MxMIndia

Tag: Republic Media Network

  • For a "mega growth journey ahead"

    Republic expands top deck

    Republic Media Network has expanded its top management team. Objective: “solidifying” its position for a “mega growth journey ahead”.

    Here are the higlights:

    • Arun Rawat takes over as the Nation Head for Republic Bharat
    • Satabadi Sharma Pathak takes over as the Head of Republic Kannada
    • Purnasha Sharraf takes over as the National Head of Republic Bangla
    • Abhinav Sharma takes over as the Head of Republic TV
    • Sanjukta Kapoor takes a leadership role in Business Branded Content
    • Joy Michael Dsouza takes a leadership role in Government Business

    Commenting on the appointments, Hersh Bhandari, CEO (Broadcast Business) of Republic Media Network said: “I am delighted today and wish the leaders all the very best on their new roles. We know they’re going to deliver exceptionally and take Republic Media Network to heights yet to be reached in Indian media. What’s particularly satisfying to me today is that Republic cultivates talent and unleashes them in positions of top decision-making. At a time that the Network is on the brink of a mega wave of expansion, we are confident that this team will shoulder the business objectives with passion, aggression, and innovation.”

  • S Sundaram is now Director, Strategy

    Mohit Dhamne is CFO, Republic

    By Our Staff

     

    Republic Media Network has appointed Mohit Dhamne as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Further, S. Sundaram has been been elevated to Director, Strategy for the Network. Dhamne, 43, has been part of the Republic Media Network since its inception in 2016.

     

    On the announcement, Republic Media Network’s Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami said: “I wish Mr. Sundaram and Mohit all the very best in their new roles. We are building a team to take Republic to the next level through this second phase of expansion, on broadcast as well as on digital. I am certain that with Mr. Sundaram leading the Strategic operations and Mohit spearheading the Financial Operations of the Network, we are set to deliver on the vision that we launched this Network with.”

     

  • He was until now Group COO, a position he assumed in February 2022

    Hersh Bhandari is now CEO of Republic’s broadcast biz

    By Our Staff

     

    Hersh-Bhandari
    Hersh Bhandari

    Republic Media Network has elevated Hersh Bhandari to CEO of its broadcast business. Bhandari, who was until now Group COO, a position he assumed in February 2022, will oversee the entire national operations for all existing broadcast channels of the network. Based in New Delhi NCR, Bhandari will also spearhead future growth activities of the group including new channel launches.

     

    Speaking on his elevation, Bhandari said: “At Republic Media Network, we continue our march and strengthen ourselves with speed for the growth that beckons us. I’m energised by the trust reposed in me by the Board, Management, and my colleagues, to help shape and deliver the next phase of growth. We think and move as one. [I am] extremely thankful and my gratitude to the Republic management, my colleagues, special team and business partners which made this happen with their constant support through this journey.

     

  • Sees record digital traction within 24 hours

    Zelenskyy interview sees R. digital viewership leapfrog

    By Our Staff

     

    Republic Media Network reports significant traction of its exclusive interview with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy las tweek

     

    The 60-minute interview conducted virually “has propelled crucial global conversations on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war,” reports the network. On digital, the interview, the network claims, received 600 million estimated impressions within the first 24 hours. Within minutes of the first playout of the live interview of President Zelenskyy to Republic Media Network’s Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami, the interview was trending across India, added a release.

     

    According to a communique, on Youtube, the interview garnered over 20 million impressions in the first day of playout. On YouTube, the interview got over 2.61 million views in less than 20 hours.

     

    Notes a communique: “With four full playouts over the weekend, and an unstoppable on-going virality on social media, new digital records will continue to be set by Asia’s largest news network, the Republic Media Network.”

     

    Editor’s Note: Digital viewership doesn’t have any universally accepted third-party credible measurement tools, and even if some good ones exist, there are many reports of these being inorganically boosted. Consequently, MxMIndia, as a policy, does not report on digital measurement claims. However, when we do report on viewership spikes, we are convinced that there was a increase in viewership. However, we wish to assert that the numbers have not been verified by us or a third-party, so we urge our readers to base their decision by verifying these.

     

  • The departure is reportedly with immediate effect

    Vikas Khanchandani quits Republic. Hersh Bhandari to take charge as Group COO. Darius Maneckji is Business Head

    By Our Staff

     

    Vikas Khanchandani
    Vikas Khanchandani

    Republic Media Network Group CEO Vikas Khanchandani has decided to move on from the organisation. The departure is with immediate effect and MxMIndia has confirmed the development. It is not known where Khanchandani will be moving to.

     

    Meanwhile, Republic has announced a restructure of its management, effective immediately. Newly-inducted Darius Maneckji will report to Hersh Bhandari, who has been elevated to Group COO – Broadcasting Division. Bhandari will be incharge of the entire broadcasting businesses of the network.

     

    Hersh-Bhandari
    Hersh Bhandari
    Darius-Maneckji
    Darius-Maneckji

    Maneckji will be Business Head-Republic TV and Senior EVP. He will now lead the national operations for Republic TV, including the channel’s offices in Bengaluru, Noida, Gurugram, Kolkata and Mumbai. He has been National Sales Head in the past for Times Now and also National Sales Head for the English Movie Cluster at Turner International India.  Before onboarding with Republic TV, his last assignment was with TV Today.

     

    Arnab Goswami

    Said Arnab Goswami, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Republic Media Network: “The induction of strong business talent is part of the expansion of the Network and creation of a strong organizational base to take the plans forward,: adding: “I am excited about the new roles for both Hersh and Darius. The broadcasting division under Hersh will see rapid growth, like never before. Our digital business is being expanded by 100 percent and together with our Strategic Business partnerships, will be hived off into separate business divisions, each with their own leadership and goals. At a consolidated level, this should place us in a fantastic position to be the number one TV+Digital News company across the board in two years.”

     

    On his elevation, Bhandari said: “At Republic Media Network, we continue to consolidate and strengthen ourselves with speed for the growth that beckons us. I’m energised by the trust reposed in me by the Board, Management, and my colleagues, to help shape and deliver the next phase of growth. We think and move as one, shoulder-to-shoulder.”

    Added Maneckji: “I’m excited to join India’s fastest growing news Network. I look forward to working with one of the best teams in the business to ensure we continue to command and establish our leadership role in the English News genre.”

     

    Priya Mukherjee
    Priya Mukherjee

    Khanchandani is the second senior person in the founding team of Republic TV. Distribution head Priya Mukherjee had moved out last year. Both Khanchandani and Mukherjee were part of Republic from before it started in 2017.

     

  • To empower people living with diabetes to start a journey of remission and reversal

    Republic partners with BeatO to control diabetes

    By Our Staff

     

    Republic Media Network and BeatO has launched a nationwide mass awareness programme tited ‘India Beats Diabetes’. This is to build awareness and empower people living with Type 2 diabetes to control the condition, and start a journey of remission and reversal.

     

    Speaking on the initiative with BeatO, Arnab Goswami, Managing Director & Editor-in-Chief, Republic Media Network said: “The prevalence of diabetes in India is enormous. The general awareness of the condition in the country is low, which results in a significant effect on the number of complications that people experience. There is an urgency for a sustained conversation on this subject; creating awareness on diabetes and the necessary measures required to battle it. ”

     

    Commenting on the partnership, Gautam Chopra, Co-founder & CEO, BeatO added: “Diabetes impacts 200 million Indians today, and puts immense pressure on our healthcare system. We must ensure healthcare becomes more inclusive, affordable, and accessible. The only way we can achieve this is through technology. At BeatO, our vision is to support every Indian family to beat diabetes. BeatO gives the power to prevent, control, and reverse diabetes into the hands of millions of Indians. We do this through our smartphone-connected glucometer and app that provides personalized insights and timely guidance by medical experts. This partnership with Republic will help us bring the same in-depth knowledge and expertise in diabetes care, control, and reversal (Type 2 diabetes) to empower people across the country to manage the condition.”

     

    Said Yash Sehgal, Co-founder & COO, BeatO: “At BeatO, we are working to alleviate the burden of chronic diseases to make sure India Beats Diabetes. Today when we face unprecedented challenges in the health sector, we at BeatO are taking diabetes management one step further and are now able to offer highly personalized care for Type 2 Diabetes reversal – which addresses the root cause of diabetes- insulin resistance and carb intolerance. We look forward to working with Republic Media Network to create nationwide awareness about diabetes management and drive better health outcomes for the nation.”

     

  • The Summit started with a one-on-one that Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami had with Ajit Mohan, Vice President and Managing Director, Facebook India

    Republic conducts social media summit

    By Our Staff

     

    Republic Media Network has conducted its first ‘Social Media Summit’ to discuss issues around social media regulation, tech developments and promotional possibilities. Interestingly, the Summit also had a session on fake news.

     

    The Summit started with a one-on-one that Editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami had with Ajit Mohan, Vice President and Managing Director, Facebook India.

     

    Said  Goswami on the summit: “Over the last six months to a year there has been an incredible amount of conversation about social media, its regulations & responsibility. These conversations are not in isolation but linked to the fact that internet penetration, usage, accessibility has grown dramatically over the last decade. When things change, it garners interest across corporate, social and political platforms. When we conceived the idea of Social Media Summit, it was to ensure that we take two steps back away from our roles as stakeholders and users, and look at it as something in which the future of the country is vested in”.

     

    The fake news session was moderated by Suhel Seth, Managing Partner, Counselage India Pvt. Ltd, the panel featured Dr Ratan Sharda, Author, Mohandas Pai, Chairman, Aarin Capital Partners, Harish Bijoor, Brand-Guru, and Gaurav Pachnanda, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India. There were other sessions featuring Anand Ranganathan, Scientist & Author, N.S. Nappinai, Supreme Court Advocate & Founder, Cyber Saathi, Lizzie O’Shea, Digital Rights Activist, Human Rights Lawyer & Writer and Kanchan Gupta, Senior Advisor, Ministry of I&B, Government of India. Another session had Rujuta Diwekar, Nutritionist for celebrities and one more was  moderated by Karthikeya Tanna, U.S. Immigration Attorney and Political Commentator where the panel featured Dr Siddhant Bhargava, Co-Founder, Food Darzee, Anshoo Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO, magicpin, Garima Khandelwal, Chief Creative Officer, Mullen Lintas and A S Rajgopal, Founder & CEO, MYn. There were other panels with Smita Prakash, Editor, ANI, Madhoo, Indian Actor, Sinan Aral, Actor- David Austin Professor, MIT/ Director, MIT IDE/ Founding Partner, Manifest Capital, Author- The Hype Machine, Shefali Vaidya, Author, Speaker, Fellow-Ananta Leadership Program, Major Gaurav Arya, Consulting Editor, Defence and Strategic Analyst, Aprameya Radhakrishna, Co-Founder & CEO, Koo, Niranjan Narayanaswamy, Executive Editor-News, Republic Media Network, Pulkit Agarwal, CEO & Co-Founder, Trell, Ashish Bhasin, CEO APAC & Chariman India, Dentsu, Umang Bedi, Co-Founder, Verse Innovation (Josh & Dailyhunt) and Dr. Pawan Duggal, Advocate – Supreme Court of India.

     

    The Summit will air on Republic TV over the weekend and can be accessed on the RepublicWorld website.

     

  • He will also take charge of the international business for the network

    Kishan Cheranda to now head distribution at Republic

    By Our Staff

     

    Kishan Cheranda
    Kishan Cheranda

    Republic Media Network has announced the appointment of Kishan Cheranda for taking charge of the distribution and international business for the network. Cheranda has worked with Warner Media, Ten Sports, Zee, Viacom & MEN. His previous role was with Turner International (Warner Media) as Head of Distribution.

     

    Vikas Khanchandani

    Said Vikas Khanchandani, Group CEO at Republic Network: “We are delighted to have Kishan join the Republic team as we scale up our operations both in India and globally. The market is growing and simultaneously changing at a very rapid pace. I am confident that Kishan with his vast experience and capabilities will be able to build and grow the network both on broadcast as well as across online platforms. We wish him all the very best.”

     

    Added Cheranda: “I am extremely delighted to be part of a successful & a genre leader such as Republic. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be part of an organisation driven by strong leadership & innovative thinking. I am hopeful of adding value to propel its growth and scale newer heights together.”

     

    It may be recalled that the Republic Media Network incharge for distribution and international business Priya Mukherjee was elevated to Chief Operating Officer last year.

     

     

  • It is rumoured that Goswami who has been off-air from early April is scheduled to be back at primetime next week or the week after

    Republic announces global expansion, Arnab Goswami to be back on air wef June 21

    By Our Staff [updated]

     

    Republic Media Network made some growth announcements on Wednesday, with expansion plans across the digital and broadcast space for audiences in India and abroad.

     

    Simultaneously, going live with its game-changer #RepublicIsTheNews brand campaign, the network announced a 600% digital growth and increase in traffic. Meanwhile, like Zee group chairman Subhash Chandra did with WION a few years, Republic Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami has announced R. Global. Over 120 journalists have been engaged for the effort.

     

    Meanwhile, it has been announced that Goswami who has been off-air from early April is scheduled to be back at primetime from Monday, June 21, at 9pm.

     

    Dear Viewers, #Arnab has really missed you. Let the countdown to #Arnab LIVE at 9pm on Monday begin! He can’t wait to be back being with you. #ArnabIsBack pic.twitter.com/lMG9TnPkI3

    — Republic (@republic) June 18, 2021


     

  • With Distro TV and pivots to OTT and smart TV as streaming overtakes Pay TV in UK

    Republic expands footprint in UK

    By Our Staff

     

    Republic TV, which is already available on Hotstar and Yupp TV in the UK market, has now added Distro TV pivoting to digital, OTT and smart TV distribution to serve the diaspora in the UK market.

     

    Commenting on the strategy, Vikas Khanchandani, Group CEO, Republic Media Network said: “Republic TV is a news media technology company and has been the front runner to make its streaming services available across smart phones and connected TVs with its partnerships with OTT, OEMs and Telco platforms both within India and globally. The pandemic has accelerated streaming TV consumption driven by news & sports.  It’s an opportune moment for us to pivot our strategy in the UK market as streaming is outpacing pay TV in UK.”

     

    Added Priya Mukherjee, COO – India Distribution head and International markets:  “The channel has performed much ahead of legacy players, reaching a peak of 421K and maintaining an average reach around 200K in the last quarter during the pandemic. Many platforms have approached us given the leadership position and the loyal audiences we built in the UK, in such a short time.  Our Distribution Capabilities, give us an opportunity, to approach each market differently and we are looking at all possible models that are best suited to our expansion plans.”

     

  • Just as Vaze's arrest doesn't mean he's guilty until proven, charges against others are also suspect

    So what does TRP Scam investigation mastermind Sachin Vaze’s arrest mean for the Indian broadcast industry?

     

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    Pradyuman MaheshwariWhen the news on Mumbai Police Assistant Inspector Sachin Vaze’s arrest came in on Saturday, March 13 evening, there was some sense of relief amongst those following events of the last fortnight. He was arrested by the National Investigation Agency of the central government, and there was an urgent need to investigate the bomb threat outside the Mukesh Ambani residence in South Central Mumbai. Yes, it’s the NIA and not the Mumbai Police or the ATS. Earlier in the week, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had said this of Vaze’s name surfacing in the case: Sachin Vaze was no Osama Bin Laden. Indeed.

    Vaze has been in the limelight ever since Mumbai Police Commissioner spoke about Republic TV’s involvement in the TRP scam in early October 2020. From then on, there has been hectic activity on the case. It started with the arrest of Republic Media Network Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami. But Goswami was not the only person taken to jail. Republic TV Group CEO Vikas Khanchandani, distribution honcho Ghanshyam Singh, former BARC Chief Operating Officer Romil Ramgarhia and Partho Dasgupta, former CEO of BARC India. WhatsApp conversations between Dasgupta and Goswami and various others in the BARC fold were included as part of the chargesheet where Vaze played a huge role.

     

    Read full column at https://mediaah.substack.com/p/so-what-does-trp-scam-investigation

  • To provide seamless digital news experience

    Republic rolls out mobile news website

    By Our Staff

    Republic Media Network has launched a new mobile news website. The rollout marks the first first phase of the networks remodelling and redefining the digital news space. The website is a catch-all of Republic Media Network’s live channels.

    Said Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami: “I am so proud that just days after we disrupted the Bengali news genre with the launch of Republic Bangla, our teams have delivered this smashing digital news experience on Republic World. The features are mind blowing and will be rolled out in a phased manner to users. The idea was to put the controls back in the hands of the user and that’s exactly what is being delivered by Republic World. I am personally really excited about the interactive elements as it brings me even closer to my audience.”