ITV

Category: Television

  • ABP News launches ‘Political Power Centre’

    ABP News launches ‘Political Power Centre’

    Mumbai: ABP News has unveiled its latest show, ‘Political Power Centre,’ which aims to provide viewers with the most crucial political updates of the day. Airing Monday through Friday from 6 pm to 7 pm, this new show offers comprehensive coverage of top political stories, breaking news, and expertly packaged reports.

    Anchored by Akhilesh Anand and Sherry Sheerin, ABP News’ ‘Political Power Centre’ is set to become the go-to source for in-depth political analysis and news. With the upcoming elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Haryana, the show will focus on these key states, delivering timely and relevant political stories that matter most to viewers.

    The show aims to offer a thorough understanding of India’s complex political landscape. It will delve into political strategies, electoral campaigns, and the impact of political decisions on the public. Featuring exclusive interviews with political leaders, expert panel discussions, and on-ground reports, ‘Political Power Centre’ will provide a multi-faceted view of current events.

    The format is designed to ensure viewers receive a balanced perspective on pressing political issues. With segments dedicated to policy analysis, voter sentiment, and historical context, ‘Political Power Centre’ will inform and educate its audience on the evolving dynamics of Indian politics.

    Additionally, the show will explore the political climate in these states, offering insights into key players, emerging trends, and potential outcomes. This localised focus will help viewers understand the unique challenges and opportunities in each state, offering a comprehensive view of the electoral landscape.

    As the political landscape evolves, ABP News’ ‘Political Power Centre’ will continue to provide viewers with the insights they need to stay informed.

  • Zee Entertainment to initiate $239 million foreign currency convertible bonds

    Zee Entertainment to initiate $239 million foreign currency convertible bonds

    Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. initiated a Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB) offering on Tuesday, targeting to raise $239 million, as disclosed in a stock exchange announcement. They stated its intention to use these funds to increase strategic flexibility for pursuing growth opportunities in the dynamic media sector.

    The FCCBs will be allocated to Resonance Opportunities Fund, St. John’s Wood Fund Ltd., and Ebisu Global Opportunities, based on terms mutually agreed upon by the company and the prospective investors. According to a media report, these FCCBs will feature a five per cent annual coupon rate, and will be unsecured and unlisted, with a 10-year maturity period. Funds from the FCCBs will be accessed in installments and divided into 10 series.

    In terms of Indian rupees, the total capital raised will amount to Rs 1,997 crore. On 6 June, the company’s board sanctioned raising up to Rs 2,000 crore through various avenues, including the issuance of equity shares.

    Zee Entertainment stated its intention to use these funds to increase strategic flexibility for pursuing growth opportunities in the dynamic media sector

  • India’s Best Dancer unveils IBD Studio – Jaha Aap Chunege Gaana, Aur Hum Sikhaayenge How To Dance To It!

    India’s Best Dancer unveils IBD Studio – Jaha Aap Chunege Gaana, Aur Hum Sikhaayenge How To Dance To It!

    Mumbai: India’s Best Dancer 4 has won hearts with its launch episodes, judged by the ENT experts Karisma Kapoor, Geeta Kapur, and Terence Lewis. Setting a strong tone for the competition, the fourth season carries the inspiring tagline “Jab Dil Kare Dance Kar,” showcasing how dancing can alleviate stress and bring happiness into people’s lives.

    Terence Lewis, IBD4 Judge:   

     Aniket Chauhan, IBD4 Host:

    IBD Studio Live Announcement:

    And now, the show is extending the glamour, skill, and pure joy of dancing of this season to the digital universe by presenting the IBD studio – Jaha Aap Chunenge Gaane, Aur Hum Sikhaayenge How To Dance to it! This unique concept lets the viewers pick songs from a set list shared by the channel, which they want to be taught by the talented team. This extension allows fans to interact directly with Terence Lewis, providing a unique opportunity to engage with one of the show’s renowned judges. Through this Live, viewers can gain insights into the judging process, behind-the-scenes moments, and dance tips from Terence himself.

    This engaging session also promises fun chats and dance games hosted by the dynamic Aniket Chauhan, who will also be joined by the brilliant choreographer Vartika Jha. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to learn from the best in the industry on 18th July at 5 PM, exclusively on Sony Entertainment Television’s Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channels.

    Terence Lewis shares, “Dance is the hidden language of the soul, and through the IBD Studio, we aim to bring that language to everyone in a delightful blend of entertainment and learning. By breaking down the moves and explaining the art behind select steps, we hope to connect with viewers on a deeper level and inspire them to express themselves through dance.”

    Aniket Chauhan adds, “Going beyond the show, this is an effort to create a community where we share, learn, and grow together. Being part of the IBD Studio allows us to create a space where everyone can join in the joy of dance, regardless of their skill level. It’s about making dance accessible and fun for everyone.”

    Vartika Jha concludes, “I can’t wait to decode your favourite songs and make dancing a joyful experience for all. Through IBD Studio, I hope to bring the same excitement and enthusiasm to our audience. Let’s make every beat count and every move memorable.”

  • BGMI Masters Series season three to launch on the Star Sports Network

    BGMI Masters Series season three to launch on the Star Sports Network

    Mumbai: The BGMI Masters Series (BGMS) is back with its highly anticipated third season. Season three will begin on Friday, 19 July at 7:00 pm and will run until 11 August on the Star Sports Network. This season promises to be the most thrilling yet, with several innovative features for an esports experience like never before.

    Broadcast schedule:

    . Monday to Saturday: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

    . League week Sundays; playoff & finals: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

    Channel mix:

    Fans can catch all the action on Star Sports 2 (HD & SD) in English and Star Sports First in Hindi. Fans will also have the option to switch to Tamil & Hindi commentary on SS2 using the blue button.

    Digital streaming:

    The entire BGMI Masters Series will also be streamed on Star Sports & Nodwin Gaming’s YouTube, making it accessible to a broader audience.

    Exciting new features for season three:

    1. Powerplay:

     . Returning from season two to make the game action-packed from the get-go, this feature rewards double the points to squads for each finish they achieve in the first circle of each match.

    2. Impact player:

    . For the first time, the in-game leader will conduct a random draw to select the Impact Player. This player will earn double points for each finish.

    3. Bounty:

    .  Also debuting this season, the top four teams based on the standings of the league week’s first match will carry a bounty. In subsequent matches, the top four teams overall will carry a bounty, with ten bounty points awarded for wiping out an entire squad.

    Impact and reach:

    Over the first two seasons, BGMS has garnered an impressive reach of over 100 million across linear and digital platforms. As the biggest esports IP in the country, BGMS continues to play a pivotal role in bringing esports into the mainstream.

    Fan engagement initiative: play with the masters:

    BGMI fans now have the unique opportunity to play the game directly with top BGMI gamers featured in BGMS everyday through the ‘Play with the Masters’ initiative. This exciting feature, introduced by Star Sports and Nodwin Gaming, encourages viewers to follow Star Sports’ & Nodwin Gaming’s social handles and tune into the BGMS broadcast for updates on how to participate.

  • Gallant Sports unveils injury-free multi-sports field at Modern School, Vasant Vihar

    Gallant Sports unveils injury-free multi-sports field at Modern School, Vasant Vihar

    Mumbai: Gallant Sports has announced the inauguration of a state-of-the-art injury-free multi-sports field at Modern School in Vasant Vihar. This cutting-edge facility, unveiled by cricketing legend and ex-Modernite Gautam Gambhir, marks a significant milestone in India’s sports infrastructure. It aims to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for young athletes to train and compete.

    The sporting culture in India is evolving, with schools like Modern School in Vasant Vihar upgrading their sports infrastructure to meet international standards. Gallant Sports addresses the specific needs of such progressive schools, creating and building top-quality facilities for their students.

    “The sporting culture in India is changing rapidly, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of sports in a student’s overall development,” said Gautam Gambhir, head coach of the Indian cricket team and ex-Modernite, while speaking to the media. “Schools play a pivotal role in nurturing young talent, and investing in multi-sports turf is crucial. It not only encourages active participation but also fosters a spirit of competition and teamwork among students. These initiatives enhance physical fitness and instill discipline and resilience, qualities essential both on and off the field. By providing world-class facilities, schools can empower their students to excel in diverse sports, paving the way for future champions and contributing to a healthier, more active nation.”

    Gallant Sports is leading the way in innovative sports infrastructure with the introduction of injury-free multi-sports fields in India. Covering nearly 100,000 sq ft, this advanced field features a unique non-rubber infill product and perforated pipes for effective water management. A shock pad enhances safety, supporting activities such as football, futsal, hockey, cricket, and athletics. Despite facing challenges like Delhi’s heat waves and rains, the project was completed on schedule, ensuring a safe and enjoyable playing space for children.

    Gallant Sports CEO Nasir Ali expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “We are extremely happy to inaugurate an injury-free multi-sports field. Investing in high-quality sports facilities is crucial for the holistic development of students. Schools should prioritise upgrading their sports infrastructure to provide students with the best opportunities to excel in various sports. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to promoting safe and sustainable sports infrastructure in India.”

    India boasts top-tier sports facilities managed by government bodies, private companies, and local organisations. While cricket remains immensely popular, there is a significant need for enhanced facilities for sports such as football, hockey, and athletics. The maintenance of these facilities poses challenges, with many requiring safety and usability improvements, hindering the growth of sports. Increased investment from both government and corporate sectors is crucial to renovating these facilities, improving access to sports, and supporting young athletes in realising their potential. This initiative will not only advance sports development in India but also elevate the country’s global sporting reputation.

  • Disney Star promotes Sumanta Bose to head programming

    Disney Star promotes Sumanta Bose to head programming

    Mumbai: Disney Star has promoted Sumanta Bose, according to media reports. In his expanded role, Bose will oversee Star Bharat, the Hindi and English Movies Cluster, Kids and Infotainment Channels, Regional East, Live Entertainment, and Network Business Analytics & Insights. Bose currently serves as the business head for Star Plus, Star Utsav, Regional East, and the Content Studio for Disney+ Hotstar (Hindi)

    In addition to his current responsibilities, Bose will drive the overall Content Studio for Disney+ Hotstar, encompassing Hotstar Specials (Hindi), AVOD (Hindi) content, and the acquisition of digital movie rights for the platform.

    Bose has been with Disney Star for over a decade, successfully leading Star Jalsha and recently Star Plus to prominent leadership positions. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Bose has amassed extensive experience working across agencies and brands, including RK Swamy, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, Tata Teleservices, and PE Electronics.

  • Network18 reports strong Q1 growth of Rs 3141 crores

    Network18 reports strong Q1 growth of Rs 3141 crores

    Mumbai: Network18 Media and Investments Ltd reported consolidated operational revenue of Rs 3,141 crore for the quarter ending 30 June, fueled by impressive performances in the sports and news segments. The company’s digital portfolio also expanded in both reach and engagement.

    Network18 stated that its subsidiary Viacom18 has continued to invest in the sports and news sectors to drive future growth. The company noted that even though these segments are still in the development phase, they have rapidly achieved a strong brand presence and consumer recognition.

    TV News portfolio delivered 30 per cent advertising growth during the quarter. The network leveraged its leadership positions across key markets and election-linked advertising tailwinds to deliver industry-leading ad growth. EBITDA for the quarter saw a turnaround as revenue grew 14 per cent while costs were flat. The TV news network posted EBITDA of Rs 40 crore in Q1FY25, a 46 per cent increase (YoY).

    JioCinema achieved record digital IPL viewership during the quarter. IPL 2024 reached 620 million viewers, marking a 38 percent increase from the previous year. “Engagement also saw a significant rise, with audiences spending a total of more than 350 billion minutes watching the most popular annual sports event, over 50 percent higher than last season,” the company reported.

    Meanwhile, Network18 group’s digital brands solidified their leadership positions over the quarter, experiencing a substantial rise in monthly unique visitors. “With approximately 250 million unique visitors, Network18 narrowed the reach gap with the leader to about 10 percent, down from over 50 percent in March 2023,” the statement revealed.

    Network18’s digital news business recorded a 34 per cent growth in Q1FY25, with total revenue reaching Rs 109 crore compared to Rs 81 crore in the same quarter of FY24.

    The digital news portfolio of Network18 experienced a significant increase in monthly unique visitors. With 250 million unique visitors, Network18 narrowed the reach gap with the leader to just 10 per cent, down from over 50 per cent in March 2023.

    Moneycontrol maintained its position as the top player in both reach and engagement metrics, driven by comprehensive coverage of economic and market-related topics. Key engagement metrics such as monthly page views, time spent, and sessions were 20 per cent-70 per cent higher than those of the nearest competitor.

    Moneycontrol Pro surpassed 8.1 lakh paid subscribers, solidifying its status as the leading subscription-based news platform in India and one of the top three in Asia, according to FIPP’s Digital Subscription Report.

    News18.com established itself as the leading platform for non-English language consumers in India during the last quarter. The platform’s reach expanded significantly due to editorial and product initiatives, resulting in a 50 per cent  increase in monthly average unique visitors quarter-on-quarter and a 100% year-on-year growth in on-platform video views. News18’s mobile app saw an increase in MAUs, and the News18 Connected TV app was launched for platforms like Android, Samsung Tizen, and Firestick.

    Firstpost’s coverage of international events from an Indian perspective continued to drive reach and engagement throughout the quarter. The platform saw a 67 per cent increase in monthly active users and page views following the launch of its revamped website. On counting day, the website’s traffic doubled compared to normal days, with time spent increasing fourfold. Firstpost’s growth on YouTube also continued, with the subscriber count surpassing the five million mark.

  • PNB MetLife launches eight edition of Junior Badminton Championship

    PNB MetLife launches eight edition of Junior Badminton Championship

    Mumbai: PNB MetLife has announced the eighth edition of its Junior Badminton Championship (JBC), which is set to ignite the passion and potential of young badminton enthusiasts across the country. Building on the resounding success of preceding editions, the championship aims to continue its legacy of fostering sportsmanship, skill development, and the pursuit of excellence among India’s young shuttlers.

    This year’s championship spans 10 major cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Guwahati, Kochi, Jalandhar, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Ranchi, and Lucknow, providing a stage for young players to showcase their skills and compete at a state level. The city matches are scheduled to commence in New Delhi on 1 August.

    Since its inception, the PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship has grown in stature and popularity. The past seven editions have attracted over 48,000 participants in more than 38,000 matches. The championship was recognized by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) with a World Record for ‘Most kids participating in a Badminton Championship in multiple cities’ two years in a row, in 2022 and 2023.

    Serving as a pivotal platform for aspiring players aged between 7 and 17, the PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship offers categories ranging from Under 9 to Under 17, with matches conducted in singles format. Each participant can play in a maximum of two age categories, as long as the maximum age limit is upheld.

    PNB MetLife’s MD & CEO Sameer Bansal expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming games. “The PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship has become synonymous with nurturing talent and promoting sportsmanship among the youth of our nation. Over the years, the championship has grown exponentially. As we gear up for the 8th edition, our focus remains on providing budding shuttlers with a platform to showcase and refine their talents, setting them on the way to achieving their big dreams. We look forward to an even larger turnout this year and to continuing our mission of encouraging and empowering the next generation of athletes.”

    Asian Games gold medalist and PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship mentor, Chirag Shetty, shared his excitement. “It’s an incredible honor to continue my association with PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship as a mentor for a second year. My passion for badminton compels me to give back to the sport that has shaped my life, and I’m excited to help the next generation discover their potential and love for the game through JBC. The championship provides a fantastic platform for young players to learn valuable lessons in sportsmanship and perseverance. As mentors, both Satwik and I are looking forward to guiding and motivating these young athletes, sharing our experiences to help them navigate their sporting journeys.”

    His doubles partner, Asian Games gold medalist and fellow JBC mentor Satwiksairaj Rankireddy added, “I’m thrilled to continue my role as a mentor for the PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship. This initiative is more than just a tournament; it’s a steppingstone for young badminton players to hone their skills and to achieve their dreams. It’s incredibly fulfilling to mentor these young champions and witness their growth and passion for the sport. This initiative is truly building the future of Indian badminton.”

    JBC remains committed to promoting excellence and fostering a strong badminton ecosystem in India. Through initiatives like the JBC Boot Camp, endorsed by top Indian players and coaches including Prakash Padukone and Ashwini Ponnappa, participants receive expert guidance and training to enhance their game.

    JBC 2024 registration details:

    The registration process for JBC 2024 can be completed by calling +91 9820006190.

    The complete tournament schedule:

  • Korea’s Something Special wins two KOCCA funds

    Korea’s Something Special wins two KOCCA funds

    Mumbai: Seoul-based independent international format agency – Something Special’s EVP – head of content InSoon Kim, has announced the company won two KOCCA annual funds and accepted both the Format lab (five years in a row) and the pilot fund. KOCCA allows for a max of two funds per year for one company.

    For the Format Lab, Something Special selected four teams of established Korean producers such as: Sook-kyung Kang, original creator of Physical 100, and Hyunsook Ji, original creator of Singles Inferno, to work with Something Special’s own award-winning format producers. The producers will develop original Korean IP made for international format distribution. Something Special’s company mandate is to help Korean content make its way into the global marketplace. Over the past four years, successful formats such as spooky reality game show Still Alive and play-along-able music gameshow The Beatbox came from the Format Lab and have been optioned in Germany, Spain, and more.

    Something Special has achieved another milestone by winning the format production fund. The production is set to produce a pilot with a top-tier Korean creative and production company soon.

    And the UK version of Battle in the Box is scheduled to air on 16 and 17 July with host, popular comedian Jimmy Carr, produced by Interstellar for UKTV and channel U & Dave. The show, originally created by Nmedia and represented by Something Special, aired in South Korea on MBN with top ratings.      

    Still Alive: A reality gameshow format where ten contestants find clues and complete in challenges within a mysterious mansion and try to remain until the end.  

    Battle in the Box: Gameshow showcasing two celebrity teams who live in an empty box divided by a movable wall armed and compete for food and household items.

    Kim stated: “Something Special is pleased to be selected for the prestigious KOCCA funds — for five years in a row, which demonstrates the strength of our company. Since Something Special’s inception five years ago we continue to pride ourselves on working with top producers to develop original Korean format content that can travel around the world. Stay tuned for announcements on some great formats in the coming months!”

  • IN10 Media Network strengthens its leadership team

    IN10 Media Network strengthens its leadership team

    Mumbai: IN10 Media Network has announced the addition of four seasoned industry professionals to its leadership team. With their extensive experience and proven track records in the media and entertainment industry, Amarpreet Singh Saini, Manish Soni, Vinod Rao and Dipti Kalwani, are poised to drive growth and innovation across the network’s platforms.

    On the appointments, IN10 Media Network MD Aditya Pittie said, “These strategic appointments align with our vision to drive excellence in content creation and enhance our content studio library. We are confident that the expertise and leadership of Amarpreet, Manish, Vinod and Dipti will significantly contribute to the growth and success of our channels and platforms.”

    Amarpreet Singh Saini joins as vice president – content & strategy at Filamchi Bhojpuri from ZEEL, where he was chief channel officer for the Bhojpuri cluster (Bhojpuri GEC Zee Ganga and Bhojpuri film channel Zee Biskope). In his new role, he will oversee the viewership growth and brand development of the network’s regional movie channel. Amarpreet stated, “IN10 Media Network is aggressively carving its indelible footprint in the Indian media space, and I am excited to be a part of this growth story. The Bhojpuri category is witnessing dynamic growth in viewership, and Filamchi Bhojpuri has the potential to create a strong success story with a unique identity for itself.”

    Manish Soni has been appointed vice president – content & strategy at Ishara. With over 24 years of experience in the broadcast industry, he was the chief channel officer of Zee Anmol Cinema at ZEEL before joining Ishara. Notably, he played a pivotal role in shaping Zee Anmol from its inception and establishing it as a leader in the FTA genre. At Ishara, he will oversee the channel’s growth and build a content lineup that resonates with Hindi heartland viewers. He commented, “I look forward to curating content that truly connects with our audience. My goal is to create a substantial impact in the genre and elevate the channel’s standing. Waqt ka Ishara hai, apne anmol tajurbe se nayeee responsibility ko sawaarna hai.”

    Vinod Rao joins as vice president – content & strategy at Nazara. With over 20 years of experience in the media and entertainment industry, Vinod has led general entertainment channels at organizations such as Zee Entertainment, SAB TV, and Shemaroo TV. He said, “With a proven history of driving strategic programming and audience engagement, I am excited and eager to contribute to the network’s continued success and growth. Joining IN10 Media Network is a thrilling opportunity to work and learn alongside a talented team.”

    Dipti Kalwani has been appointed senior vice president – TV & AVOD at Juggernaut Productions. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry as a TV producer, content creator, and writer, Dipti will lead content development for Juggernaut Productions across television and handle the additional responsibility of AVOD platforms. She has produced shows like Badho Bahu, Namak Issk Ka, Fanaa – Ishq Mein Marjawan and many others. Expressing her enthusiasm, she said, “I’m thrilled to join the Juggernaut team and be a part of creating something truly special! I’m eager to bring my ideas to life and create clutter-breaking shows and iconic characters that will leave a lasting impact on TV. I’m looking forward to this exciting new chapter!”

    With the addition of these seasoned veterans to the network, the company fortifies its position in the dynamic Indian media landscape, aiming to enhance growth and deliver impeccably curated content to its audience.