People
AP Govt. signs up with Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 to promote tourism
MUMBAI: In a first of its kind initiative, media conglomerate Viacom18’s brand solutions arm BE Viacom18 has partnered with the government of Arunachal Pradesh to provide strategic consultation services to promote the tourism in the state. While BE Viacom18 had handled the strategic marketing and communication drive for Vivo when the Chinese handset brand marked its India debut, this deal with the Arunachal Pradesh government marks the company’s maiden foray into the PPP arena with a state government.
Commenting on the partnership, Saugato Bhowmik, Business Head, Consumer Products and Integrated Network Solutions, Viacom 18, said, “We are ecstatic to have inked a deal to boost the state tourism of Arunachal Pradesh. Viacom18 has entered a PPP Model with the state government, wherein we will conceptualize and create the best possible plan of action to make Arunachal Pradesh a ‘Must Experience’ location. This unique association in the Indian Media & Entertainment sector will see Viacom18 tap into the huge potential of government Non DAVP partnerships and leverage the group’s domestic and international media platforms. ”
BE Viacom18 will work closely with the state government to educate people about the unique highlights and various attractions of Arunachal Pradesh. In order to leverage the state tourism, BE Viacom18 will release a special Audio-visual brand film for Arunachal Pradesh tourism that will be reached out to audiences through the network’s broadcast channels. The promotions will also comprise media buys by BE Viacom18 as well as facilitating production houses from Bollywood and other film fraternities to shoot films, music videos, documentaries, television series, reality shows and also explore Strategic Business IP Partnerships on various cultural events in the state.
Commenting on the association with Viacom18, Joram Beda, Tourism Secretary, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh said, “Honorable Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu firmly believes that tourism is one of the areas that can generate revenues for the state. The focus for the government this year, thus lies in boosting the tourism sector and making Arunachal Pradesh a ‘Must See, Must Experience’ state. For the success of this vision, we need like-minded partners that see and understand our vision and can help us chart this path. Being one of the biggest media houses check for the right citation again of the country, we are pleased to have Viacom18 on-board to help us reach out to the right audience through a robust campaign.”
The partnership with Arunachal Pradesh marks yet another initiative by BE Viacom18 after being instrumental in launching global smart phone brand Vivo to Indian markets.
People
BBC appoints Matt Brittin as 18th Director-General
Former Google EMEA president to lead broadcaster from May amid global change
LONDON: The BBC has named Matt Brittin as its 18th Director-General, placing a seasoned technology and media leader at the helm of one of the world’s most influential public broadcasters. He will formally assume the role on 18 May.
Brittin steps into the position after a brief “gap year”, as he described it, returning to the spotlight with a job that, in his own words, was “probably not one either you or I were expecting”. The appointment signals a strategic tilt towards digital expertise at a time when traditional broadcasting continues to evolve at pace.
The new Director-General brings more than 18 years of experience from Google, where he held several senior roles, including President for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. During his tenure, he played a central role in expanding the company’s footprint across Europe and shaping its regional strategy.
More recently, Brittin served as Senior Independent Director at The Guardian, adding boardroom insight from one of Britain’s leading news organisations. His career also spans roles at McKinsey, Trinity Mirror and Sainsbury’s, giving him a broad perspective across media, retail and strategy.
The Director-General position carries dual responsibility as chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, overseeing the BBC’s creative, editorial and operational direction both in the UK and globally. It is a role that demands not just leadership, but a steady editorial compass in an increasingly complex media landscape.
“Now, more than ever, we need a thriving BBC that works for everyone in a complex, uncertain and fast changing world,” Brittin said. He added that the broadcaster remains “an extraordinary, uniquely British asset” with a legacy of innovation in storytelling and technology.
His appointment comes at a moment when public service broadcasters are under pressure to balance tradition with transformation, navigating shifting audience habits, digital disruption and funding debates. Brittin’s blend of Silicon Valley scale and British media sensibility may prove timely.
With “big challenges and big opportunities” ahead, Brittin appears ready to get started. The real test begins in May, when he moves from anticipation to action at Broadcasting House.
