News Broadcasting
49 years of trust: India Today’s Collector’s Edition chronicles a nation’s journey
MUMBAI: For nearly half a century, India Today has been your steadfast companion, battling the tides of change to bring you authentic journalism in a world that never slows down.
This year, as the iconic publication celebrates its 49th anniversary, it unveils a breathtaking Collector’s Edition—a monumental tribute to India’s transformative journey. With over 280 pages of compelling narratives, this special issue captures the nation’s defining moments, the visionaries who reshaped its destiny, and the milestones that ignite pride in every Indian heart.
This isn’t just an edition; it’s a living archive of modern India’s soul, resilience, and relentless progress—crafted with the same integrity that has kept readers turning the pages for 49 unforgettable years.
The anniversary issue dives deep into the nation’s evolution, showcasing the achievements and events that have driven India’s growth and global standing. Widely praised for its thoughtful and comprehensive content, the edition captures the essence of a nation on the move.
Beyond its editorial richness, the edition stands out for its appeal to advertisers, with participation from over 108 leading brands across sectors such as FMCG, startups, e-commerce, tourism, education, and BFSI. Featuring 19 print innovations, the issue has established itself as a marquee platform for advertisers, reinforcing India Today’s status as a trusted and impactful medium.
In honour of this milestone, India Today is offering digital subscribers access to its 49-year archives at a special annual fee of Rs 799. This initiative allows readers to delve into decades of insights, offering a rich resource for understanding India’s history and progress.
Details of this exclusive offer are available at subscriptions.intoday.in.
This issue is not just a magazine but a keepsake for readers and advertisers alike, encapsulating the legacy and vision of a publication that has chronicled India’s story for nearly five decades. With its blend of in-depth narratives and striking innovations, the edition continues to inspire pride in the nation’s journey.
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.
