MxMIndia

Tag: Reliance Broadcast Network Limited

  • To get added responsibilities in revenue and technical departments

    Big FM elevates Sunil Kumaran as COO

    By Our Staff

     

    Sunil Kumaran
    Sunil Kumaran

    Big FM, the  radio network, has recently announced the elevation of Sunil Kumaran as Chief Operating Officer. Kumaran will spearhead revenue (Sales, Sales Support, Revenue Maximisation, Account Planning) and technical functions besides continuing his current responsibility of brand (Programming, Marketing and Solutions) and boosting digital growth of the network.

     

    Speaking about his new role, Kumaran said: “We are going through a transformative time in our journey at Big.  Tapping into our strengths, we have embarked on an aggressive growth plan to leverage the opportunities presented by the fast evolving digital landscape. I am happy to move into this role where I get to work with a top-of-the-line cross functional team, to drive this evolution and growth.”

     

    Added Abraham Thomas, CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited: “Sunil is a proven leader and we aim to leverage every ounce of his superpowers as a revenue, product, content, and marketing visionary to write Big FM’s success story.  His remarkable brand commitment, together with strategic vision, navigating through changing industry dynamics, constant client/listener focus, leading teams and setting them up for success and understanding of how we come together at Big FM to execute against opportunities in a collaborative way will open up avenues for Big FM to create newer milestones. Here is wishing Sunil all the very best in his new assignment. I am confident in the commitment and the ability of our teams to rise to this challenge and script the biggest comeback story of the post-Covid era.”

     

     

  • Chatterjee’s role of Chief Business Officer is in addition to his role of CFO

    RBNL CFO Asheesh Chatterjee is now also CBO

    By A Correspondent

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL) has announced the appointment of Asheesh Chatterjee in the role of Chief Business Officer, in addition to his current responsibility of serving as Chief Financial Officer of the company. During the last year, Chatterjee has been guiding the revenue and business support teams across the company apart from his usual role of managing finance, legal, IT and digital transformation.

     

    Commenting on taking on an additional role, Chatterjee said: “It’s a pleasure to be taking on the additional position of Chief Business Officer at the company with which I have been associated for 8 years. In keeping with BIG FM’s core ethos, I intend to give it my best in taking the company into its next phase of development.”

     

    Speaking about the appointment, Abraham Thomas – RBNL CEO said: “Since his appointment in 2011, Asheesh has been an asset to the company, significantly contributing towards developing practices that enhances business efficiency, manage costs effectively and deliver great value to clients. Over the last year, he has driven the Revenue, Finance and Business support teams to meet the company’s objectives.”

     

     

  • He has previously worked with Radio City, RED FM, Indian Express, Sony, Astro Broadcast and MTV

    Abraham Thomas joins RBNL as CEO

    By A Correspondent

     

    Abraham Thomas

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited has appointed Abraham Thomas as its Chief Executive Officer. Thomas, or Abe, as he is known in the fraternity, comes with over two decades of experience with a proven track record. and has a proven track record of propelling businesses across print, radio, TV and digital to newer heights in India, China and South Asia. A multi-faceted media professional turned entrepreneur with One Network Entertainment, he has previously worked with Radio City, Red FM, Indian Express, Sony, Astro Broadcast and MTV.

     

    Speaking about his role at Big FM, Abraham Thomas said: “Audio entertainment is ever evolving and players are bringing formats that are new and engaging to drive listenership and enhance advertiser relationships. Big FM’s programmatic and tech-driven developments paired with content marketing offerings by Big Thwink, support the objective of pushing more original content and innovative brand integrated campaigns across platforms. In an evolving era where audiences are consuming audio content across multiple platforms, I am excited to join this evolving business and be a part of the successful transformation and growth that lies ahead.”

     

     

  • In his current role, he will undertake the responsibility of building effective business partnerships across key markets

    Tarun Katyal is back at Big FM. Note: Katyal, not Katial

    By A Correspondent

     

    Big FM has appointed Tarun Katyal as Business Head – Metros. After his successful stint of two years at the organisation (2014-2016), Katyal rejoins the Big network to lead business associations for key markets and scale up the inventory. He will report to Asheesh Chatterjee, Chief Financial Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited.

     

    Speaking about the appointment, Chatterjee said: “We are positive that Tarun will steer the vertical to build lucrative business partnerships in key regions and add to the network’s ‘Shared Purpose’ strategy.”

     

    Speaking about his role, Katyal said: “Big FM’s working culture has always been a positive ground to explore and cultivate one’s strengths to the maximum. I feel great to be a part of the network again. I look forward to working towards developing and strengthening productive business partnerships across regions along with the team.”

     

    Meanwhile on the Katial with the ‘I’, he has taken charge as CEO at Zee5, though an official communique hasn’t been issued on it. Also, the announcement on the new CEO hasn’t been made it though there are rumours of a senior telecom marketer being considered for the role.

     

     

  • An integrated ad-tech solution fortifying the advertiser value chain

    Big FM to offer digital-first programmatic solution

    By A Correspondent

     

    Big FM has announced an investment in a programmatic solution designed to enhance advertiser experience. The integrated ad-tech platform will be modelled to achieve faster time to market by ensuring operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.

     

    Commenting on the soon to be launched innovative offering, Asheesh Chatterjee, Chief Financial Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (Big FM) said:“Big FM’s intention to invest in an adtech platform is a defining milestone in our digital-first journey, as we aim to enhance our advertiser experience and integrate it within our technologically evolving ecosystem. The highly scalable platform is revolutionary as it will drive programmatic buying of ad spots and seamlessly lead to linear radio transmission whilst managing peak loads smoothly. By investing in cloud-based services, it’s a step towards being ready for tomorrow’s media landscape centered on digital consumption. We are already in talks with leading tech partners in this space to help us build a robust programmatic solution.”

     

     

  • With the launch of additional 14 stations, 5 new stations will be added in Maharashtra and Goa (Pune, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad and Ahmednagar), making it a total of 8 stations

    92.7 Big FM adds 14 new stations in one go

    By A Correspondent

     

    92.7 Big FMhas launched the test signals of 14 new frequencies acquired recently. On April 1, the network went live with the test signals in one day.

     

    With the acquisition of these new frequencies, the radio network is moving from strength to strength with a total of 59 stations now. In Maharashtra, there will be an addition of five new stations (Pune, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad and Ahmednagar), bringing it to a total of eight stations in the state. The network will enjoy complete coverage in UP, Bihar and Jharkhand, with the additions of Lucknow, Patna, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Muzaffarpur, bringing the total to 13 stations in the region.

     

    Additionally, Big FM will also increase its hold over Northeast India as the radio network will have the largest presence in border regions with new stations in Agartala, Itanagar, Shillong and Aizawl and existing stations in Jammu, Srinagar and Guwahati. With this the network ensures that it is present in all key cities and the state capitals in the North East.

     

    Commenting on the occasion, Tarun Katial, Chief Executive Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, said: “The launch of 14 new stations will further reinforce our position as leaders in the radio broadcast industry. This is a major step in expanding our presence in all our focus markets to ensure that we continue to grow in the space and deepen our market penetration.”

     

  • Appoints Atul Razdan, Nidhi Gulia and Sanil Suneja as National Programming Head, National Marketing Head and Regional Business Head (Delhi) respectively

    RBNL strengthens leadership team for Big FM

     

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited has strengthened its core leadership team as it expands into the next phase of stations for Big FM.

     

    Atul Razdan, with over 14 years of experience in consumer insights, product development and communications joins RBNL as the National Programming Head. Nidhi Gulia, with over 13 years leading marketing communication for consumer facing online as well as lifestyle brands joins as National Marketing Head, and with over 12 years of business experience, Sanil Suneja takes charge as the Regional Business Head (Delhi). The three new appointees will drive new strategic initiatives as part of their respective roles, aligned to the key business goals of the organisation.

     

    Razdan, who has worked with scaled FMCG brands in the past, has worked with Hershey’s India and Cadbury India. Gulia, on the other hand, has previously worked with brands like Sodexo, Adidas, MakeMyTrip and Yahoo. Suneja meanwhile has had over a decade-long career at Asian Paints.

  • While Big Magic & Big Ganga and the four licences will be part of ZEEL, 49% of 92.7 Big FM becomes part of Zee Media

    Reliance ADAG exits television, 49% of radio. Sells to Zee

     

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Zee group has acquired the Reliance Broadcast Network Limited’s entertainment channels (plus four other licences it owns) along with 49 per cent stake in 92.7 Big FM. The transactions will help reduce exposure in non-core businesses and work towards further reducing debt under Reliance Capital, said Sam Ghosh, Executive Director and Group CEO, Reliance Capital.

     

    Radio:

    The Board of Directors of Zee Media Corporation Limited has approved acquisition of 49% stake in 92.7 BIG FM, the radio broadcasting business of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited.

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited runs the largest network of FM radio channels in India – 45 operational licenses (issued under Phase II and migrated to Phase III) and 14 new licenses (issued under Phase III). The FM channels are being broadcast under the brand “92.7 BIG FM”, reaching to 45 cities, 1200 towns and over 200 million people. It reaches out to around 43 million listeners per week and engages with a large number of national and local advertisers.

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited shall be transferring the 45 operational and 14 new licences into two SPVs respectively along with the assets and liabilities. ZMCL shall acquire 49% stake in each of these two SPVs. ZMCL and Reliance Broadcast Network Limited shall also have a call/put option to acquire/sell the balance 51% after the lock-in provisions on the permission holder of these licenses expire. As per MIB regulations, at least 51% shareholding needs to be held by the permission holder for a minimum period of three years from the date the channels were operationalised. The lock-in period for the 45 operational licenses shall expire on March 31, 2018, whilst the lock-in period for the 14 licences shall expire after the expiry of three years from the day all 14 licences shall have become operational, which is expected to be around March 2020.

     

    Said Rajiv Singh, COO, ZMCL: “We are pleased to announce this acquisition which shall not only be complementary to our current business but accelerate its growth too. We are currently running successfully a bouquet of 11 news and current affair channels and with the addition of 59 radio licenses, we will be reaching out to a much increased audience base and will keep them engaged on different media platforms. This acquisition shall bring about the desired business diversity and will help in achieving the sound financial objectives at an accelerated pace. We are confident that this investment will enhance value for all stakeholders and looking forward towards this exciting journey to take the company to the next level.”

     

    Said Sam Ghosh, ED and Group CEO, Reliance Capital in a statement: “We are happy to bring in Zee Media as our partner in the Radio business. This transaction is part of our strategy to reduce exposure in non-core businesses and work towards further reducing debt under Reliance Capital”.

     

    The proposed transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals including Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of CY2017.

     

    Television:

    Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (“ZEEL”) has also approved the acquisition of the general entertainment broadcasting business undertaking of Reliance Big Broadcasting Private Limited, Big Magic Limited and Azalia Broadcast Private Limited, all part of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group entities through a scheme of demerger and execution of definitive agreements in relation to such proposed acquisition..  The TV Broadcasting business of Reliance Group Entities currently comprises two operational general entertainment channels (“BIG Magic” and “BIG Ganga”) and 4 other TV licenses.

     

    BIG Magic is a Comedy channel catering to Hindi Speaking Markets. BIG Ganga is a leading Bhojpuri entertainment channel catering to audiences in Bihar, Jharkhand and Purvanchal. The channels are available on all major MSOs and DTH operators.

     

    The General Entertainment TV Broadcasting business undertaking along with its assets, liabilities, licenses, trademarks etc. shall get demerged from “BIG Magic Ltd”, “Reliance Big Broadcasting Private Ltd” and “Azalia Broadcast Private Ltd” into ZEEL through a court-approved scheme.

     

    Said Punit Goenka, MD & CEO, ZEEL: “We are pleased to announce this acquisition which further adds to our expanding universe of general entertainment channels. Big Magic gives us access to comedy genre enhancing our customer offerings. Big Ganga, a leading Bhojpuri channel syncs with our strategy of expanding into the regional markets which offers attractive growth potential. I am confident that these two channels will make the Zee Network channels more enriching for the audience and for the Company.”

     

    Said Sam Ghosh, ED and Group CEO, Reliance Capital: “We are happy to divest 100 per cent of our general entertainment TV business to Zee Entertainment. This transaction is part of our strategy to reduce exposure in non-core businesses and work towards further reducing debt under Reliance Capital.”

     

    The proposed transaction remains subject to approval of the shareholders and requisite regulatory approvals including stock exchanges, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Bombay Hight Court. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of CY2017.

     

  • He will be reporting to Ashwin Padmanabhan, COO, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited

    Vikas Khanchandani joins Reliance Broadcast Network

    By A Correspondent

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Vikas Khanchandani as Chief Business Officer. With over 20 years of experience working across digital, television and ad/media technology, Khanchandani will be responsible for driving strategic business initiatives – new technologies and customer engagement. He will be reporting to Ashwin Padmanabhan, COO, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited.

     

    On the development, Ashwin Padmanabhan, COO, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited said, “We are happy to have Vikas on board who comes with a wealth of experience and domain expertise. With his extensive knowledge across the television and digital medium, we are confident that he will be able to further accelerate the growth story of the group.”

     

    Before joining RBNL, Khanchandani was the co-founder of AIDEM Ventures where he played the dual role of managing existing businesses of AIDEM even while he was aggressively driving the growth agenda of building a unique and valuable media sales and services company. Prior to that, Khanchandani was part of the core leadership team which set up NDTV Media. Under his leadership, the channel witnessed phenomenal growth, creating a benchmark within the news genre and leading the category. He started his media career with STAR India as a key member of the Strategic Planning and Management team which worked on sales strategies for the Network’s channels.

     

  • BIG Ganga has a deep understanding of the socio-cultural fabric & reflecting the pride of people from the region

    Big Magic Ganga rebrands to Big Ganga

    By A Correspondent

     

    BIG Magic Ganga, the regional channel of Bihar and Jharkhand under Reliance Broadcast Network Limited has been re-branded as BIG Ganga. This change is in line with the brand refreshment exercise done for the network’s television and radio channel BIG Magic and 92.7 BIG FM, respectively. BIG Ganga, which recently became available to DD Free Dish viewers (Channel No. 16) adopted the new logo across all its channel programming and marketing collaterals from 1st January, 2016 onwards.

     

    Speaking on this new development, Ashwin Padmanabhan, Chief Operating Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited said, “The essential regional flavor and the ethos of the channel remains the same with this change. Our focus is to continue exploring new opportunities and deliver quality original content, to give brands a bigger platform to garner more visibility.”

     

    With this move, the channel attempts to enhance the authentic regional flavour through locally shot programs, derived from local insights such as establishing self-identity and preserving local culture. BIG Ganga has a deep understanding of the socio-cultural fabric & reflecting the pride of people from the region. It has consistently offered entertainment and meaningful content which can be watched by the entire family.

     

    Apart from the popular shows, there are a number of new shows in the pipeline this year namely Makar Sankranti, Rasoi Ki Rani, BIG Memsaab Season 7, Mele Ka BIG Star, Shaurya Samman, Ganga Bhojpuri Cine Awards amongst others. BIG Ganga offers exquisite and dynamic content for family viewing which resonates well with the masses. With more unique shows to look forward to, BIG Ganga is poised to engage, enrich and entertain new audiences across the country.

     

  • Appoints Senior Team Members to lead the Marketing, Programming and Sales & Distribution function

    Reliance Broadcast strengthens top deck

    By A Correspondent

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited has announced the appointment of Manoj Lalwani as Network Chief Marketing Officer, RBNL; Renuka Iyer as Network Sales & Distribution Head, RBNL; Bimal Unnikrishnan as Creative Director, BIG Magic and Amita Srivastava as National Head – Account Planning, RBNL.

     

    Lalwani in his role will spearhead the overall marketing function of the network (including television and radio), while Ms. Iyer will be responsible for Network Sales & Distribution. Both will report into Ashwin Padmanabhan, Chief Operating Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited. Strengthening the programming team, Unnikrishnan will oversee content creation for BIG Magic. Amita Srivastava in her new role will be responsible for account planning for the network.

     

    Tarun Katial

    Talking about the new appointments, Tarun Katial, Chief Executive Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited said, “We are happy to have Renuka, Amita, Manoj and Bimal on board who bring with them a wealth of experience and immense knowledge in their respective domains. Together, we aim to create differentiated and unique offerings for our discerning audience. I am sure that the team will add to existing talent pool and will successfully drive the growth story of the group.”

     

    With over 14 years of experience in marketing, Manoj Lalwani has been associated with prestigious brands like Mother Dairy, Cargill India, United Biscuits, VLCC Health Care, amongst others. Prior to joining Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, he held a leadership position as Vice President – Sales and Marketing, South Asia, VLCC Health Care for almost a year.

     

    Spearheading the sales function in leadership positions across digital and traditional platforms for close to 15+ years, Renuka Iyer has been associated with brands such as Zee News, Digital Radio Broadcasting Limited and Homeland Networks (USA). She worked with Zee News for 10 years where she was Senior Vice President (Sales) and with Digital Radio Broadcasting Limited as National Sales Head before moving to Reliance Broadcast Network Limited.

     

    Bimal Unnikrishnan has been an integral part of the television industry with an experience of 20 years. Bimal was Senior Creative Director and a key member of the Dance India Dance Franchise. Prior to joining Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, Bimal worked with BIG Productions as Head of Non-Fiction, UTV as Senior Creative Director, Miditech and also ran his own production house for over 3 years.

     

    With an experience of over 17 years in strategic media planning, Amita Srivastava has managed communication solutions for market leaders across segments, from cosmetics and auto to finance and hospitality amongst others. Prior to joining Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, Srivastava was the Vice President at ZenithOptimedia, heading the Mumbai branch.

     

  • The repositioning is in line with 92.7 BIG FM’s new and youthful logo as well as the focus to appeal to the younger audience

    Big FM Chennai repositions to play contemporary Kalakkal hits

    By A Correspondent

     

    92.7 BIG FM has switched to play Contemporary Top 100 Kalakkal Hits. The repositioning is in line with 92.7 BIG FM’s new and youthful logo as well as the focus to appeal to the younger audience. In order to welcome this innovative change, 92.7 BIG FM was joined by RJ’s Balaji, Ramya, Archana, Sarithiran, Vignesh Karthick, Giri Giri and Miruthula at a press conference in Chennai’s Hyatt Regency.

     

    In line with the makeover, the Chennai station promises new RJs, mesmerizing content coupled with innovative and engaging sessions for new and old listeners alike. The coming together of new and existing RJs with appealing content will take listeners on a memorable journey each day.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Ashwin Padmanabhan, Chief Operating Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited said, “Our idea behind the change in the Chennai stationality is to appeal to the younger audience. The content too has been modified in a way that it blends with today’s generation. We will play the current era’s Top 100 Kalakkal Hits.”

     

    Excited on being associated with 92.7 BIG FM’s re-launch RJ Balaji said, “The channel has crafted its relaunch carefully in sync with Gen Y, with a focus on hot picks and trending issues while playing beautiful contemporary hit songs. It is a fresh and revolutionized concept and we do hope that our listeners will enjoy our revamped look as well.”

     

    The popular breakfast show BIG Melody Mornings will be replaced by Jalabala Juckkamma and Tea Kadai Bench with RJ Sarethran and RJ Giri Giri, respectively. On popular demand, the channel will continue to air the popular show Take it Easy by RJ Balaji from 6 PM to 9 PM which promises to tickle the funny bone of listeners.