ITV

Tag: NewsX

  • Arun Aggarwal joins ITV Network, as group CFO

    Arun Aggarwal joins ITV Network, as group CFO

    MUMBAI: Continuing its growth plans, ITV Network, has got on board Arun Aggrawal as the group CFO. This is Aggarwal’s second stint with the Network, after a brief stint overseas for the launch of a 24×7 English news channel. Prior to his overseas assignment, he was holding the same portfolio at ITV Network, for almost two years and was actively involved during the takeover of ‘NewsX’.

     

    As part of his mandate, he will be overseeing all aspects of financial operations for the network.

     

    A Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary and Graduate in Law, Aggrawal comes with professional experience spanning over 25 years with 15 years of exhaustive experience in the media sector. He was also associated with Zee Network for nearly 10 years holding various positions including CFO, senior vice president and vice president. At Zee he was responsible for the crucial functions of credit control, finance and commercial.

     

    ITV Network managing director Kartikeya Sharma said, “The decades of experience that Arun brings with him is invaluable for ITV Network.  We are positive that Arun’s strong financial leadership in the media and entertainment sector, and his skills and relationships will surely help the network reach the next level.”

     

    On re-joining the network, Aggarwal said, “It gives me immense pleasure to be back with ITV Network. I am looking forward to an enriching experience again and I am confident to contribute to the growth of the network.”

  • NewsX revamps its primetime

    NewsX revamps its primetime

    MUMBAI: Keeping the channel’s motto “News. Not Noise.” intact, NewsX, has introduced five new shows, leading to a complete refurbish of the channel’s primetime offering. Starting 6pm, the primetime will bring to its viewers the most diverse, extensive and comprehensive news programming.

     

    The primetime programming includes the following: 

     

    1. Prime edition, 6PM, everyday– The first window into primetime, this show picks up a story and introduces the first debate of the evening. Interactivity empowers the viewers by giving them a platform to be heard, through tweets and call-ins.

     

    1. Big story, 7.30PM, weekday– Like the name symbolises, ‘Big story’ breaks through the clutter and has at its prime focus one or two of the biggest story of the day. There is a detailed reportage and analysis of each big story to give the viewer a detailed experience.

     

    1. News point, 8PM, weekday– Derailing competition at 8 pm, News Point breaks an exclusive story every day. The story is put out and then debated with an expert panel.

     

    1. Capital stories, 8.30PM, weekday– This pacy and precise show puts the spotlight on state capitals and metros, highlighting four main stories of the day.

     

    1. Nation @ 9, 9PM, everyday– Anchored by editor-in-chief Rahul Shivshankar, this prime time news bulletin includes the most newsworthy stories of the day. With his expertise, dynamism and sharpness, Rahul engages the viewers and the opinion leaders in a crisp debate and brings out every nuance of the key stories of the day.

     

    1. Newshub, 10PM, weekday– Last one hour of prime time is a comprehensive news bulletin on all the happenings of the day for the discerning viewers who might miss and want to catch up with the top stories of the day at one go.

     

    NewsX editor in chief Rahul Shivshankar said, “Our prime time programming has always stood out in the competition and helped us acquire the No. 1 position in prime time. With our revamped programming, we intend to continue our leadership and make NewsX the one stop destination for the viewers.”

  • Newsx Presents ‘No Country For Women’

    Newsx Presents ‘No Country For Women’

    MUMBAI:Two years after the horrific Nirbhaya gang-rape case, the recent rape case by Uber driver reignites the big question ‘How safe are women in India?’ NewsX, the channel of choice dedicates a special half hour show on how despite of newly amended tougher laws, India is still a ‘No Country for Women’?

     

    Anchor Athar Khan visits a college campus and asks the students about their views on the key issues of women safety. On the show, the young women share their experiences and talk about the changing mindsets, while the young men talk about their role in bringing about change in the society and how to stop these crimes.

  • RK Arora joins News Nation as CEO

    RK Arora joins News Nation as CEO

    MUMBAI: In a major industry move, RK Arora, who is credited with building brands in the news broadcasting space, has been roped in as chief executive officer (CEO) of News Nation Network. He has a standout track record, result-oriented approach and has a deep understanding of the news ecosystem.

    He will report to the Board. Arora has an experience of 24 years and brings with him industry expertise and formidable credentials.

    In his new role, Arora will spearhead overall responsibility of strategic and operational management of News Nation Network and will oversee the Group’s portfolio of assets spanning news broadcasting.

    Arora was, until recently, a Group CEO of ITV Network and managed group’s six news channels –NewsX, India News and four regional news channels in the Hindi heartland and was instrumental in the company’s transformation and its unprecedented growth within a short span of two years. Prior to ITV Network, he was the CEO with BAG Network (News 24, E24 and Darshan 24). He was also associated with India TV since its inception.

    News Nation Network chairman Abhay Oswal said, “Arora’s illustrious track record make him an ideal choice to lead News Nation Network. He brings a unique combination of astute business acumen and in-depth industry knowledge. Arora has the vision, tenacity and integrity to ensure that News Nation Network will quickly become the success we expect it to be and we are committed to support him to strengthen the company’s leadership in the news genre.”

    On his appointment, Arora said, “I am delighted to be joining News Nation Network as chief executive officer as it moves into the next exciting phase of growth and development. I’ve watched News Nation Network’s impressive strides on both the programming front and in building a unique content network that is clearly unmatched in the marketplace. The company is in a perfect position to dramatically expand in the market and I’m thrilled to take on the role and be a part of the success of News Nation Network.”

  • iTV Network appoints MSLGROUP as its PR firm

    iTV Network appoints MSLGROUP as its PR firm

    NEW DELHI: iTV, India’s fastest growing news network has appointed MSLGROUP as its PR agency, to handle the PR mandate for the entire network. iTV Network is going through an expansion phase and aims to emerge as the biggest independent news network in the country. The Network employs more than 2000 people across 25 bureaus and offices in India. With a reach of 91 million viewers & readers across the country the umbrella brand has two national news channels- News X and India News, four regional news channels- India News (Haryana, MP & Chhattisgarh, UP & Uttarakhand and Rajasthan), two newspapers- Sunday Guardian and Aaj Samaj and various digital assets to its portfolio.

    Savvy Dilip, Group CMO, iTV Network, said, “We were looking for an agency with expertise in the media segment and found MSLGROUP to be the most effective and credible one. I am hopeful MSLGroup will add value to our brand and help us create brand salience. We are optimistic that this association will further boost the aggressive growth track we are set to follow.”

    Jaideep Shergill, Chief Executive Officer, MSLGROUP India, said, “The industry is evolving and clients are looking for strategic and integrated communications that will differentiate them in the marketplace. We are pleased to partner with iTV Network and look forward to take this association to a whole new level with our expertise and media knowledge.”

  • NewsX scores high, beats Times Now

    NewsX scores high, beats Times Now

    NEW DELHI: According to the latest TAM data, NewsX surged ahead of competition in Week’47. The channel is number one in 6 Metros, with 116, while Times Now garners 112, NDTV 24×7 58, CNN-IBN 35 and Headlines Today gets 17 respectively. (Source: TAM, CS M 25-44 AB YRS, Market: 6 Metros, day part: 0600 – 2359 hrs, Week 47’14, GVTs (000)

     

    The ratings also reiterate that the channel has been dominating the English News space for more than 90 weeks in the target group of CS AB 25-44 AB, Market 6 Metros, Daypart 0600-2359, Week 07’ 13 to 44’ 14.

     

    Rahul Shivshankar, Editor-in-chief, NewsX added, “At NewsX, we have always focused on reporting urbane issues, highlighting the stories that are influential and inspirational in nature. The ratings replicate our vision and affirm our clear dominance in the English news genre.” 

     

    Commenting on this leadership RK Arora, Group CEO said, “It’s our hard work and team effort that have helped NewsX to become the undisputed leader. Our commitment to unbiased and accurate reportage has ensured dedicated viewership of the channel. We strive to continue this leadership and retain the position of being the No.1 English News Channel in the Country.”

     

    Sanjay Dua, CEO NewsX, CRO iTV Network, said “Our undisputed leadership proves that we are the channel of choice among the educated cosmopolitans. We are delighted to receive tremendous traction and loyalty amongst the discerning viewers of metros, especially the youth.”

     

    Savvy Dilip, Group CMO, iTV Network said, “Our continuous leadership in the English news space for the last 90 weeks stands for the consistency and credibility of our programming line-up. Through our in-depth & extensive programming, we intend to take our channel to the new heights and sustain our position as the market leader.”

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

  • ITV’s new education concept: Newsroom as Classroom

    ITV’s new education concept: Newsroom as Classroom

    MUMBAI: It’s a Revolution in Media Education. A New Media Institute adds new dimensions to imparting knowledge. ITV School of Media and Management is introducing short term specialized courses, offering an opportunity to work in broadcast news channels. For the first time in the history of Media education, Newsrooms will act as classrooms. Students will get a chance to learn from professionals and will get the unique opportunities to work in professional channels.

     

    ITV School of Media and Management is the First revolutionary Media and Management institute offering training, research and development in the audiovisual news sector. It provides a rich and dynamic environment for developing new ideas and launching new careers. A faculty of internationally recognized media makers and cutting-edge scholars engages students in a day to day work dynamics and technology of Media industry. Our programs are distinguished by their practical and professional aspects.

     

    Media aspirants have a lot of short term certificate courses to choose from at ITV School of Media and Management. With access to the national network and professional resources at ITV, our programs provide a strong foundation for your future in media.

     

    Our Courses will help students learn all aspect of journalism –editorial and technical. You also get an opportunity to work in a News channel for one year to put theory into practice.

     

    “This Institute is for People who are passionate for News Media. Students who want to work in News Media and don’t get opportunities, we want to give them that platform,” says Kartikeya Sharma, Managing director, ITV Media Network.

     

    “There’s immense competition out there and as a media person it’s our responsibility to not get lost in the confusion and deliver news with clarity and integrity. So the course at ITVSMM will not teach students from books but from real scenes as the action unfold.”

     

    The ITVSMM initiatives delivers the highest calibre of training, launches careers and helps build sustainable businesses to compete in the international industry. The ITVSMM strategy is to cater to the immediate demand for the skills and knowhow of audiovisual news industry and businesses operating in and on demand of the economy.

     

    ITVSMM is an endeavour by India’s leading English and Hindi TV news channels Newsx and India News. The emphasis is not on just theoretical but on practical knowledge. This school also ensures 100 % guaranteed job placement in ITV news channels. ITV Network is India’s fastest growing news network, with two national news channels, NewsX – India’s No 1 English News Channel and India News – India’s Leading Hindi News Channel. ITV Network also has a dominant presence in the Hindi heartland with its four regional news channels India News UP / Uttarakhand, India News Rajasthan, India News Madhya Pradesh / Chhattisgarh and India News Haryana. The network also runs two popular newspapers Aaj Samaj – North India’s Fastest-Growing Hindi Daily and The Sunday Guardian – India’s Finest Sunday Newspaper.

     

    ITV Network employs more than 2000 people across 25 bureaus and offices in India and reaches cumulatively 91 million viewers and readers on a regular basis. ITV Network is going through an expansion phase and aims to emerge as the biggest independent news network in the country.

    Faculty at ITV School of Media and Management consist of award-winning professionals with years of on-field experience and outstanding research work.

     

    The ITV School of Media and Management personify the philosophy of blending educational excellence with latest advancements in technology. Graphics and production labs, studio, PCR, Furnished classrooms will invite students and faculty to study, work and collaborate.

     

    The School provides Opportunity to learn in as many as seven state of the art TV studios, TV newsrooms, assignment desks, output desks, NRCS (newsroom computerized systems), ingest department, teleport system of India News.

     

    Courses offered in ITVSMM includes -: Graphics and animation, Video-editing, Videography, Broadcast journalism, Studio production (PCR) and Social media management.

  • ITV Network appoints Manish Chettri as senior VP and national head SKOPE

    ITV Network appoints Manish Chettri as senior VP and national head SKOPE

    MUMBAI: ITV Network, which runs the English news channel NewsX and a clutch of channels under India News, has appointed Manish Chettri as senior vice president and national head SKOPE.

     

    He will be responsible for creating concepts both in the B2B and B2C space as well as contribute to the channels’ leadership position and revenue mix. Working closely with the marketing team, he will be responsible in the creation of new intellectual properties, format selling, syndications, partnerships and delivering additional solutions to existing and new advertisers.

     

    He was earlier with Network18 as VP and national head B2B initiatives for CNBC TV18. Chettri has also worked with companies such as Hindustan Times, Times Internet, Confederation of Indian Industry, Mudra Communications and CIM India.

     

    ITV Network MD Kartikeya Sharma said, “Manish brings to ITV network a rich combination of sales and strategic marketing that makes him ideal to scale and lead our sales force, for experiential advertising which will undoubtedly enhance ITV Network’s win velocity. Manish’s proven track record in B2B and B2C relationship building and focused revenue generation will help us build on our forward momentum and enable ITV Network to sustain this rapid growth. We look forward to leveraging Manish’s sales leadership to realise the exciting opportunity we see in front of us.”

     

    ITV Network group CEO RK Arora reposes faith in Chettri adding value to the network and help its objective of being India’s most profitable TV network. He said, “Manish is a phenomenal addition to our leadership team and brings a tremendous wealth of experience with him. His customer-focus and in-depth experience in IP creation, B2B events, strategic alliances, brand building and sales, will strengthen ITV Network’s commitment and its objective of becoming India’s largest TV news network. I am confident that Manish will take ITV network to greater heights than it’s ever known.”

     

     “I am excited to join ITV Network at this pivotal time,” Chettri said. “The battle for maximising revenue in the broadcasting industry is going through a sea of change wherein companies are looking at alternate forms of revenue apart from the traditional advertising sales. I look forward to using my experience to further enhance ITV Network’s performance, profitability and growth.”

  • Sanjay Dua appointed as NewsX CEO and ITV Network chief revenue officer

    Sanjay Dua appointed as NewsX CEO and ITV Network chief revenue officer

    MUMBAI: After elevating RK Arora to ITV Network group CEO, another appointment has been made in the now growing network. Sanjay Dua, who formerly headed Network18’s web operations, has joined as NewsX CEO and ITV Network chief revenue officer.

     

    He will report to Arora. His new responsibilities include providing strategic direction, creating new opportunities in the market and making a roadmap for the business of NewsX as well as revenue management for the entire network.

     

    Prior to this, Dua was Network18 CEO news media and handled ad sales for CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNN-IBN, IBN7, IBN Lokmat and History TV18. This apart, he has also worked with Walt Disney, Bennett Coleman & Co, ESPN, Sahara, Hallmark and Zee News.

     

    Speaking on his appointment, ITV Network managing director Kartikeya Sharma said, “Sanjay is a seasoned and trusted leader who consistently delivers results.  He is uniquely qualified to drive strategic monetisation and product prioritization. Sanjay’s profound experience of working with clients has provided him with a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the current media environment. Sanjay has the vision, tenacity and integrity to ensure that ITV Network will quickly become India’s most profitable and largest TV news network.”

     

    Arora said, “Having someone of Sanjay’s caliber leading our monetisation effort is well-timed for the company and will directly benefit our advertisers and clients. With his outstanding track record, result-oriented approach and deep understanding of the advertising ecosystem, the future is looking robust and exciting for us.”

     

    Speaking on his new stint at the network, Dua said, ‘I am delighted to join the ITV Network as it moves into the next exciting phase of development. I have watched ITV Network’s impressive strides through innovative programming and in building a unique content network that is clearly unmatched in the marketplace. The company is in a perfect position to dramatically expand in the market and I’m thrilled to take on this role and be a part of the ITV Network team.”