Factual
BBC StoryWorks expands into India
MUMBAI: BBC StoryWorks, the global content marketing team within BBC Global News Ltd, has expanded into India with staff now based in the country for the first time as part of wider growth across the Asia Pacific region.
The in-house creative agency, which produces content-led marketing campaigns on BBC.com and BBC World News, brings together the boldness and innovative qualities of a creative studio with the agility and responsiveness of the newsroom.
Based in New Delhi, Ankita Bakshi, has been appointed as Creative Solutions Producer to deliver content for brands that appeals to the BBC’s premium audience. Bakshi will be working directly alongside Regional Sales Director Vishal Bhatnagar in building out the BBC StoryWorks capabilities in India, capitalising on the advertiser demand for content-led partnerships.
This support was previously provided to Indian brands by the BBC StoryWorks team in Singapore. The expansion is in response to increased demand and a desire to provide local clients not only with access to better local insights but also to the international experience and knowledge of the BBC StoryWorks team globally. Hiring expertise on the ground provides all of these things as well as in-market servicing and the flexibility for quick turnaround.
Global Head of BBC StoryWorks, Richard Pattinson, says:
“This is a great move for BBC StoryWorks and it will really strengthen our position in the region to be able to service clients on the ground in India. The world class quality of our content combined with our valuable audiences (English and local languages) are of attraction to select Indian advertisers and with an increased demand for branded content from Indian based clients for national and international campaigns, we needed to have an asset in market to meet client and agency needs. BBC StoryWorks has seen a steady growth since its launch in 2015 and this hire is part of a large expansion across Asia Pacific this year, including more senior hires in Singapore and increasing staff in India and China, with further markets to follow. BBC StoryWorks is playing a contributing role in more than 65% of advertising sales revenue in the Asia Pacific region, a sharp increase on last year.”
Creative Solutions Producer for BBC StoryWorks in India, Ankita Bakshi, says:
“I’m delighted to be joining the BBC StoryWorks team in New Delhi. India is an exciting and rapidly growing market and I look forward to offering our local clients a more personal and bespoke service, building on our insights to enable them to maximise the impact of the campaigns we deliver.”
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
