News Broadcasting
Barun Das conferred with India’s Transformational Leader Award 2023 by WCRCINT
Mumbai: TV9 Network, India’s largest news network has transformed and disrupted the industry leaving legacy players far behind. TV9 Network has received two prestigious awards from WCRCINT (World Consulting & Research Corporation International) bolstering its remarkable transformational journey.
TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das has been awarded India’s Transformational Leader 2023, while News9 Plus, the world’s first news OTT platform launched by TV9 Network, has been recognized as WCRCINT India’s Transformational Brand 2023.
Das has been recognised for his exemplary leadership and contributions to the media industry. Under his visionary leadership, TV9 Network has grown from strength to strength, delivering news and information to millions of viewers across India and beyond. He has been instrumental in driving the transformation of TV9 Network into a leading news network known for its credibility, innovation, and commitment to journalistic excellence.
Speaking about the accolades, Das said, “I am humbled and honoured to receive India’s Transformational Leader 2023 award from WCRCINT. When a large ship like TV9 Network is moving at high speed, every single nut and bolt is important. Therefore, this recognition is a testament to our stupendous growth enabled by the collective effort of each employee at TV9 Network. I am happy that News9 Plus, an out-of-the-box idea, has been duly recognised as the transformational news brand of 2023.”
Giving details about choosing Das as India’s Transformational Leader 2023, WCRC editor-in-chief Abhimanyu Gosh said “He (Das) is a legend in the Indian media industry. He is known for transforming many media networks in his long-spanning career. He is one of the most trusted names among his colleagues in the entire industry. In terms of all the research that we have done, Das stands as one of the most incredible media personalities in the country ever.”
WCRCINT India’s Transformational Brands & Leaders 2023 is a prestigious platform that pays tribute to the best brands and leaders in India who are driving significant changes in the nation through their leadership, innovations, branding, and product innovations that positively impact human lives. The proposition recognizes individuals and brands that have demonstrated exceptional vision, commitment, and dedication to transforming their respective industries and making a positive impact on society. The award ceremony took place at Eros Hotel, New Delhi on 18th April.
News9 Plus, the world’s first news OTT platform launched by TV9 Network, has been recognized as WCRCINT India’s Transformational Brand 2023. News9 Plus offers an exquisite, curated collection of nuanced news reportage and news documentaries presented in a new-age OTT environment. The platform goes beyond the obvious and draws out detailed and multi-faceted narratives built on the pillars of fact-based and rigorous journalism.
News9 Plus has earlier been hailed by veterans across industries, actor and producer Anupam Kher said, “In the times when news broadcast is witnessing a rapid transformation, News9 Plus is an innovative platform giving viewers short and crisp news storytelling keeping international standards in their broadcasts.”
“TV9 Network has picked a very exciting segment and I have no doubt that it will do well. My best wishes to News9 Plus. I think the team is doing something fantastic with the app. I think it’s going to be a game-changer,” said MakeMyTrip.com founder Deep Kalra.
Raving about the storytelling, film director, screenwriter and producer R Balki said, “News9 Plus is the world’s first news OTT. The 360-degree treatment of eclectic subjects and rich production takes their storytelling beyond the immediate news cycle. The narratives have a longer shelf-life and stay relevant whenever the audience seeks to return and view them. I love the way they tell their stories.”
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
