Uday Shankar, a prominent media executive and entrepreneur, has significantly shaped the entertainment and media landscape in India and the Asia-Pacific region over the last three decades. His career began in journalism before he transitioned to the entertainment sector as the CEO of Star India in 2007, part of News Corp. Shankar later held executive roles at 21st Century Fox (Asia) and Disney (Asia-Pacific). At Star, he pioneered influential television content, including the groundbreaking talk show Satyamev Jayate, which addressed critical social issues like alcoholism and female infanticide.
Shankar has also revolutionized televised sports in India, particularly cricket, and helped popularize kabaddi, making it the second-most-viewed sport after cricket. Under his leadership, Star launched the streaming platform Hotstar (now Disney+ Hotstar), which has become a leading service in India.
In 2022, Shankar, alongside James Murdoch, established Bodhi Tree Systems, forming a strategic alliance with Reliance Industries to reimagine JioCinema. With the recent approval of Disney and Reliance’s $8.5 billion merger of their Indian entertainment operations, Shankar is set to become vice-chair of the joint venture, establishing it as the largest media and entertainment entity in India.
In a detailed interview, Shankar shared insights on leadership and problem-solving drawn from his journalism background. He emphasizes the importance of analyzing problems and collaborating with the best minds to find solutions. He believes in focusing on impactful projects rather than spreading efforts too thin across many small tasks.
Shankar’s approach to Satyamev Jayate highlights his commitment to integrating social relevance into entertainment. He recognized the need for entertainment to address significant societal issues and involved the organization in the creative process to foster a sense of ownership and commitment.
His strategy for transforming sports coverage in India involved localizing cricket commentary and expanding access to regional languages. This inclusivity in sports broadcasting has significantly contributed to the popularity of kabaddi and cricket among diverse audiences in India.
Shankar’s vision for Hotstar was to cater to a large audience, focusing on low-cost Android devices in a data-challenged environment. His foresight in predicting market trends and addressing the unique needs of Indian consumers has led to Hotstar becoming the most-watched streaming service in the country.
As the media landscape evolves, Shankar acknowledges the challenges posed by global competitors like Google and Meta, particularly in digital advertising. He stresses the need for innovative monetization strategies and recognizes the importance of understanding the diverse Indian market. He emphasizes the potential of India’s entrepreneurial spirit and the critical role of education in driving future growth.
Shankar’s unique insights into hiring and team building reflect his belief in finding individuals who can bring distinct value to their roles, fostering a culture of innovation and disruption within his teams.
Uday Shankar’s journey is a testament to the power of visionary leadership in transforming industries. His ability to blend entertainment with social relevance, adapt to market needs, and foster innovative solutions positions him as a key figure in the ongoing evolution of India’s media and entertainment landscape.
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