Avinash Pandey on ABP Network’s election coverage preparedness

With state elections approaching, ABP Network has taken every possible measure and strict vigilance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free election coverage. “Since the outset of the pandemic, we have been extremely vigilant with regard to the safety protocol and made sure to adhere to the same,” says ABP Network CEO Avinash Pandey. In an interview with Adgully, he talks about this and the many captivating poll-related special programmes. “We have always been ahead of the game with our election programming. We are confident in our ability to provide the most extensive coverage and original content for our viewers,” says Pandey. Excerpts from the interview:   

What will be the extra precautions and arrangements in view of the restrictions due to the pandemic?

At ABP Network, the safety and well-being of our staff have always been paramount. Since the outset of the pandemic, we have been extremely vigilant with regard to the safety protocol and made sure to adhere to the same. We have reduced the staff to half and extended shifts to ensure that fewer people are in the office at the same time. We have swiftly adapted to these changes while maintaining the same level of productivity as before. The usage of masks, sanitizers, thermal screening and office sanitisation is mandatory in our office. Moreover, our staff is strictly following the social distancing norms everywhere, including in the editorial and newsroom. Our HR department retains a record of employee health and their residential neighbourhood, with contact mapping, in the event of any encounter with a COVID-positive patient. Octopus machines are installed in a few producers’ houses, to ensure a smooth work-from-home setting. Moreover, no guests or reporters are allowed inside the office.

What are the upcoming prime-time programmes related to the polls?”

For this year’s upcoming assembly elections, we have an interesting mix of content line-up.

ABP News' flagship election property, Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri, is synonymous with election coverage in India. Under the umbrella brand of Kaun Banega Mukhyamantri, we have 11 unique election programmes. Our weekly show Raj ki Baat has garnered a lot of positive responses from the audiences for relevant content and theories about politics. Our monthly Chunavi Mood, which focuses on gauging voter sentiment ahead of the assembly elections, has also fared remarkably well. Furthermore, our Chunavi Yatra, wherein our anchor travels to different constituencies to understand the common man’s view on issues related to elections. We are launching a weekly show ‘Mukhyamantri’ showcasing the lives of chief ministers, especially in the poll-bound states to begin with. The programme is a documentary series showcasing the journeys of political heavyweights who served as chief ministers in states like UP, Punjab, etc. among others. Additionally, we have extensive on-ground and on-air programming coverage for the big election days, viz polling days, exit poll, counting day and government formation day. We have always been ahead of the game with our election programming. We are confident in our ability to provide the most extensive coverage and original content for our viewers.