eNews
World’s first TV forum for the disabled people to be launched
MUMBAI: – Robert Chua Productions (RCP), a leading producer in the Asian marketplace and founder of ‘The Interactive Channel’ (TIC), is all set to launch ‘iREACH OUT’, the world’s first TV Forum for disabled people on TIC, Asia’s first 24-hour interactive television network on 1 December.
iREACH OUT will simultaneously debut its 24-hour broadcast on TIC as well as on the Internet. Viewers at home will be able to interact via SMS, the Internet and call in by phone or web-phone to vote and access chat rooms for discussions.
“We’re proud to launch the first TV Forum for disabled people to express their views, feelings and exchange life experiences,” said TIC chairman and founder Robert Chua. “iREACH OUT will see the convergence of broadcast TV, Internet, SMS and phone networking technologies that will enable viewers to interact and discuss various topics on the Forum.”
Three disabled people with sight, hearing and speech impairments along with one translator for verbal and sign language will take part in the show. This unique concept will aimed at allowing the audience to have an insight into the participants’ day-to-day lives and the way they cope with their disability. The forum will encourage discussions about issues that need to be addressed between able and disabled people. For the first time the disabled audience can ‘watch’ or ‘hear’ a TV show along with the able viewers.
TIC will also feature a diverse range of interactive programs including talk and game shows, children’s programming, shopping, advertising and customer service’s programming. The 24-hour schedule is focused on providing general entertainment for the Hong Kong TV audience who can interact in all the shows.
TIC will broadcast locally produced shows and viewers, using familiar technologies such as SMS and web-chat, will be able to give feedback, suggest topics, vote in polls and even play games.
eNews
Piyush Thakur steps down as Inshorts’ chief revenue officer
Former vice president and cro says exit marks a new chapter after close to a decade of building revenue and partnerships at Inshorts Group.
NOIDA: Piyush Thakur has stepped away from Inshorts Group after nearly 10 years with the company, marking the end of a long tenure that culminated in his role as chief revenue officer.
In a farewell note, Thakur said he was “turning a new page” after almost a decade at Inshorts, calling it one of the hardest professional decisions he has made. He added that his exit was not driven by uncertainty about the future, but by reflection on a long association with the company.
Thakur joined Inshorts in October 2016 as vice president and spent around seven years in the role before being elevated to chief revenue officer in April 2024, a position he held until April 2026.
He said his tenure was defined by “thousands of mornings, late nights, product debates and breakthrough moments”, as the company evolved into a large-scale digital news platform used by millions.
In his note, Thakur emphasised that Inshorts’ growth was a collective effort across teams, adding that engineers, designers, sales teams and customer support staff all contributed to building the platform. He said the company’s success was not the result of individuals but of “everyone who stayed, passed through, and left their mark”.
Before Inshorts, Thakur worked across several digital media and business development roles. At ESPN, he served as senior regional manager from October 2015 to October 2016, focusing on growth initiatives, strategic opportunities and video distribution.
At Times Internet, he worked for nearly three years, including as head of business development from April 2015 to September 2015 and chief manager from January 2013 to March 2015. His responsibilities included monetisation of mobile platforms, managing media and developer partnerships, and driving revenue across digital properties such as The Times of India and The Economic Times.
Earlier, he worked at Brandmovers as head of business development from June 2012 to June 2013, handling digital, mobile and social media marketing solutions, client development and strategic consulting. During this period, he also worked on advertising revenue, brand strategy and CRM-based solutions.
At Inshorts, Thakur’s role focused on revenue strategy, mobile and media partnerships, and growth initiatives across platforms. His profile highlights experience in mobile product management, digital business models, partner ecosystems and revenue expansion in high-growth environments.
