STAR News to launch website under Ramakrishnan Laxman

Ramakrishnan Laxman has joined Media Content & Communications Services India Pvt. Ltd (MCCS), a joint venture between ABP TV and the STAR Group, as head, new media. Laxman has moved from Publicitas Digital, where he was vice-president, business development and media assets.

Speaking to afaqs!, Laxman says, “I will be responsible for setting up a new media division for STAR News and we will launch a STAR News website, too.” However, Laxman said he would not be able to divulge further details on STAR News’ media plans.

During his career spanning 13 years, Laxman has been involved mostly in setting up digital divisions for traditional media companies. Before Publicitas Digital, he was director, online marketing, at Blue Haze Marketing Services in Singapore. He also headed the Internet division at the Ananda Bazar Patrika Group in Kolkata. Laxman has also worked with Mid-Day as head, Internet, mobile and call centre business, and helped to establish the daily tabloid’s Internet and mobile businesses.

Laxman holds a Master’s degree in electronics from Mumbai University and an MBA from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies.

In April, MCCS appointed Ashok Venkatramani chief executive officer. MCCS runs various TV channels such as STAR Ananda, STAR News and STAR Majha.

The STAR News website will definitely face competition from the established news websites of other traditional players such as IBNLive.com (Network18), NDTV.com, NewsX.com (INX Network), ZeeNews.com and News24online.com (BAG Media).