ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Diamond States Summit Uttarakhand edition culminates on a hopeful note

    Diamond States Summit Uttarakhand edition culminates on a hopeful note

    Mumbai: News18 India successfully organised the Uttarakhand edition of the Diamond States Summit in Dehradun, following the widely praised events in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Bihar. The summit provided a platform for meaningful discussions aimed at shaping a brighter future for Uttarakhand.

    It brought together prominent leaders, policymakers, and industry figures from across the nation, including Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, minister of agriculture & rural development Ganesh Joshi, finance & urban development minister Prem Chand Aggarwal, minister of women empowerment & child development Rekha Arya, minister of animal husbandry, fisheries, skill development & employment Saurabh Bahuguna, Uttarakhand’s former chief minister Harish Rawat, Uttarakhand DGP Abhinav Kumar, principal secretary to CM R.K. Sudhanshu, and IPS-ADGP, special principal secretary, sports & youth welfare Amit Sinha, among others.

    Dhami, stated, “The Congress only works to spread confusion and oppose good schemes like Agniveer, which offers better opportunities to soldiers. Our double engine government is focused on understanding the state’s needs and delivering real development. Despite natural disasters, we are committed to rebuilding Uttarakhand and making life easier for the people, especially women, with initiatives like 30 per cent reservation.”

    Joshi, said, “From a soldier’s duty to a leader’s journey, my family and I have always served the people. The struggles I faced made me who I am, and Uttarakhand’s vision remains strong. Today, we honor our martyrs and build a state that upholds their sacrifice.”

    Aggarwal, emphasised, “The Congress had 60 years in power, yet they never conducted a caste census—so why the need now? On the issue of ‘spit jihad,’ let it be clear that anyone engaging in such practices will not be tolerated. Our government is taking strict action. While we welcome people to come and work in Uttarakhand, we will not allow any instability to take root in our state.”

    Bahuguna, expressed “Carrying forward the legacy of my grandfather and father is both an honor and a challenge. My focus remains on serving the people of Uttarakhand, not seeking the limelight. The faith our people have in BJP and PM Modi inspires every effort we put forth.”

    Rawat, remarked, “In politics, there are wins and losses, but it’s troubling to lose even after winning. Haryana’s politics has shifted from development to divisions based on caste and religion. The time will come when people stop enjoying slogans and start focusing on real issues. The caste census is necessary as a one-time experiment to understand the true economic conditions of different communities and address their problems.”

    The event wrapped up on a hopeful note, outlining an ambitious and progressive vision for Uttarakhand’s future. It offered a crucial forum for thought leaders, policymakers, and specialists to engage in meaningful discussions, fostering collective efforts toward advancing the state’s growth and development.

  • Unlock financial prosperity With ET Now and ET Swadesh’s Diwali programming

    Unlock financial prosperity With ET Now and ET Swadesh’s Diwali programming

    Mumbai: Ushering in a season of happiness and prosperity, ET Now and ET Now Swadesh have unveiled a specially curated Diwali programming. The exclusive week-long line-up of interactive and engaging content, themed ‘Samvat 2081-Review, Revise, Rise’ on ET NOW and ‘Samvat 2081 – Ye Diwali Samruddhi Wali’ on ET NOW Swadesh, is aimed at guiding viewers toward financial prosperity.

    Committed to India’s growth story, both channels promise viewers week long programming packed with expert insights and interactive shows to help them review their portfolio, revise their strategy, and rise with India during this auspicious period of Samvat 2081.

    Diwali special programming on ET Now includes:

    1    Investment Gurus: Investors Hiren Ved (Director & CIO, Alchemy Capital), Viktor Shvets (Global Strategist, The FII View), Neelkanth Mishra (Chief Economist,  Axis Capital), Manish Chokhani (Director, Enam Group), Ravi Dharamshi (Founder & CIO, ValueQuest Investment Advisors), Ramdeo Agarwal (Chairman, Motilal Oswal Group) and market veteran Madhusudan Kela, will deep dive into investment philosophies and perspectives on the current market. Each episode airing at 9:20 am and 10 am will delve into investment strategies for the year ahead in Samvat 2081.

    2    Consumption Pulse: This segment will capture India’s consumption story, drawing attention to the festive sales trends across sectors, highlighting the significance of a consumption-driven economy. Through exclusive interviews, this segment, airing at 10:20 am everyday will provide a snapshot of the broader implications that await investors. The panellists include Amar Sheth (MD, Group Shaman), Vinkesh Gulati, (Vice President – Automotive Skills Development Council – India and Former President FADA), and Amit Kumar Sinha, (MD & CEO, Mahindra Lifespace Developers Ltd).

    3    ‘FUND’tastic Managers: This dynamic show takes viewers inside the world of India’s top mutual fund managers, offering exclusive insights into their strategies for high returns. Airing at 12:15 pm every day, industry experts Harsha Upadhyaya (CIO, Kotak MF), Sailesh Bhan (CIO – Equity Investments, Nippon), Mahesh Patil (CIO, Birla MF), and Rajeev Thakkar (CIO, PPFAS) will provide actionable advice for navigating risks.

    4    Wizards Of Wealth: A series spotlighting India’s top wealth architects as they navigate complex markets and manage high-net-worth portfolios for India’s elite. Airing daily at 12:45 pm, the show features prominent wealth managers Anup Maheshwari (Co-Founder & CIO, 360 One Wealth), Feroze Azeez (Deputy CEO, Anand Rathi Wealth), Ashish Shankar (MD & CEO, Motilal Oswal Wealth), and Vikas Khemani (Founder, Carnelian Asset Management).

    5    The Money Show: Focused on guiding first-time investors, this show airing every day at 5 pm helps viewers to begin their investment journey with special segments like ‘Gruhlaxmi to DhanLaxmi’, ‘Clean Your Portfolio’, ‘Diwali Darbar’  featuring Anushka Rathod and Arun Kumar (Funds India), Niranjan Awasthi (Head – product & Marketing, Edelweiss AMC), Sahil Kapoor (Head of products and market strategy, DSP Mutual Fund), Harsha Upadhyaya (CFA, Kotak Mahindra AMC), Trideep Bhattacharya (CIO, Edelweiss MF), Ashish Gupta (CIO, Axis MF) amongst others.

    6    Commodity Central: Commodity Central, airing on October 29 at 4:30 pm, delves into the evolving global commodities landscape for the new Samvat. From oil and precious metals to agricultural goods, experts Sehul Bhatt, (Director- Research, CRISIL Market Intelligence and Analytics), Anindya Banerjee, (Vice President – Currency Derivatives & Interest Rate Derivatives, Kotak Securities) and Ramesh Varakhedkar, (Head of Commodities, ICICI Securities) will analyze market trends and the key commodities to watch this year.

    7    ET NOW Realty Reckoner: This comprehensive real estate guide airing on October 30 at 4:30 pm covers topics exploring realty trends, residential and commercial properties, REITs, taxation and more. Featuring Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Group, this show will help viewers plan their real estate portfolios.  

    ET NOW SWADESH’s special Diwalis programming includes,  

    1    Top 10 Investment Policies by Nikunj Dalmia: Join Nikunj Dalmia, Editor-in-Chief, ET NOW and ET NOW SWADESH, as he unveils his top 10 investment mantras in this show on October 29 at 12:30 pm. As a veteran journalist and market expert, Dalmia will empower investors with insights to enhance their portfolios this Diwali.

    2    Diwali Darbar: A roundtable featuring top CIOs Harsha Upadhyay (CIO, Kotak AMC), Trideep Bhattacharya (CIO, Edelweiss MF), and Anish Tawakaly (ICICI MF), will discuss investment strategies for Samvat 2081. The segment airing on October 29 at 12:30 p.m will offer deep insights into market expectations and portfolio adjustments for the new financial year.

    3    Diwali Discount on Shares: Airing on October 30 at 12:30 pm, this is a special segment focusing on stocks trading at attractive valuations. Experts Sunny Agrawal (Head – Retail Fundamental Desk, SBI Securities) and Gaurang Shah (Head Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services) will share their research-based insights, helping investors spot key opportunities in the market this Diwali.

    4    Rocket Share: In this exciting segment airing on October 31 at 12:30 pm, market experts Mayuresh Joshi, Abhishek Agarwal, and Vivek Karwa (CEO, Vridhi Investment) will present their top 3 stock picks for Samvat 2081, catering to short, medium, and long-term investors aiming for stellar returns.

    5    Ye Diwali Samruddhi Wali – Grihalaxmi Se Dhanlaxmi: Focusing on women’s financial freedom, this segment airing on November 1 at 4 pm will have expert Aayushi Dholakia, as she shares insights into women’s journey towards achieving financial independence, empowering viewers with actionable advice on managing finances effectively.

    On 1 November 2024, ET Now and ET Now Swadesh will air a special Muhurat Trading Session from 5-7 PM to celebrate the new Hindu calendar year. Featuring live market analysis and strategies, the session will include insights from experts Ramesh Damani, Sunil Singhania (Founder, Abakkus Asset Manager LLP), Nilesh Shah (MD & CEO, Kotak MF), Vijay Kedia, Harsha Upadhyaya (CIO, Kotak AMC), Sunil Subramanium along with chartists Kunal Bothra and Nooresh Merani. The show will blend the auspiciousness of Diwali with expert financial advice, focusing on market trends and investment opportunities for the year ahead.

  • Gallant Sports to surpass Rs 100 crore revenue mark

    Gallant Sports to surpass Rs 100 crore revenue mark

    Mumbai: Gallant Sports, a pioneer in India’s sports infrastructure, is set to surpass the ₹100 crore revenue milestone in the 2024-25 financial year, becoming the first company in the country’s sports field construction sector to achieve this. This growth aligns with the company’s vision to lead in sports infrastructure development, providing advanced solutions and supporting emerging athletic talent.

    Gallant aims to create a world-class infrastructure that benefits athletes and communities. The company offers comprehensive solutions covering construction, manufacturing, and maintenance, utilizing advanced sports maintenance equipment. Its projects prioritize sustainability and long-term playability, focusing on developing future sports champions in India.

    To enhance sports infrastructure, Gallant has introduced five new products tailored for urban and rural facilities. These include high-performance TPE/PP tiles with anti-skid features, a honeycomb design for improved slip resistance, and the world’s first 30×60 cm sports tile with elastic rubber supports for better surface friction. The company also launched a 100 per cent recyclable turf that is lightweight and safer for athletes, promoting sustainability in sports. Additionally, Gallant introduced Gallant Track, a Full PUR system running track known for its durability and low maintenance.

    Furthermore, Gallant is collaborating with leading sports management institutes to develop a training program for skilled labor in installation, civil works, and maintenance. This initiative aims to elevate the industry by ensuring a qualified workforce to meet the growing demand for sports infrastructure.

    The company has seen significant growth due to rising demand for premium, injury-free sports facilities that cater to athletes and promote social inclusion. These facilities provide safe, high-quality spaces for all ages, encouraging healthier lifestyles and community engagement.

    Gallant Sports CEO Nasir Ali stated, “At Gallant Sports, our mission goes beyond just building world-class sports infrastructure; we are shaping the future of sports in India. We believe that by offering sustainable, cutting-edge facilities, we are not only creating opportunities for athletes to excel but also fostering healthier, more inclusive communities across the country. Our recent collaborations with global leaders like Domo Grass, Belgium, and our ongoing discussions with top-tier shoe companies for sustainable rubber granules are testaments to our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. As we prepare to cross the ₹100 crore revenue mark, our focus remains on delivering excellence at every level—whether through our advanced sports tiles, 100% recyclable turf, or premium running tracks. Gallant Sports is here to make a lasting impact, ensuring that India becomes a global sports powerhouse while promoting a culture of sports for all.”

    Gallant’s expansion has been bolstered by partnerships with sports associations, educational institutions, and corporate bodies. These collaborations have been vital to the company’s growth, allowing it to enter new markets. Recently, Gallant announced a partnership with Domo Grass from Belgium to enhance its product offerings. The company is also in discussions with a major global shoe manufacturer to develop sustainable rubber granules, highlighting its focus on environmentally friendly innovations.

    To support its goals, Gallant plans to establish manufacturing facilities for sports tiles, athletics tracks, and jogging tracks in India through various international collaborations. This move aims to improve production efficiency and meet the increasing demand for high-quality sports infrastructure nationwide.

  • News18, Federal Bank & Tata Trusts host second edition of ‘Sanjeevani: United Against Cancer’

    News18, Federal Bank & Tata Trusts host second edition of ‘Sanjeevani: United Against Cancer’

    Mumbai: The Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation and News18 Network hosted a national cancer awareness convention under the second phase of the ‘Sanjeevani: United Against Cancer’ programme, with Tata Trusts as knowledge partners. Key stakeholders, industry leaders, and top bureaucrats discussed awareness and early detection of cancer.

    In India, cancer cases are estimated at nearly 15 lakh annually, making it the third-highest globally after the US and China. Sanjeevani has been working through partnerships to promote awareness and early intervention for this disease, the second leading cause of mortality worldwide.

    At the fireside chat session, actor and national ambassador of ‘Sanjeevani: United Against Cancer’ initiative, Vidya Balan said, “Like with most people, Cancer has always scared me. It’s a direction I’ve never wanted to look in until someone very dear to me was detected with the disease two years back. Then I realized that because it was detected early, he could get treatment immediately and therefore he’s in good health today. The fear around cancer is so huge that it often blinds us to the reality of the fact that regular screening and therefore early detection can make all the difference. So, when Network 18 came to me with this campaign, I felt this is something I need to do. Then I decided to use my voice to get people to get screened regularly and thereby to make a difference in their lives.”

    She added, “The fight against cancer is a journey of compassion and resilience, where every act of awareness and every gesture of support becomes a beacon of hope and healing for patients and their families. With Sanjeevani: United Against Cancer’, we showcase our commitment to continue the journey towards creating more awareness towards cancer screening and early detection. With a collaborative effort, we can rip off cancer from its roots.”

    Federal Bank CEO KVS Manian said, “India can’t be a Viksit Bharat without being a Swasthya Bharat. So, healthcare is clearly one area where the country needs a lot of investment. It’s important that more people step in, and Federal Bank is happy to be involved here. Our CSR focus is over 60% in healthcare and healthy living space. We have been very supportive of treatment-related spends, but going forward, it’s important also to create more infrastructure kind of spends which gives more sustainable benefits to the society around. Awareness is such a critical thing and it is the most difficult thing to achieve. Early detection in cancer is critical and that’s why campaigns like these are continuously required.”

    He added: “‘Sanjeevani: United Against Cancer’ is not just a campaign—it is a movement to empower individuals to take charge of their health and make them understand why timely screening is a must. While a lot of work has already been going on, we aim to continue to raise the bar for cancer care by focusing more on screening and early detection. This conclave is a point of origin for all our efforts towards patient and family care as well as pre-emptive awareness and screening for the disease. Collective effort is non-negotiable to ensure  a brighter, healthier future for all. We need to  empower one another with critical awareness and ensure every individual is informed about the steps to take. More will always be less, when it comes to cancer.”

    Tata Trusts CEO Siddharth Sharma commented, “Tata Trusts have been at the forefront of combating the growing cancer burden in the country. Our focus has been on making world-class cancer care affordable and accessible.  As knowledge partners on Sanjeevani, we strive to inform our audience with current practices and information about cancer in its various forms and dimensions.  We believe that the collective efforts of all our partners in this endeavour will motivate people to go in for early screening thereby mitigating the increasing burden of cancer in the country”.

    Network18 CEO & A+E Networks MD Avinash Kaul stated, “As India’s leading news network, we recognize our responsibility towards the health and well-being of our audience. Sanjeevani is our flagship campaign, crafted in partnership with Federal Bank and Tata Trusts. It has driven significant impact over the years through factual storytelling and a call to action for cancer screening. This convention marks a pivotal moment in our journey, reinstating our commitment to reaching every corner of the nation with a message of hope and good health. We aim to keep this vital dialogue going through various interventions, including on-ground activations, celebrity endorsements, and partnerships across national and regional platforms. Our mission is to make a meaningful contribution to nation-building by advancing this essential conversation.”

    ‘Sanjeevani: United Against Cancer’ initiative has reached over 600 million viewers through News18’s TV network and generated over 13 million social media interactions. The initiative remains committed to its mission, striving to reach even more individuals and drive lasting positive social change in cancer awareness and screenings.

  • Skillhub & IESF partners Bring International Esports Championships to India

    Skillhub & IESF partners Bring International Esports Championships to India

    Mumbai: The Skillhub Online Games Federation with the support of the minister of youth affairs and sports is aiming to bring the International Esports Championships to India for the first time, marking a major milestone for the country’s burgeoning esports industry. In a strategic move to position India as a global leader in online competitive and skill-based gaming, SOGF is working closely with the International Esports Federation (IESF) to organise world-class tournaments on Indian soil.

    In a meeting last week, representatives from the SOGF and the IESF General Secretary, Boban Totovski, jointly called upon the minister of youth affairs and sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, to discuss their milestone partnership aimed at shaping the future of India’s esports ecosystem.

    In the meeting, the sports minister expressed strong support for SOGF and IESF’s initiative to introduce world-class esports programmes in India, emphasising the significance of developing the ecosystem and providing Indian athletes with international opportunities. He also endorsed SOGF’s efforts to regulate the esports and skill-based gaming ecosystem, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fostering a fair and competitive environment for the industry’s growth.

    SOGF president Shankar Aggarwal stated: “We are extremely thankful to the government and IESF for turning things around in such a short period of time. India’s potential in esports is immense, and this collaboration has the power to transform the esports landscape in the country. Not only will it broaden the reach of esports in India, but it will also pave the way for top-tier international competitions to be hosted in the country. With the support of the government and international bodies like IESF, we aim to foster a fair and thriving ecosystem. Our commitment is to nurture talent, regulate the industry, and ensure that Indian athletes have every opportunity to excel on the global stage.”

    SOGF comprises Olympians, former high-ranking officials including former CJI and SC Judges, civil servants, and industry veterans, ensuring robust governance; it is further strengthened by its 29 associate state bodies, reflecting nationwide support for such initiatives. It is dedicated to ensuring fair competition, fostering transparency, and nurturing talent to represent India globally thereby emphasising fairness, collaboration, and sustainable long-term growth for India’s online gaming industry.

    To champion online games including esports and to revolutionise the way gaming and esports are perceived in India, the SOG Federation has also joined hands with the International Mind

    Sports Association (IMSA), an umbrella organisation for global governing bodies of mind and skill-based sports, and the Global Esports Federation (GEF).

    IESF general secretary Boban Totovski said: “Supporting the growth and development of Esports communities around the world has always been one of the IESF’s key missions. We’re glad to see that SOGF shares the same values and is dedicated to working toward the same vision in India. We are very excited that our new pro-series, which we are organising, will kick off here, and we believe SOGF is a great partner for the project while unlocking opportunities for athletes, development and esports enthusiasts.”

    Furthermore, the partnership between SOGF and IESF, supported by the Government of India, marks a positive step toward becoming a global leader in the space, especially with the much-anticipated Olympic Esports Games now in the mix. This collaboration aligns with India’s growing focus on international esports and the opportunities ahead for its athletes.

  • Abu Dhabi gears up for World Tennis League season three

    Abu Dhabi gears up for World Tennis League season three

    Mumbai: The World Tennis League (WTL) returns for its third season from 19 to 22 December 2024 at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena. Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism and Miral, WTL season three will feature 16 top players across four teams, including Nick Kyrgios, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka, Daniil Medvedev, and India’s Sumit Nagal.

    Alongside tennis, performances by Bryan Adams, Akon, Sean Paul, and Anastacia will add to the entertainment. This year’s ‘Kids Watch For Free’ initiative allows up to four children to enter for free with each adult ticket purchased. The previous edition drew 20,000 attendees and was broadcast in over 125 countries. WTL aims to further cement itself as a major global event by combining world-class sports and entertainment.

  • Experience “Farrey” world HD premiere on &xplorHD on 26th October

    Experience “Farrey” world HD premiere on &xplorHD on 26th October

    Mumbai: &xplorHD presents the world HD premiere of “Farrey” on 26 October at 9 PM, delivering a powerful cinematic experience that challenges the UNroutine, UNexpected, and Unformula. This gripping narrative explores the high stakes of ambition and the moral complexities faced by today’s youth, capturing the essence of aspirations, struggles, and the price of chasing dreams in a competitive world.

    “Farrey” follows Niyati, a talented scholarship student whose journey into the elite world of the ultra-wealthy reveals the dangerous allure of wealth and status. As she navigates a web of deceit and mounting pressures, the story unfolds into a captivating tale of choices and consequences. The ensemble cast, featuring Alizeh Agnihotri, Zeyn Shaw, Prasanna Bisht, Sahil Mehta, Ronit Roy, Juhi Babbar Soni, Arbaaz Khan, and Shilpa Shukla, brings the story to life with stunning performances and immersive sound design.

    Alizeh Agnihotri shared, “Niyati’s journey really resonated with me on a personal level. She starts with such a pure and relatable dream, something we all feel at some point—the desire to break free from circumstances and achieve something bigger. But watching her slowly get pulled into morally questionable choices was both heartbreaking and eye-opening. It’s been an incredible experience portraying such a layered character, and I’m really excited for the audiences to connect with her story during the World HD Premiere on &xplor HD.”

    Prasanna Bisht, who portrays Chavi, shared her thoughts on the film: “What I loved about working on “Farrey” is how it challenges you to reflect on your own values. Chavi’s journey highlights the struggles of peer pressure and the desire to fit in, and it made me more aware of the choices we all face. I’m eager for viewers to explore these emotional nuances during the world HD premiere on &xplorHD.”

    To prepare for his role as Aakash, Sahil Mehta immersed himself in the character’s world by working as a food delivery rider, gaining a firsthand understanding of the pressures faced by delivery agents. Reflecting on his experience, Mehta said, “This film really digs into the emotional turmoil that comes with chasing success at any cost. Playing Aakash was an eye-opening experience for me, as it made me think about the moral complexities we encounter daily. I can’t wait for the audience to witness how powerful this narrative is during the world HD premiere on &xplorHD.”

    Director Soumendra Padhai expressed his vision for the film: “With “Farrey”, I wanted to tell a story that resonates with the pressures and dilemmas faced by today’s youth. It’s a story not just about academic stress; but also a reflection of the lengths people go to achieve success in a world obsessed with wealth and status. I hope this film sparks conversations about ambition, morality, and the cost of pursuing dreams at any price.”

  • WPBL is the ‘powered by partner’ for World Pickleball Championship

    WPBL is the ‘powered by partner’ for World Pickleball Championship

    Mumbai: The World Pickleball League (WPBL), a franchise-based Pickleball tournament launching in January 2025, has announced its role as the ‘Powered By’ sponsor for the upcoming World Pickleball Championship (WPC).

    This partnership coincides with India hosting the World Pickleball Championship Series for the first time. Scheduled for November, the tournament will showcase nearly 650 stars from the Pickleball community, following successful events in Vietnam and Bali earlier this year.

    Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, attracting players of various demographics and ages, whether professionally or for fitness and socializing. The World Pickleball Championship will provide an exciting preview of the sport ahead of the launch of the WPBL.

    Former Indian number one Tennis player, Arjuna awardee and WPBL founder & CEO, Gaurav Natekar stated, “Firstly, we would like to congratulate the All India Pickleball Association for their efforts to bring the World Pickleball Championship to India. The tournament, already a global phenomenon, will see the best of Pickleball talent from across the world descending on the island city of Mumbai for an action-packed event. Such tournaments are crucial as they help us identify the talents at the grassroots level. Additionally, it increases the aspirational value of Pickleball worldwide and further strengthen its reputation as one of the fastest-growing sports in India. The World Pickleball League will be India’s first and only official global franchise-based Pickleball league, and we are delighted to support the WPC, a tournament dedicated to developing the sport at grassroots levels globally, as the powered by sponsor.”

    The All India Pickleball Association has been instrumental in bringing the World Pickleball Championship to India and promoting the growth of Pickleball in the country. All India Pickleball Association and the International Pickleball Federation president Arvind Prabhoo shared, “Our journey with Gaurav and Arati in helping shape WPBL – India’s first and only official global franchise-based Pickleball league – has been delightful so far. We are extremely happy that Gaurav’s commitment to building and developing Pickleball in India goes beyond the league, and we are excited to invite the World Pickleball League (WPBL) as the powered by sponsor for the World Pickleball Championship.”

    The World Pickleball Championship is the brainchild of Jan Papi, founder of Pickleball Global and the WPC series. His vision and aspiration to grow Pickleball globally, along with the efforts of AIPA and WPBL in India, will ensure that the country embraces a Pickleball revolution as it further elevates the sport’s popularity, development, and participation to new heights.

  • Sportel Monaco’s exciting conference line up

    Sportel Monaco’s exciting conference line up

    CANNES: The days are being counted down on Sportel Monaco, the leading confab for the sports media, broadcast and technology industry. Scheduled to be held from 28-30  October 2024 in the Grimaldi Forum, it features conference programming capturing the hottest topics and future trends, presented by a new wave of top tier visionaries, star studded businessmen and disruptive innovators, at the heart of a bustling exhibition and market floor – the largest gathering of its kind, bringing together decision makers from the global sports media industry. 
     
    Industry heavyweights including Alibaba Group president & director J. Michael Evans, OBS CEO Yiannis Exarchos, WBD Sports Europe SVP content, production & business operations Scott Young led by Michael R. Payne, will share exclusive insights around “Paris 2024: An Olympic Broadcast & Viewership Success,” which showcased the biggest tech overhaul in decades – never seen at this level at the Olympics. 
     
    Inspiring discussions with footballing legends turned entrepreneurs lead the way, starting with, Kosmos-Kings League Founder  Gerard Piqué who will share exclusive insights about the creation of this competition with a Gen Z focus and how it is disrupting the beautiful game. Marco Materazzi, official ambassador of (GRAS) Blockchain Sports and mentor of the Brazilian reality show “O Grande Jogo” (The Big Game) will talk about how he is helping young boys to develop their football talents and become a part of the sport. The renowned Laliga president  Javier Tebas will share through his highly anticipated Keynote session, how Laliga is leading the change as a top tier sports organisation to fight against audiovisual fraud in the sports media and broadcast industry. 

    Two exciting masterclass topics will be hosted by SportBusiness including, “Behind the Lens: Creating a Successful Sports Docuseries,” diving into the business of creating blockbuster sports docuseries. Revealing the key factors that turn compelling sports narratives into profitable, global entertainment phenomena, will be the PGA Tour (Tom Jeffs), World Athletics (James Lord) and Fremantle (Georgette Schlick), led by SportBusiness’s Callum McCarthy. Following on, SportBusiness’s Imran Yusuf will host the Sportel  spotlight panel, “What’s Next for Cricket as it Continues its Growth Journey?,” both commercially, powered by India, but also still going strong in its historical territories, notably the UK and Australia and now exploring new exciting territories such as the US, how are fans and digital set to play a key role? Expert panelists include Fox Sports Australia (Nic Goard), Rajasthan Royals, (Jake Lush McCrum) and Quidich (Gaurav Mehta).

    Sponsorship is now the second most important revenue stream for most rights holders and an informative panel, “The Role of Sponsorship Evolving in an Industry Under Pressure to Generate Revenues,” will dive into the different models of sponsorship, whether category exclusive marketing rights, or a broader, more fragmented sponsorship strategy and how brands strategically connect with their target audiences. Sponsorship experts led by Sportel’s  Giovanni Aquilanti will feature Milano Cortina 2026 (Nevio Devide), Fifa, (Marco Nazzari) and Protocol Sports Marketing (Lowell Conn) to complete the line up.

    Opening the conference programme will be podcast pioneers, Unofficial Partner, with its popular sports media podcast series coming to the Sportel stage. “The Bundle Live” will explore the biggest stories of 2024 and the people and companies having the greatest impact on the sports media industry. Expert insights will be shared by Gemba Europe & Middle East (Claire Kelly), EBU, (Glen Killane), OneFootball (Yannick Ramcke) and led by Unofficial Partner’s Richard Gillis.

    Speakers Corner will also play host to a slate of case studies and presentations highlighting the latest technologies and solutions trending for the sports media and broadcast industry, including topics and speakers: “Live Sport Production” (LiveU with EBU/Actua Films); “Building a champions league of MMA” (PFL); “How Fast  is Shaping the Future of Sports Streaming” (WURL with EBU/Nagra and World Rugby); “Maximising a League’s Value Beyond Automafc Producfon” (Spiideo with Svensk Elitfotboll); “First Live Referee Camera in MMA” (Tivio Studio); “Amazon Web Services Innovation in Sport” (AWS with European League of Football); “Future Fans: Engaging Younger Audiences with GenAI” (WSC Sports); “Reality Show the Big Game” (Blockchain Sports with Marco Materazzi); “Revolutionizing Sports Streaming: AI and New Monetisation Innovations” (Harmonic) and “The Opportunities and Vision for Regional Sports: CBC Sports Connect’s Evolufon” (Pixellot with CBC).

    New for 2024, the Innovation Stage will also shine the spotlight not once, but twice on multiple presentations: “Private 5G, Mobile & Ultra Low Latency: Lessons Learned from a Summer in Paris” (Haivision); “Sports ABC – Sports Economy and AI Tech” (ISB with Ztudium) and “Breaking Down The Fan-Centered Formula for Sports Streaming Success” (Infront Lab, whose Activation Engine will be on display throughout masterclasses at Sportel  Monaco for interactive polls and audience Q&A).

    Warming up to the “pitch” session, now a firm highlight at Sportel events, the spotlight will shift to a select group of new Sportel companies that are transforming and revolutionising sports content with AI and other groundbreaking technologies, in this quick-fire pitch, powered by Magnifi. Each “Pitcher” will have just three minutes to present and two minutes Q&A, to impress both the audience and an international panel of judges, with the winners receiving prize money and prestige!

    Another first, is a special event championing women in sports media and innovation, co- sponsored by AWS, with a networking lunch and the panel: “How Women are Driving Innovation in Sports,” featuring awesome ladies led by AWS (Julie Souza), with Formula E (Aarf Dabas), and SailGP (Melissa Lawton) and Sportradar (Diana Ustymenko). Wrapping up on day three, is another first in collaboration with SVG, the “Sports & Generative AI Workshop,” with sessions led by SVG’s Ken Kerschbaumer and George Bevir, plus guest moderator Carlo de Marchis (A guy with a scarf). An interactive discussion between the panelists and audience, will debate the potential role AI will play in everything from rights, advertising, content creation, content distribution, and the fan experience, addressing concerns and opportunities. On stage panelists include AWS (Paul Devlin and Dave Mace), PGA Tour (Scott Gutterman), Veritone (Peter Leeb), Magnifi (Ross Tanner) Spectatr (Shifa Garg), ISB (Ursula Romero), HBS (Johannes Franken) and Tradable Bits (Maurizio Barbieri),
    entwined with lots of audience engagement throughout the morning, wrapping up a truly engaging and innovative Sportel conference programme.

    “Sportel Monaco continues to evolve, with the pulse of the sports media landscape. This year, we are thrilled to welcome an unprecedented number of executive leaders and innovators, sharing their visions on the future of sports media and the technologies that are redefining our industry. In 2024, the focus on emerging trends such as AI and innovations for broadcast, demonstrates how Sportel remains at the forefront of innovation. Our goal is to provide participants with an environment where they can not only discover these technologies and trends, but also engage with the minds shaping the future of global sports.” said Sportel Monaco executive director Loris Menoni.

  • TV Today and Samsung launch India’s healthiest newsroom initiative

    TV Today and Samsung launch India’s healthiest newsroom initiative

    Mumbai: TV Today and Samsung forge a groundbreaking collaboration to redefine workplace wellness, establishing India Today Group as ‘India’s Healthiest Newsroom’. In an industry first, anchors and reporters wear Samsung’s latest Galaxy watch Ultra and watch 7, pioneering a new standard for employee well-being in the media sector.

    Recognising the high-stress environments that journalists often navigate, India Today Group takes a significant step by integrating wearable health technology. The Galaxy watch Ultra and watch 7 come equipped with advanced health tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, blood pressure analysis, ECG, and the Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN). These tools empower reporters to manage their health proactively, even in a demanding newsroom.

    Television & Radio Business CEO, Rahul Shaw remarked, “At India Today, we not only break news but also break new ground in redefining workplace health. By integrating Samsung’s cutting-edge technology, this partnership results not just in the well-being of our journalists; it leads the way for other organisations to follow suit. This partnership goes beyond innovation; it’s about inspiring a health-first mindset in every aspect of life.”

    The initiative aims to create a blueprint for a healthier workforce, extending its influence beyond the media industry into all corporate sectors.