M V Nikesh Kumar, editor-in-chief of Reporter TV, has announced his resignation after a distinguished 28-year career in journalism. During a live program on the Malayalam news channel, Kumar revealed his intention to become active in politics.  “This departure from the media is part of my decision to become active in politics, motivated by a long-standing desire to serve the public,” Kumar said.  Kumar's career includes senior editorial roles in the Malayalam television industry, having served as a news anchor at Asianet and India Vision before becoming the Managing Director of  Reporter TV.  Kumar is the son of veteran political leader M V Raghavan. Notably, He is already a member of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and has contested elections in Kerala earlier. His contributions to journalism have been recognised with several awards, including the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Award.   

Seven West Media has appointed Craig Haskins as Chief Financial Officer. Haskins, who has been serving as interim CFO since April, was selected after a comprehensive six-month recruitment process. His extensive experience includes roles at Jefferies Australia, Credit Suisse, UBS, and Merrill Lynch. According to a press release accessed by Influencing, his recruitment was part of a strategic effort to optimise the network's television operations and capitalise on digital growth. Notably, Seven West Media has also unveiled a new operating model with three distinct divisions: Television, Digital, and Western Australia. Under the new structure, Angus Ross has been appointed Group Managing Director of Seven Television, Gereurd Roberts as Group Managing Director of Seven Digital, and Maryna Fewster continues as CEO of SWM Western Australia. Additionally, Trent Dickeson has been named Chief Operating Officer. Jeff Howard, Managing Director and CEO of Seven West Media, highlighted the sig

Pranesh Kumar Roy has been named the new host of Times Now's flagship 8 PM show, 'India Upfront', replacing former senior executive editor Padmaja Joshi. Roy is currently the co-incharge of the Output Desk at Times Now with over seven years of experience with the network.  Before joining Times Now, Roy held pivotal roles including anchor and deputy news editor at ITV Network's 'NewsX'. His career spans across prominent platforms such as 'DD News' and 'All India Radio', showcasing a comprehensive understanding of broadcast journalism.  According to a release, Roy's appointment underscores Times Now's commitment to delivering insightful prime-time programming under his leadership. His extensive experience and tenure within the network is expected to bring a fresh perspective to 'India Upfront', further enhancing the channel's editorial excellence. 

World Is One News (WION) has introduced a new series titled 'Yoga: Celebrating India's Gift to Mankind' to commemorate International Yoga Day. The series explores the science of healthy living through Yoga and Ayurveda, highlighting lifestyle interventions and natural therapies.  This series underscores India's cultural heritage and examines the global impact of these ancient practices on physical and mental well-being. Each episode explores the core principles of Yoga and Ayurveda, demonstrating their integration into contemporary lifestyles and healthcare.  According to a press release obtained by Influencing India, the series covers topics such as the global rise of Yoga, the incorporation of Ayurveda into modern healthcare, and India's wellness tourism industry. Episodes feature visits to Yoga academies, interviews with Ayurvedic practitioners, and discussions on blending technological advancements with traditional practices. A special episode aired on June 21st to mark Inter

Senior film journalist Anupama Chopra has been appointed as the first Editor of The Hollywood Reporter India, marking a significant milestone for the  publication in India. Scheduled to begin her role on August 16, 2024, Chopra brings extensive experience in cinema spanning back to 1993.   A prominent film critic, a national award-winning author, chairperson of the Film Critics' Guild, and director of the prestigious MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, Anupama founded the Film Companion in 2014 as a pan India platform for entertainment journalism.   Making the announcement, Avarna Jain, chairperson of RPSG Lifestyle Media, stated: “We are delighted to have Anupama Chopra lead The Hollywood Reporter India as its Editor. She is a well-respected name in the filmmaking fraternity and a much-loved movie critic. We look forward to seeing her lead THR India to become the country’s premier platform uniting filmmaking across languages, regions, and platforms.”   Nekesa Mumbi Mo

The ACE Radio Network is bidding adieu to the General Manager of the Network’s 3YB FM and 95.3 Coast FM, Peter Headen, after a decorated forty-year tenure, Radioinfo reported.  The outgoing GM expressed his enthusiasm about spending time with his wife and family after enjoying his time at work for many years.  “I think the radio station has to play that role of being the connection between the community. Whether it’s schools or kinders or fundraising events, we can play a role to inform the community, I’d like to think we’ve done that pretty well,” Headen added ACE Radio CEO Mark Taylor lauded Headen’s passion for the radio station and called him the “voice of the local community”  “Peter has displayed exemplary leadership, driving continual growth and success in cementing the Warrnambool operation as the highest-performing in the ACE network,” Taylor added.  Network owners Rowly and Judy Paterson said Headen’s legacy will be long-lasting: “As Pet

Amy Nelmes Bissett, an experienced freelance journalist and digital specialist, has been promoted as the new SA Weekend Editor at The Advertiser, marking a significant career advancement. In her new role, Bissett will lead the editorial direction of SA Weekend, focusing on delivering compelling content that resonates with readers in South Australia. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Bissett has demonstrated her prowess across various media platforms. At The Advertiser, she served as Audience Growth Editor and played a pivotal role in enhancing digital engagement strategies for over two years.  Prior to this, she held prominent editorial positions at Nine, GRAZIA Australia, News of the World in London, and The People, showcasing her versatile expertise in journalism.