Angad Bhatia Becomes CEO of Firstpost, Creator18 After Exit

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Network18 has appointed Angad Bhatia as the Chief Executive Officer of Firstpost and Creator18. His new role involves overseeing Firstpost while spearheading the development of a creator network across Network18’s digital platforms. Bhatia, a digital media veteran with over 15 years of experience, previously served as CEO of India Lifestyle Network and led brand and marketing growth at Mensa Brands. He is best known for founding and scaling MensXP into a market leader before its acquisition by Times Internet. His appointment signifies Network18’s focus on expanding its digital and creator-driven ventures.

1. Understanding Firstpost and Creator18

1.1 Working Model

Firstpost is a digital-first news platform providing in-depth analysis and insights on national and international affairs. It focuses on politics, economy, technology, sports, and entertainment. The platform operates on a hybrid model that combines journalism with digital media strategies to engage audiences through articles, videos, and social media integration.

Creator18, a new initiative by Network18, is set to build a creator-focused ecosystem, leveraging digital content to drive engagement across multiple platforms. The initiative aims to blend traditional media with influencer-driven content, expanding Network18’s outreach to younger demographics.

1.2 Revenue Model

Firstpost generates revenue through multiple streams, including digital advertisements, sponsored content, and premium subscriptions. The platform leverages programmatic advertising and brand collaborations to drive monetization.

Creator18, focusing on the creator economy, is likely to introduce revenue models based on brand partnerships, influencer marketing campaigns, exclusive content subscriptions, and digital merchandising.

1.3 Founders and Background

Firstpost was founded in 2011 by Network18, one of India’s leading media conglomerates. The platform emerged as a pioneer in digital journalism, shifting focus from print-centric news consumption to online media.

1.4 Services and Products

Firstpost delivers news through its website, mobile apps, and social media channels. It offers investigative journalism, opinion pieces, and multimedia content such as podcasts and video documentaries. Creator18 will provide a digital platform for content creators to collaborate, grow, and monetize their audiences.

2. Angad Bhatia’s Career Journey and Achievements

2.1 Previous Roles

Bhatia has played a significant role in shaping India’s digital media landscape. Before joining Network18, he was the CEO of India Lifestyle Network, overseeing platforms like MensXP, iDiva, and Hypp. He later led brand and marketing growth at Mensa Brands, focusing on scaling digital-first consumer brands.

2.2 Key Contributions

Bhatia founded MensXP in 2009, turning it into a leading digital men’s lifestyle platform before Times Internet acquired it. He also contributed to iDiva and Hypp, strengthening their positioning as digital-first brands in the lifestyle and influencer marketing segments.

2.3 Role at Network18

At Firstpost, Bhatia’s expertise in digital content and media will be instrumental in enhancing audience engagement. For Creator18, his leadership will be crucial in building a sustainable ecosystem for digital creators, expanding Network18’s footprint in the creator economy.

3. Industry Insights and Trends

3.1 Growth of Digital Journalism

The digital news industry is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing internet penetration and mobile-first content consumption. Platforms like Firstpost are leveraging technology to deliver personalized news experiences.

3.2 Creator Economy Expansion

The rise of influencers and digital content creators has transformed media consumption. Platforms integrating user-generated content, such as Creator18, are capitalizing on this trend by offering monetization opportunities for creators.

3.3 Challenges in the Digital Media Space

Digital platforms face challenges such as audience retention, ad revenue fluctuations, and misinformation concerns. Innovative content strategies and diversified revenue streams are essential for long-term success.

4. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs

4.1 Importance of Digital Transformation

Bhatia’s success highlights the significance of embracing digital-first strategies to scale businesses. Startups should focus on leveraging digital media for brand building and audience engagement.

4.2 Monetizing Content Effectively

Firstpost’s revenue model demonstrates the power of diversified income streams. Entrepreneurs should explore advertising, subscriptions, and influencer collaborations to sustain growth.

4.3 Adapting to Industry Trends

The evolving digital landscape requires businesses to be agile and innovative. Adapting to changing audience preferences and leveraging new technologies can provide a competitive edge.

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