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Tag: Network18

  • Cable and Broadband businesses of Den and Hathway to be housed in two separate wholly-owned subsidiaries of Network18

    Network18 rejigs media & distribution business

    By A Correspondent

     

    Reliance Industries announced a consolidation of its media and distribution businesses spread across multiple entities into Network18.

     

    Under the Scheme of Arrangement, TV18 Broadcast, Hathway Cable & Datacom

     

    and Den Networks will merge into Network18 Media & Investments. This is with effect from February 1, 2020. The broadcasting business will be housed in Network18 and the cable and ISP businesses in two separate wholly owned subsidiaries of Network18. Reliance Industries’ holding in Network18 will reduce from 75% to around 64% upon implementation of the Scheme. The Scheme of Arrangement is subject to all necessary approvals.

     

    Given this, according to a press release issued Network18

     

    • Will be an integrated media and distribution company with a revenue of ~Rs. 8,000 cr,

    • Will scale-up as one of the largest listed players in the sector

    • Will be net-debt free at consolidated level, providing a solid base for growth as well as improved shareholder returns

    • Will benefit from a balanced mix of cyclical and annuity revenues to unlock growth while ensuring stability.

    • Will create eco-system for growth opportunities in digital, broadcast media, cable and broadband.

     

    The consolidation of cable businesses of Den and Hathway in one entity will leverage the combined strength of the around 27,000 LCO partners who act as the touchpoints to about 15 mn households in India; delivering localized, people-friendly and ultra-fast customer services.

     

    The combined Broadband entity will serve ~1 mn wireline broadband subscribers across the country.

     

  • The campaign encourages all Indian nationals to make an informed decision and exercise their vote

    Network18 urges Indians to vote via ‘Button Dabao, Desh Banao’ campaign

    By A Correspondent

     

    In a bid to urge citizens to go out and make their vote count, Network18 has launched the ‘Button Dabao, Desh Banao’ ad campaign.

     

    Speaking about the campaign, Priyanka Kaul, President – Marketing, Network18 said: “Little actions can make a big difference. Voting is one such activity, for it shapes us and our country’s future. ‘Button Dabao, Desh Banao’ is a simple campaign with which we hope to encourage Indians to exercise their fundamental right to vote. Through various digital and offline platforms, Network18 will amplify its voice by calling out to the citizens of this country to build a better India together.”

     

     

  • He will report to Puneet Singhvi, Head – Network18 Digital

    Network18 appoints Maruti Indoria as Biz Head for CricketNext

    By A Correspondent

     

    Maruti Indoria

    Network18 has announced the appointment of Maruti Indoria as Business Head for CricketNext.

     

    With over fifteen years of experience across Ad Sales, Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing, Indoria has joined Network18 from SonyLIV Sports. He will be based in Network18’s office in Mumbai and report to Puneet Singhvi, Head – Network18 Digital

     

     

  • The company has now announced her elevation as EVP – Focus, to head revenue

    Smriti Mehra is now EVP, Focus at Network18

    By A Correspondent

     

    After stints with Discovery Channel, Arré and Turner Broadcasting, Smriti Mehra returned home to Network18 Group last year. The company has now announced her elevation as EVP – Focus, to head revenue. She will report to Priyanka Kaul – President, Marketing and Special Projects, Network18.

     

    In her first stint with Network18, Mehra was National Head for CNBC-TV18 Focus.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Smriti said, “I’m so very excited to be taking on this role as I think Network18 Focus has pioneered the concept of partnering with clients to create platforms of engagement for brands and businesses. And I look forward to working with the fabulous team at Network18 and create more firsts and bigger properties.”

     

     

  • Adds talent and aims higher on the back of excellent growth in news segment

    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.

     

     

  • The campaign stars Anil Kumble

    Taproot Dentsu launches new campaign for CricketNext

    By A Correspondent

     

    Taproot Dentsu has rolled out a campaign for Network 18’s CricketNext. The app is designed such that it is a forum for fans to voice their opinion and post video comments, along with other standard features such as live score updates. In keeping with this theme, the films celebrate these opinionated fans.

     

    Speaking about the campaign, Rahul Kansal, Group Brand Advisor, Network18 said: “Cricket Next is a next level app for the next level fan. Beyond just giving live scores and basic commentary, it invites passionate cricket fans to offer their opinions and share their insights on the game. The film tries to dramatise this promise… that it’s an app where fans rule.

     

    Added Neeraj Kanitkar, Creative Director, Taproot Dentsu: “The all-new CricketNext app is a homage to the ultimate cricket fan who is always ready with an opinion but has nowhere to voice it. This app is a platform where this fan’s every opinion on team selection, on-field strategies etc. is not only heard but welcomed. The TVCs are a dramatic representation of this, with Anil Kumble literally breaking the fourth wall and acknowledging the ultimate fan’s opinion.”

     

     

  • She joins Network18 as National Revenue Head – Display – Business News Cluster

    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.

     

     

  • Firstpost print will be an amalgam of contemporary journalism delivered with conventional panache

    Network18 bets big on its new weekly newspaper, Firstpost

    By A Correspondent

     

    Network18 has announced the launch of its first weekly newspaper titled, Firstpost. Through various soon-to-be launched initiatives such as Club Firstpost and the Firstpost App, it aims to engage with users and the launch of Firstpost as a weekend newspaper is a part of that effort.

     

    Said BV Rao, Editor, Firstpost: “By taking the viewspaper from the virtual to the physical world we are signaling two things: Firstly, there is a market opportunity in the weekends for deep, thoughtful and reflective journalism, the kind that allows us to step-back from the cacophony of the moment and analyze events calmly. Thus, the difference between the two products is not the quality of the content, but the kind of content. Secondly, content is platform-agnostic, especially good content. The digital consumer reads a lot but not necessarily the best. Reading the best becomes somewhat of a lottery, dependent on whether they open the right links from among the dozens they are dumped with every day. Firstpost print content, arranged to enable quick access in one place, will provide that reading pleasure to digital readers as well. Existing digital readers can access the content free for a limited period and then signal their readiness to put a premium on the content they cherish.”

     

    Added Praveen Swami, Group Consulting Editor, Network18: “Firstpost is a new kind of newspaper. Instead of the usual, mundane recounting of events already well-known to readers through digital media and television, every single article aspires to exceptionality: to offer a unique perspective; to excavate new information; to bring to life a new story”.

     

    Positioning itself as the last word on news, Firstpost will be a 20-page broadsheet appearing every Saturday and shall cater to readers in Mumbai and New Delhi.

     

    Speaking on the launch, Rahul Kansal, Business Head, Print & Brand Advisor, Network18, said: “I am extremely proud to be a part of this milestone in the journey of Network18’s growing news prowess.  Firstpost sees itself as a ‘viewspaper’ with a focus on politics, and will offer a ringside view of the complex democracy and society of our multi-dimensional nation. The offering will serve discerning readers looking for an intelligent read, many of whom feel that Indian newspapers have dumbed down in their bid to capture the mass market.”

     

     

  • The launch marks the network’s foray into celebrity=oriented light reading content

    Network18 relaunches in.com

    By A Correspondent

     

    Network18 has extended its digital content portfolio by relaunching in.com. Commenting on the same, Azim Lalani, Business Head – English General News Cluster, Network18 Digital, said: “It is an exciting phase for us as we are constantly seeding new ideas to accelerate the growth of our digital portfolio, and take it to a whole new level. We wanted to create a platform which distinguishes itself with its unique content and has a direct connect to the Gen Z between the age group of 18 to 34 years. in.com aims to be the go-to place for every digital consumer interested in significant individuals from across categories including entertainment, sports, business, politics, lifestyle and more. The stories documented on the platform will provide appropriate content to the young and liberal minds.”

     

    Added Vikram Thapa, Editor of in.com: “Besides the larger than life persona of these celebrated personalities, the content that we offer to the audience makes them want to stay updated with the day-to-day activities of these individuals. With in.com, we aim to reach the maximum number of digital consumers with our multiple formats consisting of video, texts and photos. This will significantly aid us to document stories of personalities and provide appropriate content to the young and liberal.”

     

     

  • Viacom18 and TV18 have launched a multi-media marketing campaign, titled ‘Ek Me Hai More Yahaan, created by Leo Burnett Orchard

    Viacom18 and TV18 offer entertainment + news pack for new tariff regime

    By A Correspondent

     

    Viacom18 and TV18 have launched their Value Pack comprising some of their leading channels across genres in the wake of the forthcoming new tariff regime.

     

    Said Sudhanshu Vats, Group CEO & Managing Director, Viacom18: “TRAI’s new tariff order is a pioneering move that will benefit all players across the broadcast value chain. Consumers will now have the choice to select the channels of their choice, broadcasters can see greater transparency in the value chain with under-reporting getting curtailed and distributors stand to benefit from the commissions and incentives they will earn. After the DAS implementation, this mandate will go a long way in bringing equity into the industry,”

     

    Explaining the company’s pricing and consumer connect strategy, he added: “If you thought that the one-rupee coin in your wallet has no value, think-again as Viacom18 and TV18 are all set to bring your family’s daily entertainment needs just for ₹1. Being home to the most loved and viewed channels in the country, our bouquet pricing will ensure that our viewers truly get the best of news, general entertainment (Hindi and Regional), kids entertainment, youth and English entertainment, music, infotainment and movies for every family member at only ₹1 a day. ‘The COLORS wala Pack’ is the most comprehensive pack and at a price point that keeps the budgetary concerns of our viewers in mind. After roti, kapda, makaan, entertainment is India’s 4th basic need and being the country’s fastest growing network, it is our constant endeavor to keep that need affordable.”

     

    Added Rahul Joshi, MD, Network18: “The new tariff order is a transparent and consumer-focussed regulation that gives freedom and choice to the end user. At a network level we remain committed to create quality entertainment and news content and firmly believe that in the new pricing regime, we will be the go-to network that best caters to content needs across demographics and geographies.”

     

    Adding to Vats’ and Joshi’s views, Anuj Gandhi, Group CEO, IndiaCast said, “We have created economical & competitive bouquets to bring the best value for money for an Indian household. India is a diverse market with multiple needs for entertainment in a family. Our channels have presence across a wide range of genres such as GECs, Kids, News, Infotainment etc that puts us in the best position to deliver entertainment for subscribers & earning potential for service providers. Furthermore, we are confident that TRAI shall work to put the Quality of Service Regulations into effective implementation so that transparency is achieved across the value chain in benefit of all stakeholders.”

     

    Viacom18 and TV18 have launched a multi-media marketing campaign, titled ‘Ek Me Hai More Yahaan, created by Orchard Advertising. The Ek Mein Hai More Yahaan campaign will be driven by the most prominent faces seen on Indian television such as Rohit Shetty, Neha Dhupia, Malaika Arora, Mahesh Manjrekar, Arya, and a galaxy of celebrities from Viacom18’s stable, educating the audience of all the entertainment and news that they can avail at INR 1 per day.

     

     

  • Previously he has been a part of many leading media brands like Aajtak, Zee News and TV 9

    Umesh Kumawat joins News18 Lokmat as Managing Editor

    By A Correspondent

     

    Network18 announced the appointment of Umesh Kumawat as Managing Editor of News18 Lokmat.  Speaking on his appointment, Kumat said: “I’m delighted to be leading the team at News18 Lokmat and being a part of Network18 Group, which is one of the most renowned media houses in India. It is an honor to be a part of such a well-respected media house that comprises of an incredibly talented team. I look forward to bringing authentic, speedy and reliable news and stories to our audience. It is my goal to make the channel an essential part of the viewer’s everyday life.”

     

    Prior to Network18, Kumawat was Senior Editor with ABP News for 14years. Previously, he has been a part of the Aajtak, Zee News and TV 9 newsrooms.

     

     

  • News18 app will present digital, TV and media live for their digital empowered audience

    News18 launches news app in 11 languages

    By A Correspondent

     

    News18 has launched its flagship news app in 11 different languages. The News18 app will provide news and live TV in English, Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Punjabi and Urdu.

     

    Said Network18’s Chief Product Officer Avinash Mudaliar: “Personalisation of consumption is one of the most powerful tools in advancing audience relationships. To that effect, the News18 app allows effortless switching between text and video formats and between languages of one’s choice.  With increasing data speeds driving video consumption across social and regional strata, it is designed for on-the-go audience with features such as Live TV and offline reading, to provide readers a chance to bookmark an article and go back to it later at their convenience. It includes other such features which will make the news-viewing experience more engaging and compelling for the audience.”

     

    Added Manish Maheshwari, CEO, Network18 Digital:“We are seeing an unprecedented rise in smartphone penetration among Indic language audience across the country. This app allows users to personalize news consumption to their native language and also watch live TV simultaneously. This is a first-ever Digital service in India providing the option to choose from any of the 11 major Indian languages and 16 live TV channels to consume credible content from trusted brand in journalism on a device of one’s choice.”