MxMIndia

Tag: Barun Das

  • Will cover topics such as 'Ayodhya', 'Brahmin Vote', 'Caste Calculus and OBC Votebank'

    TV9 Bharatvarsh to host conclave on election issues

    By Our Staff

     

    With less than six months to go before Uttar Pradesh holds its state elections, TV9 Bharatvarsh is hosting its conclave ‘Satta Sammelan – Uttar Pradesh’ in Lucknow today (Oct 4). As part of this day-long session, top leaders from both ruling and opposition parties will throw light on key poll issues.

     

    Speaking about the Conclave, Barun Das, CEO, TV9 News Network said: “UP, which goes to polls early next year, holds a distinct status in the Indian polity given its primacy in deciding the outcome of general elections. As the No. 1 news network of the country, we will ensure that our 40 crore weekly TV viewers and digital audiences across the length and breadth of our country, get the most insightful and exhaustive coverage of this important event. Our first pre-election Summit – ‘TV9 Bharatvarsh Satta Sammelan’ will offer an unrivalled perspective through engaging formats and exclusive one-on-one chats with leaders championing the most diverse political principles.”

     

     

  • The Board apprised the minister on key issues facing the news industry, the recent growth and trends in the news broadcasting sector and the challenges facing the news broadcasting industry in recent times

    NBF Board also meets new I&B Minister, makes case for resumption of ratings

    By Our Staff

     

    News Broadcasters Federation’s governing board members held a meeting with Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday.  The Board apprised the minister on key issues facing the news industry, the recent growth and trends in the news broadcasting sector and the challenges facing the news broadcasting industry in recent times.

     

    During the meeting, members of the NBF highlighted the need for the “immediate resumption of viewership ratings for the news genre, which have been unilaterally paused and has severely impacted the sustainability of  news channels”.

     

    Said Thakur, “It was a pleasure to meet and exchange views with the NBF governing board led by Mr Arnab Goswami. It was a productive exchange of views and I look forward to engaging with the NBF on issues regarding news broadcasting and the role of news broadcasting in strengthening our democracy.”

     

    Added Goswami: “The meeting of NBF members with the minister was a wonderful opportunity to apprise him about the steps we have taken to build India’s largest federation of news broadcasters. The minister has heard our views and concerns in detail and we look forward to working with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to make the news broadcasting sector even stronger.”

     

    Added Barun Das, CEO of News9 Network and Vice President of the NBF: “It was a pleasure to be a part of the NBF delegation to meet the honourable minister of I&B. The highly competitive news TV genre certainly needs a level-playing field for new promising players both in the national arena and regional markets. We  felt extremely assured after our meeting today.” The TV9/News9 network is now back as an NBF member.

     

    Added Shankar Bala, CEO of Fourth Dimension and Vice President of the NBF after the meeting with the Minister: “Today’s meeting was really pathbreaking. It was a great opportunity to meet the minister. He was extremely cordial and he heard us patiently. Whatever the issues were, those were addressed. We have particularly stated that it is essential to release the viewership ratings for news channels, which were unilaterally stopped. The resumption of the publication of news ratings will ensure fair play and a measurement-driven competitive news industry. We have a lot of expectations after our talks.”

     

    And this is what Bhuyan Sarma, Managing Director of Pride East Entertainments said: “’It was a cordial meeting with Mr Anurag ji and it was a very positive meeting. As a team, NBF put forth the problems we tend to face and the ways in which we want to raise and address our concerns. At least, we can go forward and help regional industries survive, like ours. The minister gave us a patient hearing and we are very grateful to the ministry. We are now looking forward to the future and ways as to how we can progress together.”

     

    Said Kartikeya Sharma, Promoter of ITV Network and Vice-President of the NBF:  “It was a very positive meeting with the minister. The minister heard out all the matters raised by various members of the NBF. I would like to thank the ,inister for hearing the viewpoints of all news channels from across India and from regional channels as well.”

    The NBF delegation included Goswami, Das, Sanjive Narain, Founder/Managing Director of Prag News, Sarma, Sharma, Bala, Hemant Sharma, News Director of TV9 Bharatvarsh, Manoj Gairola, Editor-in-chief of News Nation, Mahendra Bhatla, Chairperson of MHOne, Divaakar S, Business Head of Newsfirst Kannada, R. Jai Krishna, Secretary-General of NBF and Eshita, Associate for Policy and Regulations of NBF.

     

  • Will sponsor Action Replay bug across all IPL matches and multiple feeds of Star Sports

    TV9 Network bags sponsorship of KKR, bets big on cricket

    By Our Staff

     

    TV9 Network has extended its partnership with Indian Premier League 2021 (IPL 2021) team Kolkata Knight Riders for the second consecutive year. The TV9 brand will be on the Kolkata team’s jersey starting April 9 and until May 30, when the final match will be played. Last year, TV9 Network had also sponsored Trinbago Knight Riders, KKR’s sister franchise in the Caribbean Premier League.

     

    In addition to KKR sponsorship, TV9 Network has signed a deal with Star Sports for sponsorship of the Action Replay Bug across all the IPL matches and multiple feeds of Star Sports. The Action Replay Bug will showcase logos of the network’s key channels, including TV9 Bharatvarsh, TV9 Telugu, TV9 Kannada, and TV9 Bangla. TV9 Bharatvarsh, the network’s Hindi news channel which made television history by catapulting itself to the top 3 position in record time, will also be taking spots on Star Sports during the two months of IPL.

     

    Barun Das
    Barun Das

    Speaking on the network’s aggressive growth plans, CEO Barun Das, said: “We became the biggest TV news network less than a year ago, and now it’s the turn of our digital business. To have grown at this dizzying pace feels great but, honestly, we have just begun. You can expect a series of globally benchmark-setting moves from the network in the months ahead.”

     

    Welcoming TV9’s return as a sponsor, Venky Mysore, CEO of KKR said: “TV9 is a perfect partner for KKR because it is a rapidly growing brand across television and digital, with a phenomenally strong regional footprint to boot. So, we are glad to have them on our jersey in IPL 2021 as well. The recent launch of the Bangla news channel, TV9 Bangla from the network is sure to add tremendous value to both our brands by building a connect with the spirit of Kolkata. We look forward to continuing this association for years to come”.

     

    TV9 Network is also the only news brand to leverage IPL 2021 on Star Sports with strategically deployed commercials, notes a company communique. Said Arshad Shawl, Director, Alliance Advertising & Marketing, the agency that facilitated the deal: “IPL provides the perfect platform for high visibility in the right frame of entertainment and sports. TV9 is already a formidable player in the TV News genre, coupled with fastest growing digital news platform in India in the recent months. The positive associations & reach from IPL will help TV9 increase the channel footprint nationally and respective regional feeds as a part of their envisaged growth trajectory.”

     

     

  • Senior journalist Deep Upadhyay is joining the leadership team of TV9 Network as it makes an aggressive foray into the content convergence space

    TV9 ropes in Deep Upadhyay for convergence play

    By Our Staff

     

    Deep Upadhyay
    Deep Upadhyay

    Deep Upadhyay has joined TV9  Network from News24 where he spent more than seven years as Managing Editor.

    Said Barun Das, CEO, TV9 Network: “Deep will be a key member of our aggressive convergence strategy. Content is never platform agnostic. Future form of news and content pertaining to current affairs is still evolving worldwide. At TV9 Network, we wish to be ahead of that evolution curve and that is where Deep, with his unique ability to understand news and how it needs to be served to evolving audiences, will fit the bill best.”

    As part of his immediate assignment, Upadhyay will be stationed in Kolkata where he will work with TV9 Bangla’s Deputy Managing Editor, Amritanshu Bhattacharya, to take the Network’s newest channel to leadership position.

     

     

  • This is the sixth language news channel from the network

    TV9 Bangla launch revs up WB news market

    By Our Staff

     

    TV9 Network launched TV9 Bangla, a 24×7 news channel beaming out of Kolkata, as promised a few months back. This is the sixth in the language news channels from the network.

    Commenting on the channel launch  TV9 Network CEO Barun Das said: “Inspired by its glorious past and distinct regional pride, West Bengal is finally getting ready to resurrect and revive. And TV9 Bangla is here to chronicle this new development narrative with neutrality and world class presentation. TV9 Network enjoys undisputed regional dominance in language differentiated markets and with Bangla we will extend our lead. We will be a game changer in this robust market.”

    Explaining the rationale behind the channel going with the “Prothom Thekei Prothomey’ pitch (meaning “a leader from birth”), Das said: “The word prothom signifies three broad elements – first it’s an allusion to our beloved state West Bengal. It’s an aspiration to see Bengal at the top of the charts again. Second, TV9 Network will further reinforce its position as the No. 1 news network with TV9 Bangla adding to its already substantial lead over competing networks. And third, we are vying for a lateral entry at No. 1 position in the West Bengal market.”

    On the timing of the launch, Das said: “The state is already into election mode. Given that Bengal’s propensity for free flow of information, news viewership is bound to peak. We believe this is a perfect opportunity for TV9 Bangla to establish its credentials and win the maximum share of voice.”

    Added TV9 Bangla Chief Revenue Officer Amit Tripathi: “We are proud to add another feather to our cap with TV9 Bangla. Thanks to our customer first approach and remarkable deliveries, we enjoy unstinted confidence of our advertisers which was further strengthened by the unprecedented success of TV9 Bharatvarsh. With the launch of TV9 Bangla, we look forward to providing our partners the best media solutions cutting across geographies and priority markets. We are delighted that our esteemed advertisers from all over the country have already given a thumbs up to our Bangla by committing their support for the channel from day one.”

    Said Gautam Sarkar, Business Head, TV9 Bangla: “We are super excited to launch TV9 Bangla from India’s No. 1 news network in Bengal. We have a very experienced, efficient and energetic team that is capable to bring forth this new chapter in the regional news broadcasting industry. Being unparalleled, indomitable and fearless, we promise to leave a lasting impression and be a trendsetter in the electronic and digital platforms. I am very confident that we will hit every TV screens of Bengal to be the No. 1 soon.”

    From the editorial perspective, Amritanshu Bhattacharya, Deputy Managing Editor and Editor-Digital, TV9 Bangla, said: “As we have embarked on this new journey, we shall create a milestone in the regional electronic media fraternity. We are proud to enter into ‘the land of Bengal tigers’ and roar loudest with the latest updates from every nook and corners of Bengal. Our team intends to bring the latest minute-to-minute news updates with correct facts and figures that shall thrive and make a top of the mind recall for the viewers both in the TV as well as digital.”

  • Unveils enhanced brand promise and a new look

    TV9 Marathi refreshes

    By Our Staff

     

    TV9 Marathi, the Marathi news channel from TV9 Network, has unveiled a new look and brand positioning – “Kaalji Tumchi Hith Maharashtrache” (Viewer’s Concern and In the interest of Maharashtra).

     

    The channel is celebrating its 12th anniversary in January 2021 and has evolved from a Mumbai-centric offering to pan-Maharashtra channel.

     

    Said Barun Das, CEO, TV9 Network: “Every business needs to repivot to align itself with the evolving consumer interest. TV9 Marathi, having emerged as the viewers’ choice in the state in the last 12 years, is all set to restage for the Marathi audience. The new brand promise is firmly rooted in the regional pride of Maharashtra and makes a compelling pitch for further progress of the state.”

     

    Added Umesh Kumavat, Editor-TV9 (Marathi): “We try to deliver every news which concerns Maharashtra & its viewers. We will cover every important aspect of news which includes both urban as well rural sector at breath taking speed without compromising its authenticity”.

     

    Said Bhushan Khot, Business Head- TV9 (Marathi): “The new brand positioning is very well aligned with the core philosophy of TV9 Network as a group. Being a part of India’s No.1 News Network, we have a responsibility of delivering news which is not only credible but also concerns with the people of Maharashtra. Be it political, social or day to day happenings, news which provides value to the viewers are at the core of our brand promise. The Brand Campaign, focuses on the new positioning & the programming, will have 360-degree marketing plan which includes TV, Digital, Outdoor, Print & Radio”.

     

  • That West Bengal is going to polls next year is obviously more than just a coincidence

    TV9 Network forays into Bangla

    By A Correspondent

     

    TV9 Network has embarked on am expansion plan for both its linear television as well as digital news businesses. The expansion plan will kick off with the launch of TV9 Bangla, a 24X7 news channel in the dynamic Bengal news market early next year. That West Bengal is going to polls next year is obviously more than just a coincidence

     

    Before the launch of TV9 Bangla, the network will unveil its digital offering, tv9bangla.com in December.

     

    Commenting on the Network’s foray into West Bengal, Barun Das, CEO, TV9 Network, said: “Gopal Krishna Gokhale had famously said  ‘What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow’. But nearly a century later it would seem like that statement applies more to Bengal’s past than the present. An intellectually progressive state and exporter of the best talent to India and the world, we believe the state and its people still retain the wisdom and wares to make that its future as well.  Bengalis are the typical Argumentative Indian, they want to keep her ear to the ground and hence are naturally drawn to news. More importantly, Bengalis are proud of their language and largely consume news in their language. The discerning Bengali viewer will always have room for a neutral perspective and a balanced opinion. That’s the place in the Bengali heart and mind that TV9 Bangla aspires to occupy. We are here to strike the right balance with neutrality and a fair perspective forming the core of our operations. Our unbiased coverage and world class presentation will give teeth to the Fourth Estate in West Bengal.”

     

    On the timing of the launch, Das said: “The state is already into election mode. Indirect canvassing has already started and the heat is building up. Given Bengal’s propensity for free flow of information, news viewership is bound to peak. We believe this is a perfect opportunity for TV9 Bangla to establish its credentials and win the maximum share of viewership and voice.”

     

    The network has onboarded veteran journalist Anjan Bandyopadhyay as the editor of TV9 Bangla news channel. He was the editor of Zee 24 Ghanta and his last assignment was with ABP as its Editor-Digital. Hiring for both platforms is in full swing.  Amritanshu Bhattacharya has also joined as the Editor, TV9 Bengali Digital and will also serve as Managing Editor, Output, for the television channel. His last assignment was as an Associate Editor and Head of Digital of Zee 24 Ghanta.

     

    It may be remembered that not too long ago, Das had made a success of Zee 24 Ghanta. Watch this space as he takes on his former channel.

     

     

  • The next annual appraisal will happen in March 2021

    Covid-led downturn notwithstanding, TV9 announces increments wef April 2020

    By A Correspondent

     

    The TV9 network has announced an increment with retrospective effect from April 2020.

     

    Barun Das

    Announcing this to the team, CEO Barun Das said: “Covid-19 has taken unprecedented toll on both human lives and the global economy. Media hasn’t been immune to the ravages of the pandemic, with even the biggest media companies cutting salaries and laying off employees. I am proud to say that at TV9 network we never allowed that to happen, despite the pressures,” adding: “We are announcing flat percentage increase , based on salary slabs,  because we didn’t believe it was prudent to differentiate, given that all of us have worked as one…”

     

    The arrears will be released before Diwali – which is this week, Das informed, and said that the next annual appraisal will happen in March 2021.

     

     

  • Khar last served as Editor (Special Projects) at the Network 18 Group

    TV9 enters business content vertical, appoints Rakesh Khar as Editor & Business Head

    By A Correspondent

     

    Rakesh Khar

    TV9 Network has appointed Rakesh Khar to set up and lead the business content vertical of its upcoming digital offerings.

     

    Having served the newsroom in a leadership role for over two decades, Khar last served as Editor (Special Projects) at the Network 18 Group, driving campaigns and special initiatives across its media assets. Khar earlier worked with India’s top news brands that include The Economic Times, Television Eighteen, Zee News, DNA and Deccan Chronicle. He also serves on the Executive Council of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC).

     

    Commenting on Khar’s appointment, Barun Das, CEO, TV9 Network, said: “As the digital landscape evolves at a breakneck pace, we are coming up with multiple offerings cutting across various geographies, languages and catering to myriad consumer interest areas. Cutting edge technology will be at the core of our digital expansion plans and one can expect some industry-first products. Rakesh Khar joins us to lead one of the critical verticals.”

     

    On his assignment, Khar said: “I am looking forward to being part of the TV9 family as it embraces new benchmarks. The digital architecture has enabled both access and empowerment and time is ripe to bring into the ambit of financialization each and every citizen irrespective of the size of his or her savings. We are here to enable this shift at the grassroots level.”

     

    Welcoming Khar, B V Rao, Group Editor, TV9 Network, said: “The mainstream business media is traditionally focused on select top conglomerates and there is an urgent need to reflect the aspirations of other enterprises. Given our strong penetration in language markets, it is time to tell the economy story from a pan-India perspective. Our digital offerings will be the most credible vehicle to beam success stories while offering investors an opportunity to draw the right dividends from their investments.”

     

     

  • NBA and TV9 have agreed to set their differences aside and not to pursue the matter legally

    TV9 Network back in NBA

    By A Correspondent

     

    News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has announced that it’s glad to have Associated Broadcasting Co. Pvt. Ltd, that’s the TV9 Network back in its membership.

     

    Notes a communique: “There has been discourse in the public domain regarding the differences between NBA and TV9 Bharatvarsh. After discussing the matter mutually, NBA and TV9 have agreed to set their differences aside and not to pursue the matter legally. We look forward to working together with all the members in addressing the larger issues facing the news broadcasting industry.”

     

    Said TV9 CEO Barun Das: “TV9 Network is delighted to return to NBA. As one of its founding members, I have proudly witnessed the long strides the NBA has taken in the rough terrain of self-regulation and in furthering the interests of the industry. I look forward to working with all our peers in these testing times.”

     

     

  • TV9 Bharatvarsh picks up key sponsorship of Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL 2020) and Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL 2020)

    TV9 bets big on cricket by sponsoring IPL & CPL teams

    By A Correspondent

     

    TV9 Network is betting big on cricket, with TV9 Bharatvarsh, the Hindi news channel from the network, picking up key sponsorship in Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) and in Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) franchisee owned by Kolkata Knight Riders.

     

    TV9 Bharatvarsh will be the Lead Arm Sponsor of KKR and the Upper Chest Sponsor of TKR. With these sponsorships, TV9 Bharatvarsh is set to bat on a new pitch as the channel races towards the final frontier in the Hindi news genre.

     

    Speaking on the association, Barun Das, CEO, TV9 Network said, “Cricket is not just a sport in India. It’s a religion. That’s why the TV9 Network, India’s largest news network, has partnered with one of the most exciting teams, Kolkata Knight Riders, for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL). With this tie up, we intend to offer exclusive IPL experience to our viewers. The meteoric rise of our national Hindi news channel TV9 Bharatvarsh to the No. 2 position is proof that viewers value innovation in their daily news experience”.

     

    Added Venky Mysore, CEO and MD, Knight Riders: “We are very excited to partner with TV9 Bharatvarsh. We hope this partnership will emerge to be a game changer for both TV9 Bharatvarsh and our teams, as we provide a platform to reach out to cricket lovers, while TV9 Bharatvarsh brings their content and news expertise”.

     

    CPL, which commenced on August 18, will conclude on September 10 in Trinidad and features three-time champions Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) and five other teams. IPL, as we know, is scheduled to start on September 19 in the UAE and conclude on Nov 10, 2020, featuring two-time champion KKR and seven other teams.

     

     

  • In the fifth episode of the MxM Live Leadership Series, TV9 CEO Barun Das speaks on how it’s incorrect to make allegations on rigging ratings

    MxM Live: TV9 CEO Barun Das responds to naysayers

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    Over the last few weeks, there have been rumblings in the news broadcast world given the sudden rise of Hindi news channel of TV9 Bharatvarsh. The network’s CEO Barun Das spoke with Pradyuman Maheshwari, Editor-in-Chief, MxMIndia on specific allegations levelled by rivals.

     

    Watch the video for more

     

    Das is an alumnus of IIT Madras, IIM Calcutta and the London School of Economics and has over 25 years of experience in the media sector, both in India and abroad.

     

    His last corporate assignment was with Zee News Ltd (now Zee Media Corporation Ltd) as its CEO where he held that position for five years. Prior to this, he held leadership positions at MCCS (now ABP Network), the India Today Group, ABP etc. He has worked as Head of International Business at Astro All Asia, Networks Plc. Kuala Lumpur. After his stint in Zee, Das turned an entrepreneur and build his start up focusing on the convergence of technology, content and healthcare.