ITV

Category: Factual

  • Foodxp launches ‘Snack Attack’, a bite-sized show that serves feelings on a plate

    Foodxp launches ‘Snack Attack’, a bite-sized show that serves feelings on a plate

    MUMBAI: Foodxp is ready to turn up the flavour and the feels with its latest original series, ‘Snack Attack’, a snappy, emotion-led culinary show built for the TikTok generation and anyone who’s ever cooked their feelings.

    Premiering 14 July on Foodxp India, the series is tailor-made for Gen Z and millennials who crave quick, relatable recipes over traditional food programming. Think Salted Tears Lava Cake for the heartbroken, Leftover Idli Rolls for that weekend slump, or K-Chili Rice Dogs for your next K-pop binge.

    Each episode transforms real-life moods, from breakup blues to late-night cravings into easy, high-impact snack recipes. It’s food as therapy, storytelling, and social media gold rolled into one.

    With its punchy edits, pop-culture nods and high-contrast visuals, Snack Attack is not just content, it’s content that’s shareable, snackable, and soul-soothing. It also opens up tasty brand opportunities across FMCG, snacking and lifestyle categories, as platforms scramble for thumb-stopping short-form formats.

    “Snack Attack isn’t just a food show; it’s a mood board for everyday cravings. We wanted to  capture the emotional chaos of modern life and serve it up with a side of spice, comfort,  and a lot of fun. It’s fast, relatable, and unapologetically snacky, just like the audience it’s  made for,” said Foodxp creative director Geetika Jain.

    Already airing in India, Bangladesh, the USA, and the UAE, Foodxp continues to expand its footprint with emotionally intelligent content that knows exactly what’s cooking in the minds of modern audiences.

    So, next time life throws you lemons, Snack Attack might just show you how to make a viral, spicy lemonade fritter.

  • Royal Enfield and Unesco rev up for Ladakh docuseries on Nat Geo

    Royal Enfield and Unesco rev up for Ladakh docuseries on Nat Geo

    MUMBAI — Royal Enfield and Unesco are shifting gears from adventure to archival with the third edition of ‘The Great Himalayan Exploration’—a four-part docuseries that captures the heartbeat of Ladakh’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The series premieres on National Geographic and streams on JioHotstar from 8 PM, 21 June.

    Featuring 40 handpicked rider-researchers out of 1,500 applicants, the project blends motorcycling with meaningful discovery, traversing Ladakh’s remote valleys and high passes to document cultural practices that rarely make it to mainstream maps. From butter tea and Brokpa weaves to archery in Kargil and horse polo in Drass, the docuseries doesn’t just observe heritage—it lives it.

    Notable voices such as Gul Panag, Prateek Sadhu, Bandana Tewari, and Clifton Shipway join the journey, each episode peeling back a different cultural layer, ‘Food, Sports, Crafts, and Community’. Together, they chronicle stories that echo with centuries of tradition but are increasingly at risk in a world spinning faster than the Himalayas can handle.

    For Royal Enfield Social Mission, this marks a significant step forward in our long-term goal of partnering with the Himalayan communities to build resilience.”, said Eicher Group Foundation, executive director, the CSR arm of Royal Enfield, Bidisha Dey.

    “Ladakh’s fragile mountain ecosystems and increasing exposure to climate risks make it more urgent than ever to recognize and value the traditional knowledge embedded in its living heritage. These cultural practices—whether in sustainable land use, food systems, or collective rituals—offer not only a sense of identity and continuity, but also vital insights into how communities adapt and thrive in harmony with their environment. At UNESCO, we believe the goal must extend beyond safeguarding and transmission. This is about understanding heritage as a source of resilience, creativity, and social cohesion in the face of global challenges. Our partnership with Royal Enfield’s ‘The Great Himalayan Exploration’ reflects this spirit—showing how heritage is not confined to monuments, but lives in the way we eat, speak, and gather. It is, at its core, a celebration of our shared humanity,” said Unesco Regional Office for South Asia, director and representative, Tim Curtis.

    Launched in 2022, the project is part of a multi-year partnership between Royal Enfield’s Social Mission and Unesco to document 200 ICH practices across the Eastern and Western Himalayas. With Ladakh in focus this season, the series brings visual storytelling to the forefront—culturally immersive, environmentally urgent, and filmed with boots (and wheels) on the ground.

    Because sometimes, preserving the past takes a little petrol, a lot of purpose, and a camera on the move.

  • Blockbuster breakup as Warner Bros. Discovery plots a starry split

    Blockbuster breakup as Warner Bros. Discovery plots a starry split

    MUMBAI: When one studio door closes, another opens with a box-office bang. In a dramatic plot twist that rivals its biggest screen spectacles, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is pressing play on a two-part sequel splitting into two publicly traded companies to give each unit its moment in the spotlight. Announced today, the tax-free separation will see WBD carve out Streaming & Studios home to HBO, DC Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures and Television, and HBO Max from Global Networks, which includes CNN, TNT Sports, Discovery, and Discovery+, as well as key linear and digital assets across 200 countries and 68 languages.

    David Zaslav, WBD’s current President and CEO, will lead Streaming & Studios, while Gunnar Wiedenfels, its CFO, will take charge of Global Networks. Both will retain their existing roles during the transition.

    “This move gives us the sharper focus and agility needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving media universe,” Zaslav said, promising a future of creative excellence and strategic flexibility. Wiedenfels added that the split will allow “each company to leverage its strengths and financial profiles,” paving the way for innovation and shareholder value.

    Streaming & Studios will combine storytelling firepower and IP goldmines think Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Batman with global platform HBO Max, which currently operates in 77 markets and plans further expansion by 2026. WBD is aiming for 3 billion dollars in annual adjusted EBITDA from this division.

    Global Networks, meanwhile, commands a massive reach of 1.1 billion viewers, with an eye on live content growth, international opportunities, and monetising digital assets like B/R and CNN’s new streaming play. The unit boasts industry-leading margins and strong free cash flow.

    A crucial detail: Global Networks will retain up to 20 per cent stake in Streaming & Studios, planned to be monetised later for balance sheet de-leveraging.

    To support the split, WBD has secured a 17.5 billion dollars bridge facility from J.P. Morgan, which it expects to refinance before separation. Tender offers and consent solicitations have also been launched to optimise its debt structure.

    The full spin-off is targeted for mid-2026, pending board approvals, market conditions, and tax clearances from the IRS. J.P. Morgan and Evercore are advising, with Kirkland & Ellis as legal counsel.

    WBD Chair Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr. framed the move as a win for shareholders: “This transaction is a great outcome, unlocking long-term value and strategic focus for two exceptional businesses.”

    The end credits may still be a year away, but WBD’s bold reboot is already setting the stage for a media double feature like no other. One company to power global fandoms, another to rule the airwaves all from the studio that gave us a century of storytelling magic.
     

  • 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.

  • Warner Bros Discovery announces restructure; cleaves into two divisions

    Warner Bros Discovery announces restructure; cleaves into two divisions

    MUMBAI: Following in the footsteps of other gorilla media companies trying to find a way to retain value in the face of the streaming tsunami, Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) announced on 12 December that it had got its board’s go ahead to cleave itself into two operating divisions, namely

    * Global Linear Networks: A premier linear television business that operates networks with compelling news, sports, scripted and unscripted programming.
    * Streaming & Studios: A globally scaled streaming platform and storied film and entertainment studios with a portfolio of intellectual property.

    WBD will serve as the parent company. The intent behind this corporate restructuring:  enhance its strategic flexibility and create potential opportunities to unlock additional shareholder value. Additionally, it  expects the new corporate structure to increase clarity and focus, with each division positioned to deliver on its specific strategic and operational objectives while executing on initiatives to further key priorities for the consolidated WBD. 

    Global linear networks will focus on maximising profitability and free cash flow to continue deleveraging, while streaming & studios will focus on driving growth and strong returns on increasing invested capital, said a corporate release. The latter will include streaming platforms Max and Discovery+  and film studios like Warner Bros Pictures and New Line Cinema.

    The new corporate structure will also increase optionality to pursue further value creation opportunities for both divisions in an evolving media landscape, the company statement added.. 

    What analysts are observing in this move, is the possibility of a spin off of the company’s legacy linear TV assets into a separate company as traditional cable TV and linear channels like TNT, Discovery, HLN, Animal Planet, CNN have been on a downward trajectory with cord-cutting rampant.  Last year , WBD  unveiled a $9.1 billion goodwill impairment charge to write down the value of its legacy TV assets. 

    Investors have been beating down the share prices of media companies which don’t have a clear runway for their streaming businesses.

    WBD president &  CEO, David Zaslav has been promising that he would ways to unlock better value for shareholders by strategic moves, as recently as a couple of months ago.

    Comcast beat Zaslav’s maneuvre by announcing plans to spin off its NBCUniversal cable TV networks, including channels like MSNBC, CNBC, and E! so that they would not be a drag on its core business which includes  residential broadband, wireless, business services and NBCUniversal’s streaming, studios and theme parks

    However, other observers say that WBD might find it challenging to do a spinoff in the near future as a lot of the cash coming into the company is via its linear television business, which is seeing declining subscribers. It struck a new multiyear distribution deal with Charter Communications and Comcast which included higher payouts to it by the two for its linear channels.   Its  D2C business is actually on a growth curve and has limited cash inflows as the streaming services expand globally.

    “Since the combination that created Warner Bros. Discovery, we have transformed our business and improved our financial position while providing world class entertainment to global audiences,” said Zaslav in a statement announcing the restructuring. “We continue to prioritize ensuring our global linear networks business is well positioned to continue to drive free cash flow, while our streaming & studios business focuses on driving growth by telling the world’s most compelling stories. Our new corporate structure better aligns our organisation and enhances our flexibility with potential future strategic opportunities across an evolving media landscape, help us build on our momentum and create opportunities as we evaluate all avenues to deliver significant shareholder value.”

    Warner Bros. Discovery expects to start the foundational steps immediately and to complete the implementation of the new corporate structure by mid-2025.In addition, the Company expects to continue to evolve the board to execute its strategy and drive future shareholder value creation. J.P. Morgan, Evercore, and Guggenheim Securities are serving as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery and Kirkland & Ellis and Wachtell Lipton are serving as legal counsel.
     

  • Warner Bros Discovery promotes Deepa Sridhar to sr director corp comm -south Asia

    Warner Bros Discovery promotes Deepa Sridhar to sr director corp comm -south Asia

    MUMBAI: Deepa Sridhar has been promoted to senior director corporate communications, south Asia at Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) India unit.  Sridhar has been with WBD for the past nine years and her immediate previous position was director corporate communications.

    She has more than 20 years of communications and brand building experience with companies as diverse as Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Emirates Airlines, J. Walter Thompson, CII, Bajaj Electricals, India’s first American Chinese chain of restaurants, Yo! China, and Titan Watches.

    As senior director, she will be driving brand strategy and communications across the diverse spectrum of genres within the WBD network- factual and lifestyle, sports and kids and theatrical.

    “This is an incredible milestone in my nine year journey with WBD India,” Sridhar posted on Linkedin. “I’m eager to continue contributing, growing, and embracing new challenges in this new role.”
     

  • Uncovering ‘The Secret Genius of Modern Life’ with Sony BBC Earth

    Uncovering ‘The Secret Genius of Modern Life’ with Sony BBC Earth

    Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth will premiere The Secret Genius of Modern Life on 18 November 2024. The series uncovers the fascinating histories behind everyday objects, taking viewers on a journey to explore the innovations behind items like passports, vacuum cleaners, mobile phones, and more.

    Hosted by Dr Hannah Fry, the series delves into a high-security facility where passports are created with advanced safety features. It also traces the evolution of household devices, such as vacuum cleaners, from early models to Dyson’s modern versions, highlighting the role of spinning dust separators and HEPA filters. Similarly, mobile phones are explored from their bulky origins to sleek smartphones, showcasing advancements in touchscreens, antennas, and rare earth materials.

    The show also highlights technologies like the microwave oven, which evolved from WWII radar technology, and the science behind modern elevators, showcasing how steel cables and sophisticated brakes have improved safety.

    Tune in to The Secret Genius of Modern Life on Sony BBC Earth, airing Monday to Friday at 12 pm and 9 pm starting 18 November.

  • Unlock India’s secrets in Warner Bros Discovery’s Mystery Hunter

    Unlock India’s secrets in Warner Bros Discovery’s Mystery Hunter

    Mumbai: Warner Bros Discovery is set to launch its original series, Mystery Hunter, which explores India’s lesser-known mysteries, legends, and hidden treasures. Hosted by Rannvijay Singha, the show will air every Tuesday starting 19 November 2024 on Discovery Channel and discovery+. Singha embarks on quests across India’s unexplored landscapes to uncover the secrets of historic sites and enigmatic events.

    Singha said, “Mystery Hunter has allowed me to explore India’s diverse history in ways I never imagined. Interacting with experts and archaeologists to unearth the secrets of these ancient sites was equal parts challenging and exciting. I can’t wait for viewers to experience this adventure with me, uncovering India’s secrets that have captivated minds for centuries.”

    Each episode of Mystery Hunter examines India’s rich history, asking questions such as whether a cataclysmic event in India contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs, if the legendary weapons of the Mahabharata are hidden in Delhi and Indraprastha, and what happened to the treasure of Vijayanagar. The show also explores the ancient Harappan ports and their significance in early maritime history.

    Discovery, South Asia, head of factual and lifestyle cluster, Sai Abishek said, “There is a growing appetite in India for unique stories that dive into India’s historical and cultural fabric. With Mystery Hunter, Warner Bros. Discovery quenches this thirst, offering viewers an experience that delves into the glories and prowess of India’s past while providing a fresh perspective on how these legacies shape our present and influence our future. This show, with its unique format, is sure to entertain adventure junkies and history aficionados alike. Through such compelling Indian originals, we’re proud to bring fresh perspectives to the diverse heritage that defines our nation.”

    Filmed in various remote locations across India—from the ancient ruins of Lothal in the Rann of Kutch to the landscapes of Hampi, Gadag, and Penukonda, and historic sites in Manipur, Kurukshetra, Indraprastha, and Hastinapur—Mystery Hunter blends adventure, history, and investigative storytelling, bringing history to life for audiences.

    Don’t miss the premiere of Mystery Hunter, co-powered by Tira and partnered with NutriChoice and Bacardi Mix’R, on 19 November. New episodes will air every Tuesday at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel and discovery+.

  • ‘NSE: Enabling a Billion Dreams’ set to premiere on HistoryTV18

    ‘NSE: Enabling a Billion Dreams’ set to premiere on HistoryTV18

    Mumbai: HistoryTV18 is set to premiere an exclusive, hour-long documentary that offers an unprecedented look into the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) remarkable journey over the past 30 years. Titled NSE: Enabling a Billion Dreams, the documentary will air on 3 November at 7:05 PM on HistoryTV18, providing viewers with a detailed exploration of the NSE’s evolution from its inception in 1992, start of operations in 1994 to becoming one of the largest and most influential stock exchanges in the world.

    India’s stock markets have undergone a significant transformation over the decades, evolving from traditional open-outcry trading floors to sophisticated electronic platforms. The establishment of the NSE marked a watershed moment in this evolution, setting new standards for transparency and efficiency in the capital markets. NSE was incorporated on November 27, 1992. It started operations for the debt segment in June 1994 and in the equity segment on Diwali day on November 3, 1994. NSE has now completed 30 years of operations.

    Since its launch, the NSE has revolutionised India’s capital markets by introducing electronic trading and fostering fairness, efficiency and transparency. Today, it NSE stands as the world’s largest stock exchange in terms of number of orders and number of trades for any exchange. On many days NSE handles more than 50% of all trades across all exchanges in the world put together. NSE is also the largest derivatives exchange by the number of contracts traded and 3rd largest globally in cash market trades. The NSE has contributed to India’s market capitalisation soaring to over Rs. 440 lakh crore (i.e. $ 5.24 trillion) from about Rs 4 lakh crore 30 years ago, growing about 110 times and, underscoring its impact on the global financial stage.

    The documentary highlights the NSE’s innovative strides in transforming India’s capital markets, showcasing how the exchange introduced electronic trading, brought transparency, and democratised market access, reshaping the nation’s economic trajectory. With over 10.5 crore investors having over 20 crore accounts registered with the Exchange, the NSE has significantly broadened investor participation, making stock markets accessible to people across the country.

    “At HistoryTV18, our mission is to bring impactful stories that resonate with our viewers,” said Network 18 and MD A+E Networks | TV 18 CEO – broadcast, Avinash Kaul. “Our documentary NSE: Enabling a Billion Dreams highlights the NSE’s role in transforming India’s financial landscape. By chronicling 30 years of the NSE’s journey, we aim to show how it democratized wealth creation, fostered innovation, and empowered millions to contribute to India’s economic growth. We hope to inspire viewers to understand how such institutions shape our country’s future.”

    The film examines technological milestones such as the introduction of NEAT (National Exchange for Automated Trading), setting up of Clearing Corporation giving settlement guarantee, the dematerialisation of shares, which eliminated physical trading barriers, reduced settlement times from weeks to just one day, and enhanced market efficiency. The NSE’s implementation of T+1 settlement cycles places India among the few markets globally to achieve such rapid transaction settlements, boosting investor confidence and market liquidity.

    Featuring insights from industry stalwarts and experts, the documentary offers exclusive perspectives from leaders across the financial and technological spectrum. Viewers will hear from NSE’s MD and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan who was a part of the founding team at NSE. Viewers will also hear and visionaries like Uday Kotak, Raamdeo Agrawal of Motilal Oswal Financial Services, former SEBI chairman U.K. Sinha, and former NSE and RBI board member Y.H. Malegam. Other contributors include Ghazal and Varun Alagh, S. Ramadorai, Vineet Nayar, and seasoned journalists Lata Venkatesh and Shereen Bhan. The documentary is further enriched with contributions from academic experts like Dr. Tadashi Endo and market experts like Deven Choksey.

    “We are pleased to collaborate with HistoryTV18 on this documentary that encapsulates our 30-year journey,” said NSE MD & CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan. “In these 30 years, NSE has more than fulfilled its vision of creating a vibrant and growth-oriented stock market ecosystem to channelise savings of Indian households into productive capital in the most cost-effective, fair, efficient, transparent and orderly ways and help in wealth creation and job creation. By sharing our story, we hope to highlight the collective efforts that have shaped India’s financial ecosystem. It is our hope that this film will inspire future generations to engage actively with India’s financial markets, driving inclusive growth and contributing to the country’s continued prosperity.”

    NSE: Enabling a Billion Dreams premieres on 3 November at 7:05 PM on HistoryTV18. The film will also be broadcast across multiple platforms, including CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNBC Bajar, CNN News18, and will be available for streaming on moneycontrol.com and HistoryTV18’s YouTube channel, ensuring it reaches a wide and diverse audience. Subsequently, many re-runs of the same will be done on these channels. Regional language versions will also be run on various regional channels of Network 18 Group several times.

  • Morgan Freeman returns with new season of History’s Greatest Escapes

    Morgan Freeman returns with new season of History’s Greatest Escapes

    Mumbai: HistoryTV18 is set to launch the second season of the gripping series History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman, where the Academy award-winning actor brings to life real-life stories of daring survival, prison breaks, and unyielding defiance. The new season premieres on 26 October, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 PM.  

    This season, Freeman immerses viewers in some of history’s most daring escapes, from the unimaginable horrors of WWII death camps to modern-day high-stakes prison breakouts. Through a blend of powerful storytelling, stunning recreations, and Freeman’s iconic voice, each episode highlights the human drive to survive against overwhelming odds, turning dramatic escapes into unforgettable tales.  

    Audiences will witness extraordinary stories of escape that go beyond traditional jailbreaks. From a Holocaust escape where Jewish prisoners engineered a life-saving mass breakout to a German-American pilot who outwitted his captors during the Vietnam War, these tales showcase the courage, ingenuity, and resilience of individuals who defied their fate.  

    The season dives deeper than just the mechanics of escape, exploring the motivations, emotional stakes, and the unyielding human spirit behind each daring attempt. Freeman’s narration adds depth to stories that often seem stranger than fiction, such as a man determined to reunite with his unborn child or the audacious prison break by a lifelong escape artist at San Quentin.  

    With stories ranging from historical breakouts like the escape from Devil’s Island to recent escapes like the Orange County jail break, the series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Freeman’s masterful storytelling transforms these real-life dramas into unforgettable narratives that resonate with viewers, asking the timeless question: ‘What would you risk to break free?’