ITV

Category: News Headline

  • Munaf Merchant takes charge as head of revenue & partnerships at Bullet

    Munaf Merchant takes charge as head of revenue & partnerships at Bullet

    MUMBAI: Munaf Merchant has joined Bullet, the fledgling micro-drama OTT platform, as head of revenue & partnerships. He steps into the role after a near four-year run at Associated Broadcasting Co. (TV9), where he most recently served as senior vice president – revenue digital.

    Merchant, a dealmaker with a reputation for scaling ad sales across print, digital and broadcast, cut his teeth at India Today before a long innings at Network18. At the latter, he held posts ranging from regional sales head west to national sales head for brand solutions and convergence.

    Known for his flair in closing cross-media deals and boosting PSU revenues by over 50 per cent in his India Today days, Merchant now faces the challenge of building a revenue engine for Bullet as it looks to carve a niche in India’s crowded streaming market.

  • Sidhartha Kishore Das takes charge as general manager at Rachana Television

    Sidhartha Kishore Das takes charge as general manager at Rachana Television

    MUMBAI – Sidhartha Kishore Das has joined Rachana Television Pvt Ltd as general manager, after a 14-year stint at Odisha Television Limited (OTV). Das, who most recently served as senior general manager at OTV, will now spearhead revenue growth and strategy at the Hyderabad-based broadcaster.

    At OTV, Das headed sales across the north and west regions, driving market share and expanding the client base. Earlier, he worked at Zee Entertainment Enterprises in New Delhi.

    With nearly two decades in broadcast sales and management, Das is expected to bring his negotiation prowess, presentation skills and sharp market analysis to Rachana Television’s top table.
     

  • Global broadband subs hit 1.52 billion as fibre dominates

    Global broadband subs hit 1.52 billion as fibre dominates

    MUMBAI: Global broadband subscribers surged past 1.52 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 1.21 per cent quarterly rise as South and East Asia drove expansion, according to Point Topic data. Yet the picture remains patchy, with 22 countries—up from 14 in the previous quarter—seeing subscriber numbers fall as consumers shift to mobile broadband or grapple with economic headwinds and market saturation.

    India topped the largest 20 fixed broadband markets with a blistering 4.7 per cent quarterly growth rate, whilst Britain stood out as an outlier, suffering a 0.3 per cent decline as fibre rollout failed to offset broader connection losses.

    Fibre-to-the-home and building connections now command 72.34 per cent of global fixed broadband subscriptions, cementing the technology’s dominance. Other fixed technologies saw their market shares shrink, bar satellite and fixed wireless access, which bucked the trend with spectacular annual growth of 47.4 per cent and 29.9 per cent respectively.

    The satellite boom was largely driven by Starlink breaching the 5 million customer mark, though growth has slowed due to capacity constraints and pricing pressures. Competition is set to intensify as Amazon’s Project Kuiper prepares for launch by year-end, with Britain expected among the first markets to go live following Ofcom approvals. Residential plans currently start at around £75 monthly.

    Fixed wireless access is reshaping rural connectivity, particularly in America and India, with aggressive investments from Reliance, Bharti, T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T driving adoption.

    Industry consolidation is accelerating, with potential mega-deals including Charter’s merger with Cox in America and a possible carve-up of France’s SFR among Orange, Bouygues and Iliad. Meanwhile, sub-Saharan Africa represents untapped potential, attracting significant infrastructure investment targeting broadband expansion.

  • JFF 2025 returns with its 13th Edition, beginning 4 September in Delhi

    JFF 2025 returns with its 13th Edition, beginning 4 September in Delhi

    MUMBAI: The Jagran Film Festival (JFF), celebrated as the world’s largest traveling film festival, returns with its 13th edition, carrying forward its philosophy of Good Cinema for Everyone. Presented by Rajnigandha, the festival will kickstart on 4 September in Delhi, travel across 14 cities, and culminate in Mumbai on 16 November, making it India’s largest and most far-reaching cinematic celebration.

    Since its inception, the Jagran Film Festival (JFF) has become a landmark celebration of storytelling, cultural exchange, and cinematic excellence. This year, JFF pays tribute to cinematic legends with special celebrations including the centenary of Guru Dutt, 50 years of Shabana Azmi in cinema, 50 years of the iconic film  Sholay, and more. It also honours industry stalwarts Shyam Benegal, Manoj Kumar, Shaji N. Karun, and Pritish Nandy for their lasting contributions to Indian cinema.

    Guided by mentors like Subhash Ghai, Khusboo Sundar, Adil Hussain, and A. Sreekar Prasad, and curated by Srinivasa Santhanam, Anupama Bose, and Premendra Mazumdar, JFF 2025 will feature engaging conversations with some of the industry’s finest, including, Shabana Azmi, Shilpa Shetty, R. Balki, Jaideep Ahlawat, Shruti Mahajan, Amit Sadh, Vineet Kumar Singh, among others.

    As it journeys through 14 cities — Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Meerut, Agra, Ranchi, Patna, Hisar, Ludhiana, Gorakhpur, Dehradun, and Mumbai — each location will host exclusive premieres, retrospectives, masterclasses, and in-conversation sessions with acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and storytellers.

    Speaking about the festival, Jagran Prakashan Ltd. Sr. VP – strategy and brand development, Basant Rathore shared, “Jagran Film Festival has grown into one of India’s most inclusive and far-reaching cultural movements, celebrating the legacy of Indian cinema while embracing bold, global narratives. With every edition, we reaffirm our belief in the power of cinema to provoke thought, inspire change, and build cultural bridges. The 2025 festival continues this legacy—amplifying bold voices, timeless stories, and emerging perspectives from across the globe. At Dainik Jagran, our purpose has always been to awaken and unite, and through JFF, we champion stories that speak across generations, geographies, and genres.”
     

  • Way2news ropes in Telugu media veterans to lead AP, Telangana sales

    Way2news ropes in Telugu media veterans to lead AP, Telangana sales

    MUMBAI: From press powerhouses to digital disruptors Telugu media veterans take the hyperlocal highway. In a strategic move to cement its dominance in the Telugu-speaking heartland, Way2news, India’s leading vernacular hyperlocal news platform has appointed three seasoned professionals to lead business operations in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Collectively bringing over 90 years of experience from marquee media brands like Eenadu, Sakshi Media, Andhra Jyothi, and Vartha, the new sales leaders will spearhead advertising growth, strengthen client relationships, and scale regional revenues.

    Meet the new power trio:

    . Bhatlapenumarthy Ranganath, with 37 years of experience, most recently served as deputy general manager at Sakshi Media. He joins Way2news as head of sales for Key and Enterprise Accounts in Andhra Pradesh, where he will focus on large-scale revenue partnerships.

    . Ajjarapu Bhanu Venkatesh, a 30-year veteran of Eenadu, now takes charge as head of sales for the Urban SMB Market in Hyderabad. His deep understanding of urban media behaviour and administration makes him ideal for driving advertiser value in the state capital.

    .  Adapa Venkateswara Rao, who spent 32 years with Eenadu, assumes the role of head of sales for Andhra Pradesh’s SMB Market. Known for his expertise in promotional and government advertising, Rao brings unmatched regional know-how.

    The appointments come as Way2news continues to expand across the South, delivering real-time news coverage across 1,292 mandals in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The platform’s mobile-first model and scalable ad tech make it a compelling proposition for advertisers aiming to reach deep into vernacular markets.

    “These appointments mark a big leap in our ambition to lead the regional digital news economy,” said Way2news founder & CEO Raju Vanapala. “The collective experience of these leaders will deepen our advertiser relationships and accelerate monetisation across our strongest markets.”

    Ranganath noted the shift towards digital-first strategies among enterprise clients: “Way2news combines editorial credibility with innovation. I look forward to driving impactful campaigns tailored to Andhra Pradesh’s fast-evolving market.”

    Venkatesh added, “The rise of hyperlocal vernacular consumption has transformed urban marketing. Our goal will be to harness Way2news’ scale and mobile reach to help SMB advertisers thrive.”

    Rao echoed the sentiment, “Advertisers today want more than eyeballs, they want relevance and reach. Way2news delivers both, and I’m thrilled to lead the sales charge for SMBs in Andhra Pradesh.”

    With a growing user base and renewed leadership, Way2news is not just reporting local stories, it’s rewriting the playbook for digital news monetisation in regional India.
     

  • Costa Coffee promotes Ekta Upadhyay

    Costa Coffee promotes Ekta Upadhyay

    MUMBAI: Ekta Upadhyay has been promoted to assistant general manager and head of marketing at Devyani International, where she will oversee Costa Coffee, the company’s airports business, and New York Fries operations. The appointment marks an expansion of her remit beyond the 300-plus Costa Coffee stores she previously managed.

    Upadhyay, who has spent over 14 years in brand marketing across sectors including fast-moving consumer goods, automobiles and e-commerce, will now focus on scaling the airports vertical and growing the New York Fries quick-service restaurant brand. Her promotion comes as Devyani International, one of India’s largest restaurant operators, seeks to diversify its portfolio beyond its core pizza and coffee offerings.

    Before joining Costa Coffee in 2023,  Upadhyay held senior marketing positions at Apollo Tyres, where she managed communications across the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa regions, and at fashion e-tailer Koovs.com, where she led brand strategy for the London Stock Exchange-listed company.

    Her career began at media agencies VivaKi and Mindshare, where she handled major accounts including PepsiCo and Yum Restaurants, developing expertise in traditional and digital media buying.

    The appointment signals Devyani International’s ambition to strengthen its marketing capabilities as it expands beyond its traditional restaurant formats into higher-margin airport locations and new quick-service concepts.

  • Techugo and Handloom Mark launch digital campaign

    Techugo and Handloom Mark launch digital campaign

    MUMBAI: In celebration of the 11th National Handloom Day, Techugo, collaborated with the Textile Committee of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, to introduce a digital-first campaign that puts India’s handloom legacy in the limelight. The drive, aimed at promoting the theme “Asli Pehchaan, Handloom Mark,” is all about advocating the Handloom Mark to be recognized as the authentic sign of credibility of Indian handloom products, a mark that represents quality, tradition, and trust.

    With the vision to create mass awareness on the value of purchasing authentic handlooms, Techugo developed and created three short web films that emotionally resonate with audiences across various age groups. The films demonstrate the ways in which handloom products, when authenticated by the Handloom Mark, are not only clothes but also cultural heritage passed down through generations.

    The first ad film, “Trending Bhi, Real Bhi,” is a snapshot of a moment between two young friends, one looking at the other’s trendy kurta only to discover it is not only trendy but also real handloom, certified by the Handloom Mark. The second tale, “Maa Ki Nazar,” is a mother-daughter moment when a mother cares so much to make sure her daughter’s first saree experience is nothing less than flawless, courtesy of the Handloom Mark’s trust. The third, “Purane Zamane Ki Baat,” depicts an aged couple recalling the originality of old days, as they experience the same feeling in a collection of handloom pillow covers that are genuine, original, and stamped with trust.

    Techugo senior marketing manager. Arushi Kukreja said, “This campaign is more than a celebration of Indian textiles, as it is a salute to the hands that weave our heritage. The Handloom Mark stands as a badge of honour for artisans and a symbol of trust for consumers. Through this digital initiative, we aimed to create not just visibility but a deep emotional connection across generations. We are truly thrilled to have played a vital role in bringing this vision to life and supporting the Textile Committee’s remarkable initiative to preserve and promote India’s rich handloom legacy.

    Through targeting the campaign for young adults, middle-aged homemakers, and the elderly, the message is very clear, as authentic handloom has a place in the lives of every generation. From kurtas and sarees to pillow covers, each product bearing the Handloom Mark signifies a tradition of craftsmanship and cultural pride. The campaign is streamed on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook with a reach of over one million digital impressions.

    For Techugo, this project is the strength of purpose-led storytelling combined with digital innovation. Though upcoming collaborations with the Textile Committee are being discussed, this campaign is an important step in protecting and spreading the pride of Indian handloom through technology.

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  • Britannia posts Rs 520 crore profit in Q1 on higher revenue and margins

    Britannia posts Rs 520 crore profit in Q1 on higher revenue and margins

    MUMBAI: Biscuit boss Britannia sinks its teeth into a strong Q1, notching up a crisp Rs 520 crore in net profit, driven by higher volumes, improved margins, and a well-baked portfolio mix. Britannia Industries Limited reported a sweet start to FY26, with consolidated net profit rising to Rs 520.13 crore in the quarter ended 30 June 2025. That’s up from Rs 504.88 crore in the same quarter last year. Total consolidated revenue from operations for Q1 stood at Rs 4,622.22 crore, a healthy increase from Rs 4,250.29 crore a year ago.

    The biscuit major’s consolidated total income rose to Rs 4,679.23 crore, aided by other income of Rs 57.01 crore. Britannia’s operational costs climbed too, but were kept under check with total expenses at Rs 3,973.36 crore, up from Rs 3,599.51 crore in Q1 FY25.

    Among the key expense heads, raw material costs stood at Rs 2,550.87 crore, while employee benefits rose to Rs 241.86 crore (up from Rs 201.95 crore YoY), and other expenses totalled Rs 864.21 crore.

    Profit before tax for the quarter came in at Rs 701.02 crore, with tax expenses pegged at Rs 180.89 crore, leading to the final net profit figure of Rs 520.13 crore. The company’s earnings per share (basic and diluted) stood at Rs 21.62, compared to Rs 20.99 in the same quarter last year.

    On the standalone front, Britannia clocked revenue from operations of Rs 4,452.74 crore, up from Rs 4,094.44 crore in Q1 FY25. Standalone profit before tax came in at Rs 674.20 crore, while net profit stood at Rs 498.27 crore compared to Rs 502.08 crore last year. Standalone EPS (basic and diluted) stood at Rs 20.69.

    The biscuit bellwether also reported total comprehensive income of Rs 521.10 crore (consolidated) and Rs 498.27 crore (standalone) for the quarter. The company’s paid-up equity share capital remained unchanged at Rs 24.09 crore.

    Britannia, which has been navigating a volatile input cost environment, has leaned on price optimisation and product mix to drive growth. With Q1 numbers setting the tone, it appears the brand is baking more than just biscuits, it’s cooking up consistent profitability.

    Summary of Key Financials (Consolidated Q1 FY26):

    ●  Revenue from operations: Rs 4,622.22 crore

    ●  Total income: Rs 4,679.23 crore

    ●  Profit before tax: Rs 701.02 crore

    ●  Net profit: Rs 520.13 crore

    ●  EPS (Basic & Diluted): Rs 21.62

    ●  Total comprehensive income: Rs 521.10 crore

    The earnings confirm that Britannia is staying crunchy even in a competitive and inflation-prone FMCG market.

  • Kanpur Warriors joins Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League as newest franchise

    Kanpur Warriors joins Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League as newest franchise

    MUMBAI – Building on the resounding success of the debut season, Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL), SJ Uplift Kabaddi has announced the induction of a new franchise, Kanpur Warriors, for UPKL Season 2. The team owned and operated by BA Sports Club LLP, and led by entrepreneur Bhumika Vora, marks a major push to bring kabaddi into the cultural spotlight of one of Uttar Pradesh’s most passionate cities.

    Conceptualized, owned, and operated by SJ Uplift Kabaddi, UPKL continues to expand into kabaddi-strong belts across the state. With Kanpur’s long-standing kabaddi heritage, vibrant youth circuits, and growing appetite for competitive sport, Kanpur Warriors’ addition marks a strategic milestone in the league’s mission to deepen inclusivity and unearth local heroes.

    Talking about the announcement, Sambhav Jain, Director and Founder, SJ Uplift Kabaddi, said, “UPKL was always envisioned as a launchpad for grassroots athletes, transforming kabaddi from a gully sport into a structured professional ecosystem. Following the extraordinary success of  Season 1, welcoming new cities like Kanpur is not just growth; it is our evolution. Kanpur’s inclusion strengthens our vision to build a tiered ladder for athletes: from local leagues to UPKL and eventually national and global stages.”

    This milestone builds on the momentum of UPKL’s standout inaugural season, which reached over 30 million TV viewers as per BARC India and generated 300+ million digital impressions, driven largely by audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

    Kanpur Warriors owner Bhumika Vora said, “Kanpur is a city full of fire, heritage, and underrepresented talent, and with Kanpur Warriors, we now have a platform to showcase, build, and grow. Through UPKL, we aim to break stereotypes, back our youth, and place kabaddi at the center of Kanpur’s sporting identity. The name ‘Warriors’ reflects not just athletic grit, but the spirit of our people. We are building a platform where kabaddi is a sport of choice, not just an alternative.”

  • The Sleep Co flashes Rs 100 crore marketing purse

    The Sleep Co flashes Rs 100 crore marketing purse

    MUMBAI: The Sleep Co, India’s leading comfort-tech brand, has secured Rs 480 crores in Series D funding from ChrysCapital and 360 ONE Asset, two of the country’s most established private equity firms. The fresh capital will fuel aggressive expansion, manufacturing scale-up and a Rs 100-crore brand-building blitz as the company races to own India’s premium sleep market.

    The Mumbai-based firm has hit a Rs 700-crore annual revenue run rate and notched 60 per cent year-on-year growth in FY25, having recently opened its 150th exclusive outlet. Since its last funding round, monthly revenues have doubled and headcount has swelled from 650 to over 1,500 employees—testament to surging demand for its patented SmartGrid technology.

    Founded by husband-and-wife duo Priyanka Salot and Harshil Salot, The Sleep Co has morphed from a direct-to-consumer startup into an omnichannel juggernaut. Its offline stores now generate 70 per cent of total revenue through a “research online, purchase offline” strategy that blends digital discovery with immersive retail experiences.

    The company’s 150th store doubles as a “Sleep Lab”, featuring pressure and heat mapping tests that pit SmartGrid products against traditional memory foam. Celebrity endorser Anil Kapoor fronts campaigns like “RIP Memory Foam” that position the brand as a lifestyle choice rather than a functional purchase.

    The new funding will bankroll expanded manufacturing capacity, deeper penetration in metro and tier-1 cities, entry into adjacent comfort categories, and heavy R&D investment. The company aims to extend SmartGrid technology—originally developed for mattresses—across chairs, recliners, cushions and sofas.

    “This fundraise powers the next phase of our journey to lead the comfort-tech revolution in India,” said co-founders Priyanka Salot and Harshil Salot. “We’re scaling faster, opening more stores, expanding capacity and doubling down on innovation to transform how India sits and sleeps.”

    ChrysCapital  director & consumer sector lead Rajiv Batra said the investment represents “a compelling opportunity to participate in India’s broader premiumisation wave” as consumers gravitate towards science-led, design-first products.

    360 One Asset senior fund manager Chetan Naik called The Sleep Co “a category-defining brand” that’s “redefining comfort-tech through patented material innovation and omnichannel excellence.”

    The company has previously raised Rs 13.4 crore in pre-Series A, Rs 177 crore in Series B from Premji Invest and Fireside Ventures, and Rs 184 crore in Series C funding. Avendus Capital advised on the latest transaction.
    With strong fundamentals and a growing offline footprint, The Sleep Co is positioning itself to ride India’s wellness boom—transforming sleep from a low-involvement purchase into a premium lifestyle decision.