Network18 News Media Network appoints Sanjay Dua as CEO

Dua to drive advertising sales for Network18 News Media Network, the group's specialised client facing sales division which manages the advertising sales interests of its five news channels.

Sanjay Dua, chief operating officer and head, IBN Media Operations, has been assigned the mandate to lead Network18 News Media Network, the group's specialised client facing sales division which manages the advertising sales interests of its five news channels. Dua will take over his new appointment with immediate effect.

Dua, in his new role, will spearhead the group in its endeavour at consolidating and optimising revenue growth across its five news channels, CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat. He will focus on enhancing revenue effectiveness through innovative and scaled up network wide media solutions and an expansion in client categories and yields.

Also, as an additional responsibility, he has been entrusted with the task of overseeing sales for the soon-to-be-launched network of channels from AETN18, Network18's recently announced joint venture with A&E Television Networks.

Prior to this, 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 focus on the group's individual news brands with the help of dedicated teams and sales leaders aligned to each channel, it will also now bring together all the news assets to exploit opportunities in the evolving competitive environment.

Commenting on this development, B Saikumar, group chief operating officer, Network18, says in an official communiqué, "We believe that the market is evolving rapidly and throwing up unique opportunities. Sanjay's mandate is to leverage the strengths of the News Network, while retaining unwavering focus on each individual channel brand. Sanjay brings with him enviable leadership qualities and depth of experience and will innovate and drive to maximise revenues."

Says Dua, "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 synergising across our News Network to deliver sustained value to our clients and partners."

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 media brands across genres such as sports (ESPN), GECs (Sahara) and English entertainment (Hallmark).

Prior to joining Network18, Dua led national sales at the Zee News Network. He is a management graduate from Lucknow University and holds a management degree from Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA).