ITV

Tag: NewsX

  • Polls apart: NDA leads as Bihar warms up to vote

    Polls apart: NDA leads as Bihar warms up to vote

    MUMBAI: It’s polling season in Bihar, and the numbers are already making noise. As the state gears up for its high-stakes election, India News and Newsx have joined hands to take the electorate’s temperature, and the results are sparking plenty of chatter.

    Their two-phase Bihar opinion poll, conducted in partnership with Ians–Matriz, offers an early snapshot of the political battlefield. The survey gives the NDA a clear lead with 49 per cent of the vote share, while the Mahagathbandhan trails at 36 per cent, and others stand at 15 per cent. Development has emerged as the top voter priority, leaving caste and religion in the rear-view mirror.

    The poll dug deep across Bihar’s heartland, from Patna and Muzaffarpur to Gaya, Purnia, and Bhagalpur, capturing both urban buzz and rural voices. Beyond numbers, it decoded what’s driving Bihar’s electorate: leadership credibility, alliance chemistry, and Narendra Modi’s continuing influence.

    “The Bihar Opinion Poll reflects the authentic voice of the people,” said India News managing editor Rakesh Singh, adding that the channel aimed to deliver an unbiased, data-backed pulse of the state. Newsx & Newsx World editor-in-chief Rishabh Gulati, noted that the project went “beyond speculation” to analyse why voters are thinking the way they are.

    Aired on 6 October at 7 pm, the broadcast generated strong engagement and debate across social media, as analysts and party watchers dissected what the trends could mean for the final verdict.

    Meticulously researched and sharply presented, the India News–Newsx Bihar opinion poll has set a new benchmark for pre-election coverage, turning raw sentiment into smart insight, and giving voters a mirror to their own political mood.

  • Vedika Sud joins NDTV 24×7 as consulting editor

    Vedika Sud joins NDTV 24×7 as consulting editor

    NEW DELHI:  NDTV 24×7 has roped in veteran journalist Vedika Sud as consulting editor, marking the return of one of south Asia’s most recognised broadcast reporters to the Indian news landscape. Sud, who most recently served as CNN International’s bureau chief for India and South Asia, brings nearly two decades of frontline reporting experience spanning crises, conflicts and political transitions across the region.

    At CNN, Sud was the network’s editorial lead across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, working closely with global desks and appearing on flagship programmes with anchors including Jake Tapper, Wolf Blitzer and Erin Burnett. She covered the India–Pakistan conflict following the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, the G20 climate and geopolitical negotiations, the India–Myanmar refugee crisis, the farmers’ protests, and Delhi’s landfill investigations exposing the intersection of environment and public health. Her on-the-ground reportage during the 2021 Delta wave of Covid, from overwhelmed hospitals to the desperate hunt for oxygen, earned international recognition for its clarity and compassion.

    Before CNN, Sud anchored prime bulletins at the India Today group, oversaw fast-paced editorial operations at NewsX and built her early career at Times Now, where she transitioned from producing political segments to fronting live broadcasts on elections, terror attacks and civic issues.

    Her work has won accolades including an honourable mention at the 2024 Society of Publishers in Asia Awards for reporting on women’s issues and a finalist slot at the South Asian Journalists Association Awards in 2021. An alumna of Sophia College, Mumbai, she also holds a diploma in social communications media and a graduate certificate in public policy from the Takshashila Institution.

    NDTV’s chief executive and editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal called Sud “an interpreter of meaning, not just a witness to events,” saying her global perspective would sharpen NDTV’s mission to deliver rigorous, contextual journalism in a crowded and noisy news environment.

    Sud said she was drawn to NDTV’s legacy of explanatory reporting. “The most powerful stories don’t simply tell you what happened — they explain why it matters and who it matters to. In an age of endless headlines, our responsibility is to cut through the noise and connect the dots for the public,” she said.

    Her appointment comes as NDTV, one of India’s oldest English news broadcasters, seeks to reinforce its editorial heft under new ownership. With Sud joining its leadership ranks, the channel is signalling a renewed commitment to fact-based reporting and nuanced analysis at a time when credibility in Indian television journalism is under sharper scrutiny than ever.

  • iTV Network shuffles its pack with two chief executive appointments

    iTV Network shuffles its pack with two chief executive appointments

    NEW DELHI: India’s iTV Network has announced a significant management reshuffle that sees two of its executives elevated to chief executive roles, effective 13 August 13. The appointments signal the network’s determination to capitalise on India’s booming digital media market whilst reinforcing its traditional broadcasting strengths.

    Akshansh Yadav has been appointed chief executive of digital operations, taking charge of what the network describes as its “most dynamic digital properties.” Yadav, who brings over a decade of experience from heavyweight media organisations including ABP News, Zee News and the India Today group, will oversee an eclectic portfolio spanning NewsX, India News, The Daily Guardian, The Sunday Guardian and Inkhabar.

    His credentials extend beyond traditional media. A computer science engineering graduate from Rajasthan Technical University with an MBA from MICA and a machine learning qualification from Harvard University, Yadav has also cut his teeth in fintech and direct-to-consumer sectors at Canara HSBC Insurance, Insurance Dekho and CarDekho. This blend of media savvy and tech expertise positions him well for iTV’s digital ambitions.

    Meanwhile, Rishabh Gulati becomes chief executive of NewsX, NewsX World, NXT and—rather unexpectedly—the Indian Arena Polo League. A journalist with more than two decades in electronic media, Gulati has been instrumental in building NewsX’s credibility and will now oversee the network’s push into international markets through NewsX World, whilst nurturing NXT as what the company calls a “trendsetter focused on future affairs.”

    The polo league addition reflects iTV’s appetite for diversification beyond news into premium sports content—a strategy that mirrors other Indian media conglomerates seeking new revenue streams.

    “High-quality content is at the core of our work at iTV Network,” said iTV Foundation  chairperson Aishwarya Pandit Sharma. The restructuring, she explained, would enable “swifter decision-making and better cross-platform collaboration” whilst better equipping the network to tackle “the challenges of the rapidly changing media environment.”

    The appointments come at a pivotal moment for Indian media. Traditional broadcasters face mounting pressure from streaming platforms and digital-first news operations, whilst advertisers increasingly shift budgets towards digital channels. India’s digital advertising market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 20 per cent, making the battle for digital dominance increasingly fierce.

    For iTV Network, owned by entrepreneur Kartikeya Sharma, these leadership changes represent a bet that specialised management can unlock growth across its diverse properties. The network’s portfolio spans serious news through The Daily Guardian to entertainment-focused content, requiring different strategies and audience approaches.

    The challenge for both executives will be maintaining editorial credibility whilst driving commercial growth in an increasingly crowded and competitive market. With regional players expanding nationally and global platforms localising content, iTV’s success will depend on how effectively it can leverage its established brand whilst innovating for digital-native audiences.

  • NewsX & Legally Speaking organise third law & constitutional dialogue

    NewsX & Legally Speaking organise third law & constitutional dialogue

    MUMBAI:  ITV Network’s NewsX’S  Legally Speaking, televised legal platform, hosted the Third Law & Constitution Dialogue 2024 on 13 December 2024. Marking 75 years of the Indian Constitution, it  brought together prominent legal experts, lawmakers, jurists, and thought leaders for insightful discussions on pressing legal and constitutional matters.
     
    Union minister of law & justice Arjun Ram Meghwal spoke about the importance of the Indian Constitution and discussed the concept of “One Nation, One Election.” Meghwal traced the origins of Constitution Day, initiated by prime minister Narendra Modi in 2015, to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy and celebrate the constitution’s foundational role in India’s democracy.

    In his keynote address,  chief guest supreme court judge Surya Kant  highlighted the changes introduced by the 2018 Amendment to the Specific Relief Act, 1963. Justice Kant discussed the legal and economic implications of the amendment, emphasizing its role in strengthening India’s position as a global economic powerhouse.

    Key Panels and Discussions 

    Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul addressed the long-standing tragedy of the Kashmiri pandit genocide, calling for official acknowledgment and a healing process. He stressed that while the community does not seek a return to the past, they expect recognition of the wrongs committed against them.

    Veteran lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal joined editor-in-chief Rishabh Gulati for a thought-provoking discussion. Sibal advocated for global protection of minorities, specifically highlighting the plight of Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.  

    A session on the Places of Worship Act, 1991, witnessed a spirited debate among experts like former Patna high court chief justice  Iqbal Ansari) and former union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi. The panel deliberated on whether the act aligns with India’s secular fabric or hinders historical justice.

    The issue of ‘bulldozer justice’ was addressed by BJP leader Sudhanshu Mittal, political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla and former Delhi DCP  SN Srivastava. The question of whether the act of demolition is unconstitutional was addressed in a heated discussion, with the panelists concluding that justice delayed is justice denied. 

    The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Will Delimitation Create a North-South Imbalance in Parliament?” Panelists, including DMK’s Kalanidhi Veeraswamy, BJD’s Sasmit Patra, and  senior advocte P.P. Chaudhary explored the socio-political implications of delimitation.

    Another session with member of parliament Karti Chidambaram, examined whether India requires more MPs in parliament. Chidambaram stressed, “Representation should reflect economic and social realities, not merely religion or caste. Pragmatic reforms are needed for effective governance.”

    In a heated panel discussion, former chief election commissioner S.Y. Quraishi, Congress’ Supriya Shrinate and  BJP member G.V.L. Narasimha Rao  debated the implications of simultaneous elections. 

    A dialogue on Challenges to Women’s Reservation featured influential voices such as Swati Maliwal, Iqra Hassan, Jebi Mathers and Shubhrasthra. The panelists discussed the Women’s Reservation Bill’s implementation hurdles and its potential to transform Indian politics.

    The growing menace of cybercrime was addressed in a panel featuring former DGP Goa Muktesh Chander,  and cyber law expert Pawan Duggal .Discussions focused on balancing cybersecurity and constitutional freedoms.
     
    Abhishek Singhvi examined the fundamental tenets and underlying principles of the Indian constitution, emphasising its resilience and adaptability in safeguarding democracy.

    Former chief justice of the Punjab & Haryana high court Mukul Mudgal  delved into the progress and challenges of sports governance in India.

    Lok Sabha member Manish Tewari reflected on the success and shortcomings of the Indian Constitution over decades, exploring its impact on governance, citizens’ rights, and evolving societal needs.

    In a discussion with senior advocate Vivek Tankha and Former ASG Aman Lekhi, experts examined the changes in Indian criminal law, evaluating whether recent reforms address historical gaps in the system.

    A panel featuring cyber technology expert Subimal Bhattacharjee, the Esya Centre’s  Meghna Bal, former union minister K.J. Alphons, and member of parliament  Kartikeya Sharma  explored the potential risks and challenges AI poses to governance, politics, and the judiciary.

    The day-long event featured 22 sessions, each addressing critical legal and constitutional issues. Topics ranged from “Bulldozer Justice” to “The Constitutionality of the Waqf Act”. The dialogue delved into the evolving nature of India’s justice system and the need for judicial and policy reforms.

  • iTV network exits Barc, pull out 9 channels from the viewership ratings

    iTV network exits Barc, pull out 9 channels from the viewership ratings

    Mumbai: “There is a total loss of faith and credibility in the working of Barc,” said iTV network when it announced its exit from the TV rating agency Broadcast Audience Research Council.

    iTV network which owns nine channels has announced its decision to pull out from Barc ratings with immediate effect on Tuesday.

    In an official communiqué, iTV network said, “Time and again, we’ve raised our concern and reservations over the arbitrary and unilateral mechanism being used by Barc. We have raised very serious issues regarding the reliability/trustworthiness of the ratings, but none of our concerns has been addressed till date. There is a total loss of faith and credibility in the working of Barc, and we along with many broadcasters are forced to remain connected with Barc because it is the only TV ratings agency and enjoys a dominant position. The unexplained actions of Barc have greatly damaged our networks.”

    In lieu of above, iTV network has sent a letter to the TV viewership measurement company Barc informing the decision to suspend ratings for the time being till its grievances are taken care of by the audience measurement body.

    The media networks runs two national channels – India News, NewsX and seven regional channels – India News Haryana, India News UP/UK, India News MPCG, India News Gujarat, India News Rajasthan, India News Punjab-Himachal-Jammu Kashmir and NE News.

    On 1 October 2022, ZEE Media, one of the biggest media giants, who also took this bold and definite decision to stop participating in the Barc ratings, also questioned the rating agency about their whole structure and operation transparency towards the news industry. Now, iTV network seems to have joined the same league.

    Also read: Zee Media announces pulling out 14 new channels from Barc ratings

  • Ram Jethmalani memorial lecture series returns with second edition

    Ram Jethmalani memorial lecture series returns with second edition

    Mumbai: In a tribute to a legendary jurist and MP, Ram Jethmalani lecture series is back with its second edition and will be streamed LIVE on NewsX this Saturday from 5 p.m.

    The lecture series will address a pertinent issue this year which has recently found itself at the hotbed of Indian politics in 21st century. India’s Who’s and Who will share their take on whether ‘Disruption to parliamentary proceedings is an MP’s privilege and/or a facet of parliamentary democracy?’

    Vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu will be the guest of honour at the lecture series and will be joined by other esteemed panelists including union cabinet minister of law Kiren Rijiju, the attorney general for India KK Venugopal and solicitor general of India Tushar Mehta. Union cabinet minister for women & child welfare Smriti Irani, Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra, former solicitor general of India Gopal  Subramaniam, former solicitor general of India Ranjit Kumar, Tughlak editor S Gurumurthy and former Rajya Sabha MP Pavan Varma will also mark their presence at the memorial series and share their views on the topic.

    iTV Network founder Kartikeya Sharma said, “In tribute to one of India’s greatest jurists and MPs I can’t think of a more fitting subject that merits the focus of stakeholders in this panel of speakers. Democratic systems often lead to deadlock, but surely there is a way to bring back the poignancy of debate that Ram Jethmalani embodied at the bench, both in court and parliament. The object is to keep India forging ahead. I’m hoping that such efforts to recall whence we came will help us chart whither we go.”

    NewsX managing editor Rishabh Gulati said, “The people of India now have great expectations from those who are elected to serve. Parliament has become raucous often times as has the Indian media. We had the opportunity to get some of India’s most committed minds discuss the Indian media in the first edition of this memorial lecture series,  it’s a merit that so many stakeholders are willing to take on a vexatious topic like this.”

    Apart from the NewsX channel, the series will be aired on all our social media channels and major OTT platforms – Zee5, Dailyhunt, JioTV, Shemaroo, Mzaalo, Watcho, Flipkart, Paytm, Tatasky and MX Player.

  • NewsX launches new programme ‘The Goa Chronicle Show’

    NewsX launches new programme ‘The Goa Chronicle Show’

    New Delhi: NewsX has announced the launch of “The Goa Chronicle Show”, which will be aired every Saturday at 6 p.m with a repeat telecast on Sunday at 10 p.m. The show will be hosted by Goa Chronicle (GC), founder and chief editor, Savio Rodrigues.

    The show will bring to TV a series of path-breaking investigations being done by the Goa Chronicle team. The 60-minute format will be divided into three segments. The first 20 minutes will present research and deep insight on the subject, followed by a one-on-one interview and then a debate with stakeholders, said the channel in a statement.

    NewX, managing director, Rishabh Gulati said, “It’s important that we are able to take a deep dive and discuss difficult and taboo questions with community stakeholders with a solution-oriented outlook. The GC show will go a long way in achieving that. Wishing Savio all the best.”

    Speaking on the launch of show, Savio Rodrigues shared, “Goa Chronicle is appreciated globally for its investigative reportage. Our focus has always been on research and investigations on social, political, and economic concerns. Through, NewsX will be bringing our kind of investigative journalism to the mainstream media and asking the tough questions.”

  • Tarun Nangia joins IICA monitoring committee as member

    Tarun Nangia joins IICA monitoring committee as member

    NEW DELHI: NewsX associate editor (special projects) Tarun Nangia has been appointed as a member of the monitoring committee to the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), a think-tank under the ministry of corporate affairs, government of India.

    The monitoring committee has been constituted to oversee projects related to production and telecast of TV series on behalf of Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA).

    His mandate is to carry forward IEPFA’s mandate of investor education, awareness, and protection, offering advice to avoid disputes, offering media dissemination related advice and other activity incidental to investor awareness and protection. The work would involve improving financial literacy among Indian investors.

    Nangia produces hosts of popular weekly television shows i.e. Legally Speaking, Policy & Politics and Brand Story. 

    IEPFA is a fund set up under the guidance of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and ministry of corporate affairs, government of India. IEPFA is set up to pool all the dividends of the asset management companies, matured deposits, share application interests or money, debentures, interests, etc. that are unclaimed for seven years. All the money collected from the mentioned sources has to be transferred to IEPF. Investors, who are trying to seek a refund for their unclaimed rewards can now do so from the Investor Protection and Education Fund (IEPF)

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  • NewsX gets into long-term partnership with Outbrain Engage suite of products

    NewsX gets into long-term partnership with Outbrain Engage suite of products

    MUMBAI: Outbrain, the discovery and native advertising feed for the open web, announced that it has signed an exclusive long-term partnership with News X, one of India’s top English language Publishers. The partnership will allow News X to fully leverage the Outbrain Engage platform by maximising insights and analytics that will help surface the best recommendations across both organic and sponsored content.

    As part of the platform offering, News X will draw on Outbrain’s proprietary technologies and tools, allowing it to marry editorial curation with personalisation, increase audience engagement and growth, and enhance its digital strategy by connecting content to revenue.

    Outbrain head of India Sandeep Balani quoted, “We are delighted to launch this partnership with News X,” said Sandeep Balani. “Our focus is to equip publishers with the tools to drive monetisation by enhancing the user experience, trust and loyalty, especially against the backdrop of a saturated digital environment. Attention is increasingly difficult to secure, but content personalised for its online audience driven by Outbrain’s proprietary insights and analytics will enable News X to gain meaningful engagements.”

    “Digital content consumption is on the rise in India and we are excited to tap into Outbrain’s offerings to better understand and engage our growing base of digital users through powerful and strategically placed native experiences,” said ITV Network CEO Varun Kohli. He added, “In the fast-paced world of content marketing, content distribution has become fundamental to our strategy, and we are confident that Outbrain will help us take our digital capabilities to the next level.”

    “India has seen exponential growth in its online audience, primarily driven by mobile phones and tablet adoption,” said Outbrain director of business development India Anand Makhija. “This shift in the digital media landscape has opened up a huge opportunity for publishers and advertisers alike but has also fundamentally changed how they reach and communicate with their audiences. Outbrain’s premium native solution is perfectly positioned to help both publishers and advertisers further accelerate year on year growth, and solidify their excellence in native and programmatic.”

  • 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.