ITV

Tag: Ritu Dhawan

  • India TV delivers 25 million Ad Impressions on its CTV stream on Assembly Poll Counting Day

    India TV delivers 25 million Ad Impressions on its CTV stream on Assembly Poll Counting Day

    Mumbai: Elections serve as the foundation of a democratic society, providing avenues for citizens to choose their representatives and actively participate in the decision-making process. The media plays a crucial role in these endeavours. Responsible, accurate, and timely reporting by the media helps shape public opinion and fosters an informed electorate during elections.

    During the recently concluded five state assembly polls, India TV empowered voters by delivering real-time updates and facilitating a transparent exchange of ideas through comprehensive coverage, analysis, and reporting. India TV, the only news network with exclusive CTV news channels in the country, also delivered an astounding 25 million advertisement impressions on its CTV stream on the counting day. Additionally, the stream registered an average engagement time per user of 44 minutes and 32 seconds and experienced a 2.4X growth in unique viewership.

    Sharing her thoughts on this milestone, Ritu Dhawan, Managing Director, and CEO of India TV, stated, ‘The growth of CTVs in the country has revolutionized advertising. CTV penetration in the NCCS A market and high viewer time spent are key parameters for CTV advertising growth. The 25 million advertisement impressions delivered by India TV on the counting day showcase a significant advancement in the advertising landscape, indicating a spike in the demand for CTV platforms. Considering the anticipated growth of the CTV market in the coming year, we expect the numbers to reach new heights in the near future.’

    On the day, the results of the state assembly polls were announced—a crucial event in recent times—India TV Digital witnessed substantial growth across its digital platforms. On December 3rd, content consumption reached an all-time high, surpassing multiple benchmarks. India TV’s digital platforms garnered 20.2 million gross viewership. On India TV Live streams, the watch minutes surpassed the 51 million milestone across digital platforms.

  • India TV launches ‘India TV Chunav Manch’

    India TV launches ‘India TV Chunav Manch’

    Mumbai: India TV, one of the leading news broadcasters and the only news group to have CTV first news channels in India, has added another jewel to its crown with the launch of ‘India TV Chunav Manch, a dedicated channel for 24×7 election updates.  The launch is scheduled for 15 October and will take place during India TV’s flagship event “Chunav Manch”, which is being held in Madhya Pradesh, this year.

    The 2024 election is expected to be a landmark moment in the Indian political landscape, and India TV is gearing up to deliver exclusive election coverage through its dedicated 24×7 stream available on its CTV App and dedicated YouTube channel. India TV will provide round-the-clock analysis of latest election news and trends and political interviews. This will also include the upcoming state elections. Additionally, the exclusive election channel will feature renowned political analysts and seasoned journalists, who will provide their extensive insights of election matters. Viewers can also expect on-ground reports and firsthand accounts from India TV journalists. Lastly, interactive debates featuring politicians and pundits providing diverse opinions will be a crucial aspect.  

    On the launch of this new channel, India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan said, “The 2024 elections are going to be pivotal for the nation. In this regard, India TV is committed to providing authentic, unbiased, and comprehensive election coverage to its viewers. Informed decisions are made basis knowledge and correct information. This is what we aim to provide through our dedicated election channel. We are eager to contribute to the democratic process of our great nation.”  

    She further added, “As a media house, we remain committed to our core values of responsible and ethical journalism, impartial reporting and serving the interests of the Indian public.” By focusing on news dissemination through CTV, India TV will aim to move beyond the barrier of content limitation, i.e., providing content 24×7 in a structured manner as compared to linear TV.  

    Earlier in August, India TV, the leading Hindi news channel in India, introduced the main channel and two dedicated CTV channels on CTV devices. In addition to India TV Live, the channels introduced India TV Speed News and India TV Aap ki Adalat. Furthermore, India TV is also planning to launch a few more channels in the future.

  • CTV focused news group India TV launches exclusive 24×7 stream for men’s cricket world cup

    CTV focused news group India TV launches exclusive 24×7 stream for men’s cricket world cup

    Mumbai: India TV, the only news group to have CTV first news channels in India, have launched an exclusive CTV stream for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Starting from 5 October, the streaming will be available on the India TV Smart TV App.  

    The dedicated 24/7 streaming will bring non-stop live coverage of cricket world cup, expert analysis, and all the behind-the-scenes stories to the screen for cricket enthusiasts worldwide. To engage the viewers, it will also feature documentaries on Indian Cricket grounds and quizzes.

    On the launch of this new stream, India TV CEO & managing director Ritu Dhawan said, “There is a good amount of audience duplication between news and cricket audience. To serve them exclusive coverage of cricket world cup, we’ve launched a dedicated sports stream, which will be available on our smart TV app”.

    Earlier in August, India TV, the leading Hindi news channel in India, introduced the main channel and two dedicated CTV channels on CTV devices. In addition to India TV Live, the channels also introduced India TV Speed News and India TV Aap ki Adalat. Furthermore, India TV is also planning to launch a few more channels in future.  

    The decision to foray into the CTV platform is in line with the changing news and entertainment landscape. In the past few years, CTV has emerged as a touchpoint of interest as it is able to bring together the large-screen TV experience and has the target measurement capabilities of digital. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to go beyond the 24-hour barrier of providing content and facilitating structured information to the viewer. As per the FICCI-EY report 2022, CTVs are expected to touch the 40 million marks by 2025.

  • India TV’s Rajat Sharma wins ‘Media Icon 2022 from India Award’ in London

    India TV’s Rajat Sharma wins ‘Media Icon 2022 from India Award’ in London

    Mumbai: At a glittering ceremony in London, India TV chairman and editor-in-chief Rajat Sharma was conferred with the Media Icon of 2022 from India Award by World Consulting & Research Corporation (WCRC).

    The event was organised by WCRCINT & WCRC leaders at the House of Lords in the Palace of Westminster and The Carisbrooke Hall at Victory Services Club, London.

    India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan was conferred with the World’s Best Leader 2022 award, while India TV was identified as the World’s Best Brand 2022 for being the most credible and meaningful source of information.

    In the presence of industry experts, corporate stalwarts, and luminaries, more than 50 best global companies and individuals were honoured.

    India TV is the nation’s leading Hindi news channel and has consistently topped the news charts. Its success has been possible due to its fast-paced consistency and credibility in reporting events that take place in India and the rest of the world.

    Rajat Sharma, one of the pioneers of TV journalism in India, has been leading India TV from the front with his two most popular shows, the longest-running TV show, Aap Ki Adalat, and the daily prime-time news show, Aaj Ki Baat. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Rajat Sharma has been grilling political leaders, prime ministers, film stars, godmen, and artists for the last 27 years, while his prime-time show Aaj Ki Baat encapsulates the happenings of the day in a fast-paced format.

    Dhawan is the livewire behind-the-scenes person who has been directing the Aap Ki Adalat show since its inception in 1993. Apart from her onerous responsibilities in management, she has been the brain behind the new look of the India TV channel, heading the massive team effort between anchors, producers, reporters, camerapersons, graphics designers, video editors, and programmers, lending panache to the overall news telecast.

  • India TV’s Group CEO Vinay Maheshwari moves on to explore new professional avenues

    India TV’s Group CEO Vinay Maheshwari moves on to explore new professional avenues

    Mumbai: India TV group CEO Vinay Maheshwari has decided to move on from the news network, according to a company statement. A champion of impact-driven leadership, he believes that the key to growth is to build a formidable team that will drive business and push towards success. During his six-month short-term tenure, Maheshwari has spearheaded the organisation to expand its business, achieve growth and drive profits.

    Vinay who had joined India TV in March 2022, will now move on to explore other professional avenues.

    India TV’s managing director Ritu Dhawan said, “India TV thanks Vinay for the passion and commitment he brought to the company. We appreciate his immense contribution in such a short time. We wish him the best in all his future endeavours.”

    Vinay Maheshwari said, “It was great working with India TV group though for a short tenure. Working with Rajatji and Rituji was a wonderful experience. Enjoyed every bit of it. I wish India TV all the success.”

    He is also an advisor to family-led businesses and helps many organisations to turn around their business. He is skilled in incubating ideas, coaching and innovating.

    Prior to this, he was also associated with Dainik Bhaskar Group and Hindustan Times in leadership positions.

  • India TV appoints Prakash Natarajan as CTO

    India TV appoints Prakash Natarajan as CTO

    MUMBAI: India TV has appointed Prakash Natarajan as CTO (chief technology officer), to take charge of the channel’s news broadcast operations. Before India TV, he was working as vice president, tech and operations in Network18 Pvt Ltd.

    This is Natarajan’s second stint with India TV.

    India TV managing director Ritu Dhawan said: “ I am happy to welcome back Prakash Natarajan. At India TV we like to be one up in technology and Prakash is someone who keeps himself updated with the latest releases in television technology, I am sure in his new role, Prakash will be able to take India TV’s technological advancement to the next level.”

    Natarajan said: “Feeling elated to be back home! Experience gained in my previous organisation of managing multiple channels spread across the country will come handy in achieving many technological goals and plans at India TV.”
     

  • BARC week 27: Middling impact on Hindi news ratings in budget week

    BARC week 27: Middling impact on Hindi news ratings in budget week

    BENGALURU: Like the English News genre, budget week (week 27 of 2019, week under review, Saturday, 29 June 2019 to Friday, 5 July 2019) did not spring too many surprises in terms of spurt in viewership for the Hindi news genre either. The Hindi news genre fared a little better than its smaller English sibling in terms of ratings. The combined ratings of the top 5 Hindi news channels in week 27 of 2019 as Broadcast Audience Research Council of India weekly data increased 7.8 percent or by 31.223 million weekly impressions during the week under review as compared to its immediate trailing week in the combined urban (U) and rural (R) Hindi speaking market or HSM (U+R). The list of channels in HSM (U+R) during week 27 of 2019 differed by one channel as compared to the previous week – ABP News entered BARC’s weekly list pf top 5 Hindi news channels in HSM (U+R) at the cost of the Arnab Goswami-led Republic Bharat.

    Combined Ratings of the top 5 Hindi news channels in HSM (U) increased 6.4 percent or by 15.522 million impressions in week 27 of 2019 as compared to week 26. All the five channels in BARC’s weekly list of top 5 channels in HSM (U) were the same as in week 26 except for a slight shuffling of ranks. In the case of BARC’s weekly list of top 5 Hindi news channels in HSM (R), ratings of the top 5 Hindi news channels increased  by 7.8 percent or 12.739 million weekly impressions in week 27 of 2019 as compared to week 26.  Four of the 5 top Hindi news channels in week 27 of 2019 were same as those in week 26.

    Hindi news in HSM (U+R)

    The combined ratings of the top 5 Hindi news channels in HSM (U+R) in week 27 of 2019 was 433.197 million weekly impressions as compared to 401.974 million weekly impressions in week 26. As in the previous week, Aaj Tak led the HSM (U+R) list with 111.001 million weekly impressions in week 27 of 2019 which was 11.3 percent more than the 99.763 million weekly impressions in the previous week. Continuing on at second rank was India TV in week 27 of 2019 with 87.484 million weekly impressions which was 6.5 percent more than 82.126 million weekly impressions in week 26.

    Also continuing on at its previous week’s third rank was News18 India with 83.750 million weekly impressions which was 7 percent more than the 78.254 million weekly impressions in week 26. ABP News entered BARC’s weekly list of top 5 Hindi news channels in HSM (U+R) at fourth rank with 76.631 million impressions. Dropping down a place to fifth rank was Zee News with 74.331 million weekly impressions which was 1.4 percent more than the 73.275  million weekly impressions in the previous week.

    Hindi news in HSM (U)

    The combined weekly impressions on the top 5 Hindi news channels in HSM (U) were 259.773 million weekly impressions in week 27 of 2019 which was 6.4 percent more than the 244.251 million weekly impressions in the previous week. All the channels in BARC’s weekly list of top 5 Hindi news channels list in week 27 of 2019 were same as in week 26, except with a slight reshuffling of ranks.

    As has been the norm, Aaj Tak led the rankings with 64.168 million weekly impressions which were 12.8 percent more than the 56.871 million weekly impressions in week 26. Climbing up a place to second rank in week 27 of 2019 was News18 India with 54.426 million weekly impressions, 7.5 percent more than the 50.612 million weekly impressions in week 26.

    Dropping down a rank to third place in week 27 of 2019 was India TV with 53.488 million weekly impressions which was 3.6 percent more than the  51.622 million weekly impressions in week 26. Continuing on at its previous week’s rank four was Zee News with 44.962 million weekly impressions which was 4.5 percent lower than 47.076 million weekly impressions in the previous week. Also continuing on at fifth rank in week 27 of 2019 was ABP News with 42.729 million weekly impressions which was 12.2 percent more than the 38.070 million weekly impressions in week 26.

    Hindi news in HSM (R)

    The combined weekly impressions on the top 5 Hindi news channels in HSM (R) were 176.034 million weekly impressions in week 27 of 2019 which was 7.8 percent more than the 163.295 million weekly impressions in the previous week. Four of the five channels in BARC’s weekly list of top 5 Hindi news channels list in week 27 of 2019 were same as in week 26, with a slight reshuffling of ranks. Zee News entered BARC’s weekly list of top 5 Hindi news channels in HSM (R), while News18 India exited it.

    Continuing on at its previous week’s first rank was Aaj Tak with 46.883 million weekly impressions in week 27 which was 9.2 percent more than the 42.892 million weekly impressions in week 26 of 2019. Climbing up a place to second rank was India TV with 33.996 million weekly impressions in week 27 of 2019 which was 11.4 percent more than the 30.504 million weekly impressions in week 26.

    ABP News also climbed up a place to third rank in week 27 of 2019 with 33.902 million weekly impressions which was 11.5 percent more than the 30.413 million weekly impressions in week 26. Dropping down two places was Republic Bharat with 31.934 million weekly impressions in week 27 of 2019 which was almost flat (up 0.28 percent) as compared to 31.845 million weekly impressions in week 26. Zee News entered BARC’s weekly list of top 5 Hindi news channels in HSM (R) in week 27 of 2019 with 29.369 million weekly impressions.

  • BARC week 25: ABP News back in combined urban & rural top 5 list

    BARC week 25: ABP News back in combined urban & rural top 5 list

    BENGALURU: The ABP Group’s Hindi news channel ABP News made a reappearance in Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC) weekly list of top 5 Hindi news channels in the combined urban (U) and rural (R) Hindi speaking market or HSM (U+R) in week 25 of 2019 (Saturday, 15 June 2019 to Friday, 21 June 2019, week or period under review). The channel was last present in the HSM (U+R) list in week 22 of 2019. ABP news also re-appeared in BARC’s weekly list of top 5 news channels in HSM (U) at fifth rank. In both the cases – HSM (U+R) and HSM (U), the entry of ABP News in BARC’s weekly lists of top 5 Hindi news channels resulted in the exit of Republic Bharat from them. Further Zee News re-entered the HSM (R) list during the week under review.

    BARC’s treatment of the landing page and outliers since week 23 of 2019 as well as the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) World Cup 2019 in England & Wales continued to impact viewership ratings of Hindi news channels. The timings of the ongoing cricket tourney overlap primetime of most channels, including Hindi news channels. The combined viewership of the top 5 Hindi news channels which had dropped in week 24, plunged even further to a new nadir in individual HSM (U) and HSM (R) as well as the combined HSM (U+R) during week 25 of 2019.

    Hindi news in HSM (U+R)

    Aaj Tak retained its numero uno position in HSM (U+R) in week 25 of 2019 with 112.678 million weekly impressions as compared to 115.088 million weekly impressions in week 24. Also, continuing at second rank was News18 India with 85.899 million weekly impressions in week 25 as compared to 93.594 million weekly impressions in week 24 of 2019.

    At third rank was India TV with 84.554 million weekly impressions in week 25 of 2019 as compared to third rank and 87.293 million weekly impressions in week 24. Zee News climbed up one place to fourth rank in HSM (U+R) in week 25 of 2019 with 82.955 million weekly impressions as compared to rank 5 and 80.790 million weekly impressions in the previous week. As mentioned above, ABP News entered the HSM (U+R) list in week 25 of 2019 with 77.011 million weekly impressions.

    Hindi news in HSM (R)

    In HSM (R) also, Aaj Tak retained first rank with 48.518 million weekly impressions in week 25 0f 2019 as compared to 49.718 million weekly impressions in the previous week. ABP News held onto its second spot in HSM (R) in week 25 of 2019 with 35.559 million weekly impressions as compared to 35.906 million weekly impressions in week 24.

    India TV jumped up two ranks to third place in week 25 of 2019 in HSM (R) with 31.897 million weekly impressions as compared to fifth rank and 33.370 million weekly impressions in week 24. As mentioned above, Zee News re-entered BARC’s weekly list of top 5 Hindi news channels in week 25 of 2019 at fourth rank with 31.053 million weekly impressions. Completing the quintet in HSM (R) at rank was Republic Bharat in week 25 of 2019 with 30.818 million weekly impressions as compared to 34.764 million weekly impressions and rank three in week 24.

    Hindi news in HSM (U)

    In the case of BARC’s weekly list of top 5 Hindi news channels also, Aaj Tak retained first rank with 64.160 million weekly impressions in week 25 of 2019 with 64.160 million weekly impressions as compared to 65.370 million weekly impressions in week 24. Also retaining its previous week’s second rank was News18 India in HSM (U) in week 25 of 2019 was News19 India with 55.102 million weekly impressions as compared to 59.873 million weekly impressions in the previous week.

    India TV also retained its third rank in week 25 of 2019 in BARC’s weekly list of top 5 Hindi news channels in HSM (U) with 52.657 million weekly impressions as compared to 53.913 million weekly impressions in week 24. Continuing on at rank 4 in week 25 of 2019 in HSM (U) was Zee News with 51.902 million weekly impressions as compared to 50.028 million weekly impressions in week 24. ABP News re-entered the HSM (U) list week 25 of 2019 with 41.452 million weekly impressions.

  • BARC week 24: Hindi news ratings plunge further

    BARC week 24: Hindi news ratings plunge further

    BENGALURU: Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC) sum of weekly ratings of top 5 Hindi news channels across the Hindi speaking urban – HSM (U) and rural – HSM (R) as well as the combined HSM (U+R) were lowest ever in week 24 of 2019 (Saturday, 8 June 2019 to Friday, 14 June 2019, week or period under review). BARC recommenced publishing of data in the public domain in week 13 of 2019 after a hiatus of seven weeks to allow ratings to stabilise after implementation of TRAI’s new tariff order, and the ratings for week 24 were the lowest ever since then.

    The sum of weekly impressions of the top 5 Hindi news channels was 457.884 million weekly impressions in HSM (U+R); 187.489 million weekly impressions in HSM (R); and 275.549 million weekly impressions in HSM (U). Comparatively, the 11 week average (between weeks 13 and 23 of 2019) of the sum of weekly impressions of the top 5 Hindi news channels in HSM (U+R) was 653.192 million; in HSM (R) it was 288.937 million and in HSM (U) it was 367.834 million.

    Of the reasons that this drop could be attributed to is BARC having reverted to the earlier process of treatment of landing page beginning with week 23.  Added to this is the fact that the timings of the ongoing cricket tourney by the ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales overlap primetime of most channels, including Hindi news, could have affected viewership ratings. Many in the industry feel that BARC reverting to the old treatment of landing pages and filtering out data from outliers is better.

    There was no change in the list of channels in HSM (U+R) and HSM (U) except for shuffling of ranks. In the case of HSM (R), India TV re-entered BARC’s list of top 5 Hindi news channels. Living Media (India Today Group) flagship Hindi news channel Aaj Tak continued its supremacy at rank 1 of the Hindi news genre in urban, rural as well as combined urban and rural markets. Aaj Tak was the only channel among the top 5 that saw ratings in week 24 of 2019 climb as compared to week 23.

    HSM (U+R)

    With 115.088 million weekly impressions in week 24 of 2019, Aaj Tak led BARC’s weekly list of top Hindi news channels as compared to 110.763 million weekly impressions. Continuing on at second rank was Network18’s News18 India with 93.574 million weekly impressions in the week under review as compared to 97.484 million weekly impressions in the previous week.

    Climbing up a place to third rank in week 24 of 2019 was Rajat Sharma and Ritu Dhawan’s India TV with 87.283 million weekly impressions as compared to fourth rank and 88.807 million weekly impressions in week 23. Dropping a rank to fourth place in week 24 of 2019 was ARG Outlier Media’s Republic Bharat with 81.129 million weekly impressions as compared to third rank and 90.570 million weekly impressions in week 23. At fifth rank in week 24 of 2019 was Zee Media’s Zee News with 80.790 million weekly impressions as compared to 88.617 million weekly impressions in the preceding week.

    HSM (R)

    At rank one in HSM (R), Aaj Tak garnered 49.718 million weekly impressions in the Hindi speaking rural market in week 24 of 2019 as compared to 50.815 million weekly impressions in week 23. Climbing up a place to second rank was the erstwhile Ananda Bazar Patrika’s ABP News in week 24 of 2019 with 35.906 million weekly impressions as compared to third rank and 38.881 million weekly impressions in the previous week.

    Dropping a rank to third place in HSM (R) during the week under review as Republic Bharat with 34.764 million weekly impressions as compared to second rank and 40.454 million weekly impressions in week 23. News18 India also climbed a place to fourth rank in HSM (R) with 33.721 million weekly impressions as compared to fifth rank and 34.771 million weekly impressions. Re-entering BARC’s weekly list of top 5 Hindi news channels list for HSM (R) was India TV with 33.370 million weekly impressions in week 24 of 2019.

    HSM (U)

    Aaj Tak regained its first place in the urban Hindi speaking market in week 24 of 2019 with 65.370 million weekly impressions as compared to second rank and 59.948 million weekly impressions in the previous week. Dropping a place to second rank was News18 India with 59.873 million weekly impressions as compared to first rank and 62.713 million weekly impressions in week 23.

    India TV retained rank three in week 24 of 2019 with 53.913 million weekly impressions as compared to 54.765 million weekly impressions in week 23. Also retaining its previous week’s fourth rank was Zee News with 50.028 million weekly impressions as compared to 53.451 million weekly impressions in week 23. Completing the quintet in HSM (U) was Republic Bharat in week 24 of 2019 at its previous week’s rank 5 with 46.365 million weekly impressions as compared to 50.116 million weekly impressions.

  • India TV appoints Jayanta Ghoshal as political editor

    India TV appoints Jayanta Ghoshal as political editor

    MUMBAI: India TV has appointed political journalist Jayanta Ghoshal as its political editor, while Prafulla Kumar Mishra has joined as editor, guest relations and coordination.

    Jayanta Ghoshal has over 35 years experience in political reporting. He started his career as a staff reporter in the Bengali daily Bartaman in 1984 and rose up to the position of National Political Bureau Chief.  He joined Ananda Bazar Patrika group as editor, Delhi in 2002 and worked there till last month.

    India TV chairman and editor-in-chief Rajat Sharma said, "We are proud to have an experienced political journalist like Jayanta Ghoshal in our news channel. I know Jayanta personally since the last several decades and I respect his acumen. I look forward to working with him, particularly since the Lok Sabha elections are on the horizon."

    As an experienced political journalist, Ghoshal has closely observed the working of successive governments at the Centre and in West Bengal. He was instrumental in guiding the fledgling Bengali daily newspaper Bartaman to Number 2 position, a spot it still holds.

    Prafulla Kumar Mishra has 18 years' experience in TV journalism. He started his career in Sahara Samay, and worked in Zee News, DD News and Times Now as Chief Programme Coordinator.

    Ghoshal broke several exclusive stories that included preparations for Pokharan-II nuclear tests in 1998, and Raghuram Rajan going to resign as RBI Governor in 2016. He interviewed both the prime ministerial candidates, Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad and Rahul Gandhi in Delhi during the 2014 general elections.

    India TV MD and CEO Ritu Dhawan said, "These new appointments indicate the fresh ground India TV is going to break in its endeavor to become the pioneer of top quality news content. I wish both Ghoshal and Mishra the best in their new roles."