iWorld
SonyLIV and Republic World announce a strategic tie-up to expand digital presence
Mumbai, May 2, 2018: SonyLIV, the premium video on demand (VOD) service by Sony Pictures Networks’ India (SPN) and Republic TV, India’s No. 1 English news channel, today announced their strategic partnership, where Republic TV’s live news and on-demand videos will be available round the clock to viewers of SonyLIV.
With this strategic partnership, RepublicWorld further expands its English news digital presence on OTT platforms to give audiences access to reliable news on platforms of their choice. SonyLIV also adds a new genre to its existing plethora of content. This will give its 30 million strong and growing monthly active users unrestricted access to quality news & analyses and on-demand video content by Republic TV.
SonyLIV currently offers a wide range of content through TV shows, LIVE Sports, Food, Linear TV, Movies, Originals, Short Films and Music. Republic TV, founded by prolific journalist Arnab Goswami, broke records in the first week of its launch by gathering 52 percent market share and has retained its number one ranking for the past 50 weeks, setting a record in Indian media.
Link: https://bit.ly/2JNIIBI
Comments:
Uday Sodhi, EVP and Head-Digital Business, Sony Pictures Networks (SPN):
“With the digital ecosystem ever evolving, we are constantly striving to give our viewers the best in entertainment. We are delighted to announce our partnership with Republic TV. By adding a new genre to our already existing content portfolio, we want to provide our digital savvy viewers the best in news to stay abreast of the latest happenings across the country and the world over. We will continue in our endeavor to innovate and provide a myriad of on-the-go entertainment options to our ever-discerning audience.”
Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-chief, Republic TV:
“We are extremely proud of our partnership with SonyLIV. Republic TV’s prime message is freedom. Through our digital presence, we want to give our viewers the freedom to consume our content whenever they want, wherever they want, however they want. With this, we have further cemented ourselves as a media-tech company, which reflects in our tagline – Republic – Digital. TV. Media.”
Vikas Khanchandani CEO, Republic TV:
“OTT today is an easy-access on-the-go platform which connects millions of viewers. Republic TV, as a brand, has been the most widely recognized and consumed English news channel in India right since its launch. The more we spread our wings across platforms, the more we realize the affinity for our content. SonyLIV as a platform is known for distributing quality sports and entertainment content from across its stable. We’re excited about the partnership with them, and to have Republic TV as the first news brand on the platform. I’m confident we’ll be able to expand our audience base manifold as we build partners across the digital ecosystem. We will be the largest English News Video brand in the country agnostic of platforms.”
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.
