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Tag: Sakal Media Group

  • Sakal Media Group Emerges as the No.1 Marathi News Platform in India – ComScore Jan 2025

    Sakal Media Group Emerges as the No.1 Marathi News Platform in India – ComScore Jan 2025

    MUMBAI: The Sakal Media Group has once again cemented its position as Maharashtra’s leading media powerhouse. According to the Comscore report for January 2025, esakal.com has emerged as the number one Marathi news platform, attracting 13.05 million monthly active users. This remarkable feat underscores Sakal’s ability to connect with its audience through compelling storytelling and cutting-edge digital strategies. With a significant lead over its competitors, Sakal’s dominance in the digital space is undeniable.

    esakal.com: The digital powerhouse

    At the heart of Sakal Media Group’s success is esakal.com, a platform that has redefined digital journalism in Maharashtra. Launched as the online extension of the iconic Sakal newspaper, esakal.com has grown into a standalone powerhouse, offering a seamless blend of traditional journalism and modern digital innovation. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive coverage, and commitment to quality have made it the go-to source for Marathi-speaking audiences.

    The January 2025 Comscore rankings highlight esakal.com’s unparalleled reach, with 13.05 million monthly active users – a figure that speaks volumes about its popularity and trustworthiness. This achievement is not just a win for Sakal Media Group but also a reflection of esakal.com’s ability to connect with readers on a deeper level.

    What sets esakal.com apart? Several key factors have contributed to esakal.com’s dominance in the digital news space:

    1. Credibility and trust: In an era of fake news and misinformation, esakal.com has remained a beacon of truth. Its rigorous fact-checking process and commitment to unbiased reporting have earned it the trust of millions.

     2.  Hyper-local focus: esakal.com understands the pulse of Maharashtra. From breaking news in Mumbai to cultural events in Pune and agricultural updates in rural areas, the platform covers it all. This hyper-local approach ensures that readers stay connected to the issues that matter most to them.

    3. Innovative storytelling: esakal.com has embraced multimedia storytelling, using videos, infographics, and interactive features to make news more engaging. This dynamic approach has resonated with younger audiences while retaining the loyalty of older readers.

     4. Real-time updates: In the fast-paced world of news, esakal.com stands out for its ability to deliver real-time updates. Whether it’s breaking news, live coverage of events, or instant analysis, esakal.com ensures its readers are always informed.

     5.  Community engagement: esakal.com goes beyond just reporting the news. Through initiatives like reader polls, feedback forums, and community-driven stories, the platform has fostered a strong sense of connection with its audience.

    Outperforming competitors

    The January 2025 Comscore rankings highlight esakal.com’s significant lead over other prominent Marathi news platforms. With 13.05 million monthly active users, esakal.com has not only secured the top spot but also demonstrated its ability to attract and retain a massive audience. This achievement is a reflection of esakal.com’s relentless focus on quality content and user satisfaction.

    esakal.com’s role in Sakal Media Group’s legacy

    Sakal Media Group has been a trusted name in Maharashtra since 1932, and esakal.com has played a pivotal role in carrying this legacy into the digital age. By seamlessly transitioning from print to digital, esakal.com has ensured that Sakal’s values of credibility, integrity, and community focus remain intact. The platform has become a bridge between the group’s rich history and its future, offering readers the best of both worlds.

    Sakal Media Group CEO Uday Jadhav stated, “This achievement is a testament to our team’s dedication to delivering credible and engaging content. We are honored by the trust Maharashtra has placed in esakal.com. With over two decades of experience in business strategy and operational management, I’ve seen the group grow, but this digital growth is truly exceptional.”

    Sakal Media Group editor-in-chief Nilesh Khare added, “This recognition from Comscore reaffirms our commitment to delivering news that resonates with the people of Maharashtra. At Sakal Media Group, we understand the power of credible journalism, and we strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity in our reporting.”

    Sakal Media Group director Janhavi Pawar emphasised, “At esakal.com, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of digital journalism. Our focus on innovation and community engagement has made us the preferred choice for Marathi-speaking audiences. We are always looking to bring a global perspective to our local operations.”

    Sakal Media Group business head – digital Swapnil Malpathak highlighted, “Our success is rooted in understanding the pulse of Maharashtra. By providing real-time updates and hyper-local content, we ensure our readers are always informed and connected. Our focus on digital product monetization and digital transformation has been a key driver in this achievement.”

    The future of esakal.com

    As esakal.com celebrates this milestone, it is also looking toward the future. The platform plans to invest further in cutting-edge technology, expand its digital offerings, and explore new ways to engage with its audience. From AI-driven personalisation to immersive storytelling techniques, esakal.com is committed to staying ahead of the curve.

    Maharashtra’s trusted digital voice

    esakal.com’s success is not just about numbers; it’s about the trust it has built with its readers. For millions of Maharashtrians, esakal.com is more than just a news platform – it’s a reliable companion that keeps them informed, engaged, and connected to their community. The January 2025 Comscore ranking is a validation of esakal.com’s efforts and a reminder of why it continues to be Maharashtra’s most trusted digital voice.

    Sakal Media Group’s achievement in topping the Comscore rankings for January 2025 is a testament to the excellence of esakal.com. With 13.05 million monthly active users, esakal.com has set a new benchmark for digital news platforms in Maharashtra. Its commitment to credibility, innovation, and community engagement has made it the preferred choice for readers across the state. As the media landscape continues to evolve, esakal.com remains dedicated to delivering high-quality, trustworthy, and engaging content.

    Key takeaways:

    .  esakal.com ranked number one in Comscore’s January 2025 rankings among Marathi news platforms.

    .   Attracted 13.05 million monthly active users, outperforming its competitors.

     .  Success driven by credibility, hyper-local focus, innovative storytelling, and real-time updates.

    .   Future plans include investments in technology and enhanced audience engagement.

     .  esakal.com is Maharashtra’s most trusted digital news platform, carrying forward Sakal Media Group’s legacy.

    esakal.com’s journey is a shining example of how a digital platform can thrive by staying true to its core values while embracing innovation. As Maharashtra’s leading digital news destination, esakal.com continues to set the standard for excellence in journalism.

  • Shailesh Amonkar and Darshan Gangakhedkar join Planet Marathi as strategic advisors

    Shailesh Amonkar and Darshan Gangakhedkar join Planet Marathi as strategic advisors

    Mumbai: Vistas Media Capital Company’s Planet Marathi OTT announced its leadership expansion with veteran experts in media, marketing, and business. The OTT platform has onboarded Shailesh Amonkar and Darshan Gangakhedkar in the roles of strategic advisors. They will assume the responsibilities of mentoring and guiding the team on monetisation and strategy for the fast-expanding company and its various departments.

    To develop exemplary capabilities, the focus is on appointing effective mentors who will steer and back pivotal decisions with their in-depth insight and command developed through years of market experience.

    With three decades of core experience in revenue generation and brand building, Shailesh Amonkar considers himself both a marketing and a sales person at heart. Having worked with media conglomerates like The Times of India Group and Sakal Media Group, Amonkar has also worked in new media and new product development. His specialities include the building and monetisation of audiences and communities. Amonkar is an entrepreneur who runs Kemistry Media Solutions, a media consulting firm.

    Commenting on his appointment, Amonkar said, “Planet Marathi OTT has surpassed expectations with its spectacular performance and ingenious ideas in concept and marketing. It will be an honour to guide as well as learn from these great minds, both fresh and experienced, all of whom are brimming with ideas for the firm.”

    Darshan Gangakhedkar, a media sales expert, is an entrepreneur and media professional. He comes with 20 years of extensive experience and has won many accolades in the media sales space throughout his time in the industry. He has worked with prominent regional media businesses, including Hindi language media houses, Nava Bharat and Raj Express, and the leading Marathi language daily Sakal from the prestigious Sakal Media Group. 

    Gangakhedkar’s comprehensive knowledge of the language industry and exceptional skills in active media sales make him a great mentor asset. Speaking on his appointment, he said, “It is always great to be surrounded by teams who are willing to push boundaries. I have been following Planet Marathi OTT’s outstanding trajectory closely and it will be exciting to work on developing this business further, taking it to newer heights.”

    Planet Marathi OTT founder and head Akshay Bardapurkar shared, “We are happy to announce that we will have the guidance of two exceptional names in the fields of media, branding and sales, both Shailesh Amonkar and Darshan Gangakhedkar. Planet Marathi OTT needs the expertise of these talents to draw out bigger goals and set out in the right direction to achieve them. Our teams will work to develop products, revenue streams, branding and audience engagement in the OTT space under the guidance of these professionals.”

    Founded and helmed by national award winner, Akshay Bardapurkar who is known as a game-changing icon in the industry, Planet Marathi OTT has made a mark for itself in a short span of one year. Since its inception in August 2021, the OTT platform has seen a phenomenal spike of 500 per cent in its subscriber base due to its path-breaking content slate and genius marketing efforts.

  • Sakal Media Group launches four flagship podcasts with Ideabrew Studios

    Sakal Media Group launches four flagship podcasts with Ideabrew Studios

    Mumbai: Sakal Media Group has joined hands with podcast company Ideabrew Studios to launch a multi-genre lineup of podcasts. As part of the association, the company will create, produce, distribute, and monetise the podcasts for Sakal Media Group.

    The launch is in line with the group’s objective to expand their digital foray and create newer avenues to reach out to newer, younger, and digital-first audiences, said the media company in a statement.

    “As we begin a new chapter for us at Sakal Media, we are glad to associate with one of the leading platforms for podcasts. Ideabrew will be instrumental in giving shape to our audio shows through their insights and industry expertise,” stated Sakal Media Group head of platform – content Stefanie Maria Feicht. “With the association, we want to explore newer avenues to reach out to audiences by being present on the platforms where our target audience are consuming content.”

    The lineup featuring varied podcast content covering news, inspirational stories, sports, and general news trivia includes “Sakalchya Batmya – Top 10 news of the day,” “IPL Run-Sangram” – an IPL-focused show with daily previews and reviews of the matches, “Lakshya Asta Maaza” – a news-commentary podcast hosted by Prasann Joshi, and “Inspiring Stories” – a show focused on sharing motivational stories of people who have had to face struggles to make it big in their fields.

    “With listeners consuming content through different platforms, we wanted to expand our digital footprint and also our offerings. Our various offerings feature eminent industry experts, who, through their insightful conversations, aid in inculcating a sense of innovation and motivation amongst the people,” said Sakal Media Group’s head of digital business Swapnil Malpathak.

    The podcasts will be available on all audio platforms including Spotify, JioSaavn, Gaana, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Prime Music, Wynk, Hungama, Epic On, and over 50 other platforms globally, said the statement.

    “At Ideabrew, our vision is to create content that appeases the listener and benefits the brand,” commented Ideabrew Studios CEO Aditya Kuber. “Sakal Group aims to inform people and elevate the brand to newer heights through digital avenues. The podcasts offer multi-genre content, right from daily news to IPL trivia to inspiring stories, while also getting experts on board for the listeners.”

  • Saam TV leads in Maharashtra with 5.9 cr impressions in BARC India week 31 ratings

    Saam TV leads in Maharashtra with 5.9 cr impressions in BARC India week 31 ratings

    MUMBAI: Saam TV has gained number one position among all channels for week 31 (27 July 27 to 2 August 2019) of BARC India ratings in Maharashtra. According to the BARC India report, Saam TV recorded over 5.9 crore impressions in Maharashtra and is followed by ABP Majha at over five crore.

    The channel showed a massive rise in its viewership from the previous week, attaining an increase of 45.9 per cent. During the same timeframe, Saam TV created more than double the impressions recorded by Aaj Tak (2,99,60,000), which leads the roost in Maharashtra among non-Marathi channels. Among the channels in the Marathi news and information category, Saam TV has recorded a market share of 25 per cent, followed by ABP Majha at 20.8 per cent.

    BARC India data for week 30 and 31 of 2019, for Maharashtra and Goa for audience above two years, Saam TV was at leading position with 59,253 weekly impressions (000), followed by ABP Majha with 50,447 weekly impressions (000) and TV9 Marathi with 48,827 weekly impressions (000).

    Saam TV channel head Nilesh Khare called the channel’s understanding of Maharashtra second to none, attributing it one of the reasons for its growth. “Saam understands the pulse of Maharashtra. We understand the common man, their plights and their triumphs. We listen to them and become their voice,” said Khare. Crediting the channel’s neutral stance in news delivery for its continued success, Khare further added, “We have remained neutral in our political stance and also focused on social causes that concern their day-to-day life. That’s the reason the viewers have preferred us and have taken us to No.1 spot.”

    Sakal Media Group managing director & AP Globale Group chairman Abhijit Pawar thanked the viewers through a congratulatory tweet and recognised Saam TV’s neutrality for the sustained success.

    “The numbers are a testimony to our neutrality in news delivery and relentless efforts to serve Maharashtra by being its reflection,” said Pawar.

    Saam TV also benefits from the Sakal ecosystem and approaches journalism in sync with today’s age. Journalists engage in a collaborative approach for collective success and ensure optimum news delivery.

    Saam TV also continues to dominate among top programmes in Marathi news and information category with 67 programmes in the top 100 across channels. Shows like Viral Satya, 36 Jille 36 Reporters, Top 50 News, Spotlight, etc. have consistently garnered high numbers and remained among the top-performing programmes.

    Saam TV, a part of the Sakal Media Group (SMG), was launched in 2008. Saam TV is the group’s first venture into broadcast media business bringing a global outlook to the regional television. 

  • Krishna Menon appointed chief revenue officer at The Q India

    Krishna Menon appointed chief revenue officer at The Q India

    MUMBAI: QYOU Media has announced that it has appointed Krishna Menon as chief revenue officer of The Q India.

    Menon comes experienced in sales and marketing in the Indian media and entertainment industry. Before joining The Q India, he served as chief marketing officer at Sakal Media Group and general manager at Network 18 Media. He will be responsible for increasing advertising sales and boosting digital, channel and mobile platform revenues by creating new opportunities for monetization. With that he will also oversee The Q’s expansion into influencer marketing initiatives.

    Sunder Aaron, general manager at The Q said, “The Q India business is growing quickly, and we’re excited to build on this momentum by bringing Krishna onto our executive management team. Krishna has a proven track record of growing media and mobile businesses in the region. He’s also someone who knows how to fashion and cultivate a brand and will serve as a key player as we further grow The Q into the leading channel and programming brand for young Indians aged 20-30 years old.”

    Krishna Menon on his new journey said, “I am thrilled to be joining The Q India team. I look forward to helping build The Q into a premier entertainment brand for young Indians and capitalizing on new opportunities to maximize revenue potential through ad sales, channel distribution and influencer campaigns with partners.”