Zee Media ventures into English news broadcasting

Zee Media Corp Ltd on Monday formally announced its move to enter into English news broadcasting with the appointment of Rohit Gandhi as editor-in-chief.

Zee Media said in a release that Gandhi has taken charge of its proposed English news channel with effect from August 17. He will report to Punit Goenka, managing director and chief executive at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.

Dr Subhash Chandra, chairman of Essel Group, which runs over 70 TV channels under the Zee umbrella and dna, on August 7 announced his plans to launch a global news network, in English, for global audiences with an India point of view, on the lines of BBC and CNN.

"If you watch BBC closely, you will realise that there is some British angle in most news items that they disseminate. CNN is having an overtly American point of view. They do not shy away from criticising those who are against the US interests. Don't know if we can reach their levels, but will surely attempt it," Dr Chandra had said then.

Speaking on the new initiative, Goenka said on Monday, "Venturing into the English news space allows us to extend our presence in the overall news genre across geographies and even in the international arena. We want to launch a news network for global audiences with an Indian point-of-view. With Rohit on board to spearhead this initiative, we are confident that we will be able to showcase a world-class product."

Gandhi brings with him over 23 years of rich experience across forty countries and has managed the complete gamut of the News business. He has won many international awards including the Edward R Murrow, Dupont Award, Emmy, Golden Cine Eagle, Gracie Award and the Headliner Award. In his previous assignment, he was the international correspondent & communication strategist for South Asian International News, prior to which he worked with CBC, CNN, BCTV & Global TV, Canada, and NDTV. He has covered many war zones including Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003.

Gandhi is a multi-skilled journalist who has extensively worked on various international field projects in the areas of international relations, politics, socio-economic empowerment, human rights, environment, civil rights and social action and highly sensitive terror investigation, amongst others.

He has a BA from Delhi University, a masters in communication and media studies from Pune University and a masters in broadcast journalism from Carleton University, Canada.