent growth in Q1FY25, with total revenue reaching Rs 109 crore compared to Rs 81 crore in the same quarter of FY24.

    The digital news portfolio of Network18 experienced a significant increase in monthly unique visitors. With 250 million unique visitors, Network18 narrowed the reach gap with the leader to just 10 per cent, down from over 50 per cent in March 2023.

    Moneycontrol maintained its position as the top player in both reach and engagement metrics, driven by comprehensive coverage of economic and market-related topics. Key engagement metrics such as monthly page views, time spent, and sessions were 20 per cent-70 per cent higher than those of the nearest competitor.

    Moneycontrol Pro surpassed 8.1 lakh paid subscribers, solidifying its status as the leading subscription-based news platform in India and one of the top three in Asia, according to FIPP’s Digital Subscription Report.

    News18.com established itself as the leading platform for non-English language consumers in India during the last quarter. The platform’s reach expanded significantly due to editorial and product initiatives, resulting in a 50 per cent  increase in monthly average unique visitors quarter-on-quarter and a 100% year-on-year growth in on-platform video views. News18’s mobile app saw an increase in MAUs, and the News18 Connected TV app was launched for platforms like Android, Samsung Tizen, and Firestick.

    Firstpost’s coverage of international events from an Indian perspective continued to drive reach and engagement throughout the quarter. The platform saw a 67 per cent increase in monthly active users and page views following the launch of its revamped website. On counting day, the website’s traffic doubled compared to normal days, with time spent increasing fourfold. Firstpost’s growth on YouTube also continued, with the subscriber count surpassing the five million mark.

  • The No.1 attitude leaves no room for complacency: Network18 MD and Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi

    The No.1 attitude leaves no room for complacency: Network18 MD and Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi

    Mumbai: Network18 group’s portfolio of channels have recently dominated the Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) ratings. In lieu of their achievements, the group’s managing director and editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi on Friday addressed the company’s 4500 employees in a heartfelt letter of congratulations.

    The network’s news brand News18 India is the latest to join the bandwagon of the group’s leading channels in their respective genres. News18 India has garnered the highest share of ratings in the Hindi-speaking market (HSM) 15+ for three consecutive weeks and had 13.6 per cent share as of Week 31 (30 July to 5 August).

    Joshi stated, “News18 India trounced Aaj Tak from its perch two weeks ago and widened its lead in the following week stamping its leadership authority. We’ve been in the top three for a long time, often beating Aaj Tak in the metros, but this time the lead is across time bands, age groups, socio-economic classes and what have you.”

    He further continued, “Hats off to Team News18 India for this comprehensive win over Aaj Tak and others, such as India TV, and also those trailing a distance away, like Zee and ABP. We’re more convinced about our leadership since it comes on the back of both rising reach and time spent, which means the engagement with the brand is high and the leadership here to stay.”

    Network18’s English general news brand CNN-News18 garnered 30 per cent share of the ratings among English news channels, 15 weeks ago. This is 60 per cent higher than its closest competitor Times now, the flagship channel of Times Network.

    Joshi called English business news channel CNBC-TV18 as the group’s ‘crown jewel’ which opened with a market share of 80 per cent in the English business news genre when Barc first published ratings after a 17-month hiatus. The channel’s share in prime-time market hours was even greater at 90 per cent.

    Network18’s digital news brand Moneycontrol has over half a million paid subscribers, over 55 million monthly unique users and 7.5 million app installs, revealed Joshi in the letter. This makes it the 14th biggest news brand globally in terms of paid subscribers. News18.com is fewer than six years old and has nearly 125 million monthly visitors who consume stories and videos in nearly every major Indian language. It is also the only digital brand to report live from 125 districts in the country, according to Joshi.

    “The idea behind this note is not to brag about our achievements. Or, truth be told, not just that! I write this note with all humility to thank you for your contribution and ownership in taking our brands to leadership positions. What’s more heartening is that this time the turnaround has been driven by the young and restless at Network18,” said Joshi.

    “I hope in the months and years ahead, you will make this giant media colossus dance to digital and social tunes. As we pivot the organisation into India’s largest multi-platform company with a digital DNA, I’m sure the young, restless, next-rung leadership will take charge and forge ahead.”

    “The senior leadership team and I will continue to guide in the future, not so much as captain but as coach; not as hands-on leader but friend, philosopher, mentor. That alone will make your company a breeding ground for young talent, many of whom have taken our brands to leadership positions in the past few years.”

    “The problem with being No. 1 is that there’s only one way to go—further up. The No. 1 attitude leaves no room for complacency; in fact, it instills a large dose of paranoia and restlessness to stay ahead. Always at the top,” he concludes.

  • Sudipto Nandy to head product- General News of News18.com

    Sudipto Nandy to head product- General News of News18.com

    MUMBAI: News18, one of India's leading television broadcast networks, has seen a meteoric rise across languages in users and revenue over the last 12 months. To further drive efficiencies across News18 digital properties and to help foster a leadership position across all languages, Sudipto Nandy has now been elevated to product head – general news, News18.com.

    Holding the position of Product Function for News18 languages earlier,  Nandy, in his new role, will be driving forward the mandate to grow the News18 cluster which includes English, Languages and App Products. His primary task will be to further propel the current working model in a manner that leverages synergies across English & Language products to drive audience growth and usage. His current designation will see him continue to report to Mitul Sangani, COO – News18 languages.

    News18.com COO – News18 languages Mitul Sangani said, “Sudipto, over the years, with his impeccable leadership skills, has produced stellar initiatives that continue to see News18 languages grow from strength to strength. His knowledge of the current market will see us cater to diverse audiences in a more-improved manner by laying further impetus to our unique content and innovation. His creativity and resourcefulness are a valuable asset to the team and we look forward to the ideas and strategies that he shall implement.”

    News18.com product head-general news Sudipto Nandy commented, “I am excited to undertake the new responsibility with Network18. It has been a great journey till now. Our efforts have led to News18 languages, with over 91 million unique visitors across web platforms, lead over its competition for the fourth time in a row amongst multi-vernacular information sites. This further inspires the team to deliver unique content and initiate campaigns that connect with our audiences and readers. I look forward to taking charge of my new role and work with an amazing team further taking Network18 to greater heights.”

  • Network18 announces senior elevations in News18.com

    Network18 announces senior elevations in News18.com

    MUMBAI: The general news vertical has been one of the strongest parts of the Network18 portfolio over the past year. In its best efforts to leverage the opportunities the scale affords, Network18 has announced key elevations in the leadership team of News18.com, its breaking news platform. Azim Lalani has now been elevated to COO – Brand Solutions & Convergence whereas, Mitul Sangani will take up the role of COO- General News as a part of the new working model. The step has been taken keeping in mind rapid audience growth and alignment with market dynamics in order to fully capitalize on emerging revenue models in Digital.

    Azim Lalani, who was earlier holding the position of Business Head – English News Cluster, will now take up the role of COO – Brand Solutions & Convergence. “Azim is a creative and resourceful business leader, who has amply demonstrated the potential of Firstpost Studio as an independent business in a very competitive market over the past couple of years”, commented Network18 Digital  President Puneet Singhvi. In addition to running Firstpost, Tech2 & Brand Solutions, Azim will be responsible for P&L, audience growth, product and marketing for these businesses under his new role.

    On the other hand, Mitul Sangani, former Business Head-News18 Indian Languages, will now be running operations as the COO- General News. “Mitul has taken on the challenge of growing Network18’s languages business from its infancy last year to making it the largest in the country in a very short span of time. Despite monetisation challenges for languages internet publishers in India, Mitul has very effectively taken a next-to-negligible revenue stream and made it into a robust and growing one”, added Puneet. In his enhanced role, Mitul will lead the P&L, monetization, audience growth (along with the editorial team), product and marketing for the general news business comprising of News18 English, News18 Languages and all verticals therein.

    On the development, Lalani said, “It has been an amazing journey to work with a highly-motivated team which is constantly working towards delivering unique campaigns and content which stand out and have emerged to be game changers in the industry. Network18 has successfully created many digital firsts and I look forward to leading this amazing team to create many more milestones while giving immense value to both stakeholders and consumers.”

    Sangani said, “It is my second stint with Network18 and it has been a great experience working with such a platform which has been catering to diverse audiences through its unique content. With content in 12 languages, News18 has indeed established itself as the top news destination for audiences across the length and breadth of the country. I look forward to taking up the charge of my new role propel the business to new heights.”

    Both Azim Lalani and Mitul Sangani shall continue to report to Puneet Singhvi.

  • News18.com marks 7.49 million visits during elections

    News18.com marks 7.49 million visits during elections

    MUMBAI: News18.com, country’s premier multi-lingual digital news platform, cemented its leadership claim by repeating the performance of 23rd May 2019 Lok Sabha election results coverage. It led the coverage of 2019 Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly Election results day on 24 October 2019 with 7.49 million visits, according to Similarweb.

    With unmatched speed and accuracy in Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly Election results, News18.com aced the coverage beating top news portals like ndtv.com, timesofindia.com and Indiatoday.in (source: Similarweb worldwide; All Traffic; Oct 24,2019). Ndtv.com received 6.77 million visits followed by timesofindia.com at 4.7 million.  Similarweb is an online competitive intelligence tool that provides traffic and marketing insights for websites and is considered an international benchmark in measuring digital traffic.

    “We did it again – News18.com is India's default election destination” says Network 18  President – Digital and Corporate Strategy Puneet Singhvi. He added,”News18.com Digital’s election results coverage, powered by hundreds of on-ground journalists and supported by cutting-edge product, design and technology, covered the breadth and depth of the elections like none other. Our integrated newsroom set-up alongside our News18 TV news network gives us the local coverage reach critical for growth in vernacular space and an authority that makes us an automatic choice for following news across the spectrum.”

    News18.com, a website that is little over three years old, has made rapid strides since its launch in April 2016 to climb up the rankings, racing ahead of almost all Indian digital news brands. It is a part of Network18 Digital, the digital arm of Network18, India’s most diversified media conglomerate with interests in television, Internet, films, e-commerce, magazines, mobile content and allied businesses.

  • News18.com announces its annual marquee Tech and Auto Awards 2018; Voting Open for Audience

    News18.com announces its annual marquee Tech and Auto Awards 2018; Voting Open for Audience

    MUMBAI: News18.com, one of India’s top breaking news websites today announces the highly-anticipated second edition of its renowned property, The Tech and Auto Awards 2018. Following in the success of the premier edition of the first-of-its-kind awards show in the country, the property this year takes the mantle forward in celebration of two of the most sought-after sectors in India.  The unique awards property aims to celebrate and recognize those ‘technology’ and ‘automotive’ products and innovations that have raised the bar high and paved the way for the future of these sectors. With a total of 14 categories, the winners under each will be selected on the basis of jury and audience votes.  Slated to take place in New Delhi on December 17, 2018, the evening will witness the celebration and felicitation of the innovators, the path-breakers and high-achievers of their respective industries.

    Through its annual awards, News18.com intends to bring the best of ‘technology’ and ‘automobile’ industry under one roof. The eminent jury for the tech awards consists of Prasanto Kumar Roy, President, Nasscom; Ashish Bhatia, Editorial Consultant And Industry Veteran; Nimish Dubey, Tech Journalist and Industry Veteran; Nishant Padhiar Editor – Stuff and What Hi-Fi and Nishant Verma, Photographer.

    On the other hand, the auto awards jury comprises members such as Ranojoy Mukerji, Ex-SIAM Dy Director, Auto Journalist; Jatin Ahuja, Founder & MD, Big Boy Toyz Ltd; Tutu Dhawan, Industry Veteran and Dr. Maral Yazarloo-Pattrick Record Holder Biker, Businesswoman.

    Talking about the awards, Subhajit Sengupta, Editor – Technology, Auto and special projects, News18.com said, “The Tech and Auto Awards is back for the second consecutive year and it brings something of value to every tech, auto and gadget aficionado out there. The award salutes the innovation that has made technology & mobility inseparable from each other. The property is a platform to inform and educate the audience about the gold standards of the industry. This time we have broadened the horizon to salute those who have used Technology for the betterment of the society.  We are glad to host the avant-garde of both the sectors on one platform and share their insights with the consumers.”

  • Sumukhi Suresh and Girliyapa create their mark at News18.com’s ireel awards 2018

    Sumukhi Suresh and Girliyapa create their mark at News18.com’s ireel awards 2018

    MUMBAI: Popular for writing and performing sketches and viral videos, stand-up comedienne Sumukhi Suresh bagged the Best Actress (Comedy) award at the New18.com iReel Awards 2018 for her role in Amazon’s  ‘Pushpavalli.’ It was a double delight for Sumukhi, the creator of the show, as Pushpavilli also claimed the Best Comedy award later in the evening. Best Writing (Comedy), on the other hand, was bestowed upon the new-age platform Girliyapa for their renowned show ‘Mr and Mrs.’

    As for Pushpavalli, the show was created by Sumukhi herself, who also played the titular role of a lady who is a stalker, in this dark comedy.  In the series, Pushpavalli, moves from Bengaluru to Bhopal to chase Nikhil, a man she met at an event. Sumukhi steals the show with not only her performance but also her strong writing.

    Accepting the award for Pushpavalli at the event, an elated Sumukhi said, “I’d like to thank News18 and iReel for this award. I’d like to make a small note here regarding the misconception that shows are going to be made by one person alone. It takes an entire team. I’d like to thank everyone involved with Pushpavalli, my writers and directors. I know it’s kind of a Public Service Announcement, but if you’re a woman and are looking to make a show, then just go ahead and make it. You’re going to make mistakes but it’s going to end up being an amazing experience.”

    Coming to the popular series Mr. and Mrs., it features Nidhi Bisht as Madhu and Biswapati Sarkar as Sanjay, as a married couple. The show is filled with bags of wit and humour. The story comes out in full flow through some very good writing by Preksha Khanna and Pradyot Mokashi. This light-hearted show has earned a lot of fans and has built anticipation for another season, reflecting the demand for series that feature well-written content.

    Present at the event, Preksha and Pradyot walked up the stage to claim the award. Commenting on the win, Pradyot said, “I’d like to give my heartfelt thanks to Biswapati Sarkar. Whatever writing I know is because of him. I’d also like to a give big thanks to TVF.”

    Applauding the winners were esteemed attendees such as  Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane, Nikhil Advani, Hansal Mehta, Harsh Chhaya, Surveen Chawla, Kubra Sait, Rajshree Deshpande, Ameesha Patel, Tanushree Dutta, Tisca Chopra, Rasika Duggal, Vikas Gupta, Karan Wahi and Ronit Roy, who graced the event with their presence.
    iReel Awards 2018 is the 2nd edition of the content awards by News18.com that celebrates, honours and recognizes the brightest talent in the Indian web series space. 

  • News18.com Announces iReel Awards 2018 – The One of Its Kind Web Series Awards in India

    News18.com Announces iReel Awards 2018 – The One of Its Kind Web Series Awards in India

    MUMBAI: News18.com, one of India’s leading breaking news websites with over 100 million unique visitors announces iReel Awards 2018, web series specific awards in India. It will be held on 6th September 2018 at JW Marriott, Juhu in Mumbai. After the successful and much appreciated REEL Movie Awards in March 2018, News18.com is all set to forge a path in the web-series awards sphere with iReel Awards for Indian Web Series 2018. The awards are aimed to celebrate the collective revolution started by the creators of web series as well as recognize outstanding contributions made by individuals in this space. 

    The solicitously conceptualized awards will be determined with a mix of jury panel as well as online voting. The jury panel will be moderated by renowned film critic Rajeev Masand. Online voting which will have a weightage of 20% in the final results will be hosted on News18.com/i-reel-awards2018.

    The award nominations include some exceptional work put forth by major players like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, ALTBalaji, Zee5, Voot, YouTube and the rest. These include ‘Sacred Games’, ‘TVF Inmates’, ‘Bose Dead or Alive’, ‘Lakhon Mein Ek’ and other names that are wildly popular across the country and beyond.

    Sharing his thoughts on the announcement, Manish Maheshwari, CEO, Network18 Digital said, “We live in interesting times – in a short duration web series have become one of the preferred sources of mainstream entertainment. It is only fitting to initiate an awards show that would solely focus on web series. Not only it gives appreciation where due but it also connects well with our young and millennial audience, who also happen to be consumers of these web series. Our drive to consistently provide relatable yet distinctive content is what has led us to achieve the milestone of 100 million unique visitors in under 2 years of our commencement. With iReel Awards, we’re looking forward to celebrating a revolution called web series”

    Commenting on the announcement, Rajeev Masand, Film Critic/Jury Moderator said, “It is an honour to be a part of News18.com’s iReel Awards 2018. It is a unique concept for an awards show; and it will recognize web series content ranging from comedy to biographical series to captivating thrillers and much more. I look forward to being a part of the event and discuss the vast possibilities that web series content can address and explore.”

    Co-powered by Madame the iReel Awards have Xoxoday as the Associate Partner. Radio City is on-board as Radio Partner, UFO Digital Cinema is the Multiplex Partner and Jio Digital Life is the Digital Partner respectively.

  • Network18 strengthens digital arm with two top level appointments

    Network18 strengthens digital arm with two top level appointments

    MUMBAI: News18 Network’s digital arm, News18.com, has strengthened its top-level management by appointing Mitul Sangani and Amit Vichare to expand the horizons of its digital reach in Indic/regional languages. 

    Sangani has joined Network18 digital as business head- News18 langauges and Vichare has joined the network as national sales head for News18 languages. According to the numbers provided by the broadcaster, News18.com, recently crossed the milestone of over 100 million unique visitors in May 2018.

    Sangani was previously working with Dailyhunt, where he was responsible for setting up the overall business function. He can be credited to have led Dailyhunt to becoming one of the top revenue drivers in non-English space. He has done his post-graduation in commerce with a major in marketing. He will be directly reporting to Manish Maheshwari.

    Commenting on his appointment, Sangani said, “I am excited to join Network18. I believe that going forward the user growth in digital will be driven by non-English content. News18.com which is one of the top news platforms with presence across 15 Indian languages, is well positioned to ride the next wave of growth. I look forward to work with the team, to establish News18 as the most preferred source for news on digital medium in all 15 Indian languages.”

    Prior to Network18, Vichare was the head of sales at Bhaskar Digital. Amit has also worked with other successful brands such as Mid-Day, Red FM and Rediff. He holds a post-graduate degree in Marketing & Advertising from Rizvi Management Institute. He will report to Sangani.

    Commenting on the new appointments, Network18 digital CEO Manish Maheshwari said, “News18.com has grown from strength to strength with a record rise in readership, unique visitors and engagement. One of the strong pillars of this property is that it has reporting teams in almost every district of India. This unparalleled reach helps us in bringing news, as it happens, in 10 languages including English and Hindi. It is estimated that 75 per cent of the new internet users will be from rural India and 75 per cent of these will consume content in local languages. With the appointment of Mitul and Amit, we are gearing up to tap these upcoming opportunities in Indic languages.”

  • News18.com Brings Ashish Naik OnBoard As The National Sales Head

    News18.com Brings Ashish Naik OnBoard As The National Sales Head

    National, 23 April, 2018: News18.com, India’s leading digital news platform, expands its top management with the addition of Ashish Naik as National Sales Head. He comes with over 17 years of experience in media sales and has formerly worked with organizations such as Tata Infomedia, BCCL, Business Standard and NDTV Media Ltd. Prior to joining News18.com, Ashish has been a part of Times Internet Ltd, where he served in the capacity of Regional Manager West, and was eventually promoted to National Sales Head. 

    A Science graduate from Mumbai University, he has done his post graduation in Marketing Management from MET Mumbai. In his current role at News18.com, Ashish aims to bring onboard a maximum number of advertising partners and consolidate the network’s position as a leader in the space. 

    News18.com has recorded 50 million monthly users, which is an (outstanding) increase of 249% in comparison to last year. The growth numbers recorded by the platform stand testimony to the network’s lazer-sharp focus on delivering extensive and quality political news coverage supplemented by new-age technology and consistent updates to the platform. In only two years, the platform has also touched another milestone – that of 30 million monthly users on mobile, a significant 170% increase in comparison to last year. The platform also (transcended/surpassed) its own high benchmark, with the Budget Day witnessing a record total of 5.2 million users, in a single day, on the platform.            

    Speaking about the platform’s growth and expansion, Rajiv Singh, Business Head News18.com and CricketNext said, “Last year has been great for News18.com with the platform touching new milestones and setting higher benchmarks in terms of audience engagement and reach. Now, after Gujarat and HP elections we are looking forward to Karnataka elections. And now, with Ashish as the new addition to the team, we are looking at taking things a step ahead and bringing in more and more engaging and captivating formats for our consumers.”

    Commenting on the occasion Ashish Naik – News18.com’s National Sales Head said, “I am certainly excited to begin a new chapter in my career with News18.com. With the digital boom still in its nascent stages in the country, it is certainly a great time to be a part of the sector. In my new role at the company, I intend to promote innovative 360 degree properties, which tend to result in higher audience reach and engagement. At the same time, I also intend to adopt a more consultative approach in grasping the requirements and needs of the clients, since a property is a complete success when it appeals to all the stakeholder involved including the consumers.”

    About NEWS18.com

    NEWS18.com (formerly known as ibnlive.com) is the digital destination of CNN News18 (formerly known as CNN IBN) with hard news as its core offering and interactivity as its key component. Along with a bevy of mobile- and multimedia-enabled content, News18.com is a multi-platform offering that, for the first time, provides viewers/users an opportunity to contribute to the news process and interact with editors and reporters. Manned 24×7, NEWS18.com is powered not just by NEWS18 journalists but also by Network18’s team of over 1,000 news professionals. NEWS18.com is also recognized for its one-of-the-kind offerings such as CricketNext, Compare India, and Indiwo amongst others.

    About Network18 Digital
     
    Network18 Digital (N18D) is the digital arm of Network18, one of India’s most diversified media conglomerates with interests in television, Internet, films, e-commerce, magazines, mobile content and allied businesses. N18D is among the largest multi-platform destinations for objective breaking news, opinions, financial data and infotainment for the evolved digital news consumer. Network18 Digital houses assets such as moneycontrol.com, firstpost.com, news18.com etc., and is constantly seeding new ideas to be the dominant force in the digital space. It caters to all sections of society, especially to the digital savvy consumer, the millennials and Generation Z users who access and consume content on the go.