ITV

Category: Television

  • Viacom18 unveils Olympic opening ceremony coverage

    Viacom18 unveils Olympic opening ceremony coverage

    Mumbai: Days after unveiling the most comprehensive coverage ever of the Olympic Games, Viacom18, the official broadcast and digital partner for Paris 2024, has now announced a one-of-its-kind coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. The immersive coverage commences with a dedicated camera feed on the Team India boat throughout the Opening Ceremony on the Seine, giving viewers an up and close view of the contingent. Viacom18 will also have a presence on the boat which will enable securing real-time reactions, quotes, and footage of the Indian athletes as the colourful river parade floats through the heart of the French capital.

    The Opening Ceremony will be presented in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, unlocking wider access to the pinnacle of sports for Indians across the country. In addition to the extraordinary studio experts line-up of former champions across multiple sporting disciplines on Opening Day, India’s first athletics World Championship medal winner and two-time Olympian Anju Bobby George will take her place in Viacom18’s studios for Paris 2024.

    For the first time, Olympics coverage in India will be presented across 20 concurrent feeds on JioCinema for free, allowing fans to catch their preferred action and Indian performances at the Olympic Games anytime, anywhere on their preferred device. The presentation will have 17 sports-wise feeds and three curated feeds, all available in 4K.  

    The curated feeds will include an India feed in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, which allows viewers to catch all the action from the Indian contingent as it unfolds on-ground. The Women Power feed for the first time ever will exclusively capture the journey to glory of women Olympians for the entire edition, while a Best Global Action feed in English and Hindi, will allow viewers to track the finest athletes in the world in action at Paris 2024.

    On linear platforms, Sports18 – 1, Sports18 – 1 HD, and Sports18 – 2 will run India-focused feed, and Global Action will be available on Sports18 – 3. Sports18 – 1 and Sports18 – 1 HD will present the Games in English with Tamil and Telugu available on the language button. Sports18 – 2 will offer the Paris 2024 in Hindi.

    SBI and JSW Group will Co-Present Paris 2024 to viewers. ThumsUp and Herbalife have come on board as Associate Sponsors. AMFI, MRF, Bacardi Martini India Pvt Ltd and Punjab National Bank are Special Partners in Viacom18’s presentation of the Olympic Games, while Highlights will be presented by Aditya Birla Capital.

    India’s bid for glory at Paris 2024 will kick off on July 27 at 2:00 PM with Sandeep Singh-Elavenil Valarivan, and Arjun Babuta-Ramita Jindal featuring in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team event. Neeraj Chopra will tip off his Javelin Throw title defence on August 6th alongside countrymate Kishor Jena.

    Catch Viacom18’s expansive coverage of the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony starting at 9 PM on July 26, live and exclusive on JioCinema, Sports18 Network, Colors Network, VH1, and MTV.
     

  • QYOU Media channel Q TV brings all-new BakLOL to Indian viewers

    QYOU Media channel Q TV brings all-new BakLOL to Indian viewers

    Mumbai: Building upon its Zara Hatke proposition, Q TV, QYOU Media India’s, Hindi General Entertainment Channel continues to bring path-breaking creator-led content with a viewer-first approach on television. Q TV now gears up to launch the all-new BakLOL featuring YouTube sensations Pankaj, Sweety, along with the charming 9-year-old Ridu. A true family entertainer, BakLOL will offer humorous takes on relatable, daily situations and life accounts. Set to premiere on Monday, 29 July 2024 at 8:00 PM on Q TV, BakLOL will air on weekdays at 8:00 PM with a next-day repeat telecast at 3:00 PM.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Q TV (@theq.tv)

     

    Bolstering the channel’s comedy content, with relatability at its core, BakLOL will feature comedy sketches based on life events, social scenarios, and daily life. BakLOL’s key proposition is its recurring characters and themes, thus deepening viewer connection while maintaining a consistent comic style. BakLOL is poised to bring joy and laughter, further positioning Q TV as a constant companion in viewers’ daily lives.

    Speaking on leveraging the success of BakLOL on Q TV, QYOU Media India Group CEO Raj Mishra said, “The comedy genre continues to boost the entertainment quotient in Indian homes. At QYOU Media, we are committed to strengthening our authentic programming slate of relatable, creator-led offerings. Bringing fresh episodes of BakLOL is part of our commitment to deliver content that is both entertaining and engaging. We aim to bring our audiences closer to their favourite shows and digital creators, and we are confident that BakLOL will do just that.”

    Sharing his excitement, BakLOL’s creator Pankaj Sharma, said, “Q TV has provided us with a fantastic platform to grow our audience base. This partnership has further established us as a household name in India, encouraging us to create more engaging and relatable content. We are confident that the all-new BakLOL on Q TV will entertain families with humour and comedy.”

    Sanjhalika Shokeen aka Sweety added, “We are always looking at creating engaging and entertaining content for our audiences. With BakLOL, we have been successful in tapping into the pulse of viewers. We are delighted to bring an all-new BakLOL to Indian homes.”

    Supporting the launch, Q TV has also launched a digital campaign targeting viewers, promising entertainment like never before with the trio Pankaj, Sweety, and Ridu.  

    BakLOL reaffirms Q TV’s Zara Hatke commitment to keeping its audiences engaged and entertained and promises to captivate audiences with differentiated comedic chemistry.

    Join Pankaj, Sweety, and Ridu exclusively on Q TV’s all-new BakLOL, Monday, 29 July from 8:00 pm onwards

  • COLORS’ ‘Laughter Chefs’ TV non-fiction extends run for more comedy

    COLORS’ ‘Laughter Chefs’ TV non-fiction extends run for more comedy

    Mumbai: A month ago, COLORS lifted the lid on its first-of-a-kind comedy show, ‘Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment’ which turned out to be a buffet that India cannot stop devouring and proving that laughter truly is the best ingredient for success. It has been crowned the number one non-fiction show on television with a whopping 13.6 crore viewers gulping the flavours of its delectable humour, garnering an impressive reach of 978 million on social media. With 2.2 billion impressions and 966 million views on digital, it’s clear that viewers are savouring every bite of the show’s hilarious content. Given the overwhelming viewers’ demand, COLORS is set to dish out extra portions of comedy, announcing its extended run with a fresh time slot from 1 August airing every Thursday and Friday at 10:00 pm, plating more fun for the viewers before the weekend.

    Viacom18 president of General entertainment Alok Jain said, “We, at COLORS, are humbled at the humongous love that has come by for Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment. The idea of offering this show to the audience was to create our own dinner-tainment terrain by coining a fresh genre in the vast palette of television. It has been a decade since we’ve seen a comedy show rise, and we’re thrilled that this distinctive experience has hit a spot with our viewers. The comedy extravaganza is not just feeding the appetite for hilarity, but also cultivating a feast of engagement that is captivating for advertisers seeking innovative opportunities to connect with consumers. As the show is on its way to becoming a staple in India’s entertainment diet with an extended run, we’re excited to keep innovating and serving novelty that resonates with our audience and sponsors.”

    Leaving the audience in splits one episode at a time, this unique show features popular entertainers donning the hat of amateur chefs and whisking up a good time with hilarious stories, banter, and cooking quirks. The extended run will offer a full-course meal of laughter by welcoming the legendary actor Dharmendra, who spices things up with his timeless Punjabi swag.

    With these entertainers collecting stars for their cooking prowess and dishing out top-notch hilarity, the show has become a brand-favourite magnet for sponsors lining up to leverage its wholesome, family-friendly, and flavourful quality.

    Keep watching ‘Laughter Chefs Unlimited Entertainment’ every Thursday and Friday at 10:00 pm only on COLORS.

  • Zee TV’s ‘Hamara Parivar’ campaign puts viewers in the driver’s seat

    Zee TV’s ‘Hamara Parivar’ campaign puts viewers in the driver’s seat

    Mumbai: Zee TV, the pioneer of satellite television in India, has long been at the forefront of revolutionising TV viewing since its inception in 1992. The leading Hindi GEC has captivated audiences with vibrant narratives that reflected their realities, mirrored their soul-speak and captured their imagination through diverse storytelling.

    From the iconic family comedy Hum Paanch and campus dramas like Hip Hip Hurray to historical epics such as Jhansi Ki Rani and Jodha Akbar, Zee TV has consistently pushed boundaries with diverse content. Whether it was path-breaking love stories like Pavitra Rishta, Qubool Hai and Kumkum Bhagya where the channel introduced characters that were agents of change or thrillers like Zee Horror Show and Fear Files, Zee TV has offered something for every family member. The channel also sparked conversations with thought-provoking social dramas like Punar Vivaah, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo and Doli Armaanon Ki, while it carried forth its legacy of celebrating the talent of India’s common man through homegrown reality shows such as Dance India Dance and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa over three decades. With the media and entertainment space at an exciting juncture where there is an increased focus on understanding the consumer, Zee TV has undertaken a brutally honest self-assessment and embraced the need for closer viewer connection.  To address this, the channel is launching ‘Hamara Parivar,’ an industry-first campaign designed to actively listen to and understand the audience’s feedback. This initiative marks a significant shift towards engaging with viewers more directly and incorporating their evolving preferences into the channel’s content strategy.

    Over the past four weeks, excitement around ‘Hamara Parivar’ has been building, with unbranded billboards featuring Sakshi and her family appearing across India and promos igniting curiosity across various media platforms. Today, the latest film unveils the campaign’s essence: Sakshi and her family will serve as the voice of the Zee TV viewer, engaging in direct conversations and sharing their thoughts and feedback with the channel’s creative teams. ‘Hamara Parivar’ features a rooted family from Uttar Pradesh, led by Sakshi, a dedicated TV critic and viewer. Sakshi and her family will break the fourth wall between shows to interact with the audience, moving beyond traditional campaigns to deeply understand viewer sentiments and integrate their feedback into the channel’s content strategy.

    Zee TV chief channel officer Mangesh Kulkarni said, “Hamara Parivar is a crucial milestone in our journey to heighten our connect with our viewers. As a channel that has always prided itself on having its finger on the pulse of its audience, we believe it is the right time to invest in a dynamic feedback mechanism to capture and act on real-time viewer insights more effectively. And the idea of having a family of avid TV viewers as the connecting link between us and our audience makes it that much more personal. Sakshi and Hamara Parivar will champion audience voices and funnel their sentiments to us, helping us select the right stories to tell and even course correct should any of our shows lose their grip over audiences. I urge all our viewers to participate wholeheartedly in sharing their candid feedback about our shows and characters so that we build a channel that we’re collectively proud of!”

    ZEE CMO – content SBU + brand management Kartik Mahadev said, “Success for any brand hinges on its ability to evolve with its audience and the only way one can do that is by actively listening to them. As a broadcaster and a storyteller, the need to connect with viewers is greater than ever. In view of this, we are launching Hamara Parivar, a transformative initiative aimed at revisiting and revitalizing our content strategy by not just listening but truly understanding our viewers on a deeper level. The endeavour is to reach out to the entire addressable TV viewing audience (HSM) and seek their point of view across multiple touch points such as WhatsApp, email, website and social media. We are humbled by the thousands of responses we’ve already started receiving and overwhelmed by their love for the brand. By actively engaging with their honest feedback, we aim to get an edge to our content and ensure that it truly resonates with the needs of our audience.”

    Viewers can connect with Sakshi and her parivar to share their thoughts on Zee TV’s content through various channels: email (sakshi@hamara-parivar.com),  WhatsApp (+91-7400054474), the official website www.hamara-parivar.com and on Instagram pages @sakshi.hamaraparivar and @hamaraparivar1.

    Zee TV’s ‘Hamara Parivar’ is not just a campaign; it’s a game-changing approach to content creation. By embracing and acting on honest feedback, Zee TV aims to consolidate its position as everyone’s favourite Hindi GEC, setting a new benchmark in the media and entertainment space.

  • CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India celebrates achievements of SMEs with SME Champion Awards

    CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India celebrates achievements of SMEs with SME Champion Awards

    Mumbai: CNBC-TV18, India’s leading business and financial news channel, in collaboration with HSBC India, is set to host the grand finale of HSBC presents CNBC-TV18 SME Champion Awards. This landmark event caps off a transformative six-month initiative dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the remarkable achievements of India’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). These awards stand as a testament to the sector’s pivotal role in driving the nation’s economic engine and celebrate the indomitable spirit of India’s entrepreneurial landscape. The SME Champion Awards ceremony will unfold on 26 July 2024 in New Delhi, from 5:30 PM, recognizing the enduring determination, pioneering spirit, and resilience of Indian SMEs across 15+ categories including Sustainability Practices, Digital Transformation, Export Promotion, Manufacturing, and Entrepreneurship, among others.

    The ceremony will be graced by the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways, GoI, as the guest of honour, alongside other distinguished guests including Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, DPIIT; T. Koshy, CEO & MD, ONDC; Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India and Ajay Sharma, MD & Head-Commercial Banking, HSBC India.

    The SME Champion Awards boasts a grand jury of eminent industry leaders, each a titan in their field, who have meticulously evaluated every entry leveraging their collective expertise.  The esteemed jury comprises distinguished industry leaders, led by Rajnish Kumar, Former Chairperson, SBI and Jury members Atul Lall, VC & MD, Dixon Technologies India Ltd; Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD, Luminous Power Technologies; Shradha Suri, CMD, Subros Ltd, & President, ACMA; Dinesh Kanabar, CEO, Dhruva Advisors; Girish Luthra, President, FICCI Confederation of MSMEs (FICCI-CMSME) & Chairman, Gujarat Enviro Protection & Infrastructure Ltd; Ashok Saigal, Co-Chairman, CII National MSME Council & MD, Frontier Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; Raghav Chandra, Ex-Secretary, GOI & Author and Founder, Cunsult; Chandrakant Salunkhe, Founder & President, SME Chamber of India; and Anju Srivastava-Founder, Wingreens World. The winner selection was a rigorous three-step screening process, culminating in the final selection by the esteemed panel of grand jury members. EY served as the ‘Process Advisors’ for this initiative.

    The evening will open with a gripping performance by legendary singer Usha Uthup, followed by a welcome address by Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18. Key addresses will be delivered by Hitendra Dave, CEO of HSBC India, and Ajay Sharma, MD and Head of Commercial Banking at HSBC India.

    For the last six months, CNBC-TV18 and HSBC India have nurtured the SME community through a series of masterclasses and workshops, culminating in this grand awards ceremony. These initiatives empowered SMEs with critical knowledge and growth strategies, supporting India’s vision to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. The masterclass covered topics like ‘Navigating SME Export-Import in Global Landscape” and “Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Growth in Global Supply Chains’, addressing the unique challenges faced by SMEs. Furthermore, these classes were complemented by interactive webinars that served as a nexus for industry experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, fostering dialogue on innovative measures to propel SME success and maximize sector-wide participation.

    CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan said, “The SME Champion Awards are a testament to the remarkable contributions of Indian SMEs, recognizing their pivotal role in driving economic growth and innovation across the nation. These enterprises are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating employment opportunities, and fostering economic resilience. By celebrating and recognizing their achievements, we honor their hard work and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and drive our nation’s growth. Now is the moment to highlight these pioneers and recognize their pivotal contribution to India’s economic development.”

    HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave stated, “At HSBC, we believe SMEs and start-ups are the true growth engine of our country. Supporting them isn’t just about meeting their financing needs, it’s also about fostering innovation, creating jobs and helping them meet their global aspirations. We recognize the pivotal role that India’s SME champions play in India’s growth story and are happy to celebrate their success.”

  • TV9 Bangla Uttaran honours students & educational institutes

    TV9 Bangla Uttaran honours students & educational institutes

    Mumbai: TV9 Bangla, the Bengali news channel from TV9 Network, has recently concluded its flagship program, ‘Uttaran Academic Excellence Awards’, at the city’s five-star hotel. The program felicitated the students who have excelled in their board exams this year from the districts, the city schools, and the academic institutions who have outperformed their skills to showcase their efforts for shaping future generations.

    At the outset of this event, Govt of West Bengal’s minister of education Bratya Basu, inaugurated the event by delivering a keynote speech. He later awarded a few schools and colleges for their remarkable achievements along with TV9 Bangla managing editor Amritanshu Bhattacharya. This event has also recognized Prof Kaustav Sanyal, the first Bengali director of JC Bose Institute. He was felicitated for his extraordinary skills in in-depth research, disciplinary insights, and academic outreach.

    One of the striking attributes of ‘Uttaran Academic Excellence Awards’ was to award the 17 students from the respective boards such as the West Bengal Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, CBSE board, Class X board exams, CBSC Class XII boards, ISC, and ICSE boards who have outstandingly performed. They were also given a scholarship along with certificates and accolades as mentioned below:

    Name Schools Boards
    Chandrachur Sen Cooch Behar Rambhola Uchcha Vidhyalaya WBBSE
    Samyapriya Guru Puruliya Zilla School, Purulia WBBSE
    Udayan Prasad Balurghat Uchha Vidhyalaya Balurghat WBBSE
    Tirumala Ghosh Calcutta Girl’s High School ICSE
    Harshit Agarwal La Martiniere For Boys ICSE
    Arushi Bhaduri DPS New Town ICSE
    Sohan Ghosal DPS New Town ICSE
    Anushka Ghosh  Xavier’s Institution, Panihati ICSE
    Niladri Dinda Don Bosco School, Liluah ICSE
    Dyuti Jana GD Goenka Public School CBSC Class X
    Avik Jana Mc William Higher Secondary School, Alipurduar WBCHSE
    Soumyadip Saha Ramakrishna Mission Vidhyalaya, Narendrapur WBCHSE
    Avishek Gupta Ramkrishna Mission Vivekananda Vidyamandir, Malda WBCHSE
    Sneha Ghosh Krishna Bhabini Nari Shiksha Mandir WBCHSE
    Ritisha Bagchi Vivekananda Mission School ISC
    Vangshika Kothari Lakshmipat Singhania Academy CBSE Class XII

    The different dignitaries from eminent institutes who participated in deliberating topics for panel discussions are listed below-

    The era of digital education: Scope & opportunities (Digital Juger Shiksha: Sujog O Sombhabona).

    The standardisation of Infrastructure is the key to success i.e. (Porikathhammor Mannonoyoni Saffoler Chabikathi).

    The change in the education system: the roadmap for placement i.e. (Shikkhaye Din Bodol: Kon Pothe Kormosongsthan).

    The lists of academies that have won recognitions under the Institute of Excellence can be named:

    Seacom B. ED College- Excellence in Teachers Training Education

    Seacom Marine College- Excellence in Maritime Education

    Kingston College – Excellence in Commerce and Management Eastern India

    Surendranath College – Excellence in Clean and Green Campus

    Indian Institute of Hotel Management- Excellence in Training and Placement

    JT Aviation College- Excellence in Training and Placement

    Swami Vivekananda Group of Institutes- Excellence in Academic Infrastructure

    Supreme Knowledge Foundation- Excellence in Industry Interface and Placements in UG Studies 2024

    IEM & UEM group – Kolkata & Jaipur- Outstanding Placement in Engineering & Management- Domestic & International

    Dr Sudhir Chandra Sur Institute of Technology & Sports Complex – Excellence in Private Engineering College

    Asansol Engineering College- Excellence in Placement and Infrastructure

    Guru Nanak Institute of Hotel Management – Excellence in Hotel Management Institute

    Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology – Excellence in Pharmacy Institute

    Parul University Vadodara Gujarat- Excellence in University Campus

    Narayana Coaching Centre- Excellence in JEE NEET Coaching Education

    International Institute of Hotel Management – Excellence in Hotel Management

    Meghnad Saha Institute of Technology – Excellence in Engineering Education

    Calcutta Girls High School

    Krishna Bhabini Nari Shiksha Mandir

    Chandernagore College

  • Sony Sports Network reignites an exciting cricket rivalry with live telecast of India Tour of Sri Lanka

    Sony Sports Network reignites an exciting cricket rivalry with live telecast of India Tour of Sri Lanka

    Mumbai: After a resounding win over Zimbabwe in their own backyard, Team India is set for another litmus test as they travel down south to face Sri Lanka for a limited-over series. The two sides will face each other across three T20Is in Pallekele, followed by three ODIs in Colombo. The series, starting Saturday, 27 July 2024, will be broadcast LIVE on Sony Sports Network from 7:00 PM IST onwards.

    World Champions India picked up where they left off in the recently concluded T20 World Cup to defeat Zimbabwe 4-1 in a T20I series. A new-look India travelled to Harare to prove their caliber as the country ushers in a new era of cricket, following the retirement of legendary players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja from T20I cricket. Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli, however, will feature in the ODIs against the Lankans.

    On the other hand, Sri Lanka will be looking to bank on their young talent to deliver on their home turf as they aim to restore the glory days of the past. Focus will be on key players including Matheesha Pathirana along with Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga who feature in the top 10 men’s ODI Batting and T20I all-rounder ICC rankings. Interestingly, the two sides will also have new head coaches at the helm when they face each other with Gautam Gambhir leading India for the first time and Sanath Jayasuriya taking the charge for Sri Lanka.

    The age-old rivalry between the Men in Blue & the Lankan Lions has seen many twists & turns from the times of cricket greats like Rahul Dravid & Sachin Tendulkar for India & Kumar Sangakkara & Mahela Jayawardena for Sri Lanka. It is time for the next generation of players including Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Maheesh Theekshana & Matheesh Pathirana, to take the baton forward and write a new chapter in this rivalry.

    As cricket gains pace on Sony Sports Network, with the broadcast of India Tour of Zimbabwe, Major League Cricket (MLC), West Indies Tour of England & Vitality T20 Blast, their flagship studio show Extraaa Innings returns with an exciting roster of English commentators including Robin Uthappa, Scott Styris, Saba Karim and Abhinav Mukund supported by Sri Lankan commentators Roshan Abeysinghe and Russell Arnold. The Hindi roster comprises Ashish Nehra, Ajay Jadeja, Pragyan Ojha, Vivek Razdan and Aakash Chopra while the Tamil & Telugu panel will have Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, R. Sridhar, Anirudha Srikkantha, TR Arasu, Venkatapathy Raju, Ashish Reddy and Akshath Reddy respectively.

    The broadcast of Sri Lanka vs India will be in prime time for Indian fans as they can enjoy watching their favorite cricketers in action live on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 5 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels.

    India Squad for T20Is:

    Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohammed Siraj.

    India Squad for ODIs:

    Rohit Sharma (C), Ꮪhubman Gill (VC), Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Arshdeep Singh, Riyan Parag, Axar Patel, Khaleel Ahmed, Harshit Rana.

    Sri Lanka Squad for T20Is:

    Charith Asalanka (C), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Janith Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando.

    Comments:

    Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India:

    “The broadcast of India Tour of Sri Lanka solidifies Sony Sports Network’s position as a global multi-sports arena for audiences in India. These are exciting times for Indian cricket with the team’s recent T20 World Cup victory, the rise of new young players and the appointment of new head coach. India Tour of Sri Lanka comes at the perfect time for Indian fans who will be eager to watch the new-look team in action at prime time.”

    Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley De Silva:

    “We are delighted to welcome India for a limited-over series for the first time since 2021. It will be exciting to see how the team performs under the new head coach. The two teams have a fair share of history between themselves, and it will be exciting to see some top-quality matches during the series, which will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network.”

    Watch the live coverage of India Tour of Sri Lanka from 27 July, 7:00 PM IST onwards LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 1. Sony Sports Ten 5 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil / Telugu) channels.

    Match Date

    Time (IST)

    Channel

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 1st T20i

    27/07/24

    19:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 2nd T20i

    28/07/24

    19:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 3rd T20i

    30/07/24

    19:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 1st ODI

    02/08/24

    14:30

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 2nd ODI

    04/08/24

    14:30

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)

    Sri Lanka vs. India 2024 3rd ODI

    07/08/24

    14:30

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu)
  • Pickleball launches Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), PWR World Series & PWR World Tour

    Pickleball launches Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), PWR World Series & PWR World Tour

    Mumbai: Pickleball, widely regarded as the world’s fastest growing sport, has announced the launch of the new Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), the PWR World Series and the PWR World Tour. In a powerful evening of announcements for the sport, the GCC was also named as the region that will host the first PWR World Series in March 2025. This news is backed by Pickleball League Asia Pvt Ltd in partnership with The Times Group at a time when the sport is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity worldwide.

    PWR will bring together regional bodies under one unified structure to enhance sports governance and future longevity. The announcement was made by PWR, The Times Group, colleagues from international Pickleball bodies and some of the world’s top players, including women’s world number one on APP Tour, Megan Fudge DeHeart.

    PWR CEO and founder Pranav Kohli said: “Pickleball originated from relatively humble beginnings in the backyards of America in the sixties, and has now become one of the most exciting sports enjoyed by millions around the world. It is with great honour to be part of the creation of Pickleball World Rankings, PWR World Series and PWR World Tour and we are delighted to be the team taking Pickleball to the next level both on and off the court.”

    He continued, “We will be offering $15 million in prize money for the PWR World Tour and $1.5 million for the GCC stop PWR World Series. This is the highest prize money ever offered in the sport! It is my hope that existing stars and the champions of the future from the United States and all around the world can rise through the rankings and reach their full potential, all in front of millions of followers globally.”

    He concluded, “It is no coincidence that we selected the GCC as the location for this announcement and we are thrilled to confirm that our first PWR World Series – in a grand style will be hosted in the region. The ambition and visionary leadership within the region and the positive pace of societal change is in step with the growth of the sport and we are confident that the sport will enjoy a bright future here,”

    The Times Group MD Vineet Jain said: “The ‘Times Group is proud to be an anchor investor in PWR, a path breaking initiative that unifies the global pickleball community. Times Group is known for its innovation and its ability to be ahead of the curve in every one of its initiatives. We are happy that PWR is bringing the PWR Rankings, PWR tour and PWR World Series, and we really hope that this further accelerates growth of Pickleball globally. I personally believe that Pickleball will overtake Tennis in terms of participation in near future. PWR is a platform that will empower players from every corner of the globe to compete, excel, and showcase their talents on an international stage.”

    Pickleball is already a worldwide sensation, enjoyed by celebrity fans such as Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Taylor Swift. It is the fastest-growing sport in the USA and is now on its way to becoming the fastest-growing sport in the world.

  • Celebrate Onam in MMTV colours!

    Celebrate Onam in MMTV colours!

    Mumbai: As we kickstart Kerala’s festive season with the vibrant celebration of Onam, MMTV is set to captivate audiences with a stellar lineup across its three iconic brands: Mazhavil Manorama, manoramaMAX, and Manorama News.

    Mazhavil Manorama is leading the festive charge with the prestigious ‘Mazhavil Entertainment Awards 2024’, an evening of sheer grandeur and entertainment. The star-studded onground event, featuring the iconic stars of Malayalam cinema is a guaranteed spectacle. Expect show-stopping performances, heartfelt moments, and a dazzling showcase of talent that will leave audiences spellbound.

    For movie lovers, Mazhavil Manorama presents a dazzling array of World Television Premieres, including “Jai Ganesh,” “Mandakini,” “Pavi Care Taker,” Nadanna Sambhavam”, and more! Complementing these premieres is the Onam special mega cookery show, “Atham Pathu Ruchi”. Hosted by the celebrity singer Sithara Krishnakumar, Atham Pathu Ruchi is an onground cookery show in which celebrities travel across Kerala to capture the spirits of Onam cusines. Our beloved shows “Oru Chiri Iru Chiri Bumper Chiri” and “Udan Panam” will also have the festival special episodes. To further enrich the lineup, three new fiction series are set to launch, promising compelling storytelling that will delight our audiences.

    On manoramaMAX, the excitement continues with an impressive selection of movies, featuring the premieres of “Mandakini,” “Nadanna Sambhavam,” and “Pavi Care Taker.” These movies cater to the diverse tastes and preferences of Malayalee audiences. Furthermore, a new web series with a stellar cast is also coming to keep viewers engaged with its gripping narrative.

    Manorama News celebrates Onam with a unique blend of events and initiatives. ‘Onam Vipani’ is a special news program that delves into the vibrant Onam market, providing insights into everyday commodities and goods. Our ‘Pentharam’ initiative honours women entrepreneurs from humble backgrounds, spotlighting their inspiring journeys and contributions. Adding to the grandeur, the

    ‘Conclave 2024’, South India’s largest news conclave, will be a significant on-ground event fostering innovative discussions on a multitude of topics, enriching the festive celebrations with insightful conversations.

    Join MMTV as we bring Onam celebrations to life across TV, digital platforms, and live events. Connect with us to maximize your brand’s exposure and reach a wide audience during this festive season!

  • News18 Network launches social impact initiative ‘Project One Tree’

    News18 Network launches social impact initiative ‘Project One Tree’

    Mumbai: In a decisive step towards fostering environmental sustainability and positive social impact, News18 Network has launched ‘Project One Tree,’ a mass movement to encourage and mobilise every Indian to plant a tree for a greener, sustainable and breathable tomorrow. Inspired by PM Modi’s tree plantation on ‘Ek Ped, Ma ke Naam’ on World Environment Day, Project One Tree is a quest to champion and motivate all Indians to take a small action but drive a big impact, plant one tree and remember to nurture it.

    The launch was marked by a special message from the President of India,  Draupadi Murmu. She spoke about the significance of championing ‘Project One Tree’ to combat environmental challenges. President Murmu shared her vision on fostering a greener and more sustainable future, inviting everyone to contribute towards the noble cause.

    “Planting trees is a simple yet profoundly impactful step that each one of us can take to secure a healthier planet for future generations,” the President stated.

    As part of the launch, News18 Network’s editors participated in a tree plantation activity, symbolizing their dedication to the environment. A snippet of the same was unveiled as part of the special broadcast across all national, business and regional channels of the Network.

    To further strengthen the initiative, a dedicated microsite has been launched, which provides detailed information on ‘Project One Tree.’ This platform will serve as a hub for educational content, partnership opportunities, and updates on the project’s progress.

    Since its launch, ‘Project One Tree’ has garnered widespread support from key government leaders such as G Kishan Reddy, union minister, Coal and Mines, Yogi Adityanath, CM, Uttar Pradesh, Eknath Shinde, CM, Maharashtra, Bhupendra Patel, CM, Gujarat, Dr Mohan Yadav, CM, Madhya Pradesh, Pushkar Singh Dhami, CM, Uttarakhand, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, CM, Himachal Pradesh, Brajesh Pathak, Deputy CM, Uttar Pradesh, Mukesh Agnihotri, Deputy CM, Himachal Pradesh, Brigadier Dr B.D Mishra, Lieutenant Governor, Ladakh.

    Celebrities such as Meet Bros, Adivi Sesh, Sudhanshu Pandey and Aamir Ali also have applauded the initiative and pledged their support towards the cause of planting and nurturing trees.

    The initiative has also been supported by notable names from India Inc, such as Rajiv Bajaj, CEO, Bajaj Auto and Santosh Iyer, managing director and CEO, Mercedes Benz, India, recognising its potential for positive social impact.

    India has lost 2.3 million hectares of tree cover in the last 23 years. The impact of this has been visible through intense heat waves, deficient rainfall in June in almost half of the country and a 35 per cent increase in flash floods since 2019. Climate change is now affecting everyone’s lives more than ever before.

    ‘Project One Tree’ seeks to galvanize collective action to help repair the damage caused to the planet. The movement will be activated by educating the masses using diverse content formats across the News18 Network. In addition, the network will engage with key stakeholders including NGOs, ministries, and government entities to spread awareness.

    The initiative will be guided by an esteemed advisory panel featuring prominent environmentalists and experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Among them include Founder of GiveMeTrees, Swami Prem Parivartan, popularly known as Peepal Baba, Apurva Bhandari, Founder of SankalpTaru, Director General of TERI, Vibha Dhawan and Dr. Erach Bharucha, Director of Bharati Vidyapeeth Institute of Environment Education & Research.

    In the spirit of fostering community involvement and environmental sustainability, the initiative launched its maiden plantation drive on 21 July 2024 in Noida where News18 Network’s team and people from all walks of life came together, with a common goal – to plant and nurture trees.

    Some key guests at the plantation included Colonel VN Thapar, Father of Capt Vijyant Thapar, Rakesh Khatri, Nest Man of India and Anand Mohan Singh, Deputy Director, Horticulture, NOIDA Authority. They shared nuggets of wisdom around the environment and the role each one of us needs to play for the collective well-being of human beings and Mother Earth.

    The initiative further aims to have similar plantation drives across different parts of the country, encouraging every Indian to plant trees, nurture them and drive large change.