ITV

Category: Television

  • MIP London debuts with strong attendance, sets sights on 2026 return

    MIP London debuts with strong attendance, sets sights on 2026 return

    MUMBAI:  The inaugural MIP London market  concluded its five-day run on 27 February  with metrics that suggest a respectable, if not quite revolutionary, entry into the crowded conference calendar. Some 2,800 delegates from over 80 countries descended upon the capital for what organisers hope will become a fixture in the global television industry’s peripatetic schedule.

    The event, which ran from 23-27 February, appears to have established itself as a new fixture in the global television industry calendar, with the IET London and The Savoy already confirmed as venues for 2026.

    “MIP London’s debut exceeded expectations. This is year one of a long-term commitment and we will be back in London next year,” said MIP London and MIPCOM Cannes director Lucy Smith. “This was new, a new format, bringing in new people, and it really feels that MIP London has found its place in this busy week.”

    European delegates comprised the largest contingent, followed by North Americans, with significant representation from Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Türkiye. More than 70 companies established meeting spaces, including country pavilions from Belgium, China, France, Korea and Spain.

    The event featured an extensive programme of international screenings, insight presentations, and industry matchmaking sessions. Notable highlights included presentations from YouTube and a headline conversation between Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria and David Beckham.

    Attendees reflected the evolving media landscape, with traditional buyers and sales executives joined by producers, content creators, and representatives from digital-first companies and streaming platforms, including Fast,  AVOD and CTV players.

    Smith emphasised that the new event was designed to complement existing industry gatherings. “Our plan has always been to complement existing events, and I thank everyone who came and engaged with the market. We will listen intently to every bit of feedback to evolve MIP London for 2026 and beyond, and to deliver what the international industry says it needs.”

    The 41st edition of MIPCOM  Cannes, MIP London’s established sister event, will take place from 13-16 October 2025, preceded by MIPJunior on 11-12 October.

  • Karnataka sets sights on creative technology leadership following GAFX 2025

    Karnataka sets sights on creative technology leadership following GAFX 2025

    BENGALURU:  The Karnataka government has unveiled ambitious plans to position the state as a global creative technology hub, announcing upcoming Esports Summit and Game Developers Conference events following the conclusion of the highly successful Bengaluru GAFX 2025.

    The three-day conference, held at The Lalit Ashok and organised by the Department of Electronics, IT & Biotechnology and the Association of Bangalore Animation Industry (ABAI), attracted over 5,000 daily visitors and featured 100+ sessions with 200 speakers from ten countries.

    “Karnataka is not just the IT, biotech, and skill capital of India—we are on our way to becoming the global creative capital,” declared information technology minister Priyank Kharge at the valedictory function. “With the right policies, incentives, and vision, we will transform India into a hub for creative technology.”

    The minister outlined plans for significant investment in incubators, Centres of Excellence, and original intellectual property creation, inspired by the success of global entertainment giants like Disney and Marvel. 

    Karnataka’s AVGC-XR Finishing School has already trained over 842 students, while the state hosts 27 Digital Art Centres and represents 20 per cent of India’s Media & Entertainment market.

    Several major announcements marked the event, including the animated debut of beloved comic character Suppandi, unveiled by actor Rana Daggubati. The character will stream on PowerKids TV, with Tinkle’s young female superhero WingStar also set for animation. The prestigious Uncle Pai Promising New Creator Award was launched, with Mahati Santhanakrishnan named inaugural recipient for her comic Hunting Monsters.
     

    Mike, Ashish, Biren and CC

    A significant partnership between Green Gold Animation (India) and TG Entertainment (UK) was announced to expand The Brilliant World of Tom Gates franchise across South Asia, focusing on licensing, merchandising, and animation production.

    The conference proved particularly fruitful for business development, with the B2B Forum facilitating 395 letters of intent between companies. Fifteen top buyers engaged with 39 participating companies, with 40 intellectual properties showcased. The Investor Connect Program saw 29 investors from 22 companies meeting with 34 startups, offering crucial funding and mentorship opportunities.

    The Skyesports Souvenir 2025 National Esports Championship featured four elite teams competing for a Rs 5 lakh prize pool, with Gods Reign crowned champions and Aakash “PH1NNN” Bose earning MVP honours. The competition showcased Counterstrike 2, confirmed as a title in the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2026.

    The AnimationXpress GEM Awards recognised industry excellence across gaming, esports, and metaverse categories. Notable winners included Bloom – A Puzzle Adventure (Best Casual Game), Indus Battle Royale (Best Mobile Game), and 1971: Indian Naval Front (Best Hardcore Game). SuperGaming claimed Game Studio of the Year, with Lucid Labs named Best Indie Studio.
     

    Mishaal Wanvari, Neha Singhal Mehta and Team Soul

    Several strategic agreements were formalised, including an MoU between Uzbekistan and ABAI that will see delegations exchanged between the countries. The ABAI AVGC Centre of Excellence and Media & Entertainment Skills Council also partnered to advance skilling, incubation, and policy development.

    A Digital Detox Center by the All India Gaming Federation was launched, while a special session on Bringing Moana 2 to Life offered behind-the-scenes insights into Disney’s advanced animation technologies, including Tonic for hair grooming and enhanced crowd simulation.

    “There are tangible outcomes that will be an accelerator for India’s creative technology industries,” said Bengaluru GAFX  chairman and ABAI president Biren Ghose. “GAFX 2025 has succeeded in highlighting the disruption that will enable studios, startups, and talent to make a lasting impact on the global stage.”

  • Yuzvendra Chahal’s hilarious opening wish takes an unexpected turn

    Yuzvendra Chahal’s hilarious opening wish takes an unexpected turn

    MUMBAI: Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has stepped into unfamiliar territory, swapping the cricket field for the mystical world of Aashram. In a humorous crossover for Aashram season three part two, now streaming for free on Amazon MX Player, Chahal seeks divine intervention but the results are far from what he imagined.

    In the video, Chahal, fully kitted out with pads, helmet, and bat, approaches Bobby Deol’s enigmatic Baba Nirala with one request to become an opening batsman. True to his style, Baba grants the wish with a resounding Tathastu! However, instead of taking the crease, Chahal finds himself opening everything but an innings water bottles, lunchboxes, and even jammed doors. Left bewildered, he sighs, Accha opener bana diya, Baba. Meanwhile, Baba, ever the mysterious figure, remarks, “No one leaves my Aashram empty-handed.”

    Chahal said, “I’ve always joked about opening the batting. This time, Baba made it happen just not in the way I expected!”

    With Baba’s mystical powers at play, nothing is ever straightforward in Aashram. Fans can watch the latest twists and turns in Aashram season three part two, available to stream for free on Amazon MX Player via mobile apps, Amazon’s shopping app, Prime Video, Fire TV, and connected TVs.

  • TV Today’s digital strategy chief exits after one-year stint

    TV Today’s digital strategy chief exits after one-year stint

    MUMBAI:  India Today group/ TV Today network announced today that  Rudra Prasad Kasturi has stepped down from his role as chief strategy officer for digital business, precisely one year after joining the media conglomerate.

    In a brief statement, the company confirmed it had accepted  Kasturi’s resignation “to pursue other opportunities,” with his departure effective from close of business on 28 February.

    Kasturi, a seasoned media executive with previous stints at The Times of India group and Times Internet, where he held various leadership positions, appears to be maintaining his tradition of brief but impactful tenures at India’s leading media houses.

    Industry observers note that Kasturi’s CV now sports an impressively symmetrical one-year stint at India Today, neatly matching his seven-month escapade as  chief growth officer at Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. Perhaps in the fast-paced world of digital media strategy, longevity is measured in months rather than years.

    The company has not yet announced a successor.

  • Zee UK crowned media brand of the year at British Asian Media Awards

    Zee UK crowned media brand of the year at British Asian Media Awards

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment UK has been named media brand of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Arqiva British Asian Media Awards, cementing its position as a dominant force in the UK broadcasting landscape.

    The award recognises Zee’s strategic expansion over the past year, which has seen the broadcaster evolve from a niche provider into a comprehensive media network with growing mainstream appeal.

    In 2024, Zee significantly expanded its footprint with several key launches, including Zee One UK, the country’s first fully English-dubbed channel showcasing Indian content, and Zee Punjabi, which caters to the 700,000-strong Punjabi diaspora across major platforms including Sky and Virgin Media.

    The media group has also strengthened its European presence with localised Zee One channels in Germany and France, delivering Bollywood films and Indian series dubbed in local languages.

    “We are incredibly proud to be named Media Brand of the Year,” said Territory Head Europe Parul Goel. “This recognition underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality, diverse content that resonates with audiences across the UK and Europe.”

    Zee’s marketing strategy has included high-profile campaigns across London’s transport network, digital billboards, and iconic locations such as Piccadilly Circus, significantly raising the brand’s visibility beyond its traditional audience base.

    The company, part of India’s Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, now operates over 50 channels worldwide, reaching more than 1.3 billion viewers globally.

     

  • Praveen Someshwar moves to Diageo India as MD & CEO after transforming HT Media

    Praveen Someshwar moves to Diageo India as MD & CEO after transforming HT Media

    MUMBAI: Praveen Someshwar is no stranger to transformation. After steering HT Media Group through a period of digital reinvention and AI-powered journalism, he is now shifting gears—this time to the world of premium spirits. Diageo India has appointed him as its new managing director & CEO, a move that signals an exciting new chapter for both Someshwar and the country’s leading beverage company.

    After six and a half years at HT Media, where he spearheaded the digital-first evolution of iconic brands like Hindustan Times, Mint, and Fever Network, Someshwar is now set to bring his sharp business acumen to Diageo India. Under his leadership, HT Media embraced AI-driven journalism, expanded its digital footprint, and built a robust ecosystem blending print, OTT, podcasts, and video. His tenure saw the integration of 400+ engineers, product specialists, and designers working alongside 3,000+ journalists, transforming the organisation into a tech-savvy media powerhouse.

    Someshwar himself reflected on his HT journey with a heartfelt farewell on Linkedin, saying, “Transforming a traditional media powerhouse into a digital-first, tech-driven organisation was no small task. And yet, what I witnessed over the years was nothing short of extraordinary.”

    At Diageo India, Someshwar steps into the shoes of Hina Nagarajan, who moves into a global role. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the premiumisation of the beverage sector, digital innovation, and market expansion are at the forefront of Diageo’s strategy. Someshwar’s career has been a masterclass in reinvention. From leading PepsiCo’s India and Asia operations to redefining media with HT’s tech-driven expansion, he has consistently pushed boundaries. At Diageo India, he now faces a new challenge—bringing the same strategic foresight to a dynamic, fast-evolving beverage industry.

    His new role will focus on strengthening Diageo’s market dominance with a digital-first approach, enhancing consumer engagement through AI-driven insights, and driving premiumisation in India’s evolving spirits market.

    With India’s premium beverage market booming and digital innovation reshaping consumer experiences, his leadership could redefine the future of premium spirits in India.

  • Finolex Pipes joins forces with TVF for engaging brand campaign

    Finolex Pipes joins forces with TVF for engaging brand campaign

    Mumbai: Finolex Pipes & Fittings has teamed up with The Viral Fever (TVF) for a unique brand integration campaign that combines humour with storytelling to highlight the durability and reliability of its products. Featuring beloved characters from TVF’s acclaimed series set in Phulera, the campaign seamlessly blends entertainment with brand messaging.

    The initiative launched with a light-hearted reel starring Banrakas (Durgesh Kumar) and Binod (Ashok Pathak). In the clip, Binod proudly showcases his dream home, where Finolex CPVC Pipes stand out as the trusted choice for durability. A second reel, featuring Chandan Roy as Vikas, continues the comedic approach, depicting a humorous encounter during damaad ji’s visit, reinforcing the reliability of Finolex Pipes.

    Shared on TVF’s official Instagram and Facebook pages, the reels have garnered enthusiastic viewer engagement. Building on this success, Finolex is set to release a total of seven videos, with the second instalment premiering on 24 February 2025 and the third scheduled for 28 February 2025, followed by further episodes in the coming weeks.

    Finolex Pipes & Fittings vice president of marketing and communications Sumit Bhatia stated, “Partnering with TVF allows us to present our brand in an engaging, relatable manner.  The show’s authenticity aligns perfectly with our commitment to quality, making this collaboration an ideal platform to highlight the strength and longevity of our products.”

    By integrating Finolex Pipes & Fittings into everyday narratives, the campaign enhances brand visibility and positions Finolex as a trusted choice for plumbing solutions. With TVF’s reputation as one of India’s leading OTT content creators, this partnership provides an excellent opportunity to connect with a wide audience and reinforce Finolex’s legacy of excellence.

  • Mattel and DC reunite in toy partnership as superheroes find new home

    Mattel and DC reunite in toy partnership as superheroes find new home

    MUMBAI: In what industry insiders are calling a “plastic fantastic reunion,” Mattel, Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products have announced a global licensing agreement that will see Batman and friends return to their former toy maker starting in late 2026.

    The multi-year deal grants Mattel rights to produce action figures, playsets and collectibles based on DC’s entire roster of spandex-clad do-gooders and cackling villains. This means everything from Batman’s brooding silhouette to The Joker’s maniacal grin will soon grace toy shelves worldwide.

    Nick Karamanos of Mattel declared it “an incredibly proud milestone” to welcome DC back to the fold, whilst carefully avoiding mention of the years DC spent gallivanting with rival toymakers. One imagines there might have been a rather awkward “where have you been all these years?” conversation at the negotiating table.

    Warner Bros.’ Robert Oberschelp noted the timing coincides with “DC’s exciting new chapter in 2025,” though he refrained from specifying whether this excitement involves yet another Batman reboot or simply the accountants’ jubilation at the licensing fees.

    The arrangement builds upon an existing relationship between the companies spanning more than 30 brands, including Harry Potter and oddly enough, Ted Lasso, should you fancy your child playing with a miniature football manager known for colourful language and biscuit diplomacy.

    Industry analysts suggest this corporate marriage may deliver a much-needed boost to both parties, though they’ve stopped short of calling it a “super” partnership. 

    At the very least, Batman fans can look forward to their hero returning to the plastic realm where he arguably belongs—standing proudly on bedroom shelves, forever frozen in a heroic pose whilst collecting a fine layer of dust.

  • Jim Henson Co puppets its way into European distribution deal

    Jim Henson Co puppets its way into European distribution deal

    MUMBAI; The Jim Henson Co, currently celebrating seven decades of making children talk to felt, has appointed DeAPlaneta Entertainment to handle European distribution and licensing for several of its beloved children’s programmes.

    The agreement, signed as the puppet powerhouse marks its 70th birthday, covers distribution rights for award-winning shows including Dinosaur Train, Pajanimals, and Dot. Perhaps most notably, the deal includes the 1980s classic Fraggle Rock – proof that even after 40 years, audiences still can’t resist small creatures who live in caves and sing about radishes.

    DeAPlaneta Kids & Family content and media sales director Carlos Biern waxed lyrical about the partnership: “We are firmly committed to celebrating children’s content that encourages viewing as a shared experience. There is no better example than the output of The Jim Henson Co,” he said, presumably without having his hand operated from below.

    The Jim Henson Co  chief operating officer & president Chris Lytton added: “Parents around the world know that our productions will be innovative, educational, and of course entertaining,” neglecting to mention how many of those parents still feel emotionally scarred by the Skeksis from The Dark Crystal.

    DeAPlaneta Entertainment, a joint venture between Grupo Planeta and DeAgostini, has previously distributed acclaimed films including The Pianist, The King’s Speech, and 12 Years a Slave – all of which would have been markedly different had they featured Muppets.

    The Jim Henson Co’s recent productions include the Oscar-winning Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio for Netflix and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock for Apple TV+.

    The company continues to operate from Los Angeles, New York and London, quietly refusing to acknowledge that most children today would rather watch a teenager unbox toys on YouTube than engage with a talking sock.

  • ETNOW business conclave spotlights India’s road to a $5 trillion economy

    ETNOW business conclave spotlights India’s road to a $5 trillion economy

    MUMBAI- India’s economic ambitions took centre stage at the ETNOW.in Business Conclave & Awards 2025, where industry stalwarts and policymakers mapped out the nation’s journey toward a $5 trillion economy by 2030. Aligned with ET NOW’s ‘Rise with India’ ethos, the event served as a strategic forum for discussions on AI, digital policy, space technology, and national security key pillars of the Viksit Bharat vision.

    Union minister Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s rapid strides in the space sector, revealing that the industry attracted Rs 1,000 crore in private investments within months of opening to commercial players. He projected a fivefold expansion of India’s space economy, reaching $44 billion in the next decade, citing missions like Gaganyaan as milestones of self-reliance.

    Former union minister and tech investor Rajeev Chandrasekhar made a compelling case for revamping India’s outdated IT laws, stressing that the 25-year-old IT Act fails to account for the Internet and AI—two transformative forces driving the digital economy. “A modern, entrepreneur-first legal framework is needed, free from unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles,” he asserted.

    Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik (Retd.), underscored the role of strong border security and infrastructure in economic growth, detailing Arunachal Pradesh’s potential as a hydropower hub with a capacity of 58,000 MW.

    The ETNOW.in Business Conclave & Awards 2025 honoured excellence across 82 categories, recognising industry leaders driving innovation and impact. Naveen Kukreja (Paisabazaar.com) and Ashish Kashyap (IND Money) were named ETNOW Industry Icons, while Central Park Flower Valley secured the Leading Township of the Year award. 

    ACT21 Software Pvt. Ltd. was celebrated for Excellence in Fintech with its HyPerform solution, and VAXIFLU-4 (Zydus) received the Service Excellence Award in Vaccines & Prevention. In the branding space, U.S. Polo was recognised for its Excellence in Marketing Campaign (2024-2025), while Exhale Label emerged as the Emerging Fashion Brand, reinforcing its growing influence in the fashion industry.