Mumbai: Sportz Interactive (SI), a leading sports technology and content solutions company and a part of the Sportz Solutions Group, welcomed a new client relationship with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation and part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO).
UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries, including India. With this region in mind, Sportz Interactive has been mandated to provide a comprehensive and forward-thinking social media strategy for India that includes regional-specific content creation, localisation, and implementation across UFC’s official social media platforms in India. SI will leverage its expertise in digital content creation and fan engagement strategies to expand Indian fan engagement on UFC’s Instagram, Facebook and YouTube accounts.
The first successful implementation in the partnership was the launch of UFC’s first official Instagram account in India in January 2024. In the first two months, the account added over 210,000 organic followers and featured a collaboration with Bollywood superstar Vidyut Jammwal for UFC 298. Engagement across all UFC India platforms experienced a strong start, with over 250,000 interactions and three plus million views.
Additionally, SI aims to drive viewership of UFC events on UFC’s broadcast partner in the Indian subcontinent, Sony Sports Network India – a partnership that was recently extended through 2028. SI, UFC and Sony Sports Network will collaborate on pre-fight week build-ups and live event coverage, including engaging with celebrities and sports figures, and promoting India’s UFC athletes, Anshul Jubli and Puja Tomar.
Speaking on the relationship, UFC senior vice president and head of Asia Kevin Chang said, “India is becoming a massive UFC market and our efforts to connect with our fan base there is reflective of that. With their proven expertise in the industry, we are pleased to have Sportz Interactive on board to elevate UFC’s digital footprint and we will endeavor to deliver a truly bespoke experience to UFC fans in India.”
Sportz Interactive head of partnerships & client success Raghav Mehta said, “We are excited about this opportunity to collaborate with UFC to enhance their digital presence and engage fans in innovative ways. We look forward to maximising fan affinity and building this globally iconic brand in India and delighting sports fans along the way.”
Mumbai: News18 Network is set to unveil the results of its Mega Opinion Poll, featuring an extensive survey covering 518 Lok Sabha constituencies across 21 major states.
The poll, airing on 13 March and 14 March, features a massive sample size of over 1,18,616 respondents, representing 95 per cent of Lok Sabha constituencies and making it one of the largest surveys in the country.
The survey, which goes live at 6 pm on 13 March, will provide valuable insights into the political landscape of India, offering a detailed analysis of voter sentiment and preferences ahead of the upcoming general elections.
The poll findings will also be projected as a vote and seat share for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections with individual projections for all major states and for regions within states.
Utilizing a structured questionnaire translated into 11 regional languages, the survey employed personal face-to-face interviews conducted at homes selected via random sampling. Each Lok Sabha constituency was meticulously covered, with 3 Assembly constituencies and 5 polling booths selected in each, ensuring a representative and unbiased sampling process.
Fieldwork for the survey was carried out by trained investigators from ten different fieldwork agencies, with strict quality control measures in place. Before going into the field, the teams underwent detailed briefing sessions to ensure adherence to the sampling plan and questionnaire. Senior field managers and executives conducted on-the-spot quality checks, and each interview was geo-tagged to verify its authenticity.
The results of the News18 Mega Opinion Poll will be covered extensively across all 20 News18 network channels including News18 India, CNN-News18 and News18 regional channels in 16 languages. The results will also feature on News18’s 16 websites in various languages, ensuring wide-reaching and inclusive coverage of the landmark survey.
The News18 Mega Opinion Poll was conducted by News18 Poll Hub. Detailed responses and methodology of the survey will be made available on News18.com, providing transparency and accountability to the process.
For more information, please visit News18.com or tune in to the special programming, starting at 6 pm on 13 March and 14 March across all News18 channels.
Mumbai: Neeraj Jha, who previously served as the head of content and acquisition (sports) at Warner Bros Discovery, has been promoted to the role of director – head of content and acquisition (sports).
In his prior position, Jha spearheaded the rights and acquisition endeavors for Eurosport and Discovery Plus, successfully negotiating and securing significant content deals. These efforts led to a notable 30 percent expansion of the content library and a marked increase in viewer engagement.
Jha also supervised the production and strategy of branded sales content, collaborating closely with marketing teams to devise campaigns that resulted in a noteworthy 25 percent growth in sponsorships and advertising revenue. Furthermore, he played a key role in developing and executing programming strategies, syndication, and slot-selling initiatives, which culminated in a substantial 40 percent surge in viewership and enhanced market positioning.
His career journey began as an assistant producer at IMG, and he subsequently gained experience across prominent entities such as E-TV Network, Zee News, Ten Sports Network, and Discovery Inc.
Mumbai: News18 Gujarati completes one year as the top Gujarati News Channel in Gujarat. The news channel has been dominating the ratings in Gujarat for the past 30 weeks. For many years, News18 Gujarati has delivered updates and news with utmost authenticity and integrity. The channel’s strong focus on accuracy, reliability, and viewer satisfaction has resulted in remarkable success in attaining the #1 spot across multiple platforms.
According to recognised analytics tools – Crowdtangle, Tubebuddy, and Social Blade, News18 Gujarati has recorded a whopping 63 million views on YouTube and gathered a total of 186 million views on Facebook making it Gujarat’s most-viewed news channel on digital platforms as of January 2024. With the channel’s outstanding popularity on digital platforms, it has now cemented its position as the most popular news platform in Gujarat.
Indian Languages business CEO Mitul Sangani said, “News18 Gujarati’s uninterrupted 52-week leadership underscores our dedication to providing top-quality content that resonates deeply with our statewide audience. With programming that caters to both urban and rural Gujarat, we offer comprehensive coverage to a diverse set of audience. Our expanded digital viewership has propelled News18 Gujarati to the forefront of news platforms in the state. The significant growth in our viewership is inspiring, and we are committed to maintaining and broadening our impact.”
News18 Gujarati’s constant quest for excellence, along with its unmatched coverage of exclusive breaking news, has set new standards in the regional media industry. The channel is known as ‘The Voice of Gujarat’. With a strong lineup of Prime Time shows and news anchors, News18 Gujarat delivers programs that provide unique perspectives and simplify news for its audience.
Mumbai: The glamour of Bollywood and the dynamism of the OTT world came under one glittering roof for the News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2024 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, on 9 March. Hosted by the charismatic duo Aparshakti Khurana and Neha Dhupia, the special evening celebrated the best of content and talents across films and web series in all its glory. Guided by a panel of esteemed jury members such as Prasoon Joshi, Aanand L Rai, Kabir Bedi, Meenakshi Seshadri, Ramesh S Taurani, Neeraj Ghaywan, and Tavishi Paitanday, the News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2024 made for a grand spectacle to remember for all who cherish the art of storytelling.
Kicking off the festivities was Threeory Band of Animal fame, who set the stage ablaze with an electrifying performance – boasting chart-topping hits to timeless classics. The star-studded event was graced by the crème de la crème of the entertainment industry, including Karan Johar, Rani Mukherjee, Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Shabana Azmi, Manoj Bajpayee, Sharmila Tagore, Richa Chadha, Bobby Deol, Vedang Raina, Wamiqa Gabbi, Vijay Varma, Bhushan Kumar, Raj & DK, R Balki, and Manan Bhardwaj, among many others. As it hailed some of the best performances, movies, and web series released between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, the excitement for the awards ceremony was tangible among the guests, jury, and fraternity members alike.
The atmosphere was electric as Animal and Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai bagged the coveted Best Film awards under the categories of Popular Choice and Jury Choice, respectively. Cheers also erupted when Dhawan (Bawaal) and Manoj Bajpayee (Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai) were honoured with the Best Actor – Male award under Popular Choice and Jury Choice, respectively. Adding to the fervour, Shraddha Kapoor (Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar) and Sharmila Tagore (Gulmohar) were recognized as Best Actor – Female under Popular Choice and Jury Choice, respectively. The evening also celebrated the brilliance behind the camera, with R. Balki (Ghoomer) and Karan Johar (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani) winning the Best Director award under Jury Choice and Popular Choice, respectively. In a much-deserved accolade, Rani Mukherjee was titled Star of the Year for her heart-wrenching performance in Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway.
Moreover, the audience’s anticipation was palpable as the winner of the Best Web Series was announced, with Jubilee emerging victorious to thunderous applause. The frenzy prevailed as Aditya Roy Kapur was honoured with the award for OTT Best Actor – Male for his stellar performance in The Night Manager, while Sonakshi Sinha was recognized with the award for OTT Best Actor – Female for her outstanding role in Dahaad. The euphoria was also real when Kartik Aaryan won the award for Breakthrough Performance – Male for Satyaprem Ki Katha and Ananya Panday for Breakthrough Performance – Female for Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2024 even paid tribute to the remarkable contributions of Shankar Mahadevan and R Madhavan with the Music Legend award and Reel Icon award, respectively.
Dedicating the award for Best Actor – Female to her beloved fans, Kapoor remarked, “Throughout my journey to this moment, every milestone I’ve achieved in my career can be traced back to the support of my fans. As I accept this prestigious award, it’s clear that it’s not just a recognition of my work, but proof of the incredible devotion of those who’ve rooted for me along the way. Their belief in me has shaped me into the artist I am today, and for that, I am eternally grateful. I treasure the love and admiration that I’ve been fortunate enough to receive from my fans. This award, therefore, is not mine alone but belongs to every single fan who voted for me. I must also extend my heartfelt thanks to our director, whose vision allowed me to portray such a fascinating character in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. Playing Nisha in the film was an experience I cherished deeply.”
Sharing his emotions about winning the award for Best Director, Johar shared, “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani is a special film for me because it released in the 25th year of my directorial existence. It was also a film that I directed after 7 years. So It was imperative that it found love because it would not have been good for my morale if it hadn’t. I must thank everyone associated with the film. I have to take a beat and say how blessed I was to direct Shabana Ji in the film. Jaise kehte hai na koi ‘Baap Actor’ hai set pe – that’s the feeling I got every time Shabana Ji gave a shot. I also need to take a moment to thank Apoorva (Mehta), the CEO of Dharma Productions and my best friend, to the entire cast and crew of the film, and to Rocky and Rani themselves, Ranveer (Singh) and Alia (Bhatt), for essaying the parts with all their heart. Lastly, I dedicate this one to my twins, Yash and Roohi.”
Mukherjee stated, “Receiving the award for Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, especially from Karan (Johar), is truly special because he was the first one to see it and give us a (positive) reaction. We were all really worried whether a content-driven film like Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway would work in the theatres. There was a lot of chatter that only big films would do well theatrically, so it was a risk; it was a step we had to take because we believed in this film. I, of course, had conviction because I was in the film, but I would like to thank the producers, who stood by me like a rock and believed in the film. It was a collective decision to release the film theatrically, and I’m so grateful that audiences accepted it with all heart. This award is actually dedicated to the audience because they showed the whole world that content cinema is here to stay – here to stay in theatres. I must also thank the crew of Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway, the actors from Bengal who lent authenticity to the film, my Estonian crew as we shot the film in Tallinn, our DOP, and the production team. Without them, shooting during the COVID-19 pandemic wouldn’t have been possible.”
Network18 CEO (Digital) & President – Corporate Strategy Puneet Singhvi said, “The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2024 was a true celebration of the incredible talent and creativity that define our entertainment industry. It offered a unique opportunity to showcase the finest achievements in Hindi films and web series. The awards ceremony was not just about recognising excellence but also about inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of content and entertainment. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for making the event a memorable one. We are proud to honour these achievements and look forward to another year of setting new standards in entertainment.”
N18 Eng Editorial and Content executive editor Ameya Bhise said, “The News18 Showsha Reel Awards 2024 served as a distinctive tribute to the extraordinary talent within the film industry. At the awards show, we celebrated the industry’s excellence, uniting numerous artists for one grand event. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their remarkable contributions to films and web shows. With each award, we rewarded the remarkable talent and ingenuity that graces our screens, both big and small.”
Mumbai: As the adrenaline-fueled action of CCL 2024 Season 10 hurtles towards its climax, Karnataka Bulldozers, Chennai Rhinos, Mumbai Heroes and Bengal Tigers stand tall, having clinched their berth in the playoffs. The playoffs promise a spectacle of top-tier competition, with the four best teams battling it out for the chance to seize glory. In the heart-pounding first qualifier, Chennai Rhinos and Mumbai Heroes will clash head-on, while the eliminator will see Karnataka Bulldozers and Bengal Tigers duke it out, each fighting tooth and nail for their shot at the ultimate prize. The stage is set in Trivandrum, where the stakes are sky-high and the intensity electrifying.
In the midst of the jubilant celebrations of victory, the Telugu Warriors find themselves grappling with the harsh sting of defeat. Despite emerging triumphant in three electrifying battles and boasting the laurels of CCL Season 9 champions, their fortunes take a sour turn as their once-soaring run rate plummets, ultimately sealing their fate and relegating them from the title race. It’s a testament to the unforgiving nature of the competition, where every run, every wicket, spells the difference between triumph and heartbreak. This season has been a whirlwind journey, spanning from the scorching grounds of Sharjah to the bustling arenas of Hyderabad and Chandigarh, and now culminating in the battleground of Trivandrum. Bhojpuri Dabbangs and Punjab De Sher, despite their initial setback, fought valiantly in their quest for a spot in the finals. Despite putting up a spirited struggle, they fell short in their bid to secure a coveted place in the ultimate showdown.
Amidst the blazing heat of this season’s showdown, Kiccha Sudeep’s Karnataka Bulldozers emerge as the undeniable force, dominating the field with an awe-inspiring string of three consecutive triumphs. But they’re not alone in their quest for glory; Jisshu Sengupta’s Bengal Tigers, Arya’s Chennai Rhinos, and Ritesh Deshmukh’s Mumbai Heroes are among the fierce contenders vying for the final showdown. Please find the qualifying scenarios for the remaining teams:
Mumbai: Zee Café, a pioneer in bringing foreign language content to Hindi-speaking audiences, continues to set new benchmarks with its programming choices. Following the overwhelming success of the Hindi-dubbed version of the critically acclaimed series “Breaking Bad” last August, the channel will delight fans again with the premiere of its highly anticipated prequel, “Better Call Saul,” starting 1 April, 10 pm onwards.
The announcement of “Better Call Saul” in Hindi has sent waves of excitement across social media platforms ever since the teaser has dropped. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to experience the transformation of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) into the iconic character Saul Goodman in their native language. The series has already sparked discussions, comments, and numerous fan-made videos, indicating the fervent anticipation among viewers.
“Better Call Saul” serves as a prequel to the groundbreaking series “Breaking Bad,” delving into the evolution of Jimmy McGill, a struggling lawyer, into the shrewd and morally complex attorney Saul Goodman. Set within the same universe as “Breaking Bad,” the show offers a deep dive into Jimmy’s journey, his encounters with ethical dilemmas, and his eventual embrace of his alter ego. With a rich tapestry of characters and intricately woven storytelling, “Better Call Saul” has garnered acclaim for its depth and seamless connection to its predecessor.
The addition of “Better Call Saul” to Zee Café’s lineup reinforces the channel’s commitment to offering diverse and compelling content to its audience. By catering to the preferences of both “Breaking Bad” enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the channel aims to captivate viewers with the allure of powerful characters and gripping narratives.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the saga unfold in Hindi exclusively on Zee Café, as “Better Call Saul” promises to be a riveting addition to the channel’s repertoire.
Mumbai: Colors Kannada, a frontrunner in the Kannada GEC market, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest fiction series, “Chukki Taare,” set to premiere on 18 March at 6 PM, airing Monday through Saturday exclusively on Colors Kannada.
Presented by Sparsh Masala as special partner, “Chukki Taare” revolves around the endearing friendship between Chukki and Ibbani, two young girls from vastly different backgrounds. Despite societal and familial barriers, their bond blossoms into a heartwarming tale of innocence, friendship, and the pursuit of freedom.
Colors Kannada business head Prashanth Nayak expressed his excitement, stating, “We present this complete family entertainment show to our viewers with utmost pride. Colors Kannada has always brought interesting stories based on family values and bonding, be it Kendasampige (siblings), Bhagyalakshmi (mother in-law and daughter in-law), Ramachari (an ideal man), Shree Gowri (Mother-son) and Karimani (father-daughter), we have always been successful in covering a gamut of emotions. We are now adding a new emotion to our list, that is friendship. Friendship is beyond barriers of caste, creed, status, and other systemic structures. After Kinnari, we are back with a heartwarming story that is based on children. We are very confident that our audiences will embrace the beautiful bond of Chukki-Taare just like our unbreakable bond with our audiences.”
Chukki, a spirited child unaware of her ailment, is lovingly shielded by her father, Mallikarjuna, from the harsh realities of life. Meanwhile, Ibbani, born into a wealthy family, finds herself ensnared in the expectations of her ambitious aunt, Yashodha Desai. As their paths intertwine, Chukki and Ibbani embark on a journey of self-discovery and companionship.
Featuring a stellar cast including renowned playback singer Naveen Sajju in his acting debut, along with seasoned television personalities such as Jayashree, Vishal Hegade, Radha Ramachandra, and others, “Chukki Taare” promises to captivate audiences with its poignant storytelling and compelling performances.
Mumbai: In a recent restructuring move, Kiran Mani, CEO of Viacom18’s digital arm, is poised to spearhead the brand’s digital and sports ventures, while Kevin Vaz, CEO-Broadcast, will take charge of content clusters across TV and digital platforms, as reported by various media outlets.
This organisational shift follows the merger of Viacom18 and Star India through a joint venture announced on 28 February, which was initiated by Reliance Industries in collaboration with Disney. According to internal communications, Mani will extend his leadership to include Viacom18’s linear sports channels alongside his role as CEO of the digital division. With a background of 13 years at Google before joining Viacom18 last year, Mani will now oversee Viacom18 Sports CEO Anil Jayraj, within this new organisational structure.
Kevin Vaz, who joined Viacom18 in July last year following his departure from Disney Star in April, is also a key figure in this leadership transition. He will take on responsibility for the entire content business. Both Mani and Vaz will function as Co-CEOs within the media company.
In tandem with these changes, Reliance and its affiliates will hold a 63.16 per cent stake in the joint venture, while Disney will maintain a 36.84 per cent stake, as per the terms of the deal. This consolidation will position the nation’s leading media company to operate two streaming services and approximately 120 television channels.
Mumbai: Like every year, the Business Today MindRush and Best CEO Awards, a much-awaited event for India, recently concluded with much pomp and fervour, with the who’s who of India Inc. in attendance. Hosted by the India Today Group, the event serves as a pivotal platform for industry stalwarts, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to converge, exchange ideas, and recognise outstanding achievements in business leadership.
The annual event, known for its robust discussions on emerging trends and challenges in the business landscape, witnessed the captains of India Inc. across sectors coming together to share insights and experiences. This year’s BT MindRush was no exception. There were several thought-provoking sessions at the event. Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Petroleum & Natural Gas, said that the time had come for the Indian private sector to shed some of its inhibitions and to accept global challenges, which were “low-hanging fruit for them”.
In another session, India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant said that the country could not only grow on the back of services. “It has to grow in manufacturing, services, sustainable urbanisation, and also agricultural productivity,” he said. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise executive vice chairperson Preetha Reddy said there was an urgent need to transform healthcare into a fundamental right, aligning it with education, while Bharti Enterprises chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, in a message for young Indian entrepreneurs, said that India was a country of possibilities and opportunities. Federal Bank MD & CEO Shyam Srinivasan said that India was witnessing a Cinderella moment in terms of banking and economy, while ITC Ltd chairman & MD Sanjiv Puri, highlighted the resilience of India, adding that consumer demand should be back in a couple of quarters.
The highlight of the event was the felicitation of this year’s awardees of the prestigious BT-PwC India’s Best CEOs ranking, where a distinguished panel of industry experts picked the winners awards after a rigorous process.
This year, telecom tycoon Bharti Enterprises chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal, was honoured as the “Business Icon of the Year”, symbolising resilience and visionary leadership in the face of challenges. The jury also picked India’s G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant as the “Impact Leader of the Year”, a special award underscoring his significant contributions to the country’s economic growth and global stature. Another distinguished awardee was healthcare pioneer Dr Prathap C Reddy. The visionary founder chairman of Apollo Hospitals was honoured with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” for his unparalleled dedication to healthcare and innovation.
Winners were recognised across diverse sectors of Indian business, including infrastructure, healthcare, consumer goods, IT, energy, and more. The awardees included Kushal N Desai, CMD of APAR Industries, Satyanarayana Chava, founder & CEO of Laurus Labs, and Sunil Vachani, executive chairman of Dixon Technologies (India), among others. Meanwhile, Satish Pai, MD of Hindalco Industries, won in the category of super large companies; Sanjiv Puri, CMD of ITC Ltd for large companies; and Abhyuday Jindal, MD of Jindal Stainless, in the mid-sized category.
The event also celebrated emerging companies and leaders who are shaping the future of the Indian business landscape. Naresh Jalan, MD of Ramkrishna Forgings, and Pradeep Gaur, CMD of RVNL, were among the distinguished awardees. Business leaders were also recognised for demonstrating exceptional leadership qualities and resilience. Patanjali G. Keswani, CMD of Lemon Tree Hotels, won the “Resilient CEO” award, while K.P. Ramasamy, Chairman of KPR Mill, received the award for “Glocal CEO”.
Exemplary achievements in deal-making and disruptive innovation were recognised, with LTIMindtree CEO & MD Debashis Chatterjee, receiving the “Best Deal” award, while OfBusiness co-founder & CEO Asish Mohapatra won in the “Unicorn” category.
India Today group chairman and editor-in-chief Aroon Purie also spoke on the occasion, outlining that while India had made progress on many fronts, there was more work to be done in moving from a regulatory mindset to that of facilitation. He lauded the efforts of the winners in creating enterprises that India can be proud of.
The special issue of Business Today on India’s Best CEOs was also unveiled at the event.
