ITV

Category: Television

  • Sony Pictures Networks India renews UEFA rights for three more seasons

    Sony Pictures Networks India renews UEFA rights for three more seasons

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), has extended its collaboration with Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), with a renewal of exclusive broadcast and digital rights for showcasing the biggest European club football leagues that includes UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Super Cup and UEFA Youth League.

    The renewal is valid from the 2024/ 2025 season till the end of the 2026-2027 season. As part of the three-season renewal, the broadcaster will have access to showcase over 1600 football matches across its channels over three seasons. Audiences in India will get a chance to watch their favorite teams like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and more along with their favorite players like Kylian Mbappe, Mo Salah, Erling Haaland, Bruno Fernandes, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Robert Lewandowski amongst others.  These UEFA tournaments will be available exclusively on both linear television on Sony Sports Network as well as live-streamed on their on-demand OTT platform SonyLIV in the Indian subcontinent.  

    The UEFA Champions League will also be following a new format and competition system from 2024/25. From this season, four additional clubs will participate in the UEFA Champions League in a new league phase giving four more sides the opportunity to compete against the best clubs in Europe. 36 clubs will participate in this single league format in which all 36 competing clubs are ranked together. This will make this phase of the tournament even more exciting and would give the fans an opportunity to see more matches between the top teams. In addition to this, UEFA’s premier club competitions will no longer have a break in January, so fans can continue to enjoy non-stop European club football from August to May without any breaks in between.

    Sony Sports Network will continue to telecast select UEFA Champions League matches in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and the contribution of regional language coverage to the viewership of the league’s knockout matches has gone up in recent years. Over the last three years, the incremental reach contributed by the regional coverage has increased from 25 per cent in the 2020/21 season to 38 per cent in the last season (2022/23).

    Sony Sports Network has been the home to UEFA Champions League since 2017 and this year the final is going to take place at the ‘Home of Football’, Wembley Stadium in London, England. In addition to this, Sony Sports Network continues to be the official broadcaster for the UEFA EURO 2024, Bundesliga, Emirates FA Cup, Roshn Saudi Pro League and more.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul said, “Sony Sports Network, with a longstanding commitment to showcasing the very best of football, takes immense pride in announcing the extension of its partnership with UEFA for the next three seasons. Through this renewed collaboration, Sony Sports Network reaffirms its dedication to delivering unrivalled access to the most prestigious club football tournaments to fans across the Indian subcontinent. Since 2020, UEFA Champions League viewership in India has surged by over 51%, attributed largely through the introduction of regional language commentary. With the forthcoming transition to a new format, featuring over 125 additional matches and up to 38 early kickoff matches per season tailored for Indian audiences, we are confident that this growth will gain momentum further. As the ‘Home of Football’ in India, we eagerly anticipate showcasing over 1600 highly competitive football matches across these leagues to our viewers.”

    UEFA Events SA marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein said, “We are pleased to continue our partnership with Sony Sports Network. Sony Sports Network coverage of UEFA properties in India has led to the growth of its following and viewership in India. Fans in the region will be offered extensive and excellent coverage of UEFA’s Football portfolio which includes the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League, with the broadcast on Sony Sports Network and their digital platform Sony LIV.”

  • RCB’s 12-Man Army smashes gender biases, elevates women’s cricket passion in India

    RCB’s 12-Man Army smashes gender biases, elevates women’s cricket passion in India

    Mumbai: Breaking gender biases, the passionate fanbase of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), also called the 12-man army, is offering India a first-ever glimpse of genuine fandom in women’s cricket by rallying in full force to support their team in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) season.

    After the inaugural season of the WPL in Mumbai last year, the second edition of the league has expanded to two cities, with Bengaluru hosting the first eleven matches of the league stage before shifting to Delhi.

    The M Chinnaswamy stadium, which is the home stadium of RCB has been witnessing an electrifying atmosphere as a staggering 30,000 cricket enthusiasts gathered to support the RCB Women’s team in most of their league matches played so far.

    “I’m used to hearing them yell out Smriti’s name, so it’s sort of quite nice to hear that they’re calling my name. The crowds have been fantastic here. Everyone spoke about RCB fans and how good and passionate they are and it’s been unbelievable to witness that in person in the last couple of games. It’s certainly the loudest I’ve been involved in and to have that support’s been motivating for the whole group,” said The RCB Allrounder and legendary Kiwi cricketer Sophie Devine.

    As per the recent ‘Indian Cricket Fandom Report 2024’ by YouGov, RCB enjoys consistent support across all age groups with support for the team notably being the strongest among Gen Z (18-24 years) at 38 per cent. The team enjoys 34 per cent support in the 25-34 age group, 31 per cent in the 35-44 age group, 33 per cent in the 45-54 age group, and 31 per cent in the 55+ age group.

    The overwhelming support from the tribe has added a new dimension to the WPL experience, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and encouragement for not just women cricketers but also is a huge boost and encouragement for the RCB team every time they step into the centre.

    Sophie further added, “I think back to the start of my career and we were playing in front of ten people, do you know what I mean? And to have, I think, more than 25,000 here, just shows where the woman’s game gone. So proud to be a part of that.”

    Such unprecedented turnout in women’s cricket also reflects the immense impact of RCB’s passionate yet conscious fanbase promoting inclusivity and equality.

    Renuka Singh who had the crowd cheering every time she went with her fiery bowling spell said “it is an amazing feeling and gives a different level of momentum to all of us. I just love when they not only chant our name but show so much loyalty for RCB by coming to every game in such huge numbers, it just pumps us up during our game like anything.”

  • Times Group enters new age sports – Pickleball

    Times Group enters new age sports – Pickleball

    Mumbai: Pickleball, which is billed as the fastest growing modern sport, will soon have a new superstar league- the Pickleball World Series. The Times Group –the news and entertainment leader in India — is partnering with Pickleball Asia to start this exciting new series on a global stage. The Pickleball World Series will start in the United States and travel across different continents with six major events in a year.  

    Pickleball –which has become a world-wide sensation in a very short period of time— is a fusion of tennis, table tennis and badminton. Its accessible gameplay has attracted enthusiasts of all age groups across the globe as well as sports stars and celebrities including champions from these three racquet sports,

    While there are several existing competitions and leagues in the US, the Pickleball World Series will be the first tournament with global ambitions and will also have a significantly enhanced entertainment quotient. In the first year, the Pickleball World Series will comprise of 64 players in the individual format and six teams comprising four players each, from the US and the rest of the world, including India – which is the rising hotspot for Pickleball.

    Times Group managing director Vineet Jain states: “Pickleball is gaining ground as the game for urban sports enthusiasts. Times Group is known for its innovation and ability to be ahead of the curve in every one of its initiatives and we hope that this effort to take the fastest growing modern sport to the next level will inspire its exponential growth all over the world including in India. I personally believe that in five to seven years, Pickleball will overtake Tennis in terms of participation.”

    Times Group CEO, New Media and Investments, N Subramanian added, “Rapidly accelerating participation and increasing fandom is driving the popularity of many innovative sports globally. That is the opportunity we spotted in Pickleball, an exciting sport that is being enjoyed by millions the world over. Powered by passion and fueled by competition, this fun and immersive sport has won over the hearts of Gen Z and Millennials, making it a natural choice for our partnership and an important addition to our portfolio of strong brands. The Pickleball World Series, our marquee event, will provide a unique platform to bring out the best in players and teams, for fans to enjoy and support their favourites, and for brands to engage and interact with these audiences.”

    Pickleball Asia Pranav Kohli  said, “The Pickleball player community is now 60 million strong worldwide and is growing steadily. We could not have found a better partner, anchor and investor than the Times Group –which brings us many positives that will swiftly move the needle of growth. That is a big gain for the sport and the Series.”

    Outlining details, he said, “Pickleball World Series will embody the spirit of the Pickleball community and aim to provide action-packed competition along with scintillating entertainment built around the game. Starting in the US, the Pickleball World Series will travel across different continents with six major events. The Series will be supported by Pickleball World Rankings, a one-of-a-kind ranking system that allows players to accumulate points and qualify for the Pickleball World Series. We expect this will enable Pickleball stars to rise from different corners of the world and not just from the US.”

  • “I love to take up challenges and shift myself into different genres to keep myself agile”: Raghuvir Shekhawat

    “I love to take up challenges and shift myself into different genres to keep myself agile”: Raghuvir Shekhawat

    Mumbai: Renowned for his versatile storytelling prowess, Raghuvir Shekhawat with a career spanning over three decades, has etched his name in the entertainment industry across genres, from comedy to religious and fiction. Making his debut with “All the Best” on DD Metro in 1996-97, he has since crafted compelling narratives for hit shows such as “Karishma Kaa Karishma,” “Balika Vadhu,” “Diya Aur Baati Hum,” and “Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai!” among others.

    With an impressive repertoire, Raghuvir, alongside Ravindra Gautam, co-founded the production house Do Dooni 4 Films. As the script head and producer, he continues to weave captivating tales, currently enchanting audiences with “Dahej Daasi” on Nazara TV and “Shravani” on Shemaroo Umang.

    Indiantelevision.com in conversation with writer and producer Raghuvir Shekhawat delved deeper to know more about his creative journey so far, creation of Do Dooni 4 Films, changes or trends in today’s television landscape, and much more…
     

    Edited Excerpts:

    On his creative journey so far

    My journey started long back with All the Best in 1996-97 on DD Metro. It has Satish Shah, Swaroop Sampat, Laxmikant Berde and from there to the current shows Dahej Daasi and Shravani it has been a fascinating journey and especially the transition of a writer to writer-producer. It has been fascinating, it has opened new facets for me. It has given me a new vision new energy, passion, and new motivation to start telling the stories that are close to my heart or tell the stories in my way that I couldn’t due to some restrictions or compulsions.

    On the partnership with Ravindra Gautam leading to the creation of Do Dooni 4 Films, and inspiration behind the name

    I have known Ravindra Gautam for a long time we did a show together named Armanon Ka Balidaan- Aarakshan, and then there were many shows which I wrote and Ravindraji directed. The last show I wrote and he was the producer-director was Meri Durga. For a long time, I had the thought of becoming a producer since I have been in the industry for 25-27 years now. But I wasn’t getting anyone who was like me, someone who was loyal and passionate about work just like I am, and good at heart. Working with Ravindra Gautam I realised we had so many similarities in terms of thoughts, habits, and personality and the most important thing was passion and dedication. We decided to work together and when we started working and started our production we did two shows that are on air and there are many projects in the pipeline.

    The thought behind the name was we had the power of writer and director and now producer that came to name Do Dooni 4 films. Also, we didn’t want to have something serious we wanted the name and work to have fun. The name as it says Do Dooni 4 films has a touch of fun and naughtiness.

    On navigating different storytelling landscapes as you’ve written across diverse genres and a favorite genre to work on

    I have been lucky that I got to work on different genres. If I hadn’t worked in different genres, I may not even have worked for so many years and even people would have gotten bored of me and even I would have gotten tired if I had written only daily soaps. But the good part was I took a break I did comedy, then daily soap, thrillers, inspirational, horrors, and mythological so I kept challenging and discovering myself and so I think I sustained in the industry for so long. And because I kept writing different genres I didn’t lose my passion and I felt victory every time I challenged myself. This feeling kept my passion going, every time you challenge yourself you set new boundaries and reach that boundaries, and the journey to those boundaries kept on reviving with every new genre that I started working on.

    To answer my favorite genre would be like asking a father which one of his sons was his favorite but having said that I have written comedies a lot like Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hai!, Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, May I Come in Madam?, Jijaji Chhat Par Hain, Family no.1, Gudgudi and I did a lot of comedy shows and films, so comedy is something that I enjoy the most maybe because its most challenging to write comedy and it keeps challenging and inspiring me, and in today’s time, there are so many reasons to cry that it would be great that you become a reason for someone’s smile and laughter. So comedy became my favorite genre otherwise I enjoy writing everything.

    On changes or trends that you find most intriguing or challenging in today’s television landscape and on staying creatively agile in a dynamic media landscape

    My career has paned over three decades so I have seen the industry changing daily soaps from five-day dramas to seven-day dramas and I have seen everything has got its challenge. Content has always been the king but there are so many factors that add up today, earlier content was solely important irrespective of look and other things. TV was into limited houses only back then TV sets were owned by well-to-do homes and so the audiences were a bit sensible but today TV sets are owned by everyone even in remote areas, in fact, TV is watched less in metro cities. I have seen the change from highly sensible shows to dramatic shows where people’s subtle dramas work less. Sony TV is one place where subtle drama works otherwise other networks have different levels of over-the-top dramas. This is the biggest change that I have seen in that content has changed from metro cities to BNC centers. We talk about stories that are about traditions, and cultures on different levels. Earlier four episodes were to be written in a week and it did take time but today you have to write day in and day out and five days a week.

    The competition is so intense as people quickly change channels as soon as your episode turns boring that you have to write episodes that are engaging, dramatic, and interesting and so to write such episodes seven days a week is a big challenge in itself. I love to take up challenges and shift myself into different genres to keep myself agile. I love to observe people and surroundings. I would say myself an illiterate writer because I haven’t learned literature in my life and for me to keep myself going I only had people to read and that helped me and I tried telling my stories and reaching my audiences.

    On whether there’s a potential shift in audience preferences towards shorter format TV shows and its influence on the future of storytelling in Indian television, providing a refreshing change from the extended and sometimes monotonous nature of most Indian TV shows

    I don’t agree that a shorter format has worked or had worked. When we approach a channel they ask us for a six-month story at least, when we tell them the story that interests them they decide on its merit. As much as it should be viable with the story it should be financially viable too for them. When OTT came to India with six or eight episodes I knew back then that it’s not a longer journey for OTT and people would return to TV and it happened. People started watching TV, I know people call it monotonous and dragging, but kudos to the team that worked on shows for five years and more and kept the audience’s interest intact. Yes, some shows are watched because of habits but some shows maintain quality, but if you become boring and monotonous then the channel will shut you down.

    On any show (you’ve worked on) that holds a special place in your heart due to its impact or reception

    I wouldn’t name one but a few like Balika Vadhu which was based on tradition, it satisfied me creatively and socially, and because of this show a lot of people in Rajasthan stopped marrying their underage kids. I believe that even if 10 people changed their minds then it’s a bigger achievement in itself.  The next would be Veera, a show that beautifully portrayed a brother and sister’s relationship, the bond that I understood so well, and that beauty I wrote in the show. Veera was not a plot-driven or a drama-driven show it was purely an emotions and relation-based show. Bhootu was a show where I tried to win the audiences with a child’s innocence and we were successful too at a certain point.

    On your future plans and aspirations for Do Dooni 4 Films, and are there specific genres or themes you are eager to explore in upcoming projects

    We want to bring out more shows this year; we want to grow big in TV, and once done we would want to grow into films and OTT. We would want to make content-driven films that entertain the audience and force the audiences to leave the theatres with a question in mind too.

  • Gods Reign announces groundbreaking partnership with LG Electronics

    Gods Reign announces groundbreaking partnership with LG Electronics

    Mumbai: Gods Reign, a premier esports organization headquartered in Bangalore and renowned for its top-tier teams and influential content creators, has announced a monumental partnership with LG Electronics. As part of this collaboration, LG UltraGear, the industry leader in gaming monitors, will serve as the exclusive display partner for Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 lineup, ushering in a new era of immersive gaming experiences.

    Commenting on the exciting partnership, Gods Reign CEO Rohith KR said, “We are thrilled to partner with LG UltraGear as our display partners for the next year. Gods Reign believes in elevating esports talent across a variety of different games, and with the rise of Counter Strike 2, we entered the game with confidence, and have managed to find a brand that is aligned with our vision to grow esports in India through investment across a variety of games. Furthermore, we have built a popular content creator lineup, which we will be leveraging to bring more eyeballs towards LG UltraGear’s state-of-the-art gaming monitors. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to growing the esports landscape and the fanbase that Gods Reign has built through our performances in esports tournaments.”

    LG UltraGear will be the exclusive display partner for Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 esports lineup, which stands as one of the nation’s most formidable teams. The team has bagged prestigious titles like the $240,000 Skyesports Masters 2023, the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024: SEA Open Qualifier, and the recently concluded Dust2.in Masters #7 alongside victories against international opponents in the Skyesports Souvenir.

    Notably, LG UltraGear will also forge connections with Gods Reign’s esteemed content creators, including Red Parasite, Thor Gaming, HarshdeepSinghYT, AJ Jelly Gaming, Miss Senorita, and Siddha Gaming. With a combined social media reach exceeding 6 million, these influencers represent a direct link between LG UltraGear and the vibrant gaming community, facilitating meaningful engagement and brand resonance.

    LG UltraGear will receive strategic placement in the jersey of Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 lineup. Additionally, the organization will be closely collaborating with the brand for digital and on-ground events, show matches with influences, and social media promotions.

    Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 squad is primed for further success in the upcoming 2024 Skyesports Counter-Strike 2 Roadmap, boasting a staggering $1 million prize pool across six global events.

  • ZEE Entertainment attracts 221 mn viewers for DP World ILT20’s second edition

    ZEE Entertainment attracts 221 mn viewers for DP World ILT20’s second edition

    Mumbai: A staggering 221 million viewers tuned-in on the Zee linear TV channels and ZEE5 to watch the second season of DP World ILT20. The 34-match league, it recorded 46 per cent female viewers underscoring the league’s wide appeal in India and is a testament of its entertainment value for the entire household.

    With Mumbai and Delhi emerged as pivotal markets, the matches garnered a massive response from the mass markets, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh Gujarat and Maharashtra. This again showcased the league’s influence across India’s diverse landscape. Furthermore, Season 2 of DP World ILT20 witnessed a notable increase in viewership from Punjab, resulting in 22 per cent increase in cumulative reach. ZEE’s strategy to introduce Punjabi commentary on its social platforms played a critical role in driving the surge in viewership and time spent.

    As the cricket league’s broadcasting partner, ZEE Entertainment’s deep distribution strategy ensured widespread accessibility in India and across the globe. The matches were broadcasted worldwide through the channel’s extensive network of 10 widely distributed and popular linear TV channels, including &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD, alongside its leading OTT platform ZEE5 and partner networks.

    Transcending geographical boundaries, the DP World ILT20 Season 2 was broadcasted across cricketing nations worldwide – from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Caribbean and in over 100 countries. It has firmly established itself as the second most-watched T20 cricket league globally, captivating a broad spectrum of viewers, including women (99 million) and the youth demographic (121 million). Stadiums pulsed with energy as they welcomed crowds in full capacity, with passionate fans travelling from far-and-wide to immerse themselves in the thrilling atmosphere.

    Commenting on the performance of the league this year, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) president – business Rahul Johri said, “DP World ILT20 Season 2 has set a new benchmark for franchise cricket leagues globally. We were successful in providing viewers with an exhilarating experience as they passionately cheered for their favourite teams and players. As we celebrate the success of Season 2, we would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, ECB and all stakeholders for their trust and invaluable support, which has been instrumental in making this season bigger and better. Moving forward, we will continue to push the boundaries and innovate to elevate the viewing experience and entertain cricket enthusiasts around the world.”

    MI Emirates clinched the coveted trophy, triumphing over the Dubai Capitals in a nail-biting finale that drew a packed audience at the Dubai International Stadium. From breathtaking last-over thrillers to sensational captain’s innings, each match was a testament to the teams’ unwavering determination and resilience. The unpredictability of the knockout stages kept fans on the edge of their seats, with the outcome of the eventual champion hanging in balance until the last over.

    ZEE Entertainment’s star-studded commentary panel for the league’s second season was led by cricketing legends such as Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Wasim Akram, ably supported by renowned voices like Alan Wilkins and Simon Doull, Together, they skillfully brought every moment of cricket action to life, offering fans an unparalleled cricket experience with captivating insights.

    Interestingly, the buzz surrounding DP World ILT20 Season 2 began even before the season commenced, as ZEE Entertainment rolled out a captivating ad campaign featuring star cricketer David Warner and brand ambassador Harbhajan Singh. This campaign effectively fuelled the anticipation for the league’s second season. Additionally, the mid-season collaboration with the rap group 7 Bantai’Z for a catchy cricket anthem celebrating the league’s global success played a critical role in engaging the audiences further. This fusion of sports and music not only resonated with fans worldwide but also generated massive excitement around the league.

    The franchise-style tournament, comprising six teams and 34 matches, was played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams featured Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global). Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars participated in the Season 2, including David Warner, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.

    Source: BARC : 2+; India U+R (including TV+OOH, LIVE+PPL) + digital

  • Team Liquid, Ninjas In Pyjamas, ENCE, and BIG join $350,000 Skyesports Masters 2024 in India

    Team Liquid, Ninjas In Pyjamas, ENCE, and BIG join $350,000 Skyesports Masters 2024 in India

    Mumbai: Skyesports, the premier esports tournament organiser based in India catering to gamers across Asia, has officially announced the initial lineup of invited Counter-Strike 2 teams set to compete in the highly anticipated Skyesports Masters 2024, as the company eyes global expansion. Scheduled to unfold offline in India from 8 to 14 April, this thrilling event promises a week-long spectacle of intense Counter-Strike action, as eight formidable teams lock horns to become the ultimate masters and for a share of the staggering $350,000 prize pool.

    Among the distinguished participants revealed in this first wave of invitations are some of the most renowned names in Counter-Strike esports:

    1   Team Liquid
    2   Ninjas In Pyjamas
    3   ENCE
    4   BIG

    Team Liquid and Ninjas In Pyjamas are two of the most notable names in Counter-Strike esports, with the latter being a Major winning organisation. Furthermore, ENCE is a world-famous team from Poland, headlined by the 4-time Major winning player, Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander. Last but not least, Germany’s BIG will also be competing in the Skyesports Masters with a stellar lineup.

    The four teams will be joined by two more invited teams and the champion of the Europe Qualifiers. Finally, the champion of the India Qualifier will also compete in the Skyesports Masters 2024, providing the home fans with a local team to rally behind. The details for the Europe and India Qualifiers will be revealed at a later date. With the final eight teams, fans are set to be treated with intense Counter-Strike esports action as the world’s best lock horns for the title. Stay tuned to Skyesports’ Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook handles for more information.

    With notable teams participating, a $350,000 prize pool, and a seven-day LAN event, the Skyesports Masters is set to feature nail-biting Counter-Strike esports action for fans. The eight teams will compete in a double-elimination bracket to determine the champion.

    The Skyesports Masters is a part of Skyesports’ 2024 roadmap for Counter-Strike 2, which includes a total prize pool of $1 million across six international tournaments, as Skyesports solidifies its presence in the global esports roadmap for the FPS. The first of these is the Skyesports Grand Slam 2024, set to take place in Pune, India from March 14 to 16 with four teams – one from India, one from Australia, and two invited international teams – locking horns for a chunk of the $50,000 prize pool.

    Besides the Skyesports Grand Slam and the Skyesports Masters, Skyesports will be bringing the Championship 6.0, Skyesports Souvenir Colombo, Skyesports Global Tour in Thailand, and the India vs Pakistan Series in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

    The Skyesports Masters was launched in 2023 with an impressive $240,000 prize pool. In its first year, eight esports organizations competed across a month-long regular season leading into the Playoffs in Bangalore, India for the title. Now, the premium IP is being expanded in 2024 with a bigger prize pool and international teams. 

  • Colors Bangla Cinema partners with D2H in its aim to reach every household

    Colors Bangla Cinema partners with D2H in its aim to reach every household

    Mumbai: Colors Bangla Cinema, the leading Bengali movie channel renowned for its unparalleled cinematic experience, proudly announces its strategic partnership with D2H, a player in the DTH space. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing accessibility to quality entertainment for viewers across diverse demographics.

    As one of the top two Bengali movie channels in the market, Colors Bangla Cinema has garnered acclaim for its meticulously curated film selection, captivating audiences of all demographics. Experiencing record-breaking growth in fiscal 2024, the channel’s popularity surged among D2H subscribers, reaffirming its widespread appeal. This strategic alliance reinforces its position as a premier destination for Bengali cinema enthusiasts while addressing the evolving preferences of today’s viewers.

    Colors Bangla and Colors Bangla Cinema business head Vivek Modi said “We are thrilled to join forces with D2H to expand our reach and serve a wider audience base. It is our constant endeavour to ensure that all enthusiasts of Bangla cinema have access to Colors Bangla Cinema and this partnership strengthens that commitment.”

    DishTV, D2H, and Watcho corporate head of marketing Sukhpreet Singh said, “This partnership marks an exciting inclusion in our commitment to deliver compelling content to our viewers. Bangla subscribers are key to our plans and a critical segment for us. The addition of Colors Bangla Cinema showcases the diversity in our entertainment bouquet. Together, we look forward to enrich the viewing choices for our subscribers not only in that region but also widening our reach to Bangla viewers pan India. Dish TV India with its DTH brands D2H and DishTV is determined to remain at the forefront of delivering high-quality programming.”

    From 20 February, viewers have been enjoying the rich tapestry of films on Colors Bangla Cinema, available on channel no. 1839 on D2H. This collaboration not only celebrates cinema but also underscores the channel’s commitment to delivering quality entertainment to every household across the region.

  • DNA Women Achievers’ Awards 2024 set to New Gen Women across sectors

    DNA Women Achievers’ Awards 2024 set to New Gen Women across sectors

    Mumbai: Get ready to witness a celebration of extraordinary achievements as DNA India gears up for the highly anticipated DNA Women Achievers’ Awards 2024! With the theme ‘Honouring the New Gen Women’, this event, scheduled for 6 March 2024, is set to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of women leaders across diverse sectors.

    In a world where women are increasingly at the forefront across various domains, the DNA Women Achievers’ Awards 2024 seeks to recognize and celebrate their hard work, talent, and dedication. From Retail and IT to Healthcare, Start-up, FMCG, Entertainment, Fashion, and beyond, the awards cover a wide spectrum of categories, showcasing the multifaceted accomplishments of women professionals.

    The upcoming event will feature distinguished special guests, including Vimla Batham Ji, chief of UP State Women Commission, and renowned actress Rakul Preet, alongside esteemed Guest of Honour such as Shri Brajesh Pathak, Deputy CM of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Mahesh Sharma, MP of Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Shri Chirag Paswan, MP.

    Notably, the event will feature two thought-provoking panel discussions on crucial topics. The first discussion, “Is India Ready to Support Women Entrepreneurs?” will include esteemed panellists such as Kanika Vohra, co-founder of ICH Creative, and ex-founding team, AJIO.com, Rhea Mazumdar Singhal, Founder and CEO of Ecoware, and Devyani Kapoor, Founder of Shuffling Suitcases. The second discussion, “Is Social Media a Boon or Bane for Women in India?” will offer valuable insights from Ankita Sahigal – Influencer, Divija Bhasin, Counselling Psychologist and Influencer, and Dr. Neelam Mishra, Psychologist.

    The esteemed jury panel, comprising industry stalwarts Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, Kanika Vohra, and Dr Supriya Pattanayak, meticulously evaluated nominees based on various parameters for the DNA Women Achievers’ Awards 2024. Nominations across all categories were collated by an expert committee, followed by deliberations by the jury to select the deserving winners. Thorough reviews of the nominations were conducted by experts to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process.

    The inspiring stories of the winners will be showcased on DNA India, amplifying their achievements, while ZeeNews.com will feature digital stories on its microsite to extend their reach to a wider audience. The virtual airing of the event on multiple platforms will enable viewers to witness the celebration of women achievers, with video features highlighting the winners’ accomplishments shared across various social media platforms to garner recognition and admiration.

    A spokesperson for DNA India emphasized the significance of the grand celebration, stating, “At DNA India, we are deeply honoured to host the DNA Women Achievers’ Awards 2024, an event that transcends mere accolades to embody the profound journeys of courage, perseverance, and triumph undertaken by women across our nation. Each award recipient represents not only a beacon of inspiration but also a testament to the transformative power of determination and resilience. Their stories, etched with resilience and adorned with success, serve as a source of motivation for us all, illuminating the path forward towards a more equitable and inclusive society. Through these awards, we not only celebrate their outstanding achievements but also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to championing gender equality and empowering women to realize their fullest potential.”

  • PUMA enlists Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vineeta Singh, and Mary Kom as Women Leaders for WPL Season

    PUMA enlists Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vineeta Singh, and Mary Kom as Women Leaders for WPL Season

    Mumbai: Continuing its mission to develop the sports ecosystem in India, especially women’s sports, global sports brand PUMA has brought together a unique and dynamic lineup of female icons – celebrated actor & entrepreneur  Kareena Kapoor Khan, India’s accomplished businesswoman and cofounder of SUGAR Cosmetics Vineeta Singh, boxing great MC Mary Kom, fashion designer Masaba Gupta and renowned news anchor Faye D’Souza, to join hands and champion the cause of women’s cricket in the country.

    Under this one-of-a-kind association, the selected women leaders as voices of change will be jointly attending a Women’s Premier League (WPL) match in New Delhi on March 10 for a unique Ladies’ Night to support and celebrate our women athletes.

    One of the world’s biggest sports brands, PUMA took to social media on Thursday to announce this association and launch the mammoth campaign with a digital film featuring the five women. Narrated by the iconic leaders, the film conceptualised by PUMA revealed that women’s cricket receives only 1/8th the viewership of men’s cricket (as per official digital viewership data of 2023), reflecting the staggering gender bias in the sports ecosystem. Despite huge potential, women’s cricket in India is yet to achieve the desired numbers when it comes to viewership, as only 18 per cent of the women who watch men’s cricket, watch women’s games.

    In the digital film, the stars pledged to not only come together to watch the WPL match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the stadium but also welcome women from all walks of life to join them and enjoy watching the game as a collective over this unique Ladies‘ Night.

    Commenting on the occasion, PUMA India managing director Karthik Balagopalan said, “As the country’s leading sports brand, PUMA has been a long-standing driver of change in shattering gender biases and championing women’s sports. Traditionally, women in the country have not been encouraged to watch and embrace sports as men have. Now that is the need of the hour. We are at the turning point to create an equitable sporting landscape and women need to watch women’s sport in order to drive change.”

    Karthik added, “As we launch this campaign today, it is heartwarming to have India’s leading women such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vineeta Singh, MC Mary Kom, Masaba Gupta and Faye D’Souza, use the power of their voice and platforms to address this cause. Cricket is Everyone’s Game and as a brand, we have been advocating it from the time we onboarded Harmanpreet Kaur with an award-winning social experiment. We are confident now that this remarkable collaboration will further the narrative, level the playing field, increase fandom and create inspiration for the future generation of women athletes.”

    PUMA ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan has been contributing immensely to the world of cinema and is now leveraging her influential voice to make a change in the sports industry.

    Commenting on the occasion, Kareena Kapoor Khan said,“ India has seen some significant performances by our female athletes recently but there is so much more scope for it to be brought out with more glory. While cricket is a religion in our country – the spotlight, the viewership, the fanfare – is markedly lesser in women’s cricket when compared to men’s cricket. Personally, cricket as a sport has always been close to my heart, it runs in our family and now we own a team as well so it’s even more special.”

    Kareena added, “I’m glad that a brand like PUMA has identified this need and come forward with this stand-out campaign to increase the participation of female viewers in women’s cricket. Let’s come together and join PUMA to bring the much-needed change.”

    While WPL fever is beginning to grip the country, PUMA’s attempt to create awareness around the number of female viewers of the game and ignite fandom conversation and mindset change by bringing together women from across industries in a nation-wide movement is a historic move.

    “I am honoured to stand alongside formidable women in supporting PUMA’s groundbreaking #CricketIsEveryonesGame campaign at the Women’s Premier League. Being an entrepreneur, I have faced barriers and I understand the power of breaking them. It’s disheartening to witness the vast viewership gap between men’s and women’s cricket, and we are committed to changing that narrative which goes beyond the boundaries of the sports arena; it’s about empowering women, fostering entrepreneurship, and boosting the sports economy,” commented SUGAR Cosmetics cofounder Vineeta Singh.

    Masaba Gupta, fashion designer, added, “Female athletes serve as powerful role models for girls and young women. Supporting women’s sports fosters a sense of community and inclusion by bringing people together to celebrate athletic achievements, regardless of gender. Through this campaign with PUMA, we aim to revolutionise women’s cricket and I hope to see many women to be a part of this historic movement.“

    The official kit partner of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals, PUMA actively promotes sporting culture in India and boasts a star-studded lineup of brand ambassadors featuring batting icon Virat Kohli, football star Sunil Chhetri, celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom, and cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Mohammed Shami.