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Tag: News9

  • Cyrus Broacha returns with Newscaustic, roasting the news on News9

    Cyrus Broacha returns with Newscaustic, roasting the news on News9

    MUMBAI: Breaking laughs, not just news. Cyrus Broacha, the original master of spoof and satire, is back to tickle the nation’s funny bone with Newscaustic: ‘Let’s roast with Cyrus Broacha on News9.’

    Premiered last Friday, the show promises a riot of irreverent humour as Cyrus skewers the week’s biggest headlines alongside the quirkiest tales from politics, entertainment, lifestyle and beyond. The format blends sharp commentary with his trademark comic timing, ensuring viewers get their news served sunny-side-up, with a generous sprinkle of wit.

    The buzz began at the ‘News9 Global Summit’ in Dubai this June, where Cyrus set the stage alight with his trademark banter and News9 officially unveiled the show. Speaking about the launch, Cyrus quipped, “Nobody knows if news is serious or not anymore, and it’s not my fault, that’s why I do Newscaustic. So please check it out on News9!”

    The first season airs every Friday at 11:00 pm on News9, with repeats across the weekend, and will also be available on connected, linear and OTT platforms. Adding to the fun, an on-ground edition of Newscaustic will be staged on October 4 at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir in Bandra, Mumbai, with tickets starting at Rs 499.

    “Cyrus Broacha brings with him a legacy of humour that connects across generations,” said TV9 Network, executive vice president & business head, Sanjeev Mulchandani. “With Newscaustic, we are making news more engaging, more relatable and more shareable.”

    TV9 Network, chief revenue officer, Amit Tripathi added, “Humour is a universal connector, and Cyrus is the perfect voice to make news fun without losing its edge.”

    So mark your Fridays, with Cyrus back at the mic, the headlines are guaranteed to sting less and sing more.

  • News9’s ‘Duologue NXT’ hands the mic to women ‘set for the big leap’

    News9’s ‘Duologue NXT’ hands the mic to women ‘set for the big leap’

    MUMBAI: Move over monologues, Duologue is back, and this time, it’s passing the spotlight to women ready to take the big leap. TV9 Network has launched ‘Duologue NXT’, presented by Radico Khaitan, as the newest chapter of its acclaimed ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ series, now in its fourth season.

    Hosted by TV9 Network, md & ceo, Barun Das, ‘Duologue NXT’ blends the intimacy of a podcast with the power of a movement. It puts future-forward women achievers centre stage, showcasing their grit, ambition, and next big goals. From enterprise and aviation to global cinema, fashion, and glamour, the line-up promises conversations that go beyond clichés and cut through the noise.

    “This is more than dialogue; it’s a movement championing women-led development,” said Das. “By amplifying their voices, we hope to inspire not only women but also men to break barriers and aim higher.”

    Radico Khaitan, continuing its three-year association with ‘Duologue’, echoed the sentiment. Coo Amar Sinha said, “True progress stems from inclusivity. Our partnership with Duologue NXT reflects our commitment to celebrating women achievers and fuelling India’s women-led growth story.”

    With its pledge to focus on substance over tokenism, the show explores the idea that “what got you here won’t get you there.” Each conversation is designed to inspire audiences across generations with strategies, stories, and success paths for the future.

    For ‘Duologue,’ which has already hosted luminaries like David Cameron, Oliver Kahn, NR Narayana Murthy, and Allu Arjun, this new season is a bold leap in itself, proof that the Sheconomy isn’t just a buzzword but a movement in motion.
     

  • News9 Plus launches ‘The Diplomat’

    News9 Plus launches ‘The Diplomat’

    New Delhi: News9 has announced the launch of its groundbreaking series, The Diplomat, in association with VFS Global as the presenting partner. This exclusive 12-part series is set to explore the intricate world of international diplomacy, offering viewers a unique window into India’s evolving global relationships, strategic trade ties, and its prominent role on the world stage.

    Each episode of The Diplomat will feature distinguished ambassadors and diplomats from key global players, engaging in candid discussions on pressing issues such as geopolitical strategies, trade partnerships, and cultural exchanges. The series will delve into how India is shaping and responding to the global diplomatic landscape, with insights on topics ranging from policy alignments to the softer aspects of diplomacy like sports and entertainment.

    Anchored by News9’s national security expert Aditya Raj Kaul, The Diplomat promises to be both informative and engaging. With its fresh perspective on serious global issues, presented in an approachable format, the series aims to resonate with younger audiences as well as policy enthusiasts. Viewers can expect a seamless blend of formal diplomatic discourse with lighter, more relatable themes such as cultural diplomacy and culinary experiences of diplomats living in India.

    Highlighting the strategic vision behind this initiative, TV9 Network chief growth officer Raktim Das said, “At News9, we are committed to redefining how news is consumed by the discerning English audience. The Diplomat is a unique offering that decodes the complexities of global diplomacy, making it accessible and relevant for today’s audiences. Through this series, we hope to engage viewers in thought-provoking conversations, showcasing India’s expanding role in shaping global narratives.”

    The Diplomat will debut on News9 OTT and will be streaming across major Connected TV platforms. With special visibility at key airports in Delhi and Mumbai, the series is set to engage high-profile travellers and global influencers, ensuring maximum reach among India’s most discerning audience.

    “Diplomacy is not just about foreign policies and trade agreements; it’s also about the cultural narratives and the human stories that define nations. With The Diplomat, we are bringing these stories to the forefront, giving our audience a 360-degree view of how diplomacy operates behind closed doors and how it impacts everyday lives,” said Aditya Raj Kaul,

    VFS Global COO, South Asia, Yummi Talwar said, “We are excited to collaborate with News9 on The Diplomat series, a significant initiative that will provide audiences with deep insights into cross-border relationships. Through candid conversations with ambassadors, we will explore each nation’s growing relationship with India, India’s rising influence globally, and the expanding opportunities in travel and trade. At VFS Global, our mission is to simplify cross-border mobility, and these discussions will contribute to fostering greater understanding between nations, promoting stronger ties and cooperation.”

  • TV9 promotes Sanjeev Mulchandani to News9 business head

    TV9 promotes Sanjeev Mulchandani to News9 business head

    MUMBAI: The Barun Das-headed Associated Broadcasting Co – the holding company of the TV9 group news channels – has promoted Sanjeev Mulchandani as executive vice-president – sales and business head of the English news channel cluster – News9. Prior to this Sanjeev was branch and revenue  head – west & east for the TV9 network.

    Sanjeev has been with the network for around five years in various positions. Before TV9, Sanjeev was the zonal head – sales (west & south) of Zee News for three years. He has had time with iTV network, Network18, Star India, Reliance Broadcast, Aidem (for NDTV),Hindustan Times, Hutchison Essar, and Hindustan Lever.

    As executive vice-president sales &  business head Sanjeev is in charge of driving revenue growth and building strategic partnerships for the TV9’s English cluster, News9, as well as continuing with his existing role of sales for linear TV. 
     

  • CDS General Anil Chauhan joins News9 to honour 25 years of Kargil victory

    CDS General Anil Chauhan joins News9 to honour 25 years of Kargil victory

    Mumbai: News9 celebrated the valour and sacrifice of the individuals and organisations that made India proud by thwarting the Pakistani army’s attempt to forcibly alter the line of control during the Kargil War in 1999.

    The buildup to the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War was marked by a solemn and dignified event at Le Meridien, New Delhi, on 18 July. The News9 and Salute Kargil Honours event was a significant part of the commemoration, honouring the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the 1999 Kargil conflict.

    The event was attended by war veterans, senior armed forces officials, families of Kargil heroes, industry bodies, and defence manufacturers. Panel discussions covered topics such as ‘1999 – How Kargil was Won?’, ‘Artillery – The Game Changer,’ and ‘The Future After Kargil.’

    Chief guest – chief of defence staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan delivered an inspiring speech, reflecting on the Kargil War’s importance in India’s military history. “War is a significant political-military event that can change the destiny of a nation. The memory of our soldiers’ sacrifices must become part of our national folklore, inspiring future generations. The Kargil conflict underscored the need for a robust and responsive defence strategy, and today’s event is a testament to our armed forces’ indomitable spirit,” said General Chauhan. The post of CDS, he said, was one of the recommendations of the government-appointed Kargil review committee.

    He acknowledged the contributions of war veterans and the families of the fallen heroes, emphasizing the importance of learning from past conflicts to prepare for future challenges. “The Kargil War highlighted the need for eternal vigilance and the significance of joint operations. We must maintain a high degree of operational preparedness to face future threats,” added CDS General Chauhan.

    TV9 Network MD and CEO Barun Das expressed the network’s commitment to honouring the nation’s heroes. “The Kargil War taught us invaluable lessons about peace, vigilance, and national unity. Today, as we celebrate the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, we at TV9 are proud to pay homage to the bravehearts and their families. The News9 Kargil Honours is our expression of gratitude and respect for their unwavering dedication,” said Das.

    Kalyani Group founder and chairman Baba Kalyani also addressed the gathering, expressing deep honour in participating in this momentous event. “Commemorating 25 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas and honouring the war veterans and their families is a tribute to the supreme sacrifices made for our nation. The summer of 1999 remains etched in our memories, as our nation faced a sudden attack on the northern front. Our soldiers’ bravery and our armed forces’ strength showcased India’s determination to defend our sovereignty,” Kalyani remarked.

    Kalyani highlighted the significant role played by the defence industry, stating, “The Kargil War left a major imprint on companies engaged in defence manufacturing in India. In response to the nation’s call, we transformed our capabilities to support the Indian Army. Today, we are proud to be at the forefront of designing and manufacturing world-class defence platforms, embodying the spirit of self-reliance and Make in India.”

    As India stands strong and united, the memories of the Kargil War remain a beacon of resilience and valour. The News9 Kargil Honours serve as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Indian armed forces and the nation’s commitment to honouring its heroes.

  • News9 launches ‘Indian Tigers & Tigresses’

    News9 launches ‘Indian Tigers & Tigresses’

    Mumbai: In a move to boost India’s football talent and provide a global pathway for young players, TV9 Network’s English news brand News9 has announced the launch of ‘Indian Tigers & Tigresses’ – the largest-ever football talent hunt aimed at boys and girls below 14 years of age.

    The occasion witnessed the participation of stalwarts of German football including German Football Association (DFB) head of international media Kay Dammholz, Peter Leible from Bundesliga, Gerhard Riedl, CEO of Riespo in Austria, Julia Farr of Borussia Dortmund in Asia, Anselm Küchle from the International Football Institute in Germany, Philip Klöckl, CEO of Strykerlabs in Austria, and Valentina Putz, also from Strykerlabs.

    The project aspires to identify, nurture, and showcase India’s top football talents under the age of 14, and has partnered with prestigious organizations like DFB (Deutscher Fußball-Bund), DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga (Bundesliga), City of Gmunden, BVB Borussia Dortmund, the International Football Institute in Germany and Austria’s Riespo.

    Commenting on this initiative, TV9 Network MD and CEO Barun Das said, “The News9 ‘Indian Tigers & Tigresses’ initiative is a matter of great pride for us, as it takes football in a whole new direction in India. We envision a future where Indian footballers are given opportunities to be in the global spotlight akin to any of the major footballing nations in the West. This is also one of the pillars that need to be leveraged in India’s ascendancy in the global head table. That starts by giving these players a level playing field, by making football a serious career option for these talented youngsters, and training them to be world-class players from a young age. This is not just about finding out what you are good at – it is about opening doors and lighting up thousands of dreams”.

    The talent hunt will run April through July and will be amplified across TV9 Network platforms reaching an approximate audience of over 220 crore viewers nationwide. Moreover, TV9 Digital, which has over 100 million unique users, will promote the initiative across all its multi-lingual platforms including its YouTube channels.

    “As we embark on this ground-breaking initiative, we stand at the crossroads of innovation and opportunity. Together, with our esteemed partners and the vibrant talent pool of India, we are poised to redefine the future of soccer,” said Bundesliga senior advisor Peter Leible.

    Registration for the talent hunt will begin shortly, with European football scouts set to evaluate the entries. Selected candidates will undergo scouting at various venues across India by the end of June.

    The journey continues with a Football Training Camp scheduled for July, where the most promising youngsters will hone their skills under expert guidance. The upcoming talent hunt is expected to receive an impressive two million applications from over 50,000 schools across India. From this large pool of candidates, a select few will be invited to participate in scouting sessions at various locations in India by the end of June.

    Subsequently, a rigorous selection process in July and August will culminate in the selection of 20 players and 20 standbys who will travel to Austria and Germany for international exposure, including participation in friendly matches.

    The culmination of this transformative initiative will be the felicitation of 40 winning boys and girls at Germany’s Supercup final on 17 August 2024. These budding football players—the Indian Tigers & Tigresses–will be honoured before an audience of 65,000 fervent fans from Europe and across the globe, marking a monumental milestone in their burgeoning careers.

    The News9 ‘Indian Tigers & Tigresses’ talent hunt program promises to be a ray of hope and opportunity for young football enthusiasts across the nation, charting a new era in Indian football and inspiring generations to come.

  • EazyDiner Foodie Awards joins News9 Plus for culinary honour

    EazyDiner Foodie Awards joins News9 Plus for culinary honour

    Mumbai: EazyDiner Foodie Awards and News9 Plus are delighted to unveil an exclusive collaboration slated for March 23rd at the Grand Hyatt. This milestone partnership marks a significant achievement for both organizations as they unite to honour excellence in the world of food and beverage.

    Recognised as the ‘Oscars of the food and beverage industry,’ the EazyDiner Foodie Awards have earned widespread acclaim for their commitment to celebrating innovation and excellence in gastronomy. With seven successful events hosted across three cities including Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru, these awards have become a beacon of recognition within the industry, revered by food enthusiasts, industry insiders, and social influencers alike.

    “We are delighted to collaborate with EazyDiner Foodie Awards, a platform that resonates with our fervour for celebrating excellence,” said Raktim Das, Chief Growth Officer, TV9 Network. “This collaboration marks a significant stride in offering our viewers an exclusive glimpse into the world of esteemed industry leaders, celebrity chefs, and visionary entrepreneurs,” added Das.

    Furthermore, this partnership introduces ‘Lounge Knights,’ an innovative platform curated by News9 Plus, aimed at cultivating engagement and the exploration of culinary brilliance.

    “EazyDiner Foodie Awards are the biggest restaurant awards voted by the people who dine at these amazing restaurants. Cheers to the creators of delicious experiences! Honouring the artisans of taste, the architects of ambience, and the maestros of culinary delight. Here’s to the hoteliers, restaurateurs, foodies, and the enchanting places they craft, where every bite is a symphony and every meal a masterpiece,” said EazyDiner & Postcard Hotel founder Kapil Chopra.

    EazyDiner co-founder & CEO Sachin Pabreja expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership during this year’s EazyDiner Foodie Awards 2024, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with News9 Plus to extend the reach of the EazyDiner Foodie Awards to a broader audience. Our mutual dedication to acknowledging and honouring excellence within the food and beverage industry underscores our commitment. We extend our best wishes to all the nominees and express our gratitude to EazyDiner foodies for their invaluable votes.”

    As News9 Plus and EazyDiner embark on this collaborative journey, both organisations envision a mutually beneficial relationship founded on the shared aspiration of creating an unforgettable experience that celebrates the vibrant culinary landscape and inspires future innovation.

  • News9 Plus creates iconic experiences at travel, wellness, weddings and MICE forum

    News9 Plus creates iconic experiences at travel, wellness, weddings and MICE forum

    Mumbai: As India reinforces its position as a bright spot in a world battling multiple crises, consumers too have found a new swagger. Their focus is evolving from conspicuous consumption towards a quest for more profound and experiential expressions of luxury.

    With luxury segment poised for glittering growth, News9 Plus, the news OTT from the house of TV9 Network, joined hands with Jyoti Mayal, president, TAAI and  Chander Mansharamani, MD of Alpcord Network Travel & Conferences Management Company, to create a platform where connoisseurs of luxury will converge.

    Visionary leaders representing travel, tourism, luxury, wellness, weddings, and conferences came together for an unparalleled and unforgettable experience at The iconic experiences Show on 16-17 October 2023, at Hyatt Regency in New Delhi.

    The event featured a series of Masterclasses, fireside chats, keynote presentations, and panel discussions, led by some of the most sought-after icons in their respective industries. “Sky’s the limit,” chimed veteran aviation leaders – Aditya Ghosh, co-founder of Akasa Air, and Kapil Kaul, CEO & director, CAPA Advisory. Mr. Nakul Anand, executive director, ITC Ltd, shared masterstrokes on sustainable luxury in an engaging Masterclass.

    Rupinder Brar, IT commissioner, Govt. of India; Dr. Jyotsna Suri, chairperson & managing director, Bharat Hotels Ltd; Varija Bajaj, fashion designer and Shobha Rudra from Rare India talked about women powering sustainability goals.

    Yoga & spiritual guru and diplomat Sadhvi Pragya, spiritual leader Sadhvi Praygya Bharti and Brajendra Nandan Das from ISKCON India ‘wowed’ the audience with their insights on ‘wellness’. Samit Garg, MD & co-founder, E-Factor Experiences Ltd.; Chetan Vohra, MD, line communications & wedding line; Vandana Mohan, founder, The Wedding Design Company; Dr. Sanjana Jon, social activist and fashion designer; and Asmita Chakraborty, Miss Tourism India 2021 were “Not so Knotty” in a panel discussion on weddings sector in India.

    The Luxperiencial event culminated on the 17 October with exclusive B2B meetings, power breakfast sessions with buyers, and networking opportunities during a captivating sundowner affair.

    On what prompted her to curate a platform to cater to the luxury segment, Mrs Mayal said: “After the pandemic, people wanted to explore travel beyond mundane itineraries. In revenge travel mode, they were seeking experiences. For this, travel agents have to think out-of-the-box ideas. However, this is easier said than done. That’s why we have come up with TIES, a platform which will provide travel agents an opportunity to interact with states, countries, attractions, DMCs directly and learn how they can add a luxurious element to their package.”

    Stating that India is ready to witness a transformative influence in travel, tourism, wellness, weddings and MICE sectors, TV9 Network  chief growth officer Raktim Das,said: “A pivotal shift is already happening, and in the years ahead, India will be one of the world’s foremost luxury markets.”

    Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, he added: “As World’s first news OTT, News9 Plus caters to a very niche segment of audience – people who want perspectives in the daily din of news, the upwardly mobile, knowledge worker, the experience seeking globe trotter. Tapping the same audience, we co-created this initiative and the content that was curated during is being amplified to a larger audience on News9 MediaVerse.”

    Some of the countries that participated in the exhibition are Sri Lanka, Saudi, Korea, Germany. In addition, there are multiple States and DMCs that have also confirmed participation.

    “I refuse to believe that the era of travel agents is over. It is the agents who need to up their game and TIES is a step in the direction to have them do so. This is exactly why we have not made it a closed-door event limited to only pre-booked meetings. In terms of buyers, we have invited golfers, wedding planners, HNIs, women influencers etc. and organised power breakfasts, Hi-Tea and created more such opportunities for the buyers and exhibitors to engage in quality interactions,” said Mrs. Mayal.

    Other eminent speakers at the event included Mukesh Kumar Meshram, principal secretary, tourism and culture department, UP Government; M D Sinha, principal secretary, Haryana tourism department; Gayatri Rathore, principal secretary, tourism; Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, principal secretary, tourism and cultural affairs, Govt. Of Punjab; Zubin Saxena, MD and senior area VP, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group; Meshaal M. Qureshi, trade markets director, Saudi Tourism Authority, and Mr. Hadigalage Chalaka Dev Gajabahu, chairman Sri Lanka tourism promotion bureau; Noel Swain, COO Evisa VAS & tourism services, VFS; Parveen Chander Kumar, EVP sales and marketing, Indian Hotels Company Ltd; Tarun Thakral, founder & managing trustee – Heritage Transport Museum; Ashish Gupta, founder: Strategy PLUTO & Consulting.

  • Dangerous trends in TV news broadcast

    Dangerous trends in TV news broadcast

    NEW DELHI: Talk shows, personality-driven news channels, outraged journalism and populist pressures tailoring news content. These are some of the dangerous trends visible in television news broadcasting across the globe.

    The TV news industry is, indeed, going through a tough phase as losses mount and ratings decide the revenue fortunes of channels, forcing content to become trivial, mediocre and commoditised to have mass appeal.

    Speaking at the 5th News Television Summit, TV Today Network news director QW Naqvi candidly admitted that content that should never have found space sometimes got carried on news channels due to commercial pressures.

    The taste of viewers has also changed. “We should stop looking from our own perspective. Content keeps changing and we have to keep changing,” said Naqvi.

    A bigger danger looms ahead when feedback from social media starts getting used by TV news journalists to decide on what kind of content they should be chasing. “We will fall prey to populistic pressures if we start covering stories the way our Twitter or other social media followers want us to,” Naqvi warned.

    Agreed IBN18 Network Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai. “I wouldn’t mind leaving space for entertainment and other kinds of news. But imagine what it will be like if we start yielding to populist pressure when we are dealing with serious and sensitive issues like India-Pakistan relationship,” he said.

    There is still, however, space for quality content. “Digitisation, hopefully, will allow space for premium content. In the current model, distribution cost is hurting us badly. Content is getting sacrificed in the process. There is very little of content differentiation,” said Sardesai.

    Commenting on content differentiation, NDTV Group Editor- English News, NDTV, NDTV 24×7 Barkha Dutt said the news channels will become more personality-oriented in future.

    Lamenting the deterioration in news, Dutt said she would probably have not joined the TV news medium if she had known how badly the standards would slip. She said that being the first generation of TV journalists, she didn’t join it for glamour.

    Sardesai admitted that journalists have stopped doing their homework. Quoting the example of the “Norway kids case” where every news channel blamed the government of that country, he said that no journalist cared to do the background check. He added that outrage is not journalism and suggested that journalists should keep a balance.

    On the use of social media, the panellists adopted a cautionary stance. While Dutt said that she sometimes used it as a lead, Naqvi pointed out that there is need to differentiate between news and non-news.

    The challenge will be to provide news through different platforms. Said Sardesai, “With social media, TV medium has to reinvent like print did. In about 12 months’ time, people will come to know the news headlines via social media. They will tend to come to TV for opinions.”

    CNN International chief of bureau South Asia Phillip Turner said that TV news is an exciting medium and is not going to be dead as predicted by many.

    Talking about the regional scenario, TV9 Kannada and News9 director Mahendra Mishra said in regional markets, especially in South India, there are many channels backed by politicians or people with deep pockets who have money to waste. “The main motive of the channels is to gain power and influence and not necessarily run a profitable business,” he averred.

  • Sudipto Chowdhuri joins as SVP — national sales for TV9 Kannada and News9

    Sudipto Chowdhuri joins as SVP — national sales for TV9 Kannada and News9

    BANGALORE:TV9 group has appointed Sudipto Chowdhuri as SVP — national sales and brand positioning for TV9 Kannada and News9.

    Chowdhuri will be reporting to the TV9 Kannada and News9 director Mahendra Mishra.

    In his two decades of experience, Chowdhuri has worked with brands such as Tata Yellow Pages, India Today, Zee Network, 9X and Star News.

    Chowdhuri‘s last assignment was with Star News network based in Mumbai. He has worked across all markets in the country and is equipped with knowledge of corporate and retail advertising in both TV and Print.

    Mishra says, “As TV9 Kannada and News9 continue to grow as South India‘s most powerful media brands, we will look to Sudipto to take these channels to even greater heights.”