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Tag: Times Network

  • Goafest 2022: Times Network comes on board as presenting sponsor

    Goafest 2022: Times Network comes on board as presenting sponsor

    Mumbai: Times Network has come on board as presenting sponsor for the fifteenth edition of Goafest, announced the Goafest 2022 Organising Committee on Friday. The three-day industry event will be held between 5-7 May at Grand Hyatt, Goa.

    Goafest is a definitive annual festival that celebrates milestones in the Indian advertising, marketing, and media industry. The event is back on-ground for its latest edition, after a gap of two years. The grand festival will be helmed by Jaideep Gandhi as chairman of the Goafest 2022 Organising Committee, along with Rana Barua as chairman of the Awards Governing Council for the Abby Awards 2022.

    As per the earlier announcement, Goafest 2022 was scheduled to be held from 7-9 April. The orgainising committee is optimistic that the agencies and organisations will be more enthusiastic to participate in the festival as the number of Omicron cases has started receding.

    “We are truly excited that after a gap of a couple of years Goafest is coming back. And I’m sure it will be the biggest yet, considering the fact that most of us have been restrained by the pandemic all this while and are literally straining at the leash to be let out,” stated Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand. “I am particularly looking forward to the event as Times Network is once again returning as presenting sponsor of this most awaited advertising festival in South Asia.”

    “Times Network has been associated with almost every edition of Goafest from its inception, in some way or the other,” remarked Goafest 2022 organising committee chairman Jaideep Gandhi. “It is our pleasure to welcome back Times Network as presenting sponsor in the 15th year of the festival,” he added.  

    The event is jointly organised by two industry bodies – Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC).

    “It is wonderful to have Times Network as presenting sponsor yet again,” said AAAI vice president and GroupM Media South Asia CEO Prasanth Kumar. “Goafest is a platform where great work is reflected and thought leadership is demonstrated. Having such an opportunity to be inspired and learn is incredibly valuable to all of us. We look forward to having yet another wonderful Goafest.”

    According to the statement, the delegate registrations and Abby Award entries are now open and more details are available on www.goafest.com.

  • MNX partners with Tamil Nadu Tourism for new series ‘One For The Road’

    MNX partners with Tamil Nadu Tourism for new series ‘One For The Road’

    Mumbai: MNX has announced the launch of its maiden original series “One For The Road” in partnership with Tamil Nadu Tourism. Starting 25 February, the series will air every Friday at 8:30 p.m across Times Network channels – MNX, Movies Now, Romedy Now, MN+, Zoom, Times Now, Times Now World and Mirror Now.

    Featuring supermodel and actor Milind Soman, the six-episode travelogue series captures the serene and breath-taking beauty of Tamil Nadu.The series will see Soman riding a bike, covering the length and breadth of the state and visiting fascinating sights and off-beat destinations including Mudumalai National Park, Pollachi, Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Aliyar Dam, Madurai, Suruli Falls and Srivilliputhur Wildlife.

    One For the Road is presented by Tamil Nadu Tourism, Smart Tyre Partner – JK Tyres and Riding Partner – Royal Enfield. 

    “We are excited to launch MNX’s maiden original series, One For The Road in partnership with Tamil Nadu Tourism,” said Times Network chief operating officer and executive president Jagdish Mulchandani. “Tamil Nadu is culturally rich with home to some of the best tourism sites in the country. I am confident that the show will resonate with our viewers as it allows them to explore the State through a unique virtual experience, infused with breath-taking landscapes, timeless architecture and exotic wildlife.”

     

     
     
     

     
     
     
     
     

     
     

     
     
     

     
     

    A post shared by MNXMovies (@mnxmovies)

     

  • Amazon appoints Vivek Srivastava as head of partnerships Prime Video Channels, India

    Amazon appoints Vivek Srivastava as head of partnerships Prime Video Channels, India

    Mumbai: Amazon has appointed Vivek Srivastava as head of partnerships for Prime Video Channels, India. Amazon had launched Prime Video Channels in India in September 2021.

    In his previous role, Srivastava was with Times Network as president strategy and operations, digital and broadcast.

    He has two decades of experience with most of it in the broadcast sector across business planning, programming strategy, content acquisition and syndication, distribution strategy and planning, international business, audience behaviour and research, digital marketing and integrated communication.

    Srivastava was previously associated with Viacom18 as head of digital and commercial for their flagship GEC Colors. He has also had a stint with TAM Media Research.

  • ET Now and ET Now Swadesh unveil budget day programming

    ET Now and ET Now Swadesh unveil budget day programming

    Mumbai: ET Now and ET Now Swadesh have announced exclusive budget-day programming under the theme ‘Mission Growth: Budget 2022.’ The curated lineup of shows will commence from 7 a.m on 1 February.

    The channel will leverage technology and AR graphics to present a simplified budget analysis. The live coverage will commence with the finance minister’s speech followed by an in-depth analysis of budget 2022-23 by ET Now and ET Now Swadesh managing editor Nikunj Dalmia.

    This will be followed by an exclusive segment with Indian economist, journalist and columnist Swaminathan Aiyar. A panel of experts including HDFC Life MD and CEO, DLF whole-time director and CEO Ashok Tyagi, M&M executive director (auto and farm sectors) Rajesh Jejurikar, Fortis Healthcare MD and CEO Ashutosh Raghuvanshi, SBI former chairman Rajnish Kumar will analyse the budget.  

    A panel featuring HDFC Asset Management Company ED and CIO Prashant Jain, market veterans Madhusudan Kela and Shankar Sharma, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC MD and CEO A Balasubramanian, ICICI Prudential AMC ED and CIO S Naren will offer insights on post-budget investment strategy and wealth creation.  

    ET Now consulting editor Mythili Bhusnurmath will present a segment on the story behind the budget numbers and will help viewers understand the budget undertone. An expert team from Deloitte India will share their top takes from the budget.

    The two channels are also running a slew of digital and on-air short format video content that will simplify the union budget. A segment called ‘Aasaan Bhaasha Me’ will help viewers get a better sense of this year’s budget and round up all budget-related highlights.

    “Jayant Sir Ki Class” a show featuring former minister of state for finance Jayant Sinha will explain concepts, terms, and de-jargonise the budget. The show will air on the channels as well as social media platforms.  

    The channels have also announced an on-air contest “Budget Master” starting on 1 February where participants can enter the contest by watching the channels and answering questions asked every hour between 9 a.m and 2 p.m. “Five winners will be selected and gratified with an iPhone,” said the channel in a statement.

  • Times Now Navbharat to air docu-series ‘Kahani Navbharat Ki’

    Times Now Navbharat to air docu-series ‘Kahani Navbharat Ki’

    Mumbai: Times Now Navbharat has announced a documentary series “Kahani Navbharat Ki,” which chronicles the stories of India’s 75 years. The series will air from 30 January every Sunday at 8 p.m on Times Now Navbharat SD and HD channels.

    Directed by Aparna Sanyal, recipient of a National Film Award and hosted by Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey, the 10-part series captures Indian history and culture. The theme song is composed by Gaurav Chintamani and written by Dr. Sagar. The show is produced by Times Network’s content studio Times Chronicles, which creates fact-based originals and docu-series.

    “We are proud to present Kahani Navbharat Ki (KNK) on Times Now Navbharat. KNK is a deeply researched, fact-based series of untold stories that define the last 75 years of Independent India,” said Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand. “While a lot is discussed about our medieval and ancient history, there are scant resources when it comes to unbiased commentary on contemporary India and how it has developed over these eventful years since independence. As an emerging major country on the global stage in the 21st century, it is important that we as Indians understand our historic circumstances and appreciate who we really are and how we have become. I am confident that this docu-series will serve as a reference point to every Indian, especially the youth to understand the New India story in great depth.”

    The docu-series showcases historical records of events such as the beginning of India’s mobile revolution, culture of vaccination in India, issue of MSP, nationalisation and privatisation of banks, establishment of IITs amongst others.

    The series also features riveting first-hand accounts by India’s first voter – Shyam Saran Negi, Wing Commander Krishnamurthy, who witnessed the signing ceremony of the Surrender Document during the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Ashok Mahadevan, the journalist who put out an obituary for democracy after the announcement of the emergency and Raman Roy, who started the BPO industry in India amongst others.

    “I am thrilled to be associated with Times Now Navbharat to host Kahani Navbharat Ki,” said show host Vikrant Massey. “My motivation as the host was to inspire, inform and intrigue the audiences about what’s gone into making India what it is today. I always wanted to be a part of project like this, and I am happy to have this opportunity to share our proud history and culture.”

  • Times Network to telecast seventh ‘Digital India Summit’ from 15 January

    Times Network to telecast seventh ‘Digital India Summit’ from 15 January

    Mumbai: Times Network has announced the seventh edition of Digital India Summit (DIS) scheduled to telecast from 15 January every Saturday at 11:30 a.m on Times Now, Times Now World, 8:30 p.m ET Now and on the network’s digital news destination Timesnownews.com.

    The event is supported by the Union Bank of India and Kiya ai as ‘co-powered by’ sponsor and WeWork as ‘associate’ partner.

    DIS throws the spotlight on fast-tracking India’s digitisation by bringing together the torchbearers of the digital universe to discuss ideas and strategies which will facilitate India’s digital transformation and strengthen its global dominance in technology.

    The summit will address a wide spectrum of topics including enabling India’s financial inclusion digitally, benefitting from new normal, role of data security and data centre in the next decade, transforming India’s healthcare through digitisation and more.

    The summit will launch with an exclusive interview with MoS, electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar and will also witness participation from thought leaders, influencers and digital revolutionaries including Union Bank of India MD and CEO Rajkiran Rai G.

    “Digital India Summit was instituted to foster and cheer a digitally empowered India,” said Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand. “It is heartening to see that over the course of the last six years, the platform has ably contributed in advancing India’s digital journey. Steering this vision, the 7th edition of Digital India Summit is engaged with a purpose to accelerate India’s global dominance in technology and digitization.  I am confident that this leadership platform will enable actionable ideas and strategies with the domain’s thought leaders and innovators to achieve the same.”

    “It is an honour and privilege to be part of Digital India Summit. Our main goal is a $1 trillion digital economy that has a number of parts that are at the early stage of work in progress,” said MoS, skill development and entrepreneurship and electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar. “The Prime Minister has called it the Techade and it is absolutely a correct characterisation because in the next 10 years, our economy can be significantly catalysed by the digital economy. Today when we see startups and young entrepreneurs, you can see that they are confident about what they are doing and they are very confident about the future that they are going to be a part of and to me, that is the biggest thing that has come out of the pandemic. This is what is very different for 2022 than what it was in the past that we hold in our hands the cards that are stacked in our favour. it is now for us to execute and deliver what the universe is offering us as an opportunity.”

  • Times Now Navbharat launches political satire show ‘Bhaiya Ji Superhit’

    Times Now Navbharat launches political satire show ‘Bhaiya Ji Superhit’

    Mumbai: Times Now Navbharat has launched a new show “Bhaiya Ji Superhit” that will begin airing from 8 January at 10 p.m every Saturday.

    The show is a political satire on the top news stories, current affairs and political affairs of the previous week, and is hosted by stand-up comedian Sundeep Sharma. The 30-minute weekend show will be presented through three key segments ‘Hafta Saptah,’ ‘Noora Kushti,’ and ‘Acchi Baat Hai.’

    “Times Now Navbharat has successfully positioned itself as a preferred Hindi news channel in a short span of time, gaining unprecedented support from the country’s top influencers and viewers alike,” said Times Network group editor and Times Now Navbharat editor-in-chief Navika Kumar. “Our differentiated news shows like ‘News Ki Paathshala,’ ‘Sawal Public Ka,’ ‘Opinion India Ka,’ immediately resonated with the viewers. ‘Bhaiya Ji Superhit’ is a new show which presents a lighter side of the serious business of news.”

    “Every Stand-up comedian at some point in their career dreams of hosting a TV show and I am extremely thrilled and excited to host my first TV show, Bhaiya Ji Superhit on Times Now Navbharat, a channel from the largest media group,” said Sundeep Sharma. “I have a very desi brand of humour and the audience feels connected to me as one amongst them and I am hoping to make the same connection through television.”

  • OML appoints Zoya D’Costa as campaign lead

    OML appoints Zoya D’Costa as campaign lead

    Mumbai: Only Much Louder (OML) has appointed Zoya D’Costa as campaign lead in the GCN (Global Creator Network) India team, as per her LinkedIn update.

    In this new role, D’Costa will be leading the mandate of driving 360-degree marketing and content efforts globally to deliver impactful campaigns for Bacardi 1862, along with other brand accounts and clientele like Netflix, Bumble, Amazon, Zomato, Cred etc within GCN.

    Before joining OML, D’Costa was associated with Times Network for over six years as assistant brand manager – marketing for Zoom, The Zoom Studios, and Flick.

    “From being part of the Network Marketing Team that enabled me to work on 12 distinct brands to building & scaling Zoom, The Zoom Studios & Flick over the last few years…These 6 & a half years have indeed been memorable, challenging & transformative as a Marketing Lead of these brands,” she wrote in an Instagram post announcing her latest professional move.

    D’Costa leads a diverse portfolio of brands with expertise in key facets of brand, digital and content marketing coupled with the power of content development, transformative IPs & brand solutions backed by sound business expansion goals, monetisation plans and revenue strategies.

  • Absence of TRPs has not impacted legacy media brands much: M K Anand

    Absence of TRPs has not impacted legacy media brands much: M K Anand

    Mumbai: Times Network did not follow the playbook when they launched the Hindi news channel Times Now Navbharat HD in August. The Hindi news genre is saturated with many channels but Times Network entered the HD space where the only incumbent was Aaj Tak HD, said Times Network MD and CEO M K Anand.

    “When we launched our channel in the HD news space, the only other channel was Aaj Tak HD which is a great comparison set to have,” said MK Anand at an event on Tuesday. “The opportunity to come top-down in the Hindi news category helped us to focus on the brand first and then go to the mass audience.”

    The broadcaster is planning to launch Times Now Navbharat SD channel on 1 January 2022 four months after the launch of the HD channel. The launch coincides with the upcoming UP Assembly elections 2022. About two months of additional revenue is generated by news broadcasters during an election year.

    “The cost of marketing and distribution is much cheaper during the elections and will help our SD channel achieve mass reach in a short period,” said Anand.

    Elaborating on the performance of the newly launched Times Now Navbharat HD, he said, “The channel has garnered 100+ million video views per month on its digital content. Our ad volumes are already at 55-60 per cent of Aaj Tak HD while maintaining the same ad rates. Maintaining the same ad rates has been very limiting for the ad sales team but they have still been able to reach such high ad volumes which is remarkable.”

    The network also launched Hindi business news channel ET Now Swadesh in August. While there have been no business news channel launches in several years in the language space, Anand stated that there was a huge gap for such content in the Hindi-speaking market.

    “After demonetisation and interest rates coming down, people began participating in mutual funds and financial markets. This has become a necessity if they want to beat inflation. Foreign institutional investors, sophisticated retail investors, and corporates are taking advantage of the great growth that the Indian stock market is seeing currently. But ordinary Indians are not. That’s why we launched ET Now Swadesh with the proposition ‘India is rising, come rise with us,” he said.

    Times Network MD and CEO also talked about how 60-70 per cent of the year’s revenue is coming from pre-booking anchor sponsors. “If we pushed our sales team for higher revenues then there is no chance of maintaining our ad rates and that would destroy the brand and the category competitors. Our rates are in proportion to where we stand compared to our competitors” he added.

    Anand observed that the absence of TRPs for the news genre has not affected legacy media brands as much as news channels without strong brand recognition. “This genre is bought on the basis of effective rate (ER) and not cost-per-rating-point (CPRP). The absence of ratings hurts broadcasters as they are not able to design their product, FPC, etc in the absence of data as to what is working and how they are performing vis-à-vis others in the genre.”

    The Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India had suspended the Television Ratings Points (TRPs) for the news genre in October last year.

    The network is planning to distribute Times Now Navbharat on the free DTH platform DD Free Dish as and when MPEG slots become available. “We will bid for the MPEG slots if they become available,” noted Anand.  

    “At the Times group, we are obsessed with brand development. As you can see from the array of iconic brands that we have created over the years such as TOI, ET, TN, Femina, Filmfare, etc,” said Anand. “In our checklist of people, content, distribution, marketing and sales, we have been ultra-focussed on the brand right from day one.”

  • Times Now, Mirror Now to air docu-series on formation of Bangladesh

    Times Now, Mirror Now to air docu-series on formation of Bangladesh

    Mumbai: Times Chronicles, the content studio from Times Network has launched “1971 Birth of a Nation,” a documentary series on India post-independence. The seven-part docu-series will begin airing on 27 November on Times Now and Times Now World starting at 6 p.m and Mirror Now starting at 7:30 p.m.

    “The 1971 war between India and Pakistan was a pivotal point in world history, resulting in the formation of a new country, Bangladesh. The 13-day military conflict is one of the shortest wars in history and it ended with a decisive win for India. The documentary explores the reason behind the genocide in East Pakistan and the political history behind the birth of a new country Bangladesh,” said the channel in a statement. “The series also brings a comprehensive account of the political tussles that led to India overthrowing Pakistan, what caused friction between East and West Pakistan, how the political diplomacy of Indira Gandhi prove ingenious in the period leading to the war, role of MI, IB & RAW in the 1971 war, Operation Searchlight and Dhaka University massacre and significance of India’s intervention in the matters of East and West Pakistan.”

    Offering a glimpse into the mindsets and emotions of the times, the series will feature first-person accounts and anecdotes of senior officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Airforce and brings together government officials, historians, journalists, victims of the 1971 war, Bangladesh – Mukti Joddhas, who were in the thick of the action at the time. This includes Probal Dasgupta – author of “Watershed 1967: India’s Forgotten Victory Over China,” historian and army veteran,  1971 survivor Ratna Biswas, 1971 survivor and executive director, research initiatives, Bangladesh Meghna Guhathakurta, lieutenant general Depinder Singh (retd) – assistant to Sam Manekshaw from 1969 to 1973 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, colonel MS Joon, who played a key role in training the Mukti Bahini in 1971, former Indian bureaucrat Jayanta Sanyal, former Indian ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, Luxembourg and China Chandrashekhar Dasgupta, Lt Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir (retd) – Mukti Joddha, national security analyst and author Nitin A Gokhale, and Times Network consulting editor Maroof Raza amongst others.

    Culled from the archival reels gathered from Films Division of India, the series visually recreates the historic scenarios and circumstances by capturing actual locations of the battles, war memorials, unseen footage, and pictures of the wars.