ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Amazon MX Player names Amogh Dusad as head honcho of content hustle

    Amazon MX Player names Amogh Dusad as head honcho of content hustle

    MUMBAI: In the high-stakes circus of Indian digital content, there’s a new ringleader in town. Amogh Dusad, a seasoned content architect with a track record longer than most binge lists, has been named director & head of content at Amazon MX Player, effective April 2025. And if his past gigs are anything to go by, MX is about to see its programming strategy hit the gas-and then some.

    Dusad’s digital content journey is basically a masterclass in transformation. From leading second-screen experiments at Sony Pictures Networks to helming content and cloud success strategies at Amazon’s Mini TV, he has fine-tuned his radar for what works on-screen and off-script. Now, he’s steering the creative ship for Amazon MX Player, a platform that’s no stranger to churning out hits but hungry for more punch and purpose.

    “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as director & head of content at Amazon MX Player!”, he took to Linkedin.

    Before this latest move, Dusad served as head of content at Amazon MX Player from October 2024, and prior to that, at Amazon Mini TV where he led content from March 2022 to October 2024. His decade-plus stint at Sony LIV and Sony Pictures Networks India saw him taking on roles from head of business ops to leading partnerships and digital product innovation.

    From NDTV Imagine to TAM Media Research, where he kicked off his career with data-heavy consulting and big content plays, Dusad has worn many hats-and worn them well. Think consumer insights, digital business strategy, content licensing, gaming, and brand integrations. He’s like the Swiss Army knife of the Indian OTT space.

    At MX, Amogh will now oversee content strategy, programming, commissioning, and everything in between. As content wars rage across platforms, having a battle-hardened content general at the helm is just what the doctor (and audience) ordered.

    It’s an exciting plot twist, one the industry will watch closely-popcorn in hand.

  • Prime Video grapples Apple TV+ for Indian streamers, all under one tent

    Prime Video grapples Apple TV+ for Indian streamers, all under one tent

    MUMBAI: What happens when a Silicon Valley giant gets into bed with a streaming behemoth? No, it’s not the beginning of a dystopian tech romance, it’s your next binge-watch fix getting sorted. Prime Video India has just hitched Apple TV+ to its growing caravan of content partners, and it’s all yours for a wallet-friendly Rs 99 per month. That’s less than a fancy coffee and likely more satisfying.

    Indian Prime Video users can plug into Apple TV+ directly via the Prime Video app as an add-on subscription. That means hit Apple Originals—think Severance, Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, Silo, Wolfs, Hijack and Disclaimer to name a few—now live happily in the same home as Mirzapur and Panchayat. No more app-hopping. No more billing circus. Just pure, uninterrupted streaming joy.

    “We’re delighted to continue to roll-out Apple TV+ on Prime Video with the launch in India today bringing Prime Video customers an even greater selection of TV shows and films, all in one app experience,” said Prime Video vice president of international Kelly Day.

    The move is part of Prime Video’s growing grab of content partners. With over 25+ OTT services already hitching their wagons to the Prime marketplace—including Lionsgate Play, Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures – Stream, Discovery+, and BBC Player—this new addition is like adding an Oscar-winner to your motley pub quiz team.

    Prime Video, India head of marketplace (add-on subscriptions and movie rentals), Gaurav Bhasin said, “We are now thrilled to welcome Apple TV+ and its stellar content to Prime Video’s extensive library in India.”

    Apple’s SVP of services Eddy Cue added, “We want to make Apple TV+ and its award-winning library of series and films from the world’s greatest storytellers available to audiences around the world.”

    So, what’s the catch? There isn’t one.

    Cancel anytime.

    No new app downloads.

    No platform-hopping fatigue.

    Just more choice, more convenience, and a very smug smile when you find all your favourites in one place. As if you needed another excuse to stay in this weekend.

  • BBC backs down on podcast ads, AudioUK expresses concern

    BBC backs down on podcast ads, AudioUK expresses concern

    MUMBAI: The BBC has made  a U-turn on plans to plaster ads around its licence fee-funded podcasts, after a right old public controversy. The broadcaster’s annual plan for 2025-26 confirmed that it  had  ruled out the idea, following a barrage of feedback.

    “We have listened to feedback and having considered the options carefully, we have decided to rule out placing adverts around BBC licence-fee funded programmes on third party podcast platforms in the UK,” the BBC stated, effectively slamming the door on the ad plans.

    AudioUK, the trade body representing independent podcast and audio producers, welcomed the decision, but they’re still keeping a beady eye on BBC Studios’ commercial activities. They’re worried that the BBC’s commercial arm, with its “powerful” presence, could disrupt the fledgling UK podcast market.

    “We remain concerned about the BBC’s entry into the UK podcast advertising market through content produced by the BBC Studios,” AudioUK said in a statement. “The potential disruption caused by such a large player entering the space without full consideration of its impact on these businesses is troubling.”

    AudioUK CEO Chloe Straw called for “greater engagement” from BBC Studios, urging it to “support, rather than disrupt” the developing podcast ecosystem. She’s keen to see the Beeb join the “vibrant, collaborative space” that independent producers have built.

    “Whilst the UK podcasting industry is thriving and growing rapidly, it remains relatively young and has been largely built and driven by the creativity, innovation and investment of over 200 SMEs, many of them regional and diverse,” Straw said.

    AudioUK is also keen to see “greater transparency and research” from the BBC on how it intends to grow the market, alongside the many other organisations and businesses already working to attract advertising investment.

  • JioHotstar and Amitabh Bachchan bring Ram Navami celebrations to millions

    JioHotstar and Amitabh Bachchan bring Ram Navami celebrations to millions

    MUMBAI: JioHotstar is set to bring the sacred grandeur of Ram Navami to millions with a special live stream from Ayodhya on 6 April, from 8 am to 1 pm. Featuring Padma Vibhushan Amitabh Bachchan as the narrator of the Ram Katha, the event will combine spiritual rituals, musical tributes, and cultural performances, making it an unmissable experience for devotees.

    Following the massive success of Coldplay’s Music of the spheres and the Mahashivratri: The Divine Night live streams, JioHotstar continues to revolutionise digital devotion, bridging the gap between audiences and India’s most cherished cultural celebrations.

    At the heart of this extraordinary event, Bachchan will narrate evocative stories from the Ramayana, offering reflections on Lord Ram’s virtues and timeless wisdom. The celebration will also include,

    Live aartis from sacred sites including Bhadrachalam, Panchvati, Chitrakoot, and Ayodhya , A special pooja from Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi, Interactive storytelling sessions for children, making the Ramayana engaging and relatable, Soul-stirring bhajans and musical performances by Kailash Kher, Malini Awasthi, and other revered artists. 

    A JioHotstar spokesperson stated, “Our live streaming capabilities have allowed us to bring culturally significant experiences to audiences across India. With the legend himself, Bachchan narrating Lord Ram’s journey, this event promises to be deeply moving and spiritually enriching.”

    Bachchan said, “Ram Navami is more than a festival it is a moment of deep reflection, a time to embrace the ideals of dharma, devotion, and righteousness that Lord Ram personified. Through JioHotstar, we are blessed with the power of technology to transcend distances, uniting hearts across the nation in an unprecedented celebration of faith, culture, and spirituality.” 

  • IPL 2025 blows the roof off as JioStar makes a smashing start to the season

    IPL 2025 blows the roof off as JioStar makes a smashing start to the season

    MUMBAI: What do you get when you mix cricket, chaos, and cutting-edge tech? A weekend that made broadcasting history. As the 18 edition of the Tata IPL exploded onto screens across India, JioStar didn’t just steal the show—it rewrote the playbook. Fans were glued, data broke dance moves, and TVRs soared higher than a Virat Kohli six.

    JioStar’s opening weekend went full throttle. Digital and TV viewership blew past all previous records, with a jaw-dropping 4,956 crore minutes of collective watch time. That’s right—India’s cricket-obsessed millions clocked in for what might be the most-watched IPL opening weekend ever. JioHotstar alone racked up 137 crore views, including 3.4 crore peak concurrency and 2,186 crore minutes of binge-worthy action. Someone give those data servers a pat on the back.

    Television wasn’t left behind either. The Star Sports Network scored 25.3 crore viewers for the first three matches, according to BARC data. That’s a 22 per cent jump from last year, with average TVR shooting up 39 per cent like a Hardik Pandya bouncer.

    JioStar CEO – sports Sanjog Gupta said the silent part out loud, “The record-breaking viewership across digital and TV platforms over the opening weekend of Tata IPL 2025 reaffirms the tournament’s unmatched popularity…” In short, they knew this beast would be big—and it didn’t disappoint.

    JioStar CEO – digital Kiran Mani chimed in like a proud parent at a school play, “IPL 2025 is setting a new benchmark for how India engages with live sports and entertainment at an unmatched scale…” Basically, if it’s got a screen, JioStar wants to light it up with cricket.

    And advertisers? They’re salivating. Over 30 marquee brands have pitched their tents in JioStar’s prime-time jungle, including Amazon Prime, Google Pay, SBI, Dream11, Phonepe, and Thums Up. Why? Because it’s where the eyeballs—and the wallets—are. Digital ads now come with targeting sharper than a Jasprit Bumrah yorker, personalised formats, and juicy insights.

    But wait, there’s more. The new season isn’t just big—it’s loud, flashy, and personal. With 25+ feeds in 12 languages and over 170 experts adding spice, JioStar’s coverage is part circus, part cinema. Fans aren’t just watching—they’re chatting, predicting, partying virtually, and basically turning passive viewing into a digital cricket mosh pit.

    JioHotstar’s ‘MaxView’ feature stretches visuals edge-to-edge like an extra-cheese pizza, while the quirky ‘Hangout’ feed brings gen z creators and stand-up comics to the commentary box. And for the younger lot, ‘Motu Patlu Presents Super Funday’ dishes out family-friendly fun, because apparently even cartoons can’t resist the IPL fever.

    In a hat-tip to tech-savvy fans, JioStar added a second-screen engagement gimmick: miss a big moment on telly? Just scan a QR code and boom—you’re watching the highlight before the next ball is bowled. Who needs a remote when your phone’s doing all the heavy lifting?

    Fresh off its successful run with the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, JioStar is already claiming IPL 2025 will be the “biggest ever”. Infinite possibilities? Sure. But for now, let’s just say they’ve smashed it out of the park.

  • JioHotstar scores a ton, hits 100 million subscribers in streaming blitz

    JioHotstar scores a ton, hits 100 million subscribers in streaming blitz

    MUMBAI: JioHotstar has smashed through the 100 million subscriber barrier, a right royal victory in India’s streaming wars. The platform, a product of the $8.5 billion Disney-Reliance mega-merger, has turned streaming from a posh indulgence into a daily must-have for millions of Indians. They’ve clearly got their ducks in a row.

    Their secret weapon? Sports, and lots of it. They’ve snapped up the rights to the IPL, ICC events, and the Women’s Premier League, turning cricket into a digital spectacle. And the streamer is not just showing the game; it’s throwing in all the bells and whistles: 4K ultra-HD, AI-powered analytics, real-time stats, and even voice commands. It’s like watching the match with a team of tech wizards in your living room.

    But it’s not all about the cricket. JioHotstar boasts a “world’s most extensive” TV library, Hollywood blockbusters, and a smorgasbord of Indian language content. It has even dabbled in live streaming cultural events, from Coldplay concerts to religious ceremonies, proving they’re not afraid to mix things up.

    “We have always believed that world-class entertainment should be accessible to all,” said JioStar CEO Kiran Mani sounding rather pleased with himself. “This milestone not only underscores India’s limitless potential but also strengthens our commitment to pioneering category-first experiences.”

    The streamer has  also launched Sparks, featuring India’s popular content creators, which sounds like a right old digital knees-up.

    This subscriber surge marks a significant victory for JioHotStar, proving that a potent mix of sports, entertainment, and a bit of tech wizardry can win the hearts (and wallets) of millions. And with the IPL 2025 season in full swing, one imagines the team is  popping the champagne.

  • OTTplay Awards 2025 takes centre stage with a star-studded celebration

    OTTplay Awards 2025 takes centre stage with a star-studded celebration

    MUMBAI: Mumbai’s entertainment scene sparkled brighter as the OTTplay Awards 2025 rolled out the red carpet at JW Marriott on 22 March, bringing together the finest in digital storytelling under its ‘One Nation, One OTT Award’ banner. The third edition of the only pan-India OTT awards was a grand spectacle, uniting stars and creators from across languages and regions to honour the best in streaming content.

    The night was a triumph of storytelling, with major accolades going to Panchayat, Paatal Lok, Girls Will Be Girls, Poacher, Freedom at Midnight, Black Warrant, and IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.

    The acting honours saw Manoj Bajpayee (Despatch) and Anupam Kher (Vijay 69) take home Best Actor (Popular and Critics, respectively), while Kajol (Do Patti) and Parvathy Thiruvothu (Manorathangal) claimed Best Actress titles.

    The web series category delivered emotional highs, with Jyotika (Dabba Cartel) winning Best Supporting Actor (Female) and presenting the Critics’ Best Actress award to Nimisha Sajayan (Poacher) in an on-stage moment that radiated camaraderie.

    Other winners included Jaideep Ahlawat (Paatal Lok 2) and Raghav Juyal, bagging Best Actor (Male) in the Critics’ and Popular categories, respectively, while Aditi Rao Hydari earned recognition for her performance in Heeramandi.

    The evening also saw a blend of generations, with industry veterans Anupam Kher and Shekhar Suman cheering on Patralekha, who won Breakthrough Performance (Female) Series for IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, while her husband Rajkummar Rao led a standing ovation.

    Adding a touch of nostalgia, Kunal Kohli presented Kajol with her award, reigniting Fanaa memories for Bollywood buffs.

    The night was filled with iconic reunions, including The Family Man trio Manoj Bajpayee, Priya Mani, and Neeraj Madhav, sharing the stage for the first time since Season 1. They were joined by Jaideep Ahlawat, the antagonist of the upcoming season, making for a momentous OTT crossover.

    Regional representation shone bright, with Sriimurali and Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar receiving special felicitations, while Miheeka Daggubati accepted the Best Talk Show Host award on behalf of her husband, Rana Daggubati.

    Commenting on the significance of the event, OTTplay, CEO and co-founder Avinash Mudaliar said, “At the OTTplay Awards, we honour the creators who challenge convention, the performers who redefine excellence, and the stories that resonate across languages and regions. With our ‘One Nation, One OTT Award’ vision, the OTTplay Awards are designed to transcend linguistic, regional, and platform-specific boundaries—recognising the finest in web series, OTT films, and digital storytelling from every corner of India’s dynamic entertainment ecosystem. This is more than an awards ceremony for me; it is a celebration of a cultural shift—a tribute to a golden era of streaming that is not arriving but already here. OTTplay Awards – Where India’s stories find their spotlight.”

    As the curtains closed with Raghav Juyal’s signature slow-motion hook step, the OTTplay Awards 2025 stood as a powerful testament to India’s ever-evolving digital entertainment landscape, where creativity knows no borders.

    The event was co-presented by Real Juice and Kuhl, powered by StockGro, and held in association with HT City. With Zoom as the official broadcast partner, and Flipkart Spoyl, D Pauls, Amante, and Propshop among key sponsors, the evening was a seamless blend of entertainment and industry excellence.

  • Stage secures $12.5m funding to take regional content centre stage

    Stage secures $12.5m funding to take regional content centre stage

    MUMBAI: Stage, the streaming platform championing India’s regional languages and cultures, has secured $12.5m in Series B funding led by Goodwater Capital and Blume Ventures, with Physis Capital and angel investors also piling in.

    The platform, which focuses on underserved linguistic communities, has become something of a dark horse in India’s crowded streaming market. Stage now boasts Rs 180 crore in annual recurring revenue, 4.4m paying households and over 20m app installations—impressive figures for a service that began by exclusively targeting Haryanvi speakers.

    Stage’s numbers tell a compelling story: a 289 per cent surge in revenue and 286 per cent jump in subscribers over the past year. Popular originals such as Videshi Bahu (Haryanvi), Kaand 2010 (Haryanvi) and Bhawani (Rajasthani) have helped drive growth, alongside the National Award-winning Dada Lakhmi featuring Bollywood veteran Yashpal Sharma.

    stage investors

    “What if stories could make people fall in love with their roots? That’s the question we asked five years ago,” reflected Stage chief executive and co-founder Vinay Singhal, on X (foremerly Twitter). “To everyone who’s ever hidden their dialect to sound ‘professional’… Walk taller today. Your culture, your dialect is not a liability. It is a matter of pride. And we’ll keep fighting to prove it. And this funding isn’t just about capital—it’s a resounding validation of India’s regional culture.”

    The platform’s success challenges the conventional wisdom that regional content remains a niche play. Harsh Mani Tripathi, chief product officer and co-founder, puts it bluntly: “Every subscriber who joins Stage isn’t just a user—they’re custodians of their culture.”

    Ritesh Malik, a Stage board member, waxed lyrical about the company’s mission: “By amplifying underrepresented voices and making regional dialects aspirational, Stage is not just shaping content—it’s shaping culture.

    With Bhojpuri content now live, Stage’s roadmap for 2025-26 involves breaking into new cultural territories while deepening its footprint in existing markets. “This isn’t just a growth story. It’s a movement. As we always say: ‘Company Nahin, Hum Kranti Hain!’,” declares Singhal.

    Reflecting on the journey, Karthik Reddy of Blume noted with satisfaction: “To see it bloom to Rs 15 crore a month when sceptics said no one would pay or watch this as primary content is very satisfying.” 
    The once-free Haryanvi app has certainly found its voice—and paying audience.

  • Amagi and Olyzon plan to shake up CTV ads with AI-powered partnership

    Amagi and Olyzon plan to shake up CTV ads with AI-powered partnership

    MUMBAI: The world of connected TV (CTV) advertising just got a serious upgrade. Cloud-based SaaS pioneer Amagi and AI-driven adtech disruptor Olyzon have teamed up to redefine how brands engage viewers and monetise content. This technical partnership enables clients to roll out cutting-edge CTV ad formats—without the hassle of additional integrations or vendors.

    By tapping into Amagi’s Thunderstorm server-side ad insertion (SSAI) platform, the collaboration allows for seamless fetching and insertion of AI-optimised ad formats from Olyzon. The move introduces innovative ‘in-content’ ad placements—think overlays and L-band units—designed to hold viewers’ attention beyond traditional ad breaks.

    “We are excited to partner with Olyzon to enhance the experience for viewers and advertisers while improving monetisation opportunities for streaming content. With six overlays per hour, this collaboration allows advertisers to use diversified ad formats for increased reach,” said Amagi co-founder and chief revenue officer Srinivasan KA.

    Olyzon’s co-founder and CEO Jules Minvielle called the deal a “game-changer” in the complex world of CTV advertising. “Our unique formats deliver tangible results—boosting engagement, brand impact and publisher revenue. With this integration, our clients can stand out in the battle for attention with just a few clicks—no technical complexity required.”

    Amagi, trusted by media giants like NBCUniversal, Lionsgate, and DAZN, continues to lead the charge in cloud broadcast and advertising solutions. Meanwhile, Olyzon’s AI-powered platform, used by the world’s top 100 advertisers, is on a mission to transform CTV advertising with unparalleled targeting and automation.
    With this partnership, the future of CTV ads is sharper, smarter, and more profitable—giving advertisers, publishers, and viewers a winning deal.

    (Picture courtesy Adobe)

  • Jojo scripts a blockbuster success in Gujarat’s OTT revolution

    Jojo scripts a blockbuster success in Gujarat’s OTT revolution

    MUMBAI: The Gujarati entertainment scene is getting a digital facelift, and Jojo is leading the charge! Launched in October 2023, Jojo has rapidly become the fastest-growing Gujarati OTT platform, offering a dynamic ecosystem for content creation, distribution, and monetisation.

    With over 52 lakh users worldwide and a talent pool of 900 plus artists, Jojo is not just a streaming platform, it’s a full-fledged entertainment powerhouse. Backed by Madhuveer Com 18 Network Limited (MCOM18), JOJO seamlessly integrates Jojo app, Jojo Global, Premier Ads World, and Jojo Studios, creating a 360-degree entertainment ecosystem that benefits creators, producers, and advertisers alike.

    Already home to some of the biggest Gujarati blockbusters like 3 Ekka, Vanilla Ice Cream, Locha Laapsi, and Saiyar Mori Re, Jojo is raising the bar with an exciting lineup, including Hahacar, Fakt Purusho Mate, and Gujarat’s first long-format web series, Medal.

    Beyond entertainment, Jojo is a goldmine for brands and advertisers, offering targeted engagement with a loyal Gujarati audience spanning 177 plus countries. As Gujarati cinema continues to gain momentum, Jojo is more than just an OTT platform, it’s a revolution, shaping the future of regional digital entertainment with innovation, vision, and blockbuster storytelling.