ITV

Tag: Reliance Broadcast Network

  • Subhojit Roy joins Sony Pictures Networks India as VP, ad sales

    Subhojit Roy joins Sony Pictures Networks India as VP, ad sales

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has appointed Subhojit Roy as vice president, ad sales, strengthening its leadership ranks as it seeks to sharpen its commercial edge in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

    Roy brings with him over 14 years of experience in media and technology sales, having previously held senior roles at TV Today, ABP Network, Viacom18, Zee Studios and Reliance Broadcast Network. Most recently, he served as vice president, sales and strategy at TV Today, where he led monetisation efforts across broadcast and digital verticals.

    An alumnus of ICFAI University and IIM Ahmedabad, Roy has been a driving force behind branded content monetisation, revenue expansion through original IPs, and advertiser-led partnerships. His career spans stints in digital, broadcast, OTT and even government-tech interface sales, underscoring his deep understanding of both legacy and emerging revenue streams.

    At Sony Pictures Networks, Roy is expected to helm advertising strategy across the network’s diverse portfolio, bringing a data-driven approach to branded content, inventory optimisation, and advertiser solutions. His appointment comes at a time when broadcasters are grappling with shrinking linear margins and the urgent need to futureproof monetisation models through digital convergence.

    In his own words, Roy believes, “Almost every industry is getting massively disrupted by the combination of tech and media. Embrace it and empower your people.”

  • Manuj Arora appointed director, ads at Myntra

    Manuj Arora appointed director, ads at Myntra

    MUMBAI: Manuj Arora has taken on the role of director at Myntra. He moves into this position after nearly seven years with the online fashion retailer, where he previously held the titles of deputy director from April 2020 and associate director for three years starting in April 2022. During his time as associate director, his responsibilities included leading the gift card and strategic alliances businesses, as well as overseeing approximately 50 per cent of Myntra’s advertising business across various product categories.

    Prior to joining Myntra, Arora served as a manager at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) for two years. His experience also includes a role as associate group head at Reliance Broadcast Network, where he focused on business development through advertising sales and integrated marketing solutions. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Zee Media Corp Ltd (DNA) as an assistant manager in sales and at Colgate Palmolive in customer development.

    In his new role as director at Myntra, Arora will be responsible for Myntra ads, brand partnerships, strategic alliances, and gift cards.

  • Sapphire Media wins BIG 92.7 FM; gets favourable order from NCLAT

    Sapphire Media wins BIG 92.7 FM; gets favourable order from NCLAT

    MUMBAI: It’s a big – actually Big 92.7 FM –  win for Haryana-outdoor firm and Indian Daily TV channel  owner Sapphire Media. It has got a favorable order from the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) for it to acquire the Reliance Broadcast Network run radio network Big FM 92.7.

    The principal bench of the NCLAT, Delhi on Monday dismissed the plea filed by Radio Mirchi, Orange FM and others against the NCLT judgement which approved the resolution plan of Sapphire Media for Big 92.7 FM.

    The NCLAT Bench comprising chairperson  justice Ashok Bhushan and (technical) member Barun Mitra in its order today said that “in view of the foregoing discussions and conclusions, we do not find any ground to interfere in the order of NCLT dated 06.05.2024 impugned in the above appeals. In result, all the appeals are dismissed.”

    Earlier, the NCLT bench comprising technical member Madhu Sinha and judicial member Reeta Kohli had approved the resolution plan submitted by Sapphire Media in its order dated 6 May  2024. As per the plan, Sapphire Media would  pay Rs 261 crore to secured and operational creditors against the total claims of Rs 947.5 crore.

    The resolution professional subsequently filed an application with NCLT Mumbai seeking approval of Sapphire Media’s resolution plan.

    Big FM 92.7 FM , owned by Reliance Broadcast Network, has been going through the insolvency process since February 2023.. It is the country’s largest radio network with 58 stations and a reach of over 1,200 towns and 50,000+ villages will reinforce Sapphire Media’s aggressive expansions plans in the media space.

    Sapphire Media is promoted by Aditya Vashistha and Kaithal-based businessman Sahil Mangla. Sapphire media runs a national Hindi news channel in name of India Daily and is one of the biggest outdoor advertising companies in India.

  • Zee5 elevates Shresth Gupta to VP – marketing (SVOD)

    Zee5 elevates Shresth Gupta to VP – marketing (SVOD)

    MUMBAI: In the fast-paced world of digital streaming, standing still is not an option. Just as an outdated gadget or a long-overdue promotion begs for an upgrade, so too does the leadership that steers innovation.

    Zee5, India’s leading homegrown video streaming platform, has announced a major upgrade of its own, elevating Shresth Gupta as VP – marketing (SVOD) for India and global markets. This dynamic move underscores Zee5’s relentless drive to dominate the subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) space, sparking excitement and anticipation as the platform sets its sights on conquering new horizons and captivating audiences worldwide.

    In his new role, Gupta will spearhead the launch and promotion of original series and movies in Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi, aiming to drive subscription growth through impactful campaigns tailored for diverse audiences. Gupta joined Zee5 in August 2020 and has been instrumental in the platform’s success, orchestrating standout campaigns for popular titles such as “Taj: Divided by Blood”, “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai”, and “Gyaarah Gyaarah”.

    With over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and brand building, Gupta has held leadership positions at Sun TV Network, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, and Reliance Broadcast Network. He successfully launched impactful initiatives, including introducing Sun Bangla to eastern markets and overseeing the launch of premium channels like Zindagi and &Prive HD.

    Recognised for his expertise in digital marketing, storytelling, and consumer insights, Gupta has consistently delivered campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences.

    His educational credentials include a post graduate diploma in communications from MICA and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Rajasthan University.

    This move underscores Zee5’s commitment to innovation in marketing and delivering exceptional value to its growing SVOD subscriber base.

  • Music Broadcast terminates acquisition deal with RBNL

    Music Broadcast terminates acquisition deal with RBNL

    MUMBAI: Jagran Prakash's Music Broadcast, which owns and operates Radio City, has terminated its deal with Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) for the acquisition of Big FM. The Rs 1,050-crore deal has been called off as both parties have not received approval from the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB). 

    It was in 2019 that Music Broadcast entered into definitive agreements with Reliance Capital, Reliance Entertainment Networks, and Reliance Broadcast Network. As the long stop date under the definitive agreements has expired, the acquisition deal between the parties also gets terminated. 

    "This is in reference to our intimation dated 12 June 2019, informing about the decision of the company to acquire Big FM. Pursuant to Regulation 30 read with Schedule III (Part A) and any other applicable provisions of SEBI listing regulations, the board of directors of the company in their meeting held on 8 April 2021 has decided not to pursue the proposed investment in Big FM and will be terminating the definitive transaction documents with immediate effect," said Music Broadcast in a filing to BSE. 

    As a part of the acquisition deal, Music Broadcast had agreed to acquire a 24 per cent equity stake of RBNL by way of a preferential allotment. Later, subject to regulatory approvals, Music Broadcast would have acquired the remaining equity shares held by RBNL. 

    Music Broadcast, in a statement, revealed that the termination of acquisition will not have any impact on the ongoing business operations of the company. 

  • Zeel receives shareholder nod for Reliance Broadcast Network acquisition

    BENGALURU: Subhash Chandra’s Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel) has informed the bourses that it has received shareholder approval for the resolution for the Composite Scheme of Arrangement among Reliance Big Broadcasting Private Limited; and Big Magic Limited; and Azalia Broadcast Private Limited; and Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited and their respective Shareholders and Creditors. At a court convened meeting held on 9 May, the company received 800,317,632 votes in favour and 1,400 votes against the resolution.

    To further strengthen its entertainment genre, last year Zeel announced acquisition of the entire television business of the Anil Ambani run Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd (RBNL) including two operational channels and four TV licences. Anil Ambani’s Reliance group also agreed to sell a 49 percent stake in its radio business to Zee group entities, marking the latter’s entry into private FM radio.

    At the time of filing of this report, Zeel shares were quoting at RS 503.15 each on the National Stock exchange, Rs 6.85 (+1.38 percent) higher than its opening price of Rs 496.30. The high/low for the day so far have been Rs 506.40/Rs 496.30.

  • Disney’s Srivastava joins WWE, to oversee TV, events, sponsorship & licensing

    MUMBAI: WWE has announced the appointment of Sheetesh Srivastava as vice president and general manager, WWE India.

    Srivastava will lead WWE’s strategic business initiatives and day-to-day operations in India and work with partners across all of WWE’s lines of business, including television, live events, marketing, sponsorship, new media, licensing and merchandising. Srivastava is a seasoned executive with more than 18 years of experience in driving strategic business growth in domestic and international markets. He will report to WWE EVP – international Ed Wells.

    “India is key to the global growth of WWE, and we are confident Sheetesh will successfully help develop our brand and business in this critically important country,” said Wells. “WWE is committed to expanding its presence in India, and we are pleased to welcome Sheetesh to further our efforts in the market.”

    India represents WWE’s single largest regional contribution to the brand’s massive social media community of 750 million followers globally. To increase engagement with fans in India, WWE recently launched WWEShop.in, the company’s first-ever local, e-commerce experience in India.

    Srivastava joins WWE from The Walt Disney Company in India, where he most recently led business development for Disney Media Networks, overseeing branded content creation, distribution, marketing and syndication. Earlier in his career, he held senior management roles at Reliance Broadcast Network, The Times of India Group, and Frito Lay India.

    Srivastava is an economics graduate from Lucknow University, and he received a master’s degree in business management from the Institute for Integrated Learning in Management.

  • Top M&E industry honchos see no major benefit from Budget ’17

    Top M&E industry honchos see no major benefit from Budget ’17

    MUMBAI: With the Union Budget’s focus on rural and infrastructure sectors, the media and entertainment (M&E) industry seems to be disappointed as the budget does not offer much. Though the sector is hoping to get some benefit through the digital push mentioned in the budget, expectations were high as the budget overlooked the sector even in the previous two budgets.

    No clarity on foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, goods and services tax (GST), no further reduction in the service tax, no direct benefit for the digital ecosystem, MSOs, telecom, and many such misses has upset the M&E industry at large.

    Impetus on digital payments and transactions will eventually help the OTTs/VoDs platforms subscription model. The government’s move to abolish Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) is believed to make it largely easier for foreign investors to invest in Indian companies.

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited

    Reliance Broadcast Network (RBNL) CEO Tarun Katial said, “Budget 2017 is Neutral for the M&E sector although the consumption centric budget will put more money in the pocket of the common man and hence help the advertising and broadcast industries. Radio broadcast industry has requested specific policy measures like five per cent GST rate, reduction in custom duty for capex, etc and we look forward to the announcements when the GST rates are announced.”

    Mukta Arts 

    Mukta Arts MD Rahul Puri asserted, “The Union Budget this year has focused more on uplifting some of India’s poorest sections of society. While this year again the media and entertainment sector has been overlooked, however some announcements will definitely help our industry in many ways. Setting up the cyber security teams will help fight piracy, similarly, the government’s push towards Internet penetration in rural markets will help increase content consumption and increase the audience base. Further the abolishment of FIPB will make it easier for foreign investors to invest in Indian companies.”

    Worldwide Media 

    Worldwide Media CEO Deepak Lamba added, ‘’The Union Budget 2017 announced today, doesn’t include much on the  M&E sector, however there are some points that will have a positive impact on our industry. The budget reinforced India’s huge shift towards digitization especially with the proposed deployment of high optic cables to increase internet penetration in rural India. This is a big positive for content creators like us, as it will boost the digital content consumption across online and mobile platforms. Further impetus on digital payments and transactions will eventually help the subscription model. Also, the government’s move to abolish FIPB to make the inflow of FDI smoother and to consider liberalization of the FDI policy will have a positive impact for players across sectors in the long run.”

    KSS Limited (K Sera Sera)

    KSS Limited group CEO and KSS Digital Cinema CEO Rahul Kanani added, “The Union Budget 2017 introduces the abolition of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board which is a positive step leading to inducing more foreign studios investment in India. More investments coupled with technological upgradation will certainly be a boon for the Indian film industry. Further, with the digital transactions getting a boost the industry especially single screen businesses which have suffered hugely because of the recent demonetization will help get a push.”

    Pixel Pictures 

    Pixel Pictures CEO Prashanti Mallisetti said, “The budget on the onset looks quite positive and is in-line with the recent reforms. Though there are no major takeaways for any industry in particular that can affect a trajectory movement – the curb on cash transactions of 3 Lakhs is the one that is going to be a predominant factor in the demonetization short term scenario. More clarity in GST would have been great, but I guess we have to wait for that a little longer.”

    Dome Entertainment

    Dome Entertainment’s Mazhar Nadiadwala added, “GST would be implemented on the entertainment and events industry, and this would unify the indirect tax administration in India and help the country in two ways. Firstly, it will simplify and make it easy for the consumers to understand. Secondly, it will ease doing business in India. Also, application of GST will result into growth of the country and there will be transparency in the transactions. Under GST, service tax or state tax will be available as a credit which will reduce overall costs and eliminate dual levies of service tax and VAT on transactions. However, every coin has two sides, at one end where we have advantages of GST, on the other end certain businesses will face initial challenges, especially the ones who use traditional methods for transactions.”

    ActorsApply.com 

    An ActorsApply.com spokesperson said, “Government’s proposed reduction in the income tax for smaller organisations will add to the agenda of Startup India thereby expanding the scope for aspiring start ups. Also, the plan to provide a seven-year tax relief will help startups to overcome the losses incurred post demonetisation. The increase in time frame from 5 to 7 years for profit linked deductions was a much needed move specially for emerging start ups. The budget also levelled India’s huge shift towards digitization supporting it with the announcement of use of optic fibre cables for high-speed broadband connectivity in rural areas. This will mean increased Internet penetration through mobile and online mediums thereby boosting the start up sector overall.”

  • Top M&E industry honchos see no major benefit from Budget ’17

    Top M&E industry honchos see no major benefit from Budget ’17

    MUMBAI: With the Union Budget’s focus on rural and infrastructure sectors, the media and entertainment (M&E) industry seems to be disappointed as the budget does not offer much. Though the sector is hoping to get some benefit through the digital push mentioned in the budget, expectations were high as the budget overlooked the sector even in the previous two budgets.

    No clarity on foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, goods and services tax (GST), no further reduction in the service tax, no direct benefit for the digital ecosystem, MSOs, telecom, and many such misses has upset the M&E industry at large.

    Impetus on digital payments and transactions will eventually help the OTTs/VoDs platforms subscription model. The government’s move to abolish Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) is believed to make it largely easier for foreign investors to invest in Indian companies.

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited

    Reliance Broadcast Network (RBNL) CEO Tarun Katial said, “Budget 2017 is Neutral for the M&E sector although the consumption centric budget will put more money in the pocket of the common man and hence help the advertising and broadcast industries. Radio broadcast industry has requested specific policy measures like five per cent GST rate, reduction in custom duty for capex, etc and we look forward to the announcements when the GST rates are announced.”

    Mukta Arts 

    Mukta Arts MD Rahul Puri asserted, “The Union Budget this year has focused more on uplifting some of India’s poorest sections of society. While this year again the media and entertainment sector has been overlooked, however some announcements will definitely help our industry in many ways. Setting up the cyber security teams will help fight piracy, similarly, the government’s push towards Internet penetration in rural markets will help increase content consumption and increase the audience base. Further the abolishment of FIPB will make it easier for foreign investors to invest in Indian companies.”

    Worldwide Media 

    Worldwide Media CEO Deepak Lamba added, ‘’The Union Budget 2017 announced today, doesn’t include much on the  M&E sector, however there are some points that will have a positive impact on our industry. The budget reinforced India’s huge shift towards digitization especially with the proposed deployment of high optic cables to increase internet penetration in rural India. This is a big positive for content creators like us, as it will boost the digital content consumption across online and mobile platforms. Further impetus on digital payments and transactions will eventually help the subscription model. Also, the government’s move to abolish FIPB to make the inflow of FDI smoother and to consider liberalization of the FDI policy will have a positive impact for players across sectors in the long run.”

    KSS Limited (K Sera Sera)

    KSS Limited group CEO and KSS Digital Cinema CEO Rahul Kanani added, “The Union Budget 2017 introduces the abolition of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board which is a positive step leading to inducing more foreign studios investment in India. More investments coupled with technological upgradation will certainly be a boon for the Indian film industry. Further, with the digital transactions getting a boost the industry especially single screen businesses which have suffered hugely because of the recent demonetization will help get a push.”

    Pixel Pictures 

    Pixel Pictures CEO Prashanti Mallisetti said, “The budget on the onset looks quite positive and is in-line with the recent reforms. Though there are no major takeaways for any industry in particular that can affect a trajectory movement – the curb on cash transactions of 3 Lakhs is the one that is going to be a predominant factor in the demonetization short term scenario. More clarity in GST would have been great, but I guess we have to wait for that a little longer.”

    Dome Entertainment

    Dome Entertainment’s Mazhar Nadiadwala added, “GST would be implemented on the entertainment and events industry, and this would unify the indirect tax administration in India and help the country in two ways. Firstly, it will simplify and make it easy for the consumers to understand. Secondly, it will ease doing business in India. Also, application of GST will result into growth of the country and there will be transparency in the transactions. Under GST, service tax or state tax will be available as a credit which will reduce overall costs and eliminate dual levies of service tax and VAT on transactions. However, every coin has two sides, at one end where we have advantages of GST, on the other end certain businesses will face initial challenges, especially the ones who use traditional methods for transactions.”

    ActorsApply.com 

    An ActorsApply.com spokesperson said, “Government’s proposed reduction in the income tax for smaller organisations will add to the agenda of Startup India thereby expanding the scope for aspiring start ups. Also, the plan to provide a seven-year tax relief will help startups to overcome the losses incurred post demonetisation. The increase in time frame from 5 to 7 years for profit linked deductions was a much needed move specially for emerging start ups. The budget also levelled India’s huge shift towards digitization supporting it with the announcement of use of optic fibre cables for high-speed broadband connectivity in rural areas. This will mean increased Internet penetration through mobile and online mediums thereby boosting the start up sector overall.”

  • Reliance Broadcast Network appoints Atul Razdan, Nidhi Gulia & Sanil Suneja

    Reliance Broadcast Network appoints Atul Razdan, Nidhi Gulia & Sanil Suneja

    MUMBAI: Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, a media and entertainment company with interests in radio, television and television production, has strengthened its core leadership team with consumer-focused professionals as it expands into the next phase of stations.

    Atul Razdan, with over 14 years of experience in consumer insights, product development and communications joins RBNL as the National Programming Head. Nidhi Gulia, with over 13 years leading marketing communication for consumer facing online as well as lifestyle brands joins as National Marketing Head, and with over 12 years of business experience, Sanil Suneja takes charge as the Regional Business Head (Delhi). The three new appointees will drive new strategic initiatives as part of their respective roles, aligned to the key business goals of the organization and catapult RBNL on to an exponential growth trajectory.

    Razdan, who has worked with scaled FMCG brands in the past, has a rich and diverse experience in areas such as Brand Building, Communication Strategy, Marketing Research, Consumer Insights and Brand Activation. His previous career stints have been with Hershey’s India Pvt Ltd and Cadbury India Ltd. On his new role at RBNL, Atul said, “I look forward to this opportunity as one that would enable me to tap into my fullest potential, thereby presenting me with newer challenges to overcome. My previous responsibilities have allowed me to take a deep dive into the world of consumer insights, and I hope to implement all that I have gained from those experiences to my new role here at RBNL.” At RBNL, Atul will lead content development initiatives for the existing network of 45 Radio stations as well as upcoming launches in 14 new cities.

    Nidhi Gulia who has previously worked with brands like Sodexo, Adidas, MakeMyTrip and Yahoo about her new role at RBNL said “As marketers, it is important to keep pushing the pedal of innovation by constantly thinking out of the box. It is one of the keys to success in an ever evolving and dynamic domain. At RBNL, I look forward to working with an enterprising marketing and content team to align all strategic marketing initiatives with the key business goals of the organization.” Nidhi will lead the continued evolution of Brand BIG FM which completed a decade in 2016 as the “Most trusted Radio brand”.

    Sanil Suneja possesses key competencies in Business Strategy, B2B Sales, Brand Management, Sales Marketing, and Digital Marketing. He has handled multiple roles in his over a decade long career with Asian Paint. On his new position at RBNL, Sanil said, “From my previous work stint, I have learnt that effective leadership leads to desired results. All my insights are formulated from real life experiences. At RBNL, my aim is to apply these insights as effectively as possible, as I work towards driving key business initiatives in the Delhi region.” Sanil will be responsible for driving business growth in the fastest growing consumer market in the country.