MUMBAI: Network18 has named IBN Media Operations COO and head Sanjay Dua as CEO of the Network18 News Media Network.
The News Media Network will play the role of a centralised sales agency and will work closely with the channel teams and be aligned with the P&L goals of each of the channels.
In his new role, Dua will lead the group’s specialised client facing sales division which manages the advertising sales interests of its five news channels.
Dua will spearhead the company’s efforts towards consolidating and optimising revenue growth across its news channels - CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat.
He will lead the strategic focus on enhancing revenue effectiveness through innovative and scaled up network wide media solutions and an expansion in client categories and yields.
Additionally, he will also oversee sales for the soon-to-be-launched network of channels from AETN18, Network18’s recently announced JV with A&E Television Networks. Earlier, Dua was specifically responsible for identifying and capitalising on sales growth opportunities at the IBN general news channels of the group.
While the News Media Network will continue to reflect the group’s focus on individual news brands via dedicated teams and sales leaders aligned to each channel, it will now bring together all the leading news assets to exploit opportunities in the evolving competitive environment.
Network18 Group COO B.Saikumar commented, “We believe that the market is evolving rapidly, throwing up unique opportunities. Sanjay’s mandate is to leverage the strengths of the news network even while retaining unwavering focus on each individual channel brand. Sanjay brings with him enviable leadership and depth of experience and will drive and innovation to maximize revenues.”
Dua added, “I believe that the news space in India is poised for a new phase of expansion and as market leader, with the highest share of influential audiences Network18 is best placed to lead it. We believe substantial opportunities exist to achieve this by collaborating and synergizing across our news network to deliver sustained value to our clients and partners. Network 18 presently has the country’s best sales talent across levels and I look forward to working with all the teams and sales leaders to achieve our ambitious revenue goals.’
Dua has over 20 years of corporate experience, of which the last 15 years have been in media and entertainment. In the past, Dua has led sales strategy for the leading media brands across a gamut of genres including sports (ESPN), GECs (Sahara) and English entertainment (Hallmark).
Prior to joining Network18, Dua led national sales at the Zee News network, apart from stints at Walt Disney and Bennett & Coleman.
Network18 had recently made key CEO appointments across its channels. Ajay Chacko was made president of AETN18, while Anil Uniyal was named CEO of CNBC-TV18 and CNBC Awaaz. CNN-IBN got a CEO in Dilip Venkatraman.
