MAM
Network18 names Sanjay Dua CEO of News Media Network
MUMBAI: Network18 has named IBN Media Operations COO and head Sanjay Dua as CEO of the Network18 News Media Network.
The News Media Network will play the role of a centralised sales agency and will work closely with the channel teams and be aligned with the P&L goals of each of the channels.
In his new role, Dua will lead the group’s specialised client facing sales division which manages the advertising sales interests of its five news channels.
Dua will spearhead the company’s efforts towards consolidating and optimising revenue growth across its news channels – CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat.
He will lead the strategic focus on enhancing revenue effectiveness through innovative and scaled up network wide media solutions and an expansion in client categories and yields.
Additionally, he will also oversee sales for the soon-to-be-launched network of channels from AETN18, Network18’s recently announced JV with A&E Television Networks. Earlier, Dua was specifically responsible for identifying and capitalising on sales growth opportunities at the IBN general news channels of the group.
While the News Media Network will continue to reflect the group’s focus on individual news brands via dedicated teams and sales leaders aligned to each channel, it will now bring together all the leading news assets to exploit opportunities in the evolving competitive environment.
Network18 Group COO B.Saikumar commented, “We believe that the market is evolving rapidly, throwing up unique opportunities. Sanjay’s mandate is to leverage the strengths of the news network even while retaining unwavering focus on each individual channel brand. Sanjay brings with him enviable leadership and depth of experience and will drive and innovation to maximize revenues.”
Dua added, “I believe that the news space in India is poised for a new phase of expansion and as market leader, with the highest share of influential audiences Network18 is best placed to lead it. We believe substantial opportunities exist to achieve this by collaborating and synergizing across our news network to deliver sustained value to our clients and partners. Network 18 presently has the country’s best sales talent across levels and I look forward to working with all the teams and sales leaders to achieve our ambitious revenue goals.’
Dua has over 20 years of corporate experience, of which the last 15 years have been in media and entertainment. In the past, Dua has led sales strategy for the leading media brands across a gamut of genres including sports (ESPN), GECs (Sahara) and English entertainment (Hallmark).
Prior to joining Network18, Dua led national sales at the Zee News network, apart from stints at Walt Disney and Bennett & Coleman.
Network18 had recently made key CEO appointments across its channels. Ajay Chacko was made president of AETN18, while Anil Uniyal was named CEO of CNBC-TV18 and CNBC Awaaz. CNN-IBN got a CEO in Dilip Venkatraman.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
