Tag: Avinash Kaul

  • Network18 does an org rejig with three senior hires from Star India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Network18 has announced a change in its organisational structure. The group has been recast along three major clusters: English and Business Cluster, which includes CNN-News18, CNBC-TV18, Awaaz and Bajaar, CNBC HD Prime and News18 International; Hindi Cluster including News18 India & News18 Hindi regional channels (UP/UK, MP/CG, Rajasthan, Bihar/JK, Urdu & Himachal-Punjab-Haryana); and Languages Cluster including all News18 regional channels minus Hindi—TN, Kerala, Kannada, Odisha, Bengal, Assam/NE, Gujarat and News18-Lokmat.

     

    Three key appointments have been made to bolster each cluster and drive it to the next level of operational excellence. Basant Dhawan joins as CEO of the English/Business cluster. An engineer and an alumnus of IIM Calcutta, Dhawan joins Network18 from Star India where he spent the last four years in a variety of roles. His last role was National Agency Business Head for Entertainment Sales in Star India. Basant will be based in Mumbai.

     

    The CEO of the Hindi cluster is Mayank Jain, who will lead the fast-growing News18 India and the cluster of other news channels across various Hindi speaking states. Jain, who will be based in New Delhi has joined Network18 from Star India’s entertainment division.

     

    Karan Abhishek Singh has joined as CEO for Languages cluster, also from Star India where he managed Integrated Sales for Television and Digital. Singh will be based in Bengaluru.

     

    The above three will report to Avinash Kaul, Chief Operating Officer of Network18.

     

     

  • BTVI’s Shilpa Shetty joins Network18

    By A Correspondent

     

    After stints with BTVI and the Times Network, Shilpa Shetty has returned to the Network18 Group as National Revenue Head – Display – Business News Cluster. She will report to Avinash Kaul – COO, Network18.

     

    Commenting on her appointment, Shetty said: “It is a delight to come back to Network18 and I look forward to another successful inning in my career. I really am excited to work with the team and take the channels to newer heights”.

     

    Shetty is a former Navy Queen and a Ford Super Model Finalist and has led Mumbai University in Handball at the National Level.

     

     

  • Network18 elevates Avinash Kaul as COO

     

     

    Network18 has announced the elevation of Avinash Kaul as Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Kaul will oversee the operations of all national and regional news channels. He will continue to remain the Managing Director of A+E Networks | TV18.

     

    Kaul joined TV18, one of India’s leading television broadcast networks in mid-2014 and since then has been responsible for the overall P&L responsibilities of all the brands managed by him.

  • Network18 rebrands IBN Lokmat to News18 Lokmat

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Network18 Group has renamed its Marathi news channel as News18 Lokmat. The channel will unveil a new brand identity and logo along with a refreshed on-air look. The channel’s digital presence will also be revamped with the launch of a newly designed website news18lokmat.com.

     

    Speaking on the re-launch, Avinash Kaul, Managing Director, A + E Networks | TV18 and President – Strategy, Product& Alliances – Network 18, said: “As part of the overall rebranding strategy of the News18 regional channels, IBN Lokmat now changes to News18 Lokmat. The Marathi viewers have reposed their faith time and again in the quality of Journalism that IBN Lokmat has to offer and this same unmatched credibility of the brand is now being carried through to a new brand News18 Lokmat. With a new line up of shows and the induction of fresh seasoned anchors, the channel has reworked its content strategy catering to all cities, towns and villages of Maharashtra.”

     

    The new logo will be unveiled by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the channel’s flagship event called ‘Agenda Maharashtra 2017’.

     

     

  • Ad Club announces jury panel for ‘Marquees 2017’

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Advertising Club has announced the jury panel for Marquees 2017, the all-new awards event that is scheduled to happen in Mumbai on August 11. Presented by News18 India and powered by Colors and MTV in its debut edition, Marquees 2017 will award brands for their excellence in building effective and sustainable equity.

     

    The jury panel comprises Harsh Goenka, Chairman – RPG Enterprises, Ronnie Screwvala, Co-Founder – UpGrad; Agnello Dias – Chairman & Co-Founder, Taproot India; Navin Chopra – Ex COO, Vodafone & Sr Advisor, TPG Capital; Dilip Cherian – Founding Partner, Perfect Relations and CVL Srinivas, CEO South Asia – GroupM. Hindustan Unilever ‎CEO and Managing Directoris jury chair.

     

    Speaking on the jury panel, Raj Nayak, President, The Advertising Club said: The illustrious jury for Marquees 2017 that consists of stalwarts from across categories brings in great diversity of experience and vigor into the deliberation process.  This diversity is set to provide significant insight mining potential and range in perspective into the evaluation method, ensuring that only the most deserved and path breaking marketers facilitating social and behavioral change emerge victorious.”

     

    On associating with Marquees 2017, Avinash Kaul, Managing Director, A+E Networks | TV18 and President – Strategy, Product & Alliances – Network18 said:“Network18 through its front-running Hindi general news brand News18 India believes in acknowledging talent that has transformational potential. As a news organisation, we bring cutting-edge stories that prompt authorities into action. Similarly, we believe  Marquees 2017 will recognise forward thinking marketers who create campaigns to inspire positive change. The multi-disciplinary jury panel of industry legends is sure to bring further credence and value to the awards, making it a much sought-after event for marketers.”

     

    Talking about Marquees 2017 awards jury, Partho Dasgupta, Chairman, Marquees 2017 said: “The debut edition of Marquees has already set a significant benchmark by bringing together a highly respected jury panel that consist of media legends. The combined experience, wisdom and technical knowhow of the jury is sure to recognise and validate brands and marketers that have redefined and challenged the conventional communication paradigm.”

     

  • IBN7 to be called News18 India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Network18 Group has renamed its Hindi general news channel as News18 India. The channel will unveil a new brand identity, logo and tagline along with a refreshed on-air look. The new avatar of the channel will be revealed at 6.57 pm today (November 9). The channel’s digital presence will also be revamped with the launch of a newly designed news18india.com

     

    Speaking on the re-launch, Avinash Kaul, President – Strategy, Product & Alliances – Network18, said, “We are not just rebranding the news channel, we are also putting into action an entire philosophy, a fresh approach focused on hard hitting journalism. There is constant need to innovate and stay relevant in the rapidly changing news environment. Through this refresh initiative, we intend to capture the viewer’s interest and also ensure impact through our news stories. Today, the viewers are overloaded with choices and information. In the midst of all this clutter, we are trying to create differentiation and relevance for our viewers and are confident about the change that we are actioning.”

     

    In the lead-up to the rebranding, the channel has strengthened its editorial team, introduced new anchors and launched new shows and formats. The refresh will build on this momentum with more impactful content, fresh packaging, and new studios adding to the experience being provided to the viewers.

     

    Said Prabal Pratap Singh, Consulting Editor, News18 India on the new identity of the channel: “Our news channel has seen tremendous energy over the past few months. We have broken several big stories and I feel repositioning ourselves with the tagline “Danke Ki Chot Par” aptly captures the spirit of what we are trying to achieve. Going forward, the channel will continue to ask even more pointed questions with an aim to challenge the status quo. Editorially, the thrust will be on constructive criticism and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that our passion for fearless journalism results in positive impact on society.”

     

  • A+E NETWORKS|TV18 appoints Arun Thapar as EVP & Head – Content

    By A Correspondent

     

    A+E Networks|TV18 has appointed Arun Thapar as Executive Vice President & Head- Content. The announcement was made by Avinash Kaul, Managing Director, A+E Networks | TV18 and President – Strategy, Product & Alliances – Network18 to whom Arun reports.

     

    Arun is responsible for driving the content strategy, creative and all programming-related objectives for the network: its flagship channel History TV18 and the recently launched FYI TV18.

     

    Avinash Kaul said: “Arun brings with him a rich experience in the factual and lifestyle entertainment space that makes him well suited to strategize content for our channels. He has thorough understanding of the culture and ground realities of content consumption in India as well as the Asia Pacific region, which I believe will go a long way in rendering a great experience to our audiences. We are in a period of transformation of broadcast content and I believe this to be the right time to re-invent and strengthen the offerings to the ever evolving audiences. With the launch of FYI TV18, we now have various niches to explore and together with History TV18, we aim to offer our audiences an unflinching television and digital experience.”

     

    Arun is an industry veteran with over twenty years of vast experience in production and programming across organisations like Discovery and NDTV. He has a proven track record in formulating program strategy to ensure disciplined execution.

     

  • CNN-IBN appoints Anuradha Mathu Agrawal as National Revenue Head

    Anuradha Mathu Agrawal

    By A Correspondent

     

    CNN-IBN has announced the appointment of Anuradha Mathu Agrawal as National Revenue Head. In this role, Anuradha will be responsible for the overall sales and revenue generation of the channel. She will work closely on creating new revenue streams and opportunities to drive growth and further consolidate the channel’s leadership position.

     

    Anuradha comes with 17 years of experience in sales, strategy and senior leadership and has worked with renowned television channels and publication houses. She started her career with The Times of India and has subsequently worked with India Today, Star India, NDTV and Turner India. Anuradha also has an entrepreneurial stint to her credit wherein she co-founded a real estate brokerage and advisory firm.

     

    Avinash Kaul

    Speaking on Anuradha’s appointment, Avinash Kaul, CEO – IBN Network, said, “Anuradha comes with rich experience across multiple media brands. We are confident given her background that Anuradha will play a stellar leadership role in breaking new ground as we embark upon the next phase of growth.”

     

  • Avinash Kaul appointed President of A+E Networks|TV18

    By A Correspondent

     

    Avinash Kaul

    AETN18 board of directors have appointed Avinash Kaul as President of A+E Networks|TV18. Kaul will be responsible for the day-to-day operational, strategic and financial management of the joint-venture. The role will be in addition to his responsibility as CEO of IBN Network.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, AP Parigi, Group CEO, Network18 said, “As A+E Networks | TV18 enters a new phase of growth, I’m confident that Avinash is the right person to lead the company forward. He has a proven ability to create strategic clarity, ensure disciplined execution, and deliver results. We believe that his passion for innovation will help ensure that the venture will continue its stellar growth trajectory.”

     

    Sean Cohan, Executive Vice President, International, A+E Networks added, “Avinash brings vast media expertise, foresight and knowledge of the Indian market to the venture. Under his leadership, we are well-positioned to realize our shared vision of strong and vibrant entertainment services in India.”

     

    With a career spanning over 16 years, Kaul has rich experience in a variety of roles in sales, marketing and general management across genres like News and Entertainment, Movie and Lifestyle in India. Prior to this, Kaul held the position of CEO – TV Division of BCCL, managing Times Now, ET Now and zoOm. He has also worked in leadership and various capacities in networks like Star, NDTV Media and Discovery Networks, among others.

     

  • CNN-IBN announces 9th edition of Indian of the Year

    By A Correspondent

     

    The ninth edition of CNN-IBN Indian of the Year has been announced in India. Over the years, the awards platform has become one of the biggest and most credible in Indian media. The award salutes iconic Indians who have made a significant contribution to India in the present calendar year. Hindustan Times has been the Editorial partner of this initiative since its inception in 2006.

     

    The year 2014 has been a momentous year in the history of India and has given rise to a set of role models who have been true ambassadors of brand India. These luminaries who have contributed to strengthening the foundation of our society in their own way are chosen from six different categories: Politics, Sports, Entertainment, Business, Public Service and Global Indian. The winners will be felicitated at a glittering ceremony to be held at Taj Palace, New Delhi on 31 January, 2015.

     

    Instituted in 2006, ‘CNN-IBN Indian of the Year’ has been the benchmark for credibility and transparency for providing complete information about the process of nomination and selection of the final winners. The selection criteria adheres to a unique and transparent process which includes nominations from the Network18 editorial board, ratified by a Jury panel consisting of a select group of distinguished personalities.

     

    Avinash Kaul

    Avinash Kaul, CEO, IBN Network said, “We take immense pride in announcing the ninth edition of CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Awards. We have created a benchmark in lauding the most influential, deserving and dynamic Indians, over the years. The success of the award in the past has raised the bar for this initiative and we are looking forward to a great show this year again. Our exclusive integration on Facebook is an attempt to engage with the younger and technologically savvy viewers and encourage them to vote for their favourite nominee.”

     

  • News18 India announces entry into US market

    By A Correspondent

     

    TV18 Broadcast Limited has entered the US market with the launch of News18 India, a 24-hr television news channel designed to give global audiences a window into India. The channel went live on July 30th on Dishworld and Dish Network Channel 711. News18 India is already present in key South Asian diaspora markets that include the UK, Singapore, and the Middle East and is distributed by IndiaCast, a TV 18 & Viacom 18 company for monetizing its channels & content in India and Overseas.

     

    News18 India will be available to all viewers on the International base pack, English News pack and Hindi Mega pack, making it one of the most widely distributed Indian News channels in the US.

     

    News18 India is produced by the award-winning editorial team that runs TV18’s leading business and general news services in India that include CNN-IBN, CNBC-TV18, CNBC TV18 Prime HD, IBN7, CNBC-Awaaz & CNBC Bajar. News18 India will serve as the destination for definitive news & views from India including in depth analysis, business news and local weather reports. Through a power packed delivery format including bulletins, feature shows, interviews and a rich graphic interface, News18 India will be a one-stop destination for all the latest from the subcontinent.

     

    News18 India is a unique news channel offering a dynamic and customized blend of business and general news programming at times that suit the US audience ensuring greater relevance for the viewers in the region. In addition to News18 India, IndiaCast distributes the flagship general entertainment channel ‘Colors’, its sibling ‘Rishtey’, MTV India International and 6 ETV branded services in overseas markets.

     

    Commenting on News18 India’s US foray, Avinash Kaul, CEO, IBN News Networks said, “It gives me immense pleasure to expand our global footprint and to take the best of Indian News to every household outside of India. News18 India is a destination for definitive news for the Indian diaspora, a community of high achievers seeking Indian news & for ethnic conglomerates with business interests in India. At a time when the world is watching India, News18 India will serve as the world’s window into India.”

     

    Gaurav Gandhi, Group COO India Cast said, “After UK, Singapore and the Middle East, News18 India now launches in the United States. We are confident that News18 India, with a customised offering for the US market, will fill the void of a comprehensive business & general news service from India. This would be our 7th channel on the Dish network and with them we found a perfect partner to bring this channel to all viewers who want a window into India”

     

  • Times Now, Twitter partner for Election 2014

    By a correspondent

     

    Times Now and Twitter have announced their partnership for the 2014 General Elections being held across the country. The two would be creating dual, interactive content for both viewers and followers to be a part of t he conversation.

     

    For the general elections, Times Now and Twitter will introduce several innovative properties which give a real time, updated picture of public opinion. Times Now will leverage its substantial presence on Twitter to provide the audience with exclusive content created specifically for the platform. This will be in the form of infographics and videos, giving the followers a ringside view of election results with updates throughout the counting day.

     

    There will also be a live sentiment analysis of twitter feeds – and participation of viewers in the debate by inviting them to tweet video questions using the Vive app. This will be done by using the hashtag #IHaveAQuestion. This will enable viewers get an unprecedented opportunity to be a part of the political debate and add their voice to it.

     

    This will be boosted by access to exclusive real-time data from twitter which will be presented to both TV viewers and social media followers in interesting formats – adding an entirely new perspective to the election coverage.

     

    The entire election coverage will use the hashtag #WhoWillFormGovt which will bring together opinion makers and influencers as well as common people on the platform.

     

    Avinash Kaul

    Avinash Kaul, CEO, ET Now, Times Now & Zoom said, “Times Now is one of the few TV channels in India which keeps social media at the heart of content and brand marketing. Content on social media platforms is fully integrated with our TV content and that has worked wonders for us. With this exclusive partnership with Twitter we would like to create a truly unique content proposition for our viewers as the country awaits the results of the largest elections the world has ever seen.”

     

    Commenting on the innovation, Rishi Jaitly, India Market Director, Twitter, said, “Twitter is the world’s leading mobile, real-time information network where users follow, share and experience content that is live, public and conversational. Only on Twitter can people connect with and express their sentiments on issues that will be debated and decisive during this election season. We are happy to see Times Now innovating on Twitter by using our platform extensively to share breaking news, tell inclusive, crowd-sourced stories and offer an interactive, exclusive second-screen content experience.”