Tag: ABP Network

  • Dhruba Mukherjee to hold fort as Avinash Pandey quits ABP Network

    ABP Network will now be helmed by Dhruba Mukherjee, CEO of parent ABP Limited. Although this is being dubbed as an interim arrangement and since it’s in addition to his existing role of heading the publishing company, there is word that the company may witness some tectonic changes.

    Dhruba Mukherjee
    Dhruba Mukherjee (Pic: WAN-IFRA)
    Avinash Pandey
    Avinash Pandey

    On Friday, after the closure of the offices of MxMIndia, we heard that Avinash Pandey, CEO of ABP Network, had announced his parting after nearly two decades of association. Pandey joined the ABP News Network in 2005 and over the years held key positions – from being the head of sales to COO to overall head of the network. Known to have started out as a loyal understudy of the then TV Today and ABP News CEOs G Krishnan and Uday Shankar, Pandey has assumed key roles in industry forums. Over the last two years, he has been President of the India chapter of the International Advertising Association as well as the News Broadcasters & Digital Authority (NBDA). ABP Network has also been very actively associated with various industry events.

    While thanking Pandey for contributions to the company, Atideb Sarkar, Chief Editor & Director of the ABP Network, Atideb Sarkar said: “I would like to thank Avinash for his immense contributions to ABP Network. During his two decades in the company, it has grown manifold in reach, revenue and impact. His leadership in the past five years has seen us at the forefront of digital broadcasting while extending our reach from Jammu to Kanyakumari. He played a key role in our award-winning centenary campaign. On a personal note, he has been a pleasure to work with, a joyful fellow traveller in my professional journey, and a friend. Thank you, Avinash, for all that you have brought to the ABP family. We wish you success and happiness in your future endeavours.”

    In recent years, ABP Network has also diversified into the setting up of ABP Studios and doing live events. This is other than the four 24×7 news television channels with presence in eight languages on digital.

    However, while the company is high on salience and connects with the advertiser community, there has been some anguish over its ratings over the past few years. Even the digital avatar which had a very high connects was seen flagging in the recent elections.

    As of now, all those who reported to Pandey have been advised to report to Mukherjee.

  • ABPLive goes premium

    ABPLive, the digital news platform from ABP Network, has unveiled ABPLive Premium, a subscription service. Initially, it will be available in English and Hindi.

    Speaking on the launch, Avinash Pandey, CEO of ABP Network, said: “ABPLive Premium is the natural evolution of our success, allowing us to provide an even more enriching content experience for our audience. It is designed to cater to a discerning audience that values quality and depth in their news consumption. Whether you’re interested in a deeper understanding of complex political issues, nuanced takes on business and technology trends, or insightful cultural commentary, ABPLIVE Premium offers a richer, more rewarding news experience. Our commitment is to empower our subscribers to stay informed and ahead of the curve.”

  • ABP Network appoints Samvrit Bhattacharya

    Samvrit Bhattacharya
    Samvrit Bhattacharya

    ABP Network has appointed Samvrit Bhattacharya as the National Sales Director for Digital Sales. His focus will be on scaling revenue, delivering impactful solutions to clients, and driving innovations in the ABP Network’s digital sales sector. Based in Noida, he will be reporting directly to Rupali Fernandes, CRO at ABP Network.

    Speaking on the appointment, Fernandes, a warm welcome to Samvrit as he embarks on this new journey with us. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to his contributions towards our continued success. Under his leadership, I am confident our digital business will soar to new heights.”

  • ABP Network expands into online gaming with GamesLIVE launch

    ABP Network has announced its expansion into the world of casual online gaming with the launch of GamesLIVE, under the flagship of ABP LIVE. This platform offers the ultimate free online gaming experience, featuring a vast library of over 600 HTML5 games. GamesLIVE promises endless fun and entertainment, making high-quality games accessible to everyone, anytime, and anywhere.

    Commenting on the launch, Avinash Pandey, CEO of ABP Network, said: “We are delighted to launch GamesLIVE, our new gaming platform under ABP LIVE, which represents our dedication to expanding into the digital entertainment landscape. Our goal is to provide a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience for our users, both at home and on the go. As we look to the future, we constantly strive to expand our offerings to our stakeholders and provide them with an unparalleled experience. Our reputation as a trusted network is well-established, and we aim to achieve the same level of excellence with this gaming platform.”

  • More jury chairs announced for Abby 2024

    Rahul Mathew, Chief Creative Officer of DDB Mudra Group, Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network, Malvika Mehra, Sudha Natarajan, Director Response in Times of India Group and Tista Sen join as jury chairs for Brand Activation and Promotion category, Broadcaster category, Young Maverick Abby category, Publisher category and Green Abby category respectively, at The Abby Awards 2024 powered by One Show.

    The Abby Awards, part of the annual Goafest, are scheduled to be held in Mumbai on May 29 to 31, 2024.

  • Manish Anandani speaks at IAA & ISA’s Retrospect and Prospects

    The India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) together with The Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) hosted the IAA & ISA Retrospect and Prospects with Manish Anandani, Managing Director – India, Kenvue (eka Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health) on April 24 in Mumbai.

    In his address, Anandani said: “The Indian FMCG industry has been a key driver contributing to India’s buoyant economy. There have been many factors like a young dynamic India, increasing urbanisation and a rising middle class which are presenting tremendous opportunities for the industry to pivot and scale. Today, we are seeing ‘Many India’s’ with many consumer cohorts, making it imperative for brands to design personalised, customised and immersive campaigns to better engage with these audiences. We are also seeing big shifts in consumer behaviour, with sustainability, purpose, and transparency being prioritised by the conscious consumer . These aspects will continue to shape the marketing agenda. We are excited about these opportunities and what it presents for our iconic brands such as Johnson’s Baby, Stayfree, Neutrogena.”

    Added Avinash Pandey, President, IAA India Chapter and CEO, ABP Network: “IAA has always been at the forefront of activities that benefit the marcom industry. Whether it be the leadership awards which are for the marketers, to having an all advertising jury for our successful creative awards called IndIAA to having an annual programme named the Retrospect & Prospects where a leading marketer gives a perspective of the high and lows of the last year and some crystal ball gazing about the year ahead, we have always done path-breaking initiatives.  And so, in that spirit we have also saluted collaborations and cooperation and had the first IAA and ISA program. I am sure this model will be appreciated and emulated in other programs as well.”

    Said Sunil Kataria, Chairman, The India Society of Advertisers and CEO of Raymond’s Lifestyle Business: “An insightful presentation by Manish Anandani in retospect and prospect session , dwelling  into macro and micro opportunities of the India growth story driven by GDP, demographics, customer sentiments, rapid digitalization, evolving shopping &  consumption behaviors has thrown interesting light on the possibilities ahead. I am confident that our audience from IAA and ISA would have immensely benefited from the session today towards gearing up for the future.”

  • ABP News launches campaign for elections

    ABP News has launched a campaign ‘Jeetna Aapka Zaroori Hai’ aimed at reinforcing the significance of the nation’s voters in shaping the course of democracy – the power of the people.

    Said Avinash Pandey, CEO of ABP Network: “Democracy thrives on the power of the people, by the people and for the people. Elections serve as a grand celebration of this fundamental principle, where each vote holds the potential to shape India’s destiny. Through our ‘Jeetna Aapka Zaroori Hai’ initiative, ABP News is steadfastly committed to reminding every Indian that their vote, their choice, constitutes the true victory to be achieved in this election above all else. We are rallying the nation to exercise their invaluable franchise and amplify their voices through the ballot.”

  • ABP Network restructures sales team

    ABP Network has announced a series of strategic changes within its sales leadership team aimed at optimising operations, fostering enhanced collaboration, and positioning the company for success in the forthcoming year.

    Key highlights of the restructuring include:

    At the national level:

    • Parul Kamraelevated to National Sales Head for ABP News and ABP Asmita
    • Gautam Duttaelevated to National Sales Head for ABP Ananda
    • Shailendra Hegdeelevated to National Sales Head for ABP Majha

     At the regional level:

    • Saurabh Goelelevated to Region Head – North
    • Suman Mukherjeeelevated to Region Head – East
    • Madhvi Gajwanielevated to Region Head – West for ABP News, ABP Ananda, and ABP Asmita
    • Mahesh Bordeelevated to Region Head for ABP Majha in the West, in addition to his current role overseeing the Network for the rest of Maharashtra

    At branch level:

    • Sonali Chauhanto lead sales for ABP Ananda and ABP Majha in the North
    • Rishabh Duato lead sales for ABP News and ABP Asmita in the North
    • Saheli Dholto lead sales for Consolidated Team in the East
    • Kumar Luthriato lead sales for ABP News and ABP Asmita in the West

    For Spotlight:

    • Dhruv Bhattacharyahas been elevated to lead All India Sales for Spotlight. He will continue to manage States Business for the North
    • Surabhi Kesarwaniwill be Spotlight Head for North
    • Nishant Chaturvediwill be Spotlight Head for West and  South
    • Prashant Kumarwill join Spotlight team for West, based out of Mumbai

    Notes a communique: “As the organisation reflects on the achievements of the past year and gears up for an eventful election cycle, these changes, are designed to instill a sharper and more focused approach to its business. The new structure will empower sales teams, promote accountability, and enhance the company’s agility and responsiveness to market dynamics. This revamped structure reflects ABP Network’s unwavering commitment to innovation, customer-centricity, and market leadership. By empowering the teams and streamlining operations, ABP Network is poised to drive sustainable growth and deliver exceptional value to its stakeholders.”

  • ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0

    The ABP Network’s flagship event ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 was last weekend (Feb 23 and 24) in Mumbai with much fanfare with the theme: ‘The People’s Agenda’.

    As many as 35 sessions with 60 speakers were held on subjects traversing a wide range of ideas and perspectives, diversity, and vision.

    Said Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network: “It is a year of cataclysmic changes, yet a season of hope, resilience, and re-imagination. At Ideas of India Summit 3.0, we are focused on people of this great nation and beyond, their hopes, fears, and aspirations. Artists, authors, scientists, politicians, and musicians will debate and discuss the issues of our time, quickening our pulses and taking us into the sunlight of introspection and imagination.”

    Added Atideb Sarkar, Chief Editor, ABP Network, in his keynote address: “Another Idea of India could combine economic and social progress, care for the environment, pluralism, and national security. It could restore the constitutional balance between national unity and the dignity of the individual. It would have to show how more jobs could be created more humanely and it would need to be articulated by a leader who embodies these values and with whom young voters identify. India must answer two questions: If not Ram Rajya, then what? If not Modi, then who? Only then we will have a real contest!”

  • ABP Network to host ‘Ideas of India’ summit on Feb 23 & 24

    In the run-up to the forthcoming general election, the third edition of ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ summit on February 23 and 24, 2024, in Mumbai.

    The speakers include former Home Secretary of UK, Suella Braverman, to Emmy-nominated TV Host Padma Lakshmi, economist Arvind Panagariya to actor Kiara Advani.

    The theme is “The People’s Agenda”. Other personalities include Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Dr Shashi Tharoor, Third time Lok Sabha MP and Chairman of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers; Dr Anish Shah, Group CEO of Mahindra Group and New FICCI President; Prof Sunil Khilnani, Historian and Political Scientist, Javed Akhtar,  Poet, Lyricist, and Author; Actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sobhita Dhulipala; Omar Abdullah, Former Chief Minister of J&K and Vice President of JKNC; our own Piyush Pandey, Amish Tripathi, Author and Former Diplomat; Subodh Gupta, artist; Shashank ND, Co-Founder of Practo; Poonam Mahajan, MP, BJP; Priyanka Chaturvedi, Rajya Sabha MP, and Deputy Leader of Shiv Sena; Madhur Bhandarkar, Film Director and Script Writer; Ila Arun,  Actor, Singer and Writer; Sanjay Jha, Author and Columnist and more.

    Said ABP Network CEO Avinash Pandey: “After the tremendous success of the first two editions, we are immensely proud to present a grander and richer edition of ABP Network ‘Ideas of India’ Summit. The last two editions were highly celebrated and appreciated because of the confluence of ideas on our platform. With the next General Election around the corner, India is at the cusp of making history. It is the year of great expectations which will shape the future course of the country. As ‘Ideas of India’ Summit is the foremost platform that celebrates country’s plurality, it was important for all of us to put central focus on the people of nation, their aspirations, and their story. As India advances on the journey of being the Viksit Bharat, the world is watching us emerge. Our emergence at the global arena will be dependent on how we leverage the potential of our people. It is with these thoughts I am pleased to present to you the ‘Ideas of India Summit 3.0’ which will host a spectacular line-up of public welfare thinkers and intellectuals as we discuss the way forward for India to project its national self-image at the global stage.”

    The summit will be aired live at https://news.abplive.com/

  • IAA 45th World Congress in Penang from March 6 to 8

    By Our Staff

     

    The International Advertising Association (IAA) has unveiled the forthcoming 45th IAA World Congress, to be held in Penang, Malaysia, from March 6 to 8, 2024.

     

    Said John Chacko, President, IAA Malaysia and Chairman of the 45th IAA World Congress, Penang: “The convergence of social, economic and climate issues, along with rapid technological advancements has created a new reality for businesses to navigate. Equally, social issues such as inequality, diversity and inclusion have gained significant attention with customers and the workforce demanding more ethical practices all around. All these issues would be discussed and debated by senior global experts in Penang. And Penang itself is a wonderful confluence of diversity, heritage, and culture.”

     

    Added Pradeep Dwivedi, Group CEO, Eros Media World PLC and IAA Global Vice President & Area Director, APAC Region: “The Indian media, advertising and marketing talents are making big waves globally in creative excellence, impact, and effectiveness. The IAA World Congress 2024 in Penang, Malaysia offers Indian delegates with the perfect blend of learning and sharing same with the worldwide community of professionals. I am confident of its wide appeal and benchmark level of participation from India, coming on the back of phenomenally successful IAA World Congress previously held in Kochi, India. I am especially delighted to share that my good friend and an esteemed industry colleague, Avinash Pandey, CEO, ABP Network has been chosen as the leader of the Indian Delegation to IAA World Congress at Penang and looking forward to it. With Indians not needing visas to come to Malaysia the path has been made even easier for a good participation from India.”

     

    Said Pandey: “The 45th IAA World Congress marks a pivotal gathering, echoing the success of our 2019 Congress. It serves as a hub for innovative ideas and transformative discussions, shaping the future of our industry. We eagerly anticipate a robust Indian delegation, expecting invaluable insights and collaborations.”

     

  • IAA India Chapter unveils mancom for FY23-24

    By Our Staff

     

    The members co-opted and invited to the Managing Committee of the India Chapter of IAA for the financial year 2023-24, were announced at the first meeting of the managing committee chaired by the re-elected President, Avinash Pandey, Chief Executive officer, ABP Network

     

    Says Pandey: “IAA India Chapter is uniquely positioned with such diverse group of industry leaders from ad-agencies, media, mediatech and advertisers. I am lucky that I enjoy support of such accomplished individuals in fulfilling the motto of IAA that advertising is a force for good. IAA India would be coming out with fresh new initiatives enabling social changes for good.”

     

    Added Abhishek Karnani, Vice President, IAA India Chapter: “I am very glad to be a part of a well-diversified team of marcom leaders who will be leading the India chapter in the year ahead. We are committed to promoting an ecosystem of excellence in every area we are involved in. Sustainability, Tech, Marketing, Creative Excellence and more. Look out for new initiatives and a drive to showcase communication as a force for good”

     

    The Mancom members are:

    Rahul Johri, President -Business South Asia, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.

    Neeraj Roy, Founder, Hungama Digital Media Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.

    Pradeep Dwivedi, Group CEO, EROS Media World PLC

    Kranti Gada, Founder, neOwn

    Nina Elavia Jaipuria , Head – Hindi Mass Entertainment & Kids TV Network, Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd.

    I Venkat, Director, Eenadu

    Ramesh Narayan, Founder, Canco Advertising Pvt. Ltd.

    Neena Dasgupta, CEO & Founder, The Salt Inc Consulting & CEO, Aidem Ventures

    Rana Barua, Chief Executive Officer, Havas Group India

    Partha Sinha, President , The Times of India Group

    Dr Bhaskar Das, Chairperson, IdeateLabs,

    Mitrajit Bhattacharya, Founder & President, The Horologists

    Sam Balsara, Chairman & Managing Director, Madison Communications Pvt. Ltd.

    Alok Jalan, Managing Director, Laqshya Media Group

    Rajeev Beotra, Executive Director, HT Media Ltd

    Rani Reddy, Director, Indira Television Ltd.

    Monica Nayyar Patnaik, Managing Director, Sambad Group

    Neha Barjatya, Marketing Director for Platforms and Devices, Google India

    P N Mahadevan, Corporate Advisor, Netcon Technologies

    Arun Srinivas, Head – Ads Business, Meta India

    Gauravjeet Singh, Head- Agency Business, Meta India

    Ashok Venkatramani, Founder, Intelligent Insights Pvt Ltd

    Rajiv Dubey, Head of Media, Dabur India

    Jai Krishnan, CEO, Samsonite

    Kunal Lalani, MD, Crayons Advertising. Ltd.

     

    As reported earlier, at the AGM held on September 27, 2023, the following officebearers were elected:

    Abhishek Karnani (President, Free Press Journal Group)- Vice President

    Nandini Dias (Independent Advisor)- Hon. Secretary

    Jaideep Gandhi (Founder, Another Idea) – Hon. Treasurer

     

    Megha Tata, CEO, Cosmos-Maya will continue as an ex-officio officebearer as Immediate Past President

    The other elected members of the Managing Committee were:

    Srinivasan K Swamy (Chairman & Managing Director, R K Swamy Ltd),

    M.V. Shreyams Kumar (Managing Director, Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Co Ltd)

    Prasanth Kumar (CEO-South Asia, GroupM)

    Anant Goenka (Executive Director, The Indian Express Pvt Ltd)

    Janak Sarda (Director, Blue Logic Systems)