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Tag: Mahesh Shetty

  • Licensed Garfield products will be available across leading online and offline retail outlets

    Viacom18 brings Garfield merchandise to India

    By Our Staff

     

    Viacom18 Consumer Products and Nickelodeon are all set to introduce an exclusive range of Garfield merchandise to India. As a part of the collaboration, officially licensed Garfield merchandise will be available across leading online and offline retail outlets.

     

    Commenting on the launch of an exclusive range of Garfield merchandise across categories, Mahesh Shetty, Head-Network Sales, Viacom18, said: “At Viacom18 Consumer Products, we have endeavoured to constantly expand our reach and build a portfolio of iconic characters and become the one-stop destination across multiple touchpoints for the fans in India. Garfield is an iconic and relatable character in the animation ecosystem for both kids and adults. The character’s quirky and honest appeal is unlike any other. Starting from a comic strip, Garfield has grown to become a globally sensational character. With the addition of Garfield to our products portfolio, we aim to get one step closer in our endeavour to provide our viewers with an opportunity to connect with their most-loved characters beyond screens.”

     

    Added Mark Kingston, Senior Vice President, International Licensing, ViacomCBS Consumer Products: “At ViacomCBS Consumer Products, we aim to provide vital support to our consumers who have been trying to navigate through the unprecedented situation of the pandemic. As families are adjusting to the new normal, our team has been at the forefront to translate ‘content watched to products purchased’. With the launch of Garfield merchandise in India, we aim to bring truly unique products to the market that fans will enjoy and appreciate.”

     

  • To launch an exclusive range of the children’s song Baby Shark merchandise

    Viacom18 Consumer collaborates with Pinkfong

    By Our Staff

     

    Viacom18 Consumer Products has inked a deal with Pinkfong, a South Korean entertainment company, credited with recording popular children’s rhyme,  Baby Shark

     

    Commenting on the launch of the exclusive Baby Shark merchandise, Mahesh Shetty, Head-Network Sales, Viacom18, said: “At Viacom18 Consumer Products, we have been expanding our reach to build a relationship with consumers across multiple touch-points and act as a catalyst to create fandom for iconic characters.  Kids across the globe adore Baby Shark, thereby making it a global phenomenon. The addition of Baby Shark to our growing portfolio will further consolidate our position as a leader in the kids category and add depth to our wide consumer products portfolio for kids as we aim to provide our young viewers with an opportunity to interact with their most-adored character beyond television screens.”

     

  • Will be responsible for leading branded content and solutions

    Vivek Sharma to head branded content at Viacom18

    By Our Staff

     

    Vivek Mohan Sharma
    Vivek Mohan Sharma

    Viacom18 has announced the appointment of Vivek Mohan Sharma as Head of Branded Content, Viacom18. Sharma will be reporting to Mahesh Shetty, Head – Network Sales, Viacom18.

     

    He will be responsible for leading branded content and solutions at the network level. Individually, he will be responsible for driving branded solutions for Viacom18’s Hindi Mass Entertainment, Regional Entertainment and Kids TV clusters leveraging its broadcast and social reach. In addition to this, he will also work with existing teams at Youth, Music and English Entertainment as well as the network’s digital play Voot to bring in synergies and dial up advertiser funded content-driven growth.

     

    Mahesh Shetty
    Mahesh Shetty

    Welcoming Sharma to the team, Mahesh Shetty, Head- Network Sales, Viacom18, said, “We are living in a world full of too many choices which however have increasingly minimal differentiation amongst them. Branded content has the potential to bring forth this differentiation and connect with audiences in a more engaging and emotional capacity. With his versatile experience in leadership roles across industries, Vivek is best poised to bring collaborations across our brand offerings and create unique propositions for our clients that are relevant and result-oriented.”

     

    Added Sharma: “Brands today are looking at creating moments and mindshare that stays with the audience for long. Branded content acts as the bridge, bringing in solutions that truly connect the brand with its consumers in an engaging and effective manner. I look forward to drive value, innovation and overall growth in my new role at Viacom18.”

     

  • Partners with Hasbro India for the Play-Doh Cans of Kindness campaign to impact over 1000 children across India

    Save the Children names Peppa Pig as Child Ambassador

    By A Correspondent

     

    Save the Children, a leading child rights organisation, has announced Peppa Pig as its Child Ambassador to promote the importance of leisure time. The popular character amongst kids, is represented by Viacom18 as its official merchandising and licensing partner.

     

    Speaking on the criticality of quality leisure time for children in the current context, Sudarshan Suchi, CEO, Save the Children said, “Play is essential for children as it helps in developing their imagination, dexterity, physical, cognitive and emotion strength. It allows children to conquer their fears and master the world. Undirected play allows children to learn social behaviours, to share, to negotiate and to resolve conflicts. More than anything, play allows a child to experience happiness and joy, which is a fundamental building block to any other right.”

     

    Added Mahesh Shetty, Head-Network Sales, Viacom18: “While the perils of the pandemic continue to exist, Right to Play is pertinent, especially in today’s times where kids continue to stay confined and are unable to engage, interact with the world around them. We are extremely delighted that Peppa has been chosen by Save The Children to be the Child Ambassador to promote Right to Play. We believe that Peppa has a strong influence on the minds of young kids and will play a key role in changing mindsets and reinforcing the value of play. Since 2016, Viacom18 has created a strong ecosystem for Peppa Pig with forays into broadcast, digital, merchandise and events. We look forward to partnering with eOne and Save The Children on the exciting initiatives planned in the coming months.”

     

     

  • Mahesh Shetty, Head of Network Sales at Viacom18, in conversation with Pradyuman Maheshwari

    Achche Din for Viacom18’s Bigg Boss for Revenues

     

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    They don’t make too many of them in this world. Especially in the cruel world of television network sales. But then there’s Mahesh Shetty, Head, Network Sales at Viacom18. Cool, candid and absolutely honest.

     

    In fact given the interviews I have done in the past, I thought it would be good to ask him some tough questions. But, then, he was so frank in his response – that Chinese electronics player Vivo backed out of the sponsorship of the network’s marquee property, Bigg Boss, that one thought it’s good to go easy.

     

    Now as Colors gets set for the 14th edition of the reality show, Shetty spoke with MxMIndia on a variety of issues. The sponsorship by Mobile Player League, Salman Khan, other shows on Colors and revenues for the network as a whole.

     

    Sit back. Watch. Enjoy. Like.

     

     

  • Bigg Boss 2020 is scheduled to premiere soon on Colors and Voot Select

    Mobile Premier League is Presenting Sponsor for Bigg Boss 2020

    By A Correspondent

     

    Mobile Premier League will be sponsor of Bigg Boss 2020, Season 14 of the reality show. Hosted by Salman Khan, for the new season, Colors has got leading e-sports and mobile gaming platform Mobile Premier League (MPL) as the presenting sponsor. According to industry sources, Bigg Boss 2020 is scheduled to premiere on Colors and Voot Select early next month.

     

    Speaking about the partnership, Mahesh Shetty, Head, Network Sales, Viacom18, said: “Bigg Boss is the biggest reality show in the entertainment space, and it appeals to demographics across geographies. Given its strong fanbase makes it one of the sought-after marketing platform for sponsors. Over the years, several brands have come forward to explore innovative customisations and partnerships to deliver their business ambitions. Mobile Premier League (MPL) is one of India’s leading esports and mobile gaming platforms that provide unparalleled gaming experience to the users and we are glad to welcome them as the presenting sponsor for the new season of Bigg Boss.”

     

    Talking about the collaboration, Abhishek Madhavan, VP, Growth and Marketing, Mobile Premier League (MPL) added: “Bigg Boss is one of the most watched reality shows in India and easily the most popular and most talked-about reality TV show across the country. With a superstar like Salman Khan hosting it, every season is eagerly awaited by millions and promises something new. With MPL expanding into areas like entertainment via its live-streaming and a bunch of video-first features, Bigg Boss was the most obvious choice for us to associate with. We eagerly look forward to this season and hope to cement MPL’s position as a household name through the partnership.”

     

    Elaborating on the partnership, Navin Khemka, CEO, India & South Asia from Mediacom said: “We are delighted with this partnership of MPL and Bigg Boss. This is one show that has shown consistent performance over the years. We are confident that we will be able to leverage a strong association with the loyal Bigg Boss audience through some innovative associations that we have in store for our exponentially increasing gaming audience. India loves to play and this time it’s going to be inside the Bigg Boss house with MPL.”

     

     

  • The performance will tour eight cities across 78 shows, starting November 2019

    Live Viacom18 to bring ‘Peppa Pig Musical’ to India

    By A Correspondent

     

    ‘Peppa Pig Musical’, the live theatrical adaptation of the popular animated series on TV, is coming to India. Live Viacom18 and BookMyShow have joined hands to bring Peppa along with her family and friends to the country. The Peppa Pig Musical will tour eight cities across 78 shows, starting November 2019.

     

    Said Mahesh Shetty, Head – Network Sales, Viacom18: “Ever since its launch Peppa Pig has become a household name and an important part of our ecosystem. Owing to its growing demand and popularity, we’re thrilled to bring a one-of-its-kind live musical for the audience to feel closer to their favourite characters and witness this wonderful experience.”

     

    Added Kumar Razdan, Head – Theatricals, BookMyShow: “The live entertainment industry in India is witnessing remarkable growth, with newer avenues of out-of-home entertainment opening up and being loved by audiences. BookMyShow is thrilled to collaborate with Live Viacom18 for the Peppa Pig Musical, adding another distinctive theatrical offering to our extensive repertoire of live entertainment experiences, all executed at par with global standards. We are certain that kids will love the musical, as much as they love the series,”

     

     

  • He will join the group in April 2019, will report to Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO & MD, Viacom18

    Mahesh Shetty to head Network Sales at Viacom18

    Mahesh Shetty

    Viacom18 has announced the appointment of Mahesh Shetty as  Head – Network Sales. Shetty, who will join the group in April 2019, will report to Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO & MD, Viacom18.

     

    Speaking about his appointment, Vats said: “Amidst market shifts, we continue to make strides across platforms and geographies as we build brand solutions powered by analytics and insights. The way ahead is to work more closely with our partners and identify customised whitespaces with an eye on delivering consumer centric ad solutions across platforms. Mahesh’s multi-industry experience will be an asset to Viacom18 as we accelerate our journey to integrate and dial up revenue.”

     

    Mahesh Shetty, currently serving as  COO of Entertainment Network India Ltd. (which runs the Radio Mirchi station amongst others), has over two decades of experience in marketing, sales and general management across geographical regions, in the media and FMCG sectors.

     

     

  • The network has announced plans to cap inventory on all its stations at 15 minutes per hour

    Radio Mirchi announces 15-min cap on inventory

    By A Correspondent

     

    At the Radio Abby awards at Goafest last week, Radio Mirchi announced its plans to cap inventory on all its stations at 15 minutes per hour which is a significant reduction from the earlier 22 minutes of advertising per hour that would play. This initiative of reducing advertising on its stations has been taken keeping in mind the fact that the most common complaint radio listeners have against the medium is long ad breaks, notes a communique.Mirchi had already capped inventory on its newly launched stations at 10 minutes but this year it will roll it out to the older stations in its network as well, the release adds.

     

    Said Mahesh Shetty, Chief Operating Officer, Radio Mirchi:  “The Radio Abbys are a natural fit for the ‘Mirchi’ brand as this is a platform that recognises quality workdone in radio advertising. This year we are undertaking this initiative of decreasing inventory across our Mirchi stations. This will improve the listener experience and is better for the advertiser as well. Less clutter means their message will reach the consumer who has not tuned out!”

     

  • Along with the best Punjabi and Bollywood music – Mirchi will keep its listeners entertained by bringing in cutting edge radio content, comedy, updates and infotainment that will keep listeners hooked on to 98.3 FM

    Mirchi 98.3 FM takes off in Chandigarh

    By A Correspondent

     

    Radio Mirchi was launched in Chandigarh at the Hyatt Regency, Chandigarh, by Bollywood star Tiger Shroff. Diljit Dosanjh, Punjab’s own rockstar, too played an instrumental role at the launch event.

     

    Keeping in mind the requirements of listeners in Chandigarh, Mirchi 98.3 will play the latest Punjabi music. The product strategy has been decided after extensive research, opinions of experts like Diljit and talking to the people of the city, elaborated Bhanu Pratap Singh, Vice President & Cluster Head Punjab, Himachal and J&K, Radio Mirchi.

     

    Along with popular Punjabi and Bollywood music – Mirchi will keep its listeners entertained by bringing in cutting edge radio content, comedy, updates and infotainment that will keep listeners hooked on to 98.3 FM.

     

    Mahesh Shetty, COO, Radio Mirchi commented that, “Chandigarh is a very important city in our expansion plans and we are extremely excited to be here. Working with Diljit on our Chandigarh station was a no-brainer. We didn’t think there was anyone better who would know exactly what the people of this city want. And for the formal launch our new station, we are absolutely thrilled to be associated with one of the hottest new stars of Bollywood cinema today – Tiger Shroff – and one of the most popular directors on the scene – Remo D’Souza.”

     

  • As part of the new team structure, Hitesh Sharma, erstwhile COO, has been promoted to Executive President

    ENIL strengthens leadership team

    Hitesh Sharma

    By A Correspondent

     

    Entertainment Network India Limited (ENIL) has announced significant changes in the senior management team in line with its strategy for rapid growth. As part of the new team structure, Hitesh Sharma, erstwhile COO, has been promoted to Executive President. Hitesh will now look after Phase-3 expansion program of the company and any other strategic growth areas the company may pursue. In addition, Radio Mirchi also elevated Mahesh Shetty to Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Mahesh will look after the ambitious plans of the current radio business. Hitesh and Mahesh will assume their new roles with immediate effect.

     

    Prashant Panday

    Talking about the development Prashant Panday, MD and CEO, ENIL said, “This is the most exciting time for the radio industry. This elevation comes at a time when we are gearing up for a rapid growth with the announcement of Phase III. We want to be well equipped with the best seasoned team to make the right decisions. We are confident Hitesh and Mahesh will steer the company in the right direction going forward.