Truth over TRP: Dilip Singh on the rationale behind launching Live Times news hub

In conversation with Adgully, media veteran Dilip Singh talks about Live Times, the ‘soon-to-be-launched’ and India’s first global multicast news hub. Singh says he has a clear mission – to deliver unadulterated, unbiased, and truth-based reporting, inspired by a growing public demand for accurate and impartial news amidst rampant misinformation. He says Live Times is committed to maintaining journalistic integrity in every aspect of its operations, going beyond the confines of the existing TRP-driven ecosystem. With a state-of-the-art multicast hub and a dedicated team, the channel prioritizes truth over TV ratings, setting a new standard in the crowded media landscape.

What inspired you to launch Live Times in an overcrowded market of several news channels? How do you plan to maintain independence and impartiality in your reporting?

The inspiration behind establishing our multicast hub, even in a market saturated with news channels, stems from a clear and pressing demand for a platform that delivers truth-based, unadulterated, and unbiased news. In today’s era, where misinformation is rampant, there is a significant public outcry for accurate and impartial news. Numerous studies and reports have highlighted that viewers are increasingly seeking trustworthy information. Live Times was born out of this need, with the singular objective of serving all viewers with news that is both accurate and truthful – a commitment that we consider non-negotiable.

To ensure that our reporting remains independent and impartial, we have put in place a robust and transparent system. This includes a carefully selected team of professionals who are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity. We have also invested in cutting-edge technology from global leaders, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) with human intelligence. This combination allows us to deliver real-time reporting, while ensuring that any potential biases or inaccuracies are promptly addressed.

Additionally, our commitment to fairness is reflected in the way we approach news distribution. We believe that accurate information should be accessible to everyone, not just those with resources. By utilizing advanced technology, we are able to monitor and block any misreported content swiftly, ensuring that our viewers receive only the most reliable information.

At Live Times, our mission is clear: to consistently deliver fair and accurate news to our audience. With the best team in place, a carefully chosen network, and the most advanced technology at our disposal, I am confident that we will fulfill this mission and stand out as a trusted source in the crowded media landscape.

You say ‘Truth over TV ratings’, (TRP), public Interest over vested Interests, debate over shout-out Shows. But it is a TRP-driven world. And it is about ad revenue. At the end of the day, you have to sustain. So, what is your strategy?

At Live Times, we firmly believe that truth should be the cornerstone of any news organization. While it’s true that TRPs play a significant role in the industry, our focus is on delivering accurate and unfiltered news. We understand the pressures of a TRP-driven world, but we refuse to let those pressures dictate our editorial choices. The strategy is straightforward: prioritize substance over sensationalism. We recognize that the media landscape is cluttered with content designed to attract the highest ratings, often at the expense of truth. However, we see this as an opportunity rather than a challenge. By staying true to our mission of providing factual and unbiased news, we believe we can create a loyal audience that values integrity over mere entertainment.

It’s important to understand that TRPs are a by-product, not the goal. If we stay committed to delivering quality journalism that resonates with viewers, the ratings will follow naturally. There are numerous examples worldwide where organizations have succeeded by focusing on their core values, even without chasing ratings. These organizations have built trust and credibility, which in turn, drives their success.

Our approach is built on a foundation of public trust. We’re not here to compete in the race for the highest TRP at any cost. Instead, we aim to set a new standard where truth and public interest lead the way. In a world increasingly dominated by noise, we’re confident that our commitment to authentic journalism will not only sustain us but also set us apart.

Ultimately, our viewers are our greatest asset. We trust that they will recognize the value of what we bring to the table – a commitment to truth, integrity, and meaningful discourse. This trust is what will sustain us, and it’s what will ensure our success in the long run.

Could you elaborate on the role of your state-of-the-art multicast hub and how it enhances the delivery of high-quality news to your audience?

Live Times, India’s First Global Multicast News Hub, is a game-changer in the way we gather and deliver news. This cutting-edge module offers a trio of benefits that significantly enhance our news operations.

Firstly, it improves the quality of our news content. With the ability to capture stories in high-definition and 4K formats, our reporters and content creators can deliver crystal-clear visuals that bring every detail to life for our viewers. Secondly, it broadens our coverage capabilities. By seamlessly integrating content from various sources – whether on the ground, in the studio, or from our hubs – we can create a cohesive, multi-format stream. This allows us to reach a wider audience across geographies, providing them with a diverse range of stories across different screens and platforms.

Lastly, utilizing both satellite and internet channels, our multicast hub ensures the timely delivery of live broadcasts and curated content. This means our audience receives the most relevant and impactful news with more accuracy, regardless of where they are located, whether domestically or internationally. With this, we strive to not just enable advancing our technological capabilities but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality, timely news to our global audience.

Your channel aims to promote the democratization of news worldwide. How do you plan to achieve this goal, and what impact do you hope it will have on the global information landscape?

In today’s interconnected world, the global information landscape has been predominantly shaped by a few Western countries and superpowers, a situation that presents both challenges and opportunities. With the rise of misinformation and deepfakes, the necessity for democratizing the World Information Order has never been more pressing. At Live Times, we believe that India, with its rich value system and cultural heritage, is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation towards a more truthful and inclusive global information framework.

Our approach to achieving this goal begins with a commitment to delivering fact-based and accurate news to our audience. We are starting with Hindi-language news, which will soon expand into other Indian languages and English, ensuring that our reach is as broad as possible. This multilingual approach will help us connect with diverse audiences and make reliable information accessible to all, regardless of their resources.

The democratization of news is a transformative journey, and we are honoured to be at the forefront of this movement. By leveraging India’s deep-seated values of truth and integrity, exemplified by the concept of ‘Satyam Shivam Sundaram’, we aim to challenge existing information dominance and provide a platform, where every individual can access truthful and comprehensive news.

We are confident that our dedication to delivering unbiased and factual news will not only resonate with our audiences, but also inspire a broader shift towards a more equitable and accurate global information landscape. As we embark on this mission, we are committed to making a significant impact and contributing to a world where information is truly democratic and accessible to everyone.

Do you think the broadcasting world needs a new measurement system? Because there have been multiple instances where BARC’s credibility came under shadow. Are there any worldwide examples for Indian broadcasters to emulate?

The credibility of existing measurement systems, such as BARC, has indeed faced challenges recently, raising a crucial question about the need for a new, more transparent approach. Technology has always been at the core of developing effective measurement systems, providing the speed and accuracy needed to track audience metrics. As we continue to advance technologically, our measurement systems must evolve accordingly. While technology offers incredible potential, it also has the potential for misuse, which can undermine the reliability of these systems.

The solution to these challenges lies in leveraging emerging technologies to enhance both the transparency and accuracy of measurement systems. By integrating the latest technological advancements, we can build systems that are not only more precise but also less susceptible to manipulation.

Looking globally, there are noteworthy examples of how new measurement approaches have improved transparency. For example, in Germany, there have been efforts to refine audience measurement practices with more democratic and transparent methods. These examples demonstrate that progress is possible and provide valuable insights into how we can innovate our own systems.

The need for a new measurement system is evident. By embracing technological advancements and learning from successful global practices, we can create a more reliable and transparent system that better serves the broadcasting world.

What is the relevance of technology in news reportage?

In the realm of news gathering, technology has ushered in a new era, marked by both quantitative and qualitative advancements. From a quantitative perspective, the transformation has been profound. The days of relying on cumbersome equipment are behind us, as modern mobile technology has revolutionized news collection. Mobile phones, once simple communication devices, now serve as sophisticated tools for capturing and transmitting news. Innovations such as AI-powered software enhance the efficiency of information verification and accelerate the news dissemination process, allowing us to deliver updates with remarkable speed.

Qualitatively, technology continues to redefine the standards of news reporting. The deployment of 5G technology has enabled field reporters to transmit high-definition video and audio with unprecedented clarity and speed, even from remote locations. Furthermore, AI-driven translation services facilitate real-time news delivery in multiple languages, expanding accessibility and personalizing the news experience for diverse audiences.

At Live Times, we are committed to embracing these technological advancements to enhance our news delivery capabilities. Our significant investments in cutting-edge technology include the latest mobile and broadcast solutions from LiveU that supports seamless live broadcasting from virtually any location. This integration allows our reporters and stringers to connect directly with our Multicast Hub, ensuring that we provide timely and high-quality news coverage.

In essence, technology is not just a tool, but a cornerstone of modern news gathering. As we continue to leverage these innovations, Live Times remains dedicated to setting new benchmarks in the industry and delivering news that is both fast and reliable.