ITV

Category: iWorld

  • Swift TV partners with JioStar to strengthen Content Portfolio with the Launch of Fully Faltoo and KaanPhod Music Channels

    Swift TV partners with JioStar to strengthen Content Portfolio with the Launch of Fully Faltoo and KaanPhod Music Channels

    MUMBAI: Swift TV, one of India’s fastest-growing Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television (FAST) platforms, has further expanded its content offering with the launch of two dynamic new channels — Fully Faltoo and KaanPhod Music.
    With this addition, Swift TV reinforces its commitment to providing a comprehensive and diverse entertainment experience, offering premium content free of cost to viewers across smartphones, Smart TVs, Fire Stick, and other connected devices.

    Fully Faltoo, a brand under the JioStar umbrella, brings an exciting lineup of reality shows, comedy content, and youth-focused entertainment with shows like Roadies and Splitsvilla, Known for its distinct, vibrant tone, the channel is designed to cater to audiences seeking light-hearted and engaging content.

    KaanPhod Music emerges as a fresh destination for India’s growing indie music scene. With a strong focus on original music, emerging artists, and independent voices with the catalogue of Coke Studio and MTV Hustle, Kaan Phod Music adds a new dimension to Swift TV’s music offering, appealing to an evolving audience looking for diverse soundscapes beyond mainstream tracks.

    As part of the launch initiative, Swift TV collaborated with popular youth icon Rannvijay Singha for a digital campaign, where he introduced the platform’s offerings in a fun, relatable reel — highlighting Swift TV’s promise of free, seamless entertainment anytime, anywhere.

    Speaking on the new additions, Adarsh Chauhan, Head of Marketing at Swift TV, said, “We are pleased to welcome Fully Faltoo and Kaan Phod Music to the Swift TV platform. These channels not only enhance the variety and depth of our content library but also align with our vision of democratizing high-quality entertainment by making it accessible to all, without any subscription costs.”

    Swift TV now offers users access to 100+ live channels across genres including news, movies, sports, reality shows, music, and kids’ entertainment — continuing its journey of redefining the free streaming experience in India.
     

  • Jio Platforms rides the 5G wave: revenues, profits, and ambitions soar in FY’25

    Jio Platforms rides the 5G wave: revenues, profits, and ambitions soar in FY’25

    MUMBAI: Reliance’s digital juggernaut, Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), wrapped up FY25 in style, clocking quarterly revenues of Rs 39,853 crore, up 17.8 per cent year-on-year, and an EBITDA surge of 18.5 per cent to Rs 17,016 crore. The subscriber base swelled to 488 million, with over 191 million True 5G users, as India’s data appetite drove traffic to an eye-watering 185 exabytes – a 24 per cent jump.

    Average revenue per user (ARPU) climbed to Rs 206.2, thanks to tariff hikes and a posher customer mix. Net profit rose a muscular 25.8 per cent to Rs 7,023 crore for the quarter ended March 2025, fuelled by strong EBITDA flow-through and despite a modest uptick in depreciation and finance costs.

    Jio’s operating revenue (net of GST) grew on the back of mobility tariff hikes and a surge in home broadband and digital services. EBITDA margins stayed a steady 50.1 per cent, while churn was the industry’s lowest at 1.8 per cent. Data consumption hit a per capita monthly average of 33.6 GB, with total data traffic rising nearly 20 per cent year-on-year.

    Jio signed an agreement with SpaceX to retail Starlink broadband in India, pending regulatory green lights. It also rolled out a cricket season blitz – free JioHotstar and JioFiber/AirFiber deals to woo mobile and home users alike.

    The telco flexed its tech muscle at the Mahakumbh mela, handling 400 million data service requests and 20 million voice calls on peak days without breaking a sweat. In parallel, partnerships with AMD, Cisco, Nokia, and Ericsson are fuelling its next big play: an Open Telecom AI Platform designed to slash operational costs and turbocharge network efficiency using cutting-edge agentic AI.

    Jio’s IP prowess didn’t go unnoticed either, with wins at the National Intellectual Property Awards and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Trophy, further burnishing its credentials as India’s poster child for homegrown innovation.

    Reliance Jio Infocomm chairman Akash M Ambani summed it up, saying: “Jio continues to drive consistent outperformance with best-in-the-world network technologies and a wide bouquet of digital services. Our work at the Mahakumbh and plans to enable large-scale AI infrastructure reaffirm our commitment to serving India’s digital future.”

  • Skyesports and leadership partially cleared of charges by employee harassment whistle blowers?

    Skyesports and leadership partially cleared of charges by employee harassment whistle blowers?

    MUMBAI: Did competitors play a hand in the employee harassment narrative  that was played out in the media against Sky esports, its founder Shiva Nandy and the company? If the turn of events that is being seen now is to be believed, it well might be the case.

    What initially appeared to be a serious controversy involving the company and Shiva, is now being viewed through a more nuanced lens—one that suggests the allegations may have been misdirected or prematurely amplified.

    The original claims, which gained traction on social media, pointed fingers at the company’s leadership. However, recent clarifications from the very individuals who raised concerns have painted a different picture. Former employee @NotyourAlexaa posted a statement making it clear that her negative experience stemmed from “a single person” and that the rest of the team, including leadership, “did not know about this earlier.”

    She further emphasised that she had no intention of casting the entire company in a negative light.

    Similarly, @Ananya_plays echoed the sentiment, stating: “One more time I will say I have issue with one person only,” directly tagging both JetSynthesys and Skyesports to clarify the scope of her claims.

    Adding to this, Shiva, has already issued a response, directly addressing the situation. He reiterated his support for a safe and inclusive workplace while expressing disappointment at the misinformation that circulated without proper context.

    As these clarifications emerge, many are beginning to question whether the original uproar was based on misunderstanding or miscommunication. Moreover, several industry voices and former Skyesports team members have stepped forward to vouch for the professionalism and integrity of the company’s leadership—particularly Shiva and Shashank—both of whom have been consistently described as respectful and supportive of women in esports.

    While the incident involving one individual deserves to be taken seriously, the evolving narrative suggests that the broader allegations may have cast an unfair shadow on the organisation and its founders. What seemed like a scandal now feels more like a case of misattributed blame, is the Skyesports view.

    In an era where viral outrage often overrides patient inquiry, this episode serves as a reminder: truth takes time, and every story has more than one side.

    We could not get in touch with the lady who blew the whistle against the company and Shiva first – Mrinal “@Jollies10_”  Baranwal. If she does reach out to us, we will update you, our readers.

  • Adfluence makes a big data splash in the influencer marketing pool

    Adfluence makes a big data splash in the influencer marketing pool

    MUMBAI: In the ever-evolving world of digital-first strategies, influencer marketing is no longer just about charisma and clicks, it’s about cold, hard data. Enter Adfluence Hub, a platform that’s quietly transforming how brands collaborate with influencers by turning guesswork into precision-led campaigns.

    Designed as a one-stop shop for influencer marketing, Adfluence goes far beyond discovery tools. From competitor analysis and industry trends to SOV tracking and content QC, it wraps creativity in a data-driven blanket. Its AI-powered video quality control ensures that influencer content doesn’t just look pretty, it aligns with brand standards and keeps audiences glued to the screen.

    “At Adfluence Hub, we bridge the gap between creativity and data-driven marketing,” said Adfluence Hub co-founder Amev Burman. “Our platform enables brands to connect with their audiences more effectively, making influencer marketing seamless and effective.”

    Whether you’re a startup or a seasoned brand, Adfluence equips you with tools to analyse campaign performance, audience engagement, and overall impact helping you scale with clarity, not chaos. And for influencers, it’s a streamlined gateway to top-tier collaborations, sans the managerial headache.

    The platform’s Managed Services also offer full-scale campaign support from planning to execution making it a reliable growth partner for brands navigating the noisy digital space.

    Adfluence doesn’t just match brands with influencers. It fosters genuine relationships, curates content that resonates, and delivers metrics that matter proving that when data dances with creativity, marketing magic happens.
     

  • Truecaller dials up policy muscle, taps Aruna Sundararajan for board role

    Truecaller dials up policy muscle, taps Aruna Sundararajan for board role

    MUMBAI: Truecaller is adding some serious regulatory firepower to its boardroom. The Stockholm-based caller ID giant has nominated Aruna Sundararajan—former telecom policy chief and digital transformation architect—for a seat on its board, ahead of the company’s annual general meeting (AGM) scheduled for 23 May.

    The nomination comes as part of a broader recommendation from the Truecaller AB nomination committee, which also proposed the re-election of all existing board members—Nami Zarringhalam, Alan Mamedi, Annika Poutiainen, Helena Svancar, and Shailesh Lakhani.

    Sundararajan is no stranger to tech and governance. The former secretary at India’s ministry of electronics and IT and department of telecommunications has steered some of the country’s most ambitious digital infrastructure and policy initiatives. She now chairs the Broadband India Forum and sits on the boards of Delhivery, Info Edge, L&T Technology Services, and India’s National Bank for Infra Financing and Development (NaBFID).

    “We are very pleased with the nomination of Aruna Sundararajan as a new board member of Truecaller. She possesses extensive experience in policy and regulatory matters within technology and has board experience from several listed companies in India. Her appointment as a new board member is expected to significantly enhance the board’s collective expertise and competence in these areas. With this addition the Board will consist of six board members with well diversified competences and experiences,” said Truecaller’s nomination committee chair Kamjar Hajabdolahi. “Her addition will level up the board’s strategic depth at a time when digital trust and global expansion are front and centre.”

    The committee, comprising reps from top shareholders and co-founder Alan Mamedi, will publish its full slate of proposals and justifications alongside the AGM notice.

    Founded in 2009 and listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 2021, Truecaller has become a default defence against spam and scam calls globally. With over 450 million active users, the app blocked nearly 56 billion unwanted calls in 2024—making it one of the world’s most widely used caller ID platforms.

    With Sundararajan’s potential onboarding, Truecaller is ringing in not just experience—but influence that matters.

  • Streaming ahead of the curve with springserve’s ad tech revamp

    Streaming ahead of the curve with springserve’s ad tech revamp

    MUMBAI: Magnite is turning up the volume in the streaming ad world with the next-gen launch of its Springserve video platform, an upgraded OTT/CTV solution that fuses the precision of its award-winning ad server with the programmatic prowess of Magnite’s Streaming SSP. It’s a bold move aimed at simplifying ad delivery and maximising monetisation for major players like Disney, Roku, LG, Paramount, Samsung and Warner Bros. Discovery.

    Tailored for the evolving needs of global streaming giants, the platform now connecting buyers to 99 per cent of US streaming supply and has been validated by Jounce Media’s March 2025 Supply Path Benchmarking Report. For media owners, the new tech means smarter yield, streamlined workflows and real-time visibility across ad operations.

    “As the CTV space matures, there’s a significant opportunity to enhance the advertising process for media owners and buyers,” said Magnite president for revenue Sean Buckley. “We’re building this next generation of Spring Serve specifically to help our clients and partners stay ahead of these emerging opportunities. By unifying the programmatic layer as a complementary step in the buying process, not only does it give buyers greater transparency, predictability, and control over their ad placements, but it lays the foundation for more effective monetisation and yield management for media owners.”

    “Disney continues to expand our global streaming footprint in collaboration with Magnite—unlocking more premium inventory and making it even easier for advertisers to access our portfolio at scale,” said Disney SVP for addressable sales Jamie Power. “Together, we’re advancing a shared vision for innovation—one that prioritizes automation, flexibility, and smarter tools to help our partners drive meaningful impact in the live streaming space.”

    “Controlling demand sources and optimizing ad placements in real time is essential to our strategy,” said LG Ad Solutions SVP of operations Kelly McMahon. “SpringServe gives us the power to orchestrate everything in one platform balancing programmatic demand and direct deals more effectively, without compromising the viewer experience.”

    “Working with valuable partners like Magnite has enabled Paramount to further optimize our programmatic demand sources, driving greater efficiency and performance while preserving a seamless viewing experience for our audiences,” said Paramount SVP of partnerships Christopher Owen. “Continued advancements in programmatic play a meaningful role in our ongoing success both as a company and as part of the broader industry.”

    “Together with Magnite, we can create more opportunities for advertisers that offer platform transparency and flexibility across monetization, demand access, and user experience optimization,” said Roku SVP of global media revenue and growth Jay Askinasi. “SpringServe connects us more directly with DSPs, streamlining operations and augmenting revenue potential. This is an approach we believe will help attract greater advertising investment into the CTV ecosystem.”

    “Our long-standing partnership with Magnite has been instrumental in shaping our video monetization strategy, and we’re excited to partner with Magnite as they advance the SpringServe video platform,” said Warner Bros. Discovery SVP for revenue strategy and operations Jill Steinhauser. “We’re particularly looking forward to benefiting from the performance enhancements that enable faster ad loads and real-time pacing.”

    “Magnite helps fuel the premium, open internet,” said The Trade Desk SVP of inventory development Will Doherty. “Combined with tools like OpenPath, the next generation of SpringServe is accretive to advertisers and publishers and most importantly so consumers can continue to enjoy the content we all love like CTV, journalism and more.”

    “Magnite’s unified SpringServe platform offers significant clarity and cohesion in the streaming TV marketplace,” said Groupm US  chief media officer, Susan Schiekofer. “By providing deeper insight into the supply path and stronger alignment with premium inventory at scale, it empowers us to make smarter, faster buying decisions and ultimately deliver better outcomes for our clients.”

    “At OMG, we believe it’s a core right for advertisers to control and know where their ads deliver,” said Omnicom Media Group SVP of video and programmatic Ryan Eusanio. “Magnite’s SpringServe video platform helps us give our clients more control of their premium video strategy and enables better curation and targeting for campaigns.”

    The new SpringServe boasts a centralised deal dashboard, intelligent ad decisioning, automated routing for optimal ad delivery, and seamless integration with Magnite Access for data-driven targeting. It also simplifies operations with a revamped user interface and real-time reporting tools.

    As competition in CTV heats up, Magnite’s play positions it as the adtech partner of choice for streaming’s biggest names where precision meets premium, and innovation gets centre screen.

  • Hello! makes a grand entrance in India with a desi twist on glamour

    Hello! makes a grand entrance in India with a desi twist on glamour

    MUMBAI: Say hello to the newest sparkle in India’s glossy galaxy. In a move that’s set to redefine celebrity journalism and luxury lifestyle reportage, the India Today Group has officially launched the Indian edition of the world-renowned Hello! magazine in partnership with HOLA! S.L.

    The Spanish-born magazine, beloved globally for its inside access to star-studded lives, royal soirées, dream homes, and haute couture, is now ready to charm Indian readers in both print and digital formats. From cover-to-cover glamour to Instagram-worthy exclusives, Hello! India promises to bring readers up close and personal with celebrities, fashion icons, and tastemakers with a touch of desi dazzle.

    Talking about the launch, India Today Group vice chairperson & executive editor-in-chief Kalli Purie said, “We are very excited to add HELLO! to our existing lifestyleportfolio. I am confident that Ruchika and Sakshi will use their vast experience to make Hello! a leading brand in India”

    “As Hola! completes 80 glorious years, we’re proud and delighted that Hello! India continues to be part of our story. We know that everyone who reads and connects with it will always find so much to celebrate,” said Hola S.L. Group and Hello! chairman Eduardo Sanchez Pérez.

    On the business front, India Today Group COO of lifestyle & luxury business Sakshi Kohli will lead the charge. A veteran of the group with more than 17 years of experience, Kohli has spearheaded other luxury titles like Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and Brides Today.

    With a print edition, a strong digital presence, and marquee lifestyle events on the cards, Hello! India is poised to add a fresh, glossy glow to the country’s publishing landscape. So, whether it’s the latest red-carpet moment or a peek inside a palace, it’s time to say Hello! to a world of timeless glamour with an Indian soul.

  • Watcho and RailWire team up to deliver broadband and binge in Bengal

    Watcho and RailWire team up to deliver broadband and binge in Bengal

    MUMBAI: In a move set to stir up the digital entertainment space, DishTV’s Watcho and RailTel’s broadband arm RailWire have announced a partnership to launch bundled internet and OTT subscriptions in West Bengal. The new service neatly combines RailWire’s trusted connectivity with Watcho’s bouquet of more than 13 popular OTT apps, aiming to offer regional viewers a single-subscription solution.

    Customers can pick from three options: the RW Bangla Entry Pack (25 Mbps, 1.5 TB), the Super Pack (50 Mbps, 2 TB), or the Premium Pack (100 Mbps, 2.5 TB). Each comes with access to a line-up of top OTT platforms, including Hoichoi, ShemarooMe, Sanskar, FanCode, Discovery+, Hungama, and Watcho Exclusives—starting at just Rs 349 plus taxes.

     Dish TV India chief executive and executive director Manoj Dobhal said the partnership “brings together two trusted brands to deliver an all-in-one entertainment solution that is affordable and locally relevant.” He added, “We’re excited to launch this in West Bengal and confident it will meet the needs of consumers looking for simplicity, reliability and quality.”

    RailTel’s director (npm) Yashpal Singh Tomar said the tie-up reflects RailWire’s vision to enrich lives and bridge the digital divide in emerging regional markets. “This initiative enables us to provide not just connectivity but a complete entertainment ecosystem,” he noted.

    With RailTel’s optic fibre backbone spanning 62,000 route kilometres and a network of more than 11,000 local partners, this partnership aims to deliver seamless digital convenience to homes across tier 2 and tier 3 India, with further expansions in the pipeline.

  • Applause Entertainment jumps into kiddie toons with ApplaToon launch on YouTube

    Applause Entertainment jumps into kiddie toons with ApplaToon launch on YouTube

    MUMBAI: Applause Entertainment is taking a bold leap into the world of kids’ animation with the launch of its brand-new YouTube channel, ApplaToon. Kicking off this vibrant venture is Kiya & Kayaan, a sprightly new animated series based on the Amar Chitra Katha Junior Library — and it’s dropping just in time for summer holidays.

    Aimed at children aged 4 to 8, Kiya & Kayaan follows two curious siblings who stumble upon VR headsets and are transported to “Storyland” — a dazzling realm inspired by Indian mythology and folklore. There, they embark on whirlwind adventures, bump into mythical creatures, and pick up timeless lessons on courage, curiosity and kindness.

    The show, directed by Sanjeev Sahoo, is co-produced with Popcorn Animation Studio, Prayan Animation Studio, Living Pixels and Warnick Studios. It premieres 25 April, with new episodes airing every Tuesday and Friday.
    The launch comes as part of Applause’s landmark deal with Amar Chitra Katha, which grants the studio rights to adapt over 400 classic tales from the legendary comic book house. It marks the first time these cherished stories will leap off the page and into the YouTube generation’s favourite screen.

    Said Applause Entertainment managing director Sameer Nair: “With ApplaToon, we’re venturing into an entirely new creative space — kids animation and it’s both exciting and deeply purposeful. This is not just a new vertical for us; it’s a chance to shape young imaginations through powerful Indian storytelling. With Kiya & Kayaan, based on the timeless Amar Chitra Katha Junior Library, we’re bringing heritage to the here-and-now, combining technology, mythology, and heart. YouTube gives us the perfect playground to do this at scale, taking Indian stories to global audiences.”

    Amar Chitra Katha president & CEO Preeti Vyas:  “For decades, Amar Chitra Katha has introduced generations of readers to the richness of Indian heritage through its iconic comics. We’re thrilled to see our stories come alive in a new format with Kiya & Kayaan. Animation opens up magical new possibilities for children to engage with Indian mythology, folk tales, culture, history, and values. Our collaboration with Applause Entertainment is a step towards making timeless tales both accessible and  and exciting for today’s digital-first kids.”

    From myth to mouse click, ApplaToon hopes to enchant the next generation of digital-first kids — and give nostalgic parents something to cheer for too.

    Watch the trailer here: https://youtube.com/@applatoon?si=7DTW-qAIH-8U_hwL

  • Indian mobile count goes up as does broadband: TRAI data Jan 2025

    Indian mobile count goes up as does broadband: TRAI data Jan 2025

    MUMBAI: India’s telecom sector added a modest 2.1 million net subscribers in January 2025, nudging the total count to 1.19 billion, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s monthly data release. But it wasn’t all smooth signal—wireline connections tanked, dropping over 10 per cent as TRAI shifted 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) from wired to wireless accounting.

    Mobile still rules the roost, with 1.16 billion users riding the wireless wave, including 5.7 million FWA users. Urban India continued to drive growth, adding over 5 million new mobile connections. Meanwhile, rural areas quietly chipped in with just under a million more.

    Broadband subscriptions inched up 0.04 per cent to 945.16 million—an uninspiring climb, considering Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel hold over 80 per cent of the market. Wireline broadband, meanwhile, shrank slightly as users cut the cord in favour of FWA.
    MARKETSHAREDATAMobile Number Portability (MNP) remained red-hot with 14.14 million requests in Jan alone—pushing the all-time tally past 1.09 billion. Uttar Pradesh (East) and Maharashtra topped the charts for most switched loyalties.
    The market remains firmly in private hands, with Jio and Airtel leading across broadband and mobile. 

    Government-owned players like BSNL and MTNL continue to struggle, holding just 8 per cent of wireless subscribers and less than a quarter of the wireline market.

    Tele-density stood at 84.54 per cent—Delhi being the most connected with an eye-popping 274 per cent, while Bihar lagged behind at 56.6 per cent.

    And while fixed lines may be flatlining, India’s telecom story continues to be a mostly wireless wonder.