MUMBAI: Discovery Communications India has expanded the role of Vijay Rajput, currently serving as SVP – Affiliate Sales & Product Distribution, with an additional responsibility of heading its sports business in South Asia.
Rajput is a media industry veteran having more than three decades of work experience, majority of which has been in leadership roles. Prior to Discovery, Rajput was the chief operating officer at India’s leading sports broadcaster ESPN STAR Sports.
An official release from Discovery quotes Megha Tata, managing director, Discovery – South Asia, as having said: “We are yet to actualize the full potential of our sports business in India. This year, Vijay will lead efforts to ensure that DSport channel gets its rightful due in the sports broadcast arena.”
The release further quotes Rajput as stating: “We are reviewing DSport’s content strategy at the moment, as we aim to make it a more holistic multi-sport offering which will connect with passionate fan communities in a more engaging manner.”
The release concludes: “Keeping in view the aggressive outlook of the sports vertical, Discovery is currently expanding its in-house sports-focused team. The company has also ended its relationship with third-party service provider Lex Sportel (promoted by RC Venkateish, former MD of ESPN Star Sports), bringing all services in-house, effective February 14, 2020.”
