News Broadcasting
Prasar Bharati launches 2 channels to telecast live Parliament proceedings
MUMBAI: National broadcaster Doordarshan may continue to drain the public exchequer but the launch of new channels “in the public interest” continues unabated. Speaker Somnath Chatterjees prescription to cure one of Indian Parliament’s major ailments the lack of civil behaviour among its members took shape today with the official launch of two channels, one each for the Lok Sabha (Lower House) and Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
Chatterjee and Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Bhairon Singh Shekhawat did the honours today flagging off the two satellite channels that will telecast live the proceedings of both Houses of Parliament. Chatterjee’s idea of exposing the honourable members to live telecasts of their actions in Parliament in the hope that it will improve their behaviour will cost the tax payer a reported Rs 1.2 billion annually for each of the channels (this is assuming that that ISRO waives transponder fees).
The function to mark the launch of the two channels was held in the in the Central Hall of Parliament and was attended by, among others, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, information and broadcasting Minister Jaipal Reddy, Leader of the Opposition LK Advani, and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
The Press Trust of India quoted Reddy as saying the launch of the two channels was both a challenge and opportunity for members as they will now be functioning on camera and not in camera.
The regular and daily telecast of the proceedings would enable millions of people abroad to observe “Indian democracy at work and in action,” PTI quoted the Prime Minister as saying.
News Broadcasting
Mihir Bhatt appointed as chief content officer at News18 Studios
The media veteran brings two decades of experience across television, digital and radio to one of India’s biggest broadcast networks, Disney+ Hotstar, Discovery+
NEW DELHI: Network18 has a new strategist in the building. Mihir Bhatt, one of Indian media’s more versatile operators, has joined News18 Studios as chief content officer, stepping into a role that will see him shape content strategy, build multi-platform properties and drive brand partnerships across the network.
Bhatt brings more than two decades of experience spanning television, digital and radio, with a track record of doing something rare in Indian media: combining editorial ambition with hard commercial results. At Times Network, where he served as managing editor and chief business officer of Times Influence, he built one of the industry’s more respected content studios, launching marquee properties such as the India Economic Conclave, the Times Now Summit and Leaders of Tomorrow. He also pushed the network into premium OTT territory through tie-ups with Disney+ Hotstar and Discovery+.
His resume stretches well beyond the studio. Bhatt has led Global Investor Summits for multiple state governments, worked alongside the World Economic Forum and played a pivotal role in launching the Indian Pickleball League. Earlier, as editor of Zee Business, he pioneered investor education initiatives that are still cited as industry benchmarks.
At News18 Studios, Bhatt will report to chief executive S Shivakumar and will oversee the studios execution vertical alongside revenue verticals covering emerging markets and campaigns. Sidharth Saini, Hemanth Kumar and Nimar Sarkaria will work under him.
Rahul Joshi, managing director and editor-in-chief of Network18 Group, made the announcement in an internal communication. “Mihir’s ability to build enduring brands, foster strategic partnerships and navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our position and explore new avenues of growth in the Studios business,” Joshi said.
In a media industry lurching between disruption and reinvention, Network18 has bet on a man who has spent two decades thriving in exactly that chaos. Whether he can do it again, at greater scale, is the question worth watching.
