News Broadcasting
Network18 announces senior elevations in News18.com
MUMBAI: The general news vertical has been one of the strongest parts of the Network18 portfolio over the past year. In its best efforts to leverage the opportunities the scale affords, Network18 has announced key elevations in the leadership team of News18.com, its breaking news platform. Azim Lalani has now been elevated to COO – Brand Solutions & Convergence whereas, Mitul Sangani will take up the role of COO- General News as a part of the new working model. The step has been taken keeping in mind rapid audience growth and alignment with market dynamics in order to fully capitalize on emerging revenue models in Digital.
Azim Lalani, who was earlier holding the position of Business Head – English News Cluster, will now take up the role of COO – Brand Solutions & Convergence. “Azim is a creative and resourceful business leader, who has amply demonstrated the potential of Firstpost Studio as an independent business in a very competitive market over the past couple of years”, commented Network18 Digital President Puneet Singhvi. In addition to running Firstpost, Tech2 & Brand Solutions, Azim will be responsible for P&L, audience growth, product and marketing for these businesses under his new role.
On the other hand, Mitul Sangani, former Business Head-News18 Indian Languages, will now be running operations as the COO- General News. “Mitul has taken on the challenge of growing Network18’s languages business from its infancy last year to making it the largest in the country in a very short span of time. Despite monetisation challenges for languages internet publishers in India, Mitul has very effectively taken a next-to-negligible revenue stream and made it into a robust and growing one”, added Puneet. In his enhanced role, Mitul will lead the P&L, monetization, audience growth (along with the editorial team), product and marketing for the general news business comprising of News18 English, News18 Languages and all verticals therein.
On the development, Lalani said, “It has been an amazing journey to work with a highly-motivated team which is constantly working towards delivering unique campaigns and content which stand out and have emerged to be game changers in the industry. Network18 has successfully created many digital firsts and I look forward to leading this amazing team to create many more milestones while giving immense value to both stakeholders and consumers.”
Sangani said, “It is my second stint with Network18 and it has been a great experience working with such a platform which has been catering to diverse audiences through its unique content. With content in 12 languages, News18 has indeed established itself as the top news destination for audiences across the length and breadth of the country. I look forward to taking up the charge of my new role propel the business to new heights.”
Both Azim Lalani and Mitul Sangani shall continue to report to Puneet Singhvi.
News Broadcasting
TV9 to host What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 in Delhi
PM Narendra Modi to keynote two day forum on India and the world
NEW DELHI: TV9 Network is gearing up to host the fourth edition of its flagship What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 on March 23 and 24 in the national capital, bringing together a wide spectrum of voices to debate India’s place in a shifting global order.
The summit will open with a keynote address by Narendra Modi, setting the tone for this year’s theme, “India and the world”, as the country positions itself at the crossroads of economic growth, geopolitical shifts and technological change.
From cabinet ministers to chief ministers, business leaders to cultural figures, the event promises a crowded stage and a lively exchange of ideas. Union ministers such as Piyush Goyal and Jyotiraditya Scindia are expected to attend, alongside state leaders including Mohan Yadav, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Nayab Singh Saini and Bhagwant Mann.
Political voices from across the aisle, including Smriti Irani, Akhilesh Yadav and Asaduddin Owaisi, will also join the conversation, ensuring that the debates are as diverse as they are dynamic.
Adding a cultural and sporting touch, personalities such as yoga guru Swami Ramdev, poet Kumar Vishwas and cricketing names like Sourav Ganguly, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh are set to share the stage. Global business leaders and diplomats will further widen the lens, reflecting the summit’s international outlook.
Speaking ahead of the event, TV9 Network managing director and chief executive officer Barun Das, said India stands at a unique moment in history, combining demographic strength, technological capability and entrepreneurial energy. He noted that in uncertain times, honest conversations and bold ideas will shape the country’s trajectory.
The summit will explore themes ranging from economic growth and governance to innovation, sustainability and culture, positioning itself as a platform for dialogue at a time when the world is in flux.
With a packed agenda and a high-profile guest list, What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 aims to do more than just talk. It seeks to capture a moment where India is not only part of the global conversation, but increasingly helping lead it.
