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  • Paramount’s Pam Kaufman calls it a day

    Paramount’s Pam Kaufman calls it a day

    MUMBAI: Pam Kaufman, the executive who turned a “yellow sea sponge” into a global merchandising juggernaut, has announced her departure from Paramount after more than two decades with the entertainment giant.

     Kaufman, who served as chief executive of international markets and global consumer products, will leave at the end of the year, though she plans to stay on as a consultant. Her exit comes as David Ellison and Jeff Shell take the reins of the newly restructured media company.

    During her tenure,  Kaufman transformed Paramount’s consumer products division into a $7bn retail business. She oversaw the expansion of iconic franchises including SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Paw Patrol across more than 170 international markets. Under her watch, the company struck lucrative partnerships with brands from Stella McCartney to Supreme, many of which sold out within minutes of launch.

    The executive, who began her career at Nickelodeon in the 1990s, became the network’s first chief marketing officer in 2008. She launched over 20 television programmes and helped the company achieve $1bn in revenue. Her marketing prowess was perhaps best demonstrated with the Kids’ Choice Awards, where she nearly tripled voter participation.

    Kaufman’s international expansion efforts included launching Nickelodeon-themed resorts in Mexico and the United States, whilst the gaming division she oversaw produced hits like Star Trek Fleet Command, which has racked up 20m downloads.

    “We built billion-dollar franchises,” Kaufman wrote in her farewell post on LinkedIn. “We turned a yellow sea sponge into a global icon.”

    The departure marks the end of an era for Paramount, which has been grappling with the rapid shift to streaming whilst trying to maintain its traditional television and film businesses. Kaufman played a crucial role in supporting the international rollout of Paramount+ and Pluto TV.

    Beyond Paramount, Kaufman sits on the boards of Lindblad Expeditions, Stella McCartney, and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation. She will remain in these roles.

    “I’ve truly had the slime of my life,” she quipped, referencing Nickelodeon’s trademark green goo, “in the ‘in between’ with all of you.”

     

  • Steelers turn style raiders with Puma in kabaddi’s coolest crossover

    Steelers turn style raiders with Puma in kabaddi’s coolest crossover

    MUMBAI: Kabaddi just got a wardrobe upgrade. The Haryana Steelers, known for rewriting rules on the mat, have stepped into an all-new arena fashion. In a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Puma India, the team’s official kit partner, the Steelers have launched a stylised campaign that reimagines kabaddi stars not just as athletes but as cultural icons of desi cool.

    The campaign takes kabaddi out of the mud pits and into the mainstream, blending the sport’s raw energy with the swagger of Haryanvi rap, hip hop and street style. It’s a bold statement: kabaddi belongs not just in stadiums but also in playlists, conversations and wardrobes.

    Traditionally, kabaddi players have been showcased through a lens of grit, sweat and physicality. This time, the Steelers are seen in a never-before avatar styled like trendsetters who embody aspiration, pride and pop culture. By tapping into subcultures shaping youth identity in North India, the campaign redefines kabaddi athletes as off-field style leaders.

    “This collaboration with Puma is more than just fashion; it’s about breaking stereotypes,” said Haryana Steelers and JSW Sports CEO Divyanshu Singh. “Kabaddi players are not only athletes; they are cultural icons who inspire a generation. With this campaign, we wanted to showcase their journey in a way today’s youth can relate to and look up to. Our aim is to make kabaddi, and the Haryana Steelers, truly aspirational, something that represents pride, ambition and coolness both on and off the mat.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Puma India head of marketing Shreya Sachdev added: “As the leading sports brand in the country, Puma believes that investing in sport beyond cricket is crucial. Kabaddi is already the second-most watched sports league in India, and the Haryana Steelers have consistently proven their mettle. Now, it’s time for their fans to see them as off-field rockstars too.”

    With this HS x Puma India collaboration, the Haryana Steelers are cementing themselves not just as athletes but as a lifestyle statement. By blending fashion, music and sport, they’re spearheading a cultural shift that positions kabaddi as cool, aspirational and deeply rooted in India’s evolving youth identity.

    From mitti ke akhadas to global conversations, the Steelers are proving kabaddi is more than just a game, it’s a movement.
     

  • Zee bridges borders as India’s regional leaders shine in Mauritius

    Zee bridges borders as India’s regional leaders shine in Mauritius

    MUMBAI: From the heart of India to the heart of the Indian Ocean Zee’s grand Leadership Summit Mauritius 2025 proved that local voices can carry global weight. Hosted by Zee MPCG, Zee BJH, and Zee PHH, the summit, themed “Bridging Borders, Building Futures”, brought India’s regional leadership stories to an international stage for the very first time. Viewers can catch the highlights when it airs on Zee MPCG on 27 September 2025 at 2:30 pm.

    The choice of Mauritius was no accident. With 68 per cent of its population of Indian origin, the island nation embodies centuries of cultural ties and shared heritage. The summit was graced by H.E. Prithvirajsing Roopun, GCSK, former president of Mauritius, who underlined that Mauritius and India are united not only by the Indian Ocean but also by bonds of history and heart. Joining him were Veena S. Suthan, second secretary at the Indian High Commission in Mauritius, and Neelam Sharma, noted Mauritian media personality, adding gravitas and local resonance.

    For Zee Media Corporation Limited, this was more than an event, it was a statement. Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO, ZMCL, stressed, “India’s diversity is its strength. By taking regional stories to a global stage, we build bridges of culture, unity, and progress. With its legacy and reach, Zee has always been the voice of leadership, and this Summit reflects our commitment to amplifying regional voices worldwide.”

    Editors from across Zee’s regional networks amplified their home states with conviction:

    Zee MPCG editor Mohit Sinha “True leadership rises from the grassroots. This Summit ensures emerging leaders from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh inspire audiences in India and abroad.”

    Zee BJH editor Raj Kamal Chaudhary: “The Summit was a perfect platform to spotlight Bihar and Jharkhand’s success stories tales of grit and vision that resonate globally.”

    Zee PHH editor Deepak Dhiman: “Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal symbolise entrepreneurial spirit. Their stories at this Summit reflect how regional ambition translates to global impact.”

    Through panel discussions, cultural showcases, and immersive exchanges, the summit positioned regional India not as a footnote but as a force in shaping the global future. By highlighting journeys from farmers to entrepreneurs, grassroots leaders to cultural icons, it proved that India’s progress narrative is incomplete without its states.

    The Zee Leadership Summit Mauritius 2025 will be remembered as the year when India’s regional leaders, often celebrated locally, took centre stage on the world map. By turning community narratives into global conversations, Zee showed that bridging borders isn’t just possible, it’s powerful.

    And on 27 September, when the highlights beam back to millions of living rooms, viewers won’t just be watching a telecast, they’ll be witnessing history.

  • Bengaluru gets set to run the town with News18 Kannada’s Namma Run

    Bengaluru gets set to run the town with News18 Kannada’s Namma Run

    MUMBAI: Bengaluru, lace up the city’s about to swap traffic jams for running shoes. News18 Kannada has announced its debut Namma Run, South Edition, a first-of-its-kind city marathon that hits the streets on 28 September 2025, promising to be as much a celebration of community spirit as it is of fitness.

    The action begins at St. Joseph’s Ground (opposite UB City), with none other than Kannada cinema’s beloved Karunada Chakravarthy, Shiva Rajkumar, inaugurating the event. His presence brings a touch of star power and local pride, setting the stage for what aims to be a landmark fitness festival in the heart of Bengaluru.

    Far from being just a serious runner’s affair, Namma Run is designed as a carnival of inclusivity. Kids can sprint through 1 km and 2 km fun runs or take on a 3 km timed run, while families and grandparents can stroll the 3 km walkathon together. Adults can test their endurance in the 5 km and 10 km fun runs, or step up to the challenge with 5K and 10K timed runs that will bring out Bengaluru’s competitive spirit.

    In short, whether you’re a sneaker-clad school kid, a weekend jogger, or a full-blown marathon junkie, there’s a track waiting with your name on it.

    Bengaluru is just the start. This is the inaugural edition of Namma Run, which will soon set pace across South India with Hyderabad in November, Chennai in December, and Kochi in early 2026 already on the cards. Registration for the Bengaluru run is now open, inviting the city to make history with its first step.

    No marathon is complete without support, and Namma Run comes powered by an impressive lineup. Casagrand leads as presenting sponsor, with Amity University stepping in as co-presenting sponsor. Fybros Smart Electrical Creations and Reliance power the initiative, while Off Limits adds the sporting gear as merchandise partner. Keeping health in check is Narayana Health, while Decathlon takes the title of sports partner. Special support comes from Prominence, Repose Mattress, and Meenakshi TMT, with Twin Birds joining as associate partner.

    At its core, Namma Run is about more than kilometres, it’s about community. By combining inclusivity, competition, and culture, the event seeks to transform a Sunday into a festival of fitness. With music, energy, and the city’s unmistakable buzz, 28 September promises to be a day Bengaluru will remember as the start of something bigger.

    So, whether you’re chasing a personal best or just out for the joy of it, one thing’s certain: Bengaluru is about to run the town.

  • Insight TV creates media powerhouse after swooping on distressed rival

    Insight TV creates media powerhouse after swooping on distressed rival

    AMSTERDAM: Insight TV, the Dutch unscripted television channel operator, has unveiled World Storytelling Media Group (WSMG) to house its expanding empire after mopping up the distribution assets of bankrupt factual producer Off The Fence (OTF) this summer.

    The newly minted parent company will corral both firms under one roof, merging their commercial teams into a unified sales force. WSMG will make its bow at next month’s Mipcom television market as Insight TV marks its tenth anniversary.

    The tie-up creates a formidable catalogue spanning automotive, food and lifestyle programming from Insight TV alongside OTF’s factual fare—with promises of fresh genres to follow. Insight TV will continue expanding its stable of seven pay-TV and fast channels across global feeds, whilst centralising all intellectual property and rights investments within OTF’s operation.

    The reshuffle places OTF’s acquisition team, led by Loren Baxter, at the heart of content buying for both the channels and third-party producers. She will work closely with , Insight TV’s director of programming and scheduling Sarah Reed, and global vice-president of fast and content Lisette Schlippe to feed the group’s growing appetite for unscripted shows.

    Key Insight TV executives are joining OTF’s sales ranks. Sam Thomson becomes senior vice-president of content sales for North America and global networks, whilst former Fox hand Joanna Rowley takes charge of Asia-Pacific, Britain and Ireland. Inês Isidro will handle the Benelux, Brazil and Portugal territories.

    “The launch of WSMG heralds a new era to better facilitate the discovery of high-quality IP for partners and audiences at this moment of seismic change in our industry,” said , Insight TV chief executive Viktoriia Tkachenko. The group aims to offer producers access to traditional linear channels, fast platforms, YouTube “and indeed whatever comes next”.

    OTF chief executive Bo Stehmeier  boasted of assembling “arguably the most experienced and largest factual commercial team under one roof”. The ambition, he said, is creating “a true one-stop shop for the global non-scripted storytelling community”

  • Breaking the Language Barrier: India Today Goes Multilingual with CAMB.AI

    Breaking the Language Barrier: India Today Goes Multilingual with CAMB.AI

    MUMBAI: When it comes to making headlines, India Today is literally speaking everyone’s language. In a first-of-its-kind global move, CAMB.AI, the AI-powered multilingual communication pioneer, has teamed up with The India Today Group (ITG) to make live news accessible across languages and continents. The announcement comes ahead of IBC 2025, where CAMB.AI will showcase its technology at booth 5H49 from 12-15 September.

    This collaboration is designed to co-create cutting-edge language solutions that extend ITG’s reach beyond English, into Hindi and other regional Indian languages, and even to non-resident Indians worldwide. In doing so, the partnership promises to deliver trusted journalism to over 750 million monthly readers, viewers, and digital consumers who engage with ITG’s vast portfolio from India Today magazine to Aaj Tak, Business Today, and Lallantop.

    CAMB.AI, already a game-changer in live sports broadcasting with its speech-to-speech translation tech available in more than 150 languages, will now bring the same magic to the newsroom. The technology not only translates but preserves the authenticity, emotion, and accents of each speaker, ensuring that live news remains true to its source while crossing linguistic borders.

    “Quality information shouldn’t be limited by language,” said India Today group managing editor for production Samkhya Edamaruku. “Our enhanced capabilities now add inclusivity to credibility. By leveraging AI to overcome language barriers, we are making trusted journalism accessible to a more diverse audience, helping to build a more informed and connected world.”

    CAMB.AI co-founder and CTO Akshat Prakash added, “For 50 years, India Today has led with innovation and creativity. Being their first live news translation partner validates our growth plans in India and Southeast Asia. We are already exploring ways to expand ITG’s reach even further.”

    This partnership comes at a pivotal time. India is fast emerging as one of the world’s largest digital economies, with a diverse audience hungry for content in their native languages. Multilingual reach is no longer just a global strategy, it’s a local imperative. Through CAMB.AI’s AI-powered solutions, ITG is set to engage audiences at an unprecedented scale, making news consumption not only accessible but also personalised and culturally resonant.

    The India Today Group itself has been a trailblazer in media since its inception in 1975. Renowned for its credibility and bold storytelling, ITG has consistently championed independent journalism across television, print, digital, mobile, and audio platforms. It has also led innovations like integrated newsrooms, AI-powered news anchors, and digital-first initiatives, alongside hosting marquee events such as the India Today Conclave and Sahitya Aaj Tak.

    With CAMB.AI’s real-time multilingual translation and India Today’s trusted content, this collaboration signals a new era where language is no longer a barrier, but a bridge bringing news to the world with speed, authenticity, and reach like never before. Attendees at IBC 2025 can experience this futuristic newsroom in action at booth 5H49, where CAMB.AI will demonstrate how AI is transforming not just sports, but news itself.

     

  • TVU links Modi summit across 25 sites

    TVU links Modi summit across 25 sites

    MUMBAI: When the world tuned in to hear what India thinks, the cloud did the talking. TVU Networks’ cloud-powered broadcast solutions stitched together 25 venues across the globe for the “What India thinks today” summit in New Delhi, headlined by prime minister Narendra Modi.

    The two-day event at Bharat Mandapam brought together leaders and influencers to debate India’s role in the new world order. Behind the scenes, TV9 Network leaned on TVU’s tech stack: Partyline, Anywhere and One, to keep conversations seamless and audiences connected in real time.

    The numbers tell the story. Sub-300 millisecond latency ensured smooth exchanges that felt as if participants were in the same room. The entire system was up and running in less than a day, slashing timelines that usually stretch to a week. And uninterrupted HD transmission held steady across international and domestic venues, even when networks were under strain.

    The payoff was more than technical. The cloud-driven approach cut deployment costs and complexity while giving TV9 the freedom to focus on content rather than configuration.

    “Delivering a truly global, interactive summit required agility and reliability,” said TV9 Network CTO Badari Prasad S. “TVU’s cloud ecosystem delivered both, setting a new benchmark for live connectivity.”

    TVU Networks GM south Asia Subodh Aggarwal added, “This shows how our cloud solutions can eliminate borders while reducing costs and complexity.”

    By powering a multi-venue, interactive broadcast of this scale, TVU Networks has underlined how cloud technology is reshaping live production worldwide. For global broadcasters chasing speed, scale and simplicity, the message is clear: the future is in the cloud.

  • Asianet rules Malayali hearts with 64 per cent prime-time viewership share

    Asianet rules Malayali hearts with 64 per cent prime-time viewership share

    MUMBAI: When it comes to Malayali entertainment, Asianet isn’t just leading the pack, it’s setting the rhythm of prime time itself. With a commanding 64 per cent share of urban prime-time viewership, nearly two out of every three urban Malayalis now reach for the remote only to land on Asianet. That’s not just a number, it’s a cultural footprint proof that Asianet has cracked the code of storytelling that entertains, inspires, and reflects everyday Kerala life.

    Front and centre in this success story is the juggernaut that is Bigg Boss Season 7. The show alone drives 24 per cent of Asianet’s total viewership, making it the single-largest prime-time engine across Malayalam television. Compared to last season, the current edition has levelled up dramatically weekday audiences are up 14 per cent, while weekends have surged a whopping 23 per cent.

    What explains this pull? A volatile mix of drama, emotional storytelling, and a cast that sparks conversations from dining tables to office chai breaks. Bigg Boss has transformed into more than a TV format, it’s a social ritual that spills into memes, reels, and debates in every Malayali Whatsapp group.

    Reality may be booming, but fiction is hardly lagging behind. Asianet’s weekday line-up continues to hold families glued with stories that echo Malayali life. Chempaneer Poovu, Patharamattu, Pavithram, and Teacheramma remain household favourites, weaving tales of dilemmas, resilience and small triumphs. Meanwhile, newer entrants like Mazhathorum Munpe are steadily winning loyalty, proving Asianet has mastered the delicate balance of nostalgia and novelty.

    Asianet’s power doesn’t stop at serials and reality. The channel has carved a niche with its marquee cultural specials and premieres events that feel less like programming and more like festive gatherings. The nostalgia-packed Maveli Kottaram, the adrenaline-filled star singer special event, and the much-talked-about premiere of Thudarum have created moments that transcend living rooms and bind generations together.

    Since its birth in 1993, Asianet has been more than just a channel. Over 32 years, it has mirrored Malayali aspirations, frustrations, and celebrations, standing by as a cultural companion through shifting eras of broadcast and format. Today, its reach goes beyond Kerala, stretching across the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia, ensuring the global Malayali diaspora feels connected to its roots.

    Even as formats change and new platforms emerge, Asianet continues to feel contemporary while staying rooted in tradition. It remains the gold standard in Malayalam entertainment. a channel that’s less of a broadcaster, more of a family member.

    Because in Kerala, prime time isn’t a slot, it’s Asianet time.

  • GST 2.0 reloads India’s growth story at Network18’s power-packed summit

    GST 2.0 reloads India’s growth story at Network18’s power-packed summit

    MUMBAI: Talk about tax reform with extra firepower Network18’s Reforms Reloaded 2025 lived up to its billing as India’s biggest policy stage, convening the nation’s top minds just as GST 2.0 kicked in on 22 September 2025. Policymakers, CEOs, economists, defence strategists, and global investors gathered in Delhi to decode how the new regime could reshape India’s economic trajectory and set the tone for its Vision 2030 leap.

    The day was packed with insights, optimism, and the occasional hard truth. From GST reforms to defence indigenisation, divestment to digitisation, leaders sketched out how India could convert reform rhetoric into real, lasting impact.

    Chief economic advisor V Anantha Nageswaran called GST 2.0 “a very significant landmark reform”, predicting it will provide a “very significant boost to domestic demand”. Coupled with recent tax concessions, he said, the multiplier effect would “quite definitely boost GDP numbers”, with FY26 growth expected towards the upper end of the 6.3–6.8 per cent range.

    Tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasised that the reforms would touch lives across strata, “from a farmer to a millionaire in Mumbai,” with 95 per cent of goods seeing a reduction in taxes. This, he argued, would put more money into consumers’ pockets, spur MSMEs, and even boost domestic tourism.

    Consumer affairs minister Pralhad Joshi went a step further, hailing GST 2.0 as “the biggest reform since 1975”. He announced a dedicated consumer helpline to tackle complaints about GST benefits not being passed on and praised the new online input credit refund system: “Compliances have been simplified, refunds have been made online… what can be a bigger relief for businesses?”

    DIPAM secretary Arunish Chawla highlighted how reforms in capital markets were democratising investment. Despite FIIs pulling out Rs 1 lakh crore between January and August, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) poured in Rs 5 lakh crore, with two-thirds of DIIs now individual investors. “As markets stabilise, we will bring in more OFS, minority stake sales and IPOs, and exceed this year’s Rs 47,000 crore divestment target,” Chawla said, cautioning against obsession with headline figures.

    Defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh spotlighted the government’s push for self-reliance, announcing 25–30 billion dollars in annual capex for the next decade, with 75 per cent of that to be spent within India. The move, he argued, would not only strengthen defence capabilities but also catalyse indigenous manufacturing and innovation.

    Beyond GST, panellists debated India’s reform roadmap: asset monetisation, renewable energy, frontier tech, and reshaping globalisation in India’s favour. The mood was decidedly optimistic that GST 2.0, alongside these reforms, could power a competitive, consumption-led economy.

    Network18 (Broadcast) CEO Avinash Kaul framed the day’s significance: “At a time when global economic shifts and technological disruption are transforming industries, Reforms Reloaded sparks future-focused conversations on governance, GST, and India’s evolving role in the global economy.”

    By the end of the summit, one thing was clear: GST 2.0 isn’t just another acronym in India’s policy alphabet soup. It’s the pivot around which India’s growth story for the next decade will turn, a story that leaders at Reforms Reloaded believe could make Bharat both resilient at home and credible on the world stage.

    Because when it comes to India’s economic future, the message from the summit was loud and clear: it’s time to reform, reload, and rise.

  • Phorce Club joins forces with Cheteshwar Pujara to popularise Pickleball in India

    Phorce Club joins forces with Cheteshwar Pujara to popularise Pickleball in India

    MUMBAI: Phorce Club, a pioneering company building the Pickleball ecosystem in India, has appointed former Indian cricket stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara as its brand ambassador.

    As Pickleball rapidly emerges as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, Phorce Club aims to lead its adoption nationwide. Pujara, known for his focus, discipline, and consistency on the cricket field, embodies the qualities the brand seeks to inspire across households, combining professional grit with everyday fitness.

    Phorce Club operates across the full spectrum of the sport, from designing and manufacturing equipment, to developing accessible Pickleball courts, and organising national tournaments and leagues to foster skill, engagement, and community. The company is led by founders Sujay Jairaj, Premal Shah, and Heman Ajmera, whose combined expertise drives grassroots participation, business foresight, and strategic sustainability.

    Phorce Club, co-founder, Premal Shah, said, “Sport is more than fitness; it is a pathway to resilience, community, and collective growth. Cheteshwar Pujara embodies the Phorce mindset: focus, determination, and strength. With his support, we aim to take Pickleball beyond recreation and inspire every Indian to embrace both physical vitality and mental resilience.”

    “The brand’s philosophy resonates deeply with me, true strength lies in persistence, focus, and collective growth. I’m delighted to be associated with Phorce Club. Together, we want to encourage people across India to push their boundaries and discover the Phorce within,” Pujara added.

    Phorce Club plans to roll out nationwide campaigns, community-building initiatives, motivational content series, and Phorce Clubs in major cities, serving as hubs for fitness, recreation, and networking. Partnerships with schools and NGOs will expand Pickleball access to underprivileged children, reflecting the brand’s belief that sport is both a right and a catalyst for empowerment.