ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Warner Bros Discovery unveils its festive kids show lineup

    Warner Bros Discovery unveils its festive kids show lineup

    Mumbai: Warner Bros Discovery’s kids’ channels – Cartoon Network, POGO, and Discovery Kids – are ready to enhance your celebrations with a lineup of festive fun. Expect new episodes, movie specials, and adventures featuring favorite characters like Little Singham, Chhota Bheem, Jay Jagannath, and the return of Bandbudh Aur Budbak with all-new episodes. Don’t miss the mischievous Titoo, whose pranks will fill your screens with laughter.

    This Diwali, Cartoon Network will air brand new episodes of ‘Bandbudh Aur Budbak’ starting 28 October, airing Monday to Friday at 7 pm, with repeats at 11 am. Join Budhdeb and Badrinath as they bring school-time chaos.

    POGO invites viewers to a week-long event from 28 October to 3 November at 9:30 am, featuring episodes of ‘Jay Jagannath,’ which follows Lord Jagannath, reincarnated as a child named Jagan. Fans can also catch part two of ‘Do Ka Dum,’ where Little Singham’s friendship with Chhota Bheem is tested by the villain Ahankaar. Additionally, the ‘Little Singham 2D Tele Feature: Samudra Kaal se Sangaram’ sees Little Singham confront the evil Samudra Kaal, while part three of ‘Chhota Bheem Andhakarmay Ka Chakravyuh’ takes viewers on a magical journey linked to a dark prophecy. Rounding out the lineup is ‘Little Singham Big Picture: Teen Kaal ka Dhamaal,’ a three-part special where Little Singham faces a mysterious figure erasing his past victories.

    Discovery Kids invites young audiences to enjoy new episodes of Titoo airing Monday to Friday at 12:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Join Warner Bros. Discovery’s channels for thrilling and heartwarming programming that adds joy to your Diwali festivities.

  • Charuta Saoji joins Viacom18 as Colors marketing head, leaving L’Oréal

    Charuta Saoji joins Viacom18 as Colors marketing head, leaving L’Oréal

    Mumbai: In a notable move within the marketing and media landscape, Charuta Ambardekar Saoji has joined Viacom18 as the vice president and head of marketing for Colors, the network’s flagship entertainment channel. Saoji’s transition from L’Oréal, where she served as marketing director, marks a strategic shift in her career towards the dynamic world of television.

    Saoji brings with her a wealth of experience in brand management, having successfully spearheaded campaigns for several high-profile brands at L’Oréal. Her appointment at Viacom18 comes as Colors continues to seek innovative ways to engage audiences and strengthen its market position in the highly competitive television space.

    Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Saoji stated, “I am thrilled to join the Viacom18 family and look forward to shaping the future of Colors’ brand strategy. It’s an exciting time for the channel as we explore fresh approaches to content and audience engagement.”

    This move comes at a crucial time for Viacom18, as the company aims to further consolidate its leadership position in the entertainment industry. Saoji’s expertise in consumer insights and her ability to craft compelling marketing narratives are expected to play a pivotal role in driving Colors’ growth trajectory. The channel, known for its wide range of popular shows, stands to benefit from her leadership in enhancing brand communication and expanding its reach across diverse audience segments.

    Prior to this, Saoji made significant strides at L’Oréal, where she led campaigns that bolstered the brand’s presence in the Indian market. Her experience in navigating the complexities of consumer behavior and brand loyalty will be instrumental in crafting Colors’ future marketing strategies.

    Industry insiders view Saoji’s appointment as a strategic hire that will add considerable depth to Viacom18’s leadership team. With her track record of executing successful marketing strategies, she is well-positioned to elevate the brand’s market presence.

    “Charuta’s appointment reflects our commitment to bringing on board marketing leaders who can drive brand growth through innovation and consumer focus,” said a Viacom18 spokesperson. “Her ability to understand consumer trends and create impactful brand stories aligns perfectly with our vision for Colors.”

  • Archana Anand bids farewell to ZEE5 after a decade of success

    Archana Anand bids farewell to ZEE5 after a decade of success

    MUMBAI: Zee5 Global chief business officer Archana Anand has decided to move on after nearly a decade of significant contributions to the company. During her tenure, she was instrumental in launching ZEE5 in India and expanding it internationally, helping to establish it as the largest platform for South Asian entertainment worldwide.

    Reflecting on her journey, Archana Anand stated, “After an incredible decade at Zee filled with many memorable milestones including launching Zee5 in India and taking it to leadership in the international markets, it’s time to move on! It’s been such a fun ride and alongside some of the brightest and smartest people and across the globe. As I sign off, I’d like to thank the management, our wonderful partners, and my amazing teams over the years who always stepped up with incredible spirit and heart. It has been an absolute honour to work alongside them as we built out Zee5 into the global brand it is today. Zee5 will always hold a very special place in my heart, and I sign off prouder and happier than I could possibly convey. For now, onto some long pending and fun adventures as I relocate and recalibrate!”

    As she moves on, Anand leaves behind a legacy of innovation and growth that has transformed Zee5 into a global entertainment powerhouse.

  • SFA & TV9 kick off U-14 football talent hunt

    SFA & TV9 kick off U-14 football talent hunt

    Mumbai: Sports For All (SFA) has partnered with TV9 Network to support the ‘Indian Tigers and Tigresses’ campaign, a talent hunt for under-14 boys and girls. At the ongoing SFA Championships in Hyderabad, footballers can register for the campaign at a kiosk. The SFA Championships feature over 23,000 students from nearly 400 schools, running from 15 to 28 October, 2024.

    SFA chief revenue officer Darpan Kumar said, “We are excited to partner with TV9 and the ‘Indian Tigers and Tigresses’ at the SFA Championships in Hyderabad. This collaboration strengthens our mission to inspire young athletes and promote grassroots sports excellence across India, fostering the next generation of sporting talent.”

    TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das said, “The News9 ‘Indian Tigers & Tigresses’ initiative is a matter of great pride for us, as takes football in a whole new direction in India. We envision a future where Indian footballers are given opportunities to be in the global spotlight akin to any of the major footballing nations in the West. This is also one of the pillars that need to be leveraged in India’s ascendancy in the global head table. That starts by giving these players a level playing field, by making football a serious career option for these talented youngsters, and training them to be world-class players from a young age. This is not just about finding out what you are good at – it is about opening doors and lighting up thousands of dreams.”

    The ‘Indian Tigers and Tigresses’ campaign, launched in April 2024 through a partnership with football organisations such as DFB, Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund, the International Football Institute, and others, aims to provide young football talent global exposure. The SFA Championships are part of SFA’s initiative to professionalise, organise, and monetise grassroots sports in India. The 2024-25 championships will be held in 10 cities, with 150,000 students from over 7,000 schools competing in 31 sports.

    All matches, including football, will be streamed live on Sfaplay.com.

  • Zeel reappoints Punit Goenka as MD & CEO, eyes future growth

    Zeel reappoints Punit Goenka as MD & CEO, eyes future growth

    MUMBAI: Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.’ Embracing this ethos, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (Zeel) reappointed Punit Goenka as MD & chief executive officer, reaffirming its commitment to leadership stability and growth. 

    With more than 25 years in the media industry, Goenka is set to lead the company for another five years, from 1 January 2025, to 31 December 2029, focusing on content quality and profitability. The board of directors’ approval on 18 October 2024, marks a strategic move to ensure continuity and enhance shareholder value.

    The announcement comes amidst Zeel’s ongoing transformation, with Goenka leading initiatives aimed at optimising operations and driving content excellence. Under his stewardship, the company achieved significant growth, expanding its footprint to over 1.3 billion viewers across 190+ countries. Zeel has become a diversified entertainment powerhouse, with strong positions in broadcasting, digital streaming, films, and music.

    “We are confident that Punit’s vision and leadership will continue to drive Zee forward,” stated a company spokesperson. “His ability to identify growth opportunities and strengthen Zee’s market presence has been instrumental in our success.”

    Goenka’s reappointment comes as ZeeL pursues a strategic growth plan focusing on frugality, optimisation, and content quality. In recent years, the company streamlined its operations into four main segments: broadcast, digital, movies, and music. By realigning its organisational structure, Goenka aims to boost productivity, promote cross-functional collaboration, and enhance profitability.

    His emphasis on efficiency extends to resource utilisation, with recent measures leading to a significant improvement in the company’s EBITDA margins. In the first half of FY25, Zeel, reported a year-over-year increase of 330 basis points in its EBITDA margin, highlighting the impact of effective cost management and strategic content investments.

    Goenka’s leadership has also guided the company through multiple industry accolades, including the broadcaster of the year award and recognition for treasury transformation initiatives. He has been a proactive figure in the entertainment ecosystem, contributing to regulatory and industry bodies such as the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) and the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC).

    Looking ahead, Goenka plans to deepen Zeel’s content creation capabilities, focusing on delivering top-tier entertainment that resonates with diverse audiences. 

    “We are committed to creating stories that not only entertain but also drive positive societal change,” he said. Goenka’s strategy also includes furthering the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts, which have recently centred on sustainable development and social impact projects.

    Zeel has made strides in mapping its ESG footprint, implementing programs for women empowerment, heritage preservation, and rural development. Under Goenka’s guidance, the company aims to reduce its environmental impact while enhancing governance practices through stakeholder collaboration.

     

  • Network18 reports Q2 FY25 loss amidst amalgamation challenges

    Network18 reports Q2 FY25 loss amidst amalgamation challenges

    Mumbai: Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. unveiled its unaudited financial results for Q2 FY25, ending 30 September 2024, demonstrating the challenges of restructuring amidst an evolving media landscape. Despite achieving revenue growth, the company continues to grapple with profitability issues, exacerbated by higher operational costs and finance expenses.

    The media conglomerate, which operates major brands like Viacom18 and Moneycontrol, reported a consolidated loss of Rs 15,231 lakh for the quarter, a slight improvement from a Rs 19,536 lakh loss in the previous quarter. Revenues from operations rose to Rs 1,82,518 lakh, marking an 8.7 per cent year-over-year increase compared to Rs 1,68,050 lakh in Q2 FY24. The improvement in top-line growth was driven by higher sales and services, reflecting sustained efforts in content monetisation and digital engagement.

    Network18’s recent amalgamation of subsidiaries, including TV18 Broadcast Ltd. and e-Eighteen.Com Ltd., effective 3 October 2024, added to the quarter’s complexities. The merger was intended to streamline operations and reduce redundancies, but the restructuring costs and integration challenges contributed to the continuing financial strain. As of 30 September 2024, the company’s total equity declined to Rs 14,70,809 lakh from Rs 14,91,281 lakh as of 31 March 2024, reflecting the capital impact of ongoing restructuring efforts.

    Group chief financial officer Ramesh Kumar Damani acknowledged the situation, stating, “The amalgamation is a crucial step towards creating a more cohesive media ecosystem, enabling us to optimise our resources and unlock synergies. However, we are navigating through short-term challenges, particularly in cost rationalisation and revenue stabilisation.”

    The company saw its operational costs soar to Rs 1,06,718 lakh, a significant rise compared to Rs 96,143 lakh in the same quarter last year, driven by increased content production and distribution expenditures. Additionally, finance costs surged to Rs 17,001 lakh, compared to Rs 6,616 lakh in Q2 FY24, following a rise in borrowing to support expansion and restructuring.

    Consequently, Network18’s operating margin contracted to -7.86 per cent, underscoring the challenges in achieving cost efficiency despite revenue growth. The debt-equity ratio climbed to 0.58, indicating elevated leverage compared to 0.49 in the previous quarter.

    Despite the quarterly loss, Network18 remains committed to long-term growth. The company is ramping up digital investments, focusing on expanding its streaming services and enhancing content quality across platforms to capitalise on the increasing demand for digital media consumption. The integration of the subsidiaries is also expected to drive future efficiencies and cost savings, although the benefits may take time to materialise.

    Damani added, “While the financial results reflect our restructuring phase, we are optimistic about the underlying growth potential. We are enhancing our digital-first strategy and increasing our investments in innovative content to capture the evolving viewer preferences.”

  • MTV Hustle season four is back with a bang

    MTV Hustle season four is back with a bang

    Mumbai: MTV, a youth entertainment brand, has announced the fourth season of its rap reality show, Royal Enfield Hunter MTV Hustle 4 – Hip Hop Don’t Stop. Co-powered by Wild Stone and Boat Lifestyle, with special partner Myntra FWD and associate sponsors Roulette Packaged Drinking Water and Olio Pizza, this highly anticipated season premieres on 19 October, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 7 pm on MTV and JioCinema.

    This season features 20 of the country’s most promising rappers competing for a coveted spot in the top 16. Each contestant has 90 seconds to impress the Squad Bosses and judges. The competition unfolds across four phases: Don’t Stop, Hustle Pro Max, Rap Royalty, and Legacy, culminating in milestone challenges that determine who advances to the next round.

    Leading this season are Raftaar and Ikka, iconic figures in Indian hip-hop known for their contributions to the genre. They bring energy and expertise to MTV Hustle four, guiding the next generation of rappers. Squad Bosses Dee MC, Dino James, EPR, and newcomer RAGA will mentor the contestants, helping them refine their craft and elevate their performances.

    MTV Hustle season four continues to build on the success of previous seasons, featuring rap battles, original music, and compelling narratives. The show has been a transformative force in the Indian music scene, nurturing a generation of rappers and empowering them to share their stories. From viral hits like ‘Ram Ram,’ ‘Main Nahi Toh Kaun,’ and ‘Jaadugar’ to unforgettable performances, MTV Hustle remains the premier platform for emerging talent.

    Viacom18 head – youth, music, and English entertainment cluster, Anshul Ailawadi said, “While young consumers are unabashedly aspirational, they also have an informed opinion within their social context. Being the leading platform to showcase young India’s voice, MTV Hustle provides a great opportunity for brands to engage meaningfully with the youth. This season, we’re proud to partner with marquee brands like Royal Enfield, Wild Stone and Boat Lifestyle, as we jointly embark on building a deeper relationship with young minds.”

    Royal Enfield chief brand officer Mohit Dhar Jayal expressed, “The Royal Enfield community is all about self-expression and intense creative energy. Which is why our collaboration with MTV Hustle S4 is not a conventional sponsorship – it’s the perfect way for us to help amplify the voices of emerging artists and showcase the power of their awesome urban lyricism.”

    Since its inception, MTV Hustle has turned young rappers into national sensations, producing over 300 music videos and influencing the future of Desi hip-hop. The latest season promises new challenges, fresh talent, and engaging narratives, continuing the spirit of hustle that has made the show a cultural force.

    Catch the next chapter of India’s rap revolution with MTV Hustle 4, premiering on 19 October, every Saturday and Sunday at 7 pm on MTV and JioCinema.

  • Sony BBC Earth to premiere ‘Mammals’ on 21 October

    Sony BBC Earth to premiere ‘Mammals’ on 21 October

    Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth will premiere Mammals, a six-part series narrated by Sir David Attenborough, on 21 October 2024. The series explores the diverse world of mammals and their adaptations to a rapidly changing planet. It features species such as African elephants, snow leopards of the Himalayas, and marine and arctic mammals, showcasing their unique survival strategies and relationships with their environments. Attenborough’s narration offers insight into their resilience and intelligence. The series will air at 12:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Sony BBC Earth.

    Sony Pictures Networks India CMO & business head, Hindi movies, English, Bengali, Marathi, infotainment channels Tushar Shah said, “We are excited to bring Mammals, a captivating series that explores the extraordinary world of the animal kingdom, to Sony BBC Earth. This show portrays the resilience, intelligence, and beauty of mammals while also highlighting the challenges they face in a rapidly changing environment. Our commitment to delivering exceptional content remains strong, and we are dedicated to bringing our viewers the best-in-class experience through it.”

    Mammals’ executive producer Roger Webb said, “I was a big fan of the original Life of Mammals series, which was 20 years ago, and lots has changed in that time. I felt there’s a story to be told about mammals today, and how they’re adapting to us and all the changes that are going on in the world. Through the episodes, we explored this adaptability and the ability to cope with almost any situation and environmental condition. It shows the fact mammals can live in the coldest places and the hottest places on earth, and they can go down a mile plus in the ocean. They all have similar traits and things in common that make them mammals, but they can do the most incredible things as a group. It’s also great that we’ve got Sir David Attenborough at the top of the series. He is the master of storytelling; he sets us on an absolutely right path by explaining how mammals have risen to be so successful today.”

  • Republic Bharat to host Rashtriya Sarvopari Sammelan – Summit 2024

    Republic Bharat to host Rashtriya Sarvopari Sammelan – Summit 2024

    Mumbai: Republic Bharat has announced the upcoming Rashtriya Sarvopari Sammelan, an annual conclave that embodies the spirit of “Rashtra Ke Naam.” Scheduled to take place on 18 October 2024, this event will gather a lineup of leaders from various fields, including politics, sports, business, and the arts.

    The summit will feature engaging sessions with prominent figures from across India. Key panel discussions will explore a wide range of topics, including national development, social issues, and economic growth. Renowned athletes will also share their insights on sports and its role in nation-building.

    Ravin Group CMD Vijay Karia, a sponsor of the event, expressed his enthusiasm: “Ravin is committed to supporting initiatives that foster national progress. We believe that the Rashtriya Sarvopari Sammelan provides a valuable platform for intellectual discourse and collaboration. We are honored to be a part of this prestigious event.”

    This year’s theme, “Kismein Kitna Hai Dum,” aims to explore the strength and resilience present within our diverse communities. The Rashtriya Sarvopari Sammelan promises to be a platform for thought-provoking dialogue, inspiring ideas, and collaborative efforts for a better future.

  • Zee launches French-dubbed Fast channel in France on Samsung, Rakuten TV

    Zee launches French-dubbed Fast channel in France on Samsung, Rakuten TV

    MUMBAI: Parul Goel has a grin he can’t stop beaming on his face.

    The  Zee Entertainment veteran and territory head UK, Europe & CFO UK, Europe, US & Canada  has just launched Zee Magic, the first ever 24 hour Indian entertainment channel fully dubbed in French in France. A free advertising supported television channel (Fast), it is available on Samsung TV Plus and on Rakuten TV.

    For him it’s a major victory.  The  17 year-long Zee Entertainment veteran has been pulling out all the stops to take Zee on the Fast route and in as many markets as possible.

    The French flagoff  is the third full European language Fast service that the Zee group has launched in the region over the past 12 months. Earlier, Zee Europe had successfully launched Zee One in Germany, Austria and Switzerland (known as DACH). This was a German dubbed service. 

    Zee World, dubbed in English,  is available in the UK, Nordics and the Benelux region.

    “Zee Europe is dedicated to bringing diverse and rich entertainment to audiences across the region, and this latest endeavor reaffirms our commitment to cultural exchange and media innovation,” said Goel on a post on linkedin.

    “With many channels vying for attention in the digital landscape, offering generic content that mirrors traditional TV programming doesn’t resonate as strongly with audiences. Instead, channels that provide unique, specialized, or exclusive content—whether it’s targeted at a particular demographic, genre, or passion area—are able to stand out.The path to success for Fast channels lies in finding the right balance between curation and differentiation. The more distinct and tailored the content is, the better these channels are positioned to compete in an evolving media landscape where engagement is increasingly valued over sheer reach. Parul – great to see you leading this initiative and thanks to our partners, ” added Zee Entertainment CBO -international business  Ashok Namboodiri in response to Parul’s post.