ITV

Category: Television

  • Times Now, Navbharat and Radio Mirchi hit the road for Bihar Election Yatra

    Times Now, Navbharat and Radio Mirchi hit the road for Bihar Election Yatra

    MUMBAI: From Thekua to the throne. Bihar’s election season is getting a broadcast twist as Times Now, Times Now Navbharat and Radio Mirchi team up for a one-of-a-kind Election Yatra: a campaign that takes the state’s political pulse straight from its streets.

    In a first-ever collaboration between the Times Group’s television and radio arms, the initiative blends on-ground reportage with on-air energy, turning poll coverage into a full-fledged public conversation.

    The Election Yatra brings together Times Now Navbharat’s Rakesh Pandey and Times Now’s Swati Joshi, who hit the road across 28 districts and 4,500 kilometres, alongside Mirchi Patna RJs Shashi and Anjali. Together, they capture the stories, moods and melodies of Bihar’s democracy-in-motion.

    Rakesh Pandey connects live with RJ Shashi on air for Election Yatra at 5.20 pm, creating a bridge between the newsroom and neighbourhood. The segment, co-powered by Polycab, Kayam Churna and Sankalp Restaurant, promises candid voices, lively debates and plenty of local flavour.

    Meanwhile, Swati Joshi and RJ Anjali’s Times Now Election Yatra airs at 5:30 pm, capturing everything from Thekua ki mithas to Votva ka josh. Their segments decode what’s really on voters’ minds, from aspirations and anxieties to the small joys that make elections in Bihar feel like a festival.

    Through this collaboration, Times Now, Times Now Navbharat and Radio Mirchi aim to make election coverage as much about people and participation as it is about politics.

    Tune in daily to Times Now Navbharat at 5.20 pm and Times Now at 5.30 pm to follow the Election Yatra, where Bihar’s voices steer the conversation and every vote tells a story.

  • Network18 turns up the volume on growth with a golden quarter

    Network18 turns up the volume on growth with a golden quarter

    MUMBAI: In a quarter where the media landscape was static at best, Network18 managed to change the channel to growth. The company’s second-quarter results for FY26 show that while much of the news industry wrestled with weak ad demand, Network18 found its own breaking news: a 7.2 per cent year-on-year rise in operating revenue, clocking Rs 477.2 crore in Q2 FY26, up from Rs 445.3 crore a year earlier and Rs 430.4 crore in the previous quarter.

    The bump came despite a 7 per cent dip in TV news inventory demand, hinting that the network’s improved pricing yields and robust market position helped it stay ahead of the curve. For an industry still feeling the aftershocks of cautious advertiser sentiment, Network18’s showing signals a quiet revival, one that could pick up further pace through Q3 and Q4.

    But the quarter wasn’t just about numbers, it was also about narrative. Cementing its leadership in regional news, Network18 acquired the remaining 50 per cent stake in IBN Lokmat News pvt. ltd. (IBNL) for Rs 25 crore, making News18 Lokmat a wholly owned subsidiary. The Marathi news powerhouse has seen strong revenue growth over the past three years and continues to reign supreme in the Marathi segment.

    For viewers, the move means a smoother experience across TV and digital; for the network, it’s another piece in the puzzle of regional dominance. “This acquisition strengthens our market-leading portfolio of national and regional news channels,” said Network18 chairman Adil Zainulbhai. “Our mission is to be the one-stop news destination for audiences across India.”

    Beyond news, the company is expanding into new frontiers. Moneycontrol, its flagship digital platform, has been building serious fintech muscle. Lending has emerged as a key growth engine, and its partnership with HDFC Bank, announced at the Global Fintech Festival 2025, adds further heft positioning Moneycontrol as India’s largest and most trusted financial destination.

    Meanwhile, Creator18, the network’s newest vertical, is crafting a future beyond headlines, one built on hashtags and human stories. The platform has already worked with over 1,000 creators, managing many exclusively, and is building what could become one of India’s largest creator ecosystems. From influencer campaigns to social-first storytelling, Creator18 is expanding Network18’s reach into lifestyle, culture, and commerce areas that increasingly shape public conversation.

    Network18’s 20-channel portfolio, which includes 14 regional channels, makes it the largest TV news network in India by both reach and viewership. And even as overall revenue growth for the first half of FY26 stayed broadly flat, the company’s tight cost control kept operating expenses steady, a sign of resilience in an uneven market.

    In an industry that thrives on breaking news, Network18 seems to have created some of its own from acquisition-led regional growth to digital diversification and creator-led storytelling. The message is clear: while others are still buffering, Network18 is already streaming into the future.

  • Network18 seizes full control of Marathi news channel in Rs 25 crore deal

    Network18 seizes full control of Marathi news channel in Rs 25 crore deal

    MUMBAI: Network18 Media & Investments has moved swiftly to acquire complete control of IBN Lokmat News Pvt Ltd, snapping up 86.25 million equity shares and preference holdings from its long-time partner Lokmat Media Pvt Ltd for Rs 25 crores. Come late October, IBNL will be Network18’s wholly owned subsidiary.

    The transaction marks a decisive shift in the broadcaster’s strategy towards the Marathi news market, where News18 Lokmat reigns as the segment leader. IBNL, which Network18 and the Lokmat Group established as a joint venture in 2007, has been quietly expanding. Its revenues jumped from Rs 22.5 crore in FY2022-23 to Rs 31.1 crore the following year, then surged again to Rs 36.5 crore by FY2024-25—a clear signal that the channel is hitting its stride.

    The deal is a related party transaction structured at arm’s length, with independent valuations from Ernst & Young Merchant Banking Services signing off. Network18’s promoters and group companies have no stake in the arrangement. Regulators have given the green light; no government approval is required. The acquisition should close before month’s end, cementing Network18’s dominance in regional news.

  • Korean TV format powerhouse plants flag in India with two ambitious deals

    Korean TV format powerhouse plants flag in India with two ambitious deals

    CANNES: Seoul’s Something Special has cracked India’s booming television market with a one-two punch, licensing two Korean formats to Karman Unlimited that promise to deliver both tears and laughter to subcontinental audiences. The Seoul-based agency announced the deals at Mipcom, the world’s largest television content marketplace held this month in Cannes.

    First up is Unforgettable Duet, a heart-wrenching unscripted series that reunites dementia patients with their pasts through music and memory. Families curate mementos and a cherished song, which are then loaded onto a Memory Bus that triggers long-buried recollections. The finale sees the patient perform an emotional duet with a family member, crowned by a tribute song from a professional artist. It is therapeutic television at its most potent.

    Then there is Hit & Miss Tour, a raucous comedy show featuring five long-time comedian friends competing in six to eight daily mini-challenges across tourist destinations. With over 210 games in the bank and sponsorship from tourism boards across Turkey and Greece, the format has proved a ratings winner on Channel S in South Korea.

    Something Special president and executive producer Jin Woo Hwang sees the deals as validation of the company’s mission to export Korean creative firepower globally. Karman Unlimited founder & chief executive Sunita Uchil —who previously held sway at Zee TV International—is equally bullish, predicting that Unforgettable Duet will strike a chord with Indian families whilst Hit & Miss Tour delivers the laughs the country desperately needs. Two formats, two markets, infinite possibilities.

  • Network18 flexes muscle in brutal news market as rivals gasp

    Network18 flexes muscle in brutal news market as rivals gasp

    MUMBAI: Network18 Media & Investments is allegedly India’s undisputed news titan, but even emperors struggle when their kingdom is contracting. The media giant posted a crisp 7.2 per cent year-on-year rise in operating revenue to Rs 477 crore in the second quarter, yet the underlying story is far more complicated: the firm is buying market share by keeping costs flat rather than harvesting profits from its dominance.

    The numbers are seductive on the surface. Network18 commands 13.5 per cent all-India viewership share in news, reaches over 250 million people monthly—roughly 30 per cent more than its nearest rival—and operates 20 channels spanning 12 languages. Its YouTube network racked up 13 billion video views this quarter, three times its closest competitor. CNBC TV18 lords over business news with 67.8 per cent share. News18 India owns Hindi at 13.1 per cent. CNN News18 dominates English with 36.7 per cent.

    Yet look closer and the picture is not as rosy. Revenue growth of 7.2 per cent matched operating expense growth of 7.2 per cent. Not one rupee of margin expansion. For the half year, revenue limped ahead just 1.1 per cent whilst operating costs stayed flat.

    The digital realm offers crumbs of comfort. Network18 ranks second for digital news reach with 270 million monthly users. Moneycontrol, its financial news crown jewel, boasts 1.8 times the page views and three times the time spent of its nearest rival. The premium subscription service Moneycontrol Pro hit one million paid subscribers. The newly minted Moneycontrol Super Pro is gaining traction. YouTube accounts at News18.com are expanding multilingual hyperlocal coverage with AI-powered podcasts and rapid-read summaries. Firstpost’s YouTube channel is approaching nine million subscribers.

    Diversification beyond advertising is no longer optional—it’s survival. Moneycontrol’s fintech arm announced a partnership with HDFC Bank to offer personal loans through its platform. Creator18 has engaged over 1,000 social media influencers to pivot into culture, commerce and fashion. These feel like the right moves. 

    The real profit story could be better. Standalone total income reached Rs 478.8 crore this quarter, yet total expenses clocked Rs 548.9 crore, leaving a pre-tax loss of Rs 70.1 crore before exceptional items. The Eenadu Television windfall—a Rs 587 crore exceptional gain from fair-valuing a 24.5 per cent stake after losing voting control—masked the red ink. 

    Consolidated figures tell a sharper story. Pre-tax profit of Rs 41.2 crore this quarter looks respectable until you remember it came on total income of Rs 500.8 crore. Last year’s comparatives of Rs 2,059.4 crore are a mirage: they included operations since deconsolidated. The company swung from a Rs 152.3 crore loss to a Rs 41.2 crore profit, but the goalposts moved entirely.

    Network18’s regional ambitions reveal its strategic thinking. The board approved acquisition of the remaining 50 per cent stake in IBN Lokmat News Pvt. Ltd. for Rs25 crore, transforming News18 Lokmat into a wholly owned subsidiary. Marathi news generates revenue momentum, and full ownership could unlock margin expansion. Could. That word carries weight.

    Adil Zainulbhai, chairman, declared the move “another step in that direction” of becoming “the one-stop news destination” whilst positioning the firm to benefit from government initiatives to boost consumer demand. The language is hopeful. The arithmetic is unforgiving.

    Network18 conquered the mountain and discovered nothing worth eating at the top. Market dominance means nothing when advertising inventory shrinks seven per cent industry-wide. Viewership share rises whilst revenue flatlines—the very definition of a saturated market where volume gains evaporate into pricing pressure. 

    Fintech partnerships, influencer ecosystems, and subscription tiers are the moves of a legacy business fighting for relevance, not a titan in its ascendancy. The firm hasn’t yet proven these new ventures can move the needle at scale. Until they do, Network18 remains a winner in a losing game.

  • India at the Chaupal as News18 sets the stage for big voices and bold views

    India at the Chaupal as News18 sets the stage for big voices and bold views

    MUMBAI: The nation’s most powerful voices are pulling up a seat at the table or rather, the Chaupal. News18 India, the country’s No. 1 Hindi news channel, is gearing up to host its flagship summit Chaupal 2025 – Ab Bharat Ki Baari on October 16, 2025, in New Delhi.

    For years, News18 India Chaupal has been where India’s ideas meet India’s icons, a melting pot of politics, policy, and perspective. This year, the conversation turns to self-reliance and global ambition, as India continues to make waves across sectors, from infrastructure to innovation.

    The lineup reads like the guest list for democracy’s most high-profile brainstorming session. On the dais: Nitin Gadkari, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jayant Chaudhary, and Smriti Irani. Adding to the mix are Tenjem Imna Along from Nagaland, K. Kavitha, Imran Masood, and Mukhtar Naqvi ensuring every corner of Bharat has a voice in the dialogue.

    But Chaupal isn’t just about politics. It’s a culture of conversation and the guest list proves it. Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, actor Bobby Deol, South African High Commissioner Dr. Anil Sooklal, German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann, French ambassador Thierry Mathou, and artistes like Suzanne Bernert, pianist Andreas König, Odissi dancer Sharon Lowen, and filmmaker Rafael Stemplewski will bring their unique global and cultural perspectives to the mix.

    “News18 India Chaupal serves as a premier platform for impactful dialogue and national discourse,” said Network18 Group chief strategy officer, Puneet Singhvi. “It brings together the country’s top voices to strengthen governance, democracy, and nation-building.”

    Adding to that Network18 (Broadcast) and MD, A+E Networks | TV18 CEO Avinash Kaul said, “Staying true to its legacy of fearless journalism, Chaupal unites voices that shape India’s narrative. It continues to evolve as one of India’s most distinguished thought leadership forums.”

    Since its inception, Chaupal has been more than a summit, it’s become a symbol of meaningful exchange. The 2025 edition promises high-decibel debates, insightful exchanges, and the kind of unscripted moments that remind viewers why democracy thrives on dialogue.

    So, whether you’re a policy wonk, a culture buff, or just someone who loves a good debate, mark your calendars. News18 India Chaupal 2025 goes live on 16 October, from 11 am onwards bringing India’s biggest names under one roof to ask, answer, and argue what’s next for Bharat.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery sparks dhamakedar Diwali for kids

    Warner Bros. Discovery sparks dhamakedar Diwali for kids

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, the magic of heroes lights up your screens! Warner Bros. Discovery is set to dazzle children across India with a festive lineup of specials, marathons, and new episodes on Pogo, Cartoon Network, and Discovery Kids throughout October.

    Pogo kicks off the celebrations with India ke superhero ka superutsav from 18 to 24 October, featuring fresh episodes and telefeatures of Chhota Bheem, Little Singham, Jay Jagannath, and Mighty Little Bheem. Young viewers can follow epic adventures like Nakshatra Warrior (Part 1–3), airing Sundays at 1 pm from 12 to 26 October, where Bheem and Little Singham unite to thwart Kaal and Kirmada. Late-night excitement continues with Chhota Bheem vs Bhakshak: Quest for Kala Aina (Part 1–3) at 11:30 pm, as Bheem races against time to save his friends.

    Cartoon Network blends superhero action and Halloween fun this month. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies premieres on 19 October at 11:30 am, followed by daily specials from 20 to 24 October at 9:30 am. Fans can also catch Beast Boy: Lone Wolf on 25–26 October at 11:30 AM and enjoy Halloween day specials with spooky episodes on 31 October from 3:30 PM.

    Meanwhile, Discovery Kids introduces new episodes of Titoo from 20 October, airing Monday to Friday at 1 pm, following the mischievous eight-year-old whose good intentions often lead to hilarious chaos.

    With superheroes, laughter, and magical adventures, Warner Bros. Discovery ensures this Diwali is filled with unforgettable entertainment for young viewers across India.

  • ET NOW lights up Diwali with mega market specials

    ET NOW lights up Diwali with mega market specials

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, ET NOW is making markets sparkle! India’s leading English business news channel has launched its Mega Diwali programming special, “Samvat 2082: Save, Invest, Prosper”, bringing investors closer to the festive action while decoding the country’s economic pulse.

    Presented by SBI Bank and co-powered by SBI Life Insurance and Polycab, the week-long coverage runs until 20 October and culminates in the Grand Muhurat Trading special on 21 October. With GST rate cuts and policy reforms shaping the economic backdrop, ET NOW aims to empower viewers with insights into investment strategies, consumption trends, and market opportunities.

    Highlights include Investment Gurus, featuring experts like Ramesh Damani, Rajeev Thakkar, Atul Suri, and others, who decode their outlooks for Samvat 2082. Consumption Pulse explores festive spending across automobiles, FMCG, retail, jewellery, and real estate, with insights from industry leaders including Harsh Mariwala and Santosh Iyer.

    Live interaction formats like deal or no deal answer viewers’ stock queries, while Fund’tastic Managers presents strategies from top mutual fund leaders such as Radhika Gupta and Prashant Jain. Commodity trends are tracked in Commodity Central, and investment opportunities are identified in Cracker Stocks, ranging from “Safe sparklers” to “High-risk rockets.”

    Primetime specials include ET NOW Realty Reckoner on 15 October, deep-diving into real estate across metros and emerging cities, and The Ultimate Snakes & Ladders on 17 October, reflecting India’s market highs and lows. The grand finale on 21 October features Muhurat Trading, with market stalwarts Vijay Kedia, Nilesh Shah, and Sunil Singhania leading live coverage and sharing wealth insights.

    With this festive line-up, ET NOW is combining expert analysis, interactive shows, and cultural relevance to help viewers navigate Samvat 2082 with confidence, ensuring Diwali celebrations are as bright financially as they are culturally.
     

  • Vinod Cookware cooks up festive magic on Rasoi

    Vinod Cookware cooks up festive magic on Rasoi

    MUMBAI: Stirring up the pot this festive season! Vinod Intelligent Cookware is turning up the heat on regional engagement by partnering as co-powered sponsor of Rasoi, Colors Gujarati’s long-running cooking show. The collaboration kicked off on 1 October 2025 and will span 158 episodes, running through the festive season.

    The integration brings Vinod’s flagship range: pressure cookers, kadhais, frypans, tawas, and steamers, front and centre. From logo placements and anchor mentions to in-content integration and strategic product placements, the brand ensures viewers get a full helping of visibility throughout the campaign.

    Rasoi, a cultural mainstay for over 20 years with more than 6,600 episodes and 20,000 recipes aired, is hosted by Dhvani Trivedi, Harsh Bhatariya, Riya Makwana, and Rudra Tumdi. The show blends authentic vegetarian recipes with modern, healthier twists, making it an ideal platform for Vinod Cookware to connect with Gujarati households during the festive season.

    Vinod Cookware India managing director Sunil Agarwal said, “Partnering with a culturally trusted show like Rasoi allows us to showcase our product innovations while engaging deeply with regional households. It reflects our strategy of blending tradition with modern cooking solutions, ensuring healthier and more enjoyable meals.”

    Network Advertising president-media Priya Jacob added, “This partnership is about more than presence; it is about connecting with families through a show they trust, creating meaningful brand engagement and reinforcing Vinod Cookware’s authentic identity.”

    The move adds to Vinod Cookware’s impressive portfolio of partnerships, which includes Masterchef India, Kaun Banega Crorepati, and regional collaborations with Zee Marathi and Amrita Television. Its ongoing digital campaigns have also garnered over 170 million views, demonstrating the brand’s strength across platforms.

    Founded in 1962 by Rajeram Agarwal, Vinod Intelligent Cookware is a leading manufacturer of premium stainless-steel cookware, with 400 plus products and a global presence since 1990. Known for hygienic pressure cookers and innovative solutions, the brand continues to blend tradition with modern technology to cater to evolving Indian kitchens.

     

  • McLaren races into the past as Iron Mountain fuels digital revival

    McLaren races into the past as Iron Mountain fuels digital revival

    MUMBAI: When it comes to history, McLaren’s not just leaving skid marks, it’s digitising them. The racing powerhouse has teamed up with global information management leader Iron Mountain to put its legendary past in pole position for a digital-age revival.

    Through this partnership, Iron Mountain will help McLaren Racing reimagine its vast archives transforming decades of blueprints, films, and photographs into dynamic, intelligent content. Think of it as a pit stop for history, where dusty reels and fading sketches are tuned up with AI precision and set to race into the cloud.

    The collaboration marks a major lap in McLaren’s digital heritage transformation journey. Iron Mountain’s AI-enabled platform will help unlock hidden value in the team’s storied legacy, turning nostalgia into an interactive experience for fans and partners across the globe. From the roar of Ayrton Senna’s engines to the craftsmanship behind every chassis, McLaren’s most iconic moments are set to be revived, reimagined, and relived.

    McLaren Racing, co-chief commercial officer Nick Martin said, “Our fans are at the centre of what we do, and we are passionate about sharing our storied past with them. With the integration of Iron Mountain, we will be able to bring to life more of the team’s rich history for our fans and partners as we look to shine a light on the McLaren Racing brand.”

    Beyond storytelling, the partnership also brings efficiency to the garage. Iron Mountain will support McLaren in securely managing and recycling end-of-life IT assets, a move that reinforces the team’s commitment to innovation and sustainability both on and off the track.

    Starting from the 2025 United States Grand Prix, Iron Mountain’s branding will appear on both McLaren Formula 1 race cars, along with several other touchpoints throughout the 2025 season and beyond.

    Iron Mountain executive vice president & chief commercial officer Greg McIntosh added, “We are proud to partner with the McLaren Formula 1 Team, which embodies the spirit of innovation and high performance at Iron Mountain. Our AI-enabled digital platform will help to fuel new opportunities for success and transform McLaren Racing’s iconic heritage media protecting these timeless assets for future generations.”

    By preserving its past while powering towards the future, McLaren proves that even in Formula 1, heritage doesn’t slow you down, it gives you more traction.