News Broadcasting
CNBC-TV18 launches #MyBudgetWishlist campaign: A platform for citizens to share their views
Mumbai: CNBC-TV18, India’s leading business news channel, announces #MyBudgetWishlist campaign, capturing the nation’s expectations ahead of the eagerly awaited Union Budget on 1 February. This unique initiative aims to offer citizens a platform to voice their opinions and ideas for the country’s future, as we also approach the General Elections. By encouraging citizens nationwide to participate, the #MyBudgetWishlist campaign seeks to amplify the voice of the public. Through a dynamic and engaging campaign, CNBC-TV18 seeks to become the bridge that connects the citizens with the decision-makers.
One of the distinctive features of this campaign is the CNBC-TV18 Budget Ballot, where people can submit their budget wish list online and offline. For online participation, individuals can visit the dedicated campaign page at https://www.cnbctv18.com/budget/ to share their expectations. To effectively engage the viewers about the upcoming budget, the channel launched an exclusive social media filter, enabling users to express their views.
To extend the reach of the campaign a ballot box will be placed in selected colleges and multiplexes across Mumbai and Delhi this weekend where people can come and cast their expectations from the Union Budget. These Budget expectations collected will be shared with the Finance Minister. Furthermore, CNBC-TV18 will showcase these expectations during its comprehensive budget coverage, providing a unique insight into the sentiments and expectations of the Indian public.
CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan said, “For more than two decades, CNBC-TV18 has analysed the intricate details of the Budget, interpreting its repercussions on the economy, business, markets, and the general public. With the #MyBudgetWishlist campaign, this year CNBC-TV18 is empowering citizens to play an active role in shaping the nation’s economic trajectory ahead of the Union Budget. Every voice matters, and we want to amplify it as we approach the eagerly awaited Union Budget on February 1st. Let’s make this budget truly reflective of the aspirations of the people.”
Network18 CEO – business news Smriti Mehra said, “The budgetary timeframe provides us with an excellent chance to reaffirm our commitment as a reliable investment partner for our audience. In the run-up to the General Elections, #MyBudgetWishlist becomes a crucial platform for citizens to articulate their expectations. CNBC-TV18’s Budget Ballot, both online and offline, provides a unique opportunity for individuals to contribute to the national discourse.
As the nation gears up for the General Elections, CNBC-TV18 invites everyone to be a part of this extraordinary initiative and contribute to shaping the economic future of the nation. Join the #MyBudgetWishlist campaign and let your voice be heard.
News Broadcasting
GenNext takes charge as Network18 reshuffles leadership
With Avinash Kaul bowing out, Network18 hands reins to younger leaders, streamlines operations, and pushes data-driven growth across TV, digital and regional markets
MUMBAI: Network18 is redrawing its leadership map just as a long-time lieutenant bows out. Avinash Kaul, a central figure in the broadcaster’s rise since 2014, is leaving after 12 years to pursue “professional and personal goals”, triggering a broad-based reshuffle that puts a younger cohort directly under the top brass.
Kaul joined at a pivotal moment during the company’s transition and went on to scale the television business, combining strategic nous with data-led decision-making and a sharp read of the news landscape. “Avinash has been an integral part of the Network18 story,” the company said, thanking him for his leadership of the broadcast business and wishing him the best for the future.
In his wake, Network18 is betting on what it calls a “young and restless” leadership bench. “The team has taken charge and proved its mettle in quite adverse circumstances,” the note said, adding that “GenNext has seamlessly stepped in as we continue to outperform our peers.”
Operationally, the structure is being flattened. Smriti Mehra, S Shivakumar and Mitul Sangani will work directly with the top leadership, as they did in the fourth quarter. Ganesh Iyer and Abhinay Chauhan continue in their existing roles, while younger executives are being handed wider mandates across social, digital, connected TV and linear.
The reporting lines are being tightened to drive revenue and product momentum. Prabhat Chatterjee, business head–Forbes, and Arun Thapar, president–content and communication for AETN-18, will report to Smriti Mehra, alongside Mallika Nath Handa, who will lead special projects spanning new shows and non-linear properties. Jayesh Gokalgandhi, CFO for AETN-18, will report to Ramesh Damani.
Mitul Sangani will oversee expansion in Hindi and regional markets, with Sidharth Newatia, CRO–ILC, focusing on reach and revenue growth, particularly in tier-II and III markets. Pankaj Soni, head of marketing–ILC, will also report to Sangani while working functionally with Ganesh Iyer.
The group is also consolidating its branded content play. Moneycontrol’s branded content business will be folded into News18 Studio, with Don Zarrar moving to work with Shivakumar while continuing to lead existing studio and Focus teams.
International and platform growth are being bundled together. Pranav Bakshi takes on additional charge of the international business alongside connected TV and social platforms, with Naveen Mathur, who leads revenue management for the international unit, reporting to him. Bakshi continues to report to Puneet Singhvi.
On the technology and operations side, Rajesh Sharma, head of broadcast technology and IT; Rahul Singh, head of events and technical operations; and Bhupender Bhardwaj, head of IT security, will now report to Singhvi. Darshil Parekh, head of sales strategy, planning and operations, will work directly with Ramesh Damani and the top leadership, with Stanley Cyril, who manages digital sales operations, reporting to him.
Data is being pushed to the centre of decision-making. Jitamitra Mohanty, who leads research and analytics, will now work with Santosh Menon to turn audience data into “actionable insights that drive content strategy, product innovation and sustainable viewership growth”.
The message is clear: fewer layers, faster calls, sharper bets. With Kaul’s exit closing one chapter, Network18 is handing the wheel to a younger crew and doubling down on scale across screens. The race, it signals, will be run at full tilt.
