ITV

Category: Television

  • Big FM gets digitally loud with Jay Soni as India’s first Digital Jockey for Gujarat rollout

    Big FM gets digitally loud with Jay Soni as India’s first Digital Jockey for Gujarat rollout

    MUMBAI: Big FM just turned up the volume – not on your radio, but across your phone screen. In a move as spicy as a Kathiyawadi thali, the radio veteran has leapt into the creator economy with India’s first-ever digital jockey (DJ) – and who better to pilot the desi-digital fusion than television heartthrob and proud Gujarati, Jay Soni?

    Big FM announced the #DigitalJockey initiative – a hybrid beast fusing the nostalgia of radio storytelling with the pixel-perfect punch of digital content. The launch marks a strategic milestone in Big FM’s ambitious digital playbook, giving audiences something fresher than a Rajkot morning and deeper than a Vadodara poetry jam.

    And at the centre of this whirlwind is Soni, donning the DJ (not disc jockey – digital jockey, please) hat for Gujarat Diaries, an all-new series that dives into the state’s untapped tales. From conversations with artists and entrepreneurs to decoding local quirks and centuries-old customs, this isn’t just another travelogue—it’s Gujarat in 4K, with surround sound and sans clichés.

    Big FM COO Sunil Kumaran didn’t hold back on the ambition. “We are delighted to introduce Jay Soni as India’s first Digital Jockey representing Gujarat, who will bring a strong local flavour to this concept. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Big FM’s digital journey, as we bring together creators, communities and culture through compelling, platform-agnostic storytelling. With Digital Jockeys, we’re expanding our footprint in the creator economy whilst also boosting client engagement and amplifying the effectiveness of campaigns”, said he.

    Soni, who looks equally comfortable narrating anecdotes as he does charming television aunties, chimed in with full-throttle excitement. “I am extremely thrilled to collaborate with Big FM to become India’s first digital jockey. As a proud Gujarati, this opportunity not only lets me explore a new facet as an artist but also to reconnect with my roots in a special way. I am excited to present the charm, vibrancy and stories of my homeland in a fresh, digital format. I am looking forward to bringing unheard stories of the state and celebrating our culture with a broader online audience.”

    The series, which will live across Big FM’s growing footprint on Youtube, social media and podcasts, aims to make content as snackable as a fafda-jalebi combo. And with campaigns like #TheSocialStar, MOMfluence, and BIG Dhun in its portfolio, Big FM is turning into a 360° content powerhouse that plays equally well on smartphones as it does on stereos.

    Big FM is now betting big – pun intended – on scaling the Digital Jockey format to more regions. Picture local legends, regional vibes, and pan-India reach – all delivered in bite-sized, dopamine-hitting digital drops.

    So, the radio might be old-school, but the beat? That’s entirely 2025.

  • Shefali Johnson named CEO as Comic Con India enters bold new phase

    Shefali Johnson named CEO as Comic Con India enters bold new phase

    MUMBAI: Comic Con India, the country’s iconic pop culture celebration, is set for a dynamic new chapter as Shefali Johnson is appointed CEO, following a landmark year of expansion under Nodwin Gaming’s ownership.

    Johnson steps into the role as founder Jatin Varma, along with co-founder Karan Kalra and event director Sonal Varma, transition into advisory positions. The trio, who have nurtured the Comic Con legacy since its inception in 2011, will continue to provide creative direction and support the brand’s long-term vision.

    With Comic Con India now present in eight cities including recent additions Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Pune and having delivered its biggest season to date, the focus now shifts to scaling innovation, inclusivity, and immersive fan experiences.

    “Johnson brings the perfect blend of vision, experience, and drive to take our labour of love to greater scale,” said Jatin, reflecting on his journey. “We look forward to supporting her and the team in an advisory capacity as they shape the future of fandom in India across cities.”

    As a senior leader at Nodwin Gaming, Johnson has been instrumental in spearheading flagship IPs like Dreamhack India, BGMS, and the Cosplay Championships. Her appointment as CEO marks a strategic move to deepen fan engagement and expand Comic Con’s cultural footprint.

    “Stepping into this role is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Johnson. “We plan to grow this platform into newer cities, introduce newer formats, and create experiences that are more inclusive, dynamic, and reflective of India’s evolving pop culture identity.”

    Nodwin Gaming co-founder & managing director Akshat Rathee said, “With Johnson at the helm, we’re looking forward to building on everything we’ve created so far expanding our reach, deepening fan engagement, and continuing to celebrate the communities that make Comic Con what it is.”

    Since its debut in 2011, Comic Con India has grown into the country’s definitive pop culture festival uniting fans of comics, cosplay, gaming, anime, and beyond. 

  • Gallant Sports hits the ground running with slick new tiles, turf and eco-friendly flooring

    Gallant Sports hits the ground running with slick new tiles, turf and eco-friendly flooring

    MUMBAI: When India’s athletes stretch, sprint and slam dunk, Gallant Sports wants to make sure they land like pros—not on dodgy turf or wobbly floors. In a move that screams ‘IPO-bound and proud’, the Delhi-based sports infra player has ripped the cover off its latest lineup of flooring wizardry, turf tech, and shock-absorbing magic. This isn’t just another rollout—it’s flooring with flair, and a serious statement of intent under its ‘Vision 2036’ roadmap.

    Gallant Sports—already a heavyweight in India’s sports infrastructure scene—announced the launch of a cutting-edge range of smart modular fields and sports flooring. The products are engineered to meet the needs of everyone from Sunday-league hopefuls to Olympic-level sprinters.

    “At Gallant Sports, we’re committed to shaping the future of sports in India,” said founder & CEO Nasir Ali. “This new product line reflects our mission to deliver innovative, safe, and sustainable solutions that elevate athletic performance and community well-being.” He added, “We’re not just building sports fields—we’re building ecosystems that empower athletes and institutions alike.”

    The company’s latest offering comes packed with enough acronyms, shock ratings and environmental kudos to make eco-engineers blush. But make no mistake—this kit means business.

    Gallant’s next-gen sports tiles—Titan, Hexagonal 2.0 and Rubber Elastomer—are made of high-grade TPE, the same stuff approved by FIBA 3×3. They boast weather resistance, impact absorption and energy return so good, they practically high-five your knees. Think basketball, futsal, and volleyball courts built to last—and bounce.

    The pre-fabricated rubber flooring options come in three comforting thicknesses—5mm, 8mm and 13mm. They’re odour-free, non-toxic, World Athletics-compliant, and most importantly, fully recyclable. Whether it’s a casual jog or a high-stakes sprint, the flooring promises grip without the slip.

    Gallant’s new FIFA-tested, non-infill synthetic turf cuts out traditional rubber crumbs—thankfully, because nobody likes cleaning black bits out of their socks. The turf stays cooler, looks cleaner, and is far easier to maintain. Plus, with a global phase-out of SBR infill looming by 2031, Gallant’s already ahead of the curve.

    Rounding out the rollout is a line of high-performance shockpads with geo-textile backing and GSM ratings of 70+. Available in thicknesses from 10mm to 20mm, they’re the unsung heroes for preventing knee-crunching, elbow-smacking wipeouts. Ideal for playgrounds and football fields, they tick every international safety box.

    This smart, modular, and sustainability-forward range isn’t just tech for tech’s sake. It’s a calculated move to beef up Gallant’s portfolio ahead of its public market debut later this year—a playbook that blends ambition, athleticism and asphalt.

    For an industry that’s often more dust bowl than digital-age, Gallant’s latest offering looks like a flooring revolution dressed in TPE. And if all goes to plan, India’s next generation of sportstars will be standing on world-class surfaces while the brand stands tall on the stock market.

  • News broadcast stuck in time warp, must evolve or die: Sudhir Chaudhary

    News broadcast stuck in time warp, must evolve or die: Sudhir Chaudhary

    MUMBAI: News broadcasting hasn’t had a proper makeover in two decades and is paying the price as viewers switch to sexier platforms, claims popular anchor Sudhir Chaudhary. Speaking on a Governance Now podcast with Sri Adhikari Brothers managing director Kailashnath Adhikari, , Chaudhary delivered a blunt diagnosis of the industry’s ailments.

    “Least innovation has taken place in the news broadcast industry,” lamented the veteran journalist. “With nearly 400 news channels today, the big 10-15 follow identical breaking news formats with red alerts, similar headlines, and studios where anchors look remarkably alike—debating the same subjects with familiar panellists.”

    The industry, he argues, has become obsessed with ratings rather than reinvention. “Experts in newsrooms study TRPs and suggest content creation based on popularity. Ninety-nine per cent of the industry functions in this reactive manner. The industry has lost its way.”

    Chaudhary, who boasts 7.9 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), noted a telling shift in viewer language: “Earlier people said they watch me on TV, but now they say they follow me.”

    While traditional news outlets flounder, social media influencers are cultivating massive audiences through innovative formats. Unlike cricket—which reinvented itself from five-day tests to T20 spectacles—television news remains trapped in amber, with the same stale formulas recycled night after night.

    “Today the consumer has a plethora of available options,” Chaudhary observed. “News is available on WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, television, print and social media. You have to show the same story in different formats, durations and parts on different platforms.”

    Looking ahead, Chaudhary—rumoured to be joining the National Broadcaster—says he craves “freedom to create content instead of chasing TRPs” and will seek alliances with social media creators. The message is clear: evolve or become yesterday’s news.

  • IPL 2025 advertising volumes surge by seven per cent: 22 match scorecard from TAM Sports

    IPL 2025 advertising volumes surge by seven per cent: 22 match scorecard from TAM Sports

    MUMBAI:  Advertising volumes for the Indian Premier League (IPL) have jumped by seven per cent in 2025, surpassing the previous season’s 22-match milestone. The tournament, cricket’s glitziest carnival, continues to be an advertiser’s dream with volumes climbing from 100 in IPL 17 to a whopping 107 in IPL 18, according to TAM Sports (A Division of TAM Media Research).

    growth everywhere

    The league’s magnetic pull for brands remains undeniable, with the latest data showing remarkable growth across the board. IPL 2024 witnessed a two per cent growth in categories, 14 per cent rise in advertisers, and an impressive 21 per cent surge in brands – clear evidence of advertisers’ unwavering confidence in the tournament’s broad consumer reach.

    Among the heavy hitters, Parle biscuits claimed the top spot across all 21 matches (barring the opening game). The top five advertisers in IPL 18 accounted for 30 per cent of overall volumes, with Parle Biscuits leading the charge while Sports Technologies and Volini Packaging maintained their strong presence in both IPL 18 and IPL 17.

    Collectively, the top five categories represented more than 40 per cent of total ad volumes. Ecom-gaming and mouth freshener emerged as recurring crowd-pleasers, featuring prominently in both seasons. Notably, two of the top five categories in IPL 18 came from the food & beverages sector, with mouth freshener dominating IPL 18’s advertising landscape.

    New categories

    The tournament also welcomed 24 new categories and 84 new brands advertising across 22 matches compared to IPL 17. Among these fresh faces, Parle Platina Hide & Seek established itself as the leading newcomer, followed by Rajshree Silver Coated Elaichi.

    With these numbers, IPL continues to prove it’s not just cricket’s biggest party – it’s also the advertising world’s most lucrative playground.

  • Foreign brands bowl over India as IPL turns global advertising pitch

    Foreign brands bowl over India as IPL turns global advertising pitch

    MUMBAI: As the Tata IPL 2025 continues to bowl over audiences with record-breaking viewership, it’s not just the players on the pitch who are playing for high stakes. Global brands are stepping up to bat, making India’s biggest sporting spectacle their preferred launchpad for business growth and JioStar’s broadcast and digital platforms their prime ad real estate.

    Joining the international sponsor squad this season is Danube Properties, coming on board as a ‘co-powered by’ sponsor on Star Sports, and Lattafa Perfumes, which becomes the first international retail brand to advertise on JioStar’s cricket coverage. Their presence signals a wider trend: cricket is no longer just India’s game, it’s the world’s marketing playground.

    In recent seasons, JioStar has attracted heavyweights like Etihad, Emirates, Disney Cruise Line, DP World, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Tourism, and more. Sectors like real estate, aviation, and tourism have taken centre stage, capitalising on cricket’s pan-India reach and its increasing influence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

    JioStar chief business officer for sports revenue SMB & creator Ishan Chatterjee said, “Cricket in India is no longer just a national obsession, it’s a global advertising stage. We’re seeing international brands increasingly turn to JioStar as a gateway to scale, status, and cultural relevance. These partnerships go beyond awareness; they’re delivering real business outcomes, from lead generation to brand affinity in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.”

    Danube Properties founder and chairman Rizwan Sajan said, “Danube Properties is thrilled to partner with Star Sports this year on the Tata IPL. India is one of the biggest markets for Danube Properties, and there isn’t a better medium than Star Sports and the Tata IPL to maximize our reach. The Tata IPL takes place during one of the busiest periods in our investment cycle for both commercial and residential properties and being able to reach that scale of high-net-worth individuals within just two months gives our business a significant boost. This association continues to be a key driver of investor interest, making it easier than ever to own a property in Dubai. It has been a truly impactful association, and we look forward to even greater success ahead.”

    Danube’s campaign is cleverly timed with one of their busiest investment cycles, tapping into IPL’s ability to deliver scale within just a few weeks.

    India’s evolution into a premium consumption hub has turbocharged this trend. It’s now one of the top five global source markets for airlines, a significant base of NRI property buyers, and a high-spending outbound tourism segment. For global brands, India is not just a pit stop, it’s the prize.

    And as JioStar transforms cricket coverage into a blend of sports and sophisticated storytelling, it’s offering more than just visibility,  it’s delivering leads, loyalty, and legacy. In the grand theatre of the IPL, it’s not just sixes that soar, so do global ambitions.

  • Veteran journalist Rahul Sinha makes comeback at Zee News’s flagship show

    Veteran journalist Rahul Sinha makes comeback at Zee News’s flagship show

    MUMBAI: Seasoned journalist Rahul Sinha is set to rejoin Zee News’ prime-time show DNA (Daily News & Analysis) as its anchor bringing his distinctive brand of patriotic reporting to Indian screens at 9 pm daily. The 27-year veteran returns with a mission encapsulated in the Hindi slogan that translates to “Bold Voice, Credible Communication, 100% Nationalism.”

    With nearly three decades in the field, Sinha isn’t just dusting off his anchor’s chair – he’s reclaiming his old stomping ground on a programme he once helped make famous. His appointment comes as Zee Media positions DNA as an antidote to what it perceives as India’s increasingly muddled media landscape.

    “Zee News’s DNA is more than a mirror to the nation’s concerns,” said Sinha, who is also the managing editor at Zee News. “Today, when the country needs clarity and conviction in communication, DNA will be that bold and honest voice for every Indian.”

    The revamped show promises to cut through the clutter with Sinha’s trademark incisive analysis on everything from politics to international affairs, all filtered through a decidedly nationalist lens.

    Zee Media chief executive  Karan Abhishek Singh said: “DNA will continue to be a transformative force in Indian news with the mission of awakening the nation. As DNA takes on a fresh and dynamic avatar under Rahul Sinha’s leadership, it aligns with the evolving expectations of citizens. With a sharper, stronger approach, we look forward to redefining news analysis by diving deeper into the issues that matter most. In this renewed format, Rahul Sinha’s role will be instrumental in guiding the show’s editorial direction, bringing his vast experience and commitment to truth. In an era where clarity and courage in journalism are essential, our commitment is to empower citizens with truth, ask the tough questions, and deliver news that drives real impact. We are here to awaken the nation, one story at a time.”

    Viewers can expect the anchor’s unvarnished take on national issues, with Zee promising “editorial independence” and “bold questions” – though all delivered with what the network calls a “strong nationalist spirit.”

    In a mediascape often criticised for its partisan coverage, Sinha’s return represents Zee’s bet that Indians are hungry for news with a side of nationalism – delivered with conviction, if not always with neutrality

  • RCB turns over a green leaf against Rajasthan Royals in eco-powered Sunday showdown

    RCB turns over a green leaf against Rajasthan Royals in eco-powered Sunday showdown

    MUMBAI: In a game that usually thrives on red-hot intensity, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are cooling it down with a splash of green. When they clash with Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, 13 April, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, RCB will don their now-iconic green jerseys — not just for style points, but as a bold statement in favour of sustainability.

    Made entirely from recycled fabric, these jerseys aren’t just sweat-wicking—they’re conscience-tapping. It’s not a fashion choice, it’s a climate call-to-action.

    “Our green jerseys are more than just a symbol; they are a call to action… sustainability is a natural priority for us,” said RCB COO Rajesh Menon underscoring the team’s mission to leverage sport as a platform for environmental change.

    As a carbon neutral T20 franchise, the team tracks its emissions across operations through rigorous carbon audits. This includes calculating emissions from diesel generators, fan travel, team accommodations, and even stadium waste.

    The result?

    A franchise with a data-backed roadmap to go carbon positive.

    To offset emissions, RCB has rolled out a host of initiatives: solar-powered lighting, wind energy, waste segregation, and a focused shift away from conventional power sources.

    And it’s not just about kilowatts and compost bins. The team has invested in green schools, lake rejuvenation projects, and encourages fans to take a pledge to conserve energy, transforming supporters into sustainability soldiers.

    So when RCB steps out in green this weekend, they won’t just be chasing a win. They’ll be chasing a legacy.

    And who knows?

    Maybe the scoreboard isn’t the only thing worth watching.

     

  • Verun Baabar elevated to VP – production and operations at Balaji Telefilms

    Verun Baabar elevated to VP – production and operations at Balaji Telefilms

    MUMBAI: Verun Baabar has been appointed vice president – production and operations at Balaji Telefilms  effective immediately. The board, acting on the recommendation of the nomination and remuneration committee, gave its nod on 11 April.

    Baabar, a media and entertainment industry veteran, has spent 12 years at the Balaji group, where he played a pivotal role in shaping productions. With over 16 years of experience under his belt, he now steps into a new spotlight.

    A graduate of DAV College, Punjab University, Baabar is set to bring his production prowess and operational acumen to his latest role. Expect action, drama, and plenty of behind-the-scenes magic as he takes charge.

  • John Malone steps down from Warner Bros Discovery board, takes up chair emeritus role

    John Malone steps down from Warner Bros Discovery board, takes up chair emeritus role

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) has announced that media veteran John C Malone will not seek re-election to its board at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. Instead, he will step into the role of chair emeritus, a move that keeps him close to the action but without the formalities of a board seat. He has been associated with Discovery since 2008 and is an independent director of WBD. 

    Malone, a titan of the cable and media world, has long been a strategic force behind the company. WBD boss David Zaslav was effusive in his praise, calling him “one of the most brilliant strategic minds our industry has ever known” and crediting him with helping to steer Discovery and, later, Warner Bros. Discovery through an era of rapid transformation.

    “John’s insights have been invaluable. He has shaped our strategy, helped us tackle industry-defining challenges and seize game-changing opportunities,” said Zaslav. “I look forward to continuing this journey with him.”

    Board chair Samuel A. Di Piazza Jr echoed the sentiment, calling Malone “instrumental” in guiding WBD’s strategy through an evolving media landscape.

    For his part, Malone remains bullish on the company’s future. “The board and management team have made WBD more resilient, agile and positioned for profitable growth,” he said. “I look forward to staying involved—not just as a significant shareholder but as a trusted voice as the company explores strategic and structural opportunities ahead.”

    Malone’s departure makes room for Anton Levy, who WBD plans to nominate for election. Post-meeting, the board will have 13 members, 12 of them independent.  

    Malone meanwhile continues as chairman of the board and interim chief executive officer of Liberty Media Corp and Liberty Broadband Corp, and chairman of the board of Liberty Global.