Category: Television

  • ABP Network announces the departure of CEO Avinash Pandey

    ABP Network announces the departure of CEO Avinash Pandey

    Mumbai: Avinash Pandey joined ABP Network in 2005 and over the years held key positions that contributed to making the brand one of the most successful and respected amongst the nation’s broadcasters. In January 2019, Pandey was appointed as the CEO of ABP Network and under his stewardship, ABP Network further diversified into untapped verticals and markets in the broadcast and digital sphere. Pandey had the vision to recognise the potential of going regional and digital with an emphasis on creating premier content to match the expectations of a demanding pan-India audience.

    The chief editor & director of the ABP Network Atideb Sarkar, thanked Pandey for his contributions to the ABP Network and said, “I would like to thank Avinash for his immense contributions to ABP Network. During his two decades in the company, it has grown manifold in reach, revenue and impact. His leadership in the past five years has seen us at the forefront of digital broadcasting while extending our reach from Jammu to Kanyakumari. He played a key role in our award-winning centenary campaign. On a personal note, he has been a pleasure to work with, a joyful fellow traveller in my professional journey, and a friend. Thank you, Avinash, for all that you have brought to the ABP family. We wish you success and happiness in your future endeavours.”

    Mr. Avinash Pandey said, “I wish to thank the Sarkar Family and Atideb Sarkar, chief editor & director, in particular, for having reposed such faith in me, that I could play a meaningful part in ABP Network’s exhilarating journey of excellence in digital and broadcast. I have found a good friend for life in him. I could achieve all this in 20 years because of an excellent team that surrounded me. I was lucky to meet and work with them and have developed a bonding that’s going to last lifelong.”  Pandey added that the ABP Network would always hold a special place in his heart. He added: “One leaves ABP but ABP never leaves an individual.”

    As the CEO of ABP Network, Pandey led India’s leading television and digital network with four TV channels running 24×7 on cable and satellite, serving in eight languages on digital, touching a total audience of over 500 million. He is the Founding Director of ABP Studios, which has produced award-winning films and TV series. Mr. Pandey is also currently the President of the International Advertising Association (India Chapter). 

  • News18 Bangla recognises top educators and institutions at 4th edition of ‘Education Eminence’

    News18 Bangla recognises top educators and institutions at 4th edition of ‘Education Eminence’

    Mumbai: News18 Bangla successfully hosted the 4th edition of ‘Education Eminence’ in Kolkata, an event celebrating the relentless efforts and contributions of educational institutions and individuals in empowering future generations. This prestigious event in collaboration with The Rotary Club of Calcutta Inner City included a series of panel discussions with eminent personalities from the education sector, highlighting recent challenges and opportunities while fostering a meaningful exchange of ideas.

    The honourable dignitaries present for the event included the Education Minister of West Bengal, Bratya Basu; Rathin Ghosh, Minister of State for the Food and Supplies Department of the Government of West Bengal; and Hiralal Yadav, District Governor of Rotary District 3291. The renowned celebrities from the Bengali entertainment industry, Mr. Abir Chatterjee and Ms. Ishaa Saha, also graced the event.

    This year, News18 Bangla introduced a special lifetime achievement award for individuals in the education sector, honoring the late Arnab Roy, co-founder of NSHM Knowledge Campus in Kolkata, for his exceptional contributions. Additionally, three students who overcame significant challenges to excel in board examinations were also recognized for their achievements and resilience.

    The representatives from several prestigious institutions participated in the panel discussions, including the University of Engineering & Management IEM UEM Group Kolkata & Jaipur, JIS Group, Sister Nivedita University, SHA Infotech Solution Pvt Ltd, Narula Institute of Technology, Calcutta Business School, Barrackpore Rastraguru Surendranath College, Seacom Skills University, Kingston Educational Institute, Brainware University, The Institute of Education & Management (T.I.E.M), Swami Vivekananda University, Supreme Knowledge Foundation, JIS College of Engineering, Kalyani, Sanaka Educational Trust’s Group of Institutions and Aditya Academy Group of Schools.

    The event was powered by Reliance Industries Ltd and supported by the Steel Authority of India Ltd, Eastern Region, Kolkata.

  • Strikers franchise achieves global status under Shazmeen Kara’s leadership

    Strikers franchise achieves global status under Shazmeen Kara’s leadership

    Mumbai: With the cooperation of CEO Shazmeen Kara and the backing of Strikers’ squad owner Sagar Khanna the Strikers brand—which comprises the New York Strikers and the Colombo Strikers—has achieved global recognition. By securing participation for the franchisees in the Abu Dhabi T10 League (New York Strikers) Lanka Premier League (Colombo Strikers) and Legends Cricket Trophy (Colombo Strikers) Strikers’ franchise owner Sagar Khanna and renowned communications specialist Shazmeen Kara have expanded the teams’ global reach.

    Sagar Khanna is a key figure in the development of the strikers’ brand which is now well-known to cricket fans all over the world. Shazmeen Kara’s teamwork and the backing of Sagar Khanna’s management have brought attention to well-known cricket players who have played in different leagues and made a significant impact for the franchise such as the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir, Yuvraj Singh and Kieron Pollard

    Shazmeen has also been a trailblazer in building the strongest fan and media connect while catering to the interest of the players and the general public possessing every opportunity, since the New York Strikers lifted its first-ever trophy by winning the 2023 edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 league.

    Under her stewardship, the Colombo Strikers and the New York Strikers have become more than just cricket teams; they have evolved into lifestyle icons, capturing the imagination of fans worldwide. Shazmeen’s innovative approach to branding and marketing has redefined the fan experience, drawing in audiences beyond traditional cricketing demographics.

    Talking on the privilege of managing public attention for the Strikers squad, Shazmeen shared, “Leading the Colombo Strikers and the New York Strikers has been about more than just cricket. It’s about creating lifestyle icons that captivate fans globally. By innovating our approach, we’ve transformed the fan experience and connected with audiences far beyond traditional cricket circles.”

    Talking more about expanding the demographics for the Strikers Franchise, Shazmeen shared, “The Strikers Franchise is known for having a strong roster for its icon reconnect. When players such as Yuvraj Singh, Kieron Pollard and Babar Azam take the field, the onus increases significantly in terms of younger fans understanding the role models who have shaped cricket over the years.”

    Shazmeen’s ascent from a Mumbai-bred communications expert to a progressive figure in sports management speaks volumes about her adaptability and visionary leadership. Shazmeen Kara is also known to have been the founder and overall brand head of YWC Fashion.

    This project which embodied the spirit of cricketing great Yuvraj Singh was India’s first-ever homegrown athleisure lifestyle sport brand. Shazmeen led the creative digital and social media marketing campaigns capitalizing on Yuvi’s broad appeal.

    Speaking on leading YWC with Yuvraj Singh, Shazmeen shared, “It has been a privilege to be working closely with Yuvraj in all his campaigns for You We Can. It has been a start of an iconic partnership and it has been a privilege to be doing his communications again for New York Strikers”

    Beyond its initial success, YWC also expanded into other verticals such as men’s, women’s and children’s sports equipment, fashion accessories, jewellery and perfumes. Her partnership with cricketing icon Yuvraj Singh also exemplified her capacity to unite sports and lifestyle as they use their combined influence to propel social impact projects such as fundraising for Yuvraj’s YouWeCan Foundation to support cancer patients.

    Initially set on a path to become an IAS officer, Shazmeen’s life took a dramatic turn when a friend and mentor recognised her talent for PR and marketing. This leap of faith led her to embrace the world of communications, where she thrived, taking on major international luxury brands like Bottega Veneta, Tommy Hilfiger, Jimmy Choo, FCUK, Calvin Klein, TATA, and Sahara.

    As Shazmeen continues to revolutionise the cricketing world with her innovative strategies and unwavering dedication, she stands as an inspiration to aspiring leaders across the globe, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible.

  • Varun Kohli joins Times Network as chief operating officer for the news broadcasting business

    Varun Kohli joins Times Network as chief operating officer for the news broadcasting business

    Mumbai: Varun Kohli joins the Times Network as chief operating officer for the news broadcasting business. Varun will report to the managing director’s office while working closely with N Subramanian , executive director and Group CEO, Non-Publishing Business, Times Group. A seasoned media professional with around three decades of leadership experience, Varun has had a distinguished and a  long  media career. Varun brings in  rich experience in  P&L and Operations Management of Broadcasting Business to Times Network. Having launched several successful media brands and turning several others into profitable ventures, he is popularly known as the “Turnaround Man”. He is known to be a people’s manager and works on getting the best out of everyone working with him.

    Apart from media, Varun has also straddled through sports management in leadership role. He was instrumental in launching and organizing several successful seasons of Pro Wrestling League and Big Bout Boxing League for his previous employer, iTV Network. Varun has a  solution-based approach and diverse background across legacy brands, challenger brands and start-ups. Varun  also has been credited for transforming several companies by designing a strategic roadmap and detailed benchmarking. His past organizations include iTV Network as a Group CEO and was successfully heading 10 channels along with two publications and digital ventures of the company for over 8 years. He has also worked with Network18, HT Media Ltd, Amar Ujala Prakashan and other top media houses in senior leadership roles in the past. His last assignment was as Director & CEO of Bharat Express.

    Speaking about Varun’s appointment,  Vineet Jain, Managing Director, Times Group, said “We are happy to announce the appointment of  Varun to the leadership team at Times Network as Chief Operating Officer of the News Broadcasting Business. With his deep experience  in the News Broadcasting Business, we expect Varun to  bring in innovative approaches to Revenue Management and News Business Operations and propel Times Network to the next level of growth. We at Times Group welcome Varun to the team and wish him all the best in his  new role”.

    Speaking about this role, Varun said “It is humbling to be a part of a company with such a great legacy having leadership across brands spanning English News, Hindi News and Business News. Looking forward to creating more success stories across brands at Times Network under the able leadership of Vineet Jain”.
     

  • ABPLIVE unveils premium subscription service for exclusive news content

    ABPLIVE unveils premium subscription service for exclusive news content

    Mumbai: ABPLIVE, a premier digital news platform, has unveiled ABPLIVE Premium, a subscription service crafted to deliver exclusive benefits and in-depth content to its readers. This landmark launch comes on the heels of a successful membership drive, which has garnered nearly one million registered users in record time.

    ABPLIVE Premium subscribers will get uninterrupted access to premium content, exclusive features and more. To celebrate the launch, an introductory annual subscription is available at an exceptional price of Rs 315, offering a substantial 85 epr cent discount from the regular price of Rs 2099. The ABPLIVE website will retain its usual navigation experience; however, users will be prompted to log-in and subscribe when accessing premium content. Non-subscribers can enjoy three premium articles for free before the paywall activates.

    Speaking on the launch, ABP Network CEO Avinash Pandey said, “ABPLIVE Premium is the natural evolution of our success, allowing us to provide an even more enriching content experience for our audience. It is designed to cater to a discerning audience that values quality and depth in their news consumption. Whether you’re interested in a deeper understanding of complex political issues, nuanced takes on business and technology trends, or insightful cultural commentary, ABPLIVE Premium offers a richer, more rewarding news experience. Our commitment is to empower our subscribers to stay informed and ahead of the curve.”

    Initially, ABPLIVE Premium will be available in English and Hindi. Subscribers will enjoy a range of premium content, including insightful analysis, in-depth pieces by subject matter experts, and exclusive columns by renowned names.

    The ABPLIVE Premium user experience will be further enriched by upcoming enhancements, including access to premium games through the GamesLIVE platform, ensuring subscribers can unwind with quality gaming while staying informed. Additionally, subscribers will receive special alerts for exclusive coverage events, keeping them ahead of important news developments. A dedicated live stream channel is planned for paid users during prominent events like the ABP Network Ideas of India Summit or Auto LIVE Awards, providing an exclusive window into these marquee events.

    In addition, ABPLIVE is also introducing a YouTube channel featuring exclusive reports, coverages, special programming, and classic content across languages. Subscribers will need a separate subscription for ABPLIVE Premium YT.

    ABPLIVE Premium signifies a commitment to delivering exceptional journalism and catering to the evolving needs of its audience. With the launch, ABPLIVE is set to redefine how users engage with news and insights.

  • WCL goes super big in broadcasting with Star Sports in India

    WCL goes super big in broadcasting with Star Sports in India

    Mumbai: The World Championship of Legends (WCL), featuring iconic cricket players from around the globe, is thrilled to announce its official broadcasting partners for various regions worldwide. This partnership ensures that cricket enthusiasts across different continents can experience the tournament live.

    • India: Star Sports
    • North America: Willow by Cricbuzz
    • MENA Region: Cricbuzz
    • Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
    • United Kingdom: TNT Sports
    • Australia: Fox Sports

    The WCL, approved by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and presented by travel company EaseMyTrip, will take place from 3 to 13 July at Edgbaston and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in the UK. It brings together legendary players for an unforgettable series of matches.

    World Championship of Legends’ owner Harshit Tomar stated: “We are excited to provide fans with the chance to see cricket legends in action once again. With our global broadcasting partners, we can reach a wide audience and celebrate the spirit of cricket worldwide. Partnering with Star Sports will bring WCL to a broad audience in Asia, ensuring top-notch coverage of this historic event.”

    The WCL will feature teams from India, Australia, West Indies, England, Pakistan, and South Africa. The tournament includes cricket legends such as:

    • India Champions: Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina
    • Australia Champions: Brett lee , Aaron Finch , Shaun Marsh, Ben Cutting
    • West Indies Champions: Chris Gayle,Daren Sammy, Dwayne smith
    • England Champions: Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel
    • Pakistan Champions: Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan
    • South Africa Champions: Jacques Kallis , JP duminy,Dale Steyn

    Fans in Asia can watch all the live action on Star Sports channels and the Fancode platform.

  • Creativeland Studios Onboards Industry Luminary Shobha Sant as CEO

    Creativeland Studios Onboards Industry Luminary Shobha Sant as CEO

    Mumbai: Creativeland Studios, led by creative entrepreneur Sajan Raj Kurup announced today via an official statement that Indian film industry luminary, Shobha Sant is set to lead the entertainment enterprise as it’s a chief executive officer.

    With over three decades of experience, Shobha joins Creativeland Studios following her long stint as the Head of content alliances – Films at Jio Studios, a major film studio and prior to which she also served as CEO at Bhansali Productions for over five years.

    “I am delighted to have Shobha onboard at Creativeland Studios. With her vast experience and knowledge across films and creative industries globally, we are certain that this alignment of minds will only prove to create new benchmarks. Creativeland Studios is geared towards championing great content and talent, taking India to the world and I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to lead this. We are excited about our slate and the global curators who have joined hands on this common mission” said Sajan Raj Kurup, Founder & Managing Director, Creativeland Studios.

    In her role as CEO, Shobha is set to lead the creative business across the filmed entertainment space which forms a major part of the enterprise and the talent business of AIG-India, the joint venture between Creativeland Studios and Artist International Global

    “I am looking forward to this new chapter with Raj, Jani, Alpa, Jaimie and the extended team at Creativeland Studios in India and Creators Inc. London to build what we believe will be a new-age entertainment ecosystem that focuses on quality content across formats and world-class talent, geared at taking India to the world and bringing the best of world-class talent and content to India,” said Creativeland Studios chief executive officer Shobha Sant.

    Shobha Sant is set to work alongside the Founder & MD, Sajan Raj Kurup and Alpa Golcha who serves as Chief Operating Officer post her stint at Amazon Prime Video India and Dharma Productions.

    Creativeland Studios also recently announced an AIG-India JV with David Unger, to promote Indian talent globally.

    Creativeland Studios (CLS) is a group company of Creativeland Worldwide Limited that is geared to curate and create compelling travelable narratives from India to bring them to the world. With the vision to incubate, create and collaborate, the best of content and talents; the enterprise is focused on taking India to the world and through, be it content or talent.

    Additionally, CLS’s Joint venture with AIG is also geared to represent Indian talent internationally and foster collaborations for international talents in the country. In addition to building a robust slate of content, Creators Inc co-produced the much talked about documentary ‘The Commandant’s Shadow’ directed by Daniela Volker, where Sajan Raj Kurup served as an Executive Producer which is currently playing in theatres across the USA, following acquired by Warner Bros and HBO. Creativeland Studios also produced “No Filter Neha Season 6” in partnership with Jio TV, bringing it to video format.

  • Sony YAY! expands regional reach with Odia-dubbed kids programs

    Sony YAY! expands regional reach with Odia-dubbed kids programs

    Mumbai: Sony YAY! becomes the first kids’ channel to offer its most popular kids programs Shin chan, Oggy and the Cockroaches and Honey Bunny in Odia language. This initiative is to cater to the growing viewership from young audiences in Odisha.

    With over 1000 hours of unique content and a weekly reach of over 15 million, Sony YAY! will offer content in seven regional languages – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bangla, Kannada, and Odia. This launch allows children in Odisha to enjoy three iconic shows – The leading chase comedy Oggy and the Cockroaches, the longest-running pet comedy Honey Bunny, and the latest, biggest addition to their eclectic lineup, the iconic show – Shin chan.

    Sony YAY! business head Leena Lele Dutta said, “Within the enchanting world of animation, toons aren’t just characters; they’re companions, confidants, and cherished playmates in the imaginative landscapes of childhood. When toons engage in dialogue that resonates with the innocence and wonder in young audiences, they transcend mere entertainment to become treasured friends, speaking a language that resonates deeply with young hearts, further endearing themselves to their audience.”    

    SPNI head of distribution, sales & marketing Makarand Palekar underscored, “By 2025, 60 per cent of TV consumption is projected to be regional content, according to FICCI-EY projections. Our strategic expansion into the Odisha market fortifies our ability to cater to the unique preferences of Odia-speaking audiences. The launch of our Odia feed cements our presence in this dynamic market.”

    The Odia-dubbed shows will be part of a general entertainment channel (GEC) bundle, offering families high-quality entertainment at an affordable price, reinforcing SPNI’s commitment to its audience across diverse linguistic backgrounds.

  • Amagi selected as Lionsgate’s FAST playout and delivery partner

    Amagi selected as Lionsgate’s FAST playout and delivery partner

    Mumbai— Amagi, the leader in cloud-based SaaS technology for broadcast and Connected TV (CTV), today announced that after rigorous testing of multiple vendors, Lionsgate has chosen Amagi to be its partner for FAST playout and deliveries globally. This strategic partnership aims to leverage Amagi’s cutting-edge cloud technology to scale Lionsgate’s content delivery capabilities globally and enable the launch of new channels at an unprecedented pace.

    “Our partnership with Amagi has enabled us to further lean into FAST, quickly scale up our channel lineup, and optimize monetization of content from across our library — all while delivering viewing experiences that look and feel like TV,” said Chase Brisbin, EVP of International SVOD Sales and Head of Global Channels at Lionsgate EVP of international SVOD sales and head of Global Channels . “We’re now managing a large FAST portfolio, including recently launching two new channels – Nash Bridges and The Conners – with more to come in both the U.S. and internationally. Amagi’s cloud solutions and support team are integral to our ability to efficiently manage this volume on a global scale.”

    Known for its extensive library of popular titles such as “John Wick,” “The Hunger Games,” “Mad Men,” “Weeds,” and “Nashville,” Lionsgate is using Amagi’s technology to create and manage a mix of multi-program and single IP channels.

    Lionsgate is leveraging the Amagi CLOUDPORT cloud-based automation and playout platform, the Amagi PLANNER cloud-based platform for content planning and TV channel program scheduling, Amagi THUNDERSTORM, the SSAI & Analytics Platform, and the Amagi ADS PLUS real-time CTV advertising marketplace outside the U.S. This suite of solutions enables Lionsgate to manage, deliver, and monetize linear and VOD content for two dozen channels across a broad footprint and efficiently handle scores of deliveries, making it one of the largest players in the FAST ecosystem.

    “Amagi’s infrastructure and dedicated team of professionals are uniquely positioned to support Lionsgate’s rapid expansion,” said Srinivasan KA, Co-Founder & Chief Revenue Officer at Amagi. “Together, we are executing a playbook for building an optimized and efficient media business in the 21st century. This collaboration sets a new benchmark in the industry for content studios, allowing them to creatively maximize their existing content library, expand their reach, add new viewers, attract advertisers, and increase revenues.”

    Amagi provides a complete suite of channel creation, distribution, and monetization solutions. Amagi’s global clients include ABS-CBN, AccuWeather, A+E Networks UK, beIN Sports, Cineverse, Cox Media Group, Crackle Plus, Fremantle, Gannett, Gusto TV, NBCUniversal, PAC-12, Tastemade, and The Roku Channel, among others.

  • Shooting in Brazil has never been easier

    Shooting in Brazil has never been easier

    With its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, Brazil has become an increasingly attractive destination for filmmakers worldwide. However, navigating the intricacies of filming in Brazil can be challenging for those unfamiliar.  

    Brazil

    Relying on a company that takes care of every step of visa acquisition, assists with the team’s arrival at the airport, and speaks the local language allows the focus of the contractor to remain where it should: on creating compelling content for their audience.  

    Story Productions

    That’s where Story Productions comes in – the company has experience in hosting teams from various countries, specially India. In addition to orchestrating the entire production in Brazilian territory, it boasts an extensive menu of locations to cater to all creative demands and budgets.  

    Story Productions

    Story has a comprehensive pre-production platform in place to ensure everything is organized, sparing the team from working long hours. The crew also undertakes meticulous casting work, catering to the needs of various types of productions, whether it involves famous actors, extras, or dancers.

    Please find on the links below a sample of the Bollywood productions Story Productions has assisted with last year and enjoy the music, the dance, and the stunning locations featured!

     

    Co founder and Partner Nick Story said “We help our clients create narratives with real impact, through documentaries, reality shows, journalistic coverage, commercials, corporate videos and branded content.” He further said  “Story Productions offers full production services for international producers wishing to film in Brazil. We are well equipped to work on all kinds of projects, whether you’re making music videos, a documentary, a TV show, a feature film or corporate videos, we can help!”

    Planning to film in Brazil? Get in (https://www.storyproductions.com/contact-us) touch now! If needed, Story has an Indian partner who speaks Hindi to support you. (+91 9833844682)