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Tag: Times now

  • IBF, NBA react strongly to SC’s refusal to stay Bombay High Court order imposing high penalty on Times Now

    IBF, NBA react strongly to SC’s refusal to stay Bombay High Court order imposing high penalty on Times Now

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) and the News Broadcasters Association today reacted strongly over the impact of the recent dismissal by Supreme Court of the Special Leave Petition filed by Times Now.

    The English news channel had sought relief against a Bombay High Court order directing it to deposit Rs 200 million and furnish bank guarantee for Rs 800 million to hear an appeal in a defamation case.

    Earlier, a district court in Pune had asked the channel to cough up Rs 1 billion as damages in favour of Justice (Retd) PB Sawant for alleged defamation. The channel had published the photograph of Justice Sawant in place of another Judge whose name was phonetically similar to that of Justice Sawant in connection with the Ghaziabad Provident Fund scam. 
       
    The channel had appealed to the High Court which had said that operation of the Rs 1 billion decree will be stayed only if Times Now deposits Rs 200 million in Court and secures the remaining Rs 800 million by a bank guarantee.

    Expressing “great surprise and concern”, the IBF said “We have been informed that conditions involving quantum of damages of this kind are unheard of in the history of defamation laws and effectively cripples the media‘s right to seek redressal by way of appeal. In a legal environment where awarding of exemplary and punitive damages are rarely seen, the trial court‘s decision definitely raises serious concerns as regards the media‘s freedom of speech and expression. This case is an example of how an unintentional and inadvertent error on the part of the media can result in onerous economical burden for itself, despite a public apology being tendered by Times Now.”

    Expressing its “sadness” at the Supreme Court decision, the NBA in a separate statement expressed its approval of the views expressed recently in the media on the Justice Sawant – Times Now suit, whereby eminent members of Society, including jurists of high attainment have said that in the larger interest of the constitutional guarantee of free speech, the decision should be revisited and reconsidered.

    The IBF added that the Media plays a very important role in protecting the fundamental rights of citizens and is often termed as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy. An independent, fearless and competitive media is an essential ingredient of a true democracy. Any curb on media independence is a threat to the democratic process and must be challenged. If stipulations such as these become the norm, news channels would be targeted at every instance, thereby affecting the survival and existence of this news industry. It also would challenge the democratic environment and the citizens‘ right to seek information.

    The IBF also agreed with the recent views that have appeared in the media on this case, that such decisions should be reviewed and reconsidered. If media is compelled to pay up damages of such quantum, especially when a public apology has been issued for ‘an inadvertent error‘, it would effectively cripple the functioning of the media and an economic burden of such nature would completely jeopardize media business as it directly impacts media freedom, independence and survival, the very essentials of a democratic set up in any country.

    The NBA said “if innocent errors committed by media are visited with such dire legal consequences and if media companies are compelled to pay such disproportionately exorbitant damages despite the issuance of a public apology, it would effectively cripple the functioning of the media. Economic burden of such gargantuan amounts would completely jeopardize media businesses and will directly impact media freedom, independence and survival, which are essential for a vibrant democratic set up in any country.”

    Thereafter, to impose a condition of pre-depositing or securing such huge quantum of damages – without which the broadcaster may face imminent attachment of its assets – effectively cripples the broadcaster‘s right to even seek redressal by way of appeal.
    The NBA added that the media plays a very important role in protecting the fundamental rights of the people, including the public‘s right to know and is often termed as “the fourth pillar” of democracy. An independent, fearless and dynamic media is a critical ingredient of a true democracy. Any curb on media independence whether direct or indirect, is a serious threat to the democratic process itself and must not be countenanced. If stipulations such as these become the norm, news media will be targeted at every instance, thereby affecting the very survival and existence of the news industry as a whole.

  • No relief for Times Now in defamation case

    No relief for Times Now in defamation case

    MUMBAI: In what can be termed as a setback to the English news channel Times Now, the Supreme Court has refused to give any relief in the defamation case filed by retired SC judge PB Sawant.

    Earlier, Bombay High Court had ordered Times Global Broadcasting, which runs Times Now, to deposit Rs 200 million in cash along with a bank guarantee of Rs 800 million, before its appeal against a Pune
    trial court ruling that directed the channel to pay Rs 1 billion in damages for defaming Sawant could be heard.

    The channel had erroneously ran Sawant’s photograph during the reportage of provident fund scam in September 2008. Apparently, justice Sawant had nothing to do with the scandal exposed by a
    treasury officer, Ashthana.
       
    Later, justice Sawant sued the channel saying it telecast his photograph for 15 seconds along with the provident fund scam report on 10 September 2008.

    The Pune court ordered the channel to pay the hefty sum as damages, but the channel moved the High Court. However, the HC directed the channel to deposit the amount of damages so that its appeal could be heard.

    Rejecting the company’s appeal against the HC order, a bench headed by Justice GS Singhvi said on Friday there was no error in the HC order. “We find no reason to interfere with the HC’s order,” it said.

    In its defence, the TV channel asserted that it had already apologised to Justice Sawant in its news scroll for five days in 2008 and was, therefore, not liable to pay damages.

    When contacted, Times Television Network MD and CEO Sunil Lulla declined to comment.

  • Times Now launches weekend show

    Times Now launches weekend show

    MUMBAI: Times Now, the English news channel from the Times Group, is launching a new weekend show, My Story, starting 13 November.

    A celebrity driven show, My Story will give the viewers an opportunity to know their icon beyond the roles they have played on the celluloid screen.  
         
      It is an autobiography, as the celebrities will take the liberty to talk about their personal life and go beyond platitudes to connect with their fans.

    Every week a new icon from the tinsel world will take viewers through their experiences, inspiration and encapsulate iconic moments from their best works which received acclaim. The show will also feature family members, friends and co stars who have shared the silver screen.

    The show‘s first episode will see Aishwarya Rai Bachchan sharing secrets behind her success. She will talk about the different roles which have sculpted her personality and given a different dimension to her career as an actress.

    The show will be aired on Saturdays at 10.30 am and 9.30 pm and Sundays at 10.30 am and 5.30 pm.

  • Times Now gets John Abraham on board for Fifa WC

    Times Now gets John Abraham on board for Fifa WC

    MUMBAI: As the world gears up for the Fifa world cup, Times Now, the English news channel from the Times Global Broadcasting stable, has unveiled its programming line-up panned over a month of football frenzy for its viewers.

    The channel has roped in Bollywood actor John Abraham, who will pick his favourites on a special half-hour segment The Goal, everyday from 11 -20 June. The show will also get all the action from the court straight from South Africa.

    Times Now anchors Ragini and Anand will also be joined by Scott O’ Donell , the former player of Australian team and the present coach of Cambodia, in the studios in Mumbai. Scott, with his expertise and experience, will analyse the game everyday for the viewers and also give a preview to the forthcoming game of the day.

    Times Now will also give regular updates in news bulletins at 11 pm and 11.30 pm.

  • Times Now ropes in Sidhu for IPL 3

    Times Now ropes in Sidhu for IPL 3

    MUMBAI: English news channel Times Now has roped in Navjot Singh Sidhu for the third season of its IPL (Indian Premier League) special, Summer Slam 3.

    The show will air everyday at 7.30 am, 3.30 pm, 7.30 pm and post match.

    With former Indian cricketer and commentator Sidhu, who is known for his repartee ‘Sidhuism’ and unique style of commentary, the channel will catch all the excitement and buzz from the IPL matches with continuous coverage over the 45 days beginning today.

    Says Sidhu, “Passion marries pedigree. Sidhu is like coriander to curry, adds flavour and spices up your cricket. It’s a battle of first amongst equals and may the best team win.”

    Sidhu will analyse the matches and performances in his original style along with live updates every hour on the latest happenings on the field. Times Now will have 15 on-field reporters and cricket expert, Dr Boria Mazumdar, covering the event.

  • ‘To not take a position is not a virtue’ : Times Now Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami

    ‘To not take a position is not a virtue’ : Times Now Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami

    A late player in the news game, Times Now sits at the top with its hard news stance and round-the-clock news focus.

     

    The Mumbai terror attack coverage is where the tide turned in Times Now‘s favour as the older players ceded ground. Though it is still a close chase in the ratings race, the channel has stayed ahead at a time when the news genre is finding it difficult to expand.

     

    Some critics have attributed the channel‘s success to its sensational treatment of hard news. Times Now Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, the architect behind the channel‘s uprise, however, believes that the channel has stayed away from it and also kept a distance from the mixing of news and gossip.

     

    For a channel that just completed four years, the bespectacled Goswami does not hesitate to take a point of view in an obvious case of right and wrong. “In the Ruchika case, we called Rathore a molestor DGP,” he argues. As he says, “to be unsure of news is not a virtue.”

     

    In a candid interaction with Indiantelevision.com‘s Gaurav Laghate, Goswami shares his views on the definition of news, the relevance and importance of hard news vs sensationalism and the leadership of the channel he manages.

     

    Excerpts:
     
     
    Did the coverage of 2611 Mumbai terror attack help Times Now increase its viewership share?

    Yes, 26/11 increased our viewership share. We were No 1 even before that but the channel‘s consistent leadership gap grew from then on.

     

    Many people believe that it‘s because of something different that we did during the terror attacks. I can‘t pinpoint at what we did differently because I was live all the time. So I can‘t give a comparative view. But yes, after that there has been an upsurge in our viewership.

     

    If you look at all weeks after 2611, there would be about 60 weeks or so that have passed. And we have been number one in 99 per cent of the weeks since 26/11.
     
     

    What data are you quoting? Tam says in 25+ All India market, the competition is neck-to-neck…

    We take 25+ AB, 1 million-plus towns. This is the market that everyone considers when it comes to English news channels.

     

    We are 13-14 per cent ahead of our closest competitor NDTV in this market, and we are very happy with this viewership figure. There is no competition in that sense.
     

     
    But from the content point of view, have you incorporated any changes in news gathering after the attacks?

    We don‘t have to do it. Those who may have made mistakes would have to do it. We did not make any mistakes, so there is no question of making any change or taking any corrective step.
     
     

    But isn‘t the overall quality of news journalism declining?

    Quality keeps increasing. There is more news content today than there was 2-3 years back. The focus on hard news is coming back. Yes, there are lots of channels which show programmes not centred on hard news, but the excesses are fewer.

     

    There is a strong code of conduct which seems to be working. So, all in all, I think the last 2-3 years have been good for the news channel industry.
     
     

    So you think NBA is the right body to tackle the issues of content regulation? Or is there a need for an independent body?

    I strongly believe that self-regulation is the only way out. Both the NBA (News Broadcasting Association) and the BEA (Broadcast Editor‘s Association), of which I am an active member, are the best forums to carry out that self regulation. There is no scope for slightest government interference in regulatory processes. And I think there is total unanimity amongst them.
     
     

    ‘Yes! I had a point of view in the Ruchika case. We called Rathore a molester DGP. Is that wrong? We called the killer of Francis Induwar a Maoist terrorist‘
     
     

    Not government interference, but a body like OfCom (UK) may be?

    No. I think the way people are regulating right now is good enough. You don‘t need a new regulatory system. You don‘t have to reinvent the wheel. Self regulation is working, it should be encouraged and that‘s that.
     

     
    Are news channels running the risk of dipping into sensationalism to shed the image of bland coverage?

    I don‘t do sensationalism. I don‘t believe in sensationalism, so I don‘t want to discuss sensationalism as it has nothing to do with me.

     

    But what is sensational and what is not is sometimes a matter of perception. For some people even covering the IPL may be sensationalism. These are subjective matters and I don‘t want to pass a sweeping judgment on it.
     

     
    Times Now has completed four years on 1 February. Where do you find yourself today?

    It is quite apparent to us in the Times Now newsroom that almost every other English news channel and several Hindi news channels follow us. I find it flattering.

     

    What has changed is that with the leadership of Times Now, people in this country are given the news clearer, faster and more directly than any channel or group in the past has given them. People love that. Whether or not it will work for other channels to copy us, I don‘t know. But so far, it doesn‘t seem to be working.

     

    I will say that Times Now has set totally new standards in news reporting, which some seem to be taking a cue from. And I am happy about that. Besides that news is news, definition of news does not change anywhere.
     

     
    And what is the USP of Times Now?

    The USP of a news channel has to be news. I don‘t believe that getting 100 people to sit together and talk for 100 minutes is the job of a news channel. Some channels still do it.

     

    In my view that is an antiquated approach. Some people believe that the town hall approach, where you get 100 people to sit and talk, is what a news channel should be doing. I don‘t think so.

     

    So you come to Times Now; it‘s the only place among the news television channels in India today which has news every second, every minute. It works for us.
     

     
    So what were the high points in these four years?

    In 2007, when we hit the No. 1 spot for the first time, and within 15 months after entering the market, it was a major high point for me and my team.

     

    The opportunity to make a real change in our society, and be part of a campaign that reopened the Ruchika case recently, personally was a very big high point.

     

    I will not call 26/11 a high point, because it was not. It was a painful experience for all of us. But in terms of objectivity of our reporting, it was a high point. My reporters did not hype, did not over dramatize; they were straight forward, to the point and honest. And I think the difference showed. Professionally it was a high point, though personally it was a sad event for all of us.

     

    And when we completed 2009, we won 50 weeks out of 52, it was a high point. You see, to win is good but to win decisively, like we did in 2009, and that too without any major news event besides the elections is a high point for us.

    For me, staying there is more important than getting there. It means a lot to me and my team. Biggest high point was that my core editorial team has supported me and stayed with me in every step since launch. Many of them are behind the camera, but they run the systems in the channel and help us stay No 1.

     
     
    So what all has changed during these four years?

    Oh! Dramatic changes… Times Now today and Times Now when it launched… In fact, there is a new thing happening daily on the channel. On an average, we have introduced over 200 changes, which may be in production style, graphics, shows, nature of reportage… it may vary. I am a great believer of innovation and I think one of the reasons we have won is because we have a very innovative team. But that‘s the beauty of our business which constantly enables us to change according to what‘s happening around us.

     

    That‘s where we stand out from competition. They do the same and they look the same. But may be it‘s got to do with the youth and energy of Times Now and the average age of our team compared to competition. We have got far more energy and passion as compared to any of our competitors.

     
     
    ‘Some people believe that the town hall approach, where you get 100 people to sit and talk, is what a news channel should be doing. I don’t think so‘
     

    Aren‘t you disturbed that the news genre has shrunk as per Tam data?

    I am not concerned about the news genre. I am concerned about my share in the news genre. But what it means is that despite Times Now gaining share, the others collectively are losing. So the others should be worrying.

     

    I am very pleased with our viewership trend, because it is just growing. If I go by latest Tam figures for the C&S 25+ AB market, we are averaging about 36-37 per cent channel share.
     
     

    But why is the news genre shrinking?

    I do not think news genre is shrinking. Everything is relative. The viewership of news channels is greatly dependent on news events. So when there is a major event, you may find a 25 per cent jump and it may not grow further till the next event. But it will not fall majorly. So it means that people who came to you largely stayed with you.

     

    Now within this share, why Times Now is growing and why NDTV or CNN IBN and other channels are shrinking is something they should be worried about. My relative share is increasing week on week. My polynomial is showing an upward curve. 

     
    Today there is a lot of gossip shown on news channels. So is hard news dying?

    I don‘t think that people will accept gossip after some time. You cannot mix up news and gossip. And so it‘s best if we don‘t cross that line. A lot of gossip passes as news on many channels, but not on Times Now.

     

    Hard news is what I believe in; it is the only thing that we do, and the only reason why Times Now is No. 1.

     
    You said your focus is on news only. You don‘t see the need for specific features and shows?

    We do specific shows – The Newshour at the very critical 9 pm slot holds almost 60 per cent share. None of the other English news channels come close. Weekend shows like Total Recall is hugely successful. We have feature programming, but yes, I do not believe in diluting news with features. 

     
    Do you consciously take an aggressive stance on television?

    To not take a position is not a virtue, to prevaricate is not a virtue, and to be unsure of news is not a virtue. You look at all the stories recently, and you ask yourself which channel do I remember? Answer is Times Now.

     

    Take the Australian racial attacks, for instance. Nowhere my reporting was stilted or prejudiced. Similarly, the BT Brinjal case. To not talk about the health issues with BT Brinjal is not appropriate. Similarly, questions raised on RK Pachauri. To report the questions is not taking a position. So the reporting we do is transparent and honest. People see it and accept it. Let viewers decide.

     
    But you have very strong opinions which are visible on the screen.

    If there is an obvious case of right or wrong, I can‘t pretend not to know what is right and what is not. And if in that situation, I prevaricate or chose to be silent, then that is wrong.

     

    Yes! I had a point of view in the Ruchika case. We called Rathore a molester DGP. Is that wrong? We called the killer of Francis Induwar a Maoist terrorist. On the contrary, you should ask people, who do not call them Maoist terrorists, why they are not calling them that. I am stating the fact.

     

    I am sure in what we do and my viewers are sure that Times Now will not deliberately keep the truth away from them.

     
    You say news should be popular and not populist. But isn‘t this a very thin dividing line?

    It is a thin line but the challenge of our job is to be sure on which side of the line you are in. There is not a single story where people can say we did anything populist on Times Now.

     

    My concern is not with my competitors but with my viewers. We have never done anything which is factually incorrect, ethically wrong, or journalistically compromised. And as long as we don‘t do any of these three, we don‘t need to explain where we stand.

     
    What do you think about investigative journalism?

    Ours is not an investigative channel, it is a news channel. There is nothing called 100 per cent investigative channel, neither is Times Now, nor is any other channel. I am no expert in investigative journalism. 

     
    But some channels have investigation teams…
    I don‘t have. You should ask the channels which have had or have special investigation teams. What I can certainly tell you is that I don‘t take or do sting operations from anybody or for anybody.
     

    How much focus is on the website, timesnow.tv?

    We have a very successful website. And we are continuing to innovate on it. There is a lot of synergy between Timesnow.tv, Indiatimes and TimesofIndia.com.

     

    We have large viewership through these synergies, which we continue to build and expand. And in the future, this is going to be a major thrust area for us. We are planning to increase and revamp our online content, reach and connectivity. This is the area we will be working a lot on in 2010. 

     
    Times Now had taken a very strong stance against Pakistan. But after Times Group‘s “Aman Ki Asha” campaign, it has mellowed down?

    It is not true. What we do on the news and what we do on the campaign Aman Ki Asha are not mutually contradictory. And we have done several shows on Aman Ki Asha, of which some have been the highest rated shows.

     

    But it doesn‘t mean that we do not report on what Qureshi or Gilani say. Whether the peace process will really move forward or it is just symbolic – we do both. There is no contradiction in this. 
     

    Does the network strength help?

    With campaigns like Aman Ki Asha, it does. It also gives us access to lots of quality content. And our news stories sometimes find space in Times of India, purely on merit of course. So there is a natural synergy.
  • Happy News Year – By Times TV Group MD & CEO Sunil Lulla

    Happy News Year – By Times TV Group MD & CEO Sunil Lulla

    Good Morning and a Happy News Year. I am happy to report The News from the front lines of the news battleground. Returning after a sabbatical, it gives one a fresh perspective into what went by and what to, perhaps, expect next.

    2009 had begun on the back of the most alarming news event of the decade: the terror attacks of Mumbai.

    2009 also witnessed the biggest news event of 2009, the General Elections and an accidental death of a Chief Minister, which was widely covered.

    Not much changed in the stack up of the news channels – the #1s continued their reign respectively, Aaj Tak, Times Now and CNBC. New channels came into the offing. Some changed ownership. Regional News was the hero of the year, clocking most significant viewership…

    If I take this route ahead with this news bulletin, it would be so conventional. While I have been asked to comment on the year, which went by and what to expect in the coming year, I thought I would rather report what my candid conversation with folks connected with TV News broadcasting reveals. Turning this rewind-forward commentary, to views gathered from experts (names withheld on request) over a few candid conversations.

    1. Profitability
    Business leaders in the domain believe the big challenge is profitability. Of the listed news entities, only one network has stayed ahead, going by its public reports. Others have taken a hit! Perhaps due to the challenging financial conditions of the last two years and/or due to the increase in costs structures.

    See it any way, profitability of the TV news industry is under significant strain. This may be bad news for investment but it is also a big opportunity for businesses to spruce up their act. With over 200 news channels across all languages and genres, certainly a challenging act. A prominent investment banker believes the next two years provide opportunity for consolidation, projects some of the news networks may dither off the horizon and those focused around profitability are most likely to succeed.

    Profitability for news is not a bad term. It is essential, as firms which do not make the cut, eventually vanish and so does the editorial associated with it. Hence for the “freedom of the press” to exist, being profitable is even more essential.

    There are 4 underlying fundamentals to profitability

    Market Positioning: Each news Network has a position in the minds of its viewers. News is not vanilla. Most viewers have a choice and a repertoire and a set of channels they almost never visit. News networks need to invest in growing their position. With the wide range and choice that exists in the market place, positions can be adopted by way of brand offering and editorial experience. This is what leaders of news networks need to apply themselves to.

    Ad Revenues: The gap in revenues amongst the top 3 of top 5 is decreasing and growth of the leaders is not as significant in historical periods. Yet the category as such is not saturated. The leaders need to pick the pace. Set the standard. Up the price and ante and not crowd to the median price point.

    One of the challenges the industry faces is to learn to sell audiences and not just market shares. The quantity and quality of audiences. Not just Tam audiences, but the homes the news network reaches. This change in strategy and market-based positioning can be the sleigh on which the next Christmas fortune may be written.

    Subscription Revenues: Some of the news networks have been successful in turning “Pay”. For some the earning – learning has been lower than market potential. But strong brands can move ahead and begin to grow their revenue curve by focussing on subscription revenues.

    The worry of viewership shares is driving the channels to commit for larger ground paid connectivity. But true strong brands will find its loyal viewers ask for them. One cannot be indifferent and say news is news..that‘s why the pecking order has stayed largely stable. There are ” News Brands” and they have a demand, for which they can charge. Brands are language agnostic.

    Cost Structures: It‘s not about the quantum of costs but about the nature of the cost structure. Is this sustainable in the medium turn for businesses to be profitable? Is there potential to find cost arbitrage in the nature of news gathering and ground connectivity amongst news channels? Can local channels work co-share resources or reportage or news blocks, so prominent in the mature US markets, as an example. Each News Network has an astute understanding of what works for itself and what is rarely used, arbitrage that. Rationalize to build essential cost structures and not unsustainable ones. As an illustrative example, Is it really necessary to be in international markets, if say a channel is losing money? Is that sustainable?

    2. Editorialisation, Not Sensationalism
    The editorial independence of TV news networks continues to grow with balanced strength, Aligned to its viewers needs and to provide objectivity in news reporting. The term sensationalism is sometimes used to describe the dramatic visualisation of a story. It is not a replacement for the quality of editorialisation which continues to grow. Who will determine what is what? The editorial flow of news is committed to providing the news in a simplistic, objective manner. It must use the metaphor to create the necessary visual drama for its viewers to understand.

    News is no more simple. There are multiple views, all of which are right. There are various hierarchies: the government, justice, social justice, the lobbyist, the consumers rights, the editorial right et al. All need to be balanced and put together in a manner which is cohesive and does not tempt the remote button to be pushed.

    We acknowledge there are temptations and those may exceed the boundaries. But then social networking, blogging, independent reports etc keep flexing these boundaries and new ones get created. India has been largely balanced, informative, educative and in many recent a time, bought to the table excesses, be it of state or individual. The very same which accuse of sensationalism are those which cause it. Strange isn‘t it? When it does not suit you, the media is no more your friend?

    The media, my dear was never your friend. It is as unbiased “as a potato”, what you do with it, will give you the taste you want. News is all pervasive and has bought to society a new spectrum of information.

    3. Corridor of Collaboration
    In recent times, with the advent of the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) and other cooperation measures introduced by many news networks, the industry is getting better equipped to collaborate and compete. Those who embrace this approach are likely to see better fortunes for themselves. Transparency in collaborations creates for better understanding, deters suspicion and makes for a stronger market place. Be this by way of sharing of local news with national channels or the other way around. Or news blocks on networks, co-branded or branded otherwise.

    The practice of sharing the local advertising time, via local avail, has already begun and seems to a market gainer for all. There is more to be done, as not all news networks are members of the NBA. The corridor of togetherness will drive new practices, forge collaborations and result in better profitability. As an illustrative example, connectivity costs, news gathering and sharing, best practices in terms of disciplines, new technical alliances, taxation and import policies.

    So what is the news forecast for 2010? All is well. Yet nothing much may change and there may be more bitter rather than sweet moments, unless the industry takes rapid and conscious charge of the above. I am very optimistic of the industry and so were the experts I spoke with – from editors to business leaders, to media experts, to consumers…

    The news is important and everyone wants to be in it. So hang in and make the TV news industry hang in too.

  • Surgery starts at NewsX, 78 face the axe

    Surgery starts at NewsX, 78 face the axe

    MUMBAI: It was a black Saturday for the NewsX staff, the English news channel which came under financial cloud and saw ownership change hands within a year of launch as the original promoters, Indrani and Peter Mukerjea, exited after struggling to fund the high-cost operations.

    The new owners, NaiDuniya promoter Vinnay Chhajlani and former Businessworld editor Jehangir S Pocha, have started the surgical process. They have asked 78 people to submit their resignations and take three months salary in advance, multiple sources say.

    The trimming includes staff from editorial and technical divisions. “We were given current month’s salary along with an advance of three months and asked to sign the resignation letter,” says a senior editorial staff.

    Clarifying the position, a company spokesperson said: “When NewsX was purchased by IndiMedia in January this year, it was carrying the infrastructure and resources that were originally created to enable the launch of multiple channels. We are now focusing on NewsX and streamlining and strengthening its operations. All previous plans to launch multiple channels have been put on hold. This has made it imperative for NewsX to prune and rightsize its operations, both in terms of infrastructure and people.”

    “Many of us joined the channel before it launched. We worked in leading TV news brands like CNN IBN, NDTV 24X7 and Times Now. We have worked hard for the channel and it is heartbreaking to know that after putting in all the efforts, we have been asked to leave in such a manner,” another senior editoral executive said.

    Meanwhile, the new management is reviewing the business and planning an overhaul of the channel. Multiple sources say the channel will don a new look, have a new name and relaunch sometime in September.

    NewsX, however, will not stop hiring. “We will continue to hire talent in specific positions and strengthen the channel’s operations, distribution and branding,” the spokesperson explains.

    NewsX landed into trouble very early in life with editor-in-chief Vir Sanghvi leaving the company amid controversies. The channel failed to make an impact and ratings stayed elusive. After the buyout, the new owners introduced a slab-structured pay cut policy to stave off 10 per cent of employee cost.

    NewsX has a tough road ahead as the general English news channel space is being fought fiercely among Times Now, CNN IBN and NDTV 24X7.

  • Times Now unveils programmes for weekend

    Times Now unveils programmes for weekend

    NEW DELHI: Times Now has announced its programming line up for the weekend slot. The channel will live telecast Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence on 17 January at 5.30 pm. Prime minister Manmohan Singh is the guest of honour for the event. 

    This will be followed by the screeing of Behind the scenes: Slumdog Millionaire at 8.30 pm. The show will have a repeat telecast on 18 January at 12.30 pm and 9.30 pm.

    Other special shows that are lined up include Total Recali and The Foodie.

    Total Recali is an attempt to showcase the cinematic journey of legendary singer Mohammad Rafi and will be featured on 17 January at 12.30 pm with a repeat at 9.30 pm. The show will be telecast also on 18 January at 8.30 pm.

    The Foodie, hosted by Kunal Vijayakar with actor Jeetendra, will air at 1.30 pm and 5.30 pm on 17 January and at 11.30 pm and 7.30 pm on 18 January.

  • Times Now launches automobile show ‘Times Drive’

    Times Now launches automobile show ‘Times Drive’

    MUMBAI: English news channel Times Now has launched a weekend automobile show, Times Drive, to cater to the needs of the Indian auto consumer. The show will telecast every Saturday at 11.30 am and 7.30 pm; on Sundays, it will air at 1.30 pm and 6.30 pm.

    The show will reflect the widespread momentum in the Indian automobile landscape and will center themes on relevant user reviews, the experiences of driving, travel and lifestyle associated with car ownership.

    Times Now SVP (marketing and sales) Sandeep Sharma said, “This new show is all set to change the way people look at auto programs. With a focus on the quality of the show, we have included variants which will give our viewers that much needed dose on automobile information.”

    Times Drive will profile individuals whose passion and zeal for cars surpass mechanical and technical knowledge. These individuals will include car lovers including celebrities, sports people, racers and auto-enthusiasts.

    “The new platform claims to be a 360 degree auto show where they will showcase different segments which include geek review, city drives, best of the web, pop cars and celebrity interview,” the channel said in a release.