Category: Television

  • NDTV’s carnival truck brings flavour to election result

    NDTV’s carnival truck brings flavour to election result

    Mumbai: NDTV captivated viewers with its innovative and engaging special coverage of the General Elections 2024, featuring its election carnival truck. To mark the counting day on 4 June 2024, NDTV came up with a distinctive approach to election coverage by infusing culinary elements into their reporting, seamlessly blending the political discourse with gastronomical delights.

    The unique set-up held at the NDTV premises, featured a unique collaboration with an array of partners such as PVR, Biryani by Kilo, Urban Vada Pav, Sitaram Diwan Chand – Chole Bhature, and Chaat Masters, delivering an irresistible feast of mouth-watering foods from across the nation and offered a rich tapestry of India’s diverse culinary heritage. From the flavourful Chhole Bhature and Aloo Tikki of Delhi to the beloved Vada Pav and Pani Puri of Bombay, NDTV’s coverage brilliantly encapsulated the essence of India’s culinary diversity.

    Against this vibrant backdrop, NDTV anchors and analysts provided insightful discussions on the election results from various states. The channel presented a fusion of political analysis and rich cultural & culinary experience. This distinctive approach not only highlighted the regional cuisines but also made NDTV’s election coverage a unique and memorable event. This initiative garnered significant interest from NDTV’s viewers, as it offered them a fresh perspective on how media can creatively engage with their audience across states.

    This was the conclusion of NDTV’s election carnival, a vibrant celebration of democratic enthusiasm and civic engagement, that marked an extraordinary journey across India. It captivated hearts and minds as it travelled the carnival originally planned to cover 5,000 kilometers, but due to its overwhelming reception, the route was extended to over 11,000 kilometers, reaching more than 50 cities non-stop over the past 30 days.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

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  • Revenant Esports expands to Europe With new CS2 Roster

    Revenant Esports expands to Europe With new CS2 Roster

    Mumbai: Leading Indian esports organisation, Revenant Esports, has announced its expansion to Europe by signing a European Counter Strike 2 (CS2) roster. The new roster consists of noted CS2 athletes Nathan “NBK” Schmitt, Adelin “adeX-” Nica, Kamil “reiko” Cegiełko, Laurențiu “lauNX” Țârlea and Nabil “Nivera” Benrlitom.

    The team will currently be based out of the organisation’s boot camp in Belgrade, Serbia. The new roster will debut on LAN at the Skyesports Championship 2024. They would also be playing other prestigious online tournaments, with a focus on qualifying for the upcoming Shanghai Major. Guiding the team would be Patrik “pakesZ” Rozsos as coach and general manager, and Chris “Jeebs” DeSantis as assistant coach, both of whom have extensive experience in building competitive teams.

    Revenant Esports, founder and CEO, Rohit Jagasia, said “Our decision to enter the global CS2 arena was fueled by a passion for Counter-Strike and a strategic vision for global expansion. We have been keenly observing and exploring the European esports market for a while. CS2 has a very substantial viewership and a vibrant esports ecosystem in European territory and hence it also translates to more monetisation and partnership opportunities for us. This is another step for us in the direction to create a truly global esports organisation, from India.”

    Currently, Revenant Esports has ongoing partnerships with multiple brands like Puma, Kreo, AMD, Gigabyte, Aorus, Corsair, and Cybeart. With this expansion, Revenant Esports will be looking to forge new brand partnerships globally, with a special focus on brands and companies from the European territory.

    The athletes of the new CS2 roster have significant achievements and accolades to their names including, multiple CS:GO Majors, Blast Premier, La Coupe 4 Paris, IEM, ESL tournaments and more.

    Revenant Esports has been a noted name in the Indian esports ecosystem. Its achievements include clinching the #1 spot in Pokemon Unite in India for 2022-2023, finishing 7th at the Brawl Stars World Championship 2023-2024, securing the 2nd spot at  Skyesports Masters 2023: Regular Season, and more.

    Revenant Esports is also home to noted content creators including Antaryami Gaming, Alpha Clasher, PlayLikeIncognito, Punkk, Bitty Boi, Emperor Plays, Ayush Gaming, DevilDeez, BrownVoid, and Salty.

  • Sony SAB announces new show ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’

    Sony SAB announces new show ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’

    Mumbai: Sony SAB, renowned for its innovative and progressive narratives, especially those showcasing empowered female protagonists, is set to launch its much-anticipated new show, ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’. An inspiring story of dreams and determination, the show features Amandeep Sidhu as the protagonist Baani and the show is brought to life by the powerhouse producer duo, Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey.

    ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’ tells the story of Baani, a middle class, spirited girl with dreams as vast as the sky and a determination that knows no bounds. However, Baani’s ambition isn’t just for personal gain; her primary goal is to provide a better life for her family, pushing beyond the limitations life has imposed on them.

    As Baani’s aspirations grow, she ventures into the dynamic and often male-dominated world of stocks and trading. ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’ showcases Baani’s relentless pursuit of success, highlighting her sacrifices, struggles, and the sheer willpower to turn her dreams into reality, one bold step at a time.

    Sony SAB business head Neeraj Vyas said, “Sony SAB goes beyond entertainment. We curate stories that are unique, and mirror the hopes, challenges, and aspirations of our audience. By presenting genuine and relatable characters, we forge a connection that resonates deeply. Television’s power lies in its ability to inspire, and that’s the cornerstone of our content strategy. Our upcoming launch ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’ for example, is a testament to the unwavering pursuit of dreams, however unachievable they may appear. Through this show, we aim to inspire our viewers, urging them to believe in their infinite ability, embrace their dreams and persevere even when the path seems daunting.”

    Creator and producer of Badall Pe Paon Hai Sargun Mehta said, “Badall Pe Paon Hai stands apart from all the shows on television. It is a story that showcases an indomitable spirit. This is especially important for women who usually have odds stacked against them when it comes to achieving their ambitions. Shows like this play a vital role in dismantling those limitations. By amplifying powerful female narratives, we empower more women to dream fearlessly and believe in their own potential.  I believe these stories are essential on television and there couldn’t have been a better channel than Sony SAB to showcase this story of Badall Pe Paon Hai.”

    Tune in to Sony SAB to watch ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’ from 10 June, airing every Monday to Saturday at 7:30 pm.

  • Dr Deepak Chopra explores happiness on Duologue with Barun Das Season 2 CTV premiere

    Dr Deepak Chopra explores happiness on Duologue with Barun Das Season 2 CTV premiere

    Mumbai: Barun Das and Dr Deepak Chopra embarked on a profound dialogue about the intersections of well-being, leadership, and modern challenges, in the CTV premiere of the third episode in Duologue with Barun Das Season 2.

    The eagerly anticipated third episode of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ Season 2 premiered on India’s only 24×7 digital English news livestream, News9 Live, at 9 pm on the 1  June 2024. The episode featured Barun Das, MD & CEO of TV9 Network, and the internationally acclaimed author and wellness guru, Dr. Deepak Chopra engage in a profoundly cerebral conversation on the meaning of happiness, tradition, leadership and more.

    In a compelling back-and-forth, Das and Dr Chopra delved into the intricacies of modern life, discussing contemporary sources of stress and the transformative potential of well-being practices. Dr Chopra, known for his profound insights and holistic approach, shared his perspective on the current state of the world, describing unhappy people as “victim(s) of the hypnosis of social conditioning.”

    Dr Chopra’s insights offer a refreshing take on leadership and personal growth. “In my life, I’ve used only two formulas: pursue excellence and ignore success,” he revealed in a candid moment. The conversation explored the challenges of engaging people with transformative ideas and the significance of joy in personal and professional life.

    Both visionary thinkers, Dr Chopra and Das dived deeper into the ambiguous concept of happiness, with each sharing their understanding of what it was, the importance of measuring it, and the different formulas that could be used to calculate it.

    Touching on neuroplasticity, Dr Chopra advocated for traditional activities that foster creativity, such as listening to music, engaging with nature, and reading fiction. “Rote work doesn’t encourage neuroplasticity. It’s simply the recycling of collective consciousness,” he explained.

    The Duologue also touched on the evolving role of AI in creativity and well-being, with Das delineating the significance of left-brain and right-brain activities, while Dr Chopra emphasized the limitations of artificial intelligence and the importance of traditional activities that foster creativity. “AI will never be fundamentally creative but can solve routine problems,” he asserted.

    Duologue host Barun Das resonated with Dr Chopra’s views, expressing his non-conformist stance regarding traditions, which he said he considers vestiges of a bygone era that no longer align with contemporary realities.

    The episode offered a glimpse into the profound wisdom of Dr Chopra and his visionary approach to well-being and leadership. Following this episode, ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ continues to bring thought-provoking conversations to audiences on Saturday the 8th of June at 9 pm, this time with an episode featuring India’s most iconic golfing legend, Jeev Milkha Singh, exclusively on News9 Live.

  • ‘Love Kills: Shabnam Aur Saleem – Amroha Hatyakand’ premieres on 9 June on Discovery Channel!

    ‘Love Kills: Shabnam Aur Saleem – Amroha Hatyakand’ premieres on 9 June on Discovery Channel!

    Mumbai: The gripping discovery+ original series “Love Kills: Shabnam Aur Saleem Amroha Hatyakand” is set to premiere on Discovery Channel starting 9 June 2024 every Sunday at 10 pm. This hard-hitting investigative documentary delves into the notorious Amroha murder case of 2008, unraveling the chilling events that shocked India. Through a detailed exploration of the brutal crime, the series examines the deadly combination of revenge, jealousy, and greed. Viewers will witness the shocking story of Shabnam, a teacher, who, along with her lover Saleem, orchestrated the murder of seven members of her own family.

    ‘Love Kills: Shabnam Aur Saleem – Amroha Hatyakand offers an in-depth look at the darker side of human emotions and the devastating consequences that follow. The docu-series offers a window into the police’s investigation process. Through interviews with former officials, it sheds light on their method of empathizing with Shabnam’s perspective to grasp the events of the tragic night.

    Don’t miss “Love Kills: Shabnam Aur Saleem – Amroha Hatyakand” on Discovery Channel to witness a true story of a deadly affair and a shocking murder. Catch the first episode on Sunday, 9 June at 10 pm. The show is also available for streaming on discovery+.

  • One Take Media brings Unicorn Animation MIA and ME

    One Take Media brings Unicorn Animation MIA and ME

    Mumbai: An announcement that’s sure to excite all the unicorn fans in India – One Take Media is all set to bring the globally popular live-action animation series called ‘Mia and Me’ to India to their vast library of kids’ animation shows.

    Mia and Me is a fun-filled adventure series with 4 seasons which turned out to be a popular hit show across the globe. Now it will be available in Hindi and various other regional languages to Indian viewers, courtesy One Take Media.

    Mia and Me series revolves around Mia an awkward 12-year-old who arrives at a new boarding school – what she doesn’t realize is the powers of the magical bracelet gifted to her by her parents. This bracelet can transport Mia to a magical world called Centopia, where she transforms into a flying elf with the ability to talk to unicorns. In Centopia, Mia is given the task of saving the land’s unicorns from an evil queen.

    The audience for kids’ animation live-action shows in India is huge and Mia and Me is sure to mesmerize the kids with its colorful quality animation and engaging storyline. As kids love to watch their favourite shows in their local language, Mia and Me will be made available in Hindi and five other regional languages.

    One Take Media Co. is a content production and distribution hub in Mumbai specializing in K-Drama, Kids Animation and Devotional segments.  Their OTT App PLAYFLIX was recently awarded Best App of the Year 2024.

  • News18 Network scales up CTV sales with 250 plus brands on counting day

    News18 Network scales up CTV sales with 250 plus brands on counting day

    Mumbai: News18 Network has set a new milestone on the election’s result day that is 4 June by executing 250 campaigns in a single day, the highest number ever in its history. This achievement is notable not only for the volume of campaigns but also for attracting a significant number of new clients, underlining the network’s growing strength on connected TV (CTV).

    All 250 campaigns were broadcast across News18 Network’s regional channels on CTV, drawing in a diverse range of new clients, particularly from the retail sector, as well as top regional and national businesses in fintech, edutech, and the automotive industry.

    News18 Network’s CEO – Indian languages Mitul Sangani commented on the network’s outstanding performance: “We at News18 Network are grateful to our loyal viewers for making us their preferred choice during this important election season, which has helped us maintain our position as the top news platform. We are thrilled with the campaign’s response and the large number of new clients it attracted from various industries. This success motivates us to continue developing innovative concepts for impactful campaigns.”

    In terms of TV and digital platform viewership, News18 Network leads the market. The network’s high viewership, wide reach, and consistently relevant content have made it the go-to source for news and an ideal platform for advertising, capturing viewers’ full attention in every segment.

  • STAR Sports’ fan-first initiatives boost digital engagement for IPL 2024

    STAR Sports’ fan-first initiatives boost digital engagement for IPL 2024

    Mumbai: Since the start of the 17th edition of the IPL, Star Sports’ social media platforms have experienced an extraordinary surge in engagement, witnessing 300 per cent growth compared to 2023 edition. Additionally, the broadcaster recorded over one billion views and reached out to more than 100 million unique users during the entire IPL 2024 season.

    The broadcaster celebrated the cricketing festival across the nation with its multifaceted approach, providing fans with various experiences through on-ground activations and social platforms. Anchored by the incredible star cast of experts, Star Sports Believe ambassadors and more than 2000 creators from Star Sports Creator Network, the broadcaster has woven together a myriad of engaging initiatives, embodying the essence of IPL fandom.

    “We are ecstatic by the overwhelming response from fans across the nation during this IPL season. The incredible growth in engagement on our social media platforms and the widespread reach we achieved is a testament to the passion and love of fans and viewers that unites us all. Our dedicated efforts to create a vibrant and immersive fan experience, have truly brought the spirit of IPL to life. We remain committed to enhancing digital engagement and delivering unparalleled experiences to our fans and viewers”, said Star Sports Network head – marketing  Vikram Passi.

    Starting with ‘Star Nahi Far’, the broadcaster provided a unique opportunity for fans across the lengths and breadths of the country to meet their favourite IPL players and legends up close and personal. Star Sports Believe ambassadors like Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and cricket legends like Steve Smith and Stuart Broad among others were part of this unique initiative by Star Sports. Over 50 million unique cricket enthusiasts nationwide across 1450 cities actively participated in Star Sports’ ‘Star Nahi Far’ contest to meet more than 20 IPL stars, making it the biggest contest on Glance.

    Speaking on the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant said, “Meeting fans through Star Sports’ wonderful ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative was an incredibly humbling experience for me. Their unwavering support and heartfelt wishes during the tough times touched me. I had a fantastic time interacting with everyone and playing gully cricket, which brought back so many cherished memories. The love and encouragement from the fans have fueled my determination, and I can’t wait to give my best for the country.”

    In another initiative, Star Sports’ “Dream Job” offered aspiring creators to be next face on Star Sports for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This eight-week challenge during IPL 2024, around key narratives of the on-going season, garnered an overwhelming response, attracting 5,500 entries from a diverse array of participants spanning different demographics, geographies, and walks of life. Some entries gained significant attention on social media, with one reel amassing over 61 million views, highlighting the wide array of talent in the country. Overall, the Star Sports Dream Job activation was a unique initiative leveraging the digital ecosystem to discover talent that resulted in more than 310 million views. Soumi Dey Sarkar, a national-level athlete in powerlifting and a runner, has bagged the prestigious Star Sports ‘Dream Job’ following a robust selection drive during the TATA IPL 2024.

    Star Sports also collaborated with over 100 top influencers across India throughout the season. There was a special match organized between creators and former cricketers under the banner of “Ajab Gajab T20 Challenge”. The match features influencers like Dharna, Abhishek Malhan, Aakash Gupta, and Viraj Ghelani playing alongside Steve Smith, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, and Ambati Rayudu. Partnerships with creators like CarryMinati and Madan Gowri added diverse content.

    Speaking about his association with Star Sports for the TATA IPL 2024, CarryMinati said, “Working with Star Sports on the TATA IPL 2024 was a special experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to showcase a different side of the tournament. Working alongside cricket legends and hearing their insights was truly memorable.”

    Moreover, ‘Incredible Premier League School Quiz’ ignited the passion of young cricket fans, nurturing their love for the sport and creating unique opportunities for brands targeting this enthusiastic consumer cohort. The second instalment of this quiz has attracted a record-breaking 2.1 lakh participants from over 17,000 schools.

    The broadcaster has also closely worked with multiple platforms such as Meta, YouTube, Glance and Josh among others to better serve the fan. With the fan approach and regular engagements, the broadcaster has built a robust fan community of 50.9 million* fans across YouTube, Instagram, X, Facebook and WhatsApp and largest sports community on WhatsApp in India with more than 15.50 million followers.

  • Zee News AI exit polls and actual results show remarkable accuracy

    Zee News AI exit polls and actual results show remarkable accuracy

    Mumbai: As the nation eagerly awaited the results of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election, Zee News introduced an unprecedented approach to election forecasting. Utilizing AI-powered sentiment analysis, Zee News embarked on a mission to capture the pulse of the nation by gathering opinions from an astounding 10 crore voters across India. As the most trusted voice in the country, Zee News has broken new ground with ZEENIA, delivering impeccably precise exit poll predictions driven by advanced AI technology.

    The results were nothing short of remarkable. Zee News’ AI-driven forecast accurately predicted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would secure 305 seats, while the actual results showed the NDA winning 292 seats. This close alignment between the predicted and actual results highlights the unparalleled accuracy of Zee News’s methodology and their profound understanding of voters’ sentiments.

    In stark contrast, other channels and survey agencies predicted NDA seats to be around 400, further underscoring the evolving nature of Zee News’ approach. This monumental achievement not only solidifies Zee News’ position as a pioneer in the field of journalism but also reaffirms its commitment to delivering reliable and insightful coverage to a nation hungry for accurate information.

    Highlighting the accuracy and reliability element, Zee News managing editor Rahul Sinha said, “Zee News is known for unbiased and factual reporting. The close match between our AI exit poll predictions and the actual election results is a significant achievement for the channel. It illustrates the capability of artificial intelligence, particularly our AI anchor ZEENIA, to deliver precise and unbiased election forecasts. The adoption of cutting-edge technology allowed us to provide our viewers with the most accurate information. We are proud to set a new benchmark in election reporting, ensuring citizens are well-informed with reliable data that closely reflects the final vote counts.”

    Zee News’ AI-powered exit polls have undoubtedly set a new standard in election forecasting, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian journalism.

  • Disney Star produces historical global broadcast of ICC T20 Mens’s World Cup 2024 for ICC

    Disney Star produces historical global broadcast of ICC T20 Mens’s World Cup 2024 for ICC

    Mumbai: Disney Star is the official Production Services partner of the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the prestigious ICC Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cup editions in 2024. This appointment continues the long-standing association between ICC and Disney Star, to deliver world-class viewing experiences to fans across the world and follows the global broadcast of ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.

    Over the past decade and a half, Disney Star and the ICC have collaborated worldwide to deliver several ground-breaking global broadcasts. The ongoing tournament is a historic event with 20 teams playing 55 matches and is the first time a marquee cricket tournament is being played on American soil. Disney Star aims to elevate the viewing experience for the event by bringing viewers closer to the game and its heroes and capturing the myriad colors of fandom. The historic event played across 9 venues, will see 450+ production personnel deployed across the US & Caribbean islands. A robust roster of 90 commentators from 12 countries will build narratives, elevate moments, tell compelling stories, and provide nuanced insights. It will be ably supported by production crews from 17 nations, who will strive to deliver an exemplary global broadcast in 11 languages.

    Disney Star head – Sports Sanjog Gupta said, “We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with ICC as their production partner to bring the glory of their global marquee events to billions of viewers around the world. We remain committed to serving current fans and recruiting new ones across geographies, demographics, and devices by elevating the context of the tournament, taking fans deeper into the contests, enhancing narratives of the competition, and building seminal cultural moments around the ICC T20 World Cups. We hope fans enjoy this historic broadcast produced by Disney Star.”

    Steve Smith, one of the commentators on the host broadcast, said, “My first real brush with commentary was with Star Sports earlier this year. Being a part of the roster for the host broadcast of ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is an incredible opportunity and I look forward to contributing with my knowledge of the T20 format and understanding of how the modern cricketer thinks, plans, and plays. I look forward to working closely with production crews from Disney Star.”

    Irfan Pathan, one of the commentators for the Hindi broadcast, said, “I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of Star Sports’ historic broadcast for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. The Hindi coverage has been the driver of viewership growth and enhanced fan engagement in India. I am glad to see that the Hindi broadcast is being made available in multiple cricket-watching countries around the world including US and UK. I can’t wait to share this unique experience with fans globally.”

    Ambati Rayudu, one of the commentators for the Telugu and Hindi broadcast, said, “This tournament will be unique in many ways. With 20 teams, 55 matches, and new venues, it’s a thrilling combination that I eagerly look forward to. Having recently started my commentary career, it was heart-warming to see the response from millions of fans to the Telugu broadcast. I will continue to strive to bring viewers sharp insights and forthright opinions on the game.”

    For this marquee event in the Americas, Disney Star has developed a world-class broadcast framework with its core objective of deepening relationships with core fans while growing interest among diverse cohorts of new and casual fans.

    Building on the success of the vertical feed at the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, Disney Star and the ICC will introduce an AI-supported vertical feed for the T20 World Cup —a world first for cricket. In addition to the vertical feed, designed for mobile devices, the broadcast will also entail a feed aimed at making the viewing experience for cricket more inclusive. A parallel service that caters to viewers with partial/complete hearing or sight impairment will also be available. The host broadcaster will also capture off-field moments as well as team and player preparations. It will also deploy the latest technology innovations to bring to fans in-depth analysis and visually compelling storytelling.

    In addition to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Disney Star will also produce the global broadcast of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, to be played in Bangladesh starting September 2024.