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Tag: India Today Group

  • The fact that Aaj Tak was the No 1 TV channel across genres during coverage of the surgical strikes clearly establishes the preference of Aaj Tak during news of national importance, says Ashish Bagga, Group CEO, India Today Group

    Aaj Tak scores following ‘Surgical Strikes’

    By A Correspondent

     

    Leading Hindi news channel Aaj Tak has scored higher ratings than some key entertainment channels, as per information sourced from ratings body BARC made available. In the 10 days following the Surgical Strikes conducted by the Indian arm, Aaj Tak is ahead of  GECs like Star Plus, Colors, Zee TV and Sony as well as movie channels like Set Max , Zee Cinema and Star Gold in the period of September 29 to October 7 (Source: BARC, TG:- 15+ NCCS AB, HSM, Period:- 29th Sept’16-07th Oct’16, Cume Cov’000).

     

    Ashish Bagga

    Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Ashish Bagga, Group CEO – India Today Group said “The leadership of Aaj Tak is unrivalled in the news genre for the last 15 years. The fact that Aaj Tak was the No.1 TV channel across genres during coverage of the surgical strikes clearly establishes the preference of Aaj Tak during news of national importance. This leadership is based on the trust that Aaj Tak has built consistently over the years amongst the viewers by staying true to the promise of being Sabse Tez”.

     

  • Only News Channel ahead of Zee Anmol, Star Utsav, Rishtey and Sony Sab

    Aaj Tak overtakes major GECs with record coverage of over 136mn

    By A Correspondent

     

    Aaj Tak emerged a winner last week by being the only Hindi news channel to reach 136 million coverage (Source – BARC, TG: 4+, All India, Wk 31’16, Cov’000). This record is remarkable because it is not just ahead of the other trailing news channels, but is also the only news channel that is ahead of GECs like Zee Anmol, Star Utsav, Rishtey and Sony Sab.

     

    Ashish Bagga

    Speaking on the viewership record, Mr. Ashish Bagga, Group CEO – India Today Group said, “Aaj Tak has been defining the News genre in India for over 15 years and has consistently led as the No.1 Hindi News Channel. This milestone is just one among the many records that the channel continues to break. The focus on the viewer and the philosophy of staying true to the promise of ‘Sabse Tez’ has always kept Aaj Tak in pole position ”.

     

    Aaj Tak led through the week across all major news events especially in the story around collapse of the bridge on Mumbai Goa highway and continuing coverage of the Bulandshahr gang rape incident.

     

  • In his previous Role as a Group Business Head, Manoj managed YOY growth despite difficult macro conditions

    India Today Group elevates Manoj Sharma to Publishing Director, LMIL

    By A Correspondent

     

    In a recent change at the leadership level in The India Today Group, Manoj Sharma- Group Business Head, India Today Group has been elevated to the role of Publishing Director, LMIL – India Today Group. In his new role, he will be responsible for addressing revenue maximizations, driving cost efficiencies and building brand salience and flagship magazine brands India Today English, India Today Hindi, India Today Supplements, Business Today, Robb Report, Auto Today and Reader’s Digest will be under his purview.

     

    Manoj, an industry veteran, carries 25 plus years of rich experience in Sales, Marketing, Distribution and overall Business Management of Multimedia Platforms like Newspapers, Magazines, TV & Digital Platforms.

     

    In his previous Role as a Group Business Head, Manoj managed YOY growth despite difficult macro conditions and created new revenue streams for India Today on a sustainable basis.

     

  • This is the fourth edition of the prestigious awards held at Kolkata

    ‘So Sorry’ makes jurors happy at the 4thKolkata Shorts International Film Festival

    By A Correspondent

     

    The well acclaimed ‘So Sorry’ series of politoons from the India Today Group has won the Jury Award for Best Animation at the 4thKolkata Shorts International Film Festival. This is the fourth edition of the prestigious awards held at Kolkata. Eminent jury members led by acclaimed national and international stalwarts in film making selected the winners from over 400 entries from 35 countries. The inventiveness of the So Sorry series lies in the fact that it needs no words. The capsules of the animation series are live across TV, Internet and mobile and have already created a massive following.

     

    Ashish Bagga

    Speaking on the award, Ashish Bagga, Group CEO – India Today Group said, “This award strengthens our belief in innovation, which is at the core of the India Today Group programming. Humour and wit in the So Sorry series is used effectively to reflect the public sentiment on the current political drama in the nation. I would once again like to congratulate the team for coming up with such a superior product that is yet to find any competition.”

     

    The ‘So Sorry’ series has already won wide acclaim by winning top honours at other Industry events including at The BCS Ratna Award 2015 for Best Politoon Series‎ ‎for the 2nd Consecutive Year, FICCI Best Animated Frames Awards 2015 for Show of the Year and for Best Animation, Gold at the 5th Asian Digital Media Awards 2014 for Best Online Videos, Indian Television Academy Awards 2014 for Best interstitial filler, Delhi CG Animation Award for Best Animated TV Show 2014 and FICCI BAF Award 2014 for Best Animation.

     

  • In this edition of Coffee & Conversations, Rahul Kishore meets up with Ashish Bagga, Chief Executive Officer, India Today group

    Coffee & Conversations with Rahul Kishore: Week #6: Ashish Bagga

    By Rahul Kishore

     

    Ashish Bagga is a difficult person to meet. Since he runs a large media corp as CEO of the India Today group, it’s very important for him to budget his time.After trailing him for almost two weeks, I had a cup of coffee with him. He always has been razor-sharp, with a keen sense of humour and rumour and laughs loudly. I began by asking him

     

    Do you consider yourself lucky?

    Indeed, I do! Luck has played a large role in my life but I have worked very hard to get where I am.

     

    Beliefs that define you?

    Behind every threat is an opportunity. While nothing succeeds like success, lessons arising out of failure are equally important. It is imperative to enjoy and learn from the journey of life! He lives by this and I think I agree with him

     

    How do you destress?

    By riding a Harley!

     

    What’s your dream job?

    Being the world’s top media honcho. Who knows he might get there

     

    If there was a movie made on you who would you like to play you and why?

    Aamir Khan. Because Aamir is an extremely talented and versatile actor and is at the top of his craft. Comes across as genuine, warm, approachable and humane. I relate very well to his value system and ideology.

     

    Your fav CEO?

    Richard Branson he says with a twinkle in his eye and a smile that hides something

     

    If Bill Gates walked in and gave you a 100 million for one big idea. What would it be?

    Contextual mobile commerce is the future and he has some ideas he would like to implement there

     

    Your fav animal?

    Bruno, our Golden Retriever

     

    One word that describes you?

    Go-getter…that he is!

     

    Who would you like to be reborn as?

    Marc Zuckerberg for what he has done.

     

  • The event organized by WAN-IFRA had participation by media companies from over 30 countries

    So Sorry series bags Gold at the 5th Asian Digital Media Awards 2014

    By A Correspondent

     

    The India Today Group’s pioneering animated ‘So Sorry’ series of politoons added one more feather to the cap by winning the Gold for Best Online Videos at the 5th Asian Digital Media Awards 2014 held in Singapore. The event organized by the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) had participation by media companies from over 30 countries.

     

    The prestigious awards are recognition of outstanding work in the fields of news website, online video, data visualization, multimedia campaign, mobile services, tablet publishing, reader engagement and outstanding new product in Asia.

     

    Speaking on the award, Ashish Bagga, Group CEO– India Today Group said, “The So Sorry series stands out not just for the cutting edge animation but also for the humour and simplicity with which it mirrors the present day developments in Indian politics. I congratulate the entire team for adding one more award to their ever expanding tally.”

     

    ‘So Sorry’ is a an informal entertainment and graphically cutting edge show that is a lighter reflection of the Great Indian Political Tamasha which has been running through the television channels, digital, web and mobile platforms of the India Today Group. This one of its kind, political Satire on Television uses humour and wit to reflect on the political landscape, making it relatable to the common man.

     

  • The event brings together a historic panel of 7 World Cup Champions on 1 platform

    Aaj Tak to host Salaam Cricket

    By A Correspondent

     

    Aaj Tak seeks to celebrate cricket by hosting the show Salaam Cricket. As the countdown to the World Cup 2015 begins, 7 World champions and 14 Captains will converge on one stage to usher in the battleground 2015.

     

    Speaking of the event, Supriya Prasad – Managing Editor – Aaj Tak said, “Aaj Tak will bring together the greatest legends of the game in this definitive event. The inspiring discussions and expert opinions from the stalwarts will surely have the cricket viewers asking for more.”

     

    Ashish Bagga, Group CEO – India Today Group added, “The India Today Group is a leader in the space for creating benchmark News Events. Salaam Cricket with its inspiring line-up of legends on one platform is an Industry first that is a reflection of Aajtak’s commitment to being Sabse Tez.”

     

    The World Cup winning captains who will be part of the daylong event are – Clive Lloyd, 1975 & 1979 Champion, Kapil Dev, 1983 Champion, Allan Border, 1987 Champion, Imran Khan,  1992 Champion, Arjuna Ranatunga,  1996 Champion, Steve Waugh, 1999 Champion, Ricky Ponting, 2003 & 2007 Champion. The greatest Indian Captains including Sinil Gavaskar, Saurav Ganguly, Bishen Singh Bedi, Mohammed Azharuddin and Ajay Jadeja will also be part of the event. Key members of the Indian World Cup winning squad including Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla and Ashish Nehra will be among the many superstars who will take centre stage.

     

    The day will start with session – “Winning the World Cup – Start of a Revolution” by world cup winning captains- Kapil Dev & Clive Lloyd. This will be followed by the session “Thunder Down Under” addressed by the former Australian World Cup Winning Captains- Allan Border, Steve Waugh and Ricking Ponting. The next session will have Yuvraj Singh sharing his thoughts in – Story of a Winner.

     

    Emotions will run high around the session- India V/s Pak which will witness former Indian and Pakistan captains like- Sourav Ganguly, Kapil Dev, Mohammad Azharuddin, Ajay Jadeja, Inzmam-Ul-Haq & Aamer Sohail discussing the excitement and the high expectations when the two cricketing rivals go on to play.

     

    The day will close with the World Cup winning captains sharing the stage in the “Seven Wonders: All WC Winning Captains on One Platform”. The session will have Clive Lloyd, Kapil Dev, Allan Border, Imran Khan, Arjuna Ranatunga, Steve Waugh & Ricky Ponting sharing their views.

     

  • The India Today group has announced the appointment of senior journalist and founder and editor-in-chief of IBN18 Network Rajdeep Sardesai as Consulting Editor

    From Yesterday: Rajdeep Sardesai joins India Today group as Consulting Editor

    By A Correspondent

     

    Rajdeep Sardesai

    It’s now final. After many rumours doing the rounds including one where he was to join NewsX, we have now received a mail from the India Today group announcing the appointment of senior journalist and founder and editor-in-chief of IBN18 Network Rajdeep Sardesai as Consulting Editor.

     

    Welcoming him to the group, India Today group Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Aroon Purie said, “Rajdeep has been an asset to whichever team he has belonged to, including the cricketing ones. Great to have him with us. I know he will hit the ball out of the park for Team India Today.”

     

    Mr Sardesai started his television career in 1994 and was a founding member of NDTV and, subsequently, CNN-IBN. Prior to television, he worked with The Times of India for six years and was the City Editor of its Mumbai edition. He served as the Editor-in-Chief of IBN18 Network, including CNN-IBN, IBN-7 and IBN-Lokmat for the last nine years. He has just finished his first book based on the historic 2014 elections. Mr Sardesai has won several national and international awards for journalism, including the Padma Shri in 2008. He has also been President of the Editors Guild of India and was chosen a Global leader for tomorrow by the World Economic Forum in 2000.

     

  • Several leading business groups now have investments in domestic media corporations and more are keen to get a foothold, making this an interesting opportunity

    Kumar Mangalam Birla may sell minority stake in India Today group

    By Arijit Barman & Arun Kumar

     

    Two years after making a personal investment in the Aroon Purie-controlled Living Media India – widely known as the India Today Group – for a minority stake, Kumar Mangalam Birla may be planning to cash out. Multiple sources aware of the development said Birla, the chairman of the diversified Aditya Birla Group, has roped in Bank of America Merrill Lynch to help him find a buyer for his minority stake.

     

    In May 2012 Mr Birla picked up a 27.5 stake in the New Delhi headquartered company that straddles the entire media chain, from television to magazines and a tabloid. Living Media Ltd is the holding company and also owns 57.2 per cent in TV Today Network – a listed company that controls the group’s broadcasting assets such as Aaj Tak and Headlines Today – besides the publishing ventures, including flagship India Today.

     

    As per the 2012 agreement, Mr Birla’s holdings were not frozen but were linked to certain financial milestones that the group had to achieve. Currently, the sources cited earlier said, Mr Birla owns a larger equity stake, believed to be around 34-35%. They add that discussions with both strategic and financial investors like private equity funds have been ongoing for a while now. Several leading business groups now have investments in domestic media corporations and more are keen to get a foothold, making this an interesting opportunity.

     

    The option of selling the stake back to the Purie family is also a possibility. Neither Mr Birla nor the India Today Group have ever disclosed the quantum of investment. While some say so far Mr Birla has pumped in Rs 700 crore, others speculate that the amount is half that, around Rs 350-Rs 400 crore. A Birla Group spokeswoman refused comment on what she termed as “market speculation”. The Bank of America Merrill Lynch spokesperson also declined comment.

     

    Even though Mr Birla’s decision has come as a surprise to many, people familiar with his thinking say Mr Birla feels that the government might impose restrictions on media ownership by corporate houses. “Owning media assets can be a double edged sword for corporates.

     

    Governments or political parties can misconstrue the strategic intent of the investment and any criticism or critical coverage can get the corporate owner in trouble. So even if a corporate gets into it, in most cases it would be either through indirect ownerships or personal investments as they would want to derisk the main businesses,” said a person familiar with the thinking behind Mr Birla’s investment. He spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. “It was always a personal investment and there was no business angle to it. There was never any interference into editorial matters or with the management,” added another person, aware of Mr Birla’s investment philosophy with regard to Media.

     

    Mr Purie’s publishing empire, controlled through Living Media, also includes Business Today, a business magazine, and a clutch of licensed magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping, Men’s Health, Harper’s Bazaar, Travel Plus and Harvard Business Review, among others. It also has a joint venture with German media house, Axel Springer AG, for an auto magazine and an online shopping portal: Bag it today. Additionally, a joint venture with UK-based Daily Mail brings out the tabloid Mail Today.

     

    TV Today has four news channels – Headlines Today, Aaj Tak, Tez and Delhi Aaj Tak – and radio stations under the brand Oye FM. In the June FY14 quarter, TV Today posted a profit of Rs 32.7crore on revenue of Rs 137 crore. It’s current market capitalisation is Rs 908.7 crore.

     

    Interestingly, the Anil Ambani controlled Reliance Capital has been selling down its 7 year old exposure in TV Today.

     

    From a peak equity holding of 14.9%, it has slowly reduced its stake, the latest such sale being in the first week of this month, when it offloaded nearly 4,80,000 shares for Rs 7.38 crore in the open market. With this, R-Cap’s stake in the company has fallen to five per cent.

     

    Source:The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2014, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

    Licensed to republish

     

  • The theme of this edition of the signature annual event, which will host some of the finest minds of the world, is 'Winning'

    Delegates to get ‘Winning’ insights at 13th India Today Conclave

    By a correspondent

     

    India Today Group has announced the 13th edition of its annual global idea platform India Today Conclave, on March 7 and 8 in New Delhi.

     

    The theme of this edition of the signature annual event, which will host some of the finest minds of the world, is ‘Winning’.

     

    The Conclave will bring together a host of winners from all walks of life, including futurists, inspirational thought leaders, economists, authors, matinee icons, artists and politicians, to chart a bold new future through free and frank exchange of ideas.

     

    Among the prominent speakers this year are Robot Master Prof Henrik Schärfe, who has creates an alter Scharfe – a robot Geminoid-DK modelled in his likeness. He will be joined by Laughter Therapist Maysoon Zayid, who will have you laughing till you cry and crying till you laugh.

     

    The Conclave will be a one-stop idea shop with thinkers and authors, including Adrian Levy, Jack Sim, Ahmed Rashid, Arvind Panagariya. Aatish Taseer and Kamila Shamsie will exchange letters written from across the Indo-Pak border, especially for the Conclave.

     

    India’s political future will be deliberated by speakers from across parties, including Anand Sharma, Shashi Tharoor, Arvind Kejriwal, Digvijaya Singh, Amit Shah, Jairam Ramesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Arun Shourie, Vasundhara Raje, Kapil Sibal, Omar Abdullah and Akhilesh Yadav.

     

    The other attractions will include the discussions around entertainment and evolution of Indian cinema with flavours from Bollywood, including cross-generational evergreen icon Amitabh Bachchan, Blockbuster Express Deepika Padukone, new age sensation Ranveer Singh and the iron butterfly Kalki Koechlin.

     

  • The English monthly magazine will be priced at Rs 150 and will be edited by Jamal Sheikh

    India Today group launches Discovery Channel Magazine

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Discovery Channel network has expanded its portfolio in India beyond television with the launch of Discovery Channel Magazine in association with the India Today group, who will be the publishers of the magazine in India.

     

    A three-time winner at the globally acclaimed Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) Awards for Editorial Excellence, Discovery Channel Magazine will cover a wide spectrum of engaging stories from India and around the world. Jamal Shaikh, who also edits a few other magazines from the India Today group, has been appointed Editor. The editorial board for the magazine in India from Discovery includes Rahul Johri and Rajiv Bakshi.

     

    Rahul Johri

    Said Rahul Johri, SVP and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific: “The launch of Discovery Channel Magazine is a natural extension of our strategy to inform and entertain consumers with compelling content across platforms. We are delighted to partner with the India Today Group and are confident that we will be able to combine our strengths to satisfy the aspirational consumers. An insightful read on a wide range of subjects, the magazine will stand out for its energetic and exciting layout, distinct content and mesmerizing photographs.”

     

    Ashish Bagga, Group CEO, The India Today Group, added, “Discovery Channel Magazine will encompass the DNA of Discovery’s channels into a more in-depth look that only print medium can offer. It will also add a new dimension to the diverse portfolio of magazines already published by The India Today Group.”

     

    A monthly magazine in English, it will be available for sale on newsstands and leading book stores around the country at a cover price of Rs 150.  The magazine is available in other Asian markets like Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Australia, Hong Kong, Macau and New Zealand.

     

  • The conclave kickstarted with a chat session with Ajit Tendulkar, Sachin's brother

    Galaxy of stars at India Today group’s Salaam Sachin Conclave

    By A Correspondent

     

    The LAVA Salaam Sachin India Today Conclave organised by the India Today group was held with much fanfare in Mumbai on Tuesday (November 12). The opening session saw Sachin Tendulkar’s brother Ajit share insights on the master blaster’s life and career. The session was conducted by Boria Majumdar who is now Consulting Editor with the India Today group. Ajit reflected on life after November 18 when Sachin will quit the game.

     

    “One thing after 18th November Sachin won’t be wearing I ndia cap again. It will be a big change for him. He has been wearing that India cap for last 24 yrs. He always stepped on the field and people expected to score him 100 always. Pressure is not going to be there further. He can eat as many butter chicken as he wants with no further media scrutiny.” Ajit said

     

    The day saw a galaxy of cricketing stars – Sachin’s seniors like Sunil Gavaskar and contemporaries like Brian Lara in attendance.