Viacom18 gets Vivek Bahl as network advisor, content

Bahl will also play a strategic role in planning and developing new content for the network. He will report to Raj Nayak, CEO, Colors.

Viacom18 has roped in Vivek Bahl as network advisor, content. As part of his latest mandate, Bahl's immediate focus will be to work on the regional channels that the group intends to foray into.

Bahl will also play a strategic role in planning and developing new content for the network. He will report to Raj Nayak, CEO, Colors.

Commenting on the appointment, Nayak says in an official communiqué, "Vivek comes with great experience in developing content for different genres and his understanding of the television and entertainment industry is quite phenomenal. We believe he will play a significant role not only in further developing and strengthening the current content on Viacom18's offerings but also in the expansion of the network's upcoming regional channels."

Speaking on his new assignment, Bahl says, "Viacom18 is a network that, through its various channels, reaches to multiple audiences across the country. I am extremely excited about this opportunity to help take the content and the network to the next level. I look forward to working with the incredibly talented team at Viacom18 and help escalate the properties to reach out to a larger audience across the country."

Bahl joins Viacom18 from Turner International, where he was chief content officer for India and was responsible for overseeing the content strategy and development for Turner's diverse portfolio of entertainment brands in India, including Imagine TV, Cartoon Network, Pogo and Warner Brothers.

With more than 25 years of entertainment experience, Bahl is claimed to have a cross-functional strategic perspective. Before Turner, Bahl has worked with leading television networks in India including STAR TV and Zee TV, where he helped develop multiple fiction and non-fiction properties. These include Antakshari, Banegi Apni Baat, Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi, Banoo Mein Teri Dulhan, Jab Love Hua, Bidaai, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlaata Hai, Saath Nibhana Saathiya, Sindoor, Saat Phere, Betiyaan, Maayka and Pratigya.

With STAR Network, he co-produced the series Navya for Star Plus, and has also worked with Mahuaa Network in a consulting role to set up its regional channels.