Digital News Guru Entertainment Desk:
Gaurav Banerjee Takes the Helm of CII’s Media & Entertainment Council
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has appointed Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director & CEO of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), as the new Chairman of its National Media & Entertainment (M&E) Council for the 2025–26 term. This strategic leadership decision underscores CII’s commitment to driving competitiveness, innovation, and trust across the rapidly evolving ecosystem.
Connecting Vision with Experience
Banerjee brings more than two decades of extensive experience in media and broadcasting—a journey marked by both creative and strategic milestones.
After making his mark at Disney+ Hotstar as Head of Content and Business Head for multiple media verticals, he joined SPNI as MD & CEO, where he steered content strategy, digital pivots, and audience engagement with a blend of bold storytelling and operational discipline.
A former journalist and a filmmaker by training, Banerjee holds a master’s in filmmaking and TV production from Jamia Millia Islamia and a bachelor’s in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, equipping him with both conceptual insight and cultural sensitivity.
A Momentum-Building Era for Media Leadership
Banerjee’s rise to this role comes shortly after becoming Chairman of BARC India, the body responsible for television audience measurement. His dual roles reinforce his influence across both strategic content creation and industry-wide regulatory ecosystems.
CII’s appointment of Banerjee aligns with its annual theme: “Accelerating Competitiveness, Globalisation, Inclusivity, Sustainability, Trust.” The Council under his guidance is expected to rejuvenate the industry’s direction through a set of focused pillars—policy reform, creative‑tech innovation, skill development, and global storytelling.
Strategic Vision & Priorities
Gaurav Banerjee’s tenure is expected to center on four key pillars:
- Policy Advocacy & Regulatory Reform: Streamlining norms, combating piracy, and creating equitable frameworks for content ecosystems.
- Creative‑Tech Integration: Promoting the ethical adoption of AI, AR/VR, and automation to reimagine production and personalization.
- Skilling & Workforce Growth: Launching initiatives—potentially in collaboration with institutions like the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies—to train a tech-first creative workforce.
- Global Content Outreach: Fostering “Create in India for the world,” by encouraging co-productions and narratives resonating with diverse global audiences.
Banerjee has emphasized the need for building an ecosystem grounded in trust, where progressive policy frameworks enable creativity and growth while ensuring accountability in emerging domains like generative AI.
What This Means for India’s M&E Sector
- Stronger Industry Voice
With Banerjee’s appointment, industry stakeholders—from broadcasters to OTT leaders—may benefit from more cohesive policy advocacy. His dual expertise in industry operations and measurement systems strengthens CII’s ability to shape reforms with real-world insight.
- Creative Innovation Meets Regulation
The M&E sector may soon see programs that ease experimentation with technology while safeguarding ethics and cultural values. This balanced approach could help mitigate risks associated with rapid digital disruption.
- Talent Pipeline for the Future
The focus on futuristic skills—especially in animation, VFX, and immersive media—signals opportunities for creators and technologists. With CII’s industry-government nexus, these efforts could accelerate workforce readiness for the next phase.
- India’s Storytelling, Globally Amplified
“Create in India for the World” may become more than a slogan—it could translate into strategic partnerships and global platforms amplifying Indian content and narratives, boosting both cultural diplomacy and economic reach.
A Leader Poised at the Intersection of Content, Tech, and Trust
Gaurav Banerjee’s leadership journey—spanning journalism, content strategy, digital transformation, and regulatory engagement via BARC—uniquely positions him to guide the sector during a pivotal growth phase.
His appointment as CII’s M&E Council Chairman comes at a time when the sector is poised to become a $100 billion powerhouse amid AI-infused innovation and Gen Z consumption dynamics.
Conclusion
Gaurav Banerjee’s chairmanship of CII’s Media & Entertainment Council marks a strategic inflection point for India’s creative industries. By championing innovation balanced with responsibility, fostering global partnerships, and building future-ready talent ecosystems, his leadership could define the next wave of India’s media ascendancy.
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