MxMIndia

Tag: Pradyuman Maheshwari

  • The media stalwart gets set to launch Azaad, a GEC targeted at rural audiences. An interview with Pradyuman Maheshwari

    MxM Live with Bharat Ranga

     

    Media stalwart Bharat Kumar Ranga’s venture Beginnen Media is putting the finishing touches on an all-new general entertainment channel targeted at rural audiences. Ranga, who moved out of Zee Entertainment in late 2014, has had first-hand experience with Zee Anmol, Zee’s FTA channel, as well as heading the international and new domestic businesses at entertainment conglomerate. After leaving Zee, Ranga set up regional channels, an ad sales outfit and film production firm as an entrepreneur.

     

    In this interview with MxMIndia founder and editor-in-chief Pradyuman Maheshwari, Bharat Kumar Ranga speaks at length about why he is looking at the rural landscape, the opportunities therein, and his plans for Azaad and Beginnen Media.

     

    Watch. Enjoy. Like

     

     

    (References in the interview to Usha, is Usha Thomas, the senior PR professional, who is heading the comms function at Beginnen. The reference to Rachin is Rachin Khanijo, who led team in marketing at Zee and Eros Now in the recent past)

     

  • We were the first Indian A&M website to publish a code. And all our employees are signatories to the same

    The MxMIndia Code of Ethics

     

    Every six-odd months, we publish our Code of Ethics. For more than ever before, the Indian media needs to adopt one and practise it.

    We are now part of the Digital Publishers Association of India and will follow the self-regulatory procedures set by it. Our editor is also a member of the Editors Guild of India and the Press Club, Mumbai. More than ever before, it’s important the media acts responsibly as must people around it. In the next month-odd, we will publish the process of the self-regulatory body set up by DigiPubIndia.

    MxMIndia adopted a Code of Ethics even before it was launched. Although it’s on the site, since it could have become a blindspot, we publish it as our Big Story once or twice a year. This is the link to the Code: http://www.mxmindia.com/code-of-ethics/

    Read on…

     

    The MxMIndia Code of Ethics

    This code of ethics is not meant to be a treatise in ethics. We believe all MxMers are mature professionals, of sound character and have values we agree with.

    However, since a Code of Ethics is not really followed in organisations that some of our employees may have worked with in the past, we have a formulated an easy-to-follow set of Do’s and Don’ts that each and every employee has agreed to follow.

    Also, since there’s a general belief that many media companies (business-to-business and mainstream) follow unethical practices, it’s hence critical to put the record straight on why MxMIndia isn’t like the ‘many’ others.

     

    1. While the objective of MxMIndia is to be a profitable enterprise, our revenues will not come from compromising editorial standards. Excellence is what we are setting out to achieve, Ethically and with Integrity.

     

    2. We will not be influenced in any way by advertisers – past, present or future, and will write or comment on an individual, service or organisation regardless of whether or not it advertises with MxMIndia.

     

    3. We will not sell our editorial content. Content includes text, photographs, videos or any visuals.

     

    4. Accuracy in presenting facts is of utmost importance and facts must be correctly presented.

     

    5. We will not present any bias in our news sections. If, however, MxM India does undertake a campaign, it will clearly state its editorial policy

     

    6. If there’s any advertisement that could be confused with editorial content in appearance, it will be clearly tagged as an Advertisement and be displayed in a style that is different from normal editorial content.

     

    7. Our reports and features will always attribute sources to people. In case, the source does not want to be named for fear of loss of employment or due to some sensitivity, every attempt must be made to look for an alternate source who could be named. If that fails, every attempt should be made to make the reader rest assured that our source is authentic and this may be done by describing who the source is.

     

    8. We have a no tolerance policy towards plagiarism. Employees may be given a warning if found plagiarising, but in most cases, the services of any employee found plagiarising – regardless of her/his seniority or utility to the organisation – would be terminated within 24 hours of the Editor-in-Chief conducting his/her investigation on the act of plagiarism.

     

    9. If any attempt is made to influence us by way of a threat to withdraw advertisements, we reserve the right to expose such individuals and/or their organisations.

     

    10. We will not publish photographs off the internet. If a picture is be taken from the internet, it will be done only after written permission of the source. Else, we will own the rights for the picture which may be procured by buying rights for appropriate usage. Ditto for text. If we do carry syndicated content, the source needs to be clearly be stated at the end of the article.

     

    11. Our journalists will take the permission of the interviewee to record her/his comments, especially when the meeting is not face-to-face.

     

    12. Unless approved by the Editor, we do not part with the transcript of any interview. A journalist may however play back a few quotes attributed to an individual.

     

    13. We will allow individuals or organisations adequate time to revert with their response to a question. In most case the adequate time would mean four to six hours. If it’s a non-critical story, then we would recommend holding the story for at least (and at most) a day.

     

    14. We will not accept any gifts that attempt to influence us. These should be returned immediately. Gifts in the form of chocolates, mithai, flowers or basic promotional material that is of reasonable value (of up to Rs 750-1000) is fine. Mementos or promotional material of nominal value may be accepted. No gifts must be solicited. If there’s a doubt, please consult the Editor-in-Chief/CEO. If an organisation is found to influence an MxMIndia journalist, under extreme cases, MxMIndia may even blacklist the organisation and/or its products and services.

     

    15. We will not solicit any outstation trips. If however there is an invitation for a junket, we will accept it only if the Editor believes there is a news value in the event. In such a case, MxMIndia will mention that the journalist concerned has visited an outstation venue at the invitation of the company which must be named. For local travel, all our employees are defrayed expenses towards local travel, and hence we discourage taxi pick-ups or drops, as is the norm in some sections of the media.

     

    16. We will not solicit any invitations for a meal or a drink. We discourage MxMIndia employees to drink beyond their limits at events, dinners, press conferences etc where they represent the Company. We will also not solicit free books, software, movie tickets etc.

     

    17. MxMIndia employees are discouraged from moonlighting. If, however, employees do receive requests to write an occasion article for a non-competing publication, the employee could do it after seeking permission via email.

     

    18 .Unlike some media houses, we are happy to see our employees – regardless of their seniority levels – to be interviewed and featured in other media. However, prior permission is desired for every appearance on television. Employees must ensure that their work at MxMIndia doesn’t suffer due to their appearances on TV, radio etc. While tweeting, participation in social networks like Facebook and Linked In are encouraged, every attempt must be taken to ensure that the values and interests of the organisation are not compromised.

     

    19. We will ensure that our ethical standards are followed in all that we do – events, conferences and awards. We will ensure our integrity is not compromised.

     

    20. We discourage the use of pirated products and services for official use. We advise our employees to only use legally procured software. Employees using their personal computer equipment for work are encouraged to switch to legal software.

     

    21. MxMIndia has a no tolerance policy on sexual harassment.

     

    22. Our employees are not allowed to deal in stocks related to the media and entertainment sector. If they hold shares before joining the organisation, they must disclose their holdings in writing to their immediate boss. They could, however, invest in mutual funds related to the M&E sector.

     

    23. While this Code is only applicable towards conduct as an employee, we advise all MxMers to ensure that they are ambassadors of MxMIndia and all that it stands for even outside of work hours.

     

    24. Over the last few years, there have been question marks raised about the ethical standards adopted by journalists and media organisations. While a lot of it may be untrue, we believe that journalists and others working in various media organisations are also responsible for this perception. At MxMIndia, our attempt will be to reverse this.

     

    25. This Code is applicable for all employees of MxMIndia. Associates, retainers, columnists, regular contributors are also required to adhere to the above Code.

     

    We encourage all our constituents and advertisers to read the above document and cooperate with us and enable us to abide by it. If you wish to report a dishonest act, write directly to pradyumanm [at] mxmindia.com.

     

     

  • It’s basically ‘EgoGate’  or an ‘I-Am-Bigger-Than-You’ War, writes Pradyuman Maheshwari

    10 Takeaways from the Ratings Scam

     

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    Over the last few weeks, a lot of people from within the industry and outside of it have been calling me to enquire on what’s being called the ‘TRP Scam’ or the ‘Ratings Scam’. There are a few who are calling it ‘ArnabGate’. According to me, it’s basically an ‘Ego Gate’. Or an ‘I Am Bigger Than You’ War.

     

     

    We do know that Partho Dasgupta’s bail has been rejected. His family and friends suggest that he has been thrashed in jail and is still fighting to survive. I have learnt his condition has improved slightly. He is still on oxygen support.

     

    As I wrote earlier, we want him to come out of this soonest. I read a report based on his wife’s complaint to the human rights commission. I am not sure how much it will help things. The bank accounts accounts of both Dasgupta and his have reportedly been frozen.

     

    Some friends and family are trying to organise monies for the family to sail through. Lawyers don’t come cheap. And he needs to fight his battle alone. From the hospital bed.

     

    So, for the benefit of those wish to be in the know, here are my 10 takeaways on the story so far:

     

     

    Endgame for Partho in Media:

     

    It is said that Dasgupta isn’t the first person in the country to face something like this. My view is that he is perhaps the first: for, he’s caught in the crossfire like few others have in the past – never ever in the Indian media.

     

    Can he come out of it? My belief is he will. Can he be getting back to work in the Indian media again? I doubt he would want to do that. I don’t think he should. He’s an engineer and an IIM Cal graduate, am sure there are several avenues ahead for him.

     

    But, from the conversations I’ve read in the transcripts and the unverified forensic report, he’s going to have to do a lot of explaining.

     

     

    All Eyes on Arnab:

     

    Arnab Goswami

    The government has retreated on the Farm Laws. China and India’s foreign offices are in touch. North Korea and the South are talking. Trump is out of office. So, will Arnab do a climbdown and change his stand? The moment he does, life for Dasgupta will ease. The question is: will he? From what I know of the man, and more importantly what he says on TV, he is not going to buckle under and apologise. Which is sad. He should. Get a via media. Partho Dasgupta and his family could be smiling again. His wife, his daughter will be happy to have him back.

     

    Arnab, when you go to bed tonight, spare a thought for a father’s not-so-little-any-longer girl. You are a dad yourself. Imagine what his daughter is going through. Ego chhodo, ek family ki life ban jayegi.

     

    I know this sounded very filmy, but it’s a fact.

     

     

    Uddhav & the Maha government:

     

    The Maharashtra Chief Minister, his son and the rest of the government have shown us who calls the shots in the state.

     

    Someone must step in. Draw up reasonable terms of endearment between Arnab, the industry and the MVA government. Perhaps request Sharad Pawar to broker a deal (How we miss folks like Amar Singh and Pramod Mahajan now!). Perhaps ask an industry biggie who Arnab would listen to. Uday Shankar, Prannoy Roy or even Dr Annurag Batra.

     

     

    Ab bas, Times of India:

     

    Times of India officeThere is good reason for the group to be aggrieved. Republic – minus all the media muscle of the Media Empire – got to be #1 in Week 1 of its ops. And caused much damage TOI’s profits and clout in TV newsdom. Right from the time Republic launched and erred in its eyes (and that of a few/many others in the news space), The Times of India group – as owners of Times Now – has played more than a ringside spectator.

     

    Arnab Goswami of course tried to rub things in. The amount of coverage on the current controversy and its placement would make one feel that it’s the most important news developement in the country after the farmers’ stir and that lady of part-Tamil origin assuming the secondmost important job in the US.

     

    Someone needs to get TOI to take it easy. Also, TOI’s role could also be a weapon for naysayers on media crossownership.

     

    I’m sure the Times folks know it: if Republic has to fail, it will be its journalism that will pull it down. Or a change in the government in New Delhi. Orchestrating public perception against Goswami is pointless.

     

     

    Question Marks on Ratings:

     

    I have seen parts of the Forensic Report and WhatsApp transcrips. The conversation seems to be authentic and hasn’t been disputed. The transcripts are a lot of loose chatter, but the report points to various excesses in its executive summary.

     

    Clearly the eye of the needle points to others as well – in the Telugu space as well as amongst other channels. For instance, what about a certain channel being promised and prepped for #2? Why?

     

    I think there ought to be a thorough enquiry on what has happened. Ideally it should’ve been done by the industry, but since it’s a divided house, the Courts will have to be called in. A retired judge of the Courts perhaps.

     

     

    Industry Needs to Rethink Strategy:

     

    Ratings are primarily generated for advertisers to advertise, media agencies to advise advertisers and broadcasters to sell advertising space and craft their content.

     

    What we have now is a complete breakdown of the system, as I see it.

     

    BARC and the industry bodies that co-own it must re-look at a refresh. If 44,000 is too small a number of panel homes, work out the ideal number and then don’t diss it. Be willing to pay for it. If the government and lawmakers (MPs) finds the sample size too low, they must  do whatever needs to be done to make the ratings more affordable. Perhaps trim the tax on the meter boxes.

     

     

    BARC ownership needs to be revisited:

     

    The broadcasters’ ownership of 60 per cent of BARC is a problem. It needs to be equal, but then advertisers and agencies won’t pay any more for the set-up.

     

    Perhaps the financial structure needs to change. How about a certain percentage of all advertising generated by a channel going to the measurement agency. So: GST + MS (Measurement Service). If a channel wants measurement, it must allow for this to happen.

     

    I am aware that this was being considered eight-odd years back when BARC was in the works, but there needs to be a revisit of the best way forward.

     

     

    Checks & Balances Please

     

    Checks & Balances IconThe agency entrusted with the forensic audit has advised a regular forensic check-up and audit of BARC’s workings.

     

    I am told a lot of it is being/has been implemented. BARC needs to work on earning back the faith of the industry and the masses asap.

     

     

    Monthly ratings for News & Niche Channels:

     

    Monthly IconEven the gods will tell you this, but some key players want it as a weekly.

     

    It’s time BARC and the industry doesn’t budge on doing what’s good for measurement and the greater good of the industry.

     

     

    Let’s All Be Good People:

     

    Spy iconWhatsApp messages and emails can never be top secret. Phone calls can be recorded. As also face-to-face meetings.

     

    So, let’s just be good, sincere, honest people.

     

  • Yes, it should. On purely humanitarian grounds. We want him to get better, go through the legal process and tell us exactly what happened

    Should your Heart Bleed for Partho?

    Screenshot of the social media posts by Partho Dasgupta's daughter
    Screenshot of the social media posts by Partho Dasgupta’s daughter

     

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    On the morning of Saturday, January 16, I had mixed emotions. My eyes were hurting having gone through 250-odd pages of the Whatsapp transcripts that were part of the police chargesheet on what is loosely being called the TRP scam.

     

    Someone had told me that there a few references to me by name, so couldn’t not check. And then when a friend posted a NewsLaundry story on a group, I responded:  “But you need to read the entire conversation to get the context. There’s some stuff that’s not right, but I wasn’t really surprised with the conversation. Partho and Arnab were very good friends much before he started Republic.”

     

    Another friend said: “After going through the entire media report, I feel, he was strategising with the relevant ministry or important external stakeholders like BARC to get ahead  with his competition. These kind of lobbying strategies with key opinion leaders are done by almost by all companies to increase their market share. Not sure what’s illegal in this? May be someone can throw some light from legal angle.”

     

    A leading journalist and news television anchor-producer working with a news channel, who is also on the group, was upset. She said: “I am amazed at your willingness to accept such blatant unethical and illegal behaviour.”

     

    To my response to the second friend’s response (“Yeah, except that Partho Dasgupta was CEO of BARC which is the measurement body. So thanks to his proximity with Partho, Arnab had amazing advice in the early days of Republic.”), the journalist-producer said: “It’s not just advice , come on, time to call a spade a spade… We finally have proof and we don’t want to accept it. The question is now that the can of worms is open can the industry go back to saying yeah it’s ok everyone does it.”

     

    Another industry biggie, summing up the argument on the issue added: “Unfortunate reality is ethics are guillotined by expediency…….and the intellegensia prevaricates… if we cant stand up for something, we will fall for everything. Amen”

     

    Indeed.

     

    Upset that my name also featured in the alleged conversation – nothing majorly negative about it, but I wasn’t too pleased with the references to me. Or to MxM. There were clear attempts to humour me, and use the website for the benefit of Republic.

     

    But at around noon, I read this post by Dasgupta’s daughter, a student of law, perhaps not even in her 20s. The age is irrelevant, it was a pleas by a daughter in distress. Making a fervent plea to the powers that be.

     

    I recommended speaking to a few media gods. I also spoke with someone at India Today and with a former employer who has deep connects with the ruling dispensation in Maharashtra.

     

    Thankfully, the newspapers report that Dasgupta is stable. I sincerely hope he is fighting fit, again. For himself, his family, and for the sake of the industry.

     

    Should your heart bleed for Partho? Yes, it should. We want him to get better, go through the legal process and tell us exactly what happened. He owes it to us and to the rest of the industry. And for the future of television audience measurement.

     

    And if he is indeed the kingpin of the ongoing TRP scam, he should be punished. If he is being implicated falsely, the person or persons deserve to be punished. If it’s somewhere in between, then too, the law must allow to take its logical and speedy course.

     

    What’s my view: I don’t think Partho was the mastermind of the ‘TRP scam’. But, yes, the conversation – if true – does indicate that he’s indulged in a lot of loose conversation. It also gives insights into the chatter that existed amongst the top execs in the economy.

     

    What people need to remember is that the output of BARC has huge impact on the health of the industry and its people. Loss of ratings has led to a loss of business, jobs and rise of blood pressure and sugar levels for thousands of people in the past.

     

    We can’t afford to have anyone game the system. Whosoever It May Be.

    [an earlier version of this had Heard in the headline instead of Heart 🙁 ]

  • We Need Answers, writes Pradyuman Maheshwari. The Nation Indeed Wants to Know

    Why? Damn! Pray 🙏🏻

     

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    The question we ask Dr Bhaskar Das in today’s Das ka Dum is genuine. Ever since we got the news of the arrest of Partho Dasgupta, former BARC CEO, an industry biggie and President of the Advertising Club, we have been very disillusioned with the way things have unfolded over the last few months, in fact last few years.

     

    For, not only is Dasgupta a friend of the industry and ours, but his arrest and the charges made thereafter have shattered our faith in the A&M&E industry. Shattered our faith in the various systems, processes and provisions… in the checks and balances that exist.

     

    Over the last few days, we’ve spoken with many biggies in the business as also people who do the nuts-and-bolts work in the large agencies and television channels.

     

    There is surprise, shock and dismay. Almost everyone shared the sentiment with us.

     

    There are many questions:

     

    1. BARC is a joint industry body set up by broadcasters (60%), advertisers and advertising agencies (20% each). Did these stakeholders not see any chinks in the system all these years?

     

    2. The concern over Republic’s rise and rise was raised by news broadcasters soon after the channel was launched in May 2017. They even pulled out their watermarks in anger, a move that was poohpoohed by many in the business, MxMIndia included. What were the measures taken by the powers that be? Why wasn’t a detailed enquiry instituted earlier? Why did the BARC Board not do anything then? And if they did, why didn’t they act on stuff? Or if they think what’s emerging is untrue, then why don’t they speak up now?

     

    3. What is the view of the IBF, the ISA and the AAAI on this? After all they are stakeholders/co-owners of BARC. They are joint signatories on the BARC P&L and all legal documents. The broadcasters – the most aggrieved if there’s any hera-pheri in the system – have done precious little. The advertisers – who have the most to lose – appear to have been mute witness, and do not care much about what has happened.

     

    4. Arnab Goswami’s counter-argument – which was readied in superquick time – has some valid points. And his primary argument – that the meteoric rise of Republic Bharat happened when the “new dispensation” at BARC was in office – is not incorrect.

     

    5. The Times of India went to town with the news on Saturday – and its interpretation of the Friday press conference and statement by the Mumbai Joint CP wasn’t incorrect. But the question is if the logic was corrected after the investigations, how were Republic TV and Republic Bharat still the #1 in English and Hindi until the ratings were blocked for individual channels post October 8?

     

    The media ecosystem needs answers. The Nation Indeed Wants to Know.

     

    And if they don’t get them, it will lead to the collective loss and fall of the entire industry. Broadcasters first, advertisers second and media agencies third.

     

    Willy-nilly, each of the constituents is partly responsible for the way things are today.

     

    But, first, the collective wisdom of all these folks must prevail upon Arnab Goswami to take it easy. Without compromising on its editorial freedom, stop getting so belligerent with the Maharashtra government and Mumbai police and stop spewing invectives in the way he has been.

     

    The casualty right now is not just the industry, also the families of the individuals impacted and arrested.

     

    By the time you read this, Partho Dasgupta would’ve seen his stay in jail extended or could be out on bail. We’re hoping it’s the latter, so that he can come out and clarify his stand. And give us his side of the story.

     

    Knowing Partho, we know he will speak. Name names.

     

    We had a busy Christmas Eve and Christmas. Why do we get this feeling that our New Year’s Eve is also going to be as busy?! Sob.

     

     

  • Yes, and he is party to his channel’s actions in the recent past, writes Pradyuman Maheshwari

    Is Group CEO Vikas Khanchandani paying the price for Republic TV’s journalism?

     

     

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    On Sunday, December 13, 2020, Republic Media Network Group Chief Executive Officer Vikas Khanchandani had stepped out on his morning walk in suburban Mumbai. A little after 8am, when he got back home, there was a police contingent waiting for him. He was arrested on the TRP Scam case that has been raging in the industry for a few months. There was some hope still since the matter was going to come for hearing in the presence of the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, but rather than secure bail or release, he was remanded to police custody till tomorrow (December 15).

     

    Khanchandani is the fourth Republic TV employee who has been arrested by the Mumbai police including founder, editor-in-chief and managing director Arnab Goswami. Last week, he was summoned several times by the police for questioning.

     

    So what is Khanchandani’s crime?

     

    1. He is Group CEO of Republic Media Network, and is hence responsible for all business functions of the organisation. He reports to Arnab Goswami who is also managing director and the primary promoter.

     

    2. As per the Companies Act of 2013, the law clearly lists  the key managerial personnel included – in this order: The MD or CEO or Manager and in their absence: a whole-time director. These are followed by the Company Secretary and then the Chief Financial Officer. In Republic’s case, the MD and promoter is the key official, but guess arresting him again would be too hot to handle

     

    3. The police says that as Group CEO and to whom Chief Operating Officer Priya Mukherjee reported, Khanchandani instructed her and the team on all the allegedly illegal actions.

     

    4. Republic TV, as per the police claims, had allegedly indulged in activities that regulatory body TRAI (short for Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) frowns upon

     

    It may be noted that Khanchandani was arrested a day before his anticipatory bail application was to be heard by the Sessions Court in Mumbai. He was represented by Senior Advocate and Republic TV’s lawyer, Aabad Ponda.

     

    So what you have above is the official stand, but it’s clear that Khanchandani was arrested given the ongoing slugfest on between Goswami and the Maharashtra government and Mumbai Police. Both have been equally critical of each other, but Goswami has gone a step further to damn and provoke the government and the Police Commissioner. On air. In English and in Hindi.

     

    Logically, Khanchandani should have had the industry come out in support. This writer was among the first to do that, only to be ridiculed and questioned on Twitter that Khanchandani was party to all the excesses of Goswami on television. The media trial that happened post the actor Sushant Singh Rajput death and the manner in which Rajput’s friend and actor Rhea Chakraborty was being targeted ensured that even Goswami’s well-wishers (like this writer) turned against him.

     

    And then there is Goswami’s very open praise of the BJP-led NDA government’s policies and actions. While the channel owner may say that it’s his nationalism that governs him, it’s a clear pursuit of ratings (nothing wrong with it) and commerce at all cost that is driving him. Thankfully for him, the BJP is firmly in the saddle till mid-2024, but the result is that all the goodwill that the channel and its founder have had had has been lost. Khanchandani, as Goswami’s second-in-command, bears the brunt of this legacy.

     

    Sample the tweet by Raj Nayak, a senior mediaperson who is known to be a friend and mentor to Khanchandani: “I am really saddened by the arrest of my dear friend #VikasKhanchandani. We’ve been close for over 2 decades. I can vouch for his integrity. His only fault being at the wrong place at the wrong time and getting caught in the crossfire. Praying that he is safe and released soon.”

     

    I am really saddened by the arrest of my dear friend #VikasKhanchandani. We’ve been close for over 2 decades. I can vouch for his integrity. His only fault being at the wrong place at the wrong time and getting caught in the crossfire.  Praying that he is safe and released soon.

    — Raj Nayak (@rajcheerfull) December 13, 2020

     

     

    Let’s read this line from Nayak’s tweet again: His only fault being at the wrong place at the wrong time and getting caught in the crossfire.

     

    Clearly, there is nothing that’s left unsaid. Khanchandani is a good guy, but at the wrong place – Republic Media Network.

     

    So what must be done:

     

    1. Khanchandani, his family and friends and the industry must prevail upon Goswami to cease and desist from provoking the government and courts any longer. On Sunday, when the Court order came in, Goswami was on air and was virtually questioning the Court verdict. If it is examined for Contempt of Court and found to disobeying the judiciary, Khanchandani could have problems. In fact, if the government is provoked further, it will only delay the decision to free Khanchandani

     

    2. This is a personal and professional decision, but it’s time that Khanchandani and all right-thinking (right as in correct and not the politically right) people working with Republic Media Network weigh how their continuance in the organisation impacts their moral and legal standing.

     

    My tweet expressing sadness at Khanchandani’s arrest and assertion that he has a squeaky clean reputation had some who endorsed his professional standards but also drew some angry feedback. Sample this: “… the fact remains that he has been part of a hate factory that has been selling ads to promote more hate based on gaming the system because of inefficiencies”.

     

    Sad to see @republic TV CEO Vikas Khanchandani being arrested. I have known him for many years and can say he’s squeaky clean. Yes, he works with Republic. But is that his primary crime? @VickMaverick @rajcheerfull @TheAdClub_India @IAA_India

    — Pradyuman Maheshwari (@pmahesh) December 13, 2020

     

    Another comment said: “… would you say that he somewhere profited when the whole SSR debacle was taking place on his network, where the so called ‘guilty’ were charged even before a proper trial. Even if he did what he did while being aware of the right or wrong then I guess Karma’s a bitch.”

     

    The decision on what next is clearly with Goswami and Khanchandani. And whether Khanchandani spends two or more days depends on how Goswami conducts himself. On television.

     

    He was an excellent journalist, is well-educated, has impeccable social skills, but when he’s on camera and in his studio, he’s a different being.

     

    The Shiv Sena-led MVA government has such stalwarts like Sharad Pawar mentoring it. The fact that the combine could outwit a BJP with superpowers like Narendra Modi and Amit Shah speaks volumes for what they can achieve.

     

    Sadly, Khanchandani and his family are paying the price for all of Goswami’s actions.

     

    Pradyuman Maheshwari is a senior journalist and media commentator. He is also Founder and Editor-in-Chief, MxMIndia. His views here are personal

     

  • An interview with the veteran media specialist Shripad Kulkarni post his analysis of festive advertising on television in 2020 on MxMIndia on Tuesday

    MxM Live with Shripad Kulkarni

     

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    We interviewed veteran media specialist Shripad Kulkarni post his analysis of festive advertising on television in 2020 (which appeared on MxMIndia on Tuesday, December 8).

     

    Watch his interview with MxMIndia founder and editor-in-chief Pradyuman Maheshwari to get upclose with study on the market, the emergence of the digital dominators and the two masterbrands who took the plunge to turn out on top.

     

    Read the full report here: https://www.shripadkulkarni.com/report.html

     

    Watch. Enjoy. Like

     

  • His outbursts after his release from jail indicate he’s going to up the offensive against the Maharashtra CM, writes Pradyuman Maheshwari

    Future tense for Arnab Goswami?

     

     

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

     

    In early 2009, I was grilled by a hundred-odd students at the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management on the role of Barkha Dutt and Rajdeep Sardesai in the coverage of the Mumbai terror siege in November the previous year. Student – mostly millennials –  were incensed with the way they covered the terror attack, and expected me to endorse their sentiments. I didn’t, though I did acknowledge that things weren’t done right.

     

     

    In the last few months, I am being quizzed similarly about the role of the media given the Sushant Singh Rajput death, and even before that the entire coverage of the Narendra Modi government and its actions and policies. An interview with Arnab Goswami a few months ago, where I thought I asked some direct questions, actually got me brickbats. Why the hell did I have to interview him? Why give him any importance, I was asked. A few thought I was being soft on him. And some believe that he is a friend.

     

     

    If a friendly acquaintance can be called a friend, then so be it. I have admired his skills as a businessman. And he was indeed a really sharp journalist.

     

     

    I use a ‘was’ because I too honestly believe he has ceased to be a journalist, in the way I define it. The dictionary definition of journalism though doesn’t require a practitioner to be conducting oneself in a non-partisan manner. Journalism doesn’t mean that you have to be honest, fair and sincere. People who deploy paid content also fashion themselves as journalists, publications which sell content for cash by a just-for-the-sake-of-putting-it disclaimer also say they are doing great journalism. Current affairs is as much about the Bihar as it’s about Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Chill, I used these two filmi names for want of a better example. Stay here, there’s no khaas khabar about them.

     

     

    I read the statement of Arnab Goswami’s wife that was doing the rounds on the internet. At a purely personal level, I feel for his family. Though I wonder whether they felt the same when Republic TV was gunning for Rhea Chakraborty. Did they worry about the actor being tortured, beaten up, whatever? I am convinced that what Arnab is being subjected to is vendetta. The Maharashtra government is out to get him. And try and hope he is finished. Ensure Republic TV and Republic Bharat go off the EPG.

     

    Just about everyone I’ve interacted with believes he deserves to be punished for attempting to demolish Chakraborty. Just about, not all.

     

     

    But when Arnab Goswami was granted bail on Wednesday by a Supreme Court vacation bench comprising Justice DY Chandrachud, one of the most erudite and stylish judges of our time, and Justice Indira Banerjee, they surely corrected what was legally wrong.

     

    Corrected a wrong, because I believe the arrest was misplaced, and from what some learned folks tell me, it wasn’t done in the right way.

     

    Goswami had filed a special leave petition seeking interim bail. He was arrested by the Raigad police in Maharashtra and was moved to Taloja jail over the weekend. Goswami had been in judicial custody in a case regarding the suicide of a Mumbai interior designer and his mother in 2018. Earlier, Goswami’s plea to the Bombay High Court was rejected and he was asked to approach the Sessions Court. The abetment to suicide case was just a bahana.

     

    I had thought Arnab Goswami would mend his ways. Would ease the shrill. But a few hours into watching his channel had me convinced that he was all set to up the ante. The picture you see above and in the slideshow are grabs from RepublicWorld.com. The way Arnab dared Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to arrest him is surely not going to be taken very kindly. The Supreme Court judges are reported to have asked the Maharashtra government not to take all of Arnab’s provocations seriously. Even if UT chills, the Sena cadres are known to be a sensitive lot.

     

     

    If Arnab gone to the newsroom, hugged a few of his staff, shed a tear and choked while speaking, he would earned a million wah-wahs. The number of tweets would’ve galloped ahead to 4x what the telecast generated.

     

     

    I have been asked a dozen-odd friends to request Arnab to take it easy. Not result in saying something that would appear to be interfering in the investigations.

     

     

    But if his performance last evening was any indicator, there’s just no way he’s going to change. In fact he is all set to go on a rampage. Arnab has also announced his foray into regions  and an international channel as well, but that was announced last year as well. In fact one report said the foray was to be start in Jan 2020. That was pre-Covid, so no downturn could’ve impacted. I am sure the regional foray will happen, esp if it’s digital and streamed.

     

     

    The concern here is not about meeting promises and announcements. He has announced a 17-month window. Which is one-and-a-half years. So, if Republic Media Network continues have a leadership position, it will happen sooner.

     

     

    The worry is that if Arnab continues to take on the Maharashtra government and if his channel takes up most of primetime reporting on what its bossman and now a senior executive are going through, then the ratings are bound to suffer.

     

     

    There were worries about advertisers backing out if Arnab would be off-air for too long. That thankfully for Republic will not happen. But it’s critical that the channel starts airing news beyond its legal tangles. And if the channel management and its minority shareholders really worry about its main man not getting embroiled in court cases, appearances etc, then the channel content and the business will suffer.

     

     

    The ball is clearly in the courts of Arnab Goswami and the Maharashtra government. We think there should be climbdown of sorts at both ends. Will it happen? I doubt. Thackeray & Co want Arnab to apologise. He won’t. Goswami will want the Police Commissioner to be transferred. They won’t do that.

     

    Future tense indeed.

     

     

     

  • Yes, he has erred, but he needs to be released. Let him off with a strict warning and advisory to temper his journalism.  And perhaps not allow him to go on air until the final Bombay High Court order. Or allow him to come on air but desist  from commenting on his arrest and Maharashtra affairs. Or whatever the Court deems fit, writes Pradyuman Maheshwari

    Comment: Free Arnab. Bahut ho gaya!

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    There are times in our lives when we need to take a stand. Call a spade a spade. Yet, be fair.

     

    But first: I’ve said this before, and will repeat. I don’t believe in or endorse Arnab Goswami’s journalism. There are many who say that Goswami’s work can’t even be called journalism, as it’s popularly perceived. It’s most often downright propaganda.

     

    Every mediaperson reserves the right to say whatever she or he wants. Freedom of Speech is assured to every citizen of India. However, along with this freedom comes responsibility. And accountability.

     

    Arnab Goswami breached that. His primetime journalism was far from unbiased journalism. He took positions, screamed loudly and rubbished his studio guests. All of which made it entertaining for many, but his nightly outbursts were obnoxious.

     

    He is in fact scarred the craft of news journalism, as the layperson now believes all journalists are like that – biased and uncivil, damaging human senses.

     

    So why am I then saying that Arnab Goswami should be set free? Because the government has made its point very clear to the Republic TV founder and managing director. However, much as he may have maligned the entire ruling coalition and not respected the Chief Minister’s chair, we believe he is being wronged against.

     

    The reason why he was arrested has been disputed. His company’s name is on the suicide note, but the case was closed earlier and opened in a dubious manner last week. It may well have been closed in a dubious manner, but I don’t want to get into the technicalities of the case. He was arrested with virtually the entire state’s thinktank deployed to arrest him.

     

    The role of other media can also be questioned. Almost every media major entity in the country is out to finish Arnab. A lot of newsprint has been invested in discrediting him. Goswami had earlier rubbished them all. Short of using expletives, he did everything to trash most other entities.

     

    But should the government continue to insist Goswami is behind bars. No it shouldn’t. There are fears that he is being tortured. Perhaps these are exaggerations. Perhaps these aren’t.

     

    Yes, he has erred, but he needs to be released. Bahut ho gaya. Let him off with a strict warning and advisory to temper his journalism.  And perhaps not allow him to go on air until the final Bombay High Court order. Or allow him to come on air but desist  from commenting on his arrest and Maharashtra affairs. Or whatever the Court deems fit.

     

    It will also do a world of good for the reputation of the Shiv Sena-NCP-Congress MVA government. They have achieved their objective. Shown Goswami who’s the real boss. Now free him.

     

    Pradyuman Maheshwari is editor-in-chief, MxMIndia. His views here are personal.

     

  • The Wavemaker CEO – South Asia speaks on the GroupM agency's three years in India, his journey at the helm, Gurugram v/s Mumbai, and the rivalry with sibling Mindshare

    MxM Live with Ajay Gupte

     

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    Wavemaker India celebrates its third anniversary on Monday, November 9, and we speak with Ajay Gupte, CEO – South Asia, Wavemaker, on the occasion.

     

    Gupte took charge in January 2020, and we know of the tumultuous times across the world after that. A coincidence of course. The marketing services business was badly hit given the events and advertising spends going south post that.

     

    But in this period, Wavemaker – part of WPP’s GroupM network – has managed to reinvent itself and forge ahead, says Gupte. There is a beefing up of the top deck. Some noteworthy work. And development of analytical tools that are now adopted within Wavemaker global framework.

     

    In a freewheeling interview with MxMIndia Founder and Editor-in-Chief Pradyuman Maheshwari, Ajay Gupte speaks on a cross-section of issues around the business, around Wavemaker, his settling back into the country, the job, Gurugram versus Mumbai, the rivalry with sibling Mindshare. And more.

     

    Watch. Enjoy. Like.

     

  • It’s time the ecosystem doesn't succumb to government pressure, writes Pradyuman Maheshwari

    Comment: Government must not interfere in TV measurement!

     

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    MxMIndia has been consistent on its position that the government mustn’t have any role in the television ratings process. We wrote this in 2018, and earlier in 2016 and perhaps a few more times. That the government would appoint a committee to review guidelines on television rating agencies in India, was known. Earlier this year,  on the eve of BARC’s fifth anniversary (https://www.mxmindia.com/2020/04/on-eve-of-barcs-5th-birthday-trai-issues-recommendations-on-tv-audience-measurement/), TRAI issued recommendations on the way ratings should happen.

     

    So while we were appalled when on Wednesday, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting constituted a committee to review guidelines on television rating agencies in India notified by it in 2014, we weren’t surprised. We thought that in the spirit of ‘Ease of Doing Business’, the government wouldn’t interfere. That we guess was asking for too much. It’s the government after all.

     

    It’s time the media ecosystem – broadcasters, advertisers and media agencies – must ask the government to not interfere.

     

    While a review of how BARC is performing is good to do, and what measurement should be like is a must and must be evaluated often enough, did it require the MIB to do it? Couldn’t the joint owners of broadcasters, advertisers and advertising agencies have conducted this? After all, they run businesses of over crores of rupees and are mostly fair in their decision-making. Mostly fair, because we’ve seen some regressive acts in the past. It may be noted that the BARC Board – the meetings of which happen very regularly – is constituted of members of all stakeholders.

     

    But back to our concern that the government shouldn’t be getting involved in measurement. As always, vested interests have evidently got onto the act and prevailed upon the government to do this.

     

    It appears that the genesis of the problem is the unity (or lack of it) amongst and within the three constituents. It is incorrect to let the government interfere. In fact, I may add here that the government’s intervention is a slap in the face of the stakeholders.

     

    The government-appointed TRAI should not have any role in the television audience measurement. Just as it doesn’t have any role in print, radio and internet audience measurement. There is some bizarre view that the reason why the government is involved is because its ads buying arm – the DAVP – loses monies because of incorrect measurement. So what about print which also earns its largesse? The government is scared of the big print players and isn’t able to bully them the way they are able to control the TVwallahs.

     

    The data that is thrown up by measurement is used by advertisers (and hence ad agencies) to decide on advertising and by broadcasters to aid its content and distribution. And since successive governments are aware that the media ecosystem is divided and people love to pull down others, it takes advantage of the situation. Look at print: even though an HT may hate Times, a Dainik Bhaskar may take on Dainik Jagran or Rajasthan Patrika, all rivals are almost always on one page when it comes to warding off government influences.

     

    Frankly, if I am advertiser, I can decide on the criteria for advertising on a certain channel. It could be ratings, it could the colour of the CEO’s shirt or saree, it could be whatever. Why should anyone else decide what the ratings should be. Will the government ask HUL, Amul, Dream11 to give reasons why it is paying XYZ crore rupees to Channel X or Y for its ads? Will the government ask Media Agency ABC why it is suggesting Channel V or W for its advertising. That’s a contract between the advertiser and the agency… Aap Inke Hain Kaun?

     

    Also, there can be multiple ratings agencies that can co-exist. Competition is always good to have, but measurement is an expensive exercise to conduct, and someone has to pay for it. From what I understand, the downturn has already impacted the subscription monies of BARC. It’s alright to talk of the need for competition, but one must remember that it doesn’t come free. That is if you want a quality measurement exercise.

     

    Bottomline: Broadcasters, advertisers and advertising agencies need to do some tough talking with the government. BARC must not toe the government’s line. BARC must not subject itself to the government’s demands.

     

    If BARC doesn’t do its job properly, its joint owners and subscribers will stop paying for its services. That by itself will ensure that it will provide good service. If a channel feels aggrieved, it can petition the association it is a part of to advise/tell/order BARC.

     

    Simple. Hai na? Time for the ecosystem to flex its muscles. And say: Hum Aapke Hai Kaun? And Kyun?

     

    This is the communique from the Press Information Bureau website:

     

    Ministry of I&B constitutes committee to review Guidelines on Television Rating Agencies in India

    Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has today constituted a committee to review “Guidelines on Television Rating Agencies in India” notified by the Ministry in 2014.

    The present guidelines issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on Television Rating Agencies in India were notified after detailed deliberations by the Parliamentary Committee, Committee on Television Rating Points (TRP) constituted by the MIB and recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority etc.

    It has been found, based on the operation of the guidelines for a few years, that there is need to have a fresh look on the guidelines particularly keeping in view the recent recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), technological advancements / interventions to address the system and further strengthening of the procedures for a credible and transparent rating system.

    A committee has been hereby constituted to study different aspects of the television rating system in India as they have evolved over a period of time.  The Committee shall carry out an appraisal of the existing system; examine TRAI recommendations notified from time to time, overall industry scenario and addressing the needs of the stakeholders and make recommendations for robust, transparent and accountable rating system through changes, if any, in the existing guidelines.

     

    The composition of the Committee shall be as under:-

    i)             Shri Shashi S. Vempati, CEO, Prasar Bharti                 …. Chairman

    ii)            Dr Shalabh, Professor of Statistics,

    Department of Mathematics and Statistics,

    IIT Kanpur                                                                           ….Member

    iii)           Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, Executive Director,

    C-DOT                                                                                  ….Member

    iv)           Professor Pulak Ghosh, Decision Sciences

    Centre for Public Policy (CPP)                                         ….Member

     

    The Terms of Reference for the Committee shall be as under:

    a. Study past recommendations made by various forums on the subject of television rating systems in India and matter incidental thereto;

    b. Study recent recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority on the subject;

    c. Suggest steps for enhancing competition in the sector;

    d. Review of the presently notified guidelines to see if the intended purpose(s) of issuing the guidelines have stood the test of time and has met needs of various stakeholders involve The lacunae, if any, shall be specially addressed by the Committee;

    e. Any issues related or incidental to the subject;

    f. To make recommendations on way forward for robust, transparent and accountable rating system in India; and

    g. Any other related issues assigned by MIB from time to time.

     

    The Committee can invite any expert as a special invitee. The Committee will submit its report to the Minister for Information & Broadcasting within two months.

     

  • The Shiv Sena-led MVA government gets even with Republic founder-ed Arnab Goswami. But the arrest was coming

    Comment: Not right to arrest Arnab!

     

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

     

     

    On issues like these, we can’t be sitting on the fence. It’s important to say where we stand. Upfront. Unambiguously.

     

    But before we do that: We must say that we don’t believe in or endorse Arnab Goswami’s journalism. Friend, Consulting Editor and our founding columnist, Ranjona Banerji, in fact goes a step further: she feels Arnab doesn’t practise journalism.

     

    It’s ditto with many other journalists and news media ventures. Sadly.

     

    Since Republic TV has been in the business, MxMIndia has helped produce 10-odd A&M shows for the channel. But that was purely a business decision. We didn’t go to town that we did it. But we must add here: no one then said they don’t want to be interviewed by the channel. They enjoyed the reach it offers.

     

    We admire Arnab Goswami’s business sense. He was our MxMIndia Mediaperson of the Year for 2017, thanks to the super success that he made of the channel. He’s a journalist, yes, but also a very shrewd businessperson.

     

    So enough of reinforcing our standpoint on Republic. Yes, we think it’s incorrect to arrest Arnab Goswami. It is clearly a blow to the freedom of the media, and the attempt is to muzzle and damn him. Even finish him as a journalist and close his media company.

     

    There may be many who say that Arnab asked for it. By damning the Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawar, Sonia Gandhi belligerently in a way that only he can, he wasn’t going to get away with it easily.

     

    Then there is this senior police official who is now reported to have called him a hawala operator. It was clearly incorrect for the Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh to indict Arnab in a press conference, without adequate proof. But in the height of the Sushant Singh Rajput case, Arnab also asked for the CP’s sacking.

     

     

    However, as we said earlier, it is incorrect to arrest Arnab Goswami. The 2018 suicide abetment case which had been reopened by the Maharashtra home minister, a fact he tweeted about in May 2020 We are surprised that the Republic TV founder, with Senior advocate Haresh Salve as his advisor, did not seek anticipatory bail. Even when the case first came up in 2018, it was considered very sensitive and there were fears of an arrest.

     

    Home Minister Amit Shah and a variety of political leaders, lawyers and other biggies have damned the arrest. Some of them weren’t as vociferous on the attack on freedom of speech when a few others were put behind bars for dubious reasons. That though is a different story. Arnab Goswami must be released. If his 20-year son was also assaulted, check the CC TV footage and someone must pay a price for that.

     

     

    But, Arnab also must take it easy. Practise your journalism. Take on the world. Expose people. But don’t go on to demolish them.

     

     

    For, by taking that route, he could well get caught in the crossfire.

     

    Editor’s Guild of India and News Broadcasters Association issue statements: