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Tag: Rahul Johri

  • Revenue leads will now report directly into MD & CEO Punit Goenka

    Zeel streamlines revenue vertical, Rahul Johri quits

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd has announced strategic changes in the revenue vertical of the broadcast business. Revenue leads will now report directly into MD and CEO Punit Goenka post the resignation of Rahul Johri, President-Business South Asia, the former CEO of the cricket board BCCI and Discovery Networks and a slew of news entities.

    With immediate effect, Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer, Advertisement Revenue and will now directly report into the MD & CEO.

    Notes a communique: “In line with the strategic approach undertaken by the MD & CEO, this announcement is the first step towards streamlining the organization, in order to optimize the resource allocation and enhance productivity. The Company has accepted the resignation of Rahul Johri. In his stint at Zee for over three years, Johri has led the revenue and monetisation vertical.”

    Said Goenka: “With his rich expertise and experience, Rahul has added immense value to the organisation. I wish him all the success in his future endeavours. I am most certain that with his passion towards the sports and media business, he will continue to contribute towards the industry at large. I also look forward to working closely with Ashish and team, with an aim to drive higher growth in the advertisement revenue segment, as the linear business landscape unlocks more growth opportunities.”

    Commenting on his decision, Johri said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Punit and the entire team. Zee is an ‘Academy of Talent’ and I will always be a proud alumni. I will continue to work towards the upliftment of the sports and media industry, leveraging my expertise to unlock its potential. I wish Punit and team Zee all the very best.”

    Meanwhile, in line with the new lateral structure being implemented, other than Sehgal, all other reportees of Johri, will report into the office of Goenka.

  • The cricket tournament will be broadcast on ZEE's 10 channels and its OTT platform ZEE5

    ILT20 unveils trophy for inaugural season in 2023

    By Our Staff

     

    International League T20 (ILT20) a 20-over cricket tournament unveiled the coveted trophy for the upcoming inaugural edition of the league, which will be held in United Arab Emirates from January 13-February 12, 2023. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman, Emirates Cricket Board, unveiled the silver trophy.

     

    Talking about the trophy and the much-anticipated tournament, Rahul Johri, President – Business, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) said: “The unveiling of the ILT20 trophy by His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan in the presence of all team owners and cricket legends marks a momentous milestone in our journey with the Emirates Cricket Board. This distinctive trophy is symbolic of the league’s unparalleled scale and ambition. We are humbled and thrilled that ILT20 is the coveted vehicle for Zee’s re-entry into sports broadcasting. We are enthused with this opportunity to entertain millions of cricket fans across India and globally on both linear television and streaming platform ZEE5.”

     

    The 34-match tournament will have six teams competing to win the coveted ILT20 trophy. The tournament will exclusively air live on Zee’s 10 linear channels in English, Hindi, and Tamil languages as well as on its OTT platform Zee5. The event will be broadcast on Zee Cinema (SD & HD), Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Therai, Zee Bangla Cinema, Zee Zest (SD & HD), & Pictures HD, &Flix (SD & HD) and Zee5 in India and globally.

     

  • To air matches exclusively on Zee’s linear channels and OTT platform Zee5

    Zee signs contract with UAE’s T20 League

    By Our Staff

     

    Zee has announced signing of the global media rights’ contract with UAE’s T20 League. The League will air exclusively on Zee’s linear channels and its OTT platform Zee5, in India and across the world. UAE’s T20 League is a professional cricket tournament comprising 6 teams competing in a 34-match competition, including – Reliance Industries Limited, Adani Sportsline, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lancer Capital, GMR Group and Capri Global.

     

    Said Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman UAE’s T20 League: “Nothing can be more satisfying than to have a credible broadcast partner like ZEE associated with the League. I am thankful to both Punit Goenka, MD & CEO and Rahul Johri, President – Business South Asia at Zee for having faith in this League and to grow into a commercially successful enterprise. It is further a matter of delight that Zee has decided to re-enter sports broadcast with UAE’s T20 League being the first media rights acquisition. We are very confident that ZEE has the strength of viewership to take our League to unmatched levels.”

     

    Added Rahul Johri, President – Business, South Asia, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited: “At Zee, we are delighted to be the official global media rights holder of UAE’s T20 League. We believe that the League, which is already attracting globally, the biggest cricket stars and team franchisees, will provide fantastic cricket and entertainment to viewers across the world. Zee is committed to use the strength of its platforms to take UAE’s T20 League to audiences in India and across the globe.”

     

  • Until recently CEO of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Johri was associated with Discovery Networks Asia Pacific for 15 years

    Former BCCI boss Rahul Johri joins Zee as President – Business, S Asia

    By A Correspondent

     

    As part of its Zee 4.0 strategy, Zee Entertainment has effected a significant restructuring of its top deck. Punit Misra will take over as President – Content & International Markets, Amit Goenka will take over as President – Digital Businesses & Platforms, Tarun Katial who is leading the ZEE5 India business will continue to report into Goenka, Shariq Patel will be responsible for the integrated movies business and Anurag Bedi will continue to drive the music business.

     

    But the big announcement is the appointment of Rahul Johri as President – Business, South Asia. Johri will be responsible for leading the integrated revenue and monetisation team. Until recently CEO of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Johri was associated with Discovery Networks Asia Pacific for 15 years.

     

    Speaking on these announcements, Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. said: “Zee 4.0 will be an integrated and synergised organization, with a sharp focus on delivering world class entertainment content to our consumers across the world and enhanced value to our partners across the ecosystem. As I had expressed in my Open Letter, our endeavour will be to build a process-oriented structure for the future and our integrated approach is a strong step in this direction. ‘Gusto’ is an extremely important pillar of the new version of the Company and as an ‘Academy of Talent’, Zee will continue to nurture and build leaders for the Company and the Industry at large. I am delighted to have Rahul Johri join us to lead the Revenue & Monetization team and I am equally glad to have a strong business leadership team comprising of Amit Goenka, Punit Misra, Shariq Patel and Anurag Bedi, leading their respective functions. I am most certain that the collective experience and expertise of the leadership team, will help us immensely in achieving our set goals for the future.”

     

     

  • Distribution key to Star India recovering investments

    So will Star recover the Rs 60.18cr it needs to pay for each India match?

    By A Correspondent

     

    So will Star recover the Rs 60.18cr it needs to pay for each India match? That’s a question that everyone seemed to be asking at the culmination of the e-auction where bidding to own India cricket broadcast rights. Star India logged in the highest bid of Rs 6138 crore for the global consolidated rights package was going ballistic.In the bag for Star are the following:  Global Television Rights plus Rest of the World Digital Rights Package, Indian Subcontinent Digital Rights Package and hence the Global Consolidated Rights Package. This averages out to Rs 60.18 cr per international game.

     

    Earlier, Star India had also secured the broadcast and digital rights for the Vivo Indian Premier League for the next five years. Given this, Star India has a monopoly over all forms of cricket for the next five years.

     

    According to broadcast and media industry folks, while the amount of Rs 60.18 crore appears very high, given the huge interest for the game, Star will hope to recover the monies from not just advertising but from distribution. And while Reliance lost this battle for the direct rights, it will still play a key role in the digital distribution with Jio.

     

    Said Uday Shankar, Chairman, Star India: Having both the IPL and India Domestic and International Rights puts us in a special position. I am confident that Star and BCCI can transform the sporting experience in the country.”

     

    And what about the monies invested. Said Shankar in a statement: “Before the auction began, we had a specific number in mind. The prices reflect the average value of all three formats of the game. I congratulate the BCCI for putting across a scientific and a thoroughly transparent process. You knew the bids at all times, but at no stage did you know the bidder. Having a brutally transparent process is a major factor for their success.”

     

    Said CK Khanna, Acting President of the BCCI: “I congratulate the Star group for securing BCCI’s Domestic and International Rights. The BCCI shares a strong bond with Star and our association will touch new levels in the years to come. The fact that it took three days to decide a winner proves the deep level of interest in Indian cricket.

     

    For Star India it’s a huge win. Echoing this view, Amitabh Choudhary, Acting Honorary Secretary, BCCI, said: “We tried out the E-Auction for the first time and it was a pleasant experience. By securing the BCCI Domestic and International Rights, Star has now completed a hat-trick. I also express my gratitude to Reliance Industries Limited and Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited who completed the E-Auction process and made it a success.”

     

    Added Rahul Johri, CEO, BCCI: “The BCCI had put together a transparent process and I am pleased with the outcome. In the process, we were assisted by Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP and Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. The fierce bidding underlines the importance of domestic and international cricket. The supporters of Indian cricket will be treated to some high-quality action not only on the field, but also on television and digital platforms.”

     

    Sony Pictures and Reliance Industries were in the final three shortlisted for the online bidding. According to reports, the Sony bid was of Rs 6118.59 crore, just Rs 19.51 crore short of the Star India bid.

     

     

  • The national campaign “Sher vs Sher” has been conceived and conceptualized by the in-house creative team at Star Sports

    Star India launches the second phase of its campaign for IPL 2018

    By A Correspondent

     

    Star India has launched the second phase of its Best vs Best Vivo IPL campaign that attempts to answer the question: from Bundelkhand to Madurai – as to who would win when a Tiger would take on another?

     

    The national campaign, “Kaun Jeetega?” (Hindi) “Who would Win?” portrays a young child posing the question to all around him – as to who would win when two Tigers take on each other? As his question goes unanswered by everyone, his father takes him to watch an IPL match, concluding that, when a Tiger takes on another, the Tiger is always the winner.

     

    The national campaign “Sher vs Sher” has been conceived and conceptualised by the in-house creative team at Star Sports and is directed by Shlok Sharma in Bundelkhandi and Prakash Varma of Nirvana Films in Hindi, along with Vijay Prabakaran in Tamil.

     

    Commenting on the launch of these films, Rahul Johri, Chief Executive Officer, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said: “With fans across the globe waiting for the Vivo IPL 2018 to start, we decided to launch the second leg of the #BestVsBest campaign today. It is all about the universal appeal of IPL. This aspect is something I believe will keep fans glued to all the action in Vivo IPL 2018 which will further enhance this global celebration of the brand IPL.”

     

    Added Gayatri Yadav, President Consumer Strategy & Innovation, Star India: “The Sher vs Sher campaign is a representation of what Vivo IPL 2018 has in store for millions of cricketing fans across the globe. Continuing from the IPL anthem launch earlier this month, with this motive we would like to reinforce how intense and unpredictable the contest would be between the teams to win the coveted Vivo IPL 2018 trophy. This April stars from across the cricketing world descend upon India to prove their mettle in one of the most testing tournaments in the world giving fans across a truly exhilarating and nail-biting experience.”

     

     

  • Star India has also announced the Star Reimagine creative award – a recognition of the Top 2 advertisers in IPL

    Star India reimagines IPL 2018 with VR

    By A Correspondent

     

    Star India has announced major plans to ‘reimagine’ the Vivo Indian Premier League 2018 with a slew of measures. The matches will be broadcast live in six different languages targeting a reach of 700 million fans across TV and Digital.

     

    In a first, Star will stream IPL 2018 on its OTT platform Hotstar in Virtual Reality. At a press meet held in Gurgaon on Wednesday, Star officials underscored the interplay of TV and Digital offering advertisers many opportunities to build brands across platforms. Star India also announced the Star Reimagine creative award – a recognition of the Top 2 advertisers in IPL.

     

    Said Sanjay Gupta, Managing Director, Star India: “Over its 10-year journey, the IPL has grown into the single biggest property by far on Indian television. And now that it is on the Star India network across both, television and digital, we are set to use the confluence of technology, consumer insight, and experience in cricket coverage, to broaden the outreach and experience even further. The Vivo IPL 2018 will be a six-month-long fiesta with new-age technology putting fans at the heart of the experience. We are confident that the VIVO IPL 2018, as re-imagined by Star India, will empower viewers, advertisers and the media & entertainment eco system of India with greater convenience and viewing pleasure, audience deliveries and all-round growth.”

     

    Added Rahul Johri, CEO, BCCI: “Over the last decade, the BCCI has transformed the Indian Premier League from a radical new idea into India’s biggest sporting phenomenon and despite the scale of its success, the sky remains the limit for the VIVO IPL 2018.  In Star India, we have a partner that not only believes in the immense potential of the IPL, but also believes in pushing the boundaries of sports broadcasting, which gives it the power and ability to take the IPL to even greater heights. With even richer content across a six-month entertainment calendar, we are happy it will delight a much larger number of cricket lovers across the length and breadth of India.”

     

     

  • The channels will air a special 20-year celebration marathon on August 15 and 16

    Discovery Channel completes 20 years in India on Aug 15

    By A Correspondent

     

    Discovery Channel will complete two decades of existence in India, and to do that it has arranged for a line-up of its most iconic programmes on August 15 and 16, from 8am to 6pm.

     

    Rahul Johri

    Said Rahul Johri, EVP & GM-South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific: “Discovery Channel has had a life-changing impact on millions of viewers in India. The tremendous affection that it enjoys in India continues to fuel our passion to relentlessly push the boundaries of factual entertainment and uncover the finest stories from across the world. On this occasion of completing 20 great years in India, on behalf of the entire team, I would like to express our gratitude to the viewers and clients who have expressed their admiration through this remarkable 20-year journey.”

     

    Discovery is watched in five languages in India including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Bengali.

     

  • In this edition of Coffee & Conversations, Rahul Kishore meets up with Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President & General Manager – South Asia & Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific

    Coffee & Conversations with Rahul Kishore: Week #5: Rahul Johri

    By Rahul Kishore

     

    It is very tough to get a long response to anything from Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President & General Manager – South Asia & Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific. He doesn’t talk very much. He agreed to meet me instantly though and said that he had never had an interview of ‘this’kind. He was forthright and crisp in his responses. What came across was a man involved totally in his job and very happy doing it. I began by asking him…

     

    Do you consider yourself lucky?

    I have always worked hard and strived for excellence. Luck definitely plays a part. Being at the right place at the right time has its advantages and I have been fortunate

     

    Beliefs that define you.

    Always have a goal and work tirelessly towards achieving it. The happiness and satisfaction you derive is unmatched.

     

    How do you destress?

    I like to read and travel with my family. But what gives me maximum pleasure is the opportunity to satisfy people’s curiosity and make a difference in their lives through our enriching content.

     

    If there was a movie made about your life who would you to like to play and why?

    Tom Hanks for his versatile acting abilities.

     

    What’s your dream job?

    This is my dream job. I work with one of the most admired global brands, finest team and create compelling content that is watched by millions across the world.

     

    If Bill Gates were to give you $100 million what would you do to change the world?

    I would invest in developing sustainable and clean energy sources so that we leave behind a pollution-free world for the generations to come.

     

    Your favourite animal.

    Elephant.

     

    One word that defines you?

    Passionate.

     

    CEO that you admire.

    It has to be David Zaslav, CEO, Discovery Communications Inc. for his business acumen, energy and effervescence.

     

    Who would you like to be re-born as?

    As myself. I consider myself fortunate for the life I’ve had. I have no wish to be reborn as someone else.

     

  • The channel is expanding its content offering to reflect the new and emerging passions, desires and interests of the aspirational male audience

    Discovery Turbo targets ‘Men’ as new TG

    By A Correspondent

     

    Discovery has transformed its existing channel Discovery Turbo into a Premium English Entertainment Channel for Men. The channel is expanding its content offering to reflect the new and emerging passions, desires and interests of the aspirational male audience.

     

    Turbo will fill the vacuum in the Indian television space by catering to the growing segment of men seeking to live life to the absolute fullest. The channel will give its male audience a life changing inspiration and its content will push the boundaries of endurance, imagination and excitement. The refreshed Turbo brand will present content ranging from adventure, combat, DIY, hobbies, lifestyle, reality, trends, challenges, and auto. A one-stop destination for everything cool, real and entertaining, the channel programmes will be presented by the world’s most ingenious, daring and eccentric personalities.

     

    The brand MAN-tra will be demonstrated through the channel’s new logo and new programming and bold personalities such as Mike Rowe, Joel Lambert, Les Stroud and Gary Humphrey and Bill Wu.

     

    Rahul Johri, EVP & GM – South Asia and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “The refreshed Turbo will match the dynamic expectations of the Indian male audience seeking maximum out of every experience. The only specialised content channel in the English genre, Turbo reflects the promised benefits of digitalization. The Indian television landscape is ever changing and we have stayed ahead of the curve by recognizing the evolving trends and addressing them by creating new television genres and distinct audience segments. With its widened content offering, Turbo will offer an increased value to the affiliates and advertisers.”

     

  • Star India CEO Uday Shankar will once again be President of the Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF), the apex body of broadcasters in India.

    Uday Shankar re-elected President of IBF

    By A Correspondent

     

    Uday Shankar

    Star India CEO Uday Shankar will once again be President of the Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF), the apex body of television broadcasters in India. At the 15th Annual General Meeting (AGM) IBF held in New Delhi on Wednesday, and the Board of Directors meeting thereafter, Mr Shankar was elected President.

     

    The IBF Board also elected Punit Goenka as Vice President – Measurement, N P Singh as Vice President – Distribution, Rajat Sharma as Vice President – Strategic Affairs and Rahul Johri as Treasurer.

     

    Commenting on the development, Uday Shankar said: “I am privileged to be trusted by the members of IBF to lead the industry body at a critical juncture when the industry needs to leap to the next level by working collaboratively with the Government and other stake holders.”

     

    The move is seen to be significant as the all-important television viewership measurement system of joint industry body BARC is scheduled to be functional in the next few quarters.

     

  • Mr Johri will continue to spearhead the operations and overall growth strategy of DNAP's portfolio in the South Asian region

    Rahul Johri now with expanded role in Discovery APAC

    By A Correspondent

     

    Rahul Johri

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) has promoted Rahul Johri to the role of Executive Vice President and General Manager, South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia.

     

    Johri continues to spearhead the operations and overall growth strategy of DNAP’s portfolio in the South Asian region, as well as leading and managing the advertising sales and solutions deals for the Asia-Pacific pan-regional business with a focus on expanding distribution and growing local ad sales for Southeast Asia.

     

    Arjan Hoekstra, President & Managing Director, DNAP, said, “During his time at Discovery, Rahul has built a very successful Indian business for us, and recently expanded his role to include revenue leadership for the Southeast Asia business and pan-regional sales efforts. This promotion recognises his continuing leadership and contributions to Discovery.”

     

    Johri joined Discovery in June 2001 in the ad sales division, based in New Delhi. Since then, he has been promoted through the organization to his previous role of Senior Vice President and General Manager of South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, where he spearheaded the operations and overall growth strategy of DNAP’s portfolio in those markets.  He was also responsible for revenue generation, portfolio expansion, affiliate partnerships, viewership, content creation and talent management. He pioneered Discovery’s localization drive in India and launched multiple language feeds across different brands.  Most recently, Johri oversaw the successful launch of Discovery Kids in India.