ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • India’s shining stars gear up for CNN-News18’s Indian of the Year

    India’s shining stars gear up for CNN-News18’s Indian of the Year

    MUMBAI: Who runs the world? Indians do and CNN-News18 is here to prove it once again. The news network is rolling out the red carpet for the 15th edition of its flagship awards, Indian of the Year (IOTY), a celebration of the nation’s most inspiring achievers who’ve turned dreams into revolutions and talent into timeless influence.

    Over the years, the IOTY stage has seen everyone from Shah Rukh Khan to Neeraj Chopra and Virat Kohli walk away with the honour. Now, in its 15th year, the awards return with even greater sparkle, ready to spotlight India’s brightest minds and boldest spirits across nine categories like Entertainment, Sports, Rising Sports Star, Business, Youth Icon, Global Indian, Iconic Woman Achiever, Influencer, and Climate Warrior.

    Each category boasts five stellar nominees who’ve left an indelible mark this year. The Sports category is packed with champions like D Gukesh, Shubman Gill, Avinash Sable, Smriti Mandhana, and Manpreet Singh, while the Rising Sports Star segment features up-and-coming powerhouses Suruchi Phogat, Kush Maini, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Pooja Singh, and Divya Deshmukh.

    In Entertainment, expect a clash of charisma between Rashmika Mandanna, Mohanlal, Laxman Utekar (Chhaava), Arijit Singh, and Jaideep Ahlawat. Meanwhile, the Youth Icon list brims with dynamism from Ananya Panday and Ishaan Khatter to comedian Zakir Khan and naval trailblazers Lt. Cdr Dilna K and Roopa A.

    Online sensations get their due in the Influencer category with Raj Shamani, Kamiya Jani, Khan Sir, Parul Gulati, and Revant Himatsingka leading the charge. The Business nominees include entrepreneurial giants like Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), Albinder Dhindsa (Blinkit), Rajesh Jejurikar (Mahindra & Mahindra), Roshni Nadar Malhotra (HCLTech), and Baba Kalyani (Bharat Forge).

    Fighting the good fight for the planet, the Climate Warrior nominees Garvita Gulhati, Aditya Mukarji, Morningstar Khongthaw, Vidyut Mohan, and Vinay Manchala — are being recognised for turning sustainability into a movement. Meanwhile, the Iconic Woman Achiever list celebrates the grit and grace of Dr Sanghamitra Pati, Ashwini Bhide, Chhonzin Angmo, Radha Bahin Bhatt, and K Kamini Maheshwari.

    And proving that the Indian spirit knows no borders, the Global Indian category shines on the world stage with Payal Kapadia, Leena Nair, Manish Malhotra, Hanumankind, and Chef Vijay Kumar.

    The winners will be chosen by an elite jury panel featuring names as illustrious as Sanjiv Goenka, DY Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra, Prasoon Joshi, Mahesh Jethmalani, Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Amitabh Kant, Shefali Shah, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, Gagan Narang, and Lara Dutta, a line-up that’s as stellar as the nominees themselves.

    Reflecting on the milestone Network18 CEO of english & business news Smriti Mehra said, “The 15th edition of CNN-News18 Indian of the Year is a special milestone for all of us. It’s an opportunity to celebrate individuals whose passion, resilience, and creativity inspire millions across the country and beyond.”

    Adding to that, CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob said, “This year, we’re introducing three new awards to reflect the changing world better whether it’s Indians making a global impact, influencers reshaping conversations, or extraordinary women breaking barriers.”

    Backed by partners including the RPSG Group (Presenting Partner), and Polycab, HDFC Securities, and Reliance (Associate Partners), the grand finale in November 2025 promises a celebration of spirit, strength, and stories that continue to shape modern India.

    Because in a nation bursting with brilliance, choosing one Indian of the Year might just be the toughest job of them all.

  • “Trump is our main ally”: Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado to Times Now

    “Trump is our main ally”: Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado to Times Now

    MUMBAI: Democracy, defiance, and a dash of diplomacy. In a rare and emotional global exclusive, Times Now has become the only Indian news channel to interview Venezuela’s 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado and the face of her nation’s democratic resistance.

    Speaking to Times Now and Times Now Navbharat group editor-in-chief Navika Kumar, Machado appeared via a secure link from hiding, where she has lived in isolation for over 15 months amid president Nicolás Maduro’s crackdown on dissent.

    In her most candid conversation yet, Machado called India “a great democracy and an example for the world”, expressing hope that a liberated Venezuela would deepen ties with New Delhi.

    “India has been an example for many generations,” she said. “I hope I can host prime minister Modi in a free Venezuela very soon.”

    The Nobel laureate also made headlines for describing US president Donald Trump as “our main ally in the fight for democracy”, crediting his administration’s hard-line stance against the Maduro regime. She defended America’s targeted strikes on narco-terror networks in Venezuelan waters as a necessary response to “the criminal socialist structures that have devastated our nation.”

    Breaking down at one point, Machado spoke of the human cost of repression and said, “I’ve been in absolute isolation for almost 15 months. Thousands have disappeared. Children and women have been abused, tortured, even killed. But Venezuela’s spirit is unbroken: Maduro’s time is over.”

    Citing Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, she reflected on the power of peaceful resistance. “Being peaceful is not weakness. Gandhi showed humanity that freedom demands strength.”

    Her remarks come amid global debates over the future of democracy and place India squarely in her vision of hope.

  • Truth goes prime time as Live Times tops charts in Bihar Jharkhand

    Truth goes prime time as Live Times tops charts in Bihar Jharkhand

    MUMBAI: Looks like truth just found its prime slot. Live Times, India’s first Global Multicast News Channel, has emerged as the No.1 channel in Average Time Spent (ATS) across all age groups, genders, and social segments in the Bihar–Jharkhand market (Week 40), a feat that underscores its growing resonance with viewers hungry for credibility over chaos.

    This milestone is more than just a ratings triumph; it’s a reflection of viewer loyalty, trust, and engagement in a market where attention spans are fiercely contested. As audiences in Bihar and Jharkhand continue to tune in longer, Live Times’ people-first, truth-led journalism is clearly striking the right chord.

    The channel’s programming has been key to this surge. Its flagship show, ‘Live Election Special’, hosted by Deepak Chaurasia every day at 4:00 pm, and the hugely popular ‘Ka Hoi Bihar Ma’, anchored by Ajay from Monday to Sunday at 7:00 pm, have become appointment viewing. With sharp insights, regional focus, and a no-nonsense approach, these shows have built a loyal audience base across both states.

    “This success reinforces our core belief that truth connects people,” said Live Times founder & CEO Dilip Singh. “Viewers in Bihar and Jharkhand have shown their faith in authentic journalism. At Live Times, we remain committed to real news, meaningful conversations, and uncompromised integrity.”

    Founded as India’s first digital-first 24×7 satellite news channel, Live Times has been steadily carving a niche with its multicast model, which combines traditional broadcast depth with digital agility. Its blend of regional relevance, credible storytelling, and tech-driven engagement is setting new standards for how news is consumed and trusted.

    The channel’s growing dominance in ATS indicates that audiences aren’t just watching Live Times; they’re staying with it. That sustained attention in a scroll-happy world is perhaps the clearest endorsement of its promise: news that informs, not inflames.

    As Bihar and Jharkhand turn their eyes (and remotes) toward truthful journalism, one network seems to have cracked the code to connection. With its mix of fearless reportage and relatable storytelling, Live Times isn’t just making headlines, it’s making news matter again.

     

  • Abp Network launches Bae, its live entertainment vertical

    Abp Network launches Bae, its live entertainment vertical

    MUMBAI: Abp Network has found its new Bae, and it is not what you think. The media powerhouse has launched BAE (Before Anyone Else), an experience-first entertainment vertical that promises to reinvent live events with concerts and large-format experiences built to stay in memory long after the night ends.

    The move marks Abp’s entry into India’s fast-growing live entertainment sector, which crossed Rs 10,000 crore in 2024 with a 15 per cent rise, according to the EY media & entertainment report. The industry is expected to touch Rs 16,700 crore by 2027, driven by audiences who value immersive moments over material mementos.

    “The event industry in India is experiencing unprecedented growth,” said ABP Network CEO Sumanta Datta. “We are excited to announce Bae, our new entertainment vertical that will curate memorable experiences for audiences.”

    Leading this new chapter is Rajat Uppal, who recently Abp Network joined as Bae business head. Uppal recently stepped down from his role at Stage Aaj Tak, the consumer events vertical of the India Today Group launched earlier this year. Before that, he served as national marketing and programming head at India Today Group’s radio network, 104.8 ishq fm.  

    Uppal added that the brand will focus on crafting events that resonate with the country’s evolving cultural pulse. “Audiences, especially Gen Z, are increasingly spending on experiences. With Bae, our goal is to create diverse and memorable live experiences that truly connect with them,” he said.

     

  • Zee Business celebrates Muhurat Trading 2025 with special festive shows

    Zee Business celebrates Muhurat Trading 2025 with special festive shows

    MUMBAI: As Diwali lights up India with hope and new beginnings, Zee Business is set to present a grand special show series on Muhurat Trading 2025. The sacred hour, which ushers in Samvat 2082, blends faith and finance as investors across the country trade for prosperity.

    This year, Zee Business marks a major milestone. The channel’s long-standing advocacy for moving the Muhurat Trading session to the afternoon has been recognised by stock exchanges, with the new trading window now set from 1:45 pm to 2:45 pm. The revised timing enables investors to participate in the auspicious market hour while celebrating Lakshmi Puja with their families, reflecting Zee Business’s commitment to inclusivity and investor convenience.

    To commemorate this moment, Zee Business has curated a special programming lineup featuring ‘Gullakh mein lakshmi shubh mangal nivesh’ and ‘Economy dumdar, Diwali shandaar’, along with a Muhurat Trading Special airing live on Tuesday, October 21, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The broadcast will include festive visuals, expert insights, and live coverage from trading floors, capturing the spirit of the markets on Diwali day.

    Esteemed market leaders including Nilesh Shah, Ramdeo Agrawal, Sunil Singhania, Madhu Kela, Manish Chokhani, Sameer Arora, Ridham Desai, Vijay Kedia, Mihir Vora, Ashish Somaiya, A. Bala, and Vikram Kotak will join the celebrations to decode investment themes and growth opportunities for Samvat 2082.

    Zee Business managing editor Anil Singhvi said, “Muhurat Trading is a moment when every trade carries a prayer and every investor embraces hope. By advocating for the timing shift, Zee Business has ensured that this celebration of prosperity becomes accessible to everyone, blending tradition with modern convenience and reinforcing investor trust.”

    Echoing his sentiment, Zee Media Corporation Limited CEO Karan Abhishek Singh added, “This auspicious session represents both new beginnings and informed decision-making. By supporting the revised timing, we’re helping investors participate meaningfully in the markets while preserving Diwali’s festive spirit.”

     

  • ET NOW rings in Diwali with Muhurat Trading 2025

    ET NOW rings in Diwali with Muhurat Trading 2025

    MUMBAI: Diwali’s sparkle is set to dazzle dalal street as ET NOW and ET NOW Swadesh gear up to present Muhurat Trading 2025 – Samvat 2082: The Auspicious Beginning.

    On Tuesday, 21 October, India’s leading English and Hindi business news channels will go live from 1 pm to 3 pm, capturing the most symbolic hour of the year for investors, the sacred trading window that marks the start of the new Samvat year.

    Blending festive spirit with financial foresight, Muhurat Trading 2025 celebrates the confluence of faith, finance, and fortune, invoking the blessings of Lakshmi for wealth, Saraswati for wisdom, and Durga for determination, the perfect trio for a prosperous portfolio.

    ET NOW’s special programming will bring together market stalwarts including Nilesh Shah (Envision Capital), Sunil Singhania (Abakkus Asset Manager LLP) and investor extraordinaire Vijay Kedia for an exclusive roundtable packed with market mantras, trend-spotting, and investment insights.

    The grand broadcast marks the finale of ET NOW’s festive lineup Samvat 2082: Save, Invest, Prosper, which has been running all week with investor-focused shows such as Invest Gurus, Consumption Pulse, Deal or No Deal, and Funtastic Managers. Adding some sparkle to the weekend is Ultimate Snakes and Ladders on 17 October, charting the highs and lows of the market through the year.

    Meanwhile, ET NOW Swadesh continues to guide Hindi-speaking investors through its Samvat 2082: Savings Se Samriddhi series, a bouquet of shows that decode everything from SIPs to silver, featuring Rocket Shares, Corporate Connections, Diwali Special, and Personal Finance Special: Is Diwali Samriddhi ki SIP.

    As the markets light up and bells of prosperity ring, ET NOW and ET NOW Swadesh invite viewers to celebrate Diwali with wisdom, wealth, and the promise of a brighter financial year ahead. Because this Samvat, it’s not just about making money, it’s about making it meaningful.

     

  • Times Now, Navbharat and Radio Mirchi hit the road for Bihar Election Yatra

    Times Now, Navbharat and Radio Mirchi hit the road for Bihar Election Yatra

    MUMBAI: From Thekua to the throne. Bihar’s election season is getting a broadcast twist as Times Now, Times Now Navbharat and Radio Mirchi team up for a one-of-a-kind Election Yatra: a campaign that takes the state’s political pulse straight from its streets.

    In a first-ever collaboration between the Times Group’s television and radio arms, the initiative blends on-ground reportage with on-air energy, turning poll coverage into a full-fledged public conversation.

    The Election Yatra brings together Times Now Navbharat’s Rakesh Pandey and Times Now’s Swati Joshi, who hit the road across 28 districts and 4,500 kilometres, alongside Mirchi Patna RJs Shashi and Anjali. Together, they capture the stories, moods and melodies of Bihar’s democracy-in-motion.

    Rakesh Pandey connects live with RJ Shashi on air for Election Yatra at 5.20 pm, creating a bridge between the newsroom and neighbourhood. The segment, co-powered by Polycab, Kayam Churna and Sankalp Restaurant, promises candid voices, lively debates and plenty of local flavour.

    Meanwhile, Swati Joshi and RJ Anjali’s Times Now Election Yatra airs at 5:30 pm, capturing everything from Thekua ki mithas to Votva ka josh. Their segments decode what’s really on voters’ minds, from aspirations and anxieties to the small joys that make elections in Bihar feel like a festival.

    Through this collaboration, Times Now, Times Now Navbharat and Radio Mirchi aim to make election coverage as much about people and participation as it is about politics.

    Tune in daily to Times Now Navbharat at 5.20 pm and Times Now at 5.30 pm to follow the Election Yatra, where Bihar’s voices steer the conversation and every vote tells a story.

  • Network18 turns up the volume on growth with a golden quarter

    Network18 turns up the volume on growth with a golden quarter

    MUMBAI: In a quarter where the media landscape was static at best, Network18 managed to change the channel to growth. The company’s second-quarter results for FY26 show that while much of the news industry wrestled with weak ad demand, Network18 found its own breaking news: a 7.2 per cent year-on-year rise in operating revenue, clocking Rs 477.2 crore in Q2 FY26, up from Rs 445.3 crore a year earlier and Rs 430.4 crore in the previous quarter.

    The bump came despite a 7 per cent dip in TV news inventory demand, hinting that the network’s improved pricing yields and robust market position helped it stay ahead of the curve. For an industry still feeling the aftershocks of cautious advertiser sentiment, Network18’s showing signals a quiet revival, one that could pick up further pace through Q3 and Q4.

    But the quarter wasn’t just about numbers, it was also about narrative. Cementing its leadership in regional news, Network18 acquired the remaining 50 per cent stake in IBN Lokmat News pvt. ltd. (IBNL) for Rs 25 crore, making News18 Lokmat a wholly owned subsidiary. The Marathi news powerhouse has seen strong revenue growth over the past three years and continues to reign supreme in the Marathi segment.

    For viewers, the move means a smoother experience across TV and digital; for the network, it’s another piece in the puzzle of regional dominance. “This acquisition strengthens our market-leading portfolio of national and regional news channels,” said Network18 chairman Adil Zainulbhai. “Our mission is to be the one-stop news destination for audiences across India.”

    Beyond news, the company is expanding into new frontiers. Moneycontrol, its flagship digital platform, has been building serious fintech muscle. Lending has emerged as a key growth engine, and its partnership with HDFC Bank, announced at the Global Fintech Festival 2025, adds further heft positioning Moneycontrol as India’s largest and most trusted financial destination.

    Meanwhile, Creator18, the network’s newest vertical, is crafting a future beyond headlines, one built on hashtags and human stories. The platform has already worked with over 1,000 creators, managing many exclusively, and is building what could become one of India’s largest creator ecosystems. From influencer campaigns to social-first storytelling, Creator18 is expanding Network18’s reach into lifestyle, culture, and commerce areas that increasingly shape public conversation.

    Network18’s 20-channel portfolio, which includes 14 regional channels, makes it the largest TV news network in India by both reach and viewership. And even as overall revenue growth for the first half of FY26 stayed broadly flat, the company’s tight cost control kept operating expenses steady, a sign of resilience in an uneven market.

    In an industry that thrives on breaking news, Network18 seems to have created some of its own from acquisition-led regional growth to digital diversification and creator-led storytelling. The message is clear: while others are still buffering, Network18 is already streaming into the future.

  • Network18 seizes full control of Marathi news channel in Rs 25 crore deal

    Network18 seizes full control of Marathi news channel in Rs 25 crore deal

    MUMBAI: Network18 Media & Investments has moved swiftly to acquire complete control of IBN Lokmat News Pvt Ltd, snapping up 86.25 million equity shares and preference holdings from its long-time partner Lokmat Media Pvt Ltd for Rs 25 crores. Come late October, IBNL will be Network18’s wholly owned subsidiary.

    The transaction marks a decisive shift in the broadcaster’s strategy towards the Marathi news market, where News18 Lokmat reigns as the segment leader. IBNL, which Network18 and the Lokmat Group established as a joint venture in 2007, has been quietly expanding. Its revenues jumped from Rs 22.5 crore in FY2022-23 to Rs 31.1 crore the following year, then surged again to Rs 36.5 crore by FY2024-25—a clear signal that the channel is hitting its stride.

    The deal is a related party transaction structured at arm’s length, with independent valuations from Ernst & Young Merchant Banking Services signing off. Network18’s promoters and group companies have no stake in the arrangement. Regulators have given the green light; no government approval is required. The acquisition should close before month’s end, cementing Network18’s dominance in regional news.

  • Network18 flexes muscle in brutal news market as rivals gasp

    Network18 flexes muscle in brutal news market as rivals gasp

    MUMBAI: Network18 Media & Investments is allegedly India’s undisputed news titan, but even emperors struggle when their kingdom is contracting. The media giant posted a crisp 7.2 per cent year-on-year rise in operating revenue to Rs 477 crore in the second quarter, yet the underlying story is far more complicated: the firm is buying market share by keeping costs flat rather than harvesting profits from its dominance.

    The numbers are seductive on the surface. Network18 commands 13.5 per cent all-India viewership share in news, reaches over 250 million people monthly—roughly 30 per cent more than its nearest rival—and operates 20 channels spanning 12 languages. Its YouTube network racked up 13 billion video views this quarter, three times its closest competitor. CNBC TV18 lords over business news with 67.8 per cent share. News18 India owns Hindi at 13.1 per cent. CNN News18 dominates English with 36.7 per cent.

    Yet look closer and the picture is not as rosy. Revenue growth of 7.2 per cent matched operating expense growth of 7.2 per cent. Not one rupee of margin expansion. For the half year, revenue limped ahead just 1.1 per cent whilst operating costs stayed flat.

    The digital realm offers crumbs of comfort. Network18 ranks second for digital news reach with 270 million monthly users. Moneycontrol, its financial news crown jewel, boasts 1.8 times the page views and three times the time spent of its nearest rival. The premium subscription service Moneycontrol Pro hit one million paid subscribers. The newly minted Moneycontrol Super Pro is gaining traction. YouTube accounts at News18.com are expanding multilingual hyperlocal coverage with AI-powered podcasts and rapid-read summaries. Firstpost’s YouTube channel is approaching nine million subscribers.

    Diversification beyond advertising is no longer optional—it’s survival. Moneycontrol’s fintech arm announced a partnership with HDFC Bank to offer personal loans through its platform. Creator18 has engaged over 1,000 social media influencers to pivot into culture, commerce and fashion. These feel like the right moves. 

    The real profit story could be better. Standalone total income reached Rs 478.8 crore this quarter, yet total expenses clocked Rs 548.9 crore, leaving a pre-tax loss of Rs 70.1 crore before exceptional items. The Eenadu Television windfall—a Rs 587 crore exceptional gain from fair-valuing a 24.5 per cent stake after losing voting control—masked the red ink. 

    Consolidated figures tell a sharper story. Pre-tax profit of Rs 41.2 crore this quarter looks respectable until you remember it came on total income of Rs 500.8 crore. Last year’s comparatives of Rs 2,059.4 crore are a mirage: they included operations since deconsolidated. The company swung from a Rs 152.3 crore loss to a Rs 41.2 crore profit, but the goalposts moved entirely.

    Network18’s regional ambitions reveal its strategic thinking. The board approved acquisition of the remaining 50 per cent stake in IBN Lokmat News Pvt. Ltd. for Rs25 crore, transforming News18 Lokmat into a wholly owned subsidiary. Marathi news generates revenue momentum, and full ownership could unlock margin expansion. Could. That word carries weight.

    Adil Zainulbhai, chairman, declared the move “another step in that direction” of becoming “the one-stop news destination” whilst positioning the firm to benefit from government initiatives to boost consumer demand. The language is hopeful. The arithmetic is unforgiving.

    Network18 conquered the mountain and discovered nothing worth eating at the top. Market dominance means nothing when advertising inventory shrinks seven per cent industry-wide. Viewership share rises whilst revenue flatlines—the very definition of a saturated market where volume gains evaporate into pricing pressure. 

    Fintech partnerships, influencer ecosystems, and subscription tiers are the moves of a legacy business fighting for relevance, not a titan in its ascendancy. The firm hasn’t yet proven these new ventures can move the needle at scale. Until they do, Network18 remains a winner in a losing game.