Television
Pankaj Rathod takes charge of History TV18 revenue at Network18
The chief revenue officer adds the factual entertainment channel to an already sprawling broadcast portfolio
MUMBAI: Pankaj Rathod has a bigger brief. The chief revenue officer for English and business channels at Network18 Media & Investments has been handed additional responsibility for leading revenue at History TV18, expanding a portfolio that already spans CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNBC Bajar, and CNN News18.
Rathod, who has been in the role since October 2025, announced the expanded mandate this week, describing History TV18 as “not just a channel but a powerful storytelling platform that brings together knowledge, curiosity and entertainment in a way few mediums can.”
The pitch to advertisers is straightforward. Infotainment, Rathod argues, sits at a distinctive intersection in an era of fragmented content consumption, offering brands a more meaningful and immersive way to reach discerning, engaged audiences. “Looking forward to building stronger partnerships, unlocking new possibilities for advertisers, and taking this incredible brand to the next level,” he said.
Rathod brings considerable firepower to the role. He joined Network18 in April 2024 as national revenue head for the CNBC universe and CNN News18, before being elevated to chief revenue officer for English and business channels six months later. Prior to Network18, he spent five years at CNBC-TV18, rising to national sales head. Before that, he logged six and a half years at Times Now, where he managed ad sales across BFSI, auto, education, FMCG, and telecom verticals. Earlier stints include TV18 Broadcast, Zee Entertainment, ABP Group, and Tata Infomedia.
It is a career built entirely in media sales, across print and television, spanning two decades and some of India’s most competitive broadcast properties. History TV18 now gets the full weight of that experience. For the channel’s advertisers, that is probably good news.
Sports
Sony Sports Network to broadcast 10 India cricket series
‘Goonjega India’ campaign brings non-stop Team India action from May 28 to Diwali across TV and Sony LIV.
MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network has just hit a massive six, it’s set to make Indian cricket goonjega louder than ever this season. Under its new campaign ‘Goonjega India’, the network will broadcast an unprecedented 10 major India series from 28 May 2026 right through to Diwali. Nine of them will also stream live on Sony LIV, giving fans wall-to-wall cricket across formats and borders.
The blockbuster calendar kicks off with the India Women’s Tour of England (3 T20Is and 1 Test in May-July), followed by the highly anticipated India Tour of England (5 T20Is and 3 ODIs in July exclusive to Sony Sports Network). The action rolls on with the India Tour of Sri Lanka in August, the India Tour of New Zealand in October-November, and both men’s and women’s T20 competitions at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (17 September to 3 October). Rounding off the line-up are four key ACC events: the Women’s Asia Cup 2026, Men’s Rising Stars Asia Cup 2026, U19 Men’s Asia Cup 2026 and U19 Women’s Asia Cup 2026.
Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer and business head of sports and international Rajesh Kaul said, “Cricket remains the biggest force in India’s sporting culture, and with Goonjega India, we are bringing fans an extraordinary run of Team India action from May 28 to Diwali. From the Women in Blue’s England tour to the men’s marquee clashes in England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, alongside the Asian Games and major ACC tournaments, this is one of the most compelling cricket line-ups on Indian television.”
To build excitement, Sony Sports Network has released three high-energy animated films that celebrate the scale, emotion and rivalry of the season from the opening roar on 28 May to the Diwali blockbuster in New Zealand.
From the first ball in England to the final fireworks before Diwali, Indian cricket is about to echo across living rooms like never before. Whether you’re cheering for the Women in Blue, the Men in Blue or the rising U19 stars, Sony Sports Network has made sure there’s barely a day without a reason to shout “India! India!” This season, the calendar isn’t just packed, it’s perfectly pitched.
