ITV

Tag: Prabal Pratap Singh

  • News18 elevates Prabal Pratap Singh to group editor of Hindi cluster

    News18 elevates Prabal Pratap Singh to group editor of Hindi cluster

    MUMBAI: News18 Network, India’s largest news network, has announced key elevations in the senior editorial team of the Hindi news cluster. Leading some of the most disruptive brands in the Hindi television news industry, the promotions recognize valuable contribution by its talent and aims to drive the next level of journalistic excellence.

    With an aim to build the Hindi cluster of the News18 Network as the most influential voice across the key markets, Prabal Pratap Singh has been elevated to Group Editor, Hindi Cluster. Prabal has been instrumental in reshaping News18 India which has disrupted the industry. In his new role, he will lead the editorial strategy across all the Hindi news channels to deliver seamless yet distinct experiences across the channels based on a deep understanding of the brand to elevate the offerings to the viewers. 

    Kishore Ajwani, currently the Deputy Managing Editor of News18 India and one of the most popular faces of the Hindi news prime-time, has been named the Managing Editor of the channel. Over the last few years, Kishore has played a significant role in transforming the brand which has now even toppled the market leader to become the top choice of the viewers in the urban market. In addition to his current role of leading the output function, he will now be managing all the key functions such as input, output, production and assignment. He will report to Prabal Pratap Singh.

    Amish Devgan, who has been leading the prime time with his explosive shows such as ‘Aar Paar’ on News18 India and ‘Takkar’ on CNBC Awaaz has been promoted to Managing Editor of News18 Uttar Pradesh, News18 Madhya Pradesh and News18 Rajasthan. He has been tasked with the additional responsibility of further strengthening the regional Hindi news channels.

    News18 Network has also given additional responsibilities to Brajesh Kumar Singh, Consulting Editor. He will now lead News18 Gujarat and News18 Bihar.

  • News18 India commands 13.5% of overall Hindi news market: Prabal Pratap Singh

    News18 India commands 13.5% of overall Hindi news market: Prabal Pratap Singh

    MUMBAI: The Hindi news genre is going to enter its peak time with five assembly elections coming up followed by general elections in 2019. With 22 channels in the genre, the audience can expect a deeper coverage from all the channels as well as tough competition to gain their attention. In 2018, the genre has contributed 5 per cent to the total TV viewership from week 1 to week 39. Election coverage is crucial for news channels to increase viewer loyalty.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with News18 India managing editor Prabal Pratap Singh to talk about the channel’s plan for the upcoming election and the challenges faced by the Hindi news channels.

    If we look at the BARC rating of week 41, News18 India sits comfortably on second position in both Hindi news (urban+rural) and Hindi news urban market. If we talk about the rural market, the channel is at the third position behind Aaj Tak and ABP News, respectively.

    Excerpts:

    Q: After the channel revamp in 2016, how has the channel performed in terms of viewership and the overall performance?

    For some time now, we are there in the top slot of Hindi news ranking. When the channel was re-launched, our total ratings were floating between 5-6.5 per cent. Now, we are at 13.9 per cent, which is more than a 100 per cent growth, if you look it from the point of view of ratings and market share.

    Additionally, our prime time shows are doing very well. If we talk about evening prime time, the 7-11 pm time band, it has been doing extremely well for a long time now; the performance has been consistent.

    Morning shows, from 7-10 am are also doing very good. At times, we are number one in the morning time bands also. So, that speaks for itself. Overall, our performance has been stellar

    Q: Any new show launches in the pipeline and which time slot and which show is getting the highest viewership?

    I’ll answer the second question first. Sau Baat Ki Ek Baat is doing really well. It is one of the most popular shows across HSM market and it has been consistent with almost 15-16 per cent of market share. If you look at the competition, we are facing tough competition, it is the nature of the industry, yet this show is doing really well.

    As for new show launches, we have certain plans but it’s not proper to reveal it at the moment.

    Q: How do you see the competition from other players in the Hindi news genre?

    The other players have a history and legacy. They have been into the news genre from almost over a decade and hence, they have brand recall value – they are an old hand, in a way.

    Having said that, we launched News18 India afresh and with no legacy of IBN7. So, it was a completely new product but despite that, we have been able to get ahead of our competition. Our ratings speak for us – they have been growing consistently.

    Q: According to you, what are the challenges faced by the Hindi news broadcasters in this industry?

    I won’t put them as problems, but, yes, the challenge is there. The challenge is that the viewer wants something new every day and that is the one challenge which we encounter while planning our show flow. Second is that there is no appointment viewership in the sense that the viewer will definitely come to you and watch your channel. The viewers’ commitment to a particular channel, I think, is missing. So, that is one challenge on which we are working – how do we handle this and ensure loyalty for News18 India.

    Q: How are you planning to cover the upcoming assembly elections at the year end?

    We have great plans for the elections. Without going into the details of those plans, I can share some overview. There will be more of the popular shows on News 18 India even as we step up outdoor coverage on the elections. We are planning to take the debates out of the studio. We have plans to re-do Lapete Mei Netaji – one of our most popular shows. We will also see how even with our current shows and those that we are planning specifically for the elections we can engage the viewers more and more.

    Q: What are the content and marketing strategies of the channel going forward?

    To put it in one line, it is to outsmart our competition.

    Our primary aim is to push our shows and channel’s faces in the markets which contribute most to the Hindi news genre. We always reach out to viewers whenever the channel introduces a new element in its line-up. The idea is to keep our viewers updated with what News18 India has in store for them.

    Editorial has planned various election based shows including on-ground shows for upcoming state elections. Our strategy will be to reach out to maximum number of people of these states by doing various branding-cum-engagement activities. This is a key element of our strategy wherein content and marketing will go hand in hand to create greater affinity amongst the viewers.

    We are also keen on building the perception of the channel as a category leader. This, in our opinion, will further drive viewership. Viewers typically depend more and more on channels that they think are the leaders in the category. To that end, we had even done a tactical campaign titled Aaj Ka No. 1 asserting News18 India’s leadership. It directly took on the competition and asserted that News18 India has altered the pecking order in the category. This will be a recurring theme in our marketing communication wherein we would like to position the channel clearly as the leader in the category.

    Q: What is the total reach of News18 India? Which region is contributing to the highest viewership?

    Our cumulative reach is 206.2 million* and major Hindi speaking markets (HSMs) like UP/UK, Mah/Goa & MP/Chhattisgarh contribute maximum to News18 India’s viewership

    (Source: BARC, NCCS All 2+, Wk 36-39'18, 24 Hrs, All Days, All India)

    Q: On the back of the significant growth, how are you planning to keep the growth momentum going to be the leader in the category?

    Our channel is already appreciated by the viewers and our numbers are a testimony to our claim. While we have witnessed more than a 100 per cent growth since the channel’s relaunch, we already command a market share of 13.5 per cent (Source: BARC, NCCS All 15+, Wk 36-39'18, HSM)

    We are the leaders in the evening primetime with a market share of 17.3 per cent (Source: BARC India Market: India Urban TG: 15+ Time Period: Wk 36 2018 -40 2018 Mon-Fri 1900-2300)

    Our differentiated content is another growth driver. We have always come out with new concepts of news telling. We are continuously setting new benchmarks in the Hindi television news. We were the first channel which launched two back-to-back debates and no other channel was doing it. Then, a third debate which was out of the studio. Our shows are performing really well and now everybody is imitating us.

    We plan to keep on doing what we are doing best and improve upon the rest to consolidate our position as the leader in the category.

  • News18 India Launches Two New Shows- Paanch Ka Prashn & Desh Ko Jawab Do

    News18 India Launches Two New Shows- Paanch Ka Prashn & Desh Ko Jawab Do

    New Delhi: With an aim to bring forth diverse formats and differentiated content for the viewers, News18 India has launched two new shows – Paanch ka Prashn and Desh ko Jawab Do.  Anchored by award-winning journalist, Deputy Managing Editor, Sumit Awasthi, the shows will aim to strengthen channel’s formidable daily primetime line-up and further build the weekend programming, respectively.

    Paanch ka Prashn (Monday to Friday at 5 PM), a news bulletin show kicks off the evening primetime on the channel. The show covers top five stories of the day with an emphasis on major news across the country. Through the show, Sumit not only explores various aspects of the stories but also raise one big question & take opinion of relevant parties on the question.

    Desh ko Jawab Do (Starting 25th August, Every Saturday at 5 PM) will be a weekend debate show anchored by Sumit Awasthi. The show will witness a face-off between two biggest newsmakers, essentially two ideologies, on the top issues of the week. With candid debates along with Sumit’s inimitable style of highlighting news without any prejudice, the show will aim to disrupt the standard weekend programming on the news television.

    The new shows are conceptualized to provide a fresh approach to news telling along with enhanced packaging for greater audience engagement. Sumit Awasthi, one of the most popular names in Hindi journalism, will lead the programming of both the shows. With close to two decades of experience, Sumit has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of social demography which helps him bring out all the nuances of the key issues.

    Talking about the new shows, Prabal Pratap Singh, Managing Editor, News18 India said, “At News18 India, we have always believed in raising relevant issues with constructive journalism. The new shows are a reflection of our philosophy. Our objective is to provide unbiased news while still highlighting the issues. Sumit, today, is one of the most credible opinion builders in television news. With his passion for journalism and balanced approach, we are confident of achieving this objective.”

  • News18 India Chaupal comes to Mayanagri mumbai

    News18 India Chaupal comes to Mayanagri mumbai

    MUMBAI: As the debates and discussions continue after the highly anticipated Union Budget 2018, political fervor in the country is at an all-time high. In line with its commitment to raise right issues and lead discussions, News18 India, the disruptive Hindi news channel of Network18 is all to host the third edition of News18 India Chaupal in Mumbai, the financial capital of the nation. Scheduled on 23rd February, the channel’s flagship event will witness conversations between leading politicians and commentators that include Devendra Fadnavis, Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Nitin Gadkari, Dharmendra Pradhan and Baba Ramdev to name a few.

    Epitomizing the spirit of channel’s motto – ‘Danke ki Chot Par’, News18 India Chaupal has witnessed overwhelming success in the past. It has already become ‘Desh ka Mahamanch’ which brings together stalwarts on a single platform. At the Mumbai edition of this unique initiative, distinguished personalities across politics and entertainment will set the mood for various sessions. Speaking about Rising Madhya Pradesh, the inaugural session of the Chaupal will be led by Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh.

    Commenting on the Mumbai edition, News18 India, Managing Editor, Prabal Pratap Singh said, “At News18 India, we believe in challenging the status quo. While we raise the most pressing and relevant issue, we believe that meaningful debates can lead to remarkable solutions of even the most critical issues. Chaupal is the product of our efforts in the same direction. It has already received tremendous response and support. By bringing Chaupal to Mumbai, we hope to continue, in our endeavors to be a progressive platform bringing the key stakeholders on a common platform.”

    Speaking about the event, Network18, CEO- Forbes India & President- Revenue, Joy Chakraborthy said, “Armed with the vision of creating a unique platform to bring varied discourses under one roof, we launched News18 India Chaupal. This flagship event witnesses high decibel debates and has become the ultimate stage for Hindi news viewers by offering the most holistic view of the current political state in the country. Having tasted great success in the national capital, we have now launched an edition for the country’s financial capital too.”  

    From the ideologies of young political brigade that emerged in the Gujarat assembly elections to the preparation for the upcoming battle in Maharashtra along with issues of women empowerment and popular subjects like cricket and entertainment, the thought leaders across various fields will share their insights and perspectives. While veteran politicians like Sanjay Nirupam, Pankaja Munde, Ashok Chavan amongst others will also focus on local issues of the state, top corporate leaders like Nilesh Shah, MD, Kotak AMC and Dilip Piramal, Chairman, VIP Industries will discuss the concept of Modinomics. The sessions will be moderated by top anchors and journalists of the channel.

    Leading politicians, visionaries, youth leaders, entertainers such as, Sachin Pilot, Aditya Thakre, Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mevani, Raveena Tandon, Alankrita Srivastava, Sanjay Manjarekar, Vikram Sathaye, Sonu Nigam, Prakash Raj and, Nana Patekar amongst others will be participating in the News18 India Chaupal Mumbai.

  • Programming revamp benefitted News18 India, says editorial head

    MUMBAI: Hindi news channel News18 India, which undertook a revamp of its programming strategy few months back focusing on exclusive reports largely based on sting ops, has claimed that the plan is working as its ratings and viewership have increased.

    Some of the sting operations carried by News18 India after programming reboot included ‘ Operation Namak Haram’ that exposed top Pakistani film actors and singers living in India and their alleged involvement in black money deals; ‘Surgical Strike Ka Saboot’ involved a police officer in PoK or Pakistan-occupied Kashmir who admitted that strikes were carried out by the Indian Army on September 29, 2016 and ‘Operation Kaali Kursi’ that exposed bank managers of private banks willing to aid an undercover reporter in converting almost Rs. 70 million of old currency notes into new ones after demonetization late last year.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com, News18 India consulting editor Prabal Pratap Singh said, “The channel has grown exponentially since its re-launch. Several of our shows are consistently No. 1in their slots. This is a testimony to the content that we have been airing, which is in line with our channel’s philosophy  of `Danke Ki Chot Par’.”

    Singh said as the editorial head of the channel, his role is to help the team focus on issues that are relevant to India, especially those viewers who would be watching or tracking a Hindi news channel. “Focus on pertinent content and issues, relevant to our viewers, has ensured tremendous growth in our viewership,” he added.                      
    According to BARC India data of weeks 15-18, News18 India had an average weekly impression of 3634 (in ‘000) with a 16 per cent market share in the HSM megacities in NCCS 15+, which placed the channel one spot behind the segment leader Zee News that had a market share of 17.5 per cent during the period under review.  

    News18 India is part of the Network18 group that is controlled by Mukesh Ambani-promoted Reliance Industries Ltd. Reliance acquired Network18 from its founder Raghav Bahl and his associates in 2014.

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  • News18 India rebrands ‘Danke Ki Chot Par’; challenges status quo

    News18 India rebrands ‘Danke Ki Chot Par’; challenges status quo

    New Delhi, 09 November 2016: Network18 Group has renamed its Hindi general news channel as News18 India. The channel will today unveil a new brand identity, logo and tagline along with a refreshed on-air look. The new avatar of the channel will be revealed at 6.57 pm tonight with the main objective to create a distinct position for itself in the Hindi General News category. The channel’s digital presence will also be revamped with the launch of a newly designed news18india.com

    Speaking on the re-launch, Avinash Kaul, Managing Director, A + E Networks | TV18 and President – Strategy, Product & Alliances, said, “We are not just rebranding the news channel, we are also putting into action an entire philosophy, a fresh approach focused on hard hitting journalism. There is constant need to innovate and stay relevant in the rapidly changing news environment. Through this refresh initiative, we intend to capture the viewer’s interest and also ensure impact through our news stories. Today, the viewers are overloaded with choices and information. In the midst of all this clutter, we are trying to create differentiation and relevance for our viewers and are confident about the change that we are actioning.”

    In the lead-up to the rebranding, the channel has strengthened its editorial team, introduced new anchors and launched new shows and formats. The refresh will build on this momentum with more impactful content, fresh packaging, and new studios adding to the experience being provided to the viewers.

    Prabal Pratap Singh, Consulting Editor, News18 India spoke regarding the new identity of the channel: “Our news channel has seen tremendous energy over the past few months. We have broken several big stories and I feel repositioning ourselves with the tagline “Danke Ki Chot Par” aptly captures the spirit of what we are trying to achieve. Going forward, the channel will continue to ask even more pointed questions with an aim to challenge the status quo. Editorially, the thrust will be on constructive criticism and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that our passion for fearless journalism results in positive impact on society.”

  • News18 India rebrands ‘Danke Ki Chot Par’; challenges status quo

    News18 India rebrands ‘Danke Ki Chot Par’; challenges status quo

    New Delhi, 09 November 2016: Network18 Group has renamed its Hindi general news channel as News18 India. The channel will today unveil a new brand identity, logo and tagline along with a refreshed on-air look. The new avatar of the channel will be revealed at 6.57 pm tonight with the main objective to create a distinct position for itself in the Hindi General News category. The channel’s digital presence will also be revamped with the launch of a newly designed news18india.com

    Speaking on the re-launch, Avinash Kaul, Managing Director, A + E Networks | TV18 and President – Strategy, Product & Alliances, said, “We are not just rebranding the news channel, we are also putting into action an entire philosophy, a fresh approach focused on hard hitting journalism. There is constant need to innovate and stay relevant in the rapidly changing news environment. Through this refresh initiative, we intend to capture the viewer’s interest and also ensure impact through our news stories. Today, the viewers are overloaded with choices and information. In the midst of all this clutter, we are trying to create differentiation and relevance for our viewers and are confident about the change that we are actioning.”

    In the lead-up to the rebranding, the channel has strengthened its editorial team, introduced new anchors and launched new shows and formats. The refresh will build on this momentum with more impactful content, fresh packaging, and new studios adding to the experience being provided to the viewers.

    Prabal Pratap Singh, Consulting Editor, News18 India spoke regarding the new identity of the channel: “Our news channel has seen tremendous energy over the past few months. We have broken several big stories and I feel repositioning ourselves with the tagline “Danke Ki Chot Par” aptly captures the spirit of what we are trying to achieve. Going forward, the channel will continue to ask even more pointed questions with an aim to challenge the status quo. Editorially, the thrust will be on constructive criticism and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that our passion for fearless journalism results in positive impact on society.”

  • IBN7’s new programming gamble

    IBN7’s new programming gamble

    MUMBAI: Just after 50 days of joining IBN7 as the consulting editor, Prabal Pratap Singh has high hopes from the channel’s two new shows. The two shows, namely Aar Paar and Super Crime Time, were already in discussion with Network 18 chief executive officer, news, and group editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi and his team before Singh rejoined. “After I stepped in as the consulting editor of the channel, we finalised everything on both these shows,” said Singh.

    Disrupting the routine timings of debate shows on news channels, debate show Aar Paar will air every Monday-Friday from 7 to 8 pm. Motive: to utilise the 7 pm time slot for a debates on a news channel. It aims at catering to the Hindi markets at large. Anchored by Amish Devgan, the show will pick topics that have a deeper connect with the common man. It will follow the normal style of debates with multiple guests on-screen discussing the subject and will ask tough questions to those in positions of power and hold them accountable.

    The channel has developed different teams for various roles like scripting, production, etc. Telecasted live, the show will not shy away from taking positions on issues that the viewers relate to strongly. Amish will engage directly with viewers through various social platforms to add an element of interactivity to the show.

    “Amish’s personality is unique and I would appreciate if he can retain his style. Having him on board is an achievement for us. He will conduct the debates in his own manner. I don’t think an anchor has to shout for attracting viewers,” asserted Singh.

    Debate shows on news channel are pretty common these days. But what if news channels not only report crime news but also recreate the crime scene? – asks the channel as it reinvents the category with Super Crime Time.

    Crime as a topic has proved to be an important genre for the general entertainment space. Re-constructing crime incidents to spread awareness about the incident flagged off through the news channels with shows like Sansani on ABP News and Vardaat on Aaj Tak. The news channels have dramatic anchors for these shows to boost ratings.

    In a move to revive this space, IBN7’s other show called Super Crime Time will be a heady mix of crime, drama, mystery and investigation. The show will not only report crime news from various parts of the country but also feature one major incident of the day by recreating the crime scene, piece by piece, trying to uncover its mystery. Airing 7 days a week between, the first half (10-10:30pm) will reports crime stories while the second half (10:30-11pm) will dramatise the details of crime place. On Saturdays, the programming will showcase some of the most infamous love stories which involve misconduct and bloodshed. The show will also have plenty visual effects.

    Digvijay will spread out the message of ‘Apna Khayal Rakhna’ through this show. With 24 scenes already in place, the channel has a huge database of crime stories in bank. “The prime time for Hindi markets has now extended to 11 pm. We will recreate few concepts due to lack of visual support. We hope these shows will boost our viewership,” points out Singh.

    The show has been directed by the editor of the channel Manoj Kumar Singh. The channel has associated students, theater artists, etc to enact the various scenes.

    IBN7 would keep its eyes strained on its ratings in the couple of weeks to see how the new programming gamble is fairing.

  • IBN7’s new programming gamble

    IBN7’s new programming gamble

    MUMBAI: Just after 50 days of joining IBN7 as the consulting editor, Prabal Pratap Singh has high hopes from the channel’s two new shows. The two shows, namely Aar Paar and Super Crime Time, were already in discussion with Network 18 chief executive officer, news, and group editor-in-chief Rahul Joshi and his team before Singh rejoined. “After I stepped in as the consulting editor of the channel, we finalised everything on both these shows,” said Singh.

    Disrupting the routine timings of debate shows on news channels, debate show Aar Paar will air every Monday-Friday from 7 to 8 pm. Motive: to utilise the 7 pm time slot for a debates on a news channel. It aims at catering to the Hindi markets at large. Anchored by Amish Devgan, the show will pick topics that have a deeper connect with the common man. It will follow the normal style of debates with multiple guests on-screen discussing the subject and will ask tough questions to those in positions of power and hold them accountable.

    The channel has developed different teams for various roles like scripting, production, etc. Telecasted live, the show will not shy away from taking positions on issues that the viewers relate to strongly. Amish will engage directly with viewers through various social platforms to add an element of interactivity to the show.

    “Amish’s personality is unique and I would appreciate if he can retain his style. Having him on board is an achievement for us. He will conduct the debates in his own manner. I don’t think an anchor has to shout for attracting viewers,” asserted Singh.

    Debate shows on news channel are pretty common these days. But what if news channels not only report crime news but also recreate the crime scene? – asks the channel as it reinvents the category with Super Crime Time.

    Crime as a topic has proved to be an important genre for the general entertainment space. Re-constructing crime incidents to spread awareness about the incident flagged off through the news channels with shows like Sansani on ABP News and Vardaat on Aaj Tak. The news channels have dramatic anchors for these shows to boost ratings.

    In a move to revive this space, IBN7’s other show called Super Crime Time will be a heady mix of crime, drama, mystery and investigation. The show will not only report crime news from various parts of the country but also feature one major incident of the day by recreating the crime scene, piece by piece, trying to uncover its mystery. Airing 7 days a week between, the first half (10-10:30pm) will reports crime stories while the second half (10:30-11pm) will dramatise the details of crime place. On Saturdays, the programming will showcase some of the most infamous love stories which involve misconduct and bloodshed. The show will also have plenty visual effects.

    Digvijay will spread out the message of ‘Apna Khayal Rakhna’ through this show. With 24 scenes already in place, the channel has a huge database of crime stories in bank. “The prime time for Hindi markets has now extended to 11 pm. We will recreate few concepts due to lack of visual support. We hope these shows will boost our viewership,” points out Singh.

    The show has been directed by the editor of the channel Manoj Kumar Singh. The channel has associated students, theater artists, etc to enact the various scenes.

    IBN7 would keep its eyes strained on its ratings in the couple of weeks to see how the new programming gamble is fairing.

  • Amish Devgan to host ‘Aar Paar’ from 18 July on IBN7

    Amish Devgan to host ‘Aar Paar’ from 18 July on IBN7

    MUMBAI: In line with its commitment to improve the way debates happen on news channels, IBN7 is all geared up to launch Aar Paar from18 July. The show will be hosted by Network 18 executive editor Amish Devgan and will air everyday at 7 pm.

    The hour long show will conduct the various topics with a direct and effective way. Devgan famously known as an aggressive anchor will also be seen giving conclusions to the topic of the way. “Amish is excited about hosting this show. Apart from arriving to solid conclusions, he will also consider the feedback from audience present,” points a source.

    As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, Devgan joined Network 18 on 6 June and closely works with Network18 news CEO and group editor in chief Rahul Joshi and consulting editor Prabal Pratap Singh. With 16 years of journalistic experience, Devgan will utilize his expertise to devise various strategies and plans for all the Hindi news channels under the group namely IBN7 and CNBC Awaaz.

    The channel has not roped in any advertisers for this show yet. It will utilize and leverage their network which they believe will help establish the show. Additionally, the team will use an effective mix of digital, OOH and other media as required to maximize the reach of the show. The show will also be promoted on social media like Facebook, Twitter,YouTube, etc.