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Tag: Varun Kohli

  • Bharat Express brings back Varun Kohli as group chief executive

    Bharat Express brings back Varun Kohli as group chief executive

    NOIDA:  In the media industry, boomerang hires are increasingly common. But when a news channel rehires the executive who built it from scratch, it signals ambition rather than desperation.

    Bharat Express has brought back Varun Kohli as director and group chief executive, marking his return to an organisation he helped launch in January 2023.  Kohli, who spent just over a year at Bharat Express before joining Times Network as chief operating officer, is being tasked with expanding the channel’s reach and deepening its impact in India’s competitive news broadcasting market.

    During his first stint, Kohli shaped the channel’s editorial and business strategy, built its core team and established its operational framework. His move to Times Network in 2024 saw him oversee critical operations across a larger network. Now, armed with that broader experience, he returns to accelerate Bharat Express’s growth trajectory.

    “During his first innings, Varun played a foundational role in successfully launching the channel and positioning Bharat Express as a credible voice in Indian news media,” said Bharat Express chairman, managing director & editor in chief Upendrra Rai. “With his return, we are confident that his deep industry experience and visionary approach will help us accelerate our growth and take the channel to new heights.”

    Kohli brings three decades of media experience, having held leadership roles at ITV Network, Deccan Chronicle Holdings, Network18, Bennett Coleman & Co., HT Media and Amar Ujala Prakashan. He is known for launching and turning around media brands, with a reputation for driving revenue growth and building high-performance teams.

    The appointment positions Bharat Express for its next phase of expansion, with Kohli’s return bringing both institutional knowledge and fresh strategic insights gained from his time at one of India’s largest broadcasting networks.

  • Times Now honours 13 inspiring Indians at the Amazing Indians Awards 2024

    Times Now honours 13 inspiring Indians at the Amazing Indians Awards 2024

    Mumbai: Times Now recently hosted the Amazing Indians Awards 2024 in New Delhi. A premier national platform, Amazing Indians Awards 2024 celebrated the indomitable spirit of 13 exceptional individuals whose relentless courage, determination, and selfless actions have not only inspired change but also left a lasting impact on the lives of many, reinforcing the true spirit of service and leadership.

    The chief guest for the event, minister of parliamentary affairs & minister of minority affairs Kiren Rijiju, delivered the special address and felicitated the winners along with the Jury members. Union Environment minister Bhupender Yadav sent a video recorded message of congratulations and appreciation for the winners which was aired at the event. Adding to the grandeur of the ceremony, was a captivating dance performance by the visually impaired dancers of Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled.

    Amazing Indian Awards 2024 winners felicitated across 12 categories included Pauzagin Tonsing (education), Raimati Ghiuria (agriculture), Dr. Sarita Subramaniam (wnvironment sustainability), Vishal Singh (food management & nutrition), Peera Ram (animal welfare), Shaikh Raziya (girl child & women’s right empowerment), Sipong Chingmak Chang (healthcare), Preeti Srinivasan (healthcare), Piyush Tiwari (road safety), Ranjeet Yadav (rural and slum development), Nimalan V R (sanitation & water), Kadivendi Mahipal Chary (social innovation using technology), and Aditya Mehta (sports enablers). The winners were shortlisted through an exhaustive pan-India screening process by an esteemed panel of jury comprising Sanjeev Sanyal, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, General M. M. Naravane, Prasoon Joshi, Renu Sud Karnad, and duly evaluated by Ernst & Young (process partner).

    At the Times Now Amazing Indians Awards 2024, Paris 2024 Olympic Bronze Medallists Aman Sehrawat, (India’s youngest-ever Olympic medallist in the 57kg freestyle wrestling category), and Harmanpreet Singh, (captain of the Indian men’s Hockey team), were felicitated for their remarkable achievements.

    Speaking at the Times Now Amazing Indians Awards 2024, minister of parliamentary affairs & minister of minority affairs Kiren Rijiju said, “Words are not enough to capture the achievements of the Amazing Indians. As our Prime Minister Narendra Modi often says, ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ this event has given us the opportunity to meet inspiring individuals from every corner of the country, united on one platform. The jury must’ve had a herculean task to select winners, because every nominee is truly exceptional. These Amazing Indians have not only inspired us but also filled us with a sense of pride and happiness. As someone holding responsibility in the government, we will continue to support those who are contributing to India’s growth. Times Now has created a wonderful platform to bring people from across the country together to celebrate these achievements. Thank you, Olympic medallists Aman Sehrawat and Harmanpreet Singh, for making the country proud and bringing happiness to the nation. Seeing such sporting success stories and contributions from all walks of life has truly made India proud.”

    Times Network COO, news broadcasting business, Varun Kohli said, “As India’s most influential news leader, Times Now has always been a catalyst for change. The Amazing Indians Awards exemplify this mission by honouring the extraordinary achievements of everyday people who, through compassion and dedication, make a significant impact. We are committed to celebrating these remarkable changemakers, confident that their inspiring stories will encourage others to help build a better India.”

    The Times Now Amazing Indians Awards 2024 celebrated the remarkable contributions of those who have defied odds and made a profound, lasting difference in the lives of others, etching their spirit of perseverance into the fabric of India’s progress.

  • Varun Kohli joins Times Network as chief operating officer for the news broadcasting business

    Varun Kohli joins Times Network as chief operating officer for the news broadcasting business

    Mumbai: Varun Kohli joins the Times Network as chief operating officer for the news broadcasting business. Varun will report to the managing director’s office while working closely with N Subramanian , executive director and Group CEO, Non-Publishing Business, Times Group. A seasoned media professional with around three decades of leadership experience, Varun has had a distinguished and a  long  media career. Varun brings in  rich experience in  P&L and Operations Management of Broadcasting Business to Times Network. Having launched several successful media brands and turning several others into profitable ventures, he is popularly known as the “Turnaround Man”. He is known to be a people’s manager and works on getting the best out of everyone working with him.

    Apart from media, Varun has also straddled through sports management in leadership role. He was instrumental in launching and organizing several successful seasons of Pro Wrestling League and Big Bout Boxing League for his previous employer, iTV Network. Varun has a  solution-based approach and diverse background across legacy brands, challenger brands and start-ups. Varun  also has been credited for transforming several companies by designing a strategic roadmap and detailed benchmarking. His past organizations include iTV Network as a Group CEO and was successfully heading 10 channels along with two publications and digital ventures of the company for over 8 years. He has also worked with Network18, HT Media Ltd, Amar Ujala Prakashan and other top media houses in senior leadership roles in the past. His last assignment was as Director & CEO of Bharat Express.

    Speaking about Varun’s appointment,  Vineet Jain, Managing Director, Times Group, said “We are happy to announce the appointment of  Varun to the leadership team at Times Network as Chief Operating Officer of the News Broadcasting Business. With his deep experience  in the News Broadcasting Business, we expect Varun to  bring in innovative approaches to Revenue Management and News Business Operations and propel Times Network to the next level of growth. We at Times Group welcome Varun to the team and wish him all the best in his  new role”.

    Speaking about this role, Varun said “It is humbling to be a part of a company with such a great legacy having leadership across brands spanning English News, Hindi News and Business News. Looking forward to creating more success stories across brands at Times Network under the able leadership of Vineet Jain”.
     

  • Industry veteran Varun Kohli takes over as Sporty Solutionz CEO

    Industry veteran Varun Kohli takes over as Sporty Solutionz CEO

    Mumbai: In a significant move in the sports marketing industry, Varun Kohli has joined sports marketing and media rights company Sporty Solutionz as its new chief executive officer. Kohli will take charge of all SSPL Group of companies including Sports Media Unit InsideSport.

    Kohli has a very distinguished media career in leadership positions for the last 27 years in leading media organisations. Before joining Sporty Solutionz Pvt Ltd (SSPL), he was the CEO of ITV Network for eight long years.

    Previously, he worked with Network 18, Bennett and Colman Ltd, HT Media Ltd, Amar Ujala Prakashan and other top media houses in senior leadership roles.

    With professional experience spanning over 27 years, Kohli is a seasoned sales specialist and is credited with creating sustainable business development and management strategies.

    “The demand for watching top−class sports events on both air and ground is increasingly growing in India and as a company, we are committed to fulfilling the desires of millions of discerning sports fans,” commented SSPL director Ashish Chadha. “Kohli brings a wealth of experience behind him in the media, marketing and advertising industry and has led various organizations to success. We welcome him on board and hope it will be a great mutual association and he will take the company to new heights.”

    Delighted with this new responsibility, Kohli said, “Sporty Solutionz has emerged as one of the leading sports content creators and monetiser in the region. SSPL is planning to integrate all its business interests. The company has envisaged some big growth plans and I will channelise those to realities.”

  • Varun Kohli steps down as ITV Network CEO

    Varun Kohli steps down as ITV Network CEO

    Mumbai: After an eight-year long stint, media veteran Varun Kohli has decided to step down as ITV Network CEO.

    “Varun Kohli will move on as ITV Network’s CEO effective 31 March and ITV Network wishes him all the best for his future endeavours,” an official statement read.

    With a professional experience spanning over 25 years, Kohli is a seasoned sales specialist and is credited with creating sustainable business development and management strategies that have increased top and bottom lines and enhanced efficiency in organisations.

    He has worked with media houses like Network 18, Bennett and Colman Ltd, HT Media Ltd, Amar Ujala Prakashan.

    Kohli is a management graduate from SIMS, Ghaziabad and post graduate from YMCA, besides being a certified coach from Results Coaching Systems.

  • iTV Network restructures and strengthens its sales team

    iTV Network restructures and strengthens its sales team

    KOLKATA: As part of its strategic review, iTV Network has restructured and strengthened its sales team.  

    Meenakshi Singh has been elevated as president government sales & retail for India News, iTV Network. She brings a broad range of 21 years of experience to her new position at iTV Network. She has experience in working with MNC’s like Gecis (GE), Dell, Neoteric. She has throughout been a star performer winning many awards and recognition. She has been associated with India News since 2020 and was previously vice president, sales & marketing, iTV Network.

    Sanjay Singhal has been promoted as president, government north zone Haryana, Punjab, Himachal for India News and Aaj Samaj Chandigarh and Delhi. Sanjay brings nearly three decades of experience to his role in the media Industry with throughout a star performer. He has been associated with India News since 2010, and in his last role, he was associated as senior vice president in iTV Network heading Aaj Samaj and India News Haryana, Punjab and Himachal. Prior to this, he was associated with Hindustan Times as DGM, Chandigarh unit from 2000-2010 (also coordinator and black belt of six sigma in Hindustan Times). He has worked with Indian Express and Jansatta as well from 1990-2000 as a government head. 

    Suman Singh has also been promoted as deputy general manager (sales). Singh is a seasoned media professional with over 11 years of experience in the media Industry. He has been associated with India News since 2016. He is associated with government sales team (Delhi ).  

    iTV Network CEO Varun Kohli said, “We are delighted to elevate Meenakshi, Sanjay and Suman. Their skills and wide experience will strive to further strengthen the various revenue streams of iTV network and achieve a robust growth in the coming year and tap newer opportunities in the ever expanding Hindi news space. The promotion reflects the value they bring to the organisation as we execute our plan to grow the business by leveraging our product.”

  • iTV Network gives additional charge to Varun Kohli, strengthens senior management team

    iTV Network gives additional charge to Varun Kohli, strengthens senior management team

    MUMBAI: iTV Network on Friday announced strengthening its senior management team with CEO Varun Kohli being handed additional responsibility for print companies.

    Kohli is currently handling India News, NewsX, digital assets and is providing strategic direction, leading teams and strengthening revenues for the organisations. With a professional experience spanning over 25 years, he is a seasoned sales specialist and is credited with creating sustainable business development and management strategies that have increased top and bottom lines and enhanced efficiency in organisations.

    In addition to his existing role, he will be handling The Sunday Guardian and Aaj Samaj, fastest growing and most selling daily newspaper in north India.

    In this endeavor, he will be supported by Rakesh Gopal, National Sales Head – Regional Channels. Gopal is a seasoned media professional with rich experience in media sales. He is presently consolidating the company’s regional channels and now he will be supporting Mr. Kohli in the sales function of the print companies for the efficient growth of the network.   

    Speaking on the new roles and responsibilities, Kartikeya Sharma, Founder and Promoter of iTV Network, said, “We are excited to have Mr. Varun Kohli and Mr. Rakesh Gopal holding their additional responsibilities, each brings extensive and highly relevant industry experience to the table. We are looking forward to leveraging their knowledge and leadership in this expanded role.”

    Kohli on his new role said “it is an opportunity than a challenge and I look forward to achieve growth oriented results. Our print assets, The Sunday Guardian and Aaj Samaj delivers credible, innovative and informative content for our readers.”

    Prior to joining iTV network, Varun was the head of sales for IBN7. His distinguished career includes leadership stints at Amar Ujala, Bennett, Coleman & Company Ltd., Deccan Chronicle, Dainik Bhaskar, Hindustan times and Indian express.

    Varun is a management graduate from SIMS, Ghaziabad and post graduate from YMCA besides being a certified coach from Results Coaching Systems.

  • With four elections due, networks with regional news channels set to benefit

    With four elections due, networks with regional news channels set to benefit

    MUMBAI: With four key assembly elections lined up towards the end of the year, India’s regional news channels could be laughing their way to the bank. In a bid to maximize their revenues, channels are in the process of sprucing up their programming and hiking ad rates. iTV Network, Network18, Zee News Network will be the ones set to benefit the most because due to their presence in the Hindi, English and regional markets.

    Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram are the our states going to polls ahead of the big 2019 general election.

    iTV Network CEO Varun Kohli says, “If you see, the regional market is growing and the local people want to consume content in local languages. Regional channels in the coming future are going to be the biggest growth areas than anybody else and the coverage will be hyper local. In a national channel the programming will be of an hour or so, but the regional channel will cover the elections for 24 hours a day.”

    News24 editor-in-chief Annuradha Prasad feels, “Three elections in the Rajasthan, MP and Chhattisgarh they are all Hindi heartland channels and national news channels expect a better response from the brands and advertisers unlike the Karnataka elections which didn’t have a great impact on the national news channels because of the local language affinity.”

    The news genre contributes eight per cent to the total TV viewership. It was the third biggest genre on television in terms of viewership in 2017, as per the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India data.

    Zee Media CEO- regional news Purushottam Vaishnava says, “We have started four programmes based on the coming elections. Our focus is to reach all the constituencies and give a real picture of the issues. At the time of elections the general entertainment channels (GEC) viewers shift to news channels and we are expecting minimum of 25-30 per cent hike in ad rates for our regional channels.”

    iTV Network has NewsX in English, India News in Hindi and for the regional focus on elections India News Rajasthan and India News MP-CG.

    “The increase in consumption helps in getting advertisers as they look at the eyeballs. Both national and local advertisers show interest at the time of elections and for national advertisers it is not that expensive like the Hindi news channels. Ad rates at the time of elections grow by 25-30 per cent. The regional news channels command half the price  of Hindi news channels”, Kohli adds.

    FMCG, retail and India-based multinational companies are the major advertisers on Hindi news channels, whereas automobile, banking financial services and electronic brands tend to utilize their ad spend on English news channels. FMCG brands and local retail brands are the primary advertisers on regional channels.

    Network18 has dedicated channels – News18 Rajasthan, News18 MP-CG and News18 Assam/North-East –  in all the election-bound states.

    TV18 president- revenue and Forbes India CEO Joy Chakraborthy said, “Every state elections has become the national things these days, in the recent Karnataka elections, the national channels also made good money along with the regional channels.”

    Zee Media’s regional sales team is pitching to national brands and corporates. The state assembly elections are a very big opportunity for companies that are planning enter the tier two, three and four markets.  

    On national brands approaching regional news channel for greater air time Prasad says, “ Yes, that happens because viewers watch the regional channel at the time of elections and get to know about each constituency. But the reach of a Hindi news channel cannot be matched by anyone.”

    Network18 is planning to increase the ad rates 10-12 times for all the English, Hindi and regional channels.

     “The counting day ad rates are sold at a high premium compared to the normal rates. The rates touch Rs 1 lakh mark at some special spots on the counting days”, Chakraborthy points out.

    Also Read:

    BTVI to leverage digital mediums for growth

    Karnataka election helps news channels increase ratings

  • iTV Network Launches NewsX Kannada, its First Regional Channel in South India

    iTV Network Launches NewsX Kannada, its First Regional Channel in South India

    MUMBAI: iTV Network, one of India’s leading media houses, has forayed into the Southern India news space with the launch of a dedicated channel for Karnataka – NewsX Kannada. In sync with the NewsX approach to promote ‘News, Not Noise,’ the new channel will focus on real issues and highlight matters that concern Kannadigas across the globe.

    Emphasising on current subjects and trends, the channel will offer news and other well-research content that will include crime and investigation, spiritual and entertainment programmes, reality shows and much more. Being launched ahead of the Karnataka Elections, 2018, Election Express will be a programme to watch out for.

    Being an extension of brand NewsX gives NewsX Kannada an immediate advantage. NewsX has a steadily-increasing stream of followers in South India and is recognised as a trendsetter in the English news segment in India, distinguished by its crisp format, direct reportage, pointed debates, trending hash tags and an engaging mix of stories. The launch of the Kannada channel substantiates the brand’s endeavour to reach out to a larger audience and create products that respond to the growing need for credible providers of regional news services.

    Speaking about the new venture, iTV Network, CEO, Varun Kohli said, “NewsX is committed to editorial independence, impartiality and public purpose. Our regional ventures are aimed at fostering local identity while encouraging debate and participation. NewsX Kannada reiterates our position as a valuable source of news and information and is set to further highlight the personality and distinctive culture of Karnataka.”

    iTV Network has been in news due to its steady expansion into the regional news market in India. The two other regional language channels the network launched in less than a year’s time include India News Gujarat and India News Punjab. This adds to the already existing line-up of channels for the regional news space that includes India News Haryana, India News Uttar Pradesh-Uttarakhand, India News Rajasthan, and India News Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh.

  • NewsX hires Times’ former exec Kukian as COO, to oversee entertainment & sports too

    MUMBAI: iTV Network, one of the fastest growing news networks, has appointed Ashit Kukian as the NewsX COO and iTV CRO – regionals, entertainment & sports businesses.

    In this new role, his responsibilities will include providing leadership and strategic direction to create new revenue generation opportunities in the market for iTV Network.

    iTV Network founder & promoter Kartikeya Sharma said, “Ashit is a seasoned and trusted leader who consistently delivers results. Ashit, with his in-depth understanding of the advertising ecosystem, shall be a great asset to leverage the revenue opportunities.”

    iTV Network CEO Varun Kohli said, “Ashit will bring his rich experience and expertise in growing iTV Network, and taking it to the next level. His understanding of the market will be of immense value to our network.”

    Kukian said, “What’s more exciting is the group is providing me an opportunity to handle new initiatives that have been planned for the near future.”

    Kukian was the president – revenue for Times Network. A part of the leadership team, Kukian strengthened the networks’ efforts in meeting its aggressive growth targets.

    Prior to joining the Times Network, Kukian was the president and COO at Radio City.

    Kukian, a Bachelor of Science from Mumbai University, invested 13 years at the Times Group managing various important roles. In his last assignment at the group, he was part of the core team that launched Zoom.