NBA elections conclude; K V L Narayan Rao continues as president

NBA elections conclude; K V L Narayan Rao continues as president

Narayan

MUMBAI: Results of the just concluded elections to News Broadcasters Association (NBA) are out. NDTV executive vice chairperson K V L Narayan Rao retains his post as president for the year 2013-14, making it his fourth term in office after succeeding DEN Founder Sameer Manchanda in 2010.

Similarly, MCCS CEO Ashok Venkataramani, who heads the channels ABP News, ABP Majha and ABP Ananda, continues to be Vice President of the association.

However, Network 18 Group CEO B Saikumar, touted as India's youngest entrepreneur, has taken over from his predecessor - TV Today's Anil Mehra - as treasurer.

However, it isn't going to be a smooth ride for Rao. "It is not just an appointment. It is responsibility as well. I hope that I will be able to deliver what the industry wants," says Rao.

Efforts are on to convince the TRAI and the government to understand their dilemma with respect to the ad cap that has been stayed by a TDSAT order till 11 November. Other problems news channels are grappling with include carriage fees, DAVP rates, and self regulation of content.

Meanwhile, TV Today's new representative is Ashish Bagga as Mehra has decided to step down from the NBA. Other members include Independent News Services chairman Rajat Sharma, Times TV Network CEO Sunil Lulla, Zee News CEO Alok Agrawal, TV Today Network director Ashish Bagga, News 24 Chairperson Anurradha Prasad.