#e4mExclusive:  Gaurav Banerjee to be BARC Chairman

Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director and CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), has taken over as the new Chairman of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India, sources confirmed to exchange4media.

A seasoned leader with more than two decades in the media and entertainment industry, Banerjee brings a rare blend of creative insight and business acumen to the role. At SPNI, he oversees the company’s strategic direction and operational efficiency while driving innovation and sustained market leadership. He also serves as Director on the boards of MSM-Worldwide Factual Media Pvt. Ltd. and Bangla Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (BEPL).

Prior to SPNI, Banerjee played a pivotal role at Disney+ Hotstar as Head of Content, where his content strategy was instrumental in the platform’s meteoric rise. He curated a successful slate of originals catering to Hindi-speaking and regional audiences, contributing significantly to subscriber growth and viewership.

His earlier stint at Star India saw him lead the Hindi entertainment cluster, where he steered Star Plus and Star Gold to the top of the ratings charts. He also launched regional channels like Star Jalsha and Star Pravah, which quickly gained leadership positions. With roots in journalism, Banerjee began his career in news and holds a master’s degree in Filmmaking and TV Production from Jamia Millia Islamia University, along with a history degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Off screen, he is a keen cricket enthusiast and a cinephile with a deep appreciation for film across genres.

Banerjee takes over from Shashi Sinha, who was appointed Chairman of BARC on March 25, 2022. During his tenure, BARC underwent significant transformation. Sinha championed the push for digital measurement, led initiatives to measure premium homes, and oversaw a consistent and significant rise in the number of installed meters—efforts that strengthened the credibility and granularity of the data. Widely respected as an industry voice, Sinha has consistently advocated for transparency and innovation in audience measurement.

Banerjee’s appointment comes at a critical juncture, as the industry continues to evolve rapidly across platforms and consumption formats. His leadership is expected to bring renewed momentum to BARC's ongoing efforts to stay relevant in a converged media landscape.