News Broadcasting
Serum Institute of India launches the biggest immunisation awareness drive – ‘Swasth Immunised India’ in association with Network18
MUMBAI: Serum Institute of India (SII), one of the world's largest vaccine manufacturers today launched a nation-wide vaccination and immunisation campaign called ‘Swasth Immunised India’ in association with Network18, India's most diversified media conglomerate. Endorsed by popular and eminent actor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, the campaign aims to spread awareness on the importance and benefits of immunisation among the general populace. The campaign in addition to building awareness will work towards dispelling myths and misconceptions pertaining to the administration of vaccines.
Commenting on the initiative, Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India, said, “Vaccination is an integral part of public health system. It has proved to be instrumental in combating and curbing fatal contagious diseases. A majority of people in India still refrain from vaccination due to lack of knowledge and misconceptions around vaccines. We believe this reluctance needs to be addressed as it is a major contributing factor to the growing infant and child fatality rate. Swasth Immunised India is a step forward to tackle these issues eliminate the cause by focusing on its effects and benefits. We will ensure that Swasth Immunised India representatives follow a door-to-door approach in spreading awareness among the marginalized and unaware sections of the society.”
Vaccination has been accredited to be one of the most affordable and feasible method to prevent life-threatening diseases. India's long-standing tryst to attain full immunisation has awarded it with successful eradication of deadly diseases such as Polio and Small Pox. Continued efforts implemented by leading global institutions and organizations has put India in the forefront to tackle the impending problem of full immunisation coverage. Despite of the government and other bodies’ proactive approach, India is still home to the highest number of unvaccinated (56%) and incompletely vaccinated children (32%).
“A strong personality, with great conviction and stature, there could not have been a better face for the campaign than Kareena Kapoor Khan. Her role as an influencer and as a mother will help in taking our message far as well as garner more acceptance towards the initiative. As a responsible and generous corporate, Serum Institute of India will also provide free vaccines across various locations in India. We will also look to base vaccination camps at strategic and convenient points that will provide all the required information to mothers and families regarding the health and development of a child”, added Adar.
Speaking on the association, Priyanka Kaul, President – Marketing & Special Projects, Network18, said, “Network18 has been at the forefront of leading social change in the nation. In the past we have supported campaigns for road safety, pollution- free air, cleanliness drive under ‘Swachch Bharat’ and similar issues that are paramount for building a responsible and healthy society. Healthcare, education and mentoring have been the cornerstones of our social responsibility as the largest news network in the country. We are extremely delighted to have associated with Serum Institute of India for the Swasth Immunised India campaign. We hope that our widespread network that covers the length and breadth of the country will aid in spreading the message across the entire nation. Working along with the government, Swasth Immunised India will reinforce the aim of full immunisation coverage via continuous interpersonal education and awareness.”
On the association, Adar Poonawalla, said, “Network18 has a large base of loyal audience spread across the country. We are glad to have partnered with the media conglomerate for Swasth Immunised India. Reaching the remotest areas via Network18’s vast regional news network will help in raising awareness and achieving the goal of the campaign.”
Speaking about the campaign, Kareena Kapoor Khan, said, “Swasth Immunised India is a great initiative to promote and educate families on the importance of vaccination and providing a healthy life to children. This cause is extremely close to my heart as being a mother, I value the importance of immunizing my child from dangerous diseases. Due to lack of accessibility and affordability our country still witnesses the largest number of infant deaths. It is high time that we come together and take it upon us to be the changemakers. I am really excited and feel honoured to be a part of this journey with Adar and Natasha Poonawalla's Serum Institute and Network18. I hope that through this campaign we are able to educate and influence every parent leading to a healthier India.”
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.
