ITV

Category: News Broadcasting

  • AI meets news: India Today leads the way

    AI meets news: India Today leads the way

    MUMBAI: When it comes to news, India Today is taking a deeper dive. The media giant has become the first in the APAC region to launch Taboola’s Deeperdive, a Gen AI answer engine designed to bring instant, trustworthy answers straight to readers on its own sites.

    Deeperdive taps into decades of India Today’s rich editorial content, allowing readers to ask questions on anything from election analysis to trending stories, and get AI-powered answers sourced from trusted journalists. The engine even suggests related queries, keeping users engaged longer and exploring more of the site.

    “Pioneering journalism means being future-ready,” said India Today Group vice chairperson and executive editor-in-chief Kalli Purie. “With Deeperdive, we’re offering richer experiences, staying connected to our readers, and unlocking new AI-powered frontiers of engagement and monetisation.”

    Taboola CEO and founder Adam Singolda added, “India Today is a must-visit destination for news and analysis. Deeperdive lets them join the Gen AI revolution on their own terms, delivering trusted answers while opening search-like advertising opportunities.”

    Built to understand the “pulse of the internet,” Deeperdive analyses trends from over 600 million daily users across 9,000 publishers. Unlike traditional AI engines, it uses real-time data to deliver timely, contextual insights, ensuring readers get answers that matter, right when they need them.

    For publishers, this means longer reader engagement, more site exploration, and high-intent ad revenue within their own environments, all while maintaining a seamless, intuitive experience.

    With 50 years of journalistic excellence and a digital presence spanning Aaj Tak, Business Today, and The Lallantop, India Today is leveraging AI not just to keep pace with change, but to lead it, showing that when it comes to content, the future is very much now.

  • Polls apart: NDA leads as Bihar warms up to vote

    Polls apart: NDA leads as Bihar warms up to vote

    MUMBAI: It’s polling season in Bihar, and the numbers are already making noise. As the state gears up for its high-stakes election, India News and Newsx have joined hands to take the electorate’s temperature, and the results are sparking plenty of chatter.

    Their two-phase Bihar opinion poll, conducted in partnership with Ians–Matriz, offers an early snapshot of the political battlefield. The survey gives the NDA a clear lead with 49 per cent of the vote share, while the Mahagathbandhan trails at 36 per cent, and others stand at 15 per cent. Development has emerged as the top voter priority, leaving caste and religion in the rear-view mirror.

    The poll dug deep across Bihar’s heartland, from Patna and Muzaffarpur to Gaya, Purnia, and Bhagalpur, capturing both urban buzz and rural voices. Beyond numbers, it decoded what’s driving Bihar’s electorate: leadership credibility, alliance chemistry, and Narendra Modi’s continuing influence.

    “The Bihar Opinion Poll reflects the authentic voice of the people,” said India News managing editor Rakesh Singh, adding that the channel aimed to deliver an unbiased, data-backed pulse of the state. Newsx & Newsx World editor-in-chief Rishabh Gulati, noted that the project went “beyond speculation” to analyse why voters are thinking the way they are.

    Aired on 6 October at 7 pm, the broadcast generated strong engagement and debate across social media, as analysts and party watchers dissected what the trends could mean for the final verdict.

    Meticulously researched and sharply presented, the India News–Newsx Bihar opinion poll has set a new benchmark for pre-election coverage, turning raw sentiment into smart insight, and giving voters a mirror to their own political mood.

  • Times Network shines light on India’s healthcare revolution at 2025 summit

    Times Network shines light on India’s healthcare revolution at 2025 summit

    MUMBAI: It was a healthy dose of optimism and innovation at the Times Network India Health Summit & Awards 2025, where policymakers, doctors, and industry leaders came together to chart the future of Indian healthcare. With 103 winners felicitated, the event celebrated excellence across hospitals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and health-tech.

    Chief guest minister of state for health & family welfare and chemicals & fertilisers government of India Anupriya Patel, set the tone with an inspiring address highlighting how far India’s healthcare system has come and how much further it aims to go.

    “India’s healthcare system has undergone a profound transformation,” she said, noting that spending has nearly doubled from 1.1 per cent to 2 per cent of GDP, with the government targeting 2.5 per cent under the National Health Policy 2017. She lauded flagship programmes like Ayushman Bharat PM-Jay, which offers Rs 5 lakh free health coverage to over 62 crore citizens, and Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) IDs, which have already crossed 81 crore registrations.

    From doubling the number of medical colleges and Aiims institutions to slashing out-of-pocket healthcare costs, Patel underscored that “these numbers aren’t just statistics, they represent hope, access, and dignity for millions.”

    The summit also marked the launch of Times Network’s Hospital Rankings: a data-backed initiative to empower patients with greater transparency and informed choice. The first phase unveiled the All-India top five group of multi specialty hospitals.

    With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and preventive care, discussions at the summit spotlighted how AI diagnostics, telemedicine, and collaborative public-private models are redefining India’s healthcare landscape.

    Powered by Intas, co-powered by Novartis and All Out, and supported by MGR University, FIT India, Onextel, Nuvama, and Heights, the event reaffirmed one message loud and clear: India’s healthcare revolution isn’t just underway, it’s accelerating.
     

  • Rudy fires poll shot on Live Times’ Point Blank

    Rudy fires poll shot on Live Times’ Point Blank

    MUMBAI: It was no political tea break on Point Blank, it was all straight talk. Senior BJP leader and former union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy declared that the people of Bihar have already made up their minds in favour of the NDA, as he joined journalist Deepak Chaurasia for an exclusive interview on Live Times’ flagship prime-time show Point Blank.

    Confident and composed, Rudy claimed the alliance was poised for a comfortable victory in the upcoming state polls, adding that “the mood on the ground is clear and consistent.”

    Live Times founder Dilip Singh, said the episode aims to bring a “fresh and factual perspective” to the political narrative ahead of the Bihar elections. “Point Blank isn’t about sensationalism; it’s about hearing the truth directly from the source,” he noted.

    Viewers can catch the full interview on 5 October at 8 PM exclusively on Live Times, India’s first global multicast news hub, available on DD Free Dish (100), Tata Play (539), Airtel Digital TV (385), Dish TV (665), Sikka Cable (519), and Jio TV (359).

    The show can also be streamed live on the Live Times website and social platforms including Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

    Because when it comes to Bihar’s ballot buzz, Live Times promises exactly what it stands for: complete truth, whatever it takes.

  • Teen Taal strikes a live note in Lucknow with its 125th episode

    Teen Taal strikes a live note in Lucknow with its 125th episode

    MUMBAI: When Teen Taal talks, India listens and this time, Lucknow gets the front-row seat. Aaj Tak Radio and the chart-topping Hindi podcast is taking its wit and banter offline for a landmark live recording of its 125th episode of Season 2 on Saturday, 4th October 2025. After a roaring success with its 100th episode celebration in Pune which pulled in crowds including fans from abroad, the trio is ready to turn the City of Nawabs into a city of laughs. The stage at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan will come alive at 8:00 pm, as satire, storytelling and sharp observations take centre stage.

    The dynamic trio Kamlesh Kishore Singh (Tau), Kuldeep Mishra (Sardaar) and Asif Khan (Khan Cha) have built a cult following with their clever mix of everyday humour, cultural commentary and unfiltered conversations. Their live shows promise more than just punchlines: fans can expect candid chats, inside jokes, and that unique chemistry that makes Teen Taal India’s No.1 Hindi podcast.

    What makes the event special is the intimacy. Registrations are now open for fans eager to be part of the laughter, stories and surprises woven into this landmark recording. Seats, however, are limited and if the Pune frenzy is anything to go by, the Lucknow evening will be packed to the rafters.

    With over two seasons of chart-topping success on Apple Podcasts and beyond, Teen Taal has turned everyday life into a cultural phenomenon. Episode 125 isn’t just a milestone; it’s a celebration of conversations that resonate far beyond the airwaves.

    So, as the countdown begins, one thing’s certain: in Lucknow, the mic will drop, but the laughs will keep echoing.

  • NDTV’s longest-running health campaign Banega Swasth India launches AI chatbot and loyalty cards for children

    NDTV’s longest-running health campaign Banega Swasth India launches AI chatbot and loyalty cards for children

    NEW DELHI: Banega Swasth India is back for a 12th season, and this time it means business. NDTV and Dettol’s flagship health campaign will launch an AI-powered hygiene chatbot, a gamified loyalty card programme for children, and an accessibility curriculum for disabled youngsters when it takes to the airwaves on 2 October 2025.

    The telethon, fronted by actor Ayushmann Khurrana, will rally Indians around the theme “I Am the Change” and the call to action Mere Dus Gaz Se Viksit Bharat Tak (From My Ten Yards to a Developed India). The ambition is bold: transform every citizen into an agent of health change.

    The star attraction is Hygieia, India’s first hygiene chatbot, which will dispense health guidance in 22 Indian languages and four global ones. It sits alongside the Swasth Bharat Champ Hygiene Loyalty Card Programme—India’s first non-financial hygiene loyalty scheme for children, designed to build lifelong healthy habits through gamification and rewards.

    Breaking new ground on inclusion, Dettol will unveil what it claims is the world’s first digital accessibility curriculum for children who are blind, deaf, mute or autistic. Awards will honour maternal and child health tech accelerators focused on the critical first 1,000 days of life.

    President Droupadi Murmu will grace the event, joined by Uttar Pradesh governor Anandi Ben and Odisha chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai,  Malaika Arora, Nimrat Kaur and Jasmine Sandlas will perform.

    NDTV chief executive & editor in chief Rahul Kanwal said the campaign has evolved into a movement that inspires citizens to contribute to the nation’s health journey. “With innovations like Hygieia and inclusive programmes for every child, the campaign demonstrates that purposeful individual action can transform communities—and collectively, guide India towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

    Reckitt executive vice-president for south Asia  Gaurav Jain said the partnership was driving meaningful change in millions of lives. “By leveraging innovative solutions, we’re empowering individuals and communities to take charge of their health and hygiene. Our commitment to health equity and inclusivity is reflected in our Dettol Accessibility Curriculum, which ensures that no child is left behind.”

    The campaign has reached over 26 million children and enabled more than 38 billion handwashing occasions. Its architects believe individual responsibility and collective resolve will propel India’s health transformation. Change, they insist, begins with me.

  • Zee News unveils India’s first media-led deepfake detection system

    Zee News unveils India’s first media-led deepfake detection system

    MUMBAI: Truth just got a new tech ally. Zee News, in collaboration with Neural Defend, has rolled out India’s first AI-powered deepfake verification system for the news media, putting advanced fact-checking directly in the hands of citizens.

    The initiative comes at a time when deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation are fast eroding public trust. Studies reveal that nearly 96 per cent of manipulated videos slip past the average viewer undetected, threatening journalism and democracy alike. By offering a simple drag-and-drop interface where users can upload videos, images, or audio files for instant verification, Zee News is making authenticity accessible to everyone.

    Unveiling the platform during a prime-time broadcast, managing editor Rahul Sinha urged viewers to test any suspicious video themselves. “Trust is the new benchmark,” added  ZMCL marketing head Anindya Khare, noting that the system not only safeguards audiences, particularly younger, digital-first viewers but also provides advertisers with a brand-safe environment rooted in credibility.

    On the tech front, ZMCL CTO Vijayant Kumar explained that Neural Defend’s AI engine can detect even the most sophisticated manipulations within seconds. “This is not just innovation for today but a safeguard for tomorrow’s information ecosystem,” he said.

    By integrating deepfake detection across TV, web, and digital platforms, Zee News is cementing its position as a technology-first newsroom, one that is not only reporting the truth but also helping audiences verify it.

     

  • Zee Business, Entrecon 2025 team up to fuel India’s startup growth story

    Zee Business, Entrecon 2025 team up to fuel India’s startup growth story

    MUMBAI: Zee Business, one of India’s leading Hindi business news channels, has partnered exclusively with Entrecon 2025, one of the country’s most ambitious entrepreneurship conclaves. Slated for 9–10 October at IIM Lucknow – EIC, Noida, the second edition promises to be a landmark gathering of 400 plus startups, 100 plus investors, 80 plus corporates, and 50 plus powerhouse speakers.

    With its live coverage, Zee Business will beam the energy, ideas, and debates from the venue to millions of living rooms and mobile screens across the nation, ensuring the movement goes beyond the halls of IIM.

    Entrecon 2025 isn’t just an event, it’s a catalyst. After the debut edition connected 200 startups with 70 investors and sparked 1.4 crore worth of business discussions, this year’s conclave aims to bridge the gap between capital and creativity at an even larger scale.

    The star-studded speaker line-up spans business, entertainment, and venture capital, featuring voices like Ashish Agarwal (Resurgent India), Navin Honagudi (Elev8 Partners), Rohit Bhayana (Lumis Ventures), Anish Agarwal (Warner Bros. Discovery), actor-entrepreneur Anupriya Goenka, Deep Bajaj (Sirona), and Anurag Batra (Business World).

    IDPL CBO Priyadarshan Garg framed the collaboration as a national mission, “Through our Live coverage of Entrecon 2025, we are not just broadcasting an event, but igniting a nationwide movement that connects visionaries with millions of aspiring entrepreneurs.”

    Gkconsulting CEO Mukesh Malik added, “Entrecon 2025 is designed to foster innovation, create bridges between startups and investors, and showcase India’s potential as a global hub of entrepreneurship. Partnering with Zee Business ensures these conversations inspire the entire nation.”

    With Zee Business as its official telecast partner, Entrecon 2025 is shaping up to be more than a conclave, it’s a movement set to redefine how India thinks, builds, and dreams entrepreneurship.

  • ET Now doubles the drama with South Central and Ayesha Faridi’s Interview

    ET Now doubles the drama with South Central and Ayesha Faridi’s Interview

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, South India! ET Now, India’s leading English business news channel, is spicing up its programming lineup with two brand-new offerings South Central and The Interview with Ayesha Faridi. Both promise to add depth, drama, and dialogue to the channel’s already formidable portfolio.

    First up is South Central, a weekday special airing from 29th September 2025, 5:30 pm–6:00 pm, helmed by ET Now’s Jude Sujendran. More than just a show, it’s a journey into the beating heart of South India, a region that’s equal parts economic powerhouse and cultural trendsetter. From boardroom battles in Bengaluru to cinematic splendour in Chennai, the show will explore everything from politics and policy to food and lifestyle. Its editorial pillars business & economy, politics & policy, cinema & culture, and food & lifestyle ensure that viewers get the full southern thali, not just a side dish.

    Then comes The Interview with Ayesha Faridi, premiering on 3rd October 2025 at 3:30 pm. Executive editor Ayesha Faridi will trade soundbites for substance in a 25-minute deep dive with marquee voices from business, markets, policy, sports, and culture. Expect candid revelations, untold stories, and insights into future strategies from leaders shaping the country’s direction. Designed to rise above the clutter of breaking news, this flagship weekly show aims to bring clarity and context to India’s biggest decisions.

    “Both the shows embody our vision of combining sharp analysis with engaging narratives, offering viewers unmatched perspectives on the people and forces shaping India’s economy, politics, and culture,” Times Network said in a statement.

    For ET Now, already home to marquee programmes like The Market, First Trades and Closing Trades, the new additions reinforce its ethos of Rise with India, with coverage spanning 16 countries.

    So whether it’s the spice of southern stories or the candour of conversations, ET Now’s festive programming treat promises something fresh for every viewer.

    Tune in to South Central every weekday at 5:30 pm, and The Interview with Ayesha Faridi every Friday at 3:30 PM, only on ET Now.

  • Bharat Express brings back Varun Kohli as group chief executive

    Bharat Express brings back Varun Kohli as group chief executive

    NOIDA:  In the media industry, boomerang hires are increasingly common. But when a news channel rehires the executive who built it from scratch, it signals ambition rather than desperation.

    Bharat Express has brought back Varun Kohli as director and group chief executive, marking his return to an organisation he helped launch in January 2023.  Kohli, who spent just over a year at Bharat Express before joining Times Network as chief operating officer, is being tasked with expanding the channel’s reach and deepening its impact in India’s competitive news broadcasting market.

    During his first stint, Kohli shaped the channel’s editorial and business strategy, built its core team and established its operational framework. His move to Times Network in 2024 saw him oversee critical operations across a larger network. Now, armed with that broader experience, he returns to accelerate Bharat Express’s growth trajectory.

    “During his first innings, Varun played a foundational role in successfully launching the channel and positioning Bharat Express as a credible voice in Indian news media,” said Bharat Express chairman, managing director & editor in chief Upendrra Rai. “With his return, we are confident that his deep industry experience and visionary approach will help us accelerate our growth and take the channel to new heights.”

    Kohli brings three decades of media experience, having held leadership roles at ITV Network, Deccan Chronicle Holdings, Network18, Bennett Coleman & Co., HT Media and Amar Ujala Prakashan. He is known for launching and turning around media brands, with a reputation for driving revenue growth and building high-performance teams.

    The appointment positions Bharat Express for its next phase of expansion, with Kohli’s return bringing both institutional knowledge and fresh strategic insights gained from his time at one of India’s largest broadcasting networks.