ITV

Category: Over The Top Services

  • Firstpost to cover Raisina Dialogue. with star-studded Ideas Pod

    Firstpost to cover Raisina Dialogue. with star-studded Ideas Pod

    MUMBAI: India’s premier diplomatic jamboree kicks off this week with a twist, as digital news platform Firstpost is muscling its way into the action with its own intellectual sideshow. The Ideas Pod—a collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF)—promises to be where the real fireworks happen at the 10th Raisina Dialogue.

    From  17 to 19 March, while diplomats and ministers exchange pleasantries in the main hall, Firstpost will corral the cream of the geopolitical crop into its broadcasting pen for what promises to be unvarnished conversations on everything from nuclear proliferation to artificial intelligence.

    The news outfit has secured an impressive roster of talking heads, including New Zealand’s prime minister Christopher Luxon, Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s top man Rafael Mariano Grossi. Britain’s national security adviser Jonathan Powell and America’s Indo-Pacific commander Admiral Samuel Paparo round out the A-list.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Samir Saran and ORF to bring you front row access to the conversations that matter most,” says Firstpost managing editor Palki Sharma, which claims over seven million YouTube subscribers and three billion views worldwide.

    The Raisina Dialogue itself—named after the hill in Delhi that houses the presidential residence—has evolved into India’s answer to Davos, albeit with fewer private jets and more geopolitical substance. Co-hosted by India’s foreign ministry, this year’s themes include climate change, militant mercantilism, and the perennial favourite: global security threats.

    For the diplomatic cognoscenti wondering which global leaders might drop the most quotable bombshells, or which minister might accidentally reveal more than their talking points permit, Firstpost’s Ideas Pod may well be where the real action unfolds.

  • Nazara’s Kiddopia teams up with Hasbro to bring PJ Masks heroes to early learning app

    Nazara’s Kiddopia teams up with Hasbro to bring PJ Masks heroes to early learning app

    MUMBAI: In a marriage of tiny heroes and tinier thumbs, Nazara Technologies’ award-winning educational platform Kiddopia has struck a deal with toy titan Hasbro to inject the wildly popular PJ Masks characters into its digital playground for pre-schoolers.

    The partnership will unleash a battalion of exclusive activities featuring the pint-sized nocturnal crusaders—Catboy, Owlette and Gekko—designed to blend entertainment with education in what promises to be a pedagogical romp for the under-five set.

    “We are thrilled to partner with Hasbro to bring PJ Masks to Kiddopia,” effused Kiddopia chief operating officer Dhaval Sheth. “Our mission is to make learning fun, and by integrating these beloved characters into our platform, we are creating an exciting new way for kids to explore, learn, and play.”

    The fresh content will include interactive mini-games bolstering early maths and literacy, creative storytelling adventures, and problem-solving challenges that champion teamwork—all wrapped in the irresistible PJ Masks universe that has children worldwide donning makeshift capes at bedtime.

    Hasbro senior vice president of business affairs Nick Mitchell  remarked: “PJ Masks has captivated young audiences worldwide, and we look forward to bringing these heroic adventures to the Kiddopia app. This partnership aligns perfectly with our goal of delivering engaging, high-quality play experiences across multiple platforms.”

    The digital heroics will commence later this year, available to all subscribers on both iOS and Android platforms. 

  • Roadies co-creator Rajiv Lakshman takes charge at Infinitum as IP chief

    Roadies co-creator Rajiv Lakshman takes charge at Infinitum as IP chief

    MUMBAI: Rajiv Lakshman, one of the masterminds behind iconic reality TV juggernauts MTV Roadies and Splitsvilla, has joined Infinitum Network as group head of intellectual properties, bringing his 25-year creative arsenal to the rapidly expanding multi-channel network.

    “I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined Infinitum Networks,” announced Lakshman on his social media. The content veteran, who has spent over two decades crafting genre-defining shows across adventure, romance, culinary and startup territories, is set to inject his creative firepower into one of India’s fastest-growing digital content stables.

    Already a heavyweight in the digital arena, Infinitum boasts a staggering global footprint that would make even tech giants blush:

    •    200+ influencers with a combined following of 24 million+

    •    400+ shows across 10+ platforms

    •    Content in 100+ languages reaching 160+ countries

    •    A whopping 4 billion+ followers across platforms

    •    60 million+ subscribers across 400+ YouTube channels

    The MCN has made content for platforms such as aha, Star, Disney Hotstar (JioHotstar), Zee5, Asian Cinemas, Moj, Geetha Arts, facebook, ShareChat and YouTube.

    The network’s talent pool reads like a who’s who of digital fame, featuring influencer powerhouses such as Srishti Shukla (6 million followers), Deepthi Sunaina (4.2 million), and Shanmukh Jaswanth (2.7 million). Its YouTube portfolio includes NBK Originals with a jaw-dropping 10 million subscribers.

    Looking beyond traditional MCN boundaries, Lakshman’s vision for Infinitum includes creating cross-platform franchises that can travel globally while nurturing emerging talent from tier two and tier 3 cities.

    “What excites me most about Infinitum is their hybrid approach,” Lakshman explained, highlighting the network’s impressive track record of producing 275+ web series and educational content across multiple languages.

    His bullish strategy aims to establish Infinitum as the launchpad for creators transitioning from social to mainstream media while developing sustainable economic models that fairly reward talent – a refreshing approach in an industry often criticised for exploiting creative minds.

    As traditional media continues its digital metamorphosis, Lakshman’s move signals a seismic shift in how content powerhouses are positioning themselves in the creator economy’s gold rush.

  • Hip Hop India season two brings bigger battles and bolder moves to the floor

    Hip Hop India season two brings bigger battles and bolder moves to the floor

    MUMBAI: The floor is set, the beats are dropping, and the stage is sizzling, India’s biggest hip-hop showdown is back! Hip Hop India Season two has hit Amazon MX Player, promising a bolder, grittier, and more electrifying dance battle than ever before. With Remo D’Souza and Malaika Arora as judges, the competition is tougher, the performances more jaw-dropping, and the talent pool ready to redefine India’s hip-hop landscape.

    From Shillong’s Afro-dance prodigy Iamonlang Karjana to Mumbai’s freestyle dynamo Oggy, the solo category boasts an electrifying mix of styles. Hectic from Mumbai, Funky Anna from Tamil Nadu, and Hitesh Patel, fresh from Romania and Italy’s Got Talent, are just a few of the dancers set to ignite the stage. With influences ranging from Krump and Tutting to Bhangra and Belly Dance, each contender brings a distinct flavour to the floor.

    The duo category is all about sync, style, and synergy. Snehal & Vaidehi bring an explosive mix of Whacking, Popping, and Afro, while Krish & Aditya Tyagi are set to seamlessly fuse Hip-Hop with Freestyle. Expect jaw-dropping chemistry and gravity-defying coordination as these duos battle it out.

    The group category is packed with powerhouse crews ready to command the dance floor. Mumbai’s Rule Breakers are set to bend the rules of gravity with their B-Boying and Breaking, while The Evokers, with members from Delhi, Lucknow, Goa, Haryana, and Meerut, promise a fusion of Openstyle choreography. Team SA from Siliguri completes the lineup with a dynamic blend of Hip-Hop, House, Locking, and Light Feet.

    This season isn’t just about dance, it’s about passion, storytelling, and pushing the limits. The contenders are not just here to compete; they’re here to make history.

    Streaming for free on Amazon MX Player, Hip Hop India Season 2 is available across mobile, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and Connected TVs. It’s time to turn up the volume and let the battles begin!

  • JioHotstar bowls over digital world with Champions Trophy final streaming record

    JioHotstar bowls over digital world with Champions Trophy final streaming record

    MUMBAI: JioHotstar has smashed the cricket ball clean out of the stadium with eye-popping viewership figures during India’s Champions Trophy final victory against New Zealand, giving Netflix’s boxing blockbuster a run for its money.

    The streaming giant registered a colossal 61 million concurrent viewers at its peak as cricket-obsessed fans piled onto the platform to witness India’s crowning moment. Total reach rocketed to a mind-boggling 182 million, with an astronomical 900.2 million views altogether.

    These staggering statistics narrowly trail Netflix’s boxing extravaganza featuring Jake Paul and Mike Tyson, which drew 65 million peak concurrent viewers globally and 38 million in the US. However, cricket enthusiasts certainly weren’t on the back foot with their passionate support.

    JioHotstar’s record-breaking performance demolishes the previous high of 59 million concurrent viewers set during the 2023 Cricket World Cup final by predecessor Hotstar, showing just how far the digital heavyweight has come.

    “The subcontinent was absolutely stumped by Team India’s magnificent display,” remarked an OTT technology expert. “JioHotstar’s platform faced a tsunami of viewers but never dropped a catch.”

    The India-Pakistan group stage clash proved particularly lucrative, notching up a whopping 602 million streaming views on JioHotstar. Meanwhile, on traditional television, Star Sports registered 206 million viewers tuning in – amassing over 26.1 billion total viewing minutes, an 11 percent jump from their 2023 World Cup encounter.

    The #CTonJioHotstar campaign delivered a perfect yorker, connecting millions of fervent supporters to every boundary and wicket as India’s cricketing heroes lifted the trophy.

    This viewership milestone cements JioHotstar’s position as the undisputed champion of India’s streaming landscape – the team there is not merely participating in digital entertainment’s premier league, it is writing the record books.

  • Cape May Studios inks deal with Indie Rights for global streaming venture

    Cape May Studios inks deal with Indie Rights for global streaming venture

    MUMBAI:  Independent film distributor Indie Rights has struck a landmark content licensing agreement with Cape May Studios, the fledgling streaming venture founded by former Zee Entertainment executive Sachin Gokhale.

    The partnership will see a curated selection of critically acclaimed indie films appear on Cape May’s upcoming free ad-supported streaming television (Fast) and advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD) channels, set to launch next month.

    Gokhale, who established Cape May Studios in August 2024 after serving as executive vice president and territory head for the Americas at Zee Entertainment, is building a network of genre-focused channels targeting global “fandom” audiences.

    “This collaboration is a key milestone as we prepare to launch our channels,” said Cape May Studios. founder & CEO Gokhale. “With access to Indie Rights’ compelling films, we’re excited to deliver content that challenges, inspires, and resonates with a global audience.”

    The content deal focuses heavily on horror, thriller, sci-fi and mystery genres – with titles including I Survived a Zombie Apocalypse and Shadows of Bigfoot set to terrify viewers in English, Hindi and Spanish initially, with plans for further language expansions.

    Indie Rights chief executive Linda Nelson noted: “This is an exciting moment as we expand our global reach with Cape May Studios. Their innovative streaming platforms will provide our filmmakers with new opportunities to connect with audiences who crave original, meaningful stories.”

    The agreement represents Cape May’s first major content acquisition since Gokhale launched the venture after an extensive career spanning major media companies including Viacom18, where he spent over 12 years in senior leadership roles across multiple territories.

    Industry observers note the partnership shrewdly targets millennial and Gen Z viewers between 18-40 years old, a demographic increasingly abandoning traditional subscription services in favour of free, ad-supported alternatives.

    As one streaming analyst quipped: “In the bloodbath of global streaming wars, this horror-focused partnership might just give audiences something to actually scream about – in a good way.”

  • Amazon to launch linear TV channel for Prime Video members in Germany

    Amazon to launch linear TV channel for Prime Video members in Germany

    MUMBAI: Traditional television is far from dead as Amazon makes a decisive move into linear broadcasting with the launch of a new TV channel called Prime, exclusively for its Prime Video subscribers in Germany and Austria.

    Set to debut on 17 April 2025, the channel represents Amazon’s strategic push to bridge the gap between conventional television and streaming services, according to Christoph Schneider, country director of Prime Video Deutschland.

    PRIME VIDEO GERMANYSpeaking to German industry publication DWDL, Schneider explained the channel would serve as “an easy entry point into our Prime Video universe” for viewers who prefer the curated experience of traditional television rather than navigating through extensive on-demand libraries.

    The programming schedule will feature Prime Video originals including Reacher, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and Fallout, alongside live sports coverage of the UEFA Champions League for German viewers and Wimbledon tennis for both German and Austrian audiences.

    Prime will maintain a distinct advantage over traditional television by featuring “shorter and less frequent” commercial breaks, whilst still adopting familiar TV-style advertising models that will be open to standard industry measurement.

    The channel will launch with the premiere of the first two episodes of comedy series LOL: Last One Laughing at 20:15 CEST on its opening night, marking Amazon’s latest effort to enhance its comprehensive streaming ecosystem that already encompasses subscription, ad-supported and transactional video-on-demand services.

    (MAIN PICTURE COURTESY: KANTAR)

  • FIFA+ selects Magnifi for AI-powered football highlights

    FIFA+ selects Magnifi for AI-powered football highlights

    MUMBAI: Football’s global governing body FIFA has partnered with AI technology firm Magnifi to transform how fans experience match highlights and key moments across its digital platform FIFA+.

    The collaboration will leverage Magnifi’s artificial intelligence capabilities to deliver real-time highlights, crucial match moments and personalised player clips to football supporters worldwide.

    The technology will be deployed across more than 600 matches in the first year, processing approximately 1,200 hours of content. The partnership aligns with FIFA’s Global Game 2023-2027 strategy, which emphasises digital innovation and enhanced fan engagement.

    FIFA’s digital platforms demonstrated their significant reach during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, generating over 5 billion engagements. The organisation, which governs football across 211 member countries, continues to seek new ways to connect supporters with the sport.

    Magnifi executives described the partnership as “transformative” for football content delivery, promising faster, more immersive experiences for fans worldwide.

  • Chunghwa Telecom associates with Broadpeak for live sports monetisation

    Chunghwa Telecom associates with Broadpeak for live sports monetisation

    MUMBAI: Taiwan’s leading telecommunications operator Chunghwa Telecom has struck a deal with Broadpeak to turbocharge advertising revenue for its Hami Video streaming service.

    The partnership sees Chunghwa harnessing Broadpeak’s server-side-ad-insertion (SSAI) solution via the broadpeak.io SaaS platform, marking the operator’s first foray into advanced dynamic ad insertion technology.
    With over three million video streaming subscribers, Chunghwa sought to elevate its monetisation capabilities amidst significant investments in premium live sports rights. The telco’s always-on premium sports streaming channel—featuring live basketball matches and related content—now benefits from enhanced ad insertion capabilities designed to drive revenue while maintaining viewer engagement.

    The cloud-based solution went live within weeks, offering Chunghwa a flexible, easy-to-use system that seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructure. Key benefits include effortless third-party integration via API-driven architecture and AI-driven tools that automatically detect ad breaks and insert relevant SCTE-35 markers within video streams.

    Broadpeak’s first-class SSAI solution stitches ads directly into video content on the server side, enabling intelligent live ad replacement for greater ad value and personalisation. This approach circumvents ad blockers, ensures smooth playback transitions, and allows for dynamic, targeted advertising in real-time.

    Broadpeak president and chief executive Jacques Le Mancq said: “Chunghwa Telecom is innovation-led and champions exceptional subscriber experiences. Market leaders like Chunghwa set a pioneering example of how operators can elevate their monetisation toolkit while bringing the best live sports and entertainment to rapidly-growing audiences.”

    He added: “We’re proud to support Chunghwa as it embarks on new periods of growth as the ultimate streaming platform for Taiwanese viewers.”

    The partnership underscores the growing importance of advanced ad technologies in the competitive streaming landscape, particularly as operators seek to maximise returns on costly sports rights investments.

  • Canela Media expands Brightcove partnership for Hispanic streaming services

    Canela Media expands Brightcove partnership for Hispanic streaming services

    MUMBAI: Multicultural media firm Canela Media has deepened its partnership with video technology provider Brightcove to turbocharge its streaming platforms aimed at US Hispanic audiences.

    The expanded deal will see Brightcove’s Emmy Award-winning technology deployed to enhance Canela’s streaming capabilities, scale services and drive deeper audience engagement across its platforms that currently reach more than 60 million unique viewers.

    Canela Media, which has built a substantial content library of over 35,000 hours, has established itself as a significant player in delivering culturally relevant content to Hispanic viewers through its advertising-supported video-on-demand platform Canela.TV.

    “Brightcove is a leader in the space so expanding our relationship was a natural choice,” said Canela Media CTO Peter Gonzalez. “Their modular, API-driven architecture allows for scalable integrations that can quickly be brought to market as we expand our content offerings.”

    The media company is already leveraging Brightcove’s server-side ad insertion, video transcoding, and content distribution capabilities to widen its reach. Gonzalez highlighted that “speed to market is essential” and praised Brightcove’s “scalable and proven capabilities” for helping Canela add new features to its direct-to-consumer applications.

    Industry observers note that the Hispanic streaming market represents one of the fastest-growing segments in US media consumption, with advertising revenue expected to surge past $5 billion by 2026.

    Brightcove’s technology is engineered to help media customers engage audiences through reliable solutions that build subscriber loyalty and drive content monetisation. The company operates in more than 60 countries, providing intelligent video platforms that enable businesses to stream and monetise content more effectively.

    Canela Media’s ecosystem includes free streaming platform Canela.TV, which offers on-demand content and Live Channels featuring originals, music, children’s programming, sports, news, and an extensive library of telenovelas and classic Mexican films.

    The company also operates Canela Audience Solutions, a proprietary data solution that takes an OTT-first approach to identify Hispanic audiences across both English and Spanish-language streaming platforms.