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Tag: Times Network

  • Rajat Sharma elected as president of NBDA

    Rajat Sharma elected as president of NBDA

    Mumbai: The News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) has elected Rajat Sharma as president at a meeting held on Monday. The board also elected ABP Network chief executive officer Avinash Pandey as vice president and Times Network managing director and chief executive officer MK Anand as honorary treasurer for the year 2021-22.

    The other members on the NBDA board include News24 Broadcast India chairperson-cum-managing director Anuradha Prasad Shukla; Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing managing director MV Shreyams Kumar; TV18 broadcast managing director Rahul Joshi; Eenadu Television director I Venkat; TV Today Network vice-chairperson and managing director Kalli Purie; New Delhi Television editorial director Sonia Singh, and Zee Media chief executive officer – cluster 1 Sudhir Chaudhary.

    Formerly known as the News Broadcasters Association, the industry body had renamed itself after it decided to bring digital media news broadcasters within the membership of the association. The members at the EGM unanimously passed the modification in the name of the association and amendments to the memorandum and articles of association.

    “I am glad to inform the members that the ministry of corporate affairs, government of India have approved the new name and the amendments to the memorandum and articles of association,” said Rajat Sharma in a statement.

    The ministry of electronics and information technology notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT rules), thereby bringing digital media, including OTT platforms, digital news broadcasters, and news aggregators, for the first time, within the ambit of government supervision.

    The IT rules which have been framed to regulate digital media, not only lay down a code of ethics to be complied by digital news broadcasters but also establishes a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism to ensure observance of the same.

    Similarly, the ministry of information and broadcasting also notified the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021(Cable Amendment Rules) to establish a three-tier complaint redressal structure to ensure observance of the Programme Code and Advertisement Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.

    “NBDA has challenged the constitutionality of both the IT rules and cable amendment rules in the Kerala high court on various grounds including on the grounds that the rules give the government authorities excessive powers to unreasonably and impermissibly restrict the freedom of speech and expression of the media under Article 19 (1)(a) of the Constitution. Interim orders were granted in favour of NBDA in both matters,” observed Sharma. 

    Despite several months having passed, the Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) ratings have not been restored as yet. “The NBDA board and Barc have had several rounds of discussions to ensure that reliable, credible, tamper-free data is made available to the news broadcasters,” said Sharma. 

  • Nikunj Dalmia named managing editor of ET Now Swadesh

    Nikunj Dalmia named managing editor of ET Now Swadesh

    Mumbai: Times Network has named Nikunj Dalmia as managing editor of its yet-to-be-launched Hindi business news channel, ET Now Swadesh.

    In his new role, Dalmia will lead all editorial decisions and oversee the management of the channel besides continuing his role as the managing editor of the network’s English business news channel ET Now, said the broadcast network on Friday.

    “Nikunj is a network stalwart and has played a pivotal role in nourishing and growing ET Now since its inception,” said Times Network managing director and chief executive officer MK Anand. “He has been instrumental in shaping and sustaining ET Now’s market leadership. We are thrilled at the launch of our second Hindi news offering, ET Now Swadesh, and I am confident he will lead this new mandate to its glory and success, and further raise the bar for the Hindi business news category.”

    With over two decades of experience in tracking corporate India, government policies, domestic and global economies, Dalmia is one of India’s most renowned business news anchors.

    “I am really excited to take on this new mantle and look forward to working with a talented and determined team of journalists and crew,” said Dalmia. “With a unique content offering that is focussed on empowering viewers with the knowledge that will enable them to be part of India’s growth story, ET Now Swadesh will sharply differentiate itself from other players in the Hindi business news category.”

  • Times Network expands its global footprint with DistroTV

    Times Network expands its global footprint with DistroTV

    Mumbai: Times Network has partnered with California-based media technology company, DistroScale to distribute its news channels globally. DistroTV is an independent, free, ad-supported streaming television service available across international markets.

    Through the partnership, the network channels Times Now, Times Now Navbharat, and Zoom will be available in the UK and Europe. Mirror Now will be available across the UK, US, and Europe. Times Network is now present in over 100 countries, said the broadcast network in a statement.

    The channels will be a part of DistroTV specialised Southeast Asian package ‘DistroTV Desi’.

    “Catering to the appetite of the rapidly growing global audience, DistroTV is a robust network that offers us the opportunity to strengthen our reach amongst oversees South-Asian viewers and I am confident that with our holistic offering we will continue to keep them informed and entertained,” said Times Network, chief operating officer and executive president, Jagdish Mulchandani.

    “Times Network is part of India’s largest media conglomerates and a great brand that provides news and entertainment channels to audiences in India and around the world,” said Distroscale, co-founder and chief executive officer, Navdeep Saini. “We are thrilled to welcome a multitude of their channels, including their news channel Times Now and Times Now Navbharat, to our diverse, and growing fast platform. The addition of these channels signifies our ongoing commitment to deliver thought-provoking and engaging content to a globally-minded audience.”

    “We are excited to launch four channels from the Times Network for our audiences from UK, Europe, and the US on our specialised SE Asian package ‘DistroTV Desi’. Our international audiences will consume their daily dose of news and infotainment on the Times Now, Mirror Now, and Times Now Navbharat channels and be entertained by the glitzy showbiz, music, and celebrity updates on Zoom,” added Distoscale, vice president of business development, Rajesh Nair.

  • Times Network forays into Hindi news with a bid to create ‘New India’

    Times Network forays into Hindi news with a bid to create ‘New India’

    New Delhi: Making its foray into Hindi news, Times Network on Sunday launched its new channel, Times Now Navbharat HD. The new entrant is being spearheaded by Times Now’s group editor Navika Kumar who will lead the editorial mandate and handle the overall management of the channel.

    The channel will be available across all the leading cable operators, MSOs and DTH platforms including Tata Sky, Airtel DTH, Hathway Digital, and DEN Digital, said the network. It has also launched an extensive outdoor campaign for promoting the new brand with a positioning- ‘Ab Badlega Bharat, Banega Navbharat’.

    “We are not in the race for TRP,” said Times Network MD and CEO MK Anand at the channel launch, adding that ‘Times Now Navbharat’ is part of the network’s effort to convey people’s correct and accurate message to the government and vice versa.”

    “In the world of English news channels, we have been running Times Now with the same resolution for the past 16 years. Issues which we raise at Times Now, they become a topic of discussion among people the next day and reason for a change in the society and political circles. We work tirelessly on such issues and news which are in public interest and also contribute to the welfare of the country and the society. This helps us get TRP organically,” said Anand. “We believe that news has the power to make an impact on our society and also help make it a better place to live in.”

    According to Anand a “new India” will emerge only when key and important issues are raised in a right manner, and also when there is a proper communication between people of the country and the government.

    The channel was launched with seven prime-time shows hosted by Sushant Sinha, Padmaja Joshi, Ankit Tyagi, and Meenakshi Kandwal. The primetime shows include Rashtravad at 5 pm, Log Tantra at 6 pm, Dhakad Exclusive at 7 pm, Sawal Public Ka at 8 pm, News Ki PaathShala at 9 pm, and Opinion India at 10 pm.

    The mega marketing campaign launched across Hindi-speaking markets was conceptualised by McCann Worldgroup India. The network has also unveiled a brand film highlighting the channel’s genesis and brand manifesto written by noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi.

    Apart from print ads in leading English and Hindi dailies, the network has launched an extensive outdoor promotion spanning across 400 sites across 19 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Jaipur, Dehradun, Indore, Punjab, Raipur and Varanasi. Kent RO System, Century Ply, Radico Khaitan, Vedanta, Medibuddy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Darwin Platform Group of Companies, Mylab Discovery Solutions, Meghdoot Herbal, Kirloskar Brothers are some of the advertisers currently onboard.

  • Times Now Navbharat HD all set to launch on 1 Aug

    Times Now Navbharat HD all set to launch on 1 Aug

    Mumbai: Times Network’s Hindi news channel – Times Now Navabharat HD is all set to launch on 1 August.

    With its positioning ‘Ab Badlega Bharat, Banega Navbharat’, the channel will attempt to be the new voice propelling change through an inclusive movement for a new India, and champion a unique brand of action-oriented journalism driven by decisive content, announced the broadcast network on Friday.

    In an attempt to break away from stereotypical news formats, the channel will explore an interactive & innovative news delivery that focuses on issues that directly impact the people and entails an in-depth and conclusive analysis of news through solution-oriented discussions, it added.

    The network had earlier announced that the new channel will be led by anchor Navika Kumar as the editor-in-chief. It will initially be launched with seven prime-time shows hosted by Sushant Sinha, Padmaja Joshi, Ankit Tyagi, and Meenakshi Kandwal. The primetime shows include Rashtravad at 5 pm, Log Tantra at 6 pm, Dhakad Exclusive at 7 pm, Sawal Public Ka at 8 pm, News Ki PaathShala at 9 pm, and Opinion India at 10 pm.

    Commenting on the launch, Times Network, MD and CEO, MK Anand said, “We have dominated the English news category with our flagship brand, Times Now, ever since we came into the space. We are now thrilled to mark our debut into Indian language News with our maiden Hindi news channel. We believe News has the power to transform and create an impact for a better society. With Times Now Navbharat, we are pioneering disruption with a powerful proposition centred on the core promise of bringing news that will drive change, where we follow a Content philosophy that puts Social Impact and not Ratings at the centre. I am confident Times Now Navbharat will contribute to further improve the Hindi News broadcast space which is already served by some of the best Media brands.”

    Marking this landmark launch, the network has planned a mega marketing campaign across Hindi-speaking markets. Conceptualised by McCann Worldgroup India, the channel will unveil its brand film which embodies the channel’s genesis and brand manifesto written by the renowned Prasoon Joshi. A high decibel promotion has been planned across TV, outdoor, print, radio, multiplexes, social media, and leading digital platforms.

    The network’s outdoor promotion spans over 400 sites across 19 cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow, Patna, Jaipur, Dehradun, Indore, Punjab, Raipur and Varanasi. The network is also set to splash its print ads across leading Hindi & English dailies of the country. 

    Times Now Navbharat has roped in Kent RO System, Century Ply, Radico Khaitan, Vedanta, Medibuddy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Darwin Platform Group of Companies, Mylab Discovery Solutions, Meghdoot Herbal, Kirloskar Brothers to name a few as advertisers.

    Times Now Navbharat will be available across all the leading cable operators, MSOs & DTH platforms.

  • Times Network rejigs top leadership, elevates Rahul Shivshankar to editorial director

    Times Network rejigs top leadership, elevates Rahul Shivshankar to editorial director

    Mumbai: The Times Network on Tuesday announced key appointments and elevations in its leadership team. On the editorial front, Rahul Shivshankar has been elevated to editorial director. In addition to the new role, he will continue to lead the editorial mandate of Times Now as its editor-in-chief.

    The announcement comes at a time when the broadcast network is gearing up for the launch of its Hindi news channels, Times Now Navbharat HD and ET Now Swadesh. On Monday, the company named Times Network group editor Navika Kumar as the editor-in-chief of the new channel.

    Times Network, MD and CEO, MK Anand said, “2020 was a tumultuous year for the broadcasters and while we were severely tested by the pandemic, Times Network not just managed to harness every headwind in its path but continued to march ahead successfully by setting new industry benchmarks. The superior talent of our leadership team is one of key pillars that drove the network’s significant growth during these unprecedented times and accelerated our overall digital transformation efforts. Their elevations are a recognition of their contribution to the growth of the company.”

    Strengthening its digital portfolio, the company has elevated Vivek Srivastava to president, strategy & operations – Broadcast & Digital. He will lead the digital operations of the network and oversee product strategy, audience development and operations planning for both digital and broadcast businesses.

    Savvy Dilip has been appointed as executive vice president & head- digital growth. Savvy will lead product development, content led audience growth, technology based digital consumer experiences, social media amplification and online marketing for all the digital platforms of the Network. A seasoned professional, Savvy brings in-depth expertise across Marketing, Media, Product, Technology and Entrepreneurship. In her new role, Savvy will be reporting to Vivek Srivastava.

    Other senior management promotions include Manish Wadkar, senior vice president & head – Legal, Pranav Bakshi, senior vice president – digital, Hina Jafri, vice president & head – Corporate Communications, Poonam Bavdanker, vice president – Human Resources, Saurabh Bhowal, vice president & head – content and programming, Zoom & The Zoom Studios and Mihir Bhatt, vice president & executive editor, Times Influence.

    Continuing to play a pivotal role in aiding the Network’s growth, leadership team comprising Jagdish Mulchandani – chief operating Officer and executive president, Jignesh Kenia, executive vice president & head – corporate strategy & digital transformation, Gaurav Dhawan, executive vice president – revenue and S. Srivathsan as executive vice president and Head – human resources will drive their respective portfolios for the Network.

  • Zoom and The Zoom Studios partner with One Life Studios to syndicate their content worldwide

    Zoom and The Zoom Studios partner with One Life Studios to syndicate their content worldwide

    Mumbai: One Life Studios (OLS) has announced the partnership with Times Network’s Zoom and The Zoom Studios to distribute their youth-focused entertainment offerings in China and Africa.

    With their diverse catalogue comprising fiction & non-fiction-based short series and celebrity shows and various other genres, OLS is all set to take this entire gamut of youth-oriented content from Zoom and The Zoom Studios to audiences all over the world, it said in a statement.

    Before this, OLS had also inked a partnership with Sony Pictures Networks India for CIS, CEE region along with China & Japan, Pocket Films & Turmeric Vision Pvt Ltd (Food Food) to syndicate their entire catalogue across the globe.

    Talking about the latest association, OLS head Siddharth Kumar Tewary said, “For us at One Life Studios, our effort is dedicated to offering the world audiences a choice of exciting & quality content in varied genres from fiction (long & short – thrillers/ romantic/ period/family) to non-fiction (lifestyle/travel/cookery/infotainment/fashion & celebrity). We believe in not just creating but also partnering with studios and producers who share our vision and take their content across the globe through our huge network syndicate. The narrative and conversational styles adopted by the creators for the zoom studios originals have made sure that the young viewers not just connect but also become a sustained and loyal fan base for their forthcoming ventures. Seeing how interestingly they’ve charted their course, we are certain that this content can create an even greater stir internationally.”

    Times Network COO and executive president Jagdish Mulchandani said, “We are delighted to announce One Life Studios as our exclusive distributor of Bollywood & original content in China and Africa, strengthening our presence in the international markets. Zoom and The Zoom Studios are our pioneer brands, synonymous with powerful Bollywood and original content. I am confident with this partnership, viewers across the globe will experience our best-in-class Bollywood and original shows.”

  • Times Network launches 2nd edition of Living Room Conclave – India Health Mission

    Mumbai: Times Network has announced the second edition of Living Room Conclave – India Health Mission, a conclave series that will focus on combating the COVID-19 pandemic. 

    As India moves ahead while battling the cruel second wave, it is pertinent to continue following the safety protocols and avert the threat of a possible third wave. Addressing these imminent challenges through a course of discussions with eminent figures, who are at the epicentre of the pandemic management, India Health Mission will air from 19 June, every Saturday at 6.30 pm on TIMES NOW & TIMES NOW WORLD and at 7:30 pm on ET NOW. 

    The five-part series will feature key stakeholders from healthcare and health ministry including Cipla MD & CEO Umang Vohra, The Calcutta Medical Research Institute director & HOD, Pulmonology Dr. Raja Dhar, Madras Diabetes Research Foundation director & chief Dr. V Mohan, Gleneagles Global Hospital – Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Chennai director Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan, amongst others.  

    The launch episode will witness a special panel discussion on India’s Vaccine Roll Out with B Medical Deputy CEO Jesal Doshi, Nephron Clinic Chairman Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Bagai and Neuberg CMD Dr. GSK Velu. 

    Times Network MD & CEO MK Anand said, “The catastrophic COVID-19 second wave has led to a dramatic loss of human lives and presented immense challenges to a strained medical infrastructure. As the country stabilizes with measures including accelerated nationwide vaccination drive and gradual unlocking of States, it is critical to stay focused and brace ourselves to combat possible new waves. Focusing on Covid-19 pandemic preparedness, India Health Mission, is an initiative to empower citizens with critical health and safety advisories through discussions with key stakeholders from the healthcare sector and the health ministry.” 

    Led by Times Network’s leading news anchors, India Health Mission will cover all the critical questions related to COVID-19 and offer important updates to the viewers including steps required to preventing the virus from spreading, vaccination drives, unlock phase across cities, key measures undertaken by the government to combat the situation and how we can prevent the third wave.

  • Times Network announces 2nd Edition of Living Room Conclave – India Health Mission

    MUMBAI: India’s premium broadcast network, Times Network announces the 2nd Edition of Living Room Conclave – India Health Mission, a conclave series that will focus on combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.  As India moves ahead after battling the cruel second wave, it is pertinent to continue to follow the safety protocols and avert the threat of a possible third wave. Addressing these imminent challenges through a course of discussions with eminent figures, who are at the epicentre of the pandemic management, India Health Mission will air from June 19, 2021, every Saturday at 6.30 pm on TIMES NOW & TIMES NOW WORLD and at 7:30 pm on ET NOW.

    Bringing relevant insights and advisories, which will enable the viewers take necessary precautions and prevent future health consequences, the 5 part series will feature key stakeholders from healthcare and health ministry including Umang Vohra, MD & CEO, Cipla, Dr. Raja Dhar – Director & HOD, Pulmonology, The Calcutta Medical Research Institute, Dr. V Mohan -Director & Chief of Madras Diabetes Research Foundation , Dr. Subramanian Swaminathan, Director – Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai amongst others.  With an intensive focus on preparing the nation with a holistic approach to stay ahead of the COVID-19 curve, the launch episode will witness a special panel discussion on India’s Vaccine Roll Out with Jesal Doshi, Deputy CEO, B Medical, Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Bagai, Chairman, Nephron Clinic and Dr. GSK Velu, CMD, Neuberg.           

    MK Anand, MD and CEO, Times Network said, “The catastrophic COVID-19 second wave has led to dramatic loss of human lives and presented immense challenges to a strained medical infrastructure. As the country stabilizes with measures including accelerated nationwide vaccination drive and gradual unlocking of States, it is critical to stay focused and brace ourselves to combat possible new waves. Through a series of unique initiatives held across TV and digital platforms, and in keeping with our stated motto of Fighting Fear With Facts, Times Network has been at the forefront, helping the nation through the pandemic with accurate and trusted news. Focusing on Covid-19 pandemic preparedness, India Health Mission, is an initiative to empower citizens with critical health and safety advisories through discussions with key stakeholders from the healthcare sector and the health ministry.”

    Led by Times Network’s leading news anchors, India Health Mission will cover all the critical questions related to COVID-19 and offer important updates to the viewers including steps required to preventing the virus from spreading, vaccination drives, unlock phase across cities, key measures undertaken by the government to combat the situation and how we can prevent third wave.

     

     

  • Times Network’s English Entertainment channels transitions to Planetcast Cloud

    Times Network’s English Entertainment channels transitions to Planetcast Cloud

    Kolkata: Planetcast Media Services, a key player in cloud-based technology for the television broadcast industry announced that Times Network has successfully implemented the transition of its English Entertainment channels and Zoom to  it’s cloud platform – Cloud. X.

    The turnkey solution includes end-to-end management of broadcast operations including satellite uplinking of Times Network’s channels.

    Cloud X, a state-of-the-art cloud infrastructure, which offers an advanced platform along with flexibility for cloud-based operations is deployed to Times Network’s English Entertainment channels – Movies Now SD, Movies Now HD, Romedy Now SD, Romedy Now HD, MNX SD, MNX HD, MN+, and Zoom.

    The services are hosted at Planetcast’s advanced cloud data center based out of Noida. As part of the long-term engagement, PMSL also re-distributes the channels to various digital platforms across India.

    Times Network Corporate Strategy and Digital Transformation EVP and head Jignesh Kenia said the transition to Cloud was a strategic step in the digital transformation of its broadcast operations. “We are committed to adopting technological and digital solutions that enhance our business expertise through state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities, and we are delighted to partner with Planet cast for this critical part of our operations. I am confident that we can enhance our audience reach by delivering a reliable and world-class TV viewing experience.”

    According to Planetcast founder-director M N Vyas cloud adoption will drive business recovery from the pandemic across media and entertainment industry. “Our engagement will not only reduce their operational cost but will also streamline broadcast operations across Times Network’s entertainment and news channels. We are on a mission to drive business recovery from the pandemic through cloud adoption,” added Vyas.