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Tag: Republic Media

  • Samsung’s supreme galaxy series redefines newsroom excellence

    Samsung’s supreme galaxy series redefines newsroom excellence

    MUMBAI: Samsung, the reigning titan of android innovation, has once again set a benchmark, thrilling tech enthusiasts worldwide with its groundbreaking Galaxy Z Series and S24 Ultra devices.

    In a move that marries cutting-edge technology with journalistic excellence, Samsung has forged an extraordinary alliance with Republic Media Network, India’s largest news broadcaster. This dynamic partnership goes beyond mere collaboration-it’s a masterstroke that blends the supreme power of Samsung’s android ecosystem with the adrenaline-charged world of real-time news delivery.

    Imagine the energy of breaking news powered by the sleek sophistication of the Galaxy Z Series, paired with the unmatched prowess of the S24 Ultra. Together, they promise to reshape how stories are captured, crafted, and delivered across Republic’s English, Hindi, Bangla, and Kannada channels.

    With this synergy, the newsroom isn’t just evolving-it’s transforming into a tech-driven powerhouse, rewriting the rules of modern journalism and reaffirming Samsung’s dominance as the leader in the android universe.

    The partnership introduces Samsung’s flagship devices into the heart of Republic’s operations—from studios to on-ground reportage—enabling journalists to leverage advanced features like pro-camera capabilities, Galaxy AI tools, and live translation for breaking news and primetime broadcasts. This marks a significant leap in the integration of mobile and AI technology in Indian newsrooms.

    The partnership ensures that Republic’s journalists use the Galaxy Z Series/S24 Ultra to improve efficiency, speed, and quality in news delivery. From live-action reporting to high-tech studio segments, the devices will support features like circle to search, photo assist, and interpreter, revolutionising how breaking news and live-action segments are presented. AI-driven tools such as note assist and live translate will also be used for newsroom operations, ensuring lightning-fast information dissemination.

    The collaboration will also see Republic’s primetime shows filmed entirely on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, showcasing the device’s diverse shooting modes, motion capture, and light-setting capabilities. This unique approach brings viewers closer to the action while demonstrating the power of mobile technology in broadcasting.

    Republic Media Network CEO, Hersh Bhandari highlighted the partnership’s transformative potential, “At Republic Media Network, we believe in the power of innovation to drive progress. Our partnership with Samsung underscores our commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology to enhance the way news is created and delivered. By integrating advanced mobile and AI tools, we are shaping the future of news, making it faster, more efficient, and more impactful for our viewers.”

    This partnership signals a paradigm shift in news production, combining Republic’s unparalleled reach with Samsung’s advanced technology. It sets the stage for a new era of content-tech collaborations, enhancing how news is produced and consumed across India’s diverse audience base.

  • Republic Media pesents “Heroes of Change”

    Republic Media pesents “Heroes of Change”

    Mumbai: Republic Media is proud to announce its highly anticipated event, “Heroes of Change,” set to take place on 30 August 2024. This event will shine a spotlight on remarkable individuals who are driving positive societal change through their extraordinary contributions.

    In the words of Ravin managing director Vijay Karia said, “At Ravin, we believe that true progress is driven by those who are committed to making a meaningful difference. ‘Heroes of Change’ embodies this spirit by honoring the remarkable individuals whose efforts transcend conventional boundaries and inspire transformative impact. We are proud to support this event and celebrate the unsung heroes who are shaping a better future for all.”

    Event Highlights:

    • Fireside Chat with Harsh Malhotra
    Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs will share insights on infrastructural advancements and policy impacts.
    • Panel Discussion: Digitizing Education for All
    A thought-provoking dialogue on the future of education and the role of technology in making learning accessible to everyone.
    • Fireside Chat with Kangana Ranaut
    Renowned Actor and Member of Parliament will discuss her journey and her contributions to societal issues.
    • Veterans of Change Panel
    Featuring distinguished personalities who have made significant impacts in their respective fields.

    Awards Ceremony:

    “Heroes of Change” will honor individuals who have made exceptional contributions in various domains, including: • Education Innovation

    • Social Entrepreneurship
    • Environmental Conservation
    Awards will be presented following a thorough evaluation process, with Ernst & Young (EY) serving as the Knowledge Partner.

    Featured Panellists & Speakers:

    • Kangana Ranaut – Actor & Member of Parliament
    • Harsh Malhotra – Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs
    • R.K.S. Bhadauria – Air Chief Marshal (Retd.)
    • Major D.P. Singh – India’s First Blade Runner
    • Anand Kumar – Founder of Super 30
    • Gauri Maulekhi – Animal Welfare Activist
    • Adv. Afroz Shah – Environmental Activist
    • Parmita Sarma – Co-Founder, Akshar Foundation
    • Karthee Vidya – Founder & CEO, Team Everest

    “Heroes of Change” is dedicated to celebrating those who commit themselves to causes greater than personal gain, creating impactful change without seeking the limelight.

  • Anand Sreenivasan joins Republic Media Network as National Head-Branded Content

    Anand Sreenivasan joins Republic Media Network as National Head-Branded Content

    Republic Media Network has appointed Anand Sreenivasan as the National Head-Branded Content. With an overall experience of more than 16 years, Sreenivasan will head the Fluid team. It is the branded content vertical of the network. The Fluid team has produced several award-winning series for the brand. 

    Earlier, Sreenivasan has led media organisations like ZoomTV, UTV, Sony, and A&E network. He also worked as the head of the west region for display and branded content at The Quint, the company said in a statement.

    On joining Fluid, Sreenivasan said, “The last couple of years have made the Indian content space fascinating and dynamic. The emergence of new-age content providers and multi-platform choices for the viewer has made it a challenge for all content creators. With Fluid, we will now look forward to creating bespoke content solutions for partners across Digital and Television.” 

    “This will be a one-stop shop ensuring end-to-end content development and distribution. As a network, we are already leading the way for the news genre and we will now look to establish the same in the branded content space too,” he added.

    Welcoming this move, Republic Media Network’s Group COO Hersh Bhandari said, “We would like to welcome Anand onboard then Republic Media Network. He is one of the sharpest minds in the business of content. With over 16 years of work experience in the business of content and digital, Anand will add strength to the leadership team by curating some of the large IP’s for the network and integrated brand solutions for clients. Anand will add strength to our core leadership team and lead the branded content vertical for the network nationally.”

  • magicpin joins hands with Republic Media to power retail in India

    magicpin joins hands with Republic Media to power retail in India

    Mumbai: magicpin, the online platform for discovery and savings in offline retail, has entered into a partnership with Republic Media to spread its message to a wider audience across India. magicpin and Republic Media will jointly create content that will be aired on Republic TV, Republic Bharat and other digital channels. The content will also be available on magicpin’s social media handles.

    This will include unique user-generated content shared by customers, retailers and brands that will highlight the benefits of a hyperlocal shopping experience that is a win-win for all stakeholders. This partnership will ensure that the message is delivered to millions of consumers, retailers and brands across the length and breadth of the country, said the statement.

    Announcing the partnership on live TV during the prime time debate, Republic Media MD and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami said, “magicpin is on a mission to make hyperlocal absolutely magical. With over 1.7 lakh merchant partners it embodies the glorious Indian entrepreneurial spirit. As India’s economy bounces back and customer habits change, magicpin empowers users to go local. We are excited about this partnership as we are champions of the Vocal for Local mission and this is a great opportunity to do just that.”

    “magicpin is connecting Bharat’s retailers to its consumers. It stands for offline retail – for millions of stores in our country across food, fashion, electronics, and pharma – bringing their products and services to the users’ handset,” said magicpin CEO and founder Anshoo Sharma. “This enables users to discover and save at these local stores and retailers to participate in the country’s fast-growing online economy. Our partnership with Republic Media, is to spread our message of ‘Shop Karo, Save Karo, magicpin Pe’ to benefit merchants and customers across the country.”

  • Chrome DM data validates RepublicTV’s leadership claims

    Chrome DM data validates RepublicTV’s leadership claims

    Mumbai: “Opportunity To See” or OTS is a measure in advertising media that denotes the number of times the viewer is most likely to see the brand (In the below table brands denote TV channels). This term is used by marketers and analysts to differentiate between the total audience in the universe and the percentage of the total audience that has access to see your brand/ channel. The larger the percentage the higher is the availability of the channel converting into consumption/reach.

    The following OTS analysis over the last four years (2017-2020) within the Indian television market points at

    •  As seen the Republic TV OTS in urban homes has been higher than Times since 2019 making it the largest available English brand in Urban Homes in India.
    •  Republic TV OTS has been higher than Times NOW since 2018. The distribution and availability of the channel has been extremely high in comparison to any other channel in the genre. 
    •  The gap has widened into “Reach” in 2019 and 2020 as the TRAI implemented the new tariff order (NTO) making sure Republic TV’s free to air offering in English increased its footprint across homes through India. 
    •  The share of news genre got expanded from 2017, post the entry of Republic TV.
    •  The channel was launched in 2017 and since then its growth trajectory has always been on the rise. The other channels have also either grown albeit slowly vis-à-vis Republic or remained semi stagnant.

    OTS (Opportunity to See) – India Urban – Avg. of 2016 to 2020

    Source: Chrome Live, Mkt- All India Urban, 2017-2020

    Year

    Republic

    Times Now

    Difference

    Avg. of 2017

    61%

    65%

    -4%

    Avg. of 2018

    66%

    63%

    3%

    Avg. of 2019

    91%

    53%

    38%

    Avg. of 2020

    86%

    60%

    26%

    Source: Chrome Live, Mkt- All India Urban, 2017-2020

    Speaking to Republic World, ChromeDM founder and CEO Pankaj Krishna said, “After a point and irrespective of genre, the key differentiator amongst players within the genre boils down to the availability of content. Considering the fact that distribution is still contingent on a 1000+ variables (DPOs/ CNOs) and is one of the biggest cost centres for running a linear TV channel – unless of course, it is a hugely appointment-led genre, for instance for Hindi GEC.

    Most of the genres – be it news (Hindi and English), music, infotainment, the time spent per viewer limits to less than ten minutes a week and is mostly driven by channel surfing or flirting, if I may call it. A differentiator of 15-20 per cent on distribution between any two-three players within a genre would probably be the factor deciding the lead in the consumption / viewership / ratings within the genre.

    LCN (logical channel number), placement (where your channel falls), neighbourhood (the channel that precedes you), the packages that you are on (whether your channel reaches 100 per cent audiences and the penetrations of the packages that your channel is a part of) – all of these factors determine the OTS (Opportunity to See) or the availability of a channel which is the primary key factor in determining the dominance of one over the other.

    I don't have any inclination to any channel or newsroom or point of view- but after a certain level and with the proliferation of content, it does become a commodity – where-in the availability of content plays a bigger role than the content itself…"

    Republic Media Network group CEO Vikas Khanchandani said, “Republic Network has focused and delivered the largest reach platforms in its respective genres. The above data from Chrome is yet another data point that reflects on the growth and leadership that our brand enjoys. There are multiple data points like the engagement of Republic TV on social media which is also highest within its genre reflecting the stickiness of our brand and reflective of high TSV that the brand enjoys. We have similar data points for our humongous consumption on OTT as our brand has very wide availability on connected devices and I am more than confident that we will continue to bring the largest English and Hindi news platforms for consumers and advertisers.”

    The data for analysis was provided by Chrome DM.

    Chrome DM is a technology-driven market research firm with a pan-India on-ground presence. As of September 2017, the organization had a team of 650+ field staff, 150+ managerial staff and 450 tele-callers speaking over 22 languages to gather data from 3300+ towns. With a presence in over six lakh villages, Chrome DM also has an unprecedented reach into rural India.

  • Republic TV set to sue Mumbai police commissioner for defamation

    Republic TV set to sue Mumbai police commissioner for defamation

    NEW DELHI: Accusations have flown thick and fast between the Mumbai police and its commissioner Param Bir Singh and the Republic Media Network over the past few months. The rancour between the two parties only intensified after the former accused the latter of rigging its viewership ratings by compromising the BARC sample and paying off viewers to watch the network.

    Now, Republic TV founder and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami has directed his legal team Phoenix Legal to initiate a suit against Singh seeking Rs 200 crore in damages. Rs 100 crore of this amount is for damaging the newsman’s reputation, while the other Rs 100 crore is for harming the network’s credibility.

    Republic says its legal teams are in the process of filing the defamation suit against the police commissioner. The company decided to take this step following the revelation that the FIR related to TRP manipulation does not include the name of Arnab Goswami and Republic Media.

    In the Bombay High Court hearing today, the two-man bench of justices SS Shinde and MS Karnik noted that Republic TV has not yet been arraigned as an accused in the FIR filed by the Mumbai police.

    Arguing on behalf of the Maharashtra government and the Mumbai police, senior advocate Kapil Sibal said, "There is no mention of Republic TV in the FIR. So how can it be quashed? The FIR relates to an offence allegedly committed in relation to which several improprieties and illegalities by several may be found. That investigation is still in the nascent stage."

    He further mentioned that the press conference held by the Mumbai police commissioner exposing the TRP gaming racket did not refer to Goswami in particular, and that only Republic TV was mentioned.

    Harish Salve, arguing on behalf of Republic Media, assured that in case summons are issued to Arnab Goswami, the petitioner would cooperate with the authorities. He also urged the court to stay the investigation and restrain police from taking any coercive action against the petitioners pending hearing of their petition.

    Salve sought the court to grant Goswami protection from arrest. But Sibal rebutted, stating that no such relief can be granted in the matter since Goswami has not been arraigned as an accused as of now.

    The Republic team also stated that it is filing a contempt petition against the special executive magistrate and assistant police commissioner Sudhir Jambwadekar, on account of the fact that he initiated chapter proceedings with respect to FIRs that have been suspended by the orders of the Bombay high court.

    On 8 October, Singh addressed a press conference where he claimed that the police had busted a TRP manipulation scam that involved various channels including Republic TV.

    Republic has consistently maintained that it has done nothing of that sort and that Singh has it in for the channel on account of its founder and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami airing “exposés” of the commissioner’s alleged laxity in performing his law-keeping duties.

  • Republic to operate in six languages by March 2021

    Republic to operate in six languages by March 2021

    NEW DELHI: Republic Media Network will be operating in six languages, including its existing Hindi and English portfolio, by March 2021, Arnab Goswami told Indiantelevision.com in a fireside chat with its founder, CEO, and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari. 

    “We are going to be operating in six languages on digital platforms by early next year and we are also looking at broadcast options and are open to doing partnerships, ventures, mergers and acquisitions, and controlling equity for that. Our business team is exploring all the options,” Goswami elaborated. 

    He shared that the plans have got a little delayed because of the Covid2019 pandemic but the team is actively working on expanding the Republic offerings across the country. 

    Read More:  

    However, right now, his priority is strengthening Republic Bharat’s digital presence. “I have invested in real estate and teams and am planning to launch Republic Bharat on a digital platform in a big way,” he said. 

    Goswami noted that the larger plan is to take Republic to each and every corner of the country and work in at least 10 Indian languages.

  • Brand Arnab unhurt by controversies

    Brand Arnab unhurt by controversies

    MUMBAI: Arnab Goswami has been hogging the limelight from the beginning of this week, first with his impromptu resignation from the Editors Guild of India during a live television debate show, and now for the multiple FIRs filed against him for making derogatory comment against a political personality during a live debate. The Supreme Court has given him three weeks’ protection from arrest.

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    Goswami, a founding member and editor-in-chief of the Republic Media Network, has hogged the limelight even as the country is racked by the COVID-19 crisis. But will these recent controversies affect the brand image of Goswami and his channel? Certainly not! On the other, they will only help Republic TV gain some traction, point out media agencies and brand experts.

    “The controversy will have little effect on viewership or sponsorship; in fact, it might attract more viewers,” says FCB Ulka executive creative director Anindya Banerjee. “As a brand, Republic TV has managed to stay in the news in more ways than one. The people, who watch it, know it, and love it.”

    Banerjee further says: “The brands which are associated with the channel are aware of it and love the fact that consumers engage with the news channel.”

    Echoing the same view, Havas Media, India and Southeast Asia chief executive officer Anita Nayyar says: “Logically, any positive controversy lends positivity and a negative one lends negativity. And, the controversy garners a lot of eyeballs and in any case brands ride on it, if deemed fit.”

    The apex court has ruled in favour of Goswami, granting protection from arrest in the case of FIRs filed against him in various states. A source close to the Republic TV says: “This case will probably set a benchmark and precedent of any such future cases. Here, multiple FIRs were filed. But tools like this cannot be used in any negative manner. It’s a big win for the media company.”

    Republic TV has been the most-watched news channel in India for the straight fifteenth week so far this year, according to the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) of India. And, while dwindling ad revenues have affected the majority of television channels due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Republic is unaffected by any such revenue losses, according to a top official of the network.

    Says DigitalKites senior vice-president Amit Lall: “Brands relate to Arnab Goswami because of his success story as an individual. The moment it comes to brands, it always picks and chooses people who are safe and try to be neutral. They don’t like people, who are volatile or impromptu. Brands will continue to put money into it (Republic TV), purely because it has viewership. And, don’t think controversies like such would impact the advertising sales of the network,” says Lall.

    Comniscient Group chief executive officer N Chandramouli says: “Arnab Goswami understands its audience well and have managed to create an audience clutter which nobody has. People believe in his perspective and take him seriously, which helps him get viewership and TRPs for his news channels. He is driven by his audience; we think he has an agenda but his audience has an agenda. Republic TV is completely audience-driven and believes he delivers for his consumers.”

    Arnab Goswami rose to become one of the prominent journalists during his 10-year stint at Times Network where he was an editor-in-chief and primetime anchor of Times Now, which went on to become one of the most-watched news channels then under his editorship. The channel had eventually started getting traction due to his face value. In 2016, Goswami started his own news network, Republic Media, and holds a controlling stake in the company with over 80 per cent of shares.