ITV

Category: Television

  • Sony PAL scores big as free-to-air favourite with desi hits and mass reach

    Sony PAL scores big as free-to-air favourite with desi hits and mass reach

    MUMBAI: Sony PAL is having a serious moment in Indian living rooms—and it didn’t get there by chance. The free-to-air (FTA) Hindi general entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has emerged as the fastest growing GEC in Hindi-speaking markets (HSM), with numbers that would make even primetime rivals sweat.

    BARC data from April to June 2025 puts the channel’s reach at a staggering 192 million viewers—the highest among all FTA Hindi GECs over 13 weeks (NCCS 15+, Weeks 14–26). In 9 out of those 13 weeks, Sony PAL ranked no. 1 in reach. That’s not just traction—it’s dominance.

    The channel cracked the code by serving up tried-and-tested fan favourites—Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Vighnahatha Ganesha, and The Kapil Sharma Show—for free. For the first time, these primetime giants were available without a subscription, and the move paid off.

    With its family-first programming slate and no paywall in sight, Sony PAL has become the go-to channel for viewers looking for comfort food in content form. It’s the kind of television that skips the sass but delivers on sanskaar and smiles, hitting the sweet spot for India’s heartland audiences.

    In a fragmented TV landscape, where loyalty is fickle and attention spans shorter than an ad jingle, Sony PAL has managed to hold its ground—and expand it. Its audience-first philosophy, combined with mass-friendly storytelling, is proof that when you make great content accessible, the viewers show up in droves.

    And right now, they’re turning up in the millions.

  • &TV’s new comedy ‘Gharwali Pedwali’ promises a hauntingly hilarious ride

    &TV’s new comedy ‘Gharwali Pedwali’ promises a hauntingly hilarious ride

    MUMBAI: If you thought married life was complicated, wait till you meet Jeetu—&TV’s latest leading man who accidentally ends up with two wives: one human, one haunting.

    After striking gold with shows like Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai and Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, &TV is back to spice up prime time with Gharwali Pedwali, a quirky family comedy with a delightfully paranormal punch. Produced by Peninsula Productions, the show blends classic desi sitcom madness with an unexpected celestial curveball.

    At the heart of this tale is Prithvi Mishra aka Jeetu, a lovable, no-frills everyman whose life has always come in twos. Two mums, two dads, two bosses… and now, courtesy of a last-minute astrological mishap, two wives. Just as he’s ready to tie the knot with the modern and spirited Savi, he’s forced into marrying a peepal tree. Enter Latika, a ghostly bride who believes the symbolic wedding was very much the real deal.

    The show leans into the absurd with flair, promising laugh-out-loud chaos, emotional curveballs, and a double dose of drama. True to its roots, Gharwali Pedwali delivers the signature &TV flavour—relatable, rooted, and ridiculously entertaining.

    No spoilers on how Jeetu navigates this ghostly love triangle, but one thing’s for sure, viewers are in for a spook-tacular treat.

    Gharwali Pedwali is coming soon, only on &TV.

  • Namrata Dadwal joins NDTV 24×7 as senior editor

    Namrata Dadwal joins NDTV 24×7 as senior editor

    MUMBAI: NDTV announces the appointment of Namrata Dadwal as senior editor, NDTV 24×7, with a clear mandate – to supercharge the network’s data journalism and analytics, and weave sharper insights into the heart of its news programming.

    Dadwal steps into the role with over 18 years of experience at the intersection of journalism, data, and visual storytelling. She has built and led editorial teams that have turned complex numbers into clear, compelling narratives – whether heading the Data Intelligence Unit at TV Today Network, crafting in‑depth features at The Economic Times, or shaping high‑impact communication campaigns with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF.

    She has set up award‑winning data desks, mentored young journalists, and spearheaded projects that combine editorial depth with digital innovation – skills that are increasingly vital as newsrooms evolve to bring clarity and context in conversations.

    ‘Namrata’s appointment signals a decisive move to embed data at the core of our storytelling. Her ability to translate analytics into narratives will add a new dimension to how NDTV 24×7 explains the world to its viewers’, said NDTV CEO and editor-in-chief, Rahul Kanwal.

  • Subhojit Roy joins Sony Pictures Networks India as VP, ad sales

    Subhojit Roy joins Sony Pictures Networks India as VP, ad sales

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has appointed Subhojit Roy as vice president, ad sales, strengthening its leadership ranks as it seeks to sharpen its commercial edge in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

    Roy brings with him over 14 years of experience in media and technology sales, having previously held senior roles at TV Today, ABP Network, Viacom18, Zee Studios and Reliance Broadcast Network. Most recently, he served as vice president, sales and strategy at TV Today, where he led monetisation efforts across broadcast and digital verticals.

    An alumnus of ICFAI University and IIM Ahmedabad, Roy has been a driving force behind branded content monetisation, revenue expansion through original IPs, and advertiser-led partnerships. His career spans stints in digital, broadcast, OTT and even government-tech interface sales, underscoring his deep understanding of both legacy and emerging revenue streams.

    At Sony Pictures Networks, Roy is expected to helm advertising strategy across the network’s diverse portfolio, bringing a data-driven approach to branded content, inventory optimisation, and advertiser solutions. His appointment comes at a time when broadcasters are grappling with shrinking linear margins and the urgent need to futureproof monetisation models through digital convergence.

    In his own words, Roy believes, “Almost every industry is getting massively disrupted by the combination of tech and media. Embrace it and empower your people.”

  • Leadership hires rise as firms chase performance over pedigree

    Leadership hires rise as firms chase performance over pedigree

    MUMBAI: From corner offices to boardroom briefings, India Inc. is hitting refresh on its leadership roster. As Indian enterprises tighten the screws on performance, governance and risk agility, CXO-level hiring has seen a 9.5 per cent spike in FY25, according to retained executive search firm Venator Search Partners. The leadership shuffle is part of a structural shift, with companies moving away from legacy-driven appointments toward outcome-oriented roles. According to Venator, over 50 per cent of its hires last year were board-level director positions, and business head mandates have risen by more than 30 per cent this fiscal year.

    “Leadership is no longer inherited. It’s being sculpted to meet sharper expectations,” said Venator Search Partners founder Deepraditya Datta.

    Post-pandemic pressures have forced boards and promoters to rethink how they evaluate leadership no longer by tenure, but by tangible impact. When results fall short, change comes swiftly.

    With regulatory scrutiny mounting, especially after the Reserve Bank of India imposed Rs 54.78 crore in penalties on 353 entities in FY25 for compliance failures, companies are seeking leaders who blend execution with governance.

    There’s rising demand for CXOs who can steer boardroom conversations, think through risk scenarios, and embed compliance into enterprise culture. Finance, audit, and risk functions are no longer just back-office guardians, they’re becoming frontline strategists.

    Inclusivity, too, is taking root at the top. Women now hold 20.6 per cent of CXO roles and 28 per cent of functional head positions, signalling a shift in how leadership pipelines are being built.

    Cybersecurity and digital resilience are also shaping boardroom priorities. As reliance on tech grows, so does the need for leaders who can manage digital risk and business continuity, especially across mid-market firms and large conglomerates alike.

    “The impulsive hire-and-fire culture is giving way to strategic realignment cycles, structured performance reviews, and impact-led assessments,” Datta added.

    In the age of transparency and accountability, Indian companies are rewriting the rulebook on what it means to lead and making sure the boardroom isn’t just where strategy starts, but where results are demanded.

  • Panja packs a punch as Season 2 locks arms with FanCode once again

    Panja packs a punch as Season 2 locks arms with FanCode once again

    MUMBAI: Get ready to grip your screens, India’s fiercest arm battles are back and bolder than ever. The Pro Panja League is flexing for a powerful comeback as Season 2 kicks off on 5 August , streaming live on Fancode. After a knockout debut that turned armwrestling into a must-watch phenomenon, the league is once again teaming up with India’s go-to digital sports platform to deliver unfiltered strength, strategy and spectacle to fans across the country.

    Returning in an IPL-style franchise format, the tournament will see elite athletes from across the nation collide in high-voltage matchups over 17 action-packed days in Gwalior known as much for its heritage as, now, for hosting this homegrown showdown.

    While the Kochi KD’s will defend their title, all eyes are also on the fresh crop of contenders eager to shake up the pecking order at the Panja table.

    “Our aim has always been to make armwrestling accessible to every Indian household,” said Pro Panja League co-founder Parvin Dabas. “Fancode’s reach in Season 1 gave us the perfect platform and we’re ready to dial it up again for Season 2.”

    Fancode co-founder Yannick Colaco added, “We’re proud to continue supporting the growth of indigenous sports. Panja isn’t just a contest of strength, it’s a celebration of pride and passion. And we’re excited to bring it to screens across India.”

    Fans can catch all the action live on the Fancode app (Android and Ios), on TV via Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Samsung TV, Jio STB, and on the Fancode website.

    Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the grip-and-rip game, the Pro Panja League promises a second season that’s bigger, bolder, and guaranteed to leave viewers hooked.

  • Profit scripted, as Network18 bounces back in Q1 FY 26

    Profit scripted, as Network18 bounces back in Q1 FY 26

    MUMBAI: Who needs a plot twist when your earnings season delivers one? Network18 has returned to the profit stage with a Q1 performance that reads more like a financial thriller than a media earnings report. For the quarter ended 30 June 2025, Network18 Media & Investments Limited reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 148.85 crore, reversing a net loss of Rs 195.36 crore from the same period last year. The surprise twist? A windfall from revaluing its stake in Eenadu Television Private Limited (ETPL), which contributed Rs 150.64 crore as an exceptional gain after ETPL ceased to be an associate effective 7 July 2025.

    On a standalone basis, the plot thickens further Network18 clocked a net profit of Rs 516.17 crore, a sharp rebound from a loss of Rs 74.65 crore in Q1 FY25. This included an exceptional income of Rs 587.01 crore due to the revaluation of its 24.5 per cent stake in ETPL.

    Operating revenue, however, told a more subdued tale. Consolidated revenue from operations came in at Rs 467.86 crore, down sharply from Rs 3,140.92 crore in the year-ago period. A large part of this decline stems from the exclusion of subsidiaries like Studio18 Media and Indiacast Media Distribution, which ceased to be part of the group in late 2024.

    Expenses followed the trend, with total costs at Rs 550.12 crore, down from Rs 3,509.46 crore last year. Key cost heads like marketing and distribution (Rs 113.73 crore) and operational costs (Rs 100.30 crore) reflected the reshaped structure of the business.

    The company’s earnings per share (EPS) swung from -Rs 0.82 last year to Rs 0.97 in the current quarter, highlighting the impact of exceptional items.

    Among key line items, employee costs stood at Rs 185.61 crore, while finance cost came in at Rs 52.30 crore. The company recorded depreciation and amortisation expenses of Rs 34.12 crore, and reported other income of Rs 10.15 crore for the quarter.  

    In the fine print, the company noted that despite ETPL no longer being an associate, it retains economic interest in the 24.5 per cent equity stake. The financial results also include profits from joint ventures and associates, amounting to Rs 70.32 crore, further cushioning bottom line performance.

    With cost optimisation, consolidation, and strategic divestments sharpening the focus, Network18 seems to be scripting a leaner, more profitable arc for FY26. Whether this is the start of a blockbuster run or a one-off cameo remains to be seen. But for now, the credits roll on a profitable note.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Dangal TV storms into YouTube’s global Top 100 with 50 million subscribers

    Dangal TV storms into YouTube’s global Top 100 with 50 million subscribers

    MUMBAI: Dangal TV, has smashed yet another digital milestone — crossing a massive 50 million subscribers on YouTube and earning a coveted spot among the Top 100 YouTube channels globally, currently sitting pretty at #87.

    Launched on 2 August 2017, Dangal’s rise from regional to global star reflects more than just strong programming, it’s a testament to sharp strategy and storytelling that cuts across borders and bandwidths.

    The credit, insiders say, goes to the unflinching vision of managing director Manish Singhal, who’s steered Dangal with one mission in mind: to take Bharat’s stories to the world, one compelling plot twist at a time.

    Akshat Singhal, head of Dangal Play, and the driving force behind Dangal TV’s digital transformation, shared, “Reaching 50 million subscribers is a proud and emotional moment for all of us. It reflects the deep connection we’ve built with audiences worldwide and our valued partnership with YouTube, which has enabled us to showcase Indian storytelling on a global stage.”

    He adds, “Our vision from the start has been to create content rooted in the heartland that connects across borders. Reaching the 87th spot globally is just the beginning – with our current and upcoming shows, we aim to break many more records.”

    As the channel nears its eighth anniversary, its YouTube numbers aren’t just vanity metrics, they’re proof that content rooted in India’s soil can roar on the world stage.

  • Veteran producer-director Dheeraj kumar, Creative Eye founder, passes away at 79

    Veteran producer-director Dheeraj kumar, Creative Eye founder, passes away at 79

    MUMBAI: Mumbai is grieving the loss of veteran producer-actor Dheeraj Kumar Kochhar, founder of Bombay Stock Exchange-listed Creative Eye, who passed away this morning at the age of 79. Kumar was admitted to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital on Saturday following a severe bout of fever, cold, and cough, which was later diagnosed as acute pneumonia.

    Despite intensive treatment and ventilator support in the intensive care unit, his condition remained unresponsive. He breathed his last on the morning of 15 July following cardiac arrest. Tellychakkar, a sister publication, confirmed his passing while under close medical supervision.

    A graduate of the Film & Television Institute Pune, Kumar’s career spanned decades, seeing him carve a formidable reputation as a top producer for both Doordarshan and private satellite television channels. He also graced the silver screen, acting in numerous films.

    His prolific production house, Creative Eye, was behind a vast array of popular television shows, including the likes of Kahan Gaye Who Log, Adalat, Sansaar,  the iconic Om Namah Shivay, Dhoop Chaon, Shree Ganesh, Jaane Anjaane, Om Namo Narayan, Ruby Duby Hub Dub, Miilee, Jodi Kamaal Ki, Betiyann, Hamari Bahu Tulsi, and Ishq Subhan Allah, among many others. As an actor, his filmography included Painter Babu, Darling Darling, Kranti, Heera Panna, Raaton Ka Raja and Shreeman Shrimati.

    Kumar’s last rites are scheduled for Wednesday at the Pawan Hans Crematorium. He is survived by his wife, Zuby Kochhar, who serves as a whole-time director in Creative Eye. 

    His passing marks the end of an era for Indian cinema and television.

  • Pongpong Dino gets a juicy bite of UK and US broadcast deals

    Pongpong Dino gets a juicy bite of UK and US broadcast deals

    MUMBAI: From bouncing on cherries to jet-skiing on avocados, these dinos are serving fun by the spoonful. Emmy-winning French animation house Dandelooo is cooking up a global treat with Pongpong Dino, the delightfully zany preschool series that’s just landed broadcast deals in the UK and the US. The CGI show, produced by Korean studio Dream Factory and directed by Taek Geun Chae, blends food, friendship and fizzy fun for kids aged 3 to 5.

    Pongpong Dino will premiere on Sky Kids and Now in the UK later this year. Across the Atlantic, it’s set to make a splash on Vme Kids, the first 24/7 Spanish-language TV channel focused on educational preschool content in the US.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Pongpong Dino to the Vme Kids lineup,” said Vme Media Inc VP of programming and operations Doris Vogelmann. “With its vibrant animation, engaging storytelling and joyful tone, it’s a perfect fit for our youngest viewers.”

    The series follows five exuberant dino kids Momo, Titi, Po, Tutu, and Kaka as they bounce through fantastical food-filled worlds, where cheese becomes jump rope and lemons are repurposed as water balloons. The show encourages young audiences to explore food with all five senses, promoting curiosity, collaboration and a playful attitude to nutrition.

    At the heart of Pongpong Dino is a child-led approach to problem-solving where listening to peers and thinking creatively is key to every challenge. Forget boring lectures and picky eaters these dinos dive headfirst into flavour, fun, and friendship.

    With its global expansion, Pongpong Dino is proving that when it comes to early learning, a spoonful of imagination goes a long way.