New Delhi: The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), the apex industry body representing television broadcasters and digital platforms, is witnessing a significant leadership transition. Siddharth Jain has stepped down as Secretary General, paving the way for seasoned media executive Avinash Pandey to take charge.
Jain, who assumed the role in 2021, guided IBDF through a crucial expansion phase as the organisation broadened its mandate beyond television to encompass the rapidly growing digital ecosystem. Under his stewardship, the body strengthened its dual representation of broadcasters and OTT platforms, while also reinforcing industry self-regulation and collaboration.
During his tenure, IBDF launched notable initiatives, including the establishment of the Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation (IDMIF), a dedicated industry forum for OTT platforms, and the Digital Media Content Regulatory Council (DMCRC), a self-regulatory redressal body. These moves positioned the foundation as one of the few industry associations straddling both traditional broadcasting and digital media.
Founded in 1999 as the Indian Broadcasting Foundation, IBDF today represents more than 400 television channels across genres, accounting for nearly 90% of India’s TV viewership. Its widening scope reflects the rapid transformation of India’s media landscape, where digital consumption has surged alongside conventional television.
Avinash Pandey, who will now take the reins as Secretary General, brings nearly three decades of experience in broadcasting and media management. Best known for his long tenure at ABP Network, where he rose from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Executive Officer, Pandey played a central role in transforming the broadcaster into a digitally agile news organisation.
He has also held key roles in prominent industry bodies, including the International Advertising Association (India Chapter), the News Broadcasters & Digital Association, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM, contributing to multiple policy committees under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. An alumnus of Hindu College, Delhi University, Pandey later pursued executive education at Harvard Business School, equipping him with global insights that he has consistently applied in the Indian media space.
Industry observers note that Pandey’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for IBDF, as the foundation continues to navigate the evolving balance between traditional broadcasting and the booming digital content sector. His combination of industry leadership and policy expertise is expected to further strengthen IBDF’s role as the collective voice of India’s broadcasting and digital ecosystem.
