News Broadcasting
Senior TV journalist Marya Shakil exits NDTV
MUMBAI: Senior news anchor and executive editor (National Affairs) Marya Shakil has bid adieu to NDTV. The network confirmed the development exclusively.
Known for her powerful presentation, commanding voice, and distinctive anchoring style, Shakil had joined NDTV 24×7 in August 2023 as Executive Editor (National Affairs). At the time, the move was seen as a significant new chapter in her illustrious journalism career.
Before her NDTV stint, Shakil spent nearly 18 years with CNN-News18, where she served as Senior Political Editor and Special Bureau Chief. Starting her career with the channel in 2005, she covered some of the country’s biggest political events from the frontlines and conducted exclusive interviews with several top political leaders.
Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism. Her show NewsEpicentre has also bagged multiple honours . In 2016, she was awarded the Chevening South Asia Journalism Fellowship.
Originally from Bihar, Shakil holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication from Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi.
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.
