News Broadcasting
Zee News’ ‘Madam Sir’ goes on air; aims to elevate women’s stories to prime time prominence
Mumbai: In a momentous stride to amplify women’s voices and achievements, Zee News announced the launch of its latest prime-time show, ‘Madam Sir.’ Premiered from 8 March 2024, at 7 PM, this prime time show marks a significant step towards empowering women and promoting gender equality in media representation.
By dedicating prime time to ‘Madam Sir,’ a meticulously crafted program designed to spotlight women’s voices and triumphs, Zee News is bridging a crucial gap in media representation. The show not only celebrates women’s successes but also challenges stereotypes and biases, presenting a more inclusive portrayal of their contributions. Rather than confining women to conventional roles, ‘Madam Sir’ celebrates their resilience, and diversity by showcasing their talents and achievements from diverse backgrounds. This concerted effort offers an authentic and empowering depiction of women in society.
By prioritising ‘appointment viewership’, Zee News also showcases its commitment to reaching a wide audience and driving substantial impact. This strategic move sets a precedent for inclusivity, women’s empowerment, and a more diverse media ecosystem.
Moreover, the show’s emphasis on valuing and recognizing women’s voices underscores its dedication to fostering a media landscape that resonates with all viewers, contributing significantly to broader societal representation and empowerment.
Emphasizing the core purpose of the show, Zee Media Corporation Ltd, CEO Abhay Ojha stated, “As a media organization, we recognize the power of storytelling in shaping perceptions and driving societal change.’Madam Sir’ is more than just a show; it’s a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices and achievements of women, challenging stereotypes, and fostering a more equitable and representative media landscape. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire audiences, spark meaningful conversations, and pave the way for greater gender equality.”
‘Madam Sir’ not only reshapes prime time programming but also redefines the narrative of women’s representation, signaling a transformative shift towards inclusivity and empowerment in media.
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.
