MxMIndia

Tag: NEWS18

  • An initiative to normalise discussions on good toilet behaviour across the country

    News18, Harpic collaborate for Swachhta Aur Paani campaign

    Harpic and News 18 have collaborated for Mission Swachhta Aur Paani campaign, an initiative to normalise discussions on good toilet behaviour across the country. The celebration saw participation from Mission Swachhta Aur Paani campaign ambassador, Akshay Kumar.

    During the celebration, Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs & Partnerships – SOA, Reckitt, said: “Since its inception, Harpic Mission Swachhta Aur Paani has been working towards integrating a culture of cleanliness in society, particularly among youth, ensuring clean toilets become second nature. Events like G20, which championed ‘India for the World,’ and the profound philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam have deeply inspired and reinforced our commitment. At Reckitt, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of universal sanitation as we continue spreading the message of toilet hygiene and sanitation, helping build healthy habits among masses. While our progress has been commendable, we acknowledge there is more to be done and this marks just the beginning of our journey towards a Swachch Bharat.”

    Added Avinash Kaul, CEO Network18 (Broadcast) and MD of A + E Networks added: “As India strives towards the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat-2047’, establishing itself as a developed global power, our commitment as a responsible media organisation to support and contribute to this goal is unwavering. Through initiatives like Mission Swachhta Aur Paani, we are dedicated to promoting mass social awareness programs with a transformative agenda. Network18 will continue to encourage efforts for a Swachh and Swasth Bharat.”

  • Joins hands with Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation and Tata Trusts

    News18 unveils cancer initiative with Fed Bank & Tata Trusts

    By Our Staff (Updated)

     

    If this story is placed first amongst the various news reports today, it’s because such effort merit all the attention and must be encouraged. The News18 network and Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation and Tata Trusts have collaborated to the unveil ‘Sanjeevani-United Against Cancer’. The attempt is to raise awareness and encourage conversations around the silent cancer epidemic, and to alleviate fears that often accompany this disease.

     

    Said Shyam Srinivasan, MD and CEO of Federal Bank, onthe initiative: “As we celebrate the remarkable success of “Sanjeevani – A Shot Of Life” campaign which was aimed at addressing the fear and reluctance surrounding Covid Vaccines, our primary focus has evolved to proactive pursuits in healthcare, specifically combatting cancer through early detection. This time, through Sanjeevani 2.0, Federal Bank is focussing on the need to overcome nonchalance and dismissiveness around the possibility of Cancer affecting any of us. Cancer Screening needs to become an integral part of annual health checkups, which too need to be a disciplined activity. Given News18’s reach, we believe that a rise in awareness will increase testing or screening in our country. This should increase the ratio of survivors, which will be a hard-fought victory, with ongoing efforts. Having Tata Trusts as our knowledge partner helps us harness and be guided by their deep understanding of the terminal probabilities of Cancer. We at Federal Bank are honored to collaborate with such venerable and compassionate partners in guiding Sanjeevani towards its Mission.”

     

    Highlighting the barriers in the fight against cancer, Puneet Singhvi, CEO – Digital & President – Corporate Strategy at Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. states, “Anxiety and fear have acted as significant barriers in cancer detection among Indians, encompassing the concerns around its treatment, financial burden and repercussions on the family. However, numerous studies indicate that early detection can result in beating cancer and saving lives. With the launch of ‘Sanjeevani,’ our mission is to educate our audience and evangelize the benefits of early detection in the fight against cancer. The initiative in partnership with the Federal Bank Hormis Memorial and Tata Trusts is more than just a campaign; it is a movement towards driving awareness and making an impact in the fight against cancer. ‘Sanjeevani’ reaffirms our dedication to rewriting the fight against cancer narrative, emphasising the critical importance of early detection, and underscoring the immeasurable value of health.”

     

    Added Siddharth Sharma, CEO, Tata Trusts: “Committed to revolutionising cancer care across the country since 1941, Tata Trusts have been at the forefront of critical initiatives to advance accessible, affordable, and quality cancer treatment and care. Today, as we continue our fight against the surging cancer challenge, we are happy to associate, as knowledge partners, with ” Sanjeevani, United Against Cancer” – a purpose-driven initiative being launched by News18 Network to drive awareness around the disease and the importance of early detection. We hope that this endeavour will not only foster awareness and meaningful discussions about cancer but also effectively address the fears linked to the disease. Over time, these efforts may help to highlight the true value of “early cancer detection” which will significantly increase the chances of survival. Working together in a collaborative framework, the Trusts aim to continue driving positive change and overcoming social and economic barriers associated with cancer.”

     

  • News18 launches ad campaign citing viewership data

    2024: BJP versus I.N.D.I.A. 2023: News channel war hots up

    By Our Staff

     

    The real war will happen next year with the general elections, as the combined (or perhaps not so in spirit) opposition taking on the ruling BJP. But ahead of that, in the run-up to the elections in the five states including the all-important Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan assemblies, News18 India has launched a 360-degree media campaign to showcase its dominance in the Hindi news segment. And more importantly to take on Aaj Tak, leaders and among the earliest entrants in the India private news television space.

     

    The Hindi news channel released a page one ad in all editions of Economic Times to showcase its leadership in the genre. According to a communique which doesn’t quote any spokesperson, the campaign will also go live on digital and social media, with extensive visibility on trade media as well.

     

    As per the ad, the TV data shows that Aaj Tak has captured 0.8 crore lesser AMAs in Week 32 of 2023. Now we don’t know if BARC is fine with use of just one week’s dominance in advertising material, but we leave that to the wisdom of the measurement body and the association of news broadcasters which includes members of a large number of news channels, including Aaj Tak and News18.

     

    On the digital front, the ad says that News18 India received more video views on Facebook compared to Aaj Tak in July. (Source: Crowdtangle, July, 2023). Moreover, News18 India was also ahead of Aaj Tak by 12% in terms of YouTube views last month. (Source: Databeings, Video Views, Stats as of August 5 for all videos uploaded in July, 2023)

     

    We are certain we haven’t heard the last on this war of words and claims, but, as long as the viewer benefits and the broadcasters don’t lose on revenues in the tu-tu-main-main skirmish, we aren’t really complaining.

     

  • Exhorts behaviour change to ensure Net Zero emission target by 2070

    Tata Power & News18 release film on sustainability

    By Our Staff

     

    Tata Power and News18 had released a film on television and digital platforms on Earth Day 2023, to promote the theme of “Invest in our planet”.

     

    Set in Ladakh, the film depicts how solar power is leading to a future of great possibilities, and inspires us all to ‘switch to’ greener options, without being worried about ‘switching off.’ Tata Power exhorts all Indians to invest in the planet by adopting clean energy and #DePowerKoGreenSignal.

     

    Said Jyoti Kumar Bansal, Chief – Brand & Communications, Tata Power: “This Earth Day, we want to reinforce how Solar power is lighting up lives across the country and taking ahead India’s vision of clean energy transition. The film showcases this effectively.  With this motivational film, Tata Power is underlining its ‘Sustainable is Attainable’ movement – highlighting how it is working to make adoption of sustainable products and services easy and affordable for both Corporate India and consumers, and how that is spurring behaviour change. “In line with Mission LiFE introduced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the movement is taking the discussion around sustainability into our daily lives and Tata Power is proud to be leading this conversation.”

     

    Added Sidharth Saini, Senior Vice President, Network 18 Studio: “This film is an effort to amplify the power of solar, showcase how easy it is for us to switch to an alternative source for our energy needs, and encourage behaviour change, in keeping with goals of our initiative ‘Sustainable is Attainable’. We hope that our audience finds the messaging heartfelt and, more importantly, that the film inspires them the way it does us.”

     

  • With News18 Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal, Network18 bills itself as the first national news network to commence a news channel from the region

    News18 J, K, L & HP launched

    By Our Staff

     

    News18 Network has launched News18 Jammu/ Kashmir/ Ladakh/ Himachal on August 16. With the launch of this channel, News18 Network is now available in 18 languages, with the addition of Dogri, Kashmiri and Ladakh to its bouquet. The channel was launched by J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha.

     

    With News18 Jammu/Kashmir/Ladakh/Himachal, News18 group has become the first national news network to have a dedicated news channel from the region, notes a communique.

     

    Commenting on the launch of the channel, Avinash Kaul, CEO, Network18 (Broadcast), said, “The channel with the help of the pan-India resources of News18 Network aims to encapsulate positivity from the region, while celebrating its essence. It also aims to become the voice of the people, bringing it to the mainstream. The programming of News18 Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh and Himachal has been moulded in a way to showcase the diversity and cater to the entire region with dedicated bulletins in local languages. The state-of-the-art studio, engaging graphics and impactful show packaging will bring a world class news viewing experience – heralding a new era in news television in the region.”

     

  • But the Indian media is too scared to tell you that, writes Ranjona Banerji

    India is burning!

     

     

     

    By Ranjona Banerji

     

    Ranjona BanerjiIndia is burning. No, not just from the intense heat waves across large parts of the country. But from relentless attacks on freedom and democracy from our ruling regime’s stable of thugs. From the fires set on homes and businesses and religious establishments that belong to Muslims. From the force of the blows on the heads of students eating in their college canteens. From the spreading wave of toxic Hindu majoritarianism that now devours our nation-state.

    From their Twitter feeds, the most prominent Prime Minister-related news on the morning of April 12, 2022 from some English TV channels:

    Times Now tells us that the Prime Minister is busy with the Deoghar rope accident in Jharkhand.

    India Today tells us that the Prime Minister is busy with the “Ukraine war”.

    News18 tells that the Prime Minister has congratulated the new prime minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif.

    The Prime Minister was not visible on NDTV’s Twitter feed, not even exercising on a rock or sitting in a cave or waving at no one.

    The biggest news was by-elections, the wedding of Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, US President Joe Biden’s meeting with PM Narendra Modi on Ukraine, summer vacation dates in Maharashtra.

    What have our newspapers tell us about what’s going on in India? How about the violence against Muslim fruit-sellers in Dharwad, one more in a list of attacks on Muslims in Karnataka?

    https://www.hindustantimes.com/videos/news/karnataka-muslim-fruit-sellers-carts-vandalised-by-right-wing-vandals-101649585323450.html

    The wording here is delicate: “members of a Hindu rightwing group Sri Ram Sene”. The criminal behaviour of Sri Ram Sene has long been known. Its founder Pramod Muthalik has been in and of the Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal and the BJP. His rabid toxicity was apparently too much for all of them. But here he is, untouched and free to carry on with his violence and targeting of Muslims and women.

    What’s the bet that the word “members” would have been replaced with words like “terrorists” if a Muslim organisation had been charged with these attacks. At least, you may argue, the thugs were not called “activists”. Those usually belong to the Bajrang Dal or ABVP.

    The “incident” at Jawaharwal Nehru University over non-vegetarian food in the canteen on Ram Navami?

    https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/students-clash-at-jnu-hostel-over-non-vegetarian-food/article65309582.ece

    This story from The Hindu is very careful to just lay out all the accusations and counter-accusations so that the reader imagines that there was no bloodshed and that everyone involved – ABVP and Left unions – was equally responsible.

    So also from The Telegraph:

    https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/abvp-left-students-clash-over-non-veg-food-in-jnu-during-ram-navami/cid/1860032

    Tippy-toe, tippy-toe. Baba, we must pick our battles carefully. These students are like this, all aggressive, lefties especially and this ABVP. Let us just do a bland report and move on.

    How about the many attacks on Muslim-owned meat sellers across India over the issue of Ram Navami, the spring Navratri or nine days of some form of fasting by some Hindus, particularly in North India?

    Here are two digital platforms on the issue, The Print and Article 14. Both go further than the mainstream media.

    The Print tells us that the attacks on Muslims are “brutal”, but also decided to describe these violent criminals as “vigilantes”.

    https://theprint.in/india/nothing-can-stop-this-gurugram-muslims-say-after-brutal-attack-on-meat-transporter-lukman/473330/

    Article 14 looks at the larger picture of consistent assaults on Muslim traders and workers:

    https://article-14.com/post/muslim-vendors-scarred-by-delhi-s-so-called-meat-ban-terrified-confused-about-the-future–6250e3f04ceeb

    There are Youtube videos and individual accounts of a Ram Navami procession in Madhya Pradesh attacking a mosque. The Madhya Pradesh government reacted by blaming Muslims, arresting them and then bulldozing their homes. Here, from the Hindustan Times:

    https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/houses-of-accused-in-mp-ram-navmi-clashes-razed-probe-on-101649704338664.html

    This is standard practice, to blame the victim and then use loopholes in the law to destroy their property based on accusations. What law, life and individual liberties mean in India I have no idea. Does the bulk of the media?

    Indeed, what exactly the Indian media does in its newsrooms, even those who do not only comply with orders from the Modi government, it’s hard to understand or imagine. Those of you who can remember, look back at the 2011 India Against Corruption movement where the same media amplified tiny crowds as national unrest and what we now know are absolute lies about corruption in 2G spectrum auctions.

    India is burning. The media is too scared to tell you that.

     

    Ranjona Banerji is a senior journalist and commentator. She writes on MxMIndia on Tuesdays and Fridays. Her views here are personal.

     

  • In his last stint, he was the National Sales Head, Display and Branded Content for Bindass

    News18 appoints Pawan Sharma as Sales Head, Focus, Hindi and Language Cluster

    By A Correspondent

     

    The News18 Network has announced the appointment of Pawan Sharma as Sales Head, Focus, Hindi and Language Cluster. Focus, in Network18, constitutes branded content, advertiser-funded programming and sponsored IPs.

     

    He will report into Mayank Jain, CEO, Hindi News Cluster and Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO, Languages, News18 Network. Prior to joining News18, Sharma has been with Disney, Star and Big FM. In his last stint, he was the National Sales Head, Display and Branded Content for Bindass.

     

     

  • An initiative to showcase stories of Brave Indian Soldiers

    Network18 launches regional edition of ‘Jai Hind Samman’

    By A Correspondent

     

    News18 has announced the launch of regional edition of ‘Jai Hind Samman’, an initiative to “salute and recognise the brave Indian soldiers who have exhibited extreme courage in safeguarding our countr:y. With its special programming, the initiative will cover stories of real heroes of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal on the respective News18 channels.

     

    Said Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO – Languages, News18 Network: “Indian armed forces history is full of stories of valour. Some are stories which have inspired generations while others that need to be told. These are stories of real heroes. Taking this immense responsibility on its shoulders, Network18 brings incredible stories of bravery, sacrifice and courage of the soldiers, as we not only chronicle the true events but also showcase the exceptional valour exhibited by them in the line of duty.”

     

     

  • Actors like Bhumika Gurung, Gaurav Bajaj, Shivangi Joshi, Kinshuk Vaidya, Surbhi Chandna and Rupal Patel, Mohit Malik, Karan Jotwani, Apoorva and Anmol amongst others were part of the campaign

    News18 India’s campaign gets support from TV stars

    By A Correspondent

     

    News18 India reports that its initiative ‘Stars ka School, Ghar Mein Raho Cool’ has received “huge support” from a galaxy of television stars.

     

    Notes a communique: “The primary idea for the campaign was to keep viewers engaged and give the top stars from the TV fraternity an opportunity to engage with their fans. Amidst all the worries Stars ka School was an attempt by News18 India to bring a positive message from top TV celebrities. From advice on how to stay productively engaged to ways of staying emotionally and psychologically strong, the stars spoke from the heart, giving a rare peek into their personal space.”

     

    Actors like Bhumika Gurung, Gaurav Bajaj, Shivangi Joshi, Kinshuk Vaidya, Surbhi Chandna and Rupal Patel, Mohit Malik, Karan Jotwani, Apoorva and Anmol amongst others were part of the campaign.

     

     

  • Event to set the outlook for the upcoming year of General Elections

    News18 India fourth dition of ‘Chaupal’

    By A Correspondent

     

    News18 has announced the fourth edition of ‘News18 India Chaupal’. Amidst the backdrop of the recent assembly elections, the event will bring together leading politicians and commentators to set the outlook for the general elections next year. Scheduled for December 19 in New Delhi, Chaupal will see sessions by Yogi Adityanath, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Manoj Sinha,  Kamal Nath, Akhilesh Yadav, and Digvijay Singh amongst others.

     

    Commenting on the initiative, Prabal Pratap Singh, Managing Editor, News18 India said: “Over the past two years, News18 India has seen phenomenal growth which, we firmly believe, has been possible because of our fearless approach in presenting the news and an undying commitment to deliver the truth. Furthering our philosophy of hard-hitting journalism, the 4th edition of ‘News18 India Chaupal’ is going to be extremely pertinent as it sets the stage for the political dialogue while India gears up for the upcoming General Elections in 2019. The event will aim to catalyse new approaches, debates, and deliberations across a range of topics in the presence of the finest leaders of our country.”

     

     

  • 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.”

     

     

  • He will also oversee the public relations and trade communication activities for the three brands

    Network18 Digital elevates Ranadeep Chakravarty to Marketing Head 

    By A Correspondent

     

    Ranadeep Chakravarty

    Network18 Digital has announced the elevation of Ranadeep Chakravarty to Marketing Head of Firstpost, News18 and in.com. In his new role, Chakravarty will lead all marketing, communications and strategic partnerships for Firstpost, News18 (English) and in.com. He will also oversee the public relations and trade communication activities for the three brands.

     

     

    Commenting on the announcement, Azim Lalani, Business Head, English General News cluster, Network18 Digital said: “Network18 is strengthening its foothold in the digital space at a rapid pace. This is visible by the fact that it has acquired a very high number of unique visitors in a short period of time. By bringing the marketing activities of the three properties – Firstpost, News18.com and in.com – under one head, we plan to further align, strengthen and accelerate the growth of immensely popular news portals. Ranadeep has been instrumental in leading the marketing activities and effective brand collaborations at Firstpost. We are confident that his in-depth expertise and exceptional creativity will enable the websites to be recognized as the desired news destination that provides relevant, insightful and hard-hitting news.”

     

    Speaking about his new role, Chakravarty added: “I am excited to undertake the new responsibilities with Network18. It has been a great journey till now. Our efforts have got Firstpost in the Top 5 leading Indian media digital publications. In my new role, the focus will be to continue to engage a diverse set of audience with strong, relevant and original content. I look forward to leading the team and enhancing the brand resonance through innovative ideas, brand partnerships and unique properties across segments.”