ITV

Tag: TV today

  • Delhi HC orders X user to pay Rs 5 lakh to TV Today over defamatory posts

    Delhi HC orders X user to pay Rs 5 lakh to TV Today over defamatory posts

    MUMBAI: The Delhi High Court has directed X user Anurag Srivastava to pay Rs 5 lakh in damages to TV Today for defamatory posts on X targeting the channel and its journalist Rajdeep Sardesai. The posts were made in reaction to an interview with actor Rhea Chakraborty that aired in 2020.

    Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav held that the posts were “highly defamatory” and had not been backed by evidence, despite the defendant being given enough opportunity to do so.

    “The Court finds that the objectionable tweets were highly defamatory and remain unsubstantiated by the defendant, despite having been afforded sufficient opportunity to do so. Such an irresponsible act of the defendant has to be deprecated.

    “Having considered the overall circumstances, this Court deems it just and proper to award Rs 5,00,000 as general compensatory damages to the plaintiff, to redress the reputational harm, emotional hardship, and loss of professional credibility caused by the conduct of the defendant,” the order read.

    The case was filed in 2020 by TV Today against Srivastava, who operated the handles @theanuragkts and @theanuragoffice on X (formerly Twitter).

    Soon after the interview went live, Srivastava posted derogatory comments about Sardesai, including calling him a “dalla,” (a derogatory Hindi term implying ‘pimp’), and comparing him to controversial preacher Zakir Naik. He also alleged that Chakraborty had bribed both Sardesai and the channel to secure the interview.

    TV Today told the court that these remarks were part of a “systematic attack” on the anchor and the network’s reputation. It added that the damage extended to its business as well, pointing out that annual income fell from Rs 899.57 crore in 2019–20 to Rs 819.92 crore in 2020–21.

    Srivastava later deleted the posts and assured the court that he would not repost them. Interim orders had already restrained him from uploading similar content.

    The High Court has now directed him to pay Rs 5 lakh to TV Today as compensation for reputational harm and loss of credibility.

  • Priyadarshan Garg takes charge as IDPL’s chief business officer

    Priyadarshan Garg takes charge as IDPL’s chief business officer

    MUMBAI: From print to pixels, Priyadarshan Garg knows how to make headlines. The seasoned media executive has now stepped into a new chapter as chief business officer at Indiadotcom Digital Private Limited (IDPL), the digital arm of Zee Media Corporation Limited.

    The move is more than just a leadership shuffle. It signals IDPL’s ambitions to scale up its digital-first strategy, sharpen its editorial edge and build content ecosystems that attract both audiences and advertisers.

    Garg brings more than 25 years of industry experience, with stints at Zee5, Alibaba, Dainik Bhaskar and TV Today. Known for combining newsroom instincts with business smarts, he has already made waves at IDPL since joining in April by driving the successful launch of Pinewz, one of the company’s fastest-growing digital-first ventures.

    In his new role, he will steer editorial direction, unlock revenue opportunities and strengthen IDPL’s position as a digital powerhouse. As he put it, “Digital is not just about content delivery. It is about creating immersive and trustworthy ecosystems where audiences feel engaged and empowered. At IDPL, I see huge potential to harness data, technology and creativity to fuel growth while maintaining the highest standards of journalism.”

    Zee Media Corporation Limited, ceo, Karan Abhishek Singh welcomed him on board and said, “Priyadarshan’s leadership comes at a crucial time when IDPL is scaling new heights in digital reach and influence. His industry insight and ability to deliver transformative strategies will play a vital role in shaping IDPL’s future.”

    For IDPL, the appointment is a step towards reimagining digital journalism in India. With Garg at the helm, the focus will be on truth-driven storytelling, innovative formats and building long-term value for users and partners alike.
     

  • NDTV hires Aajtak veteran Sameer Anand

    NDTV hires Aajtak veteran Sameer Anand

    MUMBAI: NDTV has recruited  a senior advertising executive from rival broadcaster TV Today, as India’s news channels scramble for talent in an increasingly competitive market.

    Sameer Anand, who spent four and a half years climbing the ranks at TV Today’s Hindi news channel Aajtak, has joined NDTV as assistant vice president. The move comes as broadcasters battle for advertising revenues in a market where every rupee counts.

    Anand’s hire is a coup for NDTV Arena, the broadcaster’s sports arm. At Aajtak, he rose from assistant general manager to deputy general manager of ad sales, handling key corporate accounts that included blue-chip clients such as Maruti Suzuki, LG, Samsung and Panasonic during his earlier stint at Red FM.

    The executive’s career spans nearly two decades across India’s media landscape, including stints at Zee Entertainment Enterprises and radio broadcaster Red FM, where he cut his teeth managing corporate sales for 13 years.

    His appointment signals NDTV’s intent to bolster its commercial operations as Indian news channels face pressure from digital platforms and changing viewer habits. The broadcaster, which has weathered regulatory storms and ownership changes, is keen to strengthen its advertising revenues through experienced hands.

    The hire also reflects the musical chairs nature of India’s media industry, where seasoned sales executives command premium salaries as channels vie for market share in a fragmented landscape.

  • Ekta Lakhi takes the reins as general manager at TV Today

    Ekta Lakhi takes the reins as general manager at TV Today

    MUMBAI: Ekta Lakhi, a seasoned pro in the cut-throat world of advertisement sales, has bagged a plum new gig: general manager at TV Today. With a CV that reads like a who’s who of the entertainment industry, Lakhi is clearly no stranger to the small screen, having demonstrated a rather impressive knack for getting brands to cough up the dosh.

    Armed with a Bachelor of Management Studies, with a keen focus on marketing, Ms. Lakhi isn’t just about the chat; she’s got the academic chops to back it up. 

  • Nishant Tannwarr steps up as general manager at TV Today

    Nishant Tannwarr steps up as general manager at TV Today

    NEW DELHI: Nishant Tannwarr has been appointed general manager at TV Today, home to leading news brands like Aaj Tak and India Today. A media industry stalwart with over two decades of experience, Tannwarr brings deep expertise across regional revenue, key account management, and broadcast sales.

    Tannwarr has been with TV Today since 2022, previously serving as north head of Aaj Tak HD, where he spearheaded monetisation efforts across the premium Hindi news offering. His elevation signals the group’s intent to double down on integrated sales strategies and agency partnerships.

    Prior to joining TV Today, Tannwarr held senior sales and leadership roles at Sony Pictures Networks, where he served as region head for SAB TV, and earlier as vice president handling national revenue mandates. His media career includes stints at Star India, Zee Telefilms, Eenadu TV and Daewoo Motors—cutting his teeth across both regional and national markets.

    Known for building scalable revenue engines and high-performing sales teams, Tannwarr is expected to steer TV Today’s commercial agenda in a volatile media landscape increasingly shaped by digital shifts and advertiser fragmentation.

  • Subhojit Roy joins Sony Pictures Networks India as VP, ad sales

    Subhojit Roy joins Sony Pictures Networks India as VP, ad sales

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has appointed Subhojit Roy as vice president, ad sales, strengthening its leadership ranks as it seeks to sharpen its commercial edge in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

    Roy brings with him over 14 years of experience in media and technology sales, having previously held senior roles at TV Today, ABP Network, Viacom18, Zee Studios and Reliance Broadcast Network. Most recently, he served as vice president, sales and strategy at TV Today, where he led monetisation efforts across broadcast and digital verticals.

    An alumnus of ICFAI University and IIM Ahmedabad, Roy has been a driving force behind branded content monetisation, revenue expansion through original IPs, and advertiser-led partnerships. His career spans stints in digital, broadcast, OTT and even government-tech interface sales, underscoring his deep understanding of both legacy and emerging revenue streams.

    At Sony Pictures Networks, Roy is expected to helm advertising strategy across the network’s diverse portfolio, bringing a data-driven approach to branded content, inventory optimisation, and advertiser solutions. His appointment comes at a time when broadcasters are grappling with shrinking linear margins and the urgent need to futureproof monetisation models through digital convergence.

    In his own words, Roy believes, “Almost every industry is getting massively disrupted by the combination of tech and media. Embrace it and empower your people.”

  • Saikat Dutta revs up ABP Network as new revenue head

    Saikat Dutta revs up ABP Network as new revenue head

    MUMBAI: Saikat Dutta is putting his foot firmly on the pedal at ABP Network Pvt Ltd, joining as the network revenue head in April 2025 with a burst of fresh energy and an enviable track record in turbocharging ad sales across India’s media landscape.

    Dutta, whose career has zipped through some of the country’s biggest networks, will now steer pan-India advertising sales for ABP News, ABP Ananda, ABP Majha and ABP Asmita, besides beefing up digital revenues across connected TV, web, and app platforms.

    With 24 years of punching above his weight in advertising sales, Dutta’s resume reads like a greatest hits album: from TV Today (where he drove ad sales for Aaj Tak, Aaj Tak HD, and Good News Today) to a stint as chief operating officer at Patanjali Media, and earlier as a revenue honcho for Sun TV Network’s GEC cluster in the north and east markets.

    Before that, he made his mark at India TV, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Asia TV USA Ltd, Star TV, and ABP Group, helping these media giants rake in crores through innovative and integrated ad solutions.
    From selling blockbuster shows to orchestrating strategic alliances, Dutta has consistently delivered standout results.

    In his own words, it’s “new role, new energy!” — and with a toolkit spanning strategic planning, B2B sales, key account development, and solution selling, Dutta looks ready to crank up ABP Network’s revenue engine into overdrive.

  • Bloomberg Media expands reach with Brandwidth Mediaè tie-up

    Bloomberg Media expands reach with Brandwidth Mediaè tie-up

    MUMBAI: Bloomberg Media, the multi-platform media company for business and financial information, is doubling down on its regional presence with a strategic partnership with Brandwidth Mediaè. The collaboration aims to deliver Bloomberg’s cutting-edge financial intelligence to a wider audience across the subcontinent.

    Brandwidth Mediaè founder & managing director Rahul Sood said, “This partnership with Bloomberg allows us to bring unparalleled financial insights to audiences across the subcontinent. We’re excited to deliver Bloomberg’s dynamic and authoritative news to viewers on all screens.”

    Bloomberg is globally celebrated for its rapid, precise and insightful reporting on business and financial affairs, empowering audiences with real-time updates and deep market intelligence. “We are excited to introduce not just Bloomberg TV, but also Bloomberg TV+ and Bloomberg Originals, further expanding their reach and strengthening the brand in this dynamic region,” said Brandwidth Mediaè founder & managing partner  Rohit Jaiswal.

    Brandwidth Mediaè is an independent content, technology, and media sales company, dedicated to helping global brands expand their footprint and monetise their services. It provides high-impact opportunities for businesses to generate new revenue streams and amplify their reach.

    With a star-studded roster of partners—including CNN, Al Jazeera and TV Today in broadcast, and Frammer AI & Benchmark in tech—Brandwidth Mediaè continues to build up its presence in the media world. Its latest partnership with Bloomberg Media is set to raise the bar for financial journalism in the region, delivering top-tier insights to an ever-growing audience.

  • Shruti Bhargava returns to Republic Media Network as national branded content head

    Shruti Bhargava returns to Republic Media Network as national branded content head

    MUMBAI: Shruti Bhargava has officially commenced her new role as the national head of branded content and associations at Republic Media Network. In her announcement on LinkedIn, she expressed her gratitude, stating, “Thank you Hersh Bhandari for your unwavering support and for the opportunities to help me grow in the professional journey.”

    With over 15 years of extensive experience in the media industry, Shruti Bhargava’s career reflects remarkable growth and versatility.

    She has held significant leadership roles, including general manager – north at Republic World since January 2024, overseeing operations and advertising revenue across platforms. Prior to this, she served as regional head – north & east India at Goldmines Telefilms, managing advertising revenue for diverse television channels. Between April and December 2022, she was general manager at Republic World, spearheading branded content initiatives and campaigns.

    Earlier, as deputy general manager at Republic Media Network Sales, she led the North India business for Republic TV from June 2021 to March 2022.

    Bhargava’s career also includes senior manager positions at TV Today and HT Media Ltd, where she managed advertising sales and marketing strategies across radio, television, digital, and print media, cementing her reputation as a well-rounded leader in the industry.

    Bhargava’s academic background includes a Bachelor of Technology in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Additionally, she has participated in significant initiatives such as the International Antarctic Expedition as a Climate Force Ambassador.

    As Bhargava steps into this new chapter at Republic Media Network, her vision is set on strengthening brand partnerships and creating impactful content that resonates with audiences across the nation.

  • IBDF board admits new members; gets Kevin Vaz as president

    IBDF board admits new members; gets Kevin Vaz as president

    MUMBAI: There’s quite a few new names sitting  atop the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation following its 25th annual general meeting held in New Delhi earlier today.

    No surprises for guessing, Kevin Vaz who heads JioStar just below Uday Shankar was elected  as the president. He is also the chairman of Ficci’s media and entertainment committee. The AGM  also saw some newcomers make their way into the highest echelons of the advocacy body, the IBDF board: Prasar Bharati’s Gaurav Dwivedi, MMTV’s Jayant M. Mathew, TV Today’s Aroon Purie, JioStar’s Sumanto Bose,  and Kairali TV’s John Brittas. 
     

    theibdf office bearers

    Other senior folks  such as Culver Max Entertainment’s  recently appointed CEO Gaurav Banerjee, R. Mahesh Kumar, along with India TV boss Rajat Sharma  were  elected as vice-presidents.  I. Venkat was elected as the treasurer.

    The list of some of the board members includes: Rajat Sharma, India TV, I. Venkat, Eenadu TV, Kevin Vaz, JioStar, R. Mahesh Kumar, Sun Network, Gaurav Banerjee, Culver Max, Nachiket Pantvaidya, Bangla Entertainment, Punit Goenka, Zee Media, Ashish Sehgal, Zee Entertainment,  Sumanto Bose, JioStar and John Brittas, Kairali TV. 

    Rajat Sharma said that the IBDF will continue advocating for a regulatory framework that fosters innovation, supports creators, and ensures fair competition. “Together, we will drive the industry toward a sustainable and prosperous future,” he stated.

    Kevin Vaz  made his first address as the IBDF president highlighting that Indian content can gain international acclaim, further strengthening India’s soft power globally.

    “As we increasingly embrace technology to scale up, it is imperative that we democratize content creation so that it is not demographically or geographically limited. While India consumes content from anywhere, driven by the proliferation of 5G, smartphones, connected TVs and better pay TV infrastructure, we must ensure that opportunities to create professional content from locations beyond the current hotspots is a viable future for the industry,” he emphasised.  “The media and entertainment industry has a multiplier effect that extends to sectors like sports, creating significant opportunities for growth at scale. To ensure that this growth can be sustainable we need to look at business models rooted in equitable collaborations that foster value creation for all stakeholders across the ecosystem.”