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Tag: Vivek Srivastava

  • Various other promotions are also announced

    Times Network elevates Vivek Srivastava, Rahul Shivshankar. Savvy Dilip joins to head digital growth

    By Our Staff

     

    Times Network has announced key appointments and elevations in its leadership team given its upcoming launches Times Now Navbharat and ET Now Swadesh in Hindi.

     

    M K Anand
    M K Anand

    Commenting on the development, MK Anand, MD & CEO, Times Network said: “2020 was a tumultuous year for the broadcasters and while we were severely tested by the pandemic, Times Network not just managed to harness every headwind in its path but continued to march ahead successfully by setting new industry benchmarks. The superior talent of our leadership team is one of key pillars that drove the network’s significant growth during these unprecedented times and accelerated our overall digital transformation efforts. These elevations are a recognition of their contribution to the growth of the company.”

     

    Rahul Shivshankar
    Vivek Srivastava

    On the editorial front, Rahul Shivshankar has been elevated to Editorial Director while continuing to lead the editorial mandate of Times Now as its Editor-in-Chief

     

    Given its digital plans, the network has elevated Vivek Srivastava to President Strategy & Operations – Broadcast and Digital. He will lead the digital operations of the network and

    Savvy Dilip
    Savvy Dilip

    oversee product strategy, audience development and operations planning for both digital and broadcast businesses. It has also appointed Savvy Dilip as Executive Vice President and Head- Digital Growth. Savvy will lead product development, content-led audience growth, technology based digital consumer experiences, social media amplification and online marketing for all the digital platforms of the Network. Savvy Dilip, who had turned entrepreneur for a bit, is a seasoned broadcast professional having worked with Network 18 and iTV in the past. She will report to Srivastava.

     

    Other senior management promotions include Manish Wadkar, Senior Vice President & Head – Legal, Pranav Bakshi, Senior Vice President – Digital, Hina Jafri, Vice President & Head – Corporate Communications, Poonam Bavdanker, Vice President – Human Resources, Saurabh Bhowal, Vice President & Head – Content and Programming, Zoom & The Zoom Studios and Mihir Bhatt, Vice President & Executive Editor, Times Influence.

     

    Continuing to play a pivotal role in aiding the Network’s growth, the leadership team comprising Jagdish Mulchandani – Chief Operating Officer and Executive President, Jignesh Kenia, Executive Vice President & Head – Corporate Strategy & Digital Transformation, Gaurav Dhawan, Executive Vice President – Revenue and S. Srivathsan as Executive Vice President and Head – Human Resources will drive their respective portfolios for the Network.

     

  • The network commissioned Nielsen India to conduct a nationwide research study titled ‘How Urban India Perceives Mental Health’

    Times Network launches mental health initiative, #ActNow

    By A Correspondent

     

    Given the high incidence of mental health disorders in India Times Network has launched #ActNow an initiative to spread awareness, normalise conversations around the issue and sensitise people to be responsive to the mental health needs of others. A campaign film #ActNow takes an “outside-in view of the problem and targets the ‘people around’ to act, rather than the one living with mental health issues”.

     

    Times Network commissioned Nielsen India to conduct a nationwide research study titled, ‘How Urban India Perceives Mental Health’.

     

    Key findings as follows:

    · 70% of Urban India claim to suffer/know of someone who has suffered from a mental health ailment

    · Among people who are suffering/know someone suffering from mental health ailment, depressions come out as the most prominent at 58%

    · 76% perceive that ‘People are not open to talk about Mental Health to everyone’ and there is still shame and stigma associated around Mental Health

    ·  52% of the people face problems in accessing a Mental Health Professional and 63% perceive that there is difficulty in procuring Medication

    · 54% people are not completely aware about the diseases covered in a Health insurance policy and 47% of the people are unaware of the government mandate for health insurance policies to cover treatment of mental health ailments

    · 57% of Urban India considers Financial Pressures to be the leading cause of negative impact on Mental Health

     

    *Sample size – 2440, Cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur, Patna, Ahmedabad, Mangalore, Vishakapatnam, Bareilly, Guwahati, Raipur, Mangalore

     

    Said Vivek Srivastava, President – Strategy and Business Head – News and English Entertainment Cluster, Times Network: “With the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19, we can see its enormous impact on our lives. The pandemic induced quarantine and social distancing has forced us to isolation and lack of physical contact, reshaping our relationships with our family, friends and colleagues while working from home. The new normal has triggered anxiety and deepened emotional turmoil, consequently leading to a quieter but concerning rise in the number of people grappling with mental health issues. ActNow is our endeavour to spread awareness and drive dialogues to break barriers around the mental health issue. Through our multi-faceted campaign, we urge the society at large to look beyond the happy faces that conceal the sufferings and encourage healthy and judgement-free conversations on mental health.”

     

     

  • Prasanth Kumar, CEO – South Asia, GroupM was unanimously elected Vice-President of the Association

    Anupriya Acharya takes charge as AAAI President

    By A Correspondent

     

    Anupriya Acharya, CEO – South Asia, Publicis Groupe was elected President of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) for the year 2020-21 at its Annual General Body Meeting held in Mumbai on Monday. Ashish Bhasin, President of Advertising Agencies Association of India( AAAI), handed over charge to Acharya. Prasanth Kumar, CEO – South Asia, GroupM was unanimously elected Vice-President of the Association.

     

    Other elected members of the Executive Committee in alphabetical order are:

     

    Anand Bhadkamkar, Dentsu Aegis Network Marketing Solutions Pvt Ltd

    Kunal Lalani, Crayons Advertising Pvt Ltd

    Mohit Joshi, Havas Media India Pvt Ltd

    Pranav Premnarayen, Prem Associates Advertising & Marketing

    Rana Barua, Havas Worldwide India Pvt Ltd

    Vivek Srivastava, Innocean Worldwide Communications Pvt Ltd

    Ashish Bhasin will be the ex-officio member of the AAAI Executive Committee for 2020-21 as its immediate past President.

     

    Said Acharya: “It’s a tremendous honour and also an enormous responsibility to be elected as the President of such a prestigious organisation. I am acutely aware that our industry, like the rest of the world, has just witnessed the most unprecedented times and it’s a difficult time for most. The pandemic has only underscored the relevance of the collective thinking and the heightened role that AAAI can play. I will strive to do my best to further the interests of the advertising industry and take AAAI to greater heights as we emerge into the new normal. Many top advertising professionals have contributed very selflessly and relentlessly to the AAAI, both with and without executive positions. And that is what inspires me immensely as I take on this position. Many thanks to Ashish Bhasin for his leadership in the last two years as President – he has made great progress in making the association more inclusive, diverse and future-ready. Also, thanks to all the Executive committee members and the secretariat for all the learning they have given me in the past many years”.

     

    Added Bhasin: “I have had the privilege to lead AAAI for two years as its president, I wish to thank all my fellow executive committee members for their wholehearted cooperation and valuable support. I would also like to congratulate Anupriya Acharya on her election as President. Anupriya has been a key member of the Indian media and advertising industry for a long time. I’m sure she will play a stellar role in taking forward the Association and its work. I wish her the very best for this role.”

     

  • The refreshed channel identity infuses ‘Happy in Life’ in its narrative

    Romedy Now unveils new brand identity

    By A Correspondent

     

    Romedy Now has unveiled a refreshed brand identity with the introduction of originals, new shows and movie premieres. The channel unveiled its refreshed identity with its first original show, The Love Laugh Live Show.

     

    Talking about the brand’s new identity, Vivek Srivastava, President – Strategy and Business Head – English Entertainment Cluster said: “Romedy Now in its new avatar resets the dial with re-energized content to offer viewers an unparalleled and complete English Entertainment viewing experience. Our foray into original content is a testament of our commitment to offer an engaging, real and distinctively entertaining array of content to complement the viewer’s evolving consumption patterns. The Love Laugh Live Show marks our debut in originals and will explore various categories across travel, food, beauty & lifestyle, bringing two exciting shows a quarter to the viewers. I’m confident that with the refreshed identity, Romedy Now will continue to be the loved brand by our viewers.’’

     

     

  • Despite the economic slowdown faced by the industry, the network registered 24% growth and all-around excellence, notes a press release

    Times Network announces key elevations

    By A Correspondent

     

    Times Network has announced key elevations in the senior management team. Despite the economic slowdown faced by the industry, a communique notes that the network registered 24% growth and all-around excellence on the back of superior viewership across products, strong distribution and ad sales and a surging Digital portfolio in FY19.

     

    Commenting on the promotions, MK Anand, MD & CEO, Times Network said: “The network’s stellar performance is a testimony of the superior talent of our top managers. These elevations are in recognition of their contribution to the growth of the company. I am confident that we will continue to harness every headwind in our path and continue to move forward.”

     

    Jagdish Mulchandani has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer & Executive President. Mulchandani will be responsible in setting scalable distribution opportunities in both international & domestic markets and will continue to oversee overall operations and finance related strategy.

     

    Nikhil Gandhi has been promoted as Chief Operating Officer & President. Besides driving lucrative monetisation strategy and overall business growth of the Network’s bouquet of channels, Nikhil will also be responsible for driving strategic growth and profitability for Times Influence, International Business & Zoom along with its original content division, The Zoom Studios & events division Zoom Live.

     

    Meanwhile, Vivek Srivastava, has been elevated to President, Strategy and will oversee Marketing and the critical area of Audience management. His KRAs will be consumer insights, product strategy & innovation for the network. In addition, he will continue to be Business Head of the network’s premium bouquet of English Entertainment Channels, sustaining its market leadership and profitability.

     

    Shouneel Charles, as Executive Vice President will further boost Audience growth and turnover of the Network’s digital platforms and also lead the company’s overall digital transformation with content innovation and process re-engineering to facilitate a planned metamorphosis of Times Network to be a Digital first media company.

     

    Additionally, a few other senior level promotions have also been announced. These are: Jignesh Kenia, Executive Vice President – Corporate Strategy, S. Srivathsan, Executive Vice President- Human Resources, Sandeep Bharadwaj, Executive Vice President – Distribution and Gaurav Dhawan, Executive Vice President – Revenue.

     

     

  • Amitabh will lead the brand and media strategy for the Network’s English Entertainment channels

    Amitabh Biswas to head marketing of Times’ English entertainment cluster

    By A Correspondent

     

    Times Network has announced the appointment of Amitabh Biswas as Head of Marketing, English Entertainment cluster. In his role, Biswas will lead the brand and media strategy for the Network’s English entertainment channels (Movies Now, Romedy Now, MNX and MN+) across platforms. Based in Mumbai, Biswas will report to Vivek Srivastava, EVP and Head Entertainment Cluster, Times Network.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Vivek Srivastava, EVP and Head Entertainment Cluster, Times Network said: “I’m delighted to welcome Amitabh to the Times Network team. A versatile marketing professional with a proven track record in brand building along with a strong understanding of the business, Amitabh will be an asset to our brands. I am confident that he will add tremendous value to our ambitious growth strategy in the English Entertainment segment.”

     

    Speaking on his new role, Biswas added: “It’s great to be back at the organization where I’ve grown through critical stages of my career. With continuous breakthroughs in the media platforms, evolution of the connected consumer and tectonic shifts in their content appetite, I look forward to this opportunity to enter the next era with these leading entertainment brands.”

     

     

  • Mishra has joined Times Now from ABP News and Jafri from Ketchum Sampark

    Times Network gets Sujeet Mishra to head marketing at Times Now, Hina Jafri to head comms for network

    By A Correspondent

     

    Sujeet Mishra
    Hina Jafri

    Times Network has got a new top deck in its marketing and communications functions. It has announced the appointment of Sujeet Mishra as Head of Marketing, Times Now. And brought in Hina Jafri to head communications for the network.

    In his role, Mishra will lead the brand’s strategic planning and communication including new brand initiatives, consumer research, market development across ATL, BTL and digital platforms. Based in Mumbai, Mishra will report to Vivek Srivastava, Executive Vice President, Times Network.

     

    Commenting on the appointment, Vivek Srivastava, Executive Vice President, Times Network said: “I’m delighted to welcome Sujeet to the Times Now team. His vast knowledge and strong capabilities in brand building, marketing communication will add tremendous value to our ambitious growth strategy in the English news segment.”

     

    Speaking on his new role, Mishra said: “I’m extremely excited to lead the marketing mandate for a brand that stands for creditability and accuracy in reportage, a reflection of true journalism. I look forward to channelising my best efforts and strengths into creating impactful marketing campaigns and sustaining the leadership position of Times Now.”

     

    Although Jafri’s announcement has not been formally announced, communiques from the group clearly mention her name. Jafri has over a decade-and-a-half in communications in leading PR agencies and was last with Ketchum Sampark as Vice President.

     

     

  • Movies Now 2 is the new English movie channel launched by Times Network

    With an eye on youth, Times Network unveils Movies Now 2

    By A Correspondent

     

    Times Network has announced the launch of an all-new English movie channel, Movies Now 2. The new channel will offer young movie a range of edgy and fast paced content in SD and HD. This is the fourth English movie channel from the network

     

    It will have a library that includes some high profile titles across genres selected to appeal to the youth.

     

    Said Vivek Srivastava, Senior Vice President & Head, English Entertainment Cluster, Times Network, “We are excited and pleased to launch Movies Now 2. There was a niche that was available to us for MoviesNow 2 and capitalising on the same, we created a platform that caters to ‘Cinema of Tomorrow’. The channel has been honed and shaped for the free-spirited, opinionated, rebellious and engaged youth looking for adventure, edgy and new-age stylised cinema,” during the launch.

     

    So, what made them launch another English movie channel when we already have an array of channels in the category? “Times Network is known for having a deep understanding of its audiences requirements and creating offerings that ensures a delightful viewer experience through each brand under its network umbrella. Consumer needs have been changing over the years and in the past five years the needs have undergone a change in massive ways. India is on a high aspirational curve, and TV audiences across markets are familiar with the best of international world-class entertainment. We believe that consumer segmentation and brand differentiation will lead the way in the years to come as we expect this segment to only swell and get more dominant. The success of MN+ and Romedy Now are great testimonials of ever evolving consumer needs and Movies Now 2 will be an exciting addition to the bouquet,” said Srivastava

     

    The channel aims not only showcase good  titles, but they have  package them in interesting on-air properties like ‘Moviegasm’, ‘Swag Nights’, ‘BAE Love’, ‘2wisted’, ‘Thug Life’ among others showcasing a variety of young age Hollywood movies.

     

  • The network wants to urge viewers to improve their Hollywood movie viewing experience by subscribing to HD channels

    Times Network launches campaign to promote HD

    By Anuka Roy

     

    Times Network announced the launch of a 360-degree ad campaign for its English Entertainment Cluster (EEC), which includes Movies Now HD, Romedy Now and MN+. The network wants to urge viewers to improve their Hollywood movie viewing experience by subscribing to HD channels.

     

    As part of this, an av campaign featuring Purab Kohli takes a dig at Hollywood movie viewing in India. The film follows how Kohli’s character is prepared to watch his favourite Hollywood movie on television, everything seems to be perfect around him, from a huge LED TV, a swanky sound proof living room to a beautiful companion. But once he switches on the TV set his dreams are broken as he is not subscribed to the HD channel where the movie is playing. The tagline of the campaign is: “It’s time to raise your standard to High Definition.”

     

    Vivek Srivastava

    So, what was the idea behind this campaign? “Most brand studies that we did showed that people had HD sets but were not subscribed to HD channels. It was not because they did not want to spend extra money; it is because you did not feel the need to view the content in HD,” said Vivek Srivastava, SVP and Business Head- Times Network EEC, adding: “There were people who said they were already watching the content in HD because from the analogue world when they had those small dots in the screens, the picture quality is much clearer now. And, then there were a set of people who said that once we started watching content in HD we can never go back to Standard Definition (SD). The key was how do you grow this base. India has about 115 million television homes right now, but only 6 million subscribe to HD and about 15% subscribe to HD content. That’s like a small amount. It is not the question of affordability as everyone is buying it. So, the key insight in this case was if you could persuade people to experience or talk to them about a better and higher experience you would possibly get them on board, that is what the campaign is all about.”

     

    This campaign is targeted towards anyone who has an SD product and is watching Hollywood content. Srivastava gave the example of Jungle Book breaking records of Bollywood movies, proving the rise in consumption of Hollywood movies but the platform to view it is limited and that is exactly what they want to educate people with this campaign.

     

    But with people moving  from television sets to digital platforms, how does the network intend to attract viewers? “SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand) sites and platforms are on a rise. They are here to stay. If you compare that to a matured market like US, the total amount of television viewing which has gone down last year is about 1%. Therefore, they have really not taken viewership away from television. That does not mean there is no market for them, there is a significant market for that segment. So, these SVODs will compliment the television viewership and add on the entertainment hours that we are spending. I don’t see it as a threat and if anything it will add to the popularity”

     

    The campaign will be launched today (May 2) across various platforms.

     

  • The channel is a complete rebranding of Movies Now Plus, which will cease to exist post this launch

    Times Network launches MN+, an HD-only English movie channel

    By Dyanne Coelho

     

    The Times Network, which includes channels like Times Now, Zoom, ET Now, Romedy Now and Movies Now, has announced the launch of MN+, a premium movie channel, available only in HD. The channel is a complete rebranding of Movies Now Plus, which will cease to exist post this launch, Vivek Srivastava, Senior VP and Head English Entertainment Cluster announced.

     

    The prominence of Hollywood movies in India has gone up, Srivastava pointed out, and MN+ will cater to the intelligent aspirants, the ones who believe their time is valuable, he said. “The channel has been hand-crafted not just for the informed, intelligent and discerning movie lovers, but for the cineastes as well. It is designed to give viewers a Gold Class Experience of Hollywood.”

     

    Vivek Srivastava

    MN+ and Movies Now will co-exist, showcasing two entirely different sets of movies. It is not a simulcast, Srivastava stressed. Movies that will be available on the newly launched channel include Argo, The Shawshank Redemption, The Hurt Locker, Sherlock Homes, The Bourne Supremacy and the like. Advertising duration on the channel is set to be at six minutes per hour while on Movies Now it is 12 minutes per hour.

     

    “The MN+ extension of Movies Now comes at a time when viewers across our markets have responded extremely positively to the Movies Now brand. The rapidly growing reach and ratings of Movies Now over the past year bears testimony to this,” Srivastava said, adding, “Movies Now leads the category in BARC ratings. The channel commands a 26 percent market share and has the highest reach in the category.”

     

    The network is focusing on both metros as well as Tier II and Tier III cities. “Consumers are ready to pay a premium for HD because of the quality and if you give them what they want and the content is easily accessible, then they are likely to avoid resorting to illegal downloads to catch their favourite movie,” Srivastava said. The network is confident that MN+ will add to viewer and advertiser numbers. The implementation of DAS in Phase 3 and 4 is eagerly awaited and will help in terms of subscription revenues and availability, Srivastava added.

     

    The MN+ library comprises must-watch movies across genres that are universally celebrated and are discussed extensively in social gatherings of people who have an opinion.  The channel will not only showcase great titles, but will also package them in interesting on-air properties like Center Stage, Great Adaptations, Opening Night and Hollywood Select, among others.

     

    Discussing the target audience of the channel, Srivastava said, “MN+ is for those premium audiences that have the temperament to be choosy about what life has to offer and have evolved to value only the best.”

     

    Speaking about advertiser endorsement, he said, “Not just viewer delight, we are also pleased and humbled by the strong and enthusiastic response from advertisers and marketers. Over the past year almost all the major brands have been present on Movies Now and we are increasing that count every day.”

     

  • Times Television Network further strengthens the senior management team to fuel growth

    Anup Vishwanathan joins TTN as Head – Marketing

    By A Correspondent

     

    Anup Vishwanathan

    Times Television Network (TTN) has announced the appointment of Anup Vishwanathan, as the Marketing Head of the English Entertainment Cluster which includes premium channels such as Movies Now and Romedy Now. Based in Mumbai, he will work closely with the business and leadership teams at TTN and will report directly to Vivek Srivastava, Senior Vice-President and Head of the English Entertainment Cluster.

     

    Speaking on the announcement, Vivek Srivastava said, “Anup’s expertise in working with a cross section of brands, along with his deep understanding of Media businesses will add great value to our business. I would like to welcome him on-board and I look forward to having a wonderful working experience.”

     

    Speaking on his new role, Anup Vishwanathan said, “I am really happy to be an integral part of the Times Television Network Team. I have had some wonderful clients and colleagues who have enriched me with knowledge and experience with every interaction I have had with them. That’s going to stand in good stead for me. And finally, I have managed to sync my work and my passion- which has always been movies. Looking forward for a blockbuster run here.”

     

    Anup Vishwanathan moves to Times Television Network after a successful stint at Leo Burnett which started in 2006. He has worked on some prominent brands like HDFC Life, Tata Capital, McDonalds, Sony Entertainment Television, Sony Pix, AXN, to name a few. Anup’s career has been an interesting mix of new account wins and accolades for his work on Sony Entertainment Television as well as other brands.

     

  • Based in Mumbai, she will lead the Content Team and will report directly to the Cluster Head, Vivek Srivastava

    Sonal Khanduja joins Times TV as VP – Programming, Eng Ent Cluster

    By A Correspondent

     

    Times Television Network (TTN) announced the appointment of Sonal Khanduja as Vice President – Programming of the English Entertainment Cluster which includes channels such as Movies Now and Romedy Now. Based in Mumbai, she will lead the Content Team and will report directly to the Cluster Head, Vivek Srivastava.

     

    Speaking on the announcement, Vivek Srivastava, Senior Vice-President and Head – English Entertainment Cluster, TTN said, “Sonal is a great addition to the team at TTN with a formidable base in the English Entertainment segment. With Sonal spearheading our Content team, we are confident that our premium English Entertainment channels – MOVIES NOW and Romedy NOW, will scale new heights.”

     

    Sonal moves to Times Television Network after a successful stint at Zee Entertainment Enterprises as the Head of Programming & Acquisition for Zee Studio and Zee Café. With over a decade of experience in the broadcast domain, her skills lie in Programming Strategy, Content Research, Acquisition and Production.