Category: Television

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 smashes viewership records in India

MUMBAI: The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has knocked previous cricket viewership records for six, becoming the most-watched multi-nation cricket tournament ever in India, the ICC declared in a press release issued on 21 March. The eight-team competition outpaced the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 by a whopping 23 per cent in TV ratings.

Indians devoured an eye-watering 250 billion minutes of cricket action across platforms during the tournament, with 137 billion minutes consumed on Star Sports and another 110 billion minutes on JioHotstar.

The India-New Zealand final played in Dubai on 9 March drew an extraordinary peak concurrency of 122 million live viewers on television and 61 million on JioHotstar—the highest digital viewership ever recorded for cricket. The match became the second-highest rated ODI in TV history outside of World Cup matches, with 230 million viewers tuning in and 53 billion minutes of watch-time across all platforms.

“The Champions Trophy made an amazing return after eight years and the viewership numbers from India have been overwhelming,” said an over-the-moon ICC chairman Jay Shah. “The incredible figures highlight the mass appeal that cricket has in India and how taking ICC events to audiences in different languages can significantly boost fan engagement.”

The group stage encounter between arch-rivals India and Pakistan—cricket’s equivalent of a bare-knuckle brawl—became one of the most-watched ODI matches in Indian history. The match clocked over 26 billion minutes of watch-time on linear TV, besting the countries’ 2023 World Cup clash by 10.8 per cent.

The Dubai contest on 23 February, which saw India maintain their hex over Pakistan in ICC tournaments thanks to Virat Kohli’s heroics, was watched by a staggering 206 million people on linear TV.

Jio Star chief executive for sports Sanjog Gupta couldn’t resist a bit of corporate chest-thumping: “This accomplishment is a result of the combined strength of the widest, most deeply penetrated multi-platform destination for sports, the fan-focussed story-telling approach of the JioStar ‘mega-casts’ and our superior technological capabilities.”

The extraordinary viewership was bolstered by rights holders JioStar’s comprehensive coverage strategy. Matches were broadcast in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada on Star Sports and Sports 18 channels.

On digital platforms, the tournament was streamed across a record 16 feeds, including nine languages—English, Hindi, Marathi, Haryanvi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada—plus four multi-cam feeds, an Indian Sign Language feed and the Max View feed on JioHotstar.

India’s unbeaten run to the trophy certainly didn’t hurt viewing figures, with fans glued to screens throughout the tournament. The marketing campaign, targeting “differentiated audience segments with distinct persuasions across devices,” appears to have hit the sweet spot of the bat.

For advertisers who paid top rupee for spots during the tournament, the unprecedented viewership must feel like money well spent. For Indian cricket fans, it was simply another opportunity to indulge their national obsession—albeit in greater numbers than ever before.

March 22, 2025
Disney showcases perfect marriage of creativity and tech at shareholder meeting

MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Co held its 2025 annual shareholder meeting on Thursday, with boss Bob Iger waxing lyrical about the firm’s “perfect marriage of exceptional creativity and groundbreaking technological achievement” which, he insisted, “has always set Disney apart.”

“Since the company’s earliest years under Walt, technology has always been viewed as a powerful storytelling tool, and innovation has been in our DNA since the start,” Iger declared in a video message from Walt Disney Imagineering’s headquarters in Glendale, California.

In a move that would make even Darth Vader crack a smile, Iger was joined by a flock of BDX droids—the same mechanical marvels that have been harassing guests at Disneyland—which will soon make their silver screen debut in The Mandalorian and Grogu, next year’s highly anticipated Star Wars cash cow.

The mouse house enjoyed a whopper of a year at the global box office in 2024, with Iger crowing about its “outstanding” performance following a reorganisation that “restored creativity to the centre of our studios.”
The company’s popular franchises brought home the bacon, with Pixar’s Inside Out 2, Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine, and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Moana 2 claiming the top three spots at the box office. Talk about a triple threat.

Disney’s critical success was equally impressive. “Our renewed focus on quality over quantity has also resulted in outstanding critical success,” Iger boasted, noting that the company bagged a whopping 60 Emmy Awards, led by Shogun and The Bear. The firm also scooped 15 Oscar nominations, with Kieran Culkin winning Best Supporting Actor for his turn in Searchlight Pictures’ A Real Pain.

Looking ahead, Iger dropped a bombshell: a sequel to Coco, Pixar’s 2017 Academy Award-winning tearjerker, is in the works. “While the film is just in the initial stages, we know it will be full of humour, heart, and adventure,” he said, no doubt sending Mickey-shaped dollar signs spinning in shareholders’ eyes.

The Disney chief was keen to remind everyone that all these cinematic delights “will all be accessible on Disney+,” expanding the firm’s “rich library of a century’s worth of storytelling.”

“By giving subscribers the option to watch what they love most from across the worlds of Disney, all in one place, we are turning Disney+ into the ultimate streaming destination,” Iger declared.

With the recent additions of Hulu and ESPN tiles on Disney+, the company has created what Iger calls a “seamless streaming experience” that is “both convenient and user-friendly.” And when ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer offering launches in early autumn, subscribers can access the full suite of ESPN’s networks from inside Disney+. How thoughtful.

Turning to Disney’s Experiences segment, Iger was practically bursting with excitement. “Last year we talked about our plans to turbocharge growth in this segment through strategic investments. Today I’m proud to share some of what we’ve been up to,” he gushed. “Right now, we have more projects underway around the world than at any time in our history.”

The Magic Kingdom is undergoing its largest expansion ever, including a new area inspired by Cars and a much-anticipated Villains-themed land where guests can presumably pay $15 for a villain-themed ice cream while queuing for three hours.

A Monsters Inc. themed land is coming to Hollywood Studios, featuring the company’s first-ever vertical lift coaster (guaranteed to make your wallet feel lighter than your stomach). Meanwhile, a new Tropical Americas land is headed to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones.

Disney Cruise Line is also expanding, which will allow the company to “double our capacity to reach millions more people around the world,” according to Iger. Because nothing says “magical experience” like being trapped on a boat with thousands of screaming children wearing Mickey ears.

Iger also took time to highlight Disney’s charitable efforts, noting that in the wake of the devastating wildfires in Southern California, the company committed $15 million to recovery efforts.

“We remain the No. 1 wish-granter in the world for children facing critical illness, and on average Disney grants a child’s wish every hour of every day,” he said, temporarily making even the most cynical shareholders feel warm and fuzzy.

Iger concluded his remarks by returning to technology: “Thanks to modern technology, there’s never been a better time to be a storyteller,” he said.

Or, indeed, a Disney shareholder.

March 22, 2025
IPL 2025 gets a fresh coat as Birla Opus Paints colours outside the lines

MUMBAI: When cricket fever hits India, even the paint industry pads up. As the IPL 2025 season bowls over fans across the country, Birla Opus Paints has stepped onto the pitch with a splash. The paint brand has partnered with JioHotstar to stir up more than just fan emotions—they’re mixing colours and cricket like a pro bartender at a Holi party.

Yes, Birla Opus Paints, under the mighty umbrella of Aditya Birla Group’s Grasim Industries, announced its official partnership with the Tata IPL 2025 and JioHotstar, rolling out a quirky campaign called the ‘Indian Colours League’. The concept? Every IPL match now spawns a brand-new paint shade, born from the merging team colours of the day. It’s cricket meets chemistry, with a splash of marketing genius.

Each time two rival franchises face off, their iconic team colours blend in real time to create a new, exclusive shade. It’s not just paint—it’s pigment poetry. This colourful concoction symbolises not just the intensity of the match but also the camaraderie, shared history and electric energy both teams bring to the pitch.

Players from the competing teams will share what their team colours mean to them in pre-match videos. As they wax lyrical, their team hues morph into a fresh Birla Opus Paints signature shade, capturing the essence of the upcoming clash. Imagine blue and yellow creating more than just green—they’re painting legacies now.

“At Birla Opus Paints, we believe in the transformative power of colours. This IPL season, through the Indian Colours League, we’re blending the colours of the rival teams in each match to celebrate camaraderie and legacy. This IPL season, we invite fans to witness the magic that happens when colours fuse – because both in cricket and in life, every interaction has the power to create something truly unforgettable,” said Birla Opus Paints head – marketing Inderpreet Singh.

JioHotstar CBO, sports revenue, SMB & creator, Ishan Chatterjee chimed in with equal flair, “At JioHotstar, we are always looking for ways to push the boundaries of fan engagement, and the Indian Colours League does just that. Cricket and colours both have a deep emotional connection with people, and this campaign beautifully brings them together. By blending the worlds of cricket and colour, we are offering fans an experience that goes beyond the game, turning every match into a visual spectacle.”

Leo – south Asia CCO Sachin Kamble made a poetic pitch, “Cricket isn’t just a game – it’s a canvas of passion, sportsmanship, emotion, camaraderie just like the colours that represent each team and their winning spirit. Indian Colours League leverages this aspect of IPL. Just how competitiveness blends with friendship resulting in a good game, two colours come together to create another beautiful shade, the colour that stands for unity bringing the country together.”

This dazzling marketing idea was co-conceptualised by Birla Opus Paints, Leo India and Wavemaker India in partnership with JioHotstar. A colourful ménage à trois, if you will.

Each shade forged in the crucible of cricketing rivalry becomes more than just a colour. It’s a limited-edition legacy. A visual souvenir of that epic clash. A brushstroke in cricket’s ongoing mural of madness. Forget hex codes, these hues come with hashtags and heartbreaks.

Launched in 2024, Birla Opus Paints is already making a splash in the decorative paints segment. Now, they’re turning matches into colour-coded memories.

March 21, 2025
Furlenco gets a front-row seat with RCB, adds comfort to cricket chaos

MUMBAI: The boundaries aren’t just being hit on the field this T20 season—they’re being broken in the bleachers too. In a move that might make your sofa jealous, Furlenco has parked itself smack in the middle of the cricketing carnival. Yes, they’ve gone full throttle as the official furniture partner for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the 18 edition of the Indian T20 League 2025.

After dipping its toes into the Women’s T20 League earlier this year, Furlenco has now cannonballed straight into the main pool. This time, it’s all about adding plush, posh, and pizzazz to the matchday madness. And honestly, who wouldn’t want a recliner while watching a nail-biting super over?

As part of the tie-up, Furlenco has kitted out the hospitality stands at Bengaluru’s iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium. Think less plastic chair, more posh parlour. Spectators can now soak in sixes and style in one sitting. Meanwhile, the RCB squad won’t be left lounging around either—Furlenco is sprucing up their team room (dubbed the RCB HQ) into a cosy, chic lair for strategy, stretching, or just sulking after a collapse.

Not stopping at cushions and couches, Furlenco will also host a dedicated fan kiosk at the stadium—a one-stop shop for cricket lovers to engage in fun activities and get hands-on with the brand’s home hacks.

Off the field, Furlenco flexed its thought-leader muscles by sponsoring the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit powered by Leaders. Held on 14-15 March 2025, the event saw the who’s who of the sports world chew over serious topics like business of sports, tech, and policy. Venue partner? The Padukone Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence.

Furlenco CEO & founder Ajith Karimpana couldn’t hide his glee, “Furlenco is thrilled to be the Official Furniture Partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the Indian T20 League 2025. This collaboration strengthens our association with the RCB team while enhancing the fan experience at the stadium. As the league approaches, we are excited to bring comfort, style, and engagement to cricket enthusiasts through our presence in the Hospitality Stands, players’ team room, and the fan engagement zone. Additionally, our support for the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit underscores our commitment to driving sports innovation and elevating the overall cricketing experience.”

RCB COO Rajesh V Menon chimed in with matching enthusiasm, “We are thrilled to announce Furlenco as our Official Furniture Partner. Their expertise in creating functional and stylish spaces perfectly aligns with RCB’s commitment to providing world-class experiences for both our players and fans. With Furlenco’s presence in key areas of the stadium and their support for the RCB Innovation Lab Indian Sport Summit, this partnership significantly enhances the overall fan engagement experience.”

In a league where brands usually just slap on a logo, Furlenco has pulled out the rug (literally) to embed itself in every layer of the cricketing chaos. From beanbags to brainstorming, the brand is not just watching the match—it’s in it.

March 21, 2025
Equitas SFB strengthens Its winning partnership with CSK and GT

MUMBAI: In a move that hits both the financial and cricketing sweet spot, Equitas Small Finance Bank has renewed its partnership with two of the biggest names in Indian T20 cricket Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Gujarat Titans (GT) as their Official Banking Partner. With this six-year association with CSK and a three-year alliance with GT, Equitas continues to solidify its presence in the sporting arena, standing tall as the ‘bank behind champions’.

This season, Equitas’ branding will feature on CSK’s lead helmet and GT’s back helmet, ensuring its presence in some of the tournament’s most crucial moments. Just as CSK and GT aim to dominate the pitch, Equitas remains committed to empowering individuals and businesses with its seamless digital banking solutions and financial products.

“We are thrilled to strengthen our association with two of the most successful T20 League franchises,” expressed Equitas SFB senior vice president & head of marketing, brand & corporate communications Vignesh Murali. “At Equitas, we believe that every individual is a champion in their own right, striving to achieve their dreams. Both teams, hence, resonate deeply with our brand ethos of dedication, resilience, and excellence. Through our ‘Bank Behind Champions’ campaign, we reaffirm our commitment to empower our customers with innovative financial solutions, seamless digital banking experiences, and unwavering support. The campaign would follow an integrated approach by combining outdoor advertisements and conducting localised activities in the respective cities. This would help in driving awareness among our customers towards our CASA and loan products. This season, as CSK and GT take to the field, we stand proudly behind them and the millions of customers who trust us on their journey toward financial success.”

The campaign goes beyond branding, combining outdoor advertisements, city-specific fan activations, and cricket-linked initiatives to create deeper engagement. It also aims to drive awareness of Equitas’ CASA (Current Account and Savings Account) and loan products, ensuring that financial champions across India get access to convenient, rewarding banking solutions.

With a focus on expanding access to digital banking, Equitas SFB is leveraging this partnership to reach millions of cricket enthusiasts, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and customer empowerment.

As the T20 season kicks off, CSK and GT gear up to take the field, and Equitas SFB proudly stands behind them just as it does for the millions of customers striving for financial success.

March 21, 2025
Maruti Suzuki and Zee Cine Awards roll out the red carpet for ‘FANtertainment’

MUMBAI: The glitz and glamour of Hindi cinema found a new crescendo in Mumbai as Maruti Suzuki revved up its engines in support of the 23 Zee Cine Awards 2025. The city, already a bubbling cauldron of cinematic brew, added another feather to its cap with the star-studded event that promises to eclipse previous shows. With a theme that rings close to every cinephile’s heart—’FANtertainment’—this year’s gala is not just another award night; it’s a grand salute to the fan armies that have propelled Hindi cinema to global fame.

Unveiled amid the sparkling lights was the new trophy—a symbol of the inseparable bond between the stars and their supporters. Crafted to perfection, the trophy, revealed by none other than Hindi cinema’s heartthrob Kartik Aaryan, features two intertwined hands forming a heartfelt emblem. A fitting tribute indeed, as the stars and fans come together in a cinematic embrace.

The FANtertainment theme, a brainchild of the creative minds at Zee and Maruti Suzuki, pivots from mere celebration to an outright jubilee of the people behind the curtains—the fans. Tamannaah Bhatia, Vaani Kapoor, and Jacqueline Fernandez, the divas of the night, ignited the stage, not just with their presence but by recreating the iconic heart symbol from the trophy, setting the stage for an epic fan frenzy.

The night also shimmered with promises of innovation and sustainability from Maruti Suzuki senior executive officer – marketing & sales, Partho Banerjee steering the narrative towards the future. “The partnership between Maruti Suzuki and Zee Cine Awards reflects the perfect synergy between innovation and excellence. Just as filmmakers push creative boundaries to craft powerful stories, we at Maruti Suzuki are redefining electric mobility with the e VITARA—a bold, masculine SUV that seamlessly blends cutting-edge electric technology with premium interiors. e VITARA is more than just an electric SUV—it is a statement of innovation and progress, embodying the spirit of India’s next-gen mobility. With its advanced performance, stylish design, and sustainable engineering, it represents the future of electric driving in India. This collaboration is a celebration of creativity, performance, and a shared vision for an electrified, sustainable, and exhilarating future—one where mobility meets aspiration, and innovation drives excellence.”

As the stage is set for 17 May at NSCI Dome, Mumbai, the anticipation is palpable. With stars like Aaryan at the helm, celebrating genres from biopics to horror and comedy, the event is more than an awards night—it’s a cultural festival. “This year has been all about pushing my limits—be it exploring genres like biopic, or horror and comedy. Every role I take on is a chance to connect with my audience and fans, and their love is my biggest motivation. Zee Cine Awards’ FANtertainment theme is special because it truly celebrates this connection—where fans don’t just watch cinema, they live it with us. I’m excited to be here and celebrate this beautiful bond,” said Aaryan, capturing the essence of the evening.

With energy drinks flowing courtesy of Hell Energy, the event promises to keep the adrenaline pumping. “Hell Energy Drink – India’s largest energy drink in the can segment is glad to be the part of the biggest celebration of Hindi cinema – Zee Cine Awards. As the proud energy drink partner, we are thrilled to join hands with Zee in celebrating the extravagant world of cinema through the exciting new edition of the 23 Zee Cine Awards 2025. Hell Energy is a choice of millions of Indians as they continue to recharge themselves and chase their dreams. We celebrate the unique taste of Hell Energy with the entertainment that the stars provide on the grand stage of ZCA and honour the best of talent in the world of Indian cinema,” chimed in director Unnikannan Gangadharan adding an effervescent buzz to the affair.

Bhatia said, “It’s only the beginning of the year, but it has already been creatively exciting—balancing different industries, exploring unique roles, and breaking stereotypes. Through it all, the unwavering love from my fans has been my biggest strength. Zee Cine Awards, with FANtertainment, truly celebrates this bond between artists and their fans, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Kapoor said, “I am humbled and forever grateful for the unwavering love and support from my fans and audiences. With an exciting year ahead, I look forward to giving my audiences something truly special and refreshing. Zee Cine Awards’ FANtertainment celebrates the magic of cinema and the unbreakable bond between cinema and its fans. I am thrilled to be a part of this celebration and share this incredible experience with everyone.”

Fernandez etched, “2024 has been a mix of passion projects, thrilling collaborations, and memorable performances. But the real magic comes from the fans—their energy, their dedication, and the way they make every moment count. Zee Cine Awards’ FANtertainment is all about this shared joy of cinema, and I’m so happy to be here to be part of this celebration!”

Zee Entertainment Enterprises CGO Ashish Sehgal summed up, “Zee has always been committed to recognizing and applauding Indian cinema and the incredible talent that drives it forward. Zee Cine Awards stands as a testament to this commitment and has firmly established itself as the ultimate celebration of Indian cinema, uniting the biggest stars, iconic performances and an unparalleled entertainment experience. As a flagship property, it has also become the preferred destination for leading brands to connect with audiences through the magic of cinema.

This year, Maruti Suzuki presents Zee Cine Awards 2025 is set to be more spectacular than ever, featuring a stellar lineup of performances and an electrifying atmosphere. With innovative 360-degree brand engagement opportunities extending across pre-event buzz, seamless integrations during the event and sustained post-event amplification, it offers sponsors a massive platform for unmatched visibility and impact. Going LIVE from NSCI Dome, Mumbai, on 17th May, we promise an unforgettable night of cinematic brilliance that fans simply cannot afford to miss.”

With that commitment, the 23 Zee Cine Awards is set to redefine the standards of cinematic accolades, making it an unmissable event that promises not just to showcase, but to celebrate the very soul of Hindi cinema.

March 21, 2025
Nothing pads up with RCB for T20 2025 in a game-changing partnership

MUMBAI: London-based technology brand Nothing has stepped onto the cricket pitch, announcing its associate sponsorship with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the highly anticipated T20 Season 2025. Known for its bold design and disruptive approach, Nothing, the fastest-growing smartphone brand of 2024 with a remarkable 577 per cent YoY growth (Counterpoint), is making a big statement in India with this high-impact collaboration.

With cricket being India’s heartbeat, this partnership is a match made in sporting heaven. Nothing’s logo will be prominently displayed on the lead trousers of RCB’s playing kit strategically placed on the left leg for right-handed batsmen and on the opposite leg for left-handers. This clever positioning ensures maximum visibility throughout the tournament, reflecting Nothing’s commitment to connecting with young, tech-savvy audiences.

Speaking about the association Nothing co-founder & India president Akis Evangelidis said, “Cricket is the heartbeat of India, bringing millions of people together through a shared passion and unwavering devotion to the game. At Nothing, we embody that same spirit of community and bold ambition, making our partnership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru a natural fit. As we deepen our commitment to India, we’re excited to connect with the country’s most passionate fans and be part of this incredible journey.”

Royal Challengers Bengaluru COO Rajesh Menon said, “We’re excited to partner with Nothing to bring cutting-edge innovation and expansion to India. This collaboration perfectly aligns with RCB’s commitment to challenge the status quos, and we look forward to elevating the fan journey with Nothing’s forward-thinking approach to connectivity.”

The T20 2025 season kicks off with a clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and RCB on 22 March at Eden Gardens, while RCB’s first home match is set for April 2 against Gujarat Titans. With Nothing backing the team, fans can expect an electrifying season both on and off the field.

Meanwhile, Nothing has also been making waves in the tech world. The brand unveiled its latest Phone (3a) Series at MWC on March 4, 2025, showcasing advanced triple-camera systems, Snapdragon processors, and its signature design innovations. With RCB’s fearless gameplay and Nothing’s disruptive tech, this partnership promises to be one for the record books.

March 21, 2025
Stop the presses: Hoffmann family aims to take Lee Enterprises private

MUMBAI: It sounds like the setup to a quirky corporate fable: a storied American newspaper publisher caught between an Indian digital-media upstart and a midwestern business family bent on expansion. Yet this is exactly what’s unfolding at Lee Enterprises, a 132-year-old local news chain once part of Warren Buffett’s newspaper empire. In an era of dwindling print, Lee has unexpectedly become the prize in a cross-continental tug-of-war, with high finance and hometown news colliding in equal measure.

The drama burst into the open late this week. Quint Digital Limited, a New Delhi-based media company and Lee’s largest shareholder, revealed on Friday that the Hoffmann Family of Companies – which holds roughly 10 per cent of Lee – has approached the publisher’s board about a potential buyout. In a letter dated 20 March, the Hoffmann group proposed a ‘combination’ in which it would acquire Lee Enterprises in its entirety and take the company private. No price has been disclosed, but the overture alone has set tongues wagging across the industry.

Lee’s initial response is polite but noncommittal. The company said it would ‘evaluate and respond’ if Hoffmann comes forward with a specific offer. Management insists that “Lee’s board of directors and management team are committed to acting in the best interests of all shareholders,” adding that “consistent with its fiduciary duties, Lee’s board of directors will carefully review any credible proposal to determine the course of action that it believes is in the best interests of the company and Lee shareholders.” In other words, Lee’s directors will consider any serious bid, but they aren’t pledging to sell without scrutiny.

The timing of Hoffmann’s move is noteworthy. Last year, as its two biggest investors quietly amassed shares, Lee adopted a ‘Limited-Duration Shareholder Rights Plan’ – a classic poison-pill defence to fend off hostile takeovers – that is set to expire on 27 March 2025. That plan, which limited how much stock any outsider could gobble up, gave Lee a year of breathing room. With its expiry just days away, the Hoffmann family evidently saw an opening to swoop in. (Media reports suggest Hoffmann’s stake has nearly doubled in the past six months.) Quint Digital, for its part, isn’t sounding any alarms yet; the 12.3 per cent shareholder has noted only that it is “monitoring this development and will provide necessary updates, as applicable.”

For Quint Digital – formerly known as Quint Digital Media – the Lee saga is an unusual overseas foray. The company, best known for its news site The Quint in India, emerged as Lee’s largest shareholder almost by stealth, accumulating a 12.3 per cent stake and leapfrogging American hedge funds and the Hoffmanns alike. Now Quint finds itself a potential kingmaker in an American media deal, a role that blends global intrigue with local journalism. Meanwhile the Hoffmann Family of Companies, a Naples, Florida-based conglomerate led by businessman David Hoffmann, has been openly coveting newspapers. It spent the past year becoming Lee’s second-largest owner (around 10 per cent) and has openly talked up its support for local news. The family’s latest gambit to outright purchase Lee would instantly vault it from influential investor to full owner of an American news institution.

All this corporate courtship comes as Lee Enterprises tries to reinvent itself for the digital age. Founded in 1890, the Davenport, Iowa-based company publishes dozens of daily and weekly newspapers across 26 states – and even became the unexpected heir to Warren Buffett’s newspaper portfolio in 2020 by acquiring Berkshire Hathaway’s media group (including Buffett’s hometown Omaha World-Herald and the Buffalo News). Lee’s digital revenues have been rising briskly, outpacing the decline of its ink-on-paper business. Its BLOX Digital division, a content management platform, now serves over 2,000 media sites in all 50 states, as well as clients in Canada and other territories. In short, while print editions still land on porches from St. Louis to Tucson, Lee’s future increasingly lies online – a fact not lost on would-be buyers.

The coming weeks will reveal whether the Hoffmann family’s offer turns into a concrete deal or just another chapter of industry gossip. Lee’s board has a fiduciary duty to weigh any credible proposal, and shareholders big and small will be watching closely. If the price is right, Buffett’s one-time collection of community papers could trade hands yet again, this time passing from an Indian-listed digital player and public shareholders into family-owned private stewardship. If not, Lee may continue charting its own course, buoyed by its digital growth and Buffett-blessed legacy. For now, the presses at Lee Enterprises keep rolling – at least until someone decides to actually stop them.

March 21, 2025
Business Today MindRush returns with top leaders decoding disruption at Vucanomics 2025 in Mumbai

MUMBAI: Global disruptions, economic turbulence, and CEOs dancing through chaos—sounds like the perfect storm waiting to hit Mumbai! Hold onto your hats because Business Today’s MindRush 2025 is about to turbocharge the narrative. Gathering the sharpest minds and slickest suits, BT MindRush will speed into Mumbai on 22 March, transforming global upheaval into growth opportunities faster than you can say ‘Vucanomics’.

Taking place at the swanky Sofitel in BKC, the 13 edition of this flagship event will see India’s corporate titans swapping survival tips and secret sauces for thriving amidst turmoil. “Vucanomics 2025: Thriving in Turmoil – Turning Global Disruptions into Growth” isn’t just catchy; it’s an entire blueprint for business brilliance.

Headlining this leadership carnival will be luminaries like India’s road transport czar Nitin Gadkari; diplomatic heavyweight S. Jaishankar; and NSE India boss Ashish Chauhan. Throw in Kumar Mangalam Birla, Harsh Mariwala, Praveer Sinha, Kishor Patil, and PwC India’s Sanjeev Krishan, and you’ve got more star power than a Hindi cinema blockbuster.

From fiery keynote speeches to razor-sharp panel discussions, BT MindRush will dish out lessons in leadership, innovation, and grabbing disruption by the horns. This year’s edition won’t be for the faint-hearted, promising ‘ample networking opportunities’—corporate speak for ‘bring your best elevator pitch or stay home.’

The crème de la crème will also get their moment in the spotlight with the prestigious BT India’s Best CEOs Awards. These won’t be your run-of-the-mill trophies—winners will be selected through the intense BT-PwC India’s Best CEOs survey, honouring those who have turned volatility into victory.

March 21, 2025
Ebixcash partners with Royal Challengers Bengaluru to boost brand visibility and fan engagement

MUMBAI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) knows a thing or two about thrilling the crowds—be it nail-biting finishes or heart-breaking almost-wins. Now, they’ve got a partner who’s equally adept at cashing in on excitement: Ebixcash. Eraaya Lifespaces Ltd’s dynamic subsidiary Ebixcash just stepped onto the pitch as an official partner for RCB’s 2025 T20 cricket season, aiming to score big in India’s booming financial solutions space.

Known for its formidable fan base and star-studded lineup, RCB continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Ebixcash couldn’t resist the allure, given cricket’s undisputed status as India’s unofficial religion. The partnership promises extensive brand visibility via stadium branding, digital promotions, and exclusive fan interactions—because nothing screams brand loyalty like cheering fans.

Ebixcash Ltd-Payment Solutions CEO & MD, T C Guruprasad enthusiastically declared, “We are thrilled to partner with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, a team that embodies excellence, passion, and resilience. This collaboration will allow Ebixcash to deepen its connection with cricket fans while reinforcing our brand’s commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions.”

The excitement was mutual, with RCB’s COO Rajesh V Menon, chiming in, “We are excited to partner with Ebixcash, a brand that represents excellence, innovation, and customer-centric solutions extending its bond with cricket fans while further enhancing our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences both on and off the field.”

With cricket fever set to soar yet again, Ebixcash is strategically positioned to amplify its brand recognition, driving customer engagement and reinforcing its leadership in the financial solutions industry.

March 21, 2025