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Tag: Times now

  • 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.

  • Navika Kumar named editor-in-chief of Times Network’s upcoming Hindi News channel

    Navika Kumar named editor-in-chief of Times Network’s upcoming Hindi News channel

    New Delhi : Times Network has named  Navika Kumar as the editor-in-chief of its soon-to-be launched Hindi News Channel, Times Now Navbharat HD.

    In her new role, Kumar will lead the editorial mandate and play a pivotal role in the overall management of the channel besides continuing in her role as group editor, Times Network and hosting ‘The Newshour’ at 9 PM and the interview show ‘Frankly Speaking’ on TIMES NOW. She will also closely work with the business and leadership teams of the network to drive the channel’s growth strategy and work towards building Times Now Navbharat to become the leader in the Hindi News category.

    Kumar is credited for investigating and breaking some high impact stories in the last two decades. “With her sharp journalistic acumen and extensive knowledge of current affairs, politics and business, Navika has played a key role in the success of the network’s flagship brand, TIMES NOW since its inception,” said the broadcast network in a statement.

    Times Network, MD and CEO, M K Anand said “Navika has been one of our key assets since the inception of TIMES NOW in 2005. In fact, the largest number of critical news breaks and stories that eventually went into taking TIMES NOW to the top in the English category in spite of our then late entry into that segment has been her work. In the last four years, she has morphed into a compelling and high impact Prime Time presence and made her mark in that highly competitive space becoming one of the most recognised faces on Indian News Prime Time. We are thrilled at the new launch and look forward to serving Hindi audiences with our unique Action orientated journalism and believe Navika Kumar is the best suited to lead Times Now Navbharat to eventual category domination.”

    Commenting on her new role, Navika Kumar said, “I am really excited to take on this new mantle, which marks the Network’s debut in Indian language. I look forward to working with our robust team of ace journalists, technicians and crew, to build and nurture a distinctive brand of Hindi news. With a powerful and impactful narrative, I am confident that Times Now Navbharat will bring the much-needed paradigm shift in the Hindi news category and will set the course for superior news coverage.”

  • Times Network unveils logo of its upcoming Hindi News Channel

    Times Network unveils logo of its upcoming Hindi News Channel

    New Delhi: Setting the stage for the launch of its new Hindi news channel, the Times Network on Sunday officially unveiled the new logo of its upcoming television channel, which has been titled as Times Now Navbharat HD.

    The media network has decided to take the HD route for its latest new offering. According to sources, the preparations are in full swing, and the launch could be announced anytime soon.

     

     

    Times Network is the television division of BCCL, the parent company of the Times Group, which owns and operates brands like The Times of India and the Economic Times. It also houses the television channels – TIMES NOW, Times Now (World), ET NOW, Mirror NOW, Movies NOW & Movies Now HD, MN+, Romedy NOW and Romedy NOW HD, MNX and MNX HD and Zoom.

    The upcoming launch comes almost 15 years after the launch of its English news channel, Times Now, which was launched in January, 2006 and is currently led by the editor-in-chief Rahul Shivshanka and group editor Navika Kumar.

  • Producers Guild & Times Now settle civil suit over defamatory remarks

    Mumbai: The Producers Guild of India has announced that it has settled the civil suit filed against Times Now over alleged “irresponsible, derogatory and defamatory remarks” against the film industry.

    According to a joint statement from the Guild and Times Now shared on social media, the channel has agreed to abide by provisions of the Programme Code under the Cable TV Networks Rules.

    Four film industry bodies and 34 producers had filed a plea in Delhi high court last year seeking to restrain Republic TV and Times Now from making allegedly defamatory remarks against the Hindi film industry and conducting media trials against its members on various issues following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.

    The lawsuit by four Bollywood industry associations and thirty-four leading producers, including those owned by Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Karan Johar, Ajay Devgan, Rohit Shetty, Anil Kapoor, Yash Raj Films and R S Entertainment, had sought that the channels be restrained from interfering with the right to privacy of persons associated with the industry. The associations included the Producers Guild of India, Indian Film and TV Producers Council (IFTPC), Screenwriters Association (SWA), and Cine and TV Artist’s Association (CINTAA).

     

     

    “The Plaintiffs and Times Now are pleased to confirm that they have settled the matter, and the application for settlement along with Consent Terms is pending for acceptance before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court. As per the Consent Terms agreed, Times Now reaffirms its commitment to abide by the Programme Code under the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994 and undertakes not to publish or air anything that is defamatory to the Plaintiffs (the Hindi film industry) on the Times Now channel,” the statement read, “With this matter settled, the Plaintiffs and the Times Group can look forward to building on their historically cordial relationship.”

  • 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 NOW suspends its election results coverage on 2 May

    TIMES NOW suspends its election results coverage on 2 May

    MUMBAI: In an unprecedented move, English news channel Times Now on Saturday announced that it will suspend its coverage of Assembly elections results for four States and one union territory on 2 May, citing “the biggest health emergency” that the country is facing.

    The Times Group-owned channel said that it will track the “biggest national story”- keep COVID news as its main priority and suspend its usual special election coverage ‘on 2 May and beyond.’ 

    “As part of the coverage, viewers can expect COVID-related news reports, the latest on the status of the vaccination drive, information on helplines, and can interact with healthcare and mental wellness experts on the channel,” it stated in a social media post. However, it will still carry flash news updates on the counting and results, but refrain from covering poll-related celebrations.

     

     

    “The second wave would have been better controlled had we avoided two of the mega risk events – Kumbh Mela and elections in five states in normal campaigning mode. But, as the wave keeps climbing, with it claiming more innocent lives, it is clear that there has been a serious lapse in leadership at all levels- across the political spectrum,” the channel averred expressing concerns over the deteriorating situation and said that it has been vocal against these lapses.

     

     

    After the final phase of polling for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry assembly elections got over, all eyes are now set on 2 May when the counting of votes will take place for the four states and one UT. As many as 822 seats out of 824 scheduled for election went to poll between March 27 and April 29.

    However, the results have been overshadowed by the massive surge in Covid2019 cases and the resultant oxygen shortage at hospitals which has put the lives of millions of Indians at risk. The country is facing one of the biggest health crises, as daily cases crossed an unprecedented 4 lakh on Saturday. As many as 3,523 more people succumbed to the infections during the last 24 hours, taking the total death toll to 2.11 lakh.

    A staggering 69 lakh new infections were detected in the country during April when campaigning for the Assembly elections was on in several states. This was the highest tally for any month in any country so far- another dismal global record, raising a question mark on conducting regular elections during the crisis.

  • Battleground Kerala: News channels face off over election coverage

    Battleground Kerala: News channels face off over election coverage

    MUMBAI: Kerala is the most literate state in the country, and as a result, news consumption among Keralites is also on the higher side. At the turn of the millenium, television news channels gained massive popularity in the state, and now, it boasts of ten exclusive news channels – Asianet News, Manorama News, Mathrubhumi News, 24 News, Kairali News, News 18, Janam TV, Reporter TV, Jai Hind, and Media One. 

    News channels competing heavily in Kerala

    As the state legislative assembly elections in Kerala are going to be conducted on 6 April, news channels in the state are going toe-to-toe to affirm their dominance in the industry. All news outlets in the state have been vigorously covering election news since the announcement of the polling date, and this trend will last until 2 May when the results will be declared. 

    When it comes to viewership on television, Asianet, being the early bird in the industry, has clear dominance. The channel conducted a pre-poll survey in association with C-Fore. Asianet's pre-poll survey telecast was anchored by Asianet News editor-in-chief MG Radhakrishnan, and anchors Vinu V John and Sindhu Suryakumar. 

    "C-Fore and Asianet have been conducting pre-poll surveys since 2009. We have conducted surveys for five elections in these 11 years. The surveys were conducted in a very professional manner, and most of our predictions in the past have turned true except having some minor changes when it comes to seat counts," said MG Radhakrishnan while anchoring the survey. 

    The survey conducted by Asianet suggested that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) led by CPI(M) will win 82 to 91 of the 140 assembly constituencies in Kerala in the April election; the United Democratic Front (UDF) will bag 46 to 54 seats, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will end up with three to seven seats. 

    Apart from the survey, Asianet News' satirical program Gum also succeeded in impressing audiences during this poll season. 

    Celebrated journalist Venu hosted Mathrubhumi's pre-poll survey that was carried out in association with C-Voter. Findings of the Mathrubhumi's survey also hinted at LDF dominating the 2021 elections. 

    Analysis, debates, and public polls

    Although Manorama News also conducted a pre-poll survey, it was Manorama's program Vottu Kavala that garnered positive responses from viewers. Vottu Kavala was basically a journey through 140 constituencies in Kerala which allowed the general public to participate in the show. Manorama News' Counter Point anchored by Shani was another segment that helped the channel to stay on top among Malayalam news channels. 

    Due to their Left Democratic Front leaning, Kairali News did not succeed in garnering viewers apart from their niche audiences. However, one program on the channel that impressed everyone was Votography hosted by senior journalist John Brittas, and firebrand writer Renji Panicker. Votography analysed the political scenarios in all 140 constituencies. 

    24 News conducted a mega pre-poll survey hosted by Arun, one of the most popular news anchors in Malayalam. With the implementation of advanced technology in news telecasting, 24 News is slowly emerging as one of the frontrunners among Kerala-based news channels. The channel also has a strong social media presence, and its viewers on YouTube live streaming is much ahead of Asianet News, Manorama News, and Mathrubhumi News. 

    Nikesh Kumar's Walk with Candidate was one of the top election programs aired on Reporter TV. Out of the several episodes aired, it was Walk with Superstar Suresh Gopi that garnered the maximum number of viewers for the channel. During the program, the BJP candidate lashed out at Nikesh Kumar, and videos of the incident went viral on online spaces. 

    Apart from regional Malayalam channels, popular national news channels in the state including India Today, Times Now, NDTV, and Republic TV will be also covering Kerala legislative assembly elections religiously. As the BARC data is not available, it is still unclear which channel will fare well in the upcoming Kerala polls coverage. However, regional language channels are expected to win big when it comes to a share of the viewership pie. 

    Keralites will cast their votes on 6 April, and the state will wait until 2 May to know the results of the legislative assembly elections. During this 26-day span, news channels will most likely try to keep their momentum going by conducting post-poll opinion surveys. Apart from this, news debates during prime time are also expected to draw viewers in the coming days. 

  • Celebrate Holi with the biggest Hollywood blockbusters on Movies Now, MNX and Romedy Now

    Celebrate Holi with the biggest Hollywood blockbusters on Movies Now, MNX and Romedy Now

    MUMBAI: Holi is a festival of many hues and happiness and adding to the fun and frolic, Times Hollywood Network’s channels Movies Now, MNX, Romedy Now are set to make the festival of colours more vibrant this year with a splash of entertainment all day long with an exclusive movie marathon on 29 March 2021.

    ‘Colour Blast’ on Movies NOW will take its viewers through a colourful viewing experience with a line-up of movies that are a treat to the eyes and joy for the soul. Starting from 9 AM to 9 PM, the day is set to be filled with unlimited excitement with some of the most popular Hollywood animated blockbusters including The Adventures of TinTin, Spider-Man – Into The Spider-Verse, Angels In The Attic, Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs among others.

    Drenching viewers in the spirit of the festival, ‘Splash em’ Up’ on MNX will fill the screens with absolute fun joy with super hits like Mune, A Haunted House 2, Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Road Chip, Bio Momma’s House 2 among others, from 9 AM to 9 PM.

    ‘Colours of Romedy’ on Romedy NOW  from 8 AM onwards, promises viewers to fill their day with love, laughter and happiness. The day-long property will air some of the most entertaining movies like Alvin and the Chipmunks, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hot Tub Time Machine 2 among others.

    This Holi, soak yourself in an enormous dose of entertainment and grab a seat with your friends and family as Movies Now MNX and Romedy Now enthrall you with the most exciting titles and a colourful day of binge-watching.

  • Times Now announces special programming for assembly elections 2021

    Times Now announces special programming for assembly elections 2021

    MUMBAI: Times Now has announced an unmatched programming line-up for the upcoming assembly elections under Mandate 2021. With its special programming, Times Now, India's election news headquarters will once again be at the forefront of election news coverage tracking the state assembly elections of five states, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry. Through engaging properties, Times Now offers the most extensive coverage of the elections, making it more exciting and captivating for its viewers. 

    1. Pre-Poll Surveys: Capturing the mood of five states going to the polls (Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry, Assam, Kerala) and the mood of the nation ahead of the critical election, Times Now will broadcast two opinion polls in association with C Voter. C Voter or centre for voting opinions and trends in election research headed by top psephologist Yashwant Deshmukh is a leading international stakeholder research organization with its roots in India. Powered by state-of-the-art research practices, managerial acumen, world class analysts and a phenomenal track record of predictive analysis on various polls, C Voter produces high quality data on voting, public opinion, and political participation. Presenting how the elections will likely shape, the surveys will be a significant indicator of which way the electorate may swing. The first of these opinion polls will be telecast on 8 March 2021 and the second opinion poll will on 24 March.The analysis is powered by a panel of experts like Dr Anand Ranganathan, Sanjay Jha, Senior journalists R Rajagopalan, Shekhar Iyer, Sanjeev Shrivastava and Author Chetan Bhagat, among others. 

    2. Exit Polls: On the last date of polling 29 April, Times Now in association with C Voter will broadcast an exit poll of the states going to the polls. Using state of the art technology and on ground field research the polls maps the stat and the data is then processed to call a projection for a state. The results are a fair indication of how the election has played out with the voters. 

    3. Result Day Live: On 2 May Times Now will bring result day Live with a new age look at election result analysis. Featuring some of the country's top election analysts & experts, Times Now bring several unique properties that help viewers understand what the voters have told us and why the result has shaped the way it is. Moving away from traditional analysis like swing and vote patterns, Times Now uses big data analytics and mathematical models to bring the viewer a holistic news watching experience. This along with a stellar panel of former journalists and political analysts analyse every move of the election for the viewers.