Uncertainty and change loom large over Network18, with both its CEO B. Saikumar and COO Ajay Chacko leaving the company, and there being speculation about Rajdeep Sardesai also leaving the group. There is speculation that this change is being driven by Reliance Industries, which has an indirect stake in the company through Independent Media Trust (IMT), controlled by the Network18 promoter group. Given the circumstances, it's worth noting that Reliance Industries has recently hired a few senior media industry executives, both in Editorial and Business: Alok Agrawal (joined ~ May 14th, 2014): was previously the CEO at Zee News and a director at in Zee Media, for about one and a half years. Oddly enough, in Agrawal's LinkedIn profile, as a description of his role at RIL, rather cheekily says "Watch this space...". We are watching, Alok. Hurry up and update…
