ITV

Tag: NewsX

  • English TV news channels to return to BARC fold from midnight 26 May

    MUMBAI: There’s another twist in the tale of the story of the ratings of news television channel debutante Republic TV. The five English TV news channel members of the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) of India, which had stripped their signals of Broadcast Audience Research Council’s (BARC’s) audio water mark last week, agreed to reinsert it in their streams from their studios just as the clock hand moves past midnight of 26 May.

    This means that NDTV 24×7, Times Now, India Today, NewsX and CNN News18 will once again come under the ambit of BARC’s viewership monitoring. Around a week ago, they had raised a protest after BARC had refused to heed their plea that it should not report Republic TV’s ratings as it had allegedly resorted to rampant multiple LCN placement on cable TV networks across India.

    A spate of appeals, petitions, court hearings followed, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India cracked down on the errant cable TV platforms and almost every appellant and respondent claimed victory following the court orders and directions.

    But finally, hopefully the curtains have been drawn on the messy affair of English news channels, Republic TV, the NBA, TRAI and BARC which suddenly brought them under the spotlight.

    According to a report in a legal website, TV Today Network that had asked for reliefs in a case filed by it against Republic TV in Delhi HC, at one stage submitted that if the malpractice was no longer existent then it would not press for the reliefs prayed for in the petition, provided that the respondents state this on record. After the taking the statements of the respondents on record, the petition was dismissed as withdrawn without the court going into the contentions of either the petitioners or respondents.

    However, NBA maintained the resolution to the crisis was found with Republic TV committing to the Delhi High court that it will cease resorting to placing itself on multiple LCNs and BARC explaining to the association the process to approach such complaints satisfactorily.

  • News channel controversy: BARC India fires riposte to NBA

    MUMBAI: The muck is flying thick and fast in the English news channel genre. Yesterday, the English news channel members of the News Broadcasters Association decided to pull out of the Broadcast Audience Research Council’s (BARC) viewership monitoring by removing its watermark from their channels. This followed the BARC’s decision to release data for week 19 despite the NBA urging it not to do so as debutante the Arnab Goswami headed Republic TV had resorted to dual and multiple LCN placement of the channel to pump up its viewership.
    The net result: Republic TV emerged as the leader in the genre beating back old time vets such as Times Now, India Today, NDTV 24×7, NewsX and CNN News 18.

    A short while ago, BARC issued a clarification to indiantelevision.com stating that multiple LCN placement is rampant in the news television industry and nobody can call the kettle black. Said it in a statement:

    “The fact is that this is a common distribution strategy among various TV channels, particularly News Broadcasters, to place their channels on multiple LCNs and across genres in the past, and they continue to do so even now.

    Based on information collected from various monitoring agencies we have seen that multiple English news channels on different occasions have placed themselves on multiple LCNs viz across 64 distribution networks during rebranding/revamp, across 16 networks during budget coverage, across 12 networks during UP elections etc. It has become a usual practice.”

    “We have a transparent policy on the matter of measuring channels, (which is available on our website http://bit.ly/2dllmIp). This policy has been consistently applied to all channels who subscribe to our measurement.

    “We are clear about our position – we measure viewership of channels basis their unique Watermark ID, irrespective of the platform the channel is available on or the number of instances within the platform. For channels having same watermark on more than one LCN, viewership gets aggregated and reported as a single channel and not multiple channels. BARC India neither monitors channel placements across the various DTH platforms/cable head-ends in the country, nor does it have the mandate to do so.

    “In the past, we have measured multiple LCN instances of channels as per our policy, and reported them as one channel and the same principle has been applied to our data released yesterday. BARC India is not the regulatory body for resolving issues concerning multiplicity of LCNs for a channel.

    “Ideally these issues should be sorted among broadcasters themselves rather than dragging BARC India into these.

    BARC India will continue to measure what India watches.”

  • NewsX hires Times’ former exec Kukian as COO, to oversee entertainment & sports too

    MUMBAI: iTV Network, one of the fastest growing news networks, has appointed Ashit Kukian as the NewsX COO and iTV CRO – regionals, entertainment & sports businesses.

    In this new role, his responsibilities will include providing leadership and strategic direction to create new revenue generation opportunities in the market for iTV Network.

    iTV Network founder & promoter Kartikeya Sharma said, “Ashit is a seasoned and trusted leader who consistently delivers results. Ashit, with his in-depth understanding of the advertising ecosystem, shall be a great asset to leverage the revenue opportunities.”

    iTV Network CEO Varun Kohli said, “Ashit will bring his rich experience and expertise in growing iTV Network, and taking it to the next level. His understanding of the market will be of immense value to our network.”

    Kukian said, “What’s more exciting is the group is providing me an opportunity to handle new initiatives that have been planned for the near future.”

    Kukian was the president – revenue for Times Network. A part of the leadership team, Kukian strengthened the networks’ efforts in meeting its aggressive growth targets.

    Prior to joining the Times Network, Kukian was the president and COO at Radio City.

    Kukian, a Bachelor of Science from Mumbai University, invested 13 years at the Times Group managing various important roles. In his last assignment at the group, he was part of the core team that launched Zoom.

  • iTV Network elevates Varun Kohli as CEO

    MUMBAI: Varun Kohli has been elevated to the post of chief executive officer (CEO) of iTV Network. Prior to this promotion, he was India News CEO.

    In his new role, Kohli will be handling India News, NewsX, NewsX HD and digital assets and will be instrumental for providing strategic direction, leading teams and strengthening revenues for the organisations.

    iTV Network founder and promoter Kartikeya Sharma said, “We are delighted to elevate Varun as the CEO of iTV Network. This elevation is in line with our commitment to growth. His skills and wide experience will surely help iTV Network reach the next level of growth. Over the course of time, Varun has played a more central role in the leadership of the company and with his elevation to CEO, iTV Network; he will take on an even wider role. His strong track record of delivering growth and understanding of industry will help our continued success, moving forward.”

    “I’m humbled by the new role. iTV network is a young and dynamic organization which has witnessed tremendous growth in the recent years and I am privileged to be a part of this journey. My focus will be to lead iTV Network to the next level of growth and tap newer opportunities in the ever-expanding news space,” added Kohli.

    With a professional experience spanning over 23 years, Kohli 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.

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

  • Hector Kenneth Kumar joins Times Now as managing editor

    Hector Kenneth Kumar joins Times Now as managing editor

    MUMBAI: In the changing dynamics at Times Now, there has been a re-framing of sorts. After the much-talked departure of prime time host and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami, the channel roped in former senior editor Rahul Shivshankar as the chief editor.

    Now, in a recent development, NewsX managing editor Hector Kenneth Kumar has joined Times Now as managing editor. Kumar is an engineering graduate from MIT Manipal University, who worked briefly as an engineer before venturing into the mainstream media. He was a member of the core team of Times Now’s launch. His contributions took the editorial function of the channel to new heights as he is skilled in aligning business goals with the news strategy of the organisation.

    Times Now MD and CEO MK Anand confirmed the development to indiantelevision.com. Kumar who joined Times Now in mid-December, was earlier with NewsX for a short stint from September 2016.

    This would be Shivshankar’s and Kumar’s second stints with the network after six years and three months, respectively. Rahul had earlier worked as the senior editor of Times Now and the executive editor of Headlines Today (TV Today Network).

    On the other front, Arnab has made the much-awaited announcement of his next venture, named ‘Republic’.

    According to people familiar with parleys leading up to his resignation, Arnab left Times Now following differences with its owners, the Jains – Sameer, Vineet and Raj – of Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd. On his plans, Arnab had said, “Independent media is going to thrive, the game has just begun.”

    With newsmen from NewsX hopping onto Times Now, it would be interesting to see how the former deals with the changing times. Times Now for its part has been slightly ahead of competition in the recent past and it all began with Arnab leading the charge with his firebrand version of heated TV debates.

  • Hector Kenneth Kumar joins Times Now as managing editor

    Hector Kenneth Kumar joins Times Now as managing editor

    MUMBAI: In the changing dynamics at Times Now, there has been a re-framing of sorts. After the much-talked departure of prime time host and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami, the channel roped in former senior editor Rahul Shivshankar as the chief editor.

    Now, in a recent development, NewsX managing editor Hector Kenneth Kumar has joined Times Now as managing editor. Kumar is an engineering graduate from MIT Manipal University, who worked briefly as an engineer before venturing into the mainstream media. He was a member of the core team of Times Now’s launch. His contributions took the editorial function of the channel to new heights as he is skilled in aligning business goals with the news strategy of the organisation.

    Times Now MD and CEO MK Anand confirmed the development to indiantelevision.com. Kumar who joined Times Now in mid-December, was earlier with NewsX for a short stint from September 2016.

    This would be Shivshankar’s and Kumar’s second stints with the network after six years and three months, respectively. Rahul had earlier worked as the senior editor of Times Now and the executive editor of Headlines Today (TV Today Network).

    On the other front, Arnab has made the much-awaited announcement of his next venture, named ‘Republic’.

    According to people familiar with parleys leading up to his resignation, Arnab left Times Now following differences with its owners, the Jains – Sameer, Vineet and Raj – of Bennett Coleman & Co Ltd. On his plans, Arnab had said, “Independent media is going to thrive, the game has just begun.”

    With newsmen from NewsX hopping onto Times Now, it would be interesting to see how the former deals with the changing times. Times Now for its part has been slightly ahead of competition in the recent past and it all began with Arnab leading the charge with his firebrand version of heated TV debates.

  • Rahul Shivshankar appointed chief editor of Times Now

    Rahul Shivshankar appointed chief editor of Times Now

    MUMBAI: It’s official now. Times Network has announced the appointment of Rahul Shivshankar as the chief editor at Times Now. This would be his second stint with the network after a gap of close to 6 years.

    In his new role, Shivshankar will lead the editorial team of Times Now and will work closely with the business and leadership teams to ensure that the channel grows significantly and profitably.

    “This is my second stint with Times Now and it’s more like a homecoming. Leading a channel that has already set a very high benchmark is always a challenge. I look forward to taking on this mantle and hope to help Times Network achieve our objectives,” added Shivshankar.

    Based out of Mumbai, he will directly report to Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand.

    “I am pleased to welcome Rahul as the Chief Editor of Times Now. We are confident that the vast knowledge and domain expertise which he brings with him will hold TIMES NOW in good stead and reaffirm the channel’s leadership position in the market,” said Anand.

    In a career spanning almost 20 years, Shivshankar has served as editor in chief of NewsX, executive editor of Headlines Today (TV Today Network) and as senior editor of Times Now. He has also worked for the editorial page of The Times of India.

  • Rahul Shivshankar appointed chief editor of Times Now

    Rahul Shivshankar appointed chief editor of Times Now

    MUMBAI: It’s official now. Times Network has announced the appointment of Rahul Shivshankar as the chief editor at Times Now. This would be his second stint with the network after a gap of close to 6 years.

    In his new role, Shivshankar will lead the editorial team of Times Now and will work closely with the business and leadership teams to ensure that the channel grows significantly and profitably.

    “This is my second stint with Times Now and it’s more like a homecoming. Leading a channel that has already set a very high benchmark is always a challenge. I look forward to taking on this mantle and hope to help Times Network achieve our objectives,” added Shivshankar.

    Based out of Mumbai, he will directly report to Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand.

    “I am pleased to welcome Rahul as the Chief Editor of Times Now. We are confident that the vast knowledge and domain expertise which he brings with him will hold TIMES NOW in good stead and reaffirm the channel’s leadership position in the market,” said Anand.

    In a career spanning almost 20 years, Shivshankar has served as editor in chief of NewsX, executive editor of Headlines Today (TV Today Network) and as senior editor of Times Now. He has also worked for the editorial page of The Times of India.

  • iTV’s CRO and NewsX CEO Sanjay Dua quits

    iTV’s CRO and NewsX CEO Sanjay Dua quits

    MUMBAI: iTV Network’s group chief revenue officer Sanjay Dua has stepped down from his responsibilty. Dua was responsible for providing strategic direction and creating new opportunities in the market. He also worked towards innovative revenue mode;ls for the network’ growth and was also closely associated with the company’s commercial sports property.

    “There is no solid reason behind his resignation. He wishes to pursue other opportunities in life and give some valuable time to his personal life. He is just taking a short break for now”, said founder and promoter of iTV Network Kartikeya Sharma.

    He had joined NewsX as the CEO and iTV as CRO in September 2014.

    Dua comes with a lavish experince of working with Network18 News Media as the CEO andd handles CNN-IBN, IBN7, IBN-Lokmat and History TV18. He also managed the advertising sales of CNBC-TV18, CNBC-Awaaz, CNN-IBN, IBN7, IBN-Lokmat and History TV18. Before joining Network18, he was National Sales Head for Zee News Network.

  • iTV’s CRO and NewsX CEO Sanjay Dua quits

    iTV’s CRO and NewsX CEO Sanjay Dua quits

    MUMBAI: iTV Network’s group chief revenue officer Sanjay Dua has stepped down from his responsibilty. Dua was responsible for providing strategic direction and creating new opportunities in the market. He also worked towards innovative revenue mode;ls for the network’ growth and was also closely associated with the company’s commercial sports property.

    “There is no solid reason behind his resignation. He wishes to pursue other opportunities in life and give some valuable time to his personal life. He is just taking a short break for now”, said founder and promoter of iTV Network Kartikeya Sharma.

    He had joined NewsX as the CEO and iTV as CRO in September 2014.

    Dua comes with a lavish experince of working with Network18 News Media as the CEO andd handles CNN-IBN, IBN7, IBN-Lokmat and History TV18. He also managed the advertising sales of CNBC-TV18, CNBC-Awaaz, CNN-IBN, IBN7, IBN-Lokmat and History TV18. Before joining Network18, he was National Sales Head for Zee News Network.