Republic Media Network’s Groundbreaking Acquisition: Unveils Republic Kannada to Transform Kannada News

Republic Media Network Expands with Launch of Republic Kannada

Bengaluru, September 2, 2023 – Republic Media Network, a prominent player in the Indian news industry, has announced its entry into the Kannada news market with the launch of Republic Kannada. This strategic expansion follows the acquisition of the entire broadcast news division of VRL News Media, a leading media conglomerate. Republic Kannada will operate as a fully-owned channel of the Republic Media Network, and its debut on-air date is imminent, according to a recent press release.

The acquisition of VRL News Media’s broadcast news assets marks a significant milestone for Republic Media Network, although the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed. VRL Media, previously known for its news channel Digvijaya News, will now see its assets transition into Republic Kannada, with a commitment to delivering high-quality journalism to the people of Karnataka.

Republic Kannada boasts a formidable team, with approximately 300 professionals, including over 100 dedicated on-ground journalists stationed across all 31 districts of Karnataka. The channel also boasts an extensive network of more than 500 stringer journalists, utilizes 73 cutting-edge in-house news production tools, and operates from a spacious newsroom and multiple studio spaces spanning over 28,000 square feet in Bengaluru.

Arnab Goswami, the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Republic Media Network, expressed his enthusiasm for this strategic move, stating, “Republic Media Network is young and restless. We want to break through all language barriers and reach the people of India as widely and as quickly as we can. So, for the very first time, this Network has chosen to grow inorganically.” He emphasized the shared values of Nationalism and Integrity with Anand and Vijay Sankeshwar of the VRL Group.

“I have great respect for the Sankeshwar family, and for me, this is not just a business acquisition by the Republic Media Network but also a culmination of a great friendship with Anand Sankeshwar and respect for his father Vijay Sankeshwar Sir,” Goswami added.

Anand Sankeshwar, Managing Director of VRL Media Pvt Ltd, expressed his confidence in Arnab Goswami’s leadership, saying, “Arnab is a visionary, and he’s taking the Republic Media Network in the right direction. I am confident and 100% sure he will take our channel in the right direction. Arnab started the Republic journey in 2017. And in a short span of 6 years, has grown the network to an unassailable height. As Digvijay 24×7 News channel becomes Republic Kannada, I am happy to hand it over to him and the Republic Media Network.”

Republic Kannada’s tagline, ‘ನಿಮ್ಮ ಧ್ವನಿ’ (Nimma Dhwani or ‘Your Voice’), underscores the channel’s commitment to being the voice of the people and representing the aspirations of Karnataka’s citizens.

Arnab Goswami also commented on the significance of the tagline, stating, “Republic Kannada will change the news media landscape in Karnataka. We will be, as always, the voice of the people, ‘Nimma Dhwani,’ and work to represent the aspirations of the people of this great state.”

The channel’s launch slogan, ‘ನೇರ ಮಾತು ಕಣ್ಣಲ್ಲಿ ಕಣ್ಣಿಟ್ಟು’ (Nera Maathu, Kannalli Kannittu or ‘Straight-Talk, Eye-to-Eye’), reflects Republic Kannada’s commitment to delivering transparent and honest news reporting to its viewers.

With the introduction of Republic Kannada, Republic Media Network continues its mission of delivering news that resonates with audiences across India, regardless of language barriers. The channel’s upcoming launch is anticipated to make a significant impact on the Kannada news media landscape.