ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Cricket body dangles south Asian media rights carrot

    Cricket body dangles south Asian media rights carrot

    LONDON: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fired the starting gun on a potentially lucrative media rights auction, releasing tender documents for broadcasting deals across Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka spanning 2026 to 2028.

    The prize package includes some of cricket’s crown jewels: the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, and the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Women’s cricket gets equal billing with the T20 World Cup 2026 and the inaugural Women’s T20 Champions Trophy.

    Pakistan emerges as the most complex battleground, with the ICC carving up rights into five separate packages covering both men’s and women’s tournaments. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka each get streamlined single-package deals combining television and digital rights—a nod to the region’s rapidly evolving media consumption habits.

    Broadcasters and streaming platforms eyeing the action must contact iccmediarights2024-2031@icc-cricket.com to access tender documents. The ICC promises more invitation-to-tender releases for additional markets in the coming weeks, suggesting a coordinated global push to maximise revenues.

    The timing reflects cricket’s commercial renaissance, particularly in south Asia where the sport commands religious devotion and advertising premiums. Pakistan’s multi-package approach hints at the ICC’s confidence in extracting maximum value from a market where cricket broadcasts routinely deliver audiences in the tens of millions.

    The tender covers four men’s events and three women’s tournaments, underlining the ICC’s commitment to gender parity in its commercial strategy. For broadcasters, the stakes are clear: miss out now, and watch rivals corner one of sport’s most passionate fanbases until 2028.

  • Times Play makes US debut on Sling TV

    Times Play makes US debut on Sling TV

    MUMBAI: Lights, camera, action! Times Play has packed its bags and landed in America. The digital-first OTT platform from Times Network has made its international debut on Sling TV, giving the Indian diaspora in the US a fresh stage to enjoy short-form series, Hindi cinema favourites, documentaries and lifestyle shows tailored just for them.

    Already a familiar name in India, Times Play is the newest addition to Times Network’s strong line-up on Sling, which already beams channels such as Times Now, ET Now and Zoom to American homes.

    Thrilled about the launch, Times Network said the move is designed to deliver a curated and immersive entertainment experience that celebrates the cultural flavours loved by global audiences. From spicy food shows to star-studded Hindi cinema drama, Times Play promises a buffet of viewing options to suit every mood.

    The partnership with Sling TV, known for its diverse international and multicultural programming, marks a milestone in Times Network’s mission to take its premium content global and keep diasporic audiences feeling right at home.

    For the Indian community abroad, the message is clear, with Times Play now on Sling, there’s always something worth watching.

  • SBI Life & BCCI drive breast cancer awareness with ‘Thanks-a-dot’

    SBI Life & BCCI drive breast cancer awareness with ‘Thanks-a-dot’

    MUMBAI: SBI Life Insurance, in partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), took breast cancer awareness to the international stage with the ‘Thanks-a-dot’ initiative. As part of the campaign, the Indian Women’s cricket team donned distinctive pink jerseys featuring the ‘Thanks-a-dot’ logo during their ODI against Australia, using the unifying power of cricket to amplify the life-saving message of early detection and self-examination.

    Ahead of the match, SBI Life leaders along with actress and breast cancer survivor Mahima Chaudhry presented the specially designed jerseys to team India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates, symbolising solidarity and commitment to women’s health.

    SBI Life, president & CDO, M. Anand said, “Thanks-a-dot is our heartfelt effort to empower women with awareness that can save lives. Partnering with BCCI and team India allows us to reach millions and inspire timely action on breast health.”

    The initiative was integrated across multiple match touchpoints, from a reimagined dot ball counter tied to breast health kits for underprivileged women, to the pitch mat emblazoned with the TAD logo. Fans were engaged through symbolic gestures that reinforced the need for awareness and proactive self-checks.

    Launched in 2019, ‘Thanks-a-dot’ has continually innovated to spread its message, including the “hug of life” hot water bag with 3D training lumps to encourage regular breast self-examinations.

    By combining cricket’s reach with education, SBI Life’s ‘Thanks-a-dot’ continues to normalize conversations around breast cancer, reminding women that early detection can make all the difference. Staying true to its philosophy “Apne liye, apno ke liye,” the brand reaffirms its commitment to protection, awareness, and hope for families across India.

  • ‘Road Trippin With Rocky’ S14: Rocky Singh explores Gujarat with HistoryTV18

    ‘Road Trippin With Rocky’ S14: Rocky Singh explores Gujarat with HistoryTV18

    MUMBAI: History TV18’s hit travel-food social series ‘Road trippin with Rocky’ is back with Season 14, and this time all roads lead to Gujarat. As the state gears up for Navratri with colour, music, and celebration, Rocky Singh sets off on a five-day journey to explore its irresistible flavours and vibrant culture.

    Starting 24 September, Rocky’s road trip will take him through Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat: each city serving up a feast of stories and tastes. From fluffy khaman-dhokla and crispy theplas to piping-hot sev usal and the indulgent Surati ghari, the season promises a plateful of Gujarat’s legendary vegetarian delights. Expect impromptu stops at bustling bazaars, late-night food stalls, and street corners where Rocky chats with locals over khakhra, locho, ponk vada, and chai.

    Rocky’s trademark spontaneity, humour, and curiosity ensure that each meal goes beyond food, bringing alive the culture, warmth, and festive energy of Gujarat during its most celebrated season.

    Over the past 13 seasons, ‘Road Trippin With Rocky’ has built a loyal following by blending irresistible food, local culture, and Rocky’s unique storytelling into a format that feels as real as an unscripted road trip. From Tamil Nadu’s coastal trails to Coorg’s misty hills, Rocky has taken viewers across India, amassing over 2 billion impressions and nearly 540 million video views.

    Fans can catch every moment of the Gujarat adventure on Rocky’s and History TV18’s social media handles across Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Expect behind-the-scenes glimpses, quick bites, and conversations that make food the perfect bridge between people and places.

    With Gujarat’s festive season as the backdrop, Rocky’s latest journey promises to prove once again that the best meals and the best memories are the ones you don’t over-plan.

  • Sony Pictures Networks India brings in BCG to slash costs

    Sony Pictures Networks India brings in BCG to slash costs

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has hired Boston Consulting Group to conduct a comprehensive audit of its operations, according to media reports. The review, ordered by new chief executive Gaurav Banerjee (GB to his associates), aims to cut costs and boost efficiency across the broadcaster’s television and digital arms.

    GB, who took the helm in 2024 after the departure of long-serving chief N.P. Singh, is driving the strategic overhaul as India’s broadcast sector grapples with spiralling content costs, fierce competition from digital rivals, regulatory interference and volatile advertising revenues.

    The audit will scrutinise both SPNI’s 28 television channels and SonyLiv, its streaming platform, hunting for redundancies and wasteful spending on programming, marketing and content rights. BCG has been tasked with creating “a roadmap for sharper efficiency”, a senior executive told media outlets.

    The consultancy’s mandate spans linear television and digital operations, with particular focus on aligning content investments with revenue reality. The exercise seeks to eliminate structural inefficiencies and streamline overlapping processes without disrupting core operations.

    Industry analysts say GB’s decision to deploy BCG signals a new era of financial discipline. The timing is critical. SPNI reported revenues of Rs 651.1bn and net profit of Rs 84bn in the financial year ending March 2024. Subscription income reached Rs 320.6bn whilst advertising contributed Rs 282.5bn. Yet content costs are climbing faster than revenue growth, forcing a fundamental reassessment of the business model.

    “The era of unchecked spending is over,” said an industry veteran. “This audit is about building a leaner, sharper SPNI that can weather current pressures and thrive in the next phase of media growth.”

    The BCG review carries symbolic weight beyond operational fixes. For employees, partners and investors, it signals that GB intends to apply rigorous financial scrutiny to SPNI’s expansion plans. For rivals, it demonstrates that whilst SPNI will compete aggressively, it will avoid ruinous spending wars.

  • NDTV pivots to live entertainment with star-studded concert series

    NDTV pivots to live entertainment with star-studded concert series

    NEW DELHI: NDTV, India’s three-decade-old news broadcaster, is striking out into uncharted territory with the launch of NDTV Good Times, a live entertainment venture that promises to bring marquee musical acts to iconic venues across the country.

    The move marks a bold departure for the Delhi-based media house, which has built its reputation on hard news and current affairs. Now it is betting that India’s youthful demographics and growing disposable income will fuel demand for premium live experiences.

    The inaugural lineup reads like a who’s who of Indian music. AR Rahman will perform at Varanasi’s sacred ghats along the Ganges, while Sonu Nigam plans a tribute to legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi at Kashmir’s Dal Lake. The roster also includes composer trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and popular singers Jubin Nautiyal and Neha Kakkar.

    “NDTV has always stood at the intersection of storytelling and society,” said chief executive and editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal. The company aims to “curate iconic performances that will not just entertain but also inspire, connect, and create lasting memories.”

    The venture taps into a global trend where live entertainment has become a cultural force, particularly among younger audiences who prize authentic, shared experiences over passive consumption. India, with one of the world’s youngest populations, appears ripe for such offerings.

    NDTV’s strategy leverages its existing broadcast and digital infrastructure to amplify these events beyond their physical venues. The company has partnered with ticketing platform  District to handle bookings and logistics.

    Rahul Shaw, the newly minted chief experiences officer, positions the initiative as “reimagining the heartbeat” of Indian culture by combining top-tier talent with extraordinary settings.

    The move comes as traditional media companies worldwide grapple with changing consumption patterns and seek new revenue streams. Whether NDTV’s gamble on live entertainment pays off will depend on its ability to translate its storytelling credibility into successful event curation—and whether Indian audiences are ready to pay premium prices for the privilege.

  • Navi Mumbai to host Maharashtra’s first-ever ‘Formula night street race’

    Navi Mumbai to host Maharashtra’s first-ever ‘Formula night street race’

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra is set to make motorsport history as Navi Mumbai gears up to host the state’s first-ever ‘Formula night street race’ this December, marking the grand finale of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF). The announcement was made in the presence of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, during the signing of an Mou between Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd. (RPPL) and Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC).

    For the first time, Navi Mumbai’s streets will transform into a world-class FIA-grade racing circuit. Spanning 3.753 km with 14 turns, the track begins at Palm Beach Road, weaving past scenic stretches of Nerul Lake under floodlights, offering both drivers and fans a thrilling night racing experience.

    The weekend promises double the adrenaline with the Indian Racing League (IRL) and FIA-certified Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC). Top Indian and international racers will battle it out, while spectators enjoy motorsport action against the city’s glowing skyline.

    Fadnavis hailed the event as a milestone for Maharashtra’s motorsport journey, highlighting its potential to inspire young talent, boost tourism, and generate jobs. RPPL, chairman & MD, Akhilesh Reddy, emphasised that Mumbai’s debut street race will set a new benchmark for motorsport in India.

    Blending speed, glamour, and entertainment, the festival will feature celebrity team owners including John Abraham, Arjun Kapoor, Sourav Ganguly, Sudeep Kichcha, Naga Chaitanya, and Swetha Sundeep Anand. With previous successful street races in Hyderabad and Chennai, the Navi Mumbai finale cements India’s place on the global motorsport map.

    In December, the roar of engines, the energy of fans, and Navi Mumbai’s skyline will converge for an unforgettable weekend where speed meets spectacle.

     

  • Cyrus Broacha returns with Newscaustic, roasting the news on News9

    Cyrus Broacha returns with Newscaustic, roasting the news on News9

    MUMBAI: Breaking laughs, not just news. Cyrus Broacha, the original master of spoof and satire, is back to tickle the nation’s funny bone with Newscaustic: ‘Let’s roast with Cyrus Broacha on News9.’

    Premiered last Friday, the show promises a riot of irreverent humour as Cyrus skewers the week’s biggest headlines alongside the quirkiest tales from politics, entertainment, lifestyle and beyond. The format blends sharp commentary with his trademark comic timing, ensuring viewers get their news served sunny-side-up, with a generous sprinkle of wit.

    The buzz began at the ‘News9 Global Summit’ in Dubai this June, where Cyrus set the stage alight with his trademark banter and News9 officially unveiled the show. Speaking about the launch, Cyrus quipped, “Nobody knows if news is serious or not anymore, and it’s not my fault, that’s why I do Newscaustic. So please check it out on News9!”

    The first season airs every Friday at 11:00 pm on News9, with repeats across the weekend, and will also be available on connected, linear and OTT platforms. Adding to the fun, an on-ground edition of Newscaustic will be staged on October 4 at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir in Bandra, Mumbai, with tickets starting at Rs 499.

    “Cyrus Broacha brings with him a legacy of humour that connects across generations,” said TV9 Network, executive vice president & business head, Sanjeev Mulchandani. “With Newscaustic, we are making news more engaging, more relatable and more shareable.”

    TV9 Network, chief revenue officer, Amit Tripathi added, “Humour is a universal connector, and Cyrus is the perfect voice to make news fun without losing its edge.”

    So mark your Fridays, with Cyrus back at the mic, the headlines are guaranteed to sting less and sing more.

  • Sony Pictures locks in media veteran for five-year run

    Sony Pictures locks in media veteran for five-year run

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has secured Gaurav Banerjee as managing director and chief executive officer until August 2029, cementing a five-year tenure that shareholders rubber-stamped at the company’s annual general meeting on 25 August.

    The appointment, effective since August 2024, regularises Banerjee’s position after he joined as an additional director the same month. He stepped into the hot seat last year, replacing NP Singh in a changing of the guard at India’s entertainment behemoth.

    Shareholders also waved through the elevation of general counsel Ritesh Khosla and chief financial officer Sibaji Biswas to whole-time director roles, with five-year terms kicking in from December 2024 and February 2025 respectively. The trio’s appointments follow the Companies Act’s stringent governance requirements, with statutory filings confirming none hold shares in the company or maintain family ties with existing board members.

    The moves come as Sony Pictures Networks India, which trades under the Culver Max Entertainment banner, seeks to fortify its leadership team amid intensifying competition in India’s Rs 1.8 trillion media and entertainment sector. The company operates a stable of 28 television channels spanning genres from news to entertainment, alongside its streaming platform SonyLiv.

    Financial results for FY24 underscore the scale of Banerjee’s mandate: the company clocked revenues of Rs 6,511 crore with net profit hitting Rs 840 crore. Subscription income of Rs 3,206 crore marginally outpaced advertising revenues of Rs 2,825 crore, reflecting the industry’s ongoing pivot towards direct-pay models as traditional advertising faces headwinds.  For Banerjee, the extended tenure offers breathing room to execute long-term strategy in a market where rivals are splashing billions on content and technology.

  • SSEN bids for FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, pledges free streaming for fans

    SSEN bids for FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, pledges free streaming for fans

    MUMBAI: Shrachi Sports Entertainment Network (SSEN), a dedicated sports OTT platform, has placed a bid for the broadcasting rights of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, valued at roughly 2 million dollars (Rs 18-20 crore). If successful, SSEN intends to stream both tournaments entirely free to viewers in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives.

    The bid signals a shift in sports broadcasting strategy, prioritising accessibility over subscription revenue. “This is more than a business move. It is a commitment to inclusivity and reshaping football consumption in the region. By offering the FIFA World Cup free to fans, we are democratising access and laying the foundation for a long-term legacy,” said SSEN chairman Tamal Ghosal.

    SSEN already streams marquee events including the Calcutta Football League and the I-League, and is the first Indian platform to cover the Women’s Bundesliga and the German Handball Bundesliga. The network’s move positions India as an emerging hub in the global football narrative while placing fan access at the centre of its strategy.