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Tag: Times Network

  • Times Network shines light on India’s healthcare revolution at 2025 summit

    Times Network shines light on India’s healthcare revolution at 2025 summit

    MUMBAI: It was a healthy dose of optimism and innovation at the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2025, where policymakers, doctors, and industry leaders came together to chart the future of Indian healthcare. With 103 winners felicitated, the event celebrated excellence across hospitals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and health-tech.

    Chief guest minister of state for health & family welfare and chemicals & fertilisers government of India Anupriya Patel, set the tone with an inspiring address highlighting how far India’s healthcare system has come and how much further it aims to go.

    “India’s healthcare system has undergone a profound transformation,” she said, noting that spending has nearly doubled from 1.1 per cent to 2 per cent of GDP, with the government targeting 2.5 per cent under the National Health Policy 2017. She lauded flagship programmes like Ayushman Bharat PM-Jay, which offers Rs 5 lakh free health coverage to over 62 crore citizens, and Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs, which have already crossed 81 crore registrations.

    From doubling the number of medical colleges and Aiims institutions to slashing out-of-pocket healthcare costs, Patel underscored that “these numbers aren’t just statistics, they represent hope, access, and dignity for millions.”

    The summit also marked the launch of Times Network’s Hospital Rankings: a data-backed initiative to empower patients with greater transparency and informed choice. The first phase unveiled the All-India top five group of multi specialty hospitals.

    With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and preventive care, discussions at the summit spotlighted how AI diagnostics, telemedicine, and collaborative public-private models are redefining India’s healthcare landscape.

    Powered by Intas, co-powered by Novartis and All Out, and supported by MGR University, FIT India, Onextel, Nuvama, and Heights, the event reaffirmed one message loud and clear: India’s healthcare revolution isn’t just underway, it’s accelerating.
     

  • Bharat Express brings back Varun Kohli as group chief executive

    Bharat Express brings back Varun Kohli as group chief executive

    NOIDA:  In the media industry, boomerang hires are increasingly common. But when a news channel rehires the executive who built it from scratch, it signals ambition rather than desperation.

    Bharat Express has brought back Varun Kohli as director and group chief executive, marking his return to an organisation he helped launch in January 2023.  Kohli, who spent just over a year at Bharat Express before joining Times Network as chief operating officer, is being tasked with expanding the channel’s reach and deepening its impact in India’s competitive news broadcasting market.

    During his first stint, Kohli shaped the channel’s editorial and business strategy, built its core team and established its operational framework. His move to Times Network in 2024 saw him oversee critical operations across a larger network. Now, armed with that broader experience, he returns to accelerate Bharat Express’s growth trajectory.

    “During his first innings, Varun played a foundational role in successfully launching the channel and positioning Bharat Express as a credible voice in Indian news media,” said Bharat Express chairman, managing director & editor in chief Upendrra Rai. “With his return, we are confident that his deep industry experience and visionary approach will help us accelerate our growth and take the channel to new heights.”

    Kohli brings three decades of media experience, having held leadership roles at ITV Network, Deccan Chronicle Holdings, Network18, Bennett Coleman & Co., HT Media and Amar Ujala Prakashan. He is known for launching and turning around media brands, with a reputation for driving revenue growth and building high-performance teams.

    The appointment positions Bharat Express for its next phase of expansion, with Kohli’s return bringing both institutional knowledge and fresh strategic insights gained from his time at one of India’s largest broadcasting networks.

  • Times Play makes US debut on Sling TV

    Times Play makes US debut on Sling TV

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, action! Times Play has packed its bags and landed in America. The digital-first OTT platform from Times Network has made its international debut on Sling TV, giving the Indian diaspora in the US a fresh stage to enjoy short-form series, Hindi cinema favourites, documentaries and lifestyle shows tailored just for them.

    Already a familiar name in India, Times Play is the newest addition to Times Network’s strong line-up on Sling, which already beams channels such as Times Now, ET Now and Zoom to American homes.

    Thrilled about the launch, Times Network said the move is designed to deliver a curated and immersive entertainment experience that celebrates the cultural flavours loved by global audiences. From spicy food shows to star-studded Hindi cinema drama, Times Play promises a buffet of viewing options to suit every mood.

    The partnership with Sling TV, known for its diverse international and multicultural programming, marks a milestone in Times Network’s mission to take its premium content global and keep diasporic audiences feeling right at home.

    For the Indian community abroad, the message is clear, with Times Play now on Sling, there’s always something worth watching.

  • Republic TV loses veteran operations chief after eight-year stint

    Republic TV loses veteran operations chief after eight-year stint

    NEW DELHI: Hersh Bhandari, chief operating officer of Republic Media Network, has called time on his eight-year tenure at the news broadcaster, announcing his departure in a LinkedIn post that urged colleagues to “ignore all rumours” about his next move.

    The media veteran, who has spent three decades climbing the ranks of India’s television industry, said he was taking a “small break to reinvent myself and gear up for the next adventure.”

    His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for Republic TV, where Bhandari served as both chief operating officer for the broader network and chief executive officer of Republic World since December 2018.
    In his farewell message, Bhandari thanked Arnab Goswami and the editorial team for their “intensity and support”, while crediting his time at Republic with teaching him strategic thinking and leadership skills. He described the experience as helping him learn “great entrepreneur lessons” and draw “inspiration from colleagues every single day.”

    Bhandari’s career spans some of India’s most prominent media houses, including a six-year stint at Times Network, where he served as vice-president of sales and national revenue head for Times Now. Before joining Republic, he spent nearly two years as national revenue head at TV Today Network.

    His media journey began in the 1990s with a marketing role at Star TV Network, after cutting his teeth in the clothing industry with a seven-year tenure at Pepe Jeans London. At Times Network, he also held senior positions at Zoom, serving as vice-president and national head for four years.

    The executive, who describes himself as an “avid enthusiast of sports and music,” has built a reputation for driving growth across people and media operations. His LinkedIn profile carries the motto: “No matter how far down we may be, we are never too far down to come back.”

    Republic Media Network has not yet announced a replacement for Bhandari’s role. The news comes as India’s television news sector continues to face intense competition and evolving viewer preferences in the digital age.

  • Times Network taps NKN Media to sell its stories in the Middle East

    Times Network taps NKN Media to sell its stories in the Middle East

    MUMBAI: Times Network, the broadcast arm of India’s Times Group, has appointed NKN Media FZC as its exclusive advertising sales partner for the Middle East. The deal gives NKN the reins to bring in ad revenue for the international feeds of Times Network, ET Now and Zoom, all of which already beam into regional homes via Etisalat, DU, Ooredoo and Starzplay.

    For Times Network, the tie-up is more than just business, it’s a bridge. With millions of Indians living and working across the Gulf, the network sees fertile ground for both connection and commerce. By leaning on NKN Media’s local expertise and market know-how, Times hopes to create fresh avenues for advertisers eager to reach a diaspora that is both sizeable and influential.

    The bouquet on offer is varied: Times Now, synonymous with sharp debates and global news; ET Now, trusted for market insight; and Zoom, Bollywood’s glossy home for film, music and celebrity sparkle. Together, they promise brands a stage where credibility meets entertainment.

    “This partnership deepens our connection with one of the most dynamic Indian communities overseas,” Times Network said, adding that the collaboration offers advertisers “a robust platform to engage with a highly influential audience.”

    NKN Media, ceo and md, Abdul Majid Khan was equally upbeat and said, “Partnering with Times Network, India’s leading media house, is a proud moment. With our global ad-sales experience, we’re confident of unlocking strong growth opportunities for both partners in the Middle East.”

    In short, the network that prides itself on making headlines has just made one of its own, by giving its Middle East audience (and the brands chasing them) a reason to stay tuned.

  • Bengaluru gets a smashing serve with Pickleball Now Grand Prix debut

    Bengaluru gets a smashing serve with Pickleball Now Grand Prix debut

    MUMBAI: Game, set… and smash! Bengaluru is all set to witness a sporting spectacle with a twist as Times Network serves up the Pickleball Now Grand Prix on 30 August 2025 at Gorally, Whitefield. Billed as India’s first premium lifestyle pickleball showcase, the daylong event promises a fiery mix of sport, community, and high-energy fun. Over 250 registered players will battle it out across 7 dedicated courts, cheered on by more than 500 attendees. With a Rs 2 lakh prize pool, 14 winners and 14 runners-up will take home medals, trophies, and bragging rights, all backed by official Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) points to up their global standing.

    The format caters to both seasoned pros and rising enthusiasts, with Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles in Intermediate and Open categories, plus a cheeky Mystery Partner draw where teammates are paired at random ensuring unpredictable rallies and plenty of laughs.

    Backing the Grand Prix is a power-packed sponsor roster, led by Hell Energy Drink (presenting partner) and MG Motors (driving partner), with big names like Skechers, Just In Time, Aris Perfumes, River Bikes, Amity University, Coindcx, Radico, Zoho, Acerpure, Assetz Builders, Airavat, and Stayvista all jumping on board.

    With booming brand power, rising player numbers, and a sport that’s fast becoming India’s newest obsession, the Pickleball Now Grand Prix looks set to ace its debut not just as a tournament, but as a lifestyle statement that Bengaluru won’t stop talking about.

  • Times change again as Varun Kohli exits, Gopakumar takes interim charge

    Times change again as Varun Kohli exits, Gopakumar takes interim charge

    MUMBAI: Another shuffle at Times Network has set the industry buzzing. Varun Kohli, who joined as chief operating officer barely a year ago, has suddenly stepped down from the role. In the interim, Rohit Gopakumar, currently CEO of entertainment and digital business at The Times Group, has been handed charge of the broadcast business.

    The development comes against the backdrop of CEO M.K. Anand’s exit in July 2024, when he quit after more than a decade at Bennett, Coleman & Co. (BCCL). Kohli was brought in just a month earlier, in June 2024, to oversee the network’s revenue function across its television broadcast business.

    Kohli, a seasoned media professional, moved to Times Network from Bharat Express, where he spent a year and a half as director and CEO. Before that, he briefly helmed Sporty Media Solutionz as CEO and held senior stints at ITV Network (group CEO), Network18, HT Media, and Amar Ujala Prakashan.

    Meanwhile, Gopakumar isn’t new to the media house. He joined the group in August 2023 as CEO of Worldwide Media and was later elevated to lead entertainment and digital. His expanded remit now includes steering Times Network’s broadcast operations during a tricky phase for the industry.

    With two top exits in just over a year, Times Network finds itself once again at a leadership crossroads and all eyes will now be on how Gopakumar steadies the ship.

  • Shashi Panja headlines Times Network Growth Summit

    Shashi Panja headlines Times Network Growth Summit

    MUMBAI: West Bengal’s economic ambitions took centre stage as Shashi Panja, minister for industries, commerce & enterprises, headlined the SRMB Presents Times Network Growth Summit West Bengal. Hosted by Times Network, the high-powered gathering brought together top voices from government, industry, and academia to map the state’s transformation into a future-ready growth engine.

    Held in Kolkata, the summit featured deep dives into Bengal’s most pressing growth levers, from AI and robotics, skilling and MSME empowerment, to infrastructure and industrial transformation.

    Among the marquee speakers were Ashish Beriwala, director, SRMB Srijan; Prof. Ved Prakash, former chairman, University Grants Commission; Vinod Gupta, managing director, Dollar Industries; and Prof. Biswajoy Chatterjee, vice chancellor, UEM Jaipur. The sessions explored ways to bridge academia and industry, catalyse intelligent ecosystems, and supercharge inclusive entrepreneurship.

    Co-powered by Dollar Industries, University of Engineering & Management (UEM) and Sister Nivedita University, with OmDayal Group of Institutions and Julien Day School as associate partners, the summit concluded with a strong cross-sectoral consensus: Bengal is ready to lead, not just follow, in India’s next wave of economic acceleration.

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  • Pranav Bakshi gets promoted to pilot Network18’s Connected growth engine

    Pranav Bakshi gets promoted to pilot Network18’s Connected growth engine

    MUMBAI: Network18’s digital dynamo Pranav Bakshi has just bagged a bold new title — chief growth officer, Network18 Connected — as he takes charge of accelerating content, audience, and revenue across connected TV, social platforms, and strategic partnerships.

    But this isn’t just a new nameplate on the desk. With his finger on the pulse of where audiences are headed (and not where they’ve lingered), Bakshi is gearing up to rewire how content is created, consumed and commercialised across the media conglomerate’s vast portfolio.

    “This role is about leading the charge, not catching up,” said Bakshi. “It’s about scaling platforms, monetising content smartly, and building future-proof digital ecosystems.”

    Having previously helmed digital video strategy for over 45 Network18 brands — from CNN-News18 and CNBC-TV18 to Firstpost, Moneycontrol and History TV18 — Bakshi’s remit covered everything from CTV to creators, from off-platform growth to platform partnerships.

    Before his Network18 innings, Bakshi brought the firepower at Times network, heading digital video, strategy, partnerships, and social media for a bouquet of brands with a collective follower base of 60 million. He’s also worn hats at NDTV, TOI, Taj Hotels and even Maersk, with a track record of marrying content with commerce and strategy with scale.

    With his elevation, expect Bakshi to keep the content taps flowing — but this time, through smarter pipes, faster funnels, and next-gen platforms. The build, as he says, continues.

  • DSP Mutual Fund snaps up marketing powerhouse Aparna Kulkarni

    DSP Mutual Fund snaps up marketing powerhouse Aparna Kulkarni

    MUMBAI: Aparna Kulkarni has stepped into the role of vice president of consumer marketing at DSP Mutual Fund, leaving behind a glittering six-year stint at the Natural Diamond Council.

    At the Natural Diamond Council, Kulkarni built what she calls “the world’s biggest content publishing platform” for natural diamonds, masterminding celebrity campaigns and driving digital performance.

    Her impressive media background includes key positions at Times Network, where she headed marketing for premium movie channels, and Star India, where she managed high-profile shows including Siya Ke Ram and MasterChef India.

    Kulkarni now takes charge of brand marketing and investor education at DSP, bringing her content expertise and digital savvy to the financial services firm at a time when mutual funds are racing to connect with India’s rapidly expanding retail investor base.

    From entertainment to luxury to finance, Kulkarni’s fast-paced career shows no signs of slowing as she takes on this latest challenge at the respected fund house.