iWorld
Arnab’s Republic widens footprint on Facebook, Twitter
NEW DELHI: The nation is warming up to the Republic. Former Times TV Network chief editor Arnab Goswami, who quit late 2016 the media house where he built his career, is now whipping up social media frenzy with his new news and media venture dubbed Republic News.
“The nation wants to know! We are now live on social. Until we hit your screens, track the revolution here! #RepublicOnSocial,” Republic or @republic tweeted on January 7, 2017 on its page that says it’s the official page of “India’s most awaited news venture” going on to add that “Republic is independent. Republic is global. Republic is disruptive. Republic is your movement. Join us.”
Republic News India’s Facebook page already has about 14,000 `Likes’, while the Twitter page (handle @Republic) has over 43,000 followers till the time of writing this report. And, the number is growing. Some five thousand followers got added to the Twitter page between January, 7 2017 evening and January 8, 2017 afternoon as tweets are getting pinned by a global PR company, probably hired to oversee external communications, and retweets happening by media personalities, including the likes of South Asia chief of world’s largest advertising company.
“I have placed my belief in the people of India. I believe in this republic. There is a reason why I have named it Republic – It’s for the public, voice of the public, undiluted. And I promise you today that till my last day in this profession, I will not let down your faith in me. I am placing my belief in you.” This is a message that has been attributed to Goswami on December 27, 2016 on the FB page of Republic News (@RepublicIndiaNews), which some observers described as mushy, theatrical and true to Goswami’s style.
The sugary social media messages of RepublicIndiaNews continued on FB in the new year: “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.’Best Hope’ is the only word that is been reminded by me every new year evening. Wishing A Very Hopeful New Year Ahead to all my fans and well wishers. #HappyNewYear #Republic.” Both the Twitter and FB page carry a stylised photo of Goswami.
The ‘About’ section of the FB page lists the owner/creator of the page as “News and Media House” and gives no other details or when the news venture likely to be launched.
Though Goswami doesn’t have FB or Twitter page under his personal name, a tradition he seems to have carried from his Times Now days in sharp contrast to some his fellow celeb TV news anchors who are hyper active on social media — and get trolled heavily often by pro-government accounts — the Twitter handle @Repubic thanked the social media platform for associating with it and handing out an official welcome to the about-to-be-launched news venture, which also added to the buzz creation.
Goswami announced his decision to quit Times Now early November 2016 first to his editorial team after returning from a trip to the Maldives and later conveyed it to his corporate bosses, which riled many within the Times of India group who felt that the editorial head used the Times group to create a new platform for himself by posturing on issues that were blatantly pro-BJP government in New Delhi.
Meanwhile, media industry sources indicated that the application for Goswami’s news venture has been made to the government last month seeking at least various clearances to start a TV news channel. Though sketchy details are available, but the company lists a Kolkata-based businessman and a Bangalore-based media-entrepreneur-turned-politician as backers. This information could not be confirmed independently by Indiantelevision.com from the Republic or relevant government organisations.
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iWorld
Mastercard expands concert series with comedy and music format
Vir Das, Zakir Khan and Papon headline multi-city shows across India.
MUMBAI: From punchlines to power chords, the stage is getting a genre upgrade. Mastercard has unveiled the next phase of its multi-city concert series in India, blending stand-up comedy with live music in a format that mirrors the country’s evolving entertainment tastes. The new line-up brings together a diverse mix of performers, including comedians Vir Das and Zakir Khan, alongside singer Papon. The shift marks a departure from earlier editions that were primarily music-led, featuring global and Indian acts such as Enrique Iglesias, A. R. Rahman and Sunidhi Chauhan.
Curated in collaboration with Tribe Vibe and EVA Live, the expanded series is designed to create a broader cultural platform that brings humour, storytelling and music into a single live experience.
Vir Das will kick off the comedy segment in New Delhi with four shows across two days at Yashobhoomi on 9 and 10 May. Meanwhile, Zakir Khan is set for an extended run in Mumbai, with nine shows scheduled at Dome SVP Stadium across 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20 June, with additional dates expected.
On the music front, Papon will headline a six-city tour, beginning in Chandigarh on 16 May, followed by Ahmedabad on 29 May and Lucknow on 30 May. The tour will then move to Bengaluru on 6 June, Hyderabad on 7 June, and conclude in Indore on 14 June.
The series continues to offer exclusive benefits for Mastercard cardholders, including priority ticket access and premium lounge experiences at venues positioning the platform as both an entertainment and lifestyle proposition.
Beyond the spotlight, the initiative carries a social dimension. Through its partnership with Learning Links Foundation, Mastercard has enabled nearly 90 students from underserved communities across cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Chandigarh to experience live events often for the first time aiming to spark interest in careers within the experience economy.
As live entertainment becomes increasingly hybrid and experiential, Mastercard’s latest move signals a simple insight: today’s audience doesn’t just want a show, they want a story, a laugh and a memory, all rolled into one.
