Ajay Chacko appointed as president, AETN-18

AETN-18 plans to launch three channels in the Indian market

Ajay Chacko has been appointed as the president of AETN-18, the recently announced joint venture between AETN and Network18.

Based in Mumbai, Chacko will be responsible for the day-to-day operational, strategic and financial management of the joint venture and its suite of channels and services. AETN-18 plans to launch three channels -- History, Bio, and Crime and Investigation Network -- apart from other popular AETN entertainment channels in the Indian market.

Chacko says, "I believe that the Indian factual entertainment opportunity is truly compelling, with the twin forces of evolving viewer tastes and digitization driving demand for such content to an inflection point. At AETN-18, our focus will be to unleash the power of globally acclaimed brands such as History, Bio, Crime and Investigation Network with programming that resonates with Indian viewers."

He adds, "I am looking forward to working with the business and content team in our journey to create India's leading factual entertainment group."

As per Chacko, the company is looking at launching these channels in six months from now. While the company will eventually have programmes customised for the Indian audience; to begin with, the channels would telecast international content.

With a career spanning over 15 years, Chacko has experience across a variety of roles in sales, marketing and general management in the media and entertainment and services industry.

During his seven-year tenure at Network18, Chacko played a key role in developing CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz and Forbes India. Prior to joining the group, Chacko worked with some of the leading media and financial organisations, including IL&FS (Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services, India), Sharekhan and the Indian Express Group.