ITV

Category: Television

  • Zee rebrands as a content and tech powerhouse with ‘Yours Truly, Z’ promise

    Zee rebrands as a content and tech powerhouse with ‘Yours Truly, Z’ promise

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zee) has unveiled a fresh, tech-infused brand universe as it repositions itself as a content and technology powerhouse. With a sharp focus on blending content with cutting-edge technology, the company has set its sights on enhanced performance, profitability, and global reach.

    Zee’s new brand identity, headlined by the promise ‘Yours Truly, Z,’ is a blend of bold design, vibrant colours, and heartfelt storytelling. It’s not just a facelift; it’s a complete transformation aimed at offering immersive experiences across entertainment platforms. The sleek, adaptive design reflects Zee’s legacy of three decades while embracing the aspirations of young India.

    Zee brandA letter from the brand to its stakeholders adds a personal touch: “I promise to make you laugh louder, dream bigger, and feel more deeply in every moment.” This emotional connect isn’t just fluff – it’s a strategic move to deepen consumer loyalty and brand affinity.

    The transformation was unveiled at the Zee Cine Awards 2025, where CEO Punit Goenka highlighted the brand’s mission to leverage technology for content creation, distribution, and monetisation. “Our new look is futuristic, dynamic, and agile, reflecting our team’s capability to capitalise on emerging opportunities,” Goenka said. “The brand promise of ‘Yours Truly, Z’ captures our consumer-centric approach and commitment to delivering meaningful experiences.”
    Zee Brand architectureUnderpinning this transformation are Zee’s core brand pillars: a purpose-driven existence, a vision to bring positive change through purposeful entertainment, and a mission to consistently deliver value to stakeholders. The company aims to enrich lives by creating extraordinary moments of optimism and togetherness.

    From its pioneering role in Indian media to becoming a global player, Zee has been an entertainment juggernaut. Now, with its fresh brand universe, it’s not just keeping up with the times – it’s setting the pace. 

    As the brand’s new identity rolls out on  8 June 2025, during the telecast of Zee Cine Awards, all eyes will be on how ‘Yours Truly, Z’ shapes the future of Indian entertainment.

  • Mumbai’s new reel estate: BMC to allow temporary film sets under DCPR 2034

    Mumbai’s new reel estate: BMC to allow temporary film sets under DCPR 2034

    Mumbai: In a cinematic twist, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corp (BMC) has proposed a crucial amendment to its Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034, officially permitting the construction of temporary sets for films, TV serials, and advertisements. The move aims to turn Mumbai’s open plots into a regulated playground for the entertainment industry, ensuring compliance while boosting civic revenue.

    The amendment, initiated under Section 37 (1) of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966, will introduce a fresh category under regulation 57, allowing temporary studios with prior approval from the BMC. Citizens have a month to share their views with the BMC’s chief engineer (development plan) or the deputy director of town planning.

    BMC’s latest move comes just weeks after the city hosted the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (Waves), positioning Mumbai as a media powerhouse. It also aligns with the state government’s plan to establish a massive creative economy hub in Malad.

    This decision traces back to a 2019 BMC circular that allowed temporary filming structures on open plots. But what started as a filmmaker’s delight turned into an environmental nightmare, with unauthorized setups mushrooming even in Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ). A subsequent inquiry in 2022 saw the BMC demolish 11 illegal studios in Madh, Marve, and Erangal.

    The new amendment seeks to end this chaos by setting clear boundaries—temporary sets can now be constructed only with proper permissions, capped at six months at a time and a maximum of three years in total. “Permissions will also generate revenue for the BMC,” a civic official confirmed.

    The revised rules will also help the civic body track how many production houses are using the designated plots for shoots, ensuring accountability.

  • One Tap Wonder as TV9 Clicks with Google’s Global Spotlight

    One Tap Wonder as TV9 Clicks with Google’s Global Spotlight

    MUMBAI: When it comes to logging in, less really is more and TV9 Digital has proved just that. In a rare nod from Silicon Valley’s finest, Google has spotlighted the Indian news platform in a global case study for its swift, smart, and successful rollout of Google One Tap sign-in.

    The feather in TV9’s cap? Over 2 lakh user registrations in just 60 days. No passwords, no confusion, no drama just a single click and straight into the news. The result? Fewer drop-offs, happier users, and a treasure trove of first-party data.

    The case study from Google highlights how this friction-free feature supercharged TV9 Digital’s user acquisition and retention. It wasn’t just about the numbers, though. The richer data allowed for smarter personalisation think curated newsletters, targeted alerts, and reader experiences that feel like they were written just for you.

    Emphasising that innovation TV9 Network’s DNA chief growth officer Raktim Das said, “Being recognized by Google in a global case study is a proud moment for us. It underscores our commitment to combining journalism with cutting-edge technology to deliver a superior experience to our digital audience.”

    Das added: “Google’s partnership on Google One Tap has been instrumental in our user acquisition strategy, delivering a seamless sign-up experience. The resulting 200,000 registrations in 60 days demonstrate the immense potential of this collaboration. We see this as a significant opportunity to further leverage this partnership for enhanced audience engagement and first-party data growth.”

    March was already a milestone month for TV9, with 138 million unique visitors recorded on ComScore. But this Google case study has turned a strong run into a standout moment, positioning the brand not just as a news destination, but as a tech-forward leader in digital publishing.

    As platforms everywhere scramble to future-proof their audience strategies, TV9’s “One Tap” masterstroke shows that when it comes to engagement convenience really is king. Or in this case, news you can trust with a single click.
     

  • News18 India tops charts with 96.5 per cent viewership jump during India-Pakistan conflict

    News18 India tops charts with 96.5 per cent viewership jump during India-Pakistan conflict

    MUMBAI: As tensions flared during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, viewers across the country turned to News18 India in record numbers. The Hindi news channel soared to the top of the charts, notching a 96.5 per cent spike in Average Minute Audience (AMA000’s), according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data.

    From 7-9 May, News18 India clocked 39,341 AMA000’s, establishing itself as the most-watched Hindi news channel during the period. Its Cumulative Reach’00 also saw a substantial rise, touching 45,438—a 49.9 per cent increase. (Source: BARC, Market: HSM, TG: 2+, Period: Wk 18’25)

    In a volatile media environment flooded with misinformation about India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, News18 India focused on accurate, responsible, and timely reportage. The channel broke key developments, including the pivotal DGMO calls that halted further escalation.

    Network18’s broader general news portfolio also registered a sharp rise in performance. With an AMA000’s count of 81,155, the network saw an 82.8 per cent boost. Its Cumulative Reach’00 reached 1,02,485, marking a 38.6 per cent week-on-week surge. (Source: BARC, Market: India, TG: 2+)

    The network’s editorial strength stems from its top-tier anchors and an extensive on-ground network that enabled comprehensive, ground-up coverage. Network18’s portfolio includes News18 India and CNN-News18 on the national front, and a robust regional slate including News18 Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand, News18 Bihar/Jharkhand, News18 Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh, and News18 Bangla, among others.

    Network18 has consistently held its position as the country’s number one news network for over two years, with its mix of rigorous journalism and regionally rooted storytelling continuing to win the trust of Indian audiences.

  • Edstead premieres ‘Molecules of Hope’ to spotlight India’s healthcare changemakers

    Edstead premieres ‘Molecules of Hope’ to spotlight India’s healthcare changemakers

    MUMBAI: In an evocative blend of insight and emotion, Edstead, the research-first documentary studio, has launched Molecules of Hope, a three-part series that uncovers the beating heart of India’s healthcare transformation. The series, which premiered today, journeys through the stories of Entod Pharmaceuticals, UE Lifesciences, and Ujala Cygnus Healthcare Services—three organisations pushing boundaries across medicine, technology, and accessibility.

    From research labs to rural clinics, the series captures real-world impact with unvarnished intimacy. Each episode offers a deep dive into the work of companies breaking barriers—whether it’s driving cutting-edge ophthalmic research, delivering early breast cancer detection in underserved areas, or building hospital networks for the Bharat hinterland. Through authentic storytelling and carefully curated narratives, Edstead showcases the layered realities behind the headlines—where innovation, human intent, and systemic change meet.

    “India’s healthcare sector stands at a critical inflection point, and we saw a powerful opportunity to document this transformation through purposeful, human-centered storytelling”, said Edstead founder Shekhar Bhattacharjee. “This series is not just about science or systems; it’s about the people at the heart of progress. By collaborating with organisations driving real change, we’ve been able to craft narratives that resonate deeply and reflect the tangible impact unfolding across the country.”

    Molecules of Hope emerges at a time when India’s healthcare ecosystem is being rewritten—not just by large hospitals or pharma giants, but by lean startups, community health pioneers, and tech-led disruptors. Edstead’s production not only elevates these voices but also bridges storytelling with purpose, turning brand impact into cultural narrative.

    Through a mix of moving imagery, lived testimonials, and context-rich reporting, the series positions Edstead at the forefront of meaningful branded content. As healthcare becomes more decentralised, inclusive, and technologically driven, Molecules of Hope captures the unsung moments and unlikely heroes shaping this new era.

    The series is now streaming across Edstead’s digital platforms and partner channels.

  • Business Today to host jury meet for India’s most sustainable companies on 16 May

    Business Today to host jury meet for India’s most sustainable companies on 16 May

    MUMBAI: With the world watching corporate India’s green game, Business Today has announced the jury for the inaugural edition of BT India’s Most Sustainable Companies – Summit & Awards. The jury meet will be held on 16 May to evaluate the country’s ESG front-runners ahead of the grand ceremony in June.

    Chaired by State Bank of India former Chairman Rajnish Kumar, the jury features a high-calibre mix of financial, regulatory, and sustainability expertise. Among them:

    1    Reserve Bank of India former ED Deepali Pant

    2    CareEdge Group MD & group CEO Mehul Pandya

    3    HDFC Trustee Company Ltd chairman of the Board Vimal Bhandari

    4    Deutsche Bank Group MD & head of ESG – Asia Pacific Kamran Khan

    5    Corporate advisor Srinath Sridharan

    6    IIFM director K Ravichandran

    The awards, which will be handed out on 6 June in New Delhi, will celebrate Indian companies that have hardwired environmental, social and governance values into their business models. Companies will be recognised not just for adopting ESG checklists, but for delivering measurable impact through sustainability-led growth.

    Union minister for environment, forest and climate change, Bhupender Yadav, will attend the summit as Chief Guest, adding policy weight to a platform that aims to bridge business ambition with climate action.

    From carbon cuts and circular economy experiments to social equity frameworks and governance overhauls, the awards will spotlight companies leading by example. Business Today’s initiative signals an urgent and necessary shift: that the age of box-ticking sustainability is over, and real accountability is now the benchmark.

  • Sportskill launches Champions Club Elite Pass to back India’s top-ranked young athletes

    Sportskill launches Champions Club Elite Pass to back India’s top-ranked young athletes

    MUMBAI:  In a powerful push for grassroots excellence, Sportskill has launched the Champions Club Elite Pass — a performance-based initiative designed to identify, support, and celebrate India’s top young athletes. Far from a membership card, the pass is a golden ticket to advanced training, national recognition, and elite exposure — all backed by one of India’s oldest sporting institutions, the Cricket Club of India (CCI).

    The pass, awarded free of charge, is open to athletes who rank in the top eight nationally or top 16 in Asia across five racket sports — Tennis, Squash, Table Tennis, Badminton, and Pickleball. By eliminating financial barriers and prioritising merit, Sportskill is flipping the script on how early-stage sports talent is nurtured.

    “This is not just an endorsement; it’s a call to action for institutions across the country to come together and build a world-class, athlete-first ecosystem”, said Sportskill co-founder Chetan Desai.

    The initiative received ringing endorsement from Anil Nayar, a Harvard alumnus and 28-time national champion who’s been inducted into the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame. He called the programme “a win-win for champion players, club members, and budding juniors”, underscoring its potential to transform both player development and club prestige.

    With CCI lending its name to the pass, Sportskill has found a heavyweight ally. Known for shaping legends and hosting historic tournaments, the Mumbai-based institution’s support adds legacy value to a forward-facing initiative.

    Sportskill co-founder Abhinav Sinha added, “The support from CCI gives further momentum to our mission of building a transformative sporting culture for India’s youth. It’s time clubs moved from being venues to becoming talent incubators”.

    Pass holders will gain access to high-performance training, a dedicated athlete profile to attract sponsors, and entry into an invitation-only celebration featuring top talent across disciplines. Even their coaches will be formally acknowledged — a rare move that spotlights mentorship in Indian sport.

    Underneath the glamour sits a solid tech stack. Sportskill is evolving into a full-fledged sports tech as a service (STaaS) platform that leverages AI, video analytics, and data-driven coaching to deliver measurable improvement across athlete journeys. Its ambition: to support champions not when they make it, but while they’re making it.

    Applications for the Champions Club Elite Pass are now open at www.Sportskill.app. For queries, athletes and parents can write to connect@Sportskill.app.

    With this initiative, Sportskill isn’t just investing in India’s next sports stars — it’s building a structure to ensure their journey is seen, supported, and celebrated from the start.

  • ABP Network cements third place in India’s digital media race with 152 million monthly users

    ABP Network cements third place in India’s digital media race with 152 million monthly users

    MUMBAI:  ABP Network has tightened its grip on India’s digital news landscape, emerging once again as the country’s third-largest publisher, according to Comscore MMX Multi-Platform data for March 2025. The network reached over 152 million unique users across platforms, outshining rivals such as HT Media, Zee Digital, India Today Group, Times Network, and NDTV.

    ABP Network’s dominant digital footprint spans web, apps, and Youtube, supported by an unmatched edge in regional news segments. With this continued performance, the network has retained its third-place ranking for the second month in a row.

    In the Hindi news category, ABP News led the charts with 93.8 million unique visitors—beating NDTV.in by more than 28 million. Meanwhile, ABP Ananda topped the Bengali market with 10 million desktop and mobile users, and secured the number two position overall with a combined reach of 22.5 million when factoring in social media.

    In Maharashtra, ABP Majha reigned supreme in the Marathi segment for a second consecutive month, drawing 22 million users in March and outperforming TV9 Marathi, Sakal Media, and Lokmat. ABP Nadu also made strong inroads in Tamil Nadu, ranking second with 10 million unique visitors.

    This performance reflects ABP Network’s growing command over regional markets and its strategic focus on digital growth. The consistent growth underscores ABP Network’s commitment to expanding its national footprint while deepening its roots in local language markets. With its strong audience engagement, the company continues to raise the bar for digital journalism in India.

  • Goafest 2025 levels up with ‘Advertising Plays’ to spark camaraderie through sport and wellness

    Goafest 2025 levels up with ‘Advertising Plays’ to spark camaraderie through sport and wellness

    MUMBAI: Goafest 2025 is serving up more than awards and panels. The festival’s latest initiative, ‘Advertising Plays’, will bring delegates out of boardrooms and onto courts, beaches and walking trails for inter-agency competitions and wellness experiences designed to build industry bonds through play.

    Conceptualised as a people-first property and curated by Havas Play, ‘Advertising Plays’ will debut this year as part of the revamped Goafest Village format. The programme features gender-neutral games including Chess, Carrom, Darts, Arm Wrestling and Net Cricket, alongside high-energy matchups in Pickleball and Table Tennis. Wellness activities like Yoga by the Bay and the Beach Walkathon will help delegates start their day with clarity and calm.

    “The connections that move our industry forward aren’t always made in boardrooms or at award ceremonies. Advertising Plays offers a space for professionals to engage beyond the usual format. It’s a people first initiative which will enable our industry to build more connections and collaborate in the longer run”, said Goafest 2025 Organising Committee co-chair and Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi.

    Havas Play India COO R. Venkatasubramanian added, “Goafest has long been a premier platform that unites the brightest minds in the world of advertising. In 2025, it takes a bold new leap by introducing Advertising Plays—a dynamic initiative designed to elevate the spirit of friendly competition among industry professionals”.

    Inter-agency contests will run throughout the festival, culminating in awards for performance and team spirit. Winners will take home trophies and year-long bragging rights. The initiative aims to encourage participation across all fitness levels, offering spontaneous play zones and community-led wellness formats.

    The 18 edition of Goafest will take place from 21-23 May 2025 at the Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage and Horizon. The festival is co-hosted by The Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC).

  • Shyam Tallamraju takes charge as VP – fan loyalty & live experiences at JioHotstar

    Shyam Tallamraju takes charge as VP – fan loyalty & live experiences at JioHotstar

    MUMBAI: From co-founding a tier-2 India gaming platform to curating spiritual live events with Bachchan, Shyam Tallamraju has made career pivots look easy. Now, he has stepped into his latest—and arguably most dynamic—role as JioHotstar vice president – fan loyalty & live experiences, marking a major milestone in the OTT giant’s audience engagement evolution.

    Tallamraju announced the move via LinkedIn, reflecting on a whirlwind two-month sprint where he already led the platform’s non-sporting live experiences for Mahashivratri and Ram Navami. Both events featured Hindi cinema legend Amitabh Bachchan and signalled a shift in JioHotstar’s content curation playbook—one that stretches beyond just cricket and cinema.

    “It’s always Day One at JioStar”, Tallamraju wrote, hinting at the long runway ahead in crafting moments that go beyond screen time to forge fan bonds. His appointment signals a clear commitment by the platform to build deeper, more interactive viewer journeys across festivals, fandom, and everything in between.

    Prior to this role, Tallamraju co-founded Hi Hello, a multilingual social gaming app that clocked over two million downloads and $100,000 in revenue. Despite its eventual closure, the three-year journey gave him a front-row seat to India’s tier two digital pulse.

    “Running a startup is a crash course in life”, he admitted, acknowledging the grind and lessons that shaped his vision for building meaningful fan ecosystems. His earlier stints include leadership roles at Gupshup, OZiva, Bookmyshow, and Radio Mirchi—adding to a portfolio that blends media strategy with brand insight and digital storytelling.

    With over two decades of experience and a knack for turning everyday moments into fan rituals, Tallamraju’s new chapter is poised to push the boundaries of experiential entertainment at one of India’s biggest OTT platforms.

    As the streaming race heats up, JioHotstar’s next big wins might not just lie in what’s on-screen, but in how deeply it can embed itself into the lives—and emotions—of its viewers. And Tallamraju seems all set to lead that charge.