ITV

Category: Television

  • Zee announces Agency Premier League T20 for media agencies to build connect with DP World ILT20

    Zee announces Agency Premier League T20 for media agencies to build connect with DP World ILT20

    MUMBAI: In a vibrant fusion of cricket and creativity, the inaugural Agency Premier League T20 is set to launch in Bengaluru, blending the excitement of the game with the star power of the media industry. The tournament will kick off on 16 December, featuring renowned Kannada actor Ramesh Aravind at the opening ceremony, promising a thrilling experience that unites media professionals in a celebration of sport and collaboration.

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) the official broadcaster of the DP World International League T20, is engaging prominent media agencies through this unique initiative, which will also take place in Delhi on 18 December and culminate in Mumbai on 20 December. With Ramesh Aravind, known for his iconic Kannada talk show Weekend with Ramesh on Zee5, headlining the Bengaluru leg, this innovative trade marketing initiative aims to promote the third edition of ILT20 among media professionals on an engaging platform.

    The Bengaluru leg will see spirited participation from prominent agencies, including Group M fielding two teams and Dentsu, Havas Media, Initiative and Madison each competing with one team. Following this, the Delhi edition will feature teams from OMD, Havas, IPG, Group M, Publicis and Dentsu. The Mumbai event will host an equally competitive lineup with Wavemaker, Starcom, Madison World, DBB Mudra Max, Essence Mediacom and Mindshare Fulcrum.

    Zeel’s chief growth officer of digital & broadcast revenue Ashish Sehgal said, “The Agency Premier League T20 reflects Zee’s commitment to fostering meaningful engagement and pursuits with our trade partners, including the media. Cricket unites India, and this league brings the excitement of ILT20 closer to the media fraternity while celebrating the unifying spirit of the game. Through this tournament, our aim is to create an innovative and immersive experience that resonates with cricket fans across the globe.”

    The month-long third edition of DP World ILT20 will begin on 11 January 2025, with the finals slated to take place on Sunday, 9 February 2025. Cricket fans can watch this action-packed tournament on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 15 linear TV channels: &Pictures SD, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema 2, Zee Action, Zee Biskope, Zee Zest SD, Zee Cinemalu HD, Zee Telugu HD, Zee Thirai, Zee Tamil HD, Zee Kannada HD, Zee Zest HD, &Flix SD and &Flix HD. It’s also free to view on one of India’s leading OTT platforms – Zee5. The syndicate broadcast partners around the world will be announced in the coming days.

    As per the press release mentioned earlier this year, Zeel reported that the league’s second season reached 221 million viewers and to capture a viewership of 230 million for the upcoming season, Zee will expand its reach by including south Indian channels, offering a month-long cricket carnival experience.

    The channel’s extensive distribution strategy ensured widespread accessibility in India and across the globe. With a notable 46 per cent share of female viewership and 55 per cent share of youth viewership, the league’s broad appeal in India underscores its status.

  • Sony Yay! to air Shin chan movies on Saturdays’ lunch time

    Sony Yay! to air Shin chan movies on Saturdays’ lunch time

    MUMBAI: Chaos and laughter are guaranteed when Shin chan is in the picture! 

    The most unpredictable five-year-old is all set to hijack fans’ Saturdays with his signature mischief and unforgettable antics. Starting 14 December, Sony Yay! is set to unveil a month-long movie block at 1 pm featuring four hilarious Shin chan adventures, promising endless entertainment for the whole family.

    The first of these, according to company release is The Singing Bomb, where Shin chan’s off-key melodies will leave  audiences in stitches. On 21 December, it’s time to groove with DanceAmigo, featuring Shin chan’s wild moves and unmissable charm. On 28 December, Buri Buri 3 Minutes Charge brings a whirlwind of hilarity as Shin chan’s quick thinking saves the day. Bringing up the rear  is The Adventures of Kasukabe Boys on 4 January, a comical journey with Shin chan and his gang.

    Whether inventing goofy excuses to skip a bath or creating chaos wherever he goes, Shin chan’s antics never fail to entertain. With his quirky parents, adorable baby sister Himawari, and ever-loyal dog Shiro, this movie block is a recipe for pure, unfiltered fun.

  • Warner Bros Discovery announces restructure; cleaves into two divisions

    Warner Bros Discovery announces restructure; cleaves into two divisions

    MUMBAI: Following in the footsteps of other gorilla media companies trying to find a way to retain value in the face of the streaming tsunami, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) announced on 12 December that it had got its board’s go ahead to cleave itself into two operating divisions, namely

    * Global Linear Networks: A premier linear television business that operates networks with compelling news, sports, scripted and unscripted programming.
    * Streaming & Studios: A globally scaled streaming platform and storied film and entertainment studios with a portfolio of intellectual property.

    WBD will serve as the parent company. The intent behind this corporate restructuring:  enhance its strategic flexibility and create potential opportunities to unlock additional shareholder value. Additionally, it  expects the new corporate structure to increase clarity and focus, with each division positioned to deliver on its specific strategic and operational objectives while executing on initiatives to further key priorities for the consolidated WBD. 

    Global linear networks will focus on maximising profitability and free cash flow to continue deleveraging, while streaming & studios will focus on driving growth and strong returns on increasing invested capital, said a corporate release. The latter will include streaming platforms Max and Discovery+  and film studios like Warner Bros Pictures and New Line Cinema.

    The new corporate structure will also increase optionality to pursue further value creation opportunities for both divisions in an evolving media landscape, the company statement added.. 

    What analysts are observing in this move, is the possibility of a spin off of the company’s legacy linear TV assets into a separate company as traditional cable TV and linear channels like TNT, Discovery, HLN, Animal Planet, CNN have been on a downward trajectory with cord-cutting rampant.  Last year , WBD  unveiled a $9.1 billion goodwill impairment charge to write down the value of its legacy TV assets. 

    Investors have been beating down the share prices of media companies which don’t have a clear runway for their streaming businesses.

    WBD president &  CEO, David Zaslav has been promising that he would ways to unlock better value for shareholders by strategic moves, as recently as a couple of months ago.

    Comcast beat Zaslav’s maneuvre by announcing plans to spin off its NBCUniversal cable TV networks, including channels like MSNBC, CNBC, and E! so that they would not be a drag on its core business which includes  residential broadband, wireless, business services and NBCUniversal’s streaming, studios and theme parks

    However, other observers say that WBD might find it challenging to do a spinoff in the near future as a lot of the cash coming into the company is via its linear television business, which is seeing declining subscribers. It struck a new multiyear distribution deal with Charter Communications and Comcast which included higher payouts to it by the two for its linear channels.   Its  D2C business is actually on a growth curve and has limited cash inflows as the streaming services expand globally.

    “Since the combination that created Warner Bros. Discovery, we have transformed our business and improved our financial position while providing world class entertainment to global audiences,” said Zaslav in a statement announcing the restructuring. “We continue to prioritize ensuring our global linear networks business is well positioned to continue to drive free cash flow, while our streaming & studios business focuses on driving growth by telling the world’s most compelling stories. Our new corporate structure better aligns our organisation and enhances our flexibility with potential future strategic opportunities across an evolving media landscape, help us build on our momentum and create opportunities as we evaluate all avenues to deliver significant shareholder value.”

    Warner Bros. Discovery expects to start the foundational steps immediately and to complete the implementation of the new corporate structure by mid-2025.In addition, the Company expects to continue to evolve the board to execute its strategy and drive future shareholder value creation. J.P. Morgan, Evercore, and Guggenheim Securities are serving as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery and Kirkland & Ellis and Wachtell Lipton are serving as legal counsel.
     

  • Step into the nation’s nerve centre at Agenda Aaj Tak 2024

    Step into the nation’s nerve centre at Agenda Aaj Tak 2024

    MUMBAI: Imagine a stage where the sharpest minds converge, debates ignite, and ideas take flight—a platform that doesn’t just discuss India’s future but shapes it. This December, Aaj Tak’s iconic thought leadership conclave, Agenda Aaj Tak 2024, promises to be the ultimate intellectual arena.

    To be held on 13–14 December, this two-day extravaganza—fondly called Hindi Jagat Ka Mahamanch—is not just an event; it’s a celebration of ideas, challenges, and breakthroughs. With luminaries from the worlds of politics, defense, sports, entertainment, and beyond, Agenda Aaj Tak 2024 offers a front-row seat to the conversations that matter.

    From decoding India’s toughest challenges to unveiling untapped opportunities, this conclave isn’t just about listening—it’s about thinking, questioning, and being inspired.

    This year’s event promises unparalleled insights from influential leaders shaping their fields, focusing on India’s strategic direction for 2025 and beyond. Agenda Aaj Tak will serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue, enabling attendees to engage directly with decision-makers on issues critical to the nation’s growth.

    Key highlights:

    1    Distinguished Speakers: The two-day event will feature a stellar lineup of influential leaders, policymakers, and experts. Political heavyweights such as Union Home minister, Amit Shah, Union minister of Road Transport Nitin Gadkari, BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and former CM of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal will engage in dynamic discussions.

    2    Cultural and Entertainment Icons: Renowned figures from entertainment, including Kangana Ranaut, Kartik Aaryan, Taapsee Pannu, and Varun Dhawan, will share insights into their craft and its societal impact.

    3    Global Perspectives: International voices like former president of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai and domestic visionaries, including Medanta Hospital chairman, Naresh Trehan will enrich discussions with their expertise.

    Aaj Tak’s leadership team emphasised the event’s significance, noting its role in providing actionable insights during pivotal moments in India’s development.

    With a reputation for fostering impactful conversations, Agenda Aaj Tak 2024 reaffirms its mission to bring together visionaries and change-makers, creating a space for collaboration and innovation.

    Book your seat now at: www.aajtak.in/agenda 

  • Zee5 elevates Shresth Gupta to VP – marketing (SVOD)

    Zee5 elevates Shresth Gupta to VP – marketing (SVOD)

    MUMBAI: In the fast-paced world of digital streaming, standing still is not an option. Just as an outdated gadget or a long-overdue promotion begs for an upgrade, so too does the leadership that steers innovation.

    Zee5, India’s leading homegrown video streaming platform, has announced a major upgrade of its own, elevating Shresth Gupta as VP – marketing (SVOD) for India and global markets. This dynamic move underscores Zee5’s relentless drive to dominate the subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) space, sparking excitement and anticipation as the platform sets its sights on conquering new horizons and captivating audiences worldwide.

    In his new role, Gupta will spearhead the launch and promotion of original series and movies in Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi, aiming to drive subscription growth through impactful campaigns tailored for diverse audiences. Gupta joined Zee5 in August 2020 and has been instrumental in the platform’s success, orchestrating standout campaigns for popular titles such as “Taj: Divided by Blood”, “Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai”, and “Gyaarah Gyaarah”.

    With over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and brand building, Gupta has held leadership positions at Sun TV Network, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, and Reliance Broadcast Network. He successfully launched impactful initiatives, including introducing Sun Bangla to eastern markets and overseeing the launch of premium channels like Zindagi and &Prive HD.

    Recognised for his expertise in digital marketing, storytelling, and consumer insights, Gupta has consistently delivered campaigns that resonate deeply with audiences.

    His educational credentials include a post graduate diploma in communications from MICA and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Rajasthan University.

    This move underscores Zee5’s commitment to innovation in marketing and delivering exceptional value to its growing SVOD subscriber base.

  • From gully to glory: ISPL season 2 auction hits almost Rs 6 Crore heights

    From gully to glory: ISPL season 2 auction hits almost Rs 6 Crore heights

    MUMBAI: Once the heartbeat of neighborhood streets and childhood dreams, gully cricket has shattered its humble origins to rise as a blockbuster spectacle. Remember the friendly squabbles over who bats first, whose ball to use, or even whose rules to follow? Fast forward, and that same spirit of street cricket now boasts celebrity-backed glamour, roaring stadium crowds, and jaw-dropping auctions reaching nearly Rs 6 crore.

    The Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) season 2 auction proved nothing short of electrifying. With six teams fiercely bidding for the best talents, over Rs 5.54 crore exchanged hands in a dramatic evening of high-stakes action. The world’s most relatable form of cricket now shares a stage once reserved for titans like the IPL, turning makeshift pitches into million-dollar dreams.

    Mark your calendars, as this thrilling saga unfolds on 26 January 2025, at Mumbai’s iconic Dadoji Kondadev Stadium, promising an epic showdown until 15 February. Street cricket is no longer a game; it’s a revolution.

    The auction saw 350 players, shortlisted from trials in 55 cities, go under the hammer, with 96 players securing spots across the six teams. Among the standout moments was Abhishek Kumar Dalhor becoming the most expensive buy at Rs 20.50 lakh, acquired by Majhi Mumbai, owned by Amitabh Bachchan. Another highlight was the selection of 15-year-old Sharik Yasir, the youngest player in the auction, who joined Srinagar Ke Veer, owned by Akshay Kumar, for Rs 3 lakh.

    ISPL, a T10 tennis-ball cricket tournament, debuted earlier this year and has quickly gained recognition for providing a professional platform for street cricket talent. This season introduced new rules, including the right-to-match (RTM) feature and icon player slots, allowing teams to retain fan favourites and bring in marquee players.

    Notable icon player acquisitions included:

    1   Abhishek Kumar Dalhor (Rs 20.50 lakh) – Majhi Mumbai

    2   Saroj Paramanik (Rs 16.25 lakh) – KVN Bangalore Strikers

    3   Krishna Satpute (Rs 8.50 lakh) – Falcon Risers Hyderabad

    4   Dilip Binjwa (Rs 6 lakh) – Srinagar Ke Veer

    The league’s inaugural season garnered significant fan interest, with ISPL players becoming household names. Sachin Tendulkar, a core committee member, praised the league’s efforts, “ISPL has created a competitive platform for talented players to showcase their skills. The enthusiasm and performances from season 1 were remarkable, and we are thrilled to expand to more cities this season.”

    League Commissioner, Suraj Samat announced plans for trials in 101 cities for ISPL’s third season, reflecting the league’s commitment to unearthing talent from every corner of the country.

    He added, “The introduction of the RTM rule and strong team squads ensure this season will be even more exciting for fans. ISPL’s growth is a testament to the love for cricket in India.”

    ISPL season 2 will air on Star Sports Network and stream on JioCinema, promising fans thrilling matches and unmatched entertainment.

  • Network18’s Green Bharat conclave to chart India’s road to green

    Network18’s Green Bharat conclave to chart India’s road to green

    MUMBAI: As the world races toward a greener future, electric vehicles (EVs) are taking centre stage in the quest for sustainable mobility. In this spirit of innovation and commitment to environmental responsibility, Network18 is set to launch Green Bharat, an annual conclave scheduled for 13 December 2024 in New Delhi. This initiative in collaboration with Ola Electric, aims to ignite a nationwide conversation about the transformative power of EVs, spotlighting their economic, environmental, and social benefits while addressing the challenges that stand in the way of widespread adoption.

    Green Bharat has been launched in collaboration with Ola Electric, a leading pure-play electric vehicle (EV) company to chart the Road to Green. This is designed to be an ongoing, multi-platform conversation spanning television, digital platforms, print, and on-ground activation. This integrated approach ensures a holistic coverage of India’s vast EV landscape, fostering collaboration and innovation at every level of the ecosystem.

    The maiden edition of Green Bharat will bring together influential policymakers, industry pioneers, and sustainability advocates to discuss the future of electric mobility in India. The event will feature distinguished guests, including Nitin Gadkari, union minister of road transport and highways, and Piyush Goyal, minister of commerce and industry, who will attend as guests of honour. Their participation will underscore the growing importance of EV adoption in the context of India’s broader sustainability goals and the pivotal role of government policies in driving this transition.

    The prime minister, Narendra Modi, has emphasised the pivotal role of the EV revolution, stating that the silent revolution of electric vehicles is reshaping India’s mobility landscape, marking a significant step towards sustainability and innovation. This transition reflects India’s commitment to addressing climate change and promoting green growth. With sustained investments in EV infrastructure, local manufacturing incentives, and technological innovation, India is all set to become a global hub for electric mobility.

    AETN18 chief executive officer Network18 (broadcast) & managing director Avinash Kaul stated, “The global automotive industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards electrification, reshaping economies worldwide. India’s transition to electric vehicles is not only an environmental milestone but also a significant driver of economic growth. Green Bharat is bringing the EV community together and highlighting the dynamic potential of this emerging sector. We are thrilled to partner with Ola Electric, a brand that has been a leader in driving EV adoption in India, and we share their passion for a sustainable, electrified future.”

    Green Bharat aims to be a transformative platform for driving meaningful discussions and fostering collaborative efforts to address the challenges within India’s electric vehicle ecosystem. By focusing on innovation, policy advocacy, and actionable solutions, the initiative will play a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of EVs across the country. The conclave will facilitate an in-depth analysis of India’s current EV landscape, identifying key challenges and opportunities, while setting a clear roadmap for positioning India as a global EV hub. Through these efforts, Green Bharat aims to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future for the nation, embarking on the Road to Green and inspiring collective action towards environmental responsibility.

  • Candlelight Concerts-PVR Inox partner for intimate musical experiences

    Candlelight Concerts-PVR Inox partner for intimate musical experiences

    MUMBAI: Imagine walking into a cinema, not to watch the latest blockbuster, but to be enveloped by the soft glow of candles and the stirring melodies of live music. In a country where concerts often feel more like chaotic marathons than artistic escapades, a revolutionary partnership is set to redefine the live music experience. Candlelight Concerts by Live Your City, in collaboration with PVR Inox, is turning the idea of traditional concerts on its head.

    This innovative alliance transforms India’s premier cinemas into intimate, candlelit sanctuaries, blending the charm of live performances with the luxury of theatre spaces. Launching in Bengaluru, Gurugram, and Mumbai, it promises an enchanting escape from the hustle, offering audiences a harmonious blend of elegance, creativity, and unforgettable moments.

    These concerts will feature live performances of iconic movie soundtracks and tributes to legendary artists such as Kishore Kumar, RD Burman, Queen, and ABBA. With thoughtful curation, the collaboration aims to create a unique ambiance where timeless melodies and contemporary luxury converge.

    “We are thrilled to bring Candlelight Concerts to PVR Inox theatres, creating unparalleled live arts experiences in cherished entertainment spaces,” said Live Your City India, country manager, Deepa Bajaj. “By merging the charm of live music with the luxury of PVR, we aim to redefine audience engagement and set new standards for immersive cultural entertainment.”

    PVR Inox, content acquisition director, Nayana Bijli remarked,  “This partnership with Candlelight Concerts reimagines how our theaters can be experienced, turning them into unique venues for intimate, live performances. It’s an opportunity for us to offer audiences something extraordinary—an experience that combines the elegance of our spaces with the magic of live music.”

    PVR Inox’s premium venues will host Candlelight Concerts with acoustics and comfort carefully curated to enhance the audience’s experience. The inaugural performances are scheduled for 31 January 2025 to 2 February 2025, promising a blend of cultural sophistication and entertainment.

    Details of upcoming performances:

    ●    Bengaluru

           31 January 2025: PVR Superplex, Forum Mall, Kanakapura Road

               Queen vs ABBA (Program Premiere) – two performances

    ●    Gurugram

           1 February 2025: PVR Ambience, Gurugram

               Best Movie Soundtracks (Bestseller) – two performances

               Tribute to Kishore Kumar (Program Premiere) – one performance

    ●    Mumbai

           2 February 2025: PVR Le Reve-Globus Mall, Bandra West

               Best Movie Soundtracks (Bestseller) – two performances

               Tribute to RD Burman (Local Hit) – one performance

    With plans to expand offerings across India, this collaboration between Candlelight Concerts and PVR Inox promises to revolutionise how audiences experience live music and redefine India’s entertainment landscape.

  • TV viewing in the US rises five per cent in November: Nielsen’s The Gauge

    TV viewing in the US rises five per cent in November: Nielsen’s The Gauge

    MUMBAI: It was the month of the election and the results thereafter and then you had some great  sports on air in the month of November 2024. So there’s no prizes for guessing that it was the month that the residents of Uncle Sam stayed glued a lot more to their TV sets to set a few viewing records.

    The results from viewing monitor Nielsen’s The Gauge report bear this out. Time spent watching TV in November reached a nine-month high, according it, as viewing levels increased five per cent compared to October to record the largest monthly viewing total since February.

    TV viewership in the November interval was impacted primarily by sports, the presidential election and live streaming, all of which drove peak shares of TV for viewing categories each in separate weeks this month. Additionally, as this interval ended on November 24, the typical Thanksgiving holiday surge in TV viewing will be included in the December report of The Gauge.
     

    Nielsen's viewership pie

    Broadcast viewing in November was up three per cent and accounted for 23.7 per cent of time spent watching TV. The first week of the interval was the most dominant for the broadcast category as it featured Games 3, 4 and 5 of the MLB World Series on Fox, in addition to the usual slate of NFL and college football games.

    The final three World Series games totaled over 10 billion viewing minutes combined, and the Dodgers’ victory over the Yankees in the Game 5 conclusion drew 18.2 million viewers to make it the sixth most watched broadcast telecast this interval. This more concentrated week of broadcast sporting events lifted the category to a peak share of 24.9 per cent of TV in the first week of the month, and helped increase broadcast sports viewing by 34 per cent over October.

    Coverage of the presidential election drove viewing increases in the second week of the month, most notably for cable. While cable ultimately finished with a 25  per cent share of viewing in November, its share during the week of the election jumped to 26.5 per cent of TV with much of the increase attributable to cable news. Interestingly, cable news viewing was up just one per cent on a monthly basis, but climbed from 36 billion viewing minutes to 48 billion viewing minutes between weeks one and two (+32 per cent) to give it the boost in share.

    Viewership on TV

    Streaming viewership increased 7.6 per cent in the November interval and the category posted a record share of TV with 41.6 per cent  (+1.1 pt.). Some of this increase can be attributed to viewers seeking solace from the atypical, election-fueled news cycle covered by many traditional TV networks, and was also illustrated by the streaming category reaching 42.6 per cent of TV viewing during the third week of the interval.

    Moreover, Netflix also exhibited peak viewership during week three when it hit 8.5 per cent of TV (compared to its overall monthly share of 7.7 per cent). This peak for Netflix coincides with the live-streamed Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match, and was also fueled by viewing to its original series The Lincoln Lawyer, which was the most watched streaming program this interval with 3.9 billion viewing minutes.

    There were also three streaming services that notched platform-best shares of TV in November, including The Roku Channel (up 12 per cent to 1.9 per cent of TV), Prime Video (up 10 per cent to 3.7 per cent of TV), and YouTube, which secured a new category record with 10.8 per cent of TV. Peacock, while short of its Olympics-driven platform record, still drew the largest monthly increase among streamers for 1.5 per cent of TV (+0.2 pt.). Peacock’s considerable increase was partially due to Despicable Me 4, which drove 1.5 billion viewing minutes and a 58 per cent increase in kids viewing on the platform.

  • ANI lawsuit against OpenAI for copyright infringement

    ANI lawsuit against OpenAI for copyright infringement

    MUMBAI: Cheating may seem harmless until the consequences come crashing down—a classic case of “play stupid games, win stupid prizes”.

    Imagine the titan of artificial intelligence, the very force reshaping our understanding of innovation, now standing accused of stepping over the ethical boundaries it once sought to redefine.

    With a jaw-dropping market cap of $157 billion as of October 2024, OpenAI—the so-called savior of human progress—is now grappling with a high-stakes copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Asian News International (ANI) in India.

    This legal clash, steeped in complexity and a touch of irony, pits the ambitions of cutting-edge AI against the enduring principles of intellectual property rights. Could this be a case of progress overstepping its bounds? Or a necessary infringement in the name of human advancement?

    ANI has taken OpenAI to court, accusing the tech giant of unauthorised use of its copyrighted content to train its large language model (LLM). The case not only raises pressing questions about copyright infringement and fair use but also dives deep into the murky waters of territoriality and intellectual property in the age of artificial intelligence. The stakes? Nothing less than the future of AI innovation and creators’ rights in one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies.

    ANI accused OpenAI of using its copyrighted material without permission and highlighted the inadequacy of OpenAI’s opt-out policy, which ANI claims fails to prevent its content from being scraped through third-party websites. ANI also alleged that OpenAI’s models produced outputs either verbatim or substantially similar to its copyrighted content, further compounding the copyright violation. Additionally, ANI flagged fabricated responses generated by ChatGPT that falsely attributed interviews or news stories to the news agency.

    OpenAI defended its practices by citing fair use, which permits limited use of copyrighted material under specific conditions. It argued that its models do not reproduce content verbatim and that it sufficiently transforms language to comply with copyright exceptions. On fabricated responses, OpenAI stated it resolved issues flagged by ANI and committed to addressing such problems promptly in the future.

    ANI is seeking an interim injunction to prevent OpenAI from storing, publishing, or reproducing its content and has requested a prohibition on accessing ANI’s material through any channel, including subscribers. OpenAI countered by asserting that no legal action could apply within India, as its data processing and model training occur outside the country, with no offices or servers in India.

    The lawsuit brings two critical issues to the forefront: the balance between copyright infringement and fair use, and the challenges of territoriality in data storage. India’s existing copyright law lacks explicit provisions regarding AI training, making the applicability of fair use a grey area. Moreover, the absence of text and data mining (TDM) provisions complicates the country’s approach to fostering innovation while safeguarding content creators’ rights.

    The territoriality argument further underscores complexities in applying local laws to global AI platforms. Data sovereignty issues arise as distributed AI models utilise data generated in India but processed across international cloud environments, challenging traditional legal frameworks.

    Globally, AI platforms and news publishers have clashed over the use of copyrighted material. While some publishers have entered licensing agreements with AI firms, others, such as The New York Times, have pursued legal action. ANI’s lawsuit reflects a broader struggle over how GenAI platforms interact with intellectual property.

    India’s policymakers face the task of balancing innovation in AI with content creators’ rights. A permissionless innovation approach, which allows experimentation with new technologies while addressing harms retrospectively, may provide a pathway for advancing AI while protecting intellectual property.

    This lawsuit will likely serve as a landmark case in determining the accountability of AI developers for content generated by their platforms. As the first legal action of its kind in India, the outcome will influence how AI platforms navigate copyright, fair use, and territorial regulations in the country.