ITV

Category: Television

  • HistoryTV18 shines with major recognitions at two Asian awards

    HistoryTV18 shines with major recognitions at two Asian awards

    Mumbai: HistoryTV18 has reinforced its status as a leader in infotainment and documentary content, receiving notable recognition at two prestigious television award platforms in 2024. At the Asian Television Awards 2024, the channel secured four nominations, highlighting the quality of its Indian productions.

    OMG! Yeh Mera India (Season 10) is nominated for best infotainment programme and best short form video series – scripted. Additionally, India Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple received nominations for best direction (documentary or non-fiction) and best editing (documentary or non-fiction).

    Further confirming its creative excellence, HistoryTV18 celebrated two national nominations at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2024. Krushna Abhishek was awarded best entertainment host – India for OMG! Yeh Mera India, marking his third consecutive win, while India Marvels & Mysteries won best documentary – history.

    These accolades underscore HistoryTV18’s commitment to local stories and innovative storytelling. By consistently delivering content that engages audiences across India and Asia, the channel has solidified its position in factual entertainment.

    TV18 CEO – broadcast Network18 and MD A+E networks Avinash Kaul said, “In today’s evolving entertainment landscape, collaborations that were once unlikely are now driving innovation, with legacy brands joining forces. This is particularly evident in factual entertainment, where HistoryTV18’s award-winning Indian Originals, like India: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple, are also licensed to Discovery Plus and feature prominently in the streaming platform’s content line-up in India. This is a testament to the strength and enduring quality of our productions.”

    While HistoryTV18 continues to captivate over 100 million loyal viewers on TV with its international shows from A+E Networks and high-quality Indian originals, the brand’s digital presence is also thriving. HistoryTV18 serves its growing social media community of 13 million with a mix of shows and one-of-a-kind, mobile-first content that resonates with audiences across platforms.

  • MTV Hustle season four is back with a bang

    MTV Hustle season four is back with a bang

    Mumbai: MTV, a youth entertainment brand, has announced the fourth season of its rap reality show, Royal Enfield Hunter MTV Hustle 4 – Hip Hop Don’t Stop. Co-powered by Wild Stone and Boat Lifestyle, with special partner Myntra FWD and associate sponsors Roulette Packaged Drinking Water and Olio Pizza, this highly anticipated season premieres on 19 October, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 7 pm on MTV and JioCinema.

    This season features 20 of the country’s most promising rappers competing for a coveted spot in the top 16. Each contestant has 90 seconds to impress the Squad Bosses and judges. The competition unfolds across four phases: Don’t Stop, Hustle Pro Max, Rap Royalty, and Legacy, culminating in milestone challenges that determine who advances to the next round.

    Leading this season are Raftaar and Ikka, iconic figures in Indian hip-hop known for their contributions to the genre. They bring energy and expertise to MTV Hustle four, guiding the next generation of rappers. Squad Bosses Dee MC, Dino James, EPR, and newcomer RAGA will mentor the contestants, helping them refine their craft and elevate their performances.

    MTV Hustle season four continues to build on the success of previous seasons, featuring rap battles, original music, and compelling narratives. The show has been a transformative force in the Indian music scene, nurturing a generation of rappers and empowering them to share their stories. From viral hits like ‘Ram Ram,’ ‘Main Nahi Toh Kaun,’ and ‘Jaadugar’ to unforgettable performances, MTV Hustle remains the premier platform for emerging talent.

    Viacom18 head – youth, music, and English entertainment cluster, Anshul Ailawadi said, “While young consumers are unabashedly aspirational, they also have an informed opinion within their social context. Being the leading platform to showcase young India’s voice, MTV Hustle provides a great opportunity for brands to engage meaningfully with the youth. This season, we’re proud to partner with marquee brands like Royal Enfield, Wild Stone and Boat Lifestyle, as we jointly embark on building a deeper relationship with young minds.”

    Royal Enfield chief brand officer Mohit Dhar Jayal expressed, “The Royal Enfield community is all about self-expression and intense creative energy. Which is why our collaboration with MTV Hustle S4 is not a conventional sponsorship – it’s the perfect way for us to help amplify the voices of emerging artists and showcase the power of their awesome urban lyricism.”

    Since its inception, MTV Hustle has turned young rappers into national sensations, producing over 300 music videos and influencing the future of Desi hip-hop. The latest season promises new challenges, fresh talent, and engaging narratives, continuing the spirit of hustle that has made the show a cultural force.

    Catch the next chapter of India’s rap revolution with MTV Hustle 4, premiering on 19 October, every Saturday and Sunday at 7 pm on MTV and JioCinema.

  • Sony BBC Earth to premiere ‘Mammals’ on 21 October

    Sony BBC Earth to premiere ‘Mammals’ on 21 October

    Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth will premiere Mammals, a six-part series narrated by Sir David Attenborough, on 21 October 2024. The series explores the diverse world of mammals and their adaptations to a rapidly changing planet. It features species such as African elephants, snow leopards of the Himalayas, and marine and arctic mammals, showcasing their unique survival strategies and relationships with their environments. Attenborough’s narration offers insight into their resilience and intelligence. The series will air at 12:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Sony BBC Earth.

    Sony Pictures Networks India CMO & business head, Hindi movies, English, Bengali, Marathi, infotainment channels Tushar Shah said, “We are excited to bring Mammals, a captivating series that explores the extraordinary world of the animal kingdom, to Sony BBC Earth. This show portrays the resilience, intelligence, and beauty of mammals while also highlighting the challenges they face in a rapidly changing environment. Our commitment to delivering exceptional content remains strong, and we are dedicated to bringing our viewers the best-in-class experience through it.”

    Mammals’ executive producer Roger Webb said, “I was a big fan of the original Life of Mammals series, which was 20 years ago, and lots has changed in that time. I felt there’s a story to be told about mammals today, and how they’re adapting to us and all the changes that are going on in the world. Through the episodes, we explored this adaptability and the ability to cope with almost any situation and environmental condition. It shows the fact mammals can live in the coldest places and the hottest places on earth, and they can go down a mile plus in the ocean. They all have similar traits and things in common that make them mammals, but they can do the most incredible things as a group. It’s also great that we’ve got Sir David Attenborough at the top of the series. He is the master of storytelling; he sets us on an absolutely right path by explaining how mammals have risen to be so successful today.”

  • Republic Bharat to host Rashtriya Sarvopari Sammelan – Summit 2024

    Republic Bharat to host Rashtriya Sarvopari Sammelan – Summit 2024

    Mumbai: Republic Bharat has announced the upcoming Rashtriya Sarvopari Sammelan, an annual conclave that embodies the spirit of “Rashtra Ke Naam.” Scheduled to take place on 18 October 2024, this event will gather a lineup of leaders from various fields, including politics, sports, business, and the arts.

    The summit will feature engaging sessions with prominent figures from across India. Key panel discussions will explore a wide range of topics, including national development, social issues, and economic growth. Renowned athletes will also share their insights on sports and its role in nation-building.

    Ravin Group CMD Vijay Karia, a sponsor of the event, expressed his enthusiasm: “Ravin is committed to supporting initiatives that foster national progress. We believe that the Rashtriya Sarvopari Sammelan provides a valuable platform for intellectual discourse and collaboration. We are honored to be a part of this prestigious event.”

    This year’s theme, “Kismein Kitna Hai Dum,” aims to explore the strength and resilience present within our diverse communities. The Rashtriya Sarvopari Sammelan promises to be a platform for thought-provoking dialogue, inspiring ideas, and collaborative efforts for a better future.

  • Zee launches French-dubbed Fast channel in France on Samsung, Rakuten TV

    Zee launches French-dubbed Fast channel in France on Samsung, Rakuten TV

    MUMBAI: Parul Goel has a grin he can’t stop beaming on his face.

    The  Zee Entertainment veteran and territory head UK, Europe & CFO UK, Europe, US & Canada  has just launched Zee Magic, the first ever 24 hour Indian entertainment channel fully dubbed in French in France. A free advertising supported television channel (Fast), it is available on Samsung TV Plus and on Rakuten TV.

    For him it’s a major victory.  The  17 year-long Zee Entertainment veteran has been pulling out all the stops to take Zee on the Fast route and in as many markets as possible.

    The French flagoff  is the third full European language Fast service that the Zee group has launched in the region over the past 12 months. Earlier, Zee Europe had successfully launched Zee One in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (known as DACH). This was a German dubbed service. 

    Zee World, dubbed in English,  is available in the UK, Nordics and the Benelux region.

    “Zee Europe is dedicated to bringing diverse and rich entertainment to audiences across the region, and this latest endeavor reaffirms our commitment to cultural exchange and media innovation,” said Goel on a post on linkedin.

    “With many channels vying for attention in the digital landscape, offering generic content that mirrors traditional TV programming doesn’t resonate as strongly with audiences. Instead, channels that provide unique, specialized, or exclusive content—whether it’s targeted at a particular demographic, genre, or passion area—are able to stand out.The path to success for Fast channels lies in finding the right balance between curation and differentiation. The more distinct and tailored the content is, the better these channels are positioned to compete in an evolving media landscape where engagement is increasingly valued over sheer reach. Parul – great to see you leading this initiative and thanks to our partners, ” added Zee Entertainment CBO -international business  Ashok Namboodiri in response to Parul’s post. 
     

  • Ambesh Tiwari to succeed Leena Lele Dutta as Sony Yay! business head

    Ambesh Tiwari to succeed Leena Lele Dutta as Sony Yay! business head

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced a major leadership change within its kids and animation division. Leena Lele Dutta, who mothered and nurtured the portfolio, including the Sony Yay! channel since its launch in 2017, will step down as business head by the end of this fiscal year. Under her leadership, Sony Yay! became a top destination for children’s entertainment, known for its animated series, original content, and ventures into animation production and ancillary businesses.

    Ambesh Tiwari, the newly appointed business operations head, will take over her role. He brings significant experience from roles at Star India, Zee Entertainment, and Life Ok, where he was instrumental in launching channels like Zee Keralam and Zee Punjabi. His academic background includes an MBA from the University of Oxford, Young India Fellowship from Ashoka University, and a diploma in media law and public policy from Nalsar University.

    Leena will collaborate with Ambesh in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. 

    SPNI acknowledged her significant contributions in a press release issued earlier today and wished her well for the future while expressing confidence in Ambesh’s ability to lead Sony Yay! to continued growth and success in delivering quality children’s content, 

  • Mr & Mrs Mahi to premiere on &pictures on 19 Oct

    Mr & Mrs Mahi to premiere on &pictures on 19 Oct

    Mumbai: Catch the world television premiere of Mr & Mrs Mahi, starring Rajkummar Rao and Janhvi Kapoor, on 19 October at 8 pm on &pictures. The film follows Mahendra and Mahima as they navigate the challenges of marriage, family, and personal aspirations.

    With Rajkummar Rao’s nuanced performance and Janhvi Kapoor’s charm, the story highlights the balance between individual dreams and familial expectations. It showcases the importance of support and resilience in relationships, emphasizing how love can drive personal growth and strengthen bonds. Don’t miss this inspiring tale of love and partnership.

  • Tips Music achieves 32 per cent revenue growth in Q2, announces Rs 2 interim dividend

    Tips Music achieves 32 per cent revenue growth in Q2, announces Rs 2 interim dividend

    MUMBAIi: Music may soothe the soul, but for companies like Tips Music Ltd. (formerly Tips Industries Ltd.), it is the balance sheet that truly strikes a chord. The company posted robust results for the quarter ending 30 September 2024, with revenues climbing 32 per cent year-over-year to Rs 80.6 crore and profit after tax (PAT) rising by 21 per cent to Rs 48.2 crore. The growth, underpinned by a slate of new releases and increased digital engagement, underscores Tips Music’s strategy of capturing audience attention and expanding its footprint across diverse platforms.

    The company’s operational EBITDA for Q2 FY25 stood at Rs 59.5 crore, a 19 per cent increase from the previous year, with a steady EBITDA margin of 73.8 per cent. For the first half of FY25, revenue totaled Rs 154.5 crore, reflecting a 36 per cent year-over-year increase, while PAT reached Rs 91.7 crore, up by 37 per cent compared to H1 FY24.  

    The content cost for Q2 FY25 surged by 194 per cent to Rs 13.8 crore compared to Rs 4.7 crore in Q2 FY24, demonstrating the company’s strategic investment in acquiring high-quality music content. During the quarter, Tips Music launched a total of 125 new songs, including 39 film songs and 86 non-film songs, catering to diverse audience tastes.  

    Tips Music chairman & MD Kumar Taurani said, “I am pleased to share that the company has announced a second interim dividend for the year of Rs 2 per share, in addition to the interim dividend and buyback conducted in Q1 FY25. Our revenue for the quarter stood at Rs 80.6 crore, up by 32 per cent YOY with a PAT of Rs 48.2 crore increasing by 21 per cent YOY. Our relentless focus is on acquiring high-quality music content.”  

    Added Tips Music  executive director Girish Taurani:  “In Q2 FY25, we successfully launched 125 new songs, resulting in a diverse range of offerings that cater to a wide audience. This quarter, we released two musical short films, Tedi Medi and Beinteha,  both of which have received significant appreciation from the audience. Notable releases include Yaad Reh Jaati Hai  from the film The Buckingham Murders, sung by renowned artist B Praak, and Dua Kijiye, which continue to resonate with our listeners.”  

    Tips Music  CEO Hari Nair highlighted the company’s growing digital presence, stating, “Our YouTube channels’ cumulative subscriber base has now reached 108 million, reflecting our increasing influence and engagement. Our market share on audio digital platforms like Spotify and Saavn is also rising steadily. Additionally, our new brands & partnership  division is gaining traction, with collaborations such as Motorola using our track Rangeela Re‘ to launch its new line of colorful handsets.”  

    For the current fiscal year, Tips Music has declared a total shareholder payout of Rs 97.74 crore, including dividends and buybacks. The interim dividend for Q2 FY25 alone amounts to Rs 2 per share, translating to Rs 25.56 crore.  

    Key Financial Highlights:  

    – Q2 FY25 Revenue: Rs 80.6 crore, up 32 per cent year-over-year  

    – Operational EBITDA: Rs 59.5 crore, a 19 per cent increase from Q2 FY24  

    – PAT: Rs 48.2 crore, reflecting a 21 per cent growth year-over-year  

    – H1 FY25 Revenue: Rs 154.5 crore, up 36 per cent year-over-year  

    – H1 FY25 PAT: Rs 91.7 crore, an increase of 37 per cent  

     

  • OSU secures broadcast rights for India Ultimate Beach Nationals 2024-25

    OSU secures broadcast rights for India Ultimate Beach Nationals 2024-25

    Mumbai: The India Ultimate Beach Nationals 2024-25, an Ultimate Frisbee tournament organized by India Ultimate, will be broadcast live on Off-Season Ultimate’s (OSU) YouTube channel. OSU, founded by Rishabh Kishore, Tahir Siddiqui, and Maksood Chaudhary, has played a key role in growing the sport through leagues and tournaments nationwide. This partnership supports OSU’s mission to expand the reach of Ultimate Frisbee in India and beyond.

    The tournament, held from 18 to 20 October at Bessy Beach, Chennai, has 17 registered teams so far. OSU, as the exclusive broadcaster, will air every match, bringing the competition and excitement to fans.

    This event marks a key milestone in OSU’s broader initiative to expand the visibility and impact of Ultimate Frisbee across India.

    “We are thrilled to bring the India Ultimate Beach Nationals to a larger audience through our YouTube platform,” said Off-Season Ultimate co-founder Rishabh Kishore. “This tournament is a reflection of how far Ultimate Frisbee has come in India, and being able to broadcast it live is a proud moment for us. With Sportscast on board, we’re confident this event will be a milestone in promoting the sport across the country, creating a platform for players to shine at a national level and elevating its visibility like never before.”

    Ultimate Frisbee, or Ultimate, is a fast-paced sport combining elements of football, American football, and basketball, played with a flying disc. Known for its ‘Spirit of the Game’, players self-officiate, emphasizing integrity in competition. Teams score by catching the disc in the opponent’s end zone, relying on agility, strategy, and teamwork. As the sport gains popularity in India and worldwide, tournaments like the India Ultimate Beach Nationals showcase its talent and sportsmanship.

  • Warner Bros Discovery to launch Max in seven new markets

    Warner Bros Discovery to launch Max in seven new markets

    Singapore – Warner Bros. Discovery (Nasdaq: WBD) announced that its streaming service Max will launch on 19 November in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, as well as Taiwan and Hong Kong. Max will be a brand new streaming experience in the region bringing fans blockbuster movies, series, iconic hits, engaging real-life content and family favorites through a strong product experience.

    Max brings together the highest quality entertainment from beloved brands like HBO, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, Cartoon Network, Max Originals, and the best of Hollywood movies, as well as can’t-miss programming from Discovery, TLC, AFN, Food Network, ID* and HGTV all in one place.

    From 19 November, subscribers can enjoy an elevated streaming experience on multiple devices with an easy to navigate interface including personalised recommendations, seamless search, genre rails and brand hubs. Providing a more intuitive way of exploring Max, subscribers can create up to five unique profiles, each customisable with favorite characters as avatars, receive content picks based on viewing habits and customise profiles for kids, curated with age-appropriate content and parental controls.

    Warner Bros. Discovery CEO and president of global streaming & games, JB Perrette said: “We are thrilled to bring Max to more consumers in Asia. Max brings together unparalleled quality content from iconic brands like HBO, Discovery, the DC Universe, Harry Potter, AFN, and Cartoon Network, as well as Hollywood blockbusters all in one place. Building on successful launches in the U.S., Latin America and Europe, Asia Pacific represents the next phase of Max’s globalization, making Max available now in over 72 markets with more to come in 2025.”

    Warner Bros. Discovery, APAC, president, James Gibbons said: “Warner Bros. Discovery has long entertained fans across Asia Pacific with culture-defining content from powerhouse brands. For the first time, this programming will be available in a brand new streaming app for regional audiences, with Max combining incredible breadth and depth and a best in class viewing experience.”

    Content offering

    Max will offer a collection of fan favorite content from theatrical hits, culture-defining shows, best in class real-life stories across food, home, lifestyle and documentaries, as well as family favorites.

    . As the exclusive streaming home for HBO Originals, Max will feature a slate of exclusive stories including new series Dune: Prophecy, the Game of Thrones prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, IT: Welcome to Derry, the upcoming Harry Potter series, and new seasons of House of the Dragon, The White Lotus and The Last of Us. Subscribers will also have access to award-winning series, True Detective, Game of Thrones and Succession, as well as Max Original adult animation Creature Commandos, the first series out of the new DC Universe under James Gunn and Peter Safran.

    . Max will feature the best of Hollywood movies, including the full Harry Potter movie collection, Dune: Part Two, Barbie, Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom, Wonka, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and the upcoming premiere of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.  

    . Fans of Warner Bros. Discovery’s beloved collections will be entertained by Friends, the DC Universe, The Conjuring Universe, The Matrix and Sex and the City.

    . For the first time, real-life stories from Warner Bros. Discovery’s renowned unscripted programming from Discovery, TLC, AFN, Food Network, ID* and HGTV will be available in one streaming destination. Individual brand hubs on Max will feature worldwide hits including Deadliest Catch, Ghost Adventures, Property Brothers, Gold Rush, Dr. Pimple Popper and Selena + Restaurant.

    . Max will be home to kids’ brands Cartoon Network and CARTOONITO offering a wide selection of content for kids and families from Adventure Time, We Bare Bears and Tom and Jerry, to Looney Tunes and Teen Titans Go!.

    Plans

    Max will offer a choice of different plans. Full details about pricing will be announced in the coming weeks and will vary by country and provider.

    Mobile

    . Watch only on mobile phone and tablet

    . 15 downloads to watch on the go

    . Stream on one mobile device at one

    . Standard HD video resolution

    The Mobile plan is available in Indonesia, Philippines, and via select providers in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.**

    Standard

    Stream on two devices at once

    Full HD video resolution

    Watch on more devices, including TVs

    30 downloads to watch on the go

    Ultimate

    . Stream on four devices at once

    . 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos as available

    . Watch on more devices, including TVs

    . 100 downloads to watch on the go (limits apply)

    Max will launch in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong on 19 November. The Max app will be available for subscription through Max.com, and through select partners – additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.