Category: Television

Panorama reels in big sales but profits take a box-office hit

MUMBAI: It was a quarter of high-grossing sales but low-margin drama for Panorama Studios International Limited, as its Q1 FY26 results revealed a tale of two halves blockbuster revenue gains paired with fading profit lines. Net sales for the June quarter hit Rs 136.35 crore, soaring 49.8 per cent above the average of the past four quarters, signalling a strong near-term script for revenue generation. The box-office-style growth points to robust demand and successful monetisation across projects.

But the profit subplot wasn’t as cheery. Profit Before Tax (PBT) slumped to Rs 3.24 crore, a steep 73.7 per cent fall from recent averages, while Profit After Tax (PAT) slipped to Rs 5.11 crore, marking a 51.2 per cent drop. Rising borrowing costs also made a cameo, with the company logging its highest interest expense in five quarters.

Off-screen, the Debtors Turnover Ratio hit its lowest point in recent periods, hinting at a slower pace in receivables collection, an area that could affect cash flow if the credits keep rolling in late.

The board meeting on 7 August 2025 didn’t just sign off on numbers, it added a governance twist. M/s Nitesh Chaudhary & Associates were appointed as Secretarial Auditor for FY26–FY30 (subject to AGM approval), and the studio unveiled a refreshed contact identity with a new email (info@panoramastudios.in) and website (www.panorama studios.in).

With sales running hot but profits cooling, Panorama’s next act may hinge on whether it can keep the audience in their seats while tightening the back-office plot.

August 8, 2025
NDTV appoints Anupam Srivastava as chief executive producer, NDTV India and regionals

MUMBAI: NDTV has appointed Anupam Srivastava as chief executive producer for NDTV India and its regional channels. He brings over two decades of expertise in broadcast journalism, long-form factual storytelling, and channel operations.

Anupam combines the immediacy of live news with the depth of storytelling. At Times Now, Times Now, Navbharat, and Times Chronicles, he has led coverage of pivotal national events – from the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to high-stakes election nights and conducted two rare, exclusive interviews with the Prime Minister.

In long-form content, his portfolio spans some of the most acclaimed factual series in recent years, including Love Kills on Discovery+, Tiranga on National Geographic India, 1971: Birth of a Nation, Tales of Valour, Kashmir: The Story, and Gallantry of Galwan. His work, marked by rigorous research, cinematic visual design, and disciplined narrative structure, has earned multiple NT Awards and ENBA honours.

Beyond his editorial work, Anupam has played a pivotal role in shaping the visual and operational identity of channels – from leading the transition from SD to HD, to managing complete channel relocations, overseeing brand-defining design projects, and commissioning original programming for global OTT platforms. His ability to reimagine archival footage into fresh, high-impact narratives has enabled him to deliver premium content across a range of budgets.

In his new role, Anupam will oversee NDTV India’s flagship programming and also spearhead content strategy, editorial direction, and brand positioning for NDTV’s growing network of regional channels. His mandate includes strengthening regional storytelling, deepening local engagement, and ensuring that the distinct cultural and linguistic character of each market is reflected in the network’s coverage.

“NDTV’s strength has always been credible, well-crafted storytelling,” said Anupam on his appointment. “My focus will be on building on that strength across both national and regional platforms — refining our craft, and ensuring every story connects with viewers in a meaningful way.”

“Anupam brings the judgement, experience, and creative focus to elevate NDTV’s premium content. His ability to translate editorial vision into high-quality execution makes him a valuable addition to the team,” said Rahul Kanwal, NDTV India CEO & editor-in-chief.

August 8, 2025
CNN-News18 rules prime time with 72.5 per cent market share lead

MUMBAI: When the nation tunes in, it’s clear who’s holding the mic. CNN-News18 has tightened its grip on the English news throne, bagging a staggering 72.5 per cent market share during peak news hours, a figure bigger than all its competitors combined.

According to BARC data (Mkt: 10L+ | TG: 22–40 Male | Wk 27–30’25, 19:00–24:00 Hrs), Times Now managed 17.9 per cent, NDTV 24×7 clocked 7.4 per cent, Republic TV scraped 1.5 per cent, and India Today Television trailed with just 0.7 per cent. The result? A prime-time rout that leaves no doubt who’s setting the national news agenda.

The dominance isn’t just in the evening spotlight. CNN-News18’s overall share in the English news genre remains formidable 60 per cent ahead of Times Now and a jaw-dropping 102 per cent ahead of NDTV (Source: BARC India | All India (U+R) 15+ | AVG Week 30’25). The channel has held its No. 1 spot for over three years, a testament to its mix of accuracy, clarity, and a citizen-first approach.

Recent upgrades from a cleaner, more visual-heavy design to tighter storytelling have only sharpened its edge. With top anchors like Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar, and Shivani Gupta, plus a robust nationwide reporting network, CNN-News18 delivers not just breaking headlines but context-rich coverage with data-driven explainers.

By blending editorial heft with tech innovation, the channel is making sure that when the story matters, India knows exactly where to turn and in peak hours, it’s turning to CNN-News18 in overwhelming numbers.

August 8, 2025
Prasar Bharati and AEx Sport partner to launch India’s first pro-wrestling league

NEW DELHI: Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has inked a strategic memorandum of understanding with AEx Sport the sports innovation arm of UK-based AdiGroupe, to launch the Global League Wrestling (GLW) — the first professional wrestling league of its kind in India and the Asia-Pacific.

The collaboration combines Prasar Bharati’s national reach across DD Sports, All India Radio and digital platform Waves, with AEx Sport’s global firepower in production, IP, and marketing. GLW is set to be unveiled on 17 September and will hit the screens from 4 October 2025, airing weekly over a 40-week season of high-octane, family-friendly programming.

“This marks a new era for Indian pro-wrestling,” said Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal. “GLW reinforces our vision of taking Indian sport to global heights and giving our youth a credible platform to shine.”

Positioned as a cultural milestone in Indian sport, GLW will blend traditional Indian storytelling with world-class wrestling theatrics, introducing original characters, cinematic plots, and a production style aimed at mass appeal. It is also seen as part of the government’s broader push to promote youth engagement through sport.

“GLW brings a new genre of content that’s rooted in our culture but built for the world,” said Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi. “We’re creating something truly unique for Indian audiences.”

Backing the league’s ambitions is AdiGroupe and AEx Sport chairman Sanjay Viswanathan, who described GLW as “an immersive, youth-led cultural experience that puts Indian talent centre stage”. He added: “We’re dedicating GLW to India to inspire pride, competitiveness and global ambition among Indian youth.”

Wrestling icon The Great Khali joins as GLW’s brand ambassador and talent commissioner, bringing star power and mentorship to the ring. “GLW offers a serious and structured path for Indian athletes to shine — on our terms,” said Khali.

With the inaugural season already generating buzz, the tie-up between India’s national broadcaster and a global sports IP developer signals a watershed moment for homegrown sports entertainment.

August 7, 2025
Applause Entertainment’s & Hansal Mehta’s Gandhi to world premiere at TIFF 2025

MUMBAI: In a landmark moment for Indian storytelling, Gandhi, the sweeping international series by Applause Entertainment and filmmaker Hansal Mehta, is set to make its world premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Selected as part of TIFF’s prestigious primetime programme, it is the first Indian series ever to feature in the festival’s showcase of auteur-driven episodic storytelling.

Starring Pratik Gandhi in the titular role, Gandhi is adapted from historian Ramachandra Guha’s definitive biographies and charts the early, lesser-known years of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The first season, titled An Untold Story of Becoming (1888–1915), traces his formative years from a curious teen in colonial India to a struggling law student in London and a young barrister in South Africa—long before the Mahatma was born.

“To have Gandhi selected for TIFF’s Primetime showcase is both an honour and a moment of immense pride; not just for Applause, but for Indian storytelling. Taking you up close and personal to the young Mohan way before he became the man history knows, this series is the culmination of deep research, creative development, and unwavering belief in the human story we wanted to tell,” said Applause Entertainment managing director Sameer Nair. “TIFF will be the first time our Gandhi will be seen by audiences. To begin that journey on a global platform of such import, is the perfect start and we can’t wait for the world to discover him.”

For Hansal Mehta, the director and showrunner, TIFF holds special significance. “Gandhi has been the most creatively challenging and soul-stirring journey of my career. It’s not just a story from our past—it’s a meditation on conscience, a portrait of a man in constant conflict with himself and his times,” explained Mehta. ”TIFF has previously been home to some of my most precious pieces of work, and to have perhaps the most ambitious story of my career premiering there is doubly special—particularly in TIFF’s 50th year. To share this journey at a festival that has embraced me over the years is both humbling and surreal. I hope it opens the door for more Indian series to find their place on the world stage.”

The Gandhi premiere will see key cast and crew in attendance, including Sameer Nair, Hansal Mehta, Pratik Gandhi, Tom Felton, Kabir Bedi and Siddharth Khaitan. The series boasts a powerhouse creative team with music by A.R. Rahman and writing by Vaibhav Vishal, Karan Vyas, Felix von Stumm, Hema Gopinathan, Sehaj Kaur Maini and Yashna Malhotra. Script development was supported by Siddhartha Basu and Ramachandra Guha, with casting by Mukesh Chhabra (India) and Shakyra Dowling (International).

TIFF’s primetime section has previously hosted series by the likes of Alfonso Cuarón, Shawn Levy and Steven Knight. With Gandhi entering this rarefied space, Indian long-form storytelling may have finally arrived on the world stage.

August 7, 2025
WBD’s streaming and studios segments soar as linear TV slows

MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) has delivered a mixed bag of results in its second quarter, with its film and streaming divisions providing a much-needed shot in the arm as its traditional linear TV business struggles.

The company, which is planning to split its streaming & studios and global linear networks businesses, reported a net income of $1.6 billion, a stark contrast to the massive $9.9 billion loss it posted in the same quarter last year. Adjusted EBITDA also saw a respectable 9 per cent year-on-year increase, hitting $2.0 billion. However, free cash flow took a hit, falling by 28 per cent to $702 million, partly due to one-off separation costs.

The studios segment was the star of the show, with revenues rocketing by 54 per cent to $3.8 billion. Content revenues, in particular, surged by 59 per cent, largely driven by a strong box office performance from theatrical releases like A Minecraft Movie, Sinners, and Final Destination: Bloodlines. The company’s film slate grossed over $3 billion globally this year and saw five consecutive films open to over $45 million domestically. On the television side, WBTV received 60 Emmy nominations, a record for a studio, with its shows like The Pitt, Abbott Elementary and The Penguin receiving critical acclaim.

The streaming business also showed strong momentum, adding 3.4 million global subscribers in the quarter to reach a total of 125.7 million. Revenues for the segment rose by eight per cent to $2.8 billion, and it turned a profit of $293 million in adjusted EBITDA, a significant improvement from a $107 million loss a year ago. The company’s international expansion, including a successful launch in Australia, helped drive subscriber growth. However, global average revenue per user (ARPU) decreased by 11 per cent to $7.14, mainly due to the influx of lower ARPU international subscribers and the wider distribution of the ad-supported HBO Max tier.

In contrast, the global linear networks business took a tumble. Its revenues fell by nine per cent to $4.8 billion, and adjusted EBITDA plummeted by 25 per cent to $1.5 billion. The decline was attributed to a nine per cent drop in domestic pay TV subscribers and a hefty 13 per cent decrease in advertising revenue, driven by a 23 per cent decline in domestic linear audiences.

Looking ahead, WBD is targeting 12-14 theatrical releases annually and is set to launch HBO Max in Germany, Italy, the UK, and Ireland in 2026. The company also reduced its gross debt by $2.7 billion in the quarter, bringing the total to $35.6 billion.

August 7, 2025
Meghashrey Foundation honours Navika Kumar with Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025

MUMBAI: Navika Kumar, group editor-in-chief, Times Now & Times Now Navbharat, has been conferred with the Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025, one of India’s most prestigious civilian honors, presented by Meghashrey Foundation. The award recognises her exceptional contribution to Indian journalism and her unwavering commitment to truth, integrity, and nation-building. Her fearless reporting, sharp political analysis, and leadership have helped shape informed public discourse across the nation.

The Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Indian society in fields such as social work, science, education, medicine, arts, and public life. This year’s ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister for Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, and Hon’ble Cabinet Minister of Maharashtra for Culture, Shri Ashish Shelar, and held at Hotel Sahara Star, Mumbai.

Other awardees included an illustrious list of changemakers and national icons, including, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Padma Bhushan Vijay Bhatkar, Padma Shri Dr. Shankar Mahadevan, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, Padma Shri Kumar Sanu, Padma Shri Raveena Tandon, Luke Coutinho amongst others.

August 7, 2025
News18 calls the shots as it headlines Hindi and English viewership

MUMBAI: The ratings are in and News18 isn’t just reading the headlines, it’s writing them. With the latest BARC data painting a clear picture, the News18 Network has reinforced its dominance in both English and Hindi news broadcasting, leaving its rivals flipping through the pages.

CNN-News18 retained its crown as the Number 1 English news channel, capturing a commanding 35.7 per cent market share, well ahead of Times Now (22.4 per cent) and NDTV 24×7 (17.7 per cent). That’s a 60 per cent lead over Times Now, and a staggering 102 per cent lead over NDTV, according to BARC India (Week 30’25, All India, 15 plus).

Fronted by a strong editorial team that includes Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar and Shivani Gupta, CNN-News18 has held onto its pole position ever since BARC ratings resumed in March 2022.

Not to be outdone, News18 India ruled the roost in Hindi news with a powerful 74,444 AMA’000s, outpacing Aaj Tak’s 67,957 AMA’000s (BARC | Week 27–30’25 | HSM | 15plus | 24×7). With trusted faces like Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra, News18 India continues to be the nation’s go-to source for breaking news, sharp debates, and hard-hitting reports.

The network’s leadership isn’t confined to television either. News18’s digital footprint is growing steadily, with Youtube views and social media traction providing a second wind to its broadcast muscle.

Behind the ratings blitz is a clear strategic push. News18 has ramped up investments in technology, editorial staffing, and international partnerships to ensure it stays not just first with the news but first in the hearts (and remotes) of viewers.

In an age of news clutter, News18 Network seems to have cracked the code: clarity, credibility, and countrywide reach.

August 7, 2025
JioStar launches glitzy new website in bold digital makeover

MUMBAI:JioStar has quietly dropped its flashiest transformation yet — a brand-new corporate website that oozes OTT swagger. With the sleekness of Netflix and the razzmatazz of Hulu, the platform is as loud as it is polished — a brash, confident statement of intent from India’s most ambitious media house.

The homepage hits hard: a full-throttle montage of its marquee films, series and sports properties, proudly calling itself “India’s favourite storytellers.” The site’s visual energy mirrors the brand’s content-first ethos — big, bold, and unmistakably JioStar.

The revamped logo — with ‘Jio’ in a magenta coloured circle nudging into ‘Star’ — marks a subtle but sharp shift in branding. There’s sections on entertainment and sports, but what’s catching industry eyes is a new section titled consumer products. Empty for now, it hints at an incoming wave of IP-led merchandise, possibly transforming the site into a content-to-commerce powerhouse. Time — and licensing deals — will tell.

For journalists and media pros, the portal is a goldmine. Rich press resources, high-res spokespeople photos, detailed executive bios, promos make it one of the most media-friendly corporate sites in India. Missing in action, however, is an investor relations section — a standard fixture on international media giants’ portals.

In a practical masterstroke, JioStar has also made life easier for cable TV operators. A clean dropdown menu now lists all reference interconnect offers by channel clusters — making compliance and clarity a breeze.

From content brag to backend utility, the new website signals that JioStar isn’t just flexing its brand muscle — it’s gunning for global best-in-class.

August 7, 2025
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi records over 1.6 billion minutes watch time in launch week

MUMBAI: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi made a historic return to Indian television on 29 July and the response was nothing short of phenomenal. The show clocked 1.659 billion minutes of watch time on Star Plus and JioHotstar in its launch week, an extraordinary testament to its enduring appeal, reasserting its iconic status in India’s entertainment landscape. Drawing 31.1 million viewers on TV in just the first four days, and reaching millions more on streaming, the show has shattered records to become the biggest-ever GEC fiction launch on TV & digital streaming.

The launch episode alone drew 15.4 million viewers on Star Plus, making it the highest-rated fiction premiere in recent history. The returning season’s massive opening on JioHotstar, underscores the growing appetite for daily storytelling on streaming platforms and marks a pivotal moment for the evolution of fiction content in India’s digital entertainment landscape. This is the new high in the fiction journey, proving that daily drama, when reimagined along with streaming, can drive both cultural resonance and massive reach.

“The return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has proven that great storytelling never loses its power. We approached this launch with a two-fold vision: to reignite the deep nostalgia associated with one of India’s most iconic shows, while also crafting a contemporary storyline and viewing experience that resonates with today’s audiences. The record-breaking numbers across Star Plus and JioHotstar reaffirm our belief in the timeless appeal of compelling narratives. This launch is a cultural moment that bridges generations, and we are proud to have delivered it to millions of homes across platforms,” said Sumanta Bose, head of cluster, entertainment (Star Plus and Bharat, Bengali, Marathi and Gujarati), JioStar.

The premiere also drove large-scale organic conversations online, with 17,300 mentions and 86 per cent positive sentiment, underscoring the deep emotional connection and multi-generational pull of the show. The conversations were driven by nostalgia, connection with the star cast and fan anticipation, positioning Kyunki as both a cultural and content milestone.

With its commanding return across TV and streaming platforms, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi has not only revived a beloved legacy but also set the stage for a new era of appointment viewing, combining the mass reach of television with the deep engagement of digital streaming.

The return has revitalized the fiction landscape, drawing significant attention from viewers and advertisers alike. The show had captured the interest of advertisers early on with Tide+, Kalyan Jewellers, and Maruti Suzuki India serving as co-presenting sponsors, with Fortune Soyabean Oil, Colgate, and Smart Bazaar joining as co-powered sponsors along with White Tone Face Cream and Good Knight as Special Partners on television. The digital platform JioHotstar features Kalyan Jewellers and Maruti Suzuki in co-presenting roles, Colgate, Fortune Chakki Fresh Atta, Uti Mutual Fund, Tata Consumer Products, and SMART Bazaar as co-powered by sponsors alongside Mankind Pharma – Prega News as a Special Partner.

Source:

* BARC, India U+R, 2+, SD+HD, Cume Reach Mn* Time Spent, W30’25

**BARC, India U+R, 2+, SD+HD, Cume Reach Mn, W30’25

***BARC, India U+R, 2+, SD+HD, Cume Reach Mn, Original Programming, 29th July 2025 – W30’25

JHS Viewers, JHS Data, Distillery

August 7, 2025