ITV

Category: Television

  • Let’s Move +1 puts a fresh spin on Olympic Day with a call to move together

    Let’s Move +1 puts a fresh spin on Olympic Day with a call to move together

    MUMBAI: Pair up, power up Olympic Day is going two-for-one this year. This 23 June, the International Olympic Committee’s global movement campaign Let’s Move returns with a twist, Let’s Move +1, a call for Indians to embrace the power of paired play. In partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation and the Reliance Foundation, the campaign encourages citizens to take a step, then bring a sibling, friend or colleague along for the next one.

    The idea? Moving together means staying motivated and the impact could be national. Over 50 sports venues across India will offer free paired sessions in cricket, padel, badminton, pickleball and more. No strings, just your +1.

    Backed by data from the World Health Organization that shows 50 per cent of Indian adults and a staggering 81 per cent of youth globally fail to meet activity recommendations, Let’s Move +1 taps into sport’s lesser-known benefit social wellbeing. Whether it’s a post-work pickleball match or skipping at school, shared movement builds community and fights loneliness, a growing global concern.

    Schools, too, are stepping in. Through the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) run in Chandigarh, Odisha and Assam more than 12 million children will take part in yoga, kho-kho, dance, arts, and Olympic-themed activities. The programme has already reached 10 million students, driving inclusivity and activity hand in hand.

    Olympic gold medallist and IOC Athletes’ Commission member Abhinav Bindra captured the spirit, “Let’s Move +1 reminds us that sport is not just about strength, it’s about support, connection, and joy.”

    The Reliance Foundation will host a special Olympic Day celebration for 1,450 schoolchildren, joined by archery Olympians Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das. “Sport has shown me the value of having someone in your corner,” said Kumari, a four-time Olympian. “Now, I want to be that person for someone else.”

    Launched in 2023, Let’s Move has already engaged 20 million people in India. With this year’s edition, the campaign doubles down on inclusivity and doubles the fun. Because sometimes, all it takes to get moving is someone to move with.

  • NDTV India picks Rohit Vishwakarma as managing editor to reboot its newsroom with vision, vigour and vernacular punch

    NDTV India picks Rohit Vishwakarma as managing editor to reboot its newsroom with vision, vigour and vernacular punch

    MUMBAI: There’s a long way from a village in Chhattisgarh to the power corridors of Indian media, and Rohit Vishwakarma has walked every dusty mile of it. The man who once grew up in a place untouched by the sound of trains now boards the editorial engine of NDTV India—this time as its managing editor. With a newsroom built on trust, and a landscape that’s anything but calm, Vishwakarma isn’t just filling a chair. He’s bringing a toolkit of disruption, language flair and sharp ground instincts to reinvent how India’s stories are told.

    NDTV India confirmed Vishwakarma’s appointment, marking a key moment in its editorial reset. The channel plans to double down on ‘bold editorial leadership, original thinking, and future-facing journalism’. The move is being seen as both a strategic homecoming and a calculated leap forward.

    With over 21 years in broadcast and digital media, Vishwakarma is no stranger to reinvention. His career began at Star News and since then, he has steered editorial strategy at India TV, Aaj Tak, TV9, NDTV 24×7, and Editorji, before launching RTV News Network in 2023 as its editorial director. At just 36, he became the youngest managing editor of a national news channel back in 2019.

    The man has worn many hats—and languages. He has led editorial teams across Hindi, English, Marathi, and Telugu, flipping the script on linguistic silos. As the first non-Marathi editor to take TV9 Marathi to the number one spot, he smashed regional glass ceilings. He repeated that success in Telugu-speaking markets—cementing his fluency in both language and audience.

    From primetime war rooms to dusty election trails in Saharanpur and Bulandshahr, Vishwakarma’s nose for news has always pointed to ground truth. He is known for shows like Wah Cricket, Fund Ka Funda, and Third Degree, which broke the clutter before ‘disruption’ was fashionable. His election programming—Dilli Ke Dil Mein Kya Hai and Uncensored—offered both raw energy and viewer stickiness. His reporting during the lumpy skin disease outbreak drew praise for its urgency and empathy, putting rural pain on the national radar.

    In the digital jungle, he made early moves. At Editorji, he led app-first content strategies. At RTV, he rolled out an AI-powered multilingual news platform where users could curate news playlists and interact with content—turning passive consumption into active engagement. His editorial team accurately predicted the 2024 Andhra Pradesh election results in a large-scale ground survey, pulling over one lakh live viewers.

    “News can no longer afford to speak from a pedestal. It has to speak from the ground up, and it must do so with honesty, humility, and purpose”, Vishwakarma said. “NDTV has always stood for credibility. My goal is to build on that trust and take it to a generation that demands transparency, participation, and truth without filters”.

    NDTV CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal called it a “homecoming and a leap forward”, adding, “His work speaks to the kind of newsroom we are building—grounded, bold, and built for a new India”.

    With Vishwakarma’s appointment, NDTV India appears to be stacking its newsroom with a new wave of editorial leaders who blend traditional rigour with a pulse on modern media. The goal? Stories that don’t just break news—but break new ground.

  • JioStar hits it out of the park as Tata IPL 2025 smashes a billion-viewer milestone

    JioStar hits it out of the park as Tata IPL 2025 smashes a billion-viewer milestone

    MUMBAI: The 18th season of the Tata IPL was pure box-office cricket, and JioStar—the broadcast juggernaut of Star Sports and JioHotstar—made sure the world was watching. The tournament clocked a jaw-dropping 840 billion minutes of total watch-time and reached an eye-popping one billion viewers, making it the most-watched season in T20 history.

    Digital viewing surged 29 per cent year-on-year, with JioHotstar racking up 23.1 billion views and 384.6 billion minutes of watch-time, riding on a massive 49 per cent jump in Connected TV consumption. Meanwhile, Star Sports delivered 456 billion minutes of live broadcast content, pulling in the highest-ever average TV ratings across demos.

    The Tata IPL 2025 Final was nothing short of a cricketing supernova:

     . 31.7 billion minutes of combined watch-time

     . 169 million TV viewers

     .  892 million video views on digital

     .  55 million peak concurrency on JioHotstar

     .  A record-smashing 16.74 billion minutes on digital alone

    It was also the stuff of legends on the pitch. Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted the trophy, Virat Kohli tasted long-overdue IPL glory, and 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned the world as the youngest centurion in IPL history.

    JioStar CEO – Sports and Live Experiences, Sanjog Gupta said, “The incredible viewership numbers are reinforcement of our belief in the commitment to serve fans and the potential for growth of even a scaled property like the Tata IPL.”

    “We had a two-pronged approach this season.We wanted to widen the consideration for the tournament experience, by focusing on key viewer cohorts which had a light-touch relationship with IPL while also offering a deep, navigable consumer journey to grow engagement with committed fans. From non-viewers and fringe viewers co-viewing the IPL to deeply immersed fanatics, JioStar offered customized offerings for a wide spectrum of distinct cohorts defined by age, consumption profile and region. From the invite and proposition to the broadcast, we were committed to delivering hyper-personalized experiences that are inclusive, intuitive, interactive, and immersive. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the fans, whosepassion and love for the game inspires us. We would also thank BCCI and our partners, whose support is critical in our endeavor to constantly raise the bar on industry-defining experiences we offer on our platforms,” he added.

    Tech-wise, JioStar upped the ante with MaxView 2.0, voice search, 12-language content, Dolby Atmos, VR 360 Live, and Sign Language feeds—making cricket not just watchable, but immersive. The tournament’s “Yahaan Sab Possible Hai” theme rang true despite a mid-season suspension, with fans tuning in in record numbers from the get-go—49.56 billion minutes in just the opening weekend.

    With Shubman Gill and ‘Generation Bold’ now gearing up to face Ben Stokes and Bazball in England starting 20 June, JioStar’s cricketing blitz shows no signs of slowing down.

  • Mukund Acharya joins SPNI as CTO to spearhead its digital shift across linear and OTT platforms

    Mukund Acharya joins SPNI as CTO to spearhead its digital shift across linear and OTT platforms

    MUMBAI: Mumbai’s media corridors just got a new power player. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has appointed Mukund Acharya as its chief technology officer (CTO), effective 19 June, 2025, in a move that signals the broadcaster’s intent to go full throttle on tech-first innovation across broadcast and digital platforms.

    Acharya, who led engineering at Disney+ Hotstar (now JioStar), is no stranger to high-stakes rollouts. From handling the ICC World Cups of 2023, 2024, and 2025 to overseeing the JioCinema-Hotstar integration, the man knows how to deliver under pressure, at scale. With 29 years under his belt at names like Yahoo and InMobi, Acharya brings a rare blend of depth, dexterity, and digital muscle.

    At SPNI, he will now oversee the Enterprise Technology Group (ETG), LIV Technology, and Broadcast Operations and Network Engineering (B.O.N.E.). His mandate? Lead SPNI’s transformation agenda, boost platform innovation, and align technology with evolving business goals—all while scaling both Sony LIV and the network’s broadcast empire.

    “Mukund’s proven leadership in technology-led transformation makes him an invaluable addition to our team”, said SPNI MD & CEO Gaurav Banerjee, lAs we expand our digital and broadcast capabilities, his role will be critical in aligning our technology roadmap with our vision for growth and innovation”.

    Acharya will report to Banerjee and work closely with the Sony LIV leadership as the platform gears up for its next evolution.

    SPNI’s appointment of Acharya comes as the media house doubles down on hybrid distribution, preparing itself for the next decade of entertainment where scale, speed, and seamlessness will define winners.

  • Ruhee Das appointed marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment

    Ruhee Das appointed marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment

    MUMBAI:  Ruhee Das, a prominent figure in the Indian media and entertainment sector, has been named marketing director at Sony Pictures Entertainment, effective June 2025. This promotion comes after a distinguished tenure of six years and ten months as marketing lead at Sony Pictures Television.

    In her previous role as marketing lead, Das was instrumental in promoting Hollywood films and TV series from Sony Pictures across a diverse range of content platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, Sony LIV, and various television channels like Colors Infinity and &Flix. Her responsibilities encompassed ideating, planning, strategising, and executing comprehensive marketing campaigns across digital, on-air, on-ground, outdoor, and print mediums. She also focused on building strong press coverage for Sony titles, securing talent interviews, and driving performance marketing for Sony Pictures Entertainment India’s social media presence. Furthermore, Das oversaw the content monetisation of Sony Pictures’ movies and TV shows on YouTube.

    Before her extensive career at Sony, Das held key marketing positions at Viacom18 Media Private Ltd for nearly four years. As marketing lead – consumer products from April 2017 to September 2018, she spearheaded the marketing efforts to extend popular brands such as MTV, Colors, and Nickelodeon into consumer products, overseeing successful BTL and ATL campaigns and 360-degree marketing strategies. Prior to this, she served as assistant manager (marketing) – consumer products at Viacom18, focusing on MTV Consumer Products.

    Her earlier experience includes a year as senior officer – revenue at Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (The Times Group), where she was responsible for revenue generation through media sales and brand integration for the TV channel Romedy Now. She also held marketing roles at Propellum and Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., and completed internships at Abbott and Business Standard.

    Das’s wealth of experience in content marketing, social media, and business strategy positions her to drive significant growth for Sony Pictures Entertainment in the South Asian market.

  • Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    MUMBAI: Once on track to become an engineer, Shubhankar Mishra is now about to engineer something else entirely, a possible tectonic shift in Hindi TV journalism. The social media powerhouse with over 30 million followers across platforms is stepping into prime time on NDTV India this July, marking a move that blurs the lines between digital virality and newsroom credibility.

    It’s a transition that has been years in the making. Inspired by a single film (3 Idiots) and armed with little more than conviction and curiosity, Shubhankar abandoned the engineering blueprint to follow the story instead of the script. From remote COVID-hit villages in Assam to the heartland’s neglected narratives, his reportage often arrived before traditional headlines did.

    But what makes his journey remarkable isn’t just the reach, it’s the resonance. Whether it’s on Instagram Reels or in long-form Youtube documentaries, he’s told stories that institutions ignored until the scroll stopped. And now, as he walks into NDTV’s studio, he brings with him not just an audience, but a mission.

    “I’m not here to be comfortable. I’m here to ask what needs to be asked,” says Mishra, explaining why NDTV India is his new home. “There aren’t many spaces left where you’re encouraged to challenge power and speak truth. NDTV is one of them.”

    The new show promises to be viewer-centric, field-forward, and unapologetically direct, a mirror held up to Bharat, by someone who hasn’t just reported on it but lived it. Expect sharp questions, grounded voices, and a refusal to settle for status quo headlines.

    “Shubhankar represents the kind of journalism this moment demands fearless, field-first, and deeply connected to the idea of India,” said NDTV CEO and editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal. “His following isn’t just numerical, it’s emotional. It’s trust.”

    This move is also part of NDTV’s broader editorial revamp, a pivot toward immersive storytelling, digital convergence, and fresh editorial leadership. With voices like Shubhankar leading the way, NDTV is positioning itself as a platform for a “New India” one where journalism doesn’t just inform but inspires.

    From algorithms to anchor chairs, Shubhankar Mishra’s next chapter might just redefine what news in Hindi prime time looks and sounds like. And if his 30 million-strong digital tribe is any indication, a lot of India is already tuned in.

  • Netflix inks landmark deal to host TF1 channels in France

    Netflix inks landmark deal to host TF1 channels in France

    MUMBAI: In a groundbreaking move poised to reshape France’s television landscape, Netflix has announced a landmark partnership with major French broadcaster TF1. From the summer of 2026, Netflix subscribers across France will gain direct access to TF1 Group’s live channels and extensive on-demand content, all seamlessly integrated into their existing Netflix subscription. This “first-of-its-kind partnership,” unveiled at the Cannes Lions advertising conference, signals a significant strategic shift for both media giants.

    The deal will see Netflix members in France able to stream TF1’s five free-to-air linear television channels — TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, and LCI — directly through the Netflix platform. This unprecedented integration also includes access to over 30,000 hours of on-demand content from TF1+, the broadcaster’s own streaming service. Viewers will no longer need to switch between apps to catch popular French dramas like Broceliande and Demain nous appartient,  entertainment staples such as The Voice, or even major live sporting events featuring France’s national football and basketball teams.

    For Netflix, this collaboration is a clear step towards becoming a comprehensive “one-stop-shop” for television audiences globally. Netflix co-chief executive Greg Peters highlighted the synergy, stating the deal “plays to our strengths of giving audiences the best entertainment alongside the best discovery experience.”

    By teaming up with France’s leading broadcaster, Netflix aims to provide “even more reasons to come to Netflix every day and to stay with us for all their entertainment.” The move is particularly astute given France’s stringent regulatory requirements that mandate international streaming platforms invest in and contribute to local content production.

    Conversely, for TF1, whose chief executive Rodolphe Belmer expressed his delight, the alliance represents a crucial opportunity to expand its digital footprint and unlock new avenues for advertisers in an increasingly fragmented viewing market. TF1 currently reaches 58 million monthly viewers via its broadcast channels and serves 35 million users on its TF1+ streaming service. 

    Belmer emphasised that the partnership would allow TF1’s “premium content to reach unparalleled audiences and unlock new reach for advertisers within an ecosystem that perfectly complements our TF1+ platform.” While TF1+ remains central to its strategy, the Netflix integration is seen as “truly complementary,” with internal analyses predicting a “significantly net positive” business effect.

    Peters and Belmer flew into the picturesque French Riviera town of Cannes to make the announcement. 

    The financial terms remain undisclosed, but industry observers suggest it could serve as a global blueprint for similar arrangements as Netflix seeks to deepen its power over traditional broadcasters. This development comes at a pivotal time for Netflix, which in April 2025 saw co-chief executive Ted Sarandos announce an ambitious target of reaching a $1 trillion market capitalisation. 

    However, the company has also faced recent headwinds, including subscriber backlash following price increases in several countries and a slowdown in growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Integrating content from popular free-to-air broadcasters like TF1 could provide a fresh impetus for subscriber acquisition and retention.

    The partnership is not entirely new territory for TF1 and Netflix, who have previously collaborated on successful co-productions such as Les Combattantes, L’Agence, and Tout le bleu du ciel. This deepening of ties underscores a growing trend of convergence between traditional media and streaming giants, as both adapt to evolving consumer habits that increasingly favour on-demand consumption. The ability to watch a diverse range of content, from scripted dramas to live sports, all within a single interface, marks a significant evolution in the streaming warS.

  • Ervan Preet Bagga takes charge as national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms

    Ervan Preet Bagga takes charge as national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms

    MUMBAI:  Media sales maven Ervan Preet Bagga has stepped into the role of national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms – India, marking a dynamic return to the broadcaster where she earlier led the charge as regional sales head for the North.

    With over 15 years of experience in revenue strategy, relationship management, digital marketing, and sales leadership, Bagga has carved a niche as one of India’s most agile P&L experts. Her last role as director – SMB sports at Viacom18 saw her scale monetisation across key sports properties, blending strategic partnerships with sharp execution.

    Bagga’s previous roles at ByteDance, IN10 Media, iTV Network, Zee Entertainment, and Network18 add depth to her multi-platform expertise—across entertainment, sports, and digital-first media. She is known for her people-centric leadership style, keen market instincts, and a robust track record of unlocking new business.

    Back at Goldmines, Bagga’s focus will be on driving national revenues, crafting integrated brand solutions, and future-proofing the sales playbook as the company scales its content ambitions.

  • Ryan Reynolds backs the beasts no one bets on in National Geographic’s ‘Underdogs’

    Ryan Reynolds backs the beasts no one bets on in National Geographic’s ‘Underdogs’

    MUMBAI: Move over lions, tigers and photogenic penguins — the oddballs of the wild are finally having their moment. National Geographic’s latest natural history docu-series Underdogs, narrated by the irreverent Ryan Reynolds, premieres 19 June and promises to flip the animal kingdom’s PR machine on its head.

    Running every Thursday and Friday at 8 PM, Underdogs is a five-part, gloriously offbeat dive into the secret lives of creatures usually left on the cutting-room floor — think mucus-glowing grubs, dodgy parents, and desperate flirters. It’s equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and visually stunning, wrapped in Reynolds’ trademark wit.

    “Getting to work with National Geographic on Underdogs was a dream come true—mostly because I can finally watch a project of ours with my children. Technically, they saw “Deadpool & Wolverine” but I don’t think they absorbed much while covering their eyes and ears and screaming for two hours,” said Reynolds. “We’re so proud to elevate the unsung heroes of the natural world to the top of the entertainment food chain and can’t wait for everyone to see.”

    Produced by Emmy and BAFTA-winning Wildstar Films (a Fremantle company) and Reynolds’ own Maximum Effort, the show swings between education and entertainment like a monkey on espresso. Each episode delves into unexpected themes – bizarre mating rituals, dodgy parenting, deception, and jaw-dropping survival hacks.

    One standout scene features a first-ever filming inside a glowing cave in New Zealand, lit up by the, er, backsides of mucus-covered larvae. Other unsung stars include bug-eyed frogs, underappreciated rodents, and creatures that give “creepy crawly” a whole new twist.

    With a score by Oscar-nominated composer Harry Gregson-Williams (Shrek, The Martian), and a thumping original theme by rock legends Green Day, Underdogs doesn’t just celebrate the misfits — it turns them into rockstars.

    The Underdogs soundtrack, featuring Gregson-Williams’ compositions, dropped on 13 June via Hollywood Records. Green Day’s new single “Underdog” is part of their just-released deluxe album Saviors (édition de luxe).

    Behind the scenes, the creative force includes executive producers Mark Linfield, Vanessa Berlowitz and Dan Rees (Wildstar); Reynolds, George Dewey, Ashley Fox and Patrick Gooing (Maximum Effort); and a production team from National Geographic led by Tracy Rudolph Jackson, Janet Han Vissering, Charlie Parsons, and Tom McDonald.

    Underdogs might just be the most delightfully absurd and oddly inspiring natural history series of the year — proving that in nature, weird wins.

    Pic courtesy: National Geographic

  • Manjyot Sandhu launches global distrib, acquisitions and creator-funding NARaTiV Media:

    Manjyot Sandhu launches global distrib, acquisitions and creator-funding NARaTiV Media:

    MUMBAI: A new global player has entered the content arena. NARaTiV Media, a next-generation distribution, acquisitions and creator funding company, has officially launched—armed with serious financial firepower and a subscriber arsenal topping 100 million+ across YouTube and Meta platforms.

    Built on over 25 years of global media and licensing experience, NARaTiV is co-founded by former Zee TV syndication and licensing veteran Manjyot Sandhu, who now leads the company as chief executive officer. The company aims to become the preferred partner for content owners, independent producers and creators looking to scale across borders, platforms and formats.

    At its core lies a creator investment fund, designed to turbocharge the growth of new media businesses and digital-first talent. The company’s owned and operated channel portfolio spans multiple languages, with exclusive content representation deals and active buying mandates for major CTV and linear networks.

    “We’re building NARaTiV with a bold vision—to unlock true value for creators and content owners worldwide,” said Sandhu. “Financial strength with strategic agility is our edge.”

    The company has hit the ground running with operational hubs in Rio, Mexico City, Los Angeles, Sofia, London, Istanbul, Dubai, and New Delhi—signalling a firm focus on global-local synergy.

    NARaTiV’s upcoming slate includes a flurry of content deals, platform partnerships, and international licensing moves—marking the start of what could be a narrative shift in creator economy infrastructure.

    Further announcements on partnerships, content mandates, and strategic initiatives will follow in the coming weeks.