News Broadcasting
Praveen Someshwar moves to Diageo India as MD & CEO after transforming HT Media
MUMBAI: Praveen Someshwar is no stranger to transformation. After steering HT Media Group through a period of digital reinvention and AI-powered journalism, he is now shifting gears—this time to the world of premium spirits. Diageo India has appointed him as its new managing director & CEO, a move that signals an exciting new chapter for both Someshwar and the country’s leading beverage company.
After six and a half years at HT Media, where he spearheaded the digital-first evolution of iconic brands like Hindustan Times, Mint, and Fever Network, Someshwar is now set to bring his sharp business acumen to Diageo India. Under his leadership, HT Media embraced AI-driven journalism, expanded its digital footprint, and built a robust ecosystem blending print, OTT, podcasts, and video. His tenure saw the integration of 400+ engineers, product specialists, and designers working alongside 3,000+ journalists, transforming the organisation into a tech-savvy media powerhouse.
Someshwar himself reflected on his HT journey with a heartfelt farewell on Linkedin, saying, “Transforming a traditional media powerhouse into a digital-first, tech-driven organisation was no small task. And yet, what I witnessed over the years was nothing short of extraordinary.”
At Diageo India, Someshwar steps into the shoes of Hina Nagarajan, who moves into a global role. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the premiumisation of the beverage sector, digital innovation, and market expansion are at the forefront of Diageo’s strategy. Someshwar’s career has been a masterclass in reinvention. From leading PepsiCo’s India and Asia operations to redefining media with HT’s tech-driven expansion, he has consistently pushed boundaries. At Diageo India, he now faces a new challenge—bringing the same strategic foresight to a dynamic, fast-evolving beverage industry.
His new role will focus on strengthening Diageo’s market dominance with a digital-first approach, enhancing consumer engagement through AI-driven insights, and driving premiumisation in India’s evolving spirits market.
With India’s premium beverage market booming and digital innovation reshaping consumer experiences, his leadership could redefine the future of premium spirits in India.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
