ITV

Category: Television

  • ABP tops the charts with regional flair and a digital news power play

    ABP tops the charts with regional flair and a digital news power play

    MUMBAI: Who says news is all doom and gloom? For ABP Network, it’s a story worth celebrating in five languages, no less. According to Comscore MMX-Multi-Platform data for February 2025, ABP Network has emerged as India’s third-largest digital publisher, pulling in a whopping 147.9 million unique visitors and outpacing media giants like HT Media, Zee Digital, India Today Group, Times Network, and NDTV.

    But this isn’t just a numbers game, it’s a masterclass in multilingual domination. ABP’s regional powerhouses are sweeping through Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, and Punjabi markets like seasoned newsroom ninjas.

    In the Hindi segment, ABP News surged ahead with 75.7 million unique visitors, outshining its nearest rival by over 18 million, a staggering lead that cements its top slot in India’s most competitive news space.

    ABP Ananda waltzed through the Bengali market with 18.9 million UVs, dancing 11.8 million steps ahead of the competition. Meanwhile, ABP Majha proved its mettle in Marathi with 19.2 million visitors, comfortably ahead of Sakal Media and Lokmat.

    Over in Gujarat, ABP Asmita swept up 5.3 million unique visitors, leaving behind TV9 Gujarati, Divyabhaskar, and News18 Gujarati. ABP Sanjha flexed its Punjabi muscle with 1.2 million UVs, clinching the top spot ahead of News18 Punjab and Punjab Kesari Jagbani.

    And in the Tamil market, newcomer ABP Nadu made a statement, grabbing second place with 9 million visitors, becoming the youngest publisher to break into the leadership ranks.

    From legacy strongholds to new frontiers, ABP Network is clearly not just chasing eyeballs, it’s curating digital loyalty across India’s media map. With its blend of regional relevance, digital-first strategy, and journalistic agility, ABP isn’t just reporting the news, it’s rewriting the playbook.

  • IPL18 ad-splosion – brands in a frenzy for cricket’s hottest ticket: TAM data, 13 matches

    IPL18 ad-splosion – brands in a frenzy for cricket’s hottest ticket: TAM data, 13 matches

    MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a sporting event; it’s an advertising goldmine. New data (22 March to 1 April 2025) from TAM Sports indicates a massive surge in ad volumes, with IPL 18 experiencing a 112 per cent increase for the first 13 matches compared to IPL 17 (22-31 March 2024 ). The scramble for screen time is intense.

    top 5 brands ipl

    IPL 18 is attracting a wave of new players. The number of competing categories has risen by 13 per cent, and the number of advertisers has jumped by an impressive 31 per cent. Brands are clearly banking on the IPL’s broad appeal to connect with India’s passionate cricket audience.

    Mouth freshener brands are currently leading the pack, commanding an 11 per cent share of ad volumes. Ecom-gaming and biscuits are also major contenders, with 10 per cent and nine per cent shares respectively.

    The top five categories collectively account for over 40 per cent of all ad volumes, highlighting the fierce competition at the top. While ecom-gaming and cellular phones maintain a strong presence, the food and beverage sector is making a significant push, with two of the top five categories originating from it.
    top 5 brands iplParle Products holds the top position among advertisers, securing nine per cent of the ad share. The top five advertisers together account for 28 per cent of the total ad volumes.

    IPL 18 is also marked by significant change. 23 new categories and 83 new brands have entered the advertising arena. Emerging categories include cars, ecom-auto rental services, and fashion outlets. In contrast, categories such as range of food products and chocolates are absent this season.

    New brands vying for attention include Platina Hide & Seek and Campa Energy Drink. The advertising landscape is dynamic, with brands fiercely competing for visibility.
     

    top categories IPL

    As the IPL action unfolds on the field, an equally compelling drama is playing out in the advertising world. The stakes are high, and the competition is relentless.

  • Rugby Premier League set to scrum into Mumbai with global firepower

    Rugby Premier League set to scrum into Mumbai with global firepower

    MUMBAI: India’s sporting calendar is about to get a bruising new addition, and no, it’s not another cricket spinoff. Rugby India and GMR Sports have locked horns to launch the world’s first franchise-based Rugby 7s tournament-the Rugby Premier League (RPL). The action kicks off in Mumbai on 1 June 2025, at the iconic MFA (Mumbai Football Arena), promising a 15-day, 34-match blitz of pure, unfiltered speed, tackles, and muscle.

    Picture this: six city-based franchises, 30 international legends, 30 top Indian players, and some of the world’s best coaches, all crammed into two weeks of adrenaline-pumping rugby. It’s not just a league—it’s an all-out blitz on the senses.

    Star-studded doesn’t even begin to cover it. Expect to see legends like Perry Baker (USA), Rosko Speckman (South Africa), Terry Kennedy (Ireland), Scott Curry (New Zealand), and Waisea Nacuqu (Fiji) lighting up the turf. Olympians, World Cup medallists, and serial try-scorers are all confirmed to put on a show. Add 18 more players from Canada, Germany, and Hong Kong, and the RPL becomes a melting pot of bone-crunching brilliance.

    “This is a league that’s been six years in the making, but we wanted to do everything right… Rugby 7s is one of the most attractive television sports in modern history. Welcome, India and the world, to the Rugby Premier League,” said Rugby India president Rahul Bose radiating the kind of energy only a scrum-half could match.

    Franchises representing Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bhubaneswar will feature top coaching minds including Mike Friday, Ben Gollings, Tomasi Cama, and DJ Forbes. Talk about bench strength.

    To give Indian talent its due, 30 domestic players were selected from a pool of 71 via auction—a first for Indian rugby. “The RPL will not only captivate a wider audience but also provide Indian players with invaluable opportunities to compete alongside the world’s best,” said GMR Sports CEO Satyam Trivedi.

    The RPL has already secured an exclusive window on the global Rugby 7s calendar, ensuring zero scheduling conflicts with other international competitions. It’s now or never, and the global rugby fraternity seems to have circled their calendars in red.

    Star Sports and JioHotstar will broadcast the mayhem live, and JioStar CEO – sports Sanjog Gupta promised to bring “every tackle, sprint, and score” to screens across the country.

    With the whistle about to blow on India’s first franchise rugby league, there’s only one question left: Are you game?

  • Network18 reshuffles the deck, bets big on digital with Singhvi and Sangani’s top moves

    Network18 reshuffles the deck, bets big on digital with Singhvi and Sangani’s top moves

    MUMBAI: If Indian media were a cricket match, Network18 just did a solid mid-innings shuffle. In a strategic rejig designed to sharpen its digital edge, the media giant named Puneet Singhvi as chief strategy officer and elevated Mitul Sangani to CEO of News18 Digital. Both appointments were announced on 4 April 2025.

    Singhvi will don the hat of digital architect-in-chief, leading the centre of excellence (CoE), central product & tech, partnerships, off-platform ventures, and admin & operations across the group. He reports directly to Network18 Media MD Rahul Joshi. The message? Strategy is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a boardroom weapon.

    Meanwhile, Sangani will steer the ship at News18 Digital, taking charge of product, tech, audience growth and the ever-crucial revenue engines across News18 and Local18. Previously the CEO of Indian language businesses at Network18, Sangani knows the terrain. His new role will have him report to Network18 (broadcast) CEO Avinash Kaul for digital revenues, while working closely with Joshi on broader strategic alignment.

    The digital sales teams of News18.com and Local18 will also report to Sangani, signalling a tighter operational handshake between growth, content, and commercial.

    “Network18’s digital business has grown significantly over the past few years, making it one of the largest players in the industry in terms of audience and revenue. It has a diverse set of brands with a strong presence on and off platforms. Moneycontrol, Firstpost, and News18 will be the key strategic priorities in the year ahead,” the company stated.

    Kaul will continue to oversee the Indian languages broadcast business, ensuring continuity while the digital play scales up.

    With a rising tide of digital disruption and audiences consuming news faster than you can say “breaking”, Network18’s leadership switchboard just lit up—and the moves look calculated, not cosmetic.

     

  • Content India summit sets stage for global romp

    Content India summit sets stage for global romp

    MUMBAI: India’s entertainment moguls have their sights set on world domination—and they’re not being coy about it. The inaugural Content India Summit 2025 wrapped up two days ago with grand ambitions and plenty of showbiz swagger, positioning itself as the launching pad for Indian content’s international conquest.

    The summit, a partnership between DTH platform Dish TV India and C21 Media, brought together industry heavyweights to tackle the thorny question of how to make Indian entertainment as globally irresistible as its cuisine. Conversations probed everything from audience consumption patterns (binge-watching included) to the commercial scalability of Bollywood’s finest exports.

    Dish TV’s chief executive Manoj Dobhal didn’t mince words about the company’s ambitions: ” Our vision with Content India is to build a dynamic content eco-system that connects each and every constituent of Content creation in India with global opportunities. The Content India Summit 2025 marks the beginning of a transformative journey—one that fosters long-term collaborations, drives industry innovation, and expands market potential. With Indian storytelling gaining global acclaim, this is the moment to amplify international partnerships and position India as a content powerhouse.”

    C21Media’s managing director David Jenkinson chimed in with his own dose of enthusiasm, trumpeting India’s “undeniable influence” on the global content market. Said he: “Content India Summit is a crucial step toward shaping the future of Indian entertainment in a globally connected landscape. This event has brought together the brightest minds in the industry to address key challenges and unlock new opportunities for collaboration. India’s influence on the global content market is undeniable, and this summit lays the foundation for meaningful partnerships that will drive the industry forward.As we look ahead to the full Content India conference in 2026, our mission remains clear—to create a platform where ideas, talent, and business come together to define the next chapter of entertainment. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey for India on the world stage.”

    The gathering wasn’t all champagne and canapés, though. Sessions delved into India’s creative advantages—its talent pool, technical prowess, and budget-friendly production costs—while also wrestling with the delicate balance of preserving cultural authenticity while making content palatable for international viewers.

    Simon Mirren of Case Closed offered perhaps the most sobering advice: “Understanding the local culture is key to success in the Indian market. Many creators try to make TV for the West, which is a mistake. The focus should be on telling great stories that resonate here.”

    For those eagerly awaiting the industry’s new playbook, a report titled The Future of the Indian Entertainment Business Debate is set to drop within four weeks, promising to reveal how Bollywood and beyond plan to seduce global audiences.

    With streaming platforms hungry for fresh content and international viewers increasingly open to subtitles, India’s entertainment industry appears ready for its close-up—and Content India seems determined to direct the scene.

  • Hockey’s hot comeback: Hero HIL scores big with Indian viewers

    Hockey’s hot comeback: Hero HIL scores big with Indian viewers

    MUMBAI: The Hero Hockey India League (HIL) has roared back to life after a seven-year hiatus, smashing viewership records and breathing fresh life into the sport. The 2024-25 edition didn’t merely return—it revolutionised the game by introducing the first-ever women’s league alongside the men’s competition, coinciding rather neatly with Indian hockey’s centenary celebrations.

    The numbers tell a cracking tale: a whopping 40.8 million viewers tuned in overall, rocketing 48 per cent above the 2017 figures. The men’s competition captivated 32.9 million fans, while the women’s matches—despite featuring fewer games—pulled in an impressive 15.1 million viewers.

    In a sporting landscape where women’s events typically draw a fraction of male viewership, the HIL has pulled off something of a miracle. At times, the ladies nearly matched their male counterparts in audience figures, with the most-watched women’s match drawing 2.92 million viewers against the men’s final peak of 3.07 million.

    Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey remarked, “The success of Hero HIL 2024–25 is a testament to India’s deep-rooted love for hockey. The overwhelming response from fans, brands, and broadcasters reflects the league’s immense potential. As we move forward, our commitment remains steadfast in elevating Indian hockey to new heights, ensuring that the sport gets the recognition and support it truly deserves.”
     
    The digital realm proved equally fruitful, with social media engagement hitting the roof—over a billion views across platforms, turning hockey chat into the hottest ticket in town.

    Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh stated, “The revival of Hero HIL has been a monumental success, not only in terms of numbers but also in the enthusiasm it has reignited among fans and players alike. This season has proven that hockey continues to hold a special place in India’s sporting culture. The addition of the women’s league is a crucial step towards greater inclusivity and empowerment in sports.”

    The triumphant return builds on hockey’s Olympic momentum, where it accounted for a juicy 15.2 per cent of early Tokyo Games viewership. With these stellar numbers, it seems the stick-and-ball game isn’t just back—it’s positively sizzling.

  • TV9 Summit 2025 puts India’s global rise in the spotlight

    TV9 Summit 2025 puts India’s global rise in the spotlight

    MUMBAI: TV9 Network hosted the third edition of its flagship ‘What India Thinks Today Summit’ on 28 and 29 March 2025 at the iconic Bharat Mandapam. With the theme ‘India in the New World Order’, the two-day summit carved out a dynamic global platform for thought leaders, ministers, cultural icons, and business visionaries to chart India’s path in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

    Prime minister Narendra Modi headlined the event with a powerful keynote address, calling the summit a vital forum shaping the nation’s future. “The ideas exchanged here will define India’s future,” he stated, adding, “What TV9 thinks today, other channels will follow.”

    The event began with an impactful session featuring Union minister Nitin Gadkari, who made a headline-grabbing announcement, “A big decision on toll within a week, public concerns will be addressed soon.”

    Actors Vijay Deverakonda and Yami Gautam brought cinematic flair to the stage, offering personal insights into fame and success. Meanwhile, actors Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh stirred excitement with a preview of their upcoming thriller, Pune Highway.

    A moving moment came when 28 winners of News9’s Indian Tigers and Tigresses India’s largest youth football talent hunt were felicitated and posed for a group photo with the prime minister himself.

    TV9 Network MD & CEO of Barun Das, reflected on the global vision,“We at TV9 Network have initiated our engagement last year in the News9 Global Summit at Stuttgart, Germany, which will be bigger and better in October, later this year. We also have two more geographies on our radar, the UAE and the USA for News9 Global Summit. These are initiatives that precede TV9 Network’s Global expansion under the guidance of our chairman, Rameshwar Rao.”

    The second day adopted a dual-track format, diving into national issues and the global economic landscape. Union ministers including Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, G. Kishan Reddy, and Chirag Paswan shared insights on governance and policy. chief ministers Rekha Gupta, Bhagwant Mann, Mohan Yadav, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed challenges such as secularism, welfare policies, and the Uniform Civil Code.

    The summit also brought out a spectrum of political perspectives from figures like Smriti Irani, Randeep Surjewala, Imran Pratapgarhi, and RSS’s Sunil Ambekar. Healthcare was in sharp focus, with Navneet Saluja of Haleon (Sensodyne) dissecting India’s approach to public health, and Vedanta’s Anil Agarwal delivering a keynote on global business readiness.

    On the international front, former UNGA President Abdulla Shahid spoke about the Global south’s rise, while cultural voice Pandit Dhirendra Shastri addressed the event as a ‘Hindu Crusader’.

    Economic deliberations gained momentum with a virtual address from chief economic advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran, followed by in-depth panels on AI, e-mobility, infrastructure, sustainability, and education. Eminent voices like K.T. Mahhe (Sreenidhi University), Abhishek Singh (IndiaAI), Hisashi Takeuchi (Maruti Suzuki), Rajesh Nambiar (NASSCOM), and Nilesh Shah (Kotak AMC) enriched the conversation.

    Backed by marquee sponsors including Sensodyne, Sreenidhi University, HP Lubricants, Tata Motors, and Government partners from Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, the summit was a showcase of collaboration and vision.

    With sessions now available on News9’s Youtube channel and News9 Plus, this landmark summit continues to ripple across conversations, shaping how India is perceived—and how it positions itself—in the global order.

  • Crunchyroll’s 2025 anime awards go Global with big names and bold nominations

    Crunchyroll’s 2025 anime awards go Global with big names and bold nominations

    MUMBAI: Crunchyroll, has announced the nominees for the highly anticipated 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, the ninth annual edition of the world’s biggest celebration of Japanese animation. Fans across the globe can cast their votes daily through April 14 via the official Anime Awards website, helping decide this year’s winners across a broad spectrum of categories.

    This year’s Anime of the Year contenders include Dan Da Dan, Delicious in Dungeon, Frieren, Beyond Journey’s End, Kaiju No. 8, Solo Leveling, and The Apothecary Diaries.

    Adding star power to the celebration, Crunchyroll has also revealed the first wave of celebrity presenters set to appear at the live event in Tokyo on Sunday, May 25. Among the first announced Stranger Things stars Finn Wolfhard and Gaten Matarazzo, joined by international talents such as Damiano David (Måneskin), Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim, Japanese pop culture stars, Vtubers, drag icons, and Youtubers like Gigguk.

    Additional confirmed presenters include,

    The star-studded presenter line-up for the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards features an exciting mix of global talent, including Japanese comedy duo Chocolate Planet, renowned actor and musician Dean Fujioka, and popular Japanese actors Kanata Hongo, Mayu Matsuoka, and Saya Ichikawa. Joining them are international stars such as Brazilian pop icon Pabllo Vittar, English professional boxer Ben Whittaker, Vtuber sensation Ironmouse, American singer-songwriter d4vd, British-Japanese artist Rina Sawayama, globally recognised drag star Plastique Tiara, and American-Chilean singer Paloma Mami.

    Sony group corporation president & CEO Hiroki Totoki will deliver the opening remarks at the live ceremony, hosted by voice actress Sally Amaki and popular entertainer Jon Kabira.

    “The Crunchyroll Anime Awards are one of the most important times of year for fans because we hear directly from them on what anime they love and get to honour the creative community behind that love,” said Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini.

    “Anime continues to deeply resonate emotionally with fans, and anime’s biggest night of the year is sure to invoke a lot of joy and pride amongst the anime community fans and creators alike. This year’s nominees represent more than 50 series and films developed by more than 35 talented studios.”

    To celebrate the awards, a selection of nominated titles is now available to stream for free on Crunchyroll. The Crunchyroll Store is also offering special discounts on related manga, merchandise, and collectibles.

    New this year, fans can cast votes directly via the Crunchyroll mobile app, with a convenient 1-click resubmit option. Voting closes on April 14 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time, and winners will be announced during the live ceremony and global livestream.

    The full list of nominees includes favourites across action, drama, romance, isekai, animation, character design, and performance categories, including several nods to Dan Da Dan, Solo Leveling, and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Voice artist categories span multiple languages, including Japanese, English, Hindi, Arabic, French, and more highlighting anime’s truly global impact.

    The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards will be held at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo, in collaboration with Sony Music Solutions Inc. and Dempsey Productions. 

  • Baba Nirala breaks the internet as Aashram S3 hits 250 million viewers

    Baba Nirala breaks the internet as Aashram S3 hits 250 million viewers

    MUMBAI: From crime to cult status, Aashram S3 Part 2 isn’t just streaming, it’s storming. The smash-hit series on Amazon MX Player has crossed a jaw-dropping 250 million viewers, becoming a full-blown digital phenomenon and topping Ormax Media’s most-watched originals list for a fourth straight week.

    In the land of cricket and cinema, it’s rare for a web series to stir the nation with the intensity of a blockbuster film. But Aashram has done exactly that, transcending genre stereotypes, turning marketing on its head, and transforming Bobby Deol into a full-time messiah of mayhem.

    Forget the old trope of male-dominated crime thrillers. Aashram is busting audience myths left, right, and centre. Over 20 per cent of its viewership comes from women, while its reach spans both urban metros and Tier 2/3 towns. The drama has travelled in multiple tongues too, with dubbed versions in Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu clocking impressive numbers.

    Even Amazon’s internal data is dishing out interesting clues: 77 per cent of viewers are tech-savvy, and 64 per cent are fashion-forward. Yes, Baba Nirala has fans who not only meditate but also accessorise.

    The show didn’t just ride on hype, it engineered it. Aashram’s trailer trended on YouTube for 23 days, raking in 24 million views. A clever collab with cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, featuring a fictional blessing from Baba Nirala to let him open an innings, went viral with 6.3 million views and 850,000 engagements.

    Major brands were eager to hop onto the Baba bandwagon, Vimal served as presenting sponsor, co-powered by Lahori Zeera and Lux Nitro, with KEI Wires, Zandu Fast Relief and Kenstar also in the mix.

    Bobby Deol, reflecting on the overwhelming response, added, “Aashram has been a defining journey for me, and the love it continues to receive is truly humbling. This season, the stakes are higher, the drama is deeper, and the impact is greater than ever before. Seeing fans embrace Baba Nirala’s journey with such enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding!”

    National Award-winning director Prakash Jha expressed his gratitude, stating, “The journey of Baba Nirala continues to enthrall Indians. Every season, we push boundaries to make Aashram more intense, compelling, and relevant. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering love and enthusiasm of our audience.”

    Amazon MX Player director and head Karan Bedi shared, “Aashram is a tribute to Indian viewers. It’s phenomenal success reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality, free entertainment to audiences across India. The overwhelming response to Aashram S3 Part 2 has been extraordinary, driven by its gripping storytelling and outstanding performances. We are grateful to our sponsors for their support and helping us bring compelling stories to life.”

    And that’s the other key to Aashram’s stratospheric success: it’s entirely free. The series is available across Amazon MX Player, Prime Video, Amazon’s shopping app, Fire TV, Airtel Xtreme, and smart TVs, basically anywhere your thumbs can scroll.

    With its heady cocktail of social commentary, psychological manipulation, and pulpy thrills, Aashram has become more than a show. It’s a movement. A sermon with swagger. And by the looks of it, Baba Nirala isn’t done preaching just yet.

  • Lyca rolls camera on trio of treats for south cinema superfans

    Lyca rolls camera on trio of treats for south cinema superfans

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, triple action! Lyca Productions is turning up the heat in South Indian cinema, announcing a power-packed line-up of three upcoming films that promise drama, spectacle and plenty of box-office buzz.

    The studio, which made waves with the 2014 blockbuster Kaththi and more recently with Mani Ratnam’s magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan Parts 1 and 2, is back on set with fresh plans to deliver another round of cinematic showstoppers. Known for its flair for grandeur and high-stakes storytelling, Lyca is doubling, making that tripling, down on its mission to redefine regional filmmaking for a global audience.

    A spokesperson for Lyca confirmed: “We are pleased to confirm that Lyca Productions has plans to produce three new movies in the coming months. Our team has a proven track record of delivering major hits, both critically and commercially.”

    Lyca’s secret sauce? A solid mix of creative vision and pan-Indian appeal. The production house has become synonymous with high-quality Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films, consistently spotlighting top-tier talent both in front of and behind the camera.

    Part of the Lyca Group of companies, the studio has carved out a space where South Indian cinema thrives not just locally, but globally. From its early days producing landmark titles to its current standing as a cinematic powerhouse, Lyca’s journey is as gripping as the films it backs.

    And if fan ratings are anything to go by Lyca’s films consistently score big on platforms like Imdb, the audience is already sold. With three more titles loading, the production house is clearly not just banking on past glory.

    “We are committed to investing in the future of the Indian film industry,” the spokesperson added, “supporting the next generation of writers, directors and actors, bringing their best talents to the big screen.”

    From historic epics to contemporary thrillers, Lyca’s upcoming slate could be just what the doctor ordered for a movie-hungry audience. Now all eyes are on the big screen and on what magic Lyca will unveil next.