NDTV signs up Dhoni for exclusive interviews

New Delhi Television (NDTV) on Sunday announced its contract with Indian batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Under the contract, Dhoni will give his views and interviews exclusively to NDTV for a period of one year.

Announcing the contract, Prannoy Roy, chairman, NDTV, said, “We hope to bring quality content and attract the cricket viewers of the country by featuring Dhoni’s exclusive views on the sport. Dhoni is an asset for the country and we hope this association will bring the best to our viewers.”

But why did Dhoni choose NDTV to air his opinions? Dhoni says, “NDTV is a well-known news channel and handles popular subjects such as cricket very maturely.”

Jeet Banerjee, CEO, GamePlan Sports (the sports marketing and managing company), clarifies, “The plan that NDTV has laid out for Dhoni, the way they will use his views, was very balanced and substantial. That is why we agreed to the contract.”

The move seems to be in time for the Indian cricket team’s West Indies tour in May.

On being asked how balanced the exclusive views on NDTV would be, keeping BCCI guidelines in mind, Roy says, “We will not want controversial statements to hit the air, especially by a seasoned cricketer. We hope this symbiotic relation will make headlines for all the right reasons.”

However, NDTV refused to reveal the kind of shows it will air with Dhoni.

Roy adds, “The deal with Dhoni does not restrict him from presenting his views on other media.”

© 2006 agencyfaqs!