Mihir Bhatt joins News18 Studios as Chief Content Officer

Mihir Bhatt has joined News18 Studios as Chief Content Officer, taking on a key leadership role at the network. In his new role at News18 Studios, Bhatt will lead content strategy and development, focusing on creating high-impact, multi-platform IPs, strengthening brand partnerships, and driving innovative storytelling across formats.

In an internal communication, Rahul Joshi, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Network18 Group, said, “Mihir’s ability to build enduring brands, foster strategic partnerships and navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our position and explore new avenues of growth in the Studios business.”

Bhatt brings over two decades of rich experience across television, digital, and radio. His career has been defined by the rare ability to combine editorial excellence with strong business acumen, consistently operating at the intersection of high-impact storytelling and revenue innovation.

In his most recent role as the Managing Editor at Times Network and Chief Business Officer of Times Influence, Bhatt built one of the industry’s most respected content studios. He led the creation of marquee properties such as the India Economic Conclave, Times Now Summit and Leaders of Tomorrow, while also driving the network’s expansion into premium OTT content through collaborations with platforms like Disney+ Hotstar and Discovery+.

Bhatt’s experience extends beyond content into strategic partnerships and large-scale initiatives. He has successfully led projects such as Global Investor Summits for multiple states and has worked closely with international governments and global platforms like the World Economic Forum. As part of the core management team at his previous organisation, he was instrumental in steering the group’s foray into the sporting ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in the launch of the Indian Pickleball League.

Earlier in his career, as Editor of Zee Business, he pioneered investor education initiatives that remain industry benchmarks.

At Network18, Bhatt will report into News18 Studios CEO S Shivakumar and will lead the studios execution vertical along with the revenue verticals of Emerging-markets and Campaigns.

"Consequently Sidharth Saini, Hemanth Kumar and Nimar Sarkaria will work with Mihir going forward,” Joshi's mail said.