ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • India TV chairman Rajat Sharma elected as president of NBDA

    India TV chairman Rajat Sharma elected as president of NBDA

    Mumbai: India TV chairman Rajat Sharma has been elected as the President of the news broadcasters & digital association (NBDA),for another term in 2024-25. the largest organization of news broadcasters in India, consisting of almost all major news networks in the country. The appointments took place during NBDA’s board meeting held at 9 July 2024

    Addressing the NBDA, Rajat Sharma remarked on the significant challenges facing news broadcasters today. “There is a concentrated effort to discredit the news broadcast industry,” he said. “A section of the digital media is being misused to constantly attack news broadcasters. We have to work together to fight this menace.”

    Sharma further emphasised the pressures faced by those in the news industry, stating, “Our editors, anchors, and reporters are being targeted. They are working under tremendous pressure as an ecosystem has been created to consistently threaten their credibility. It is our responsibility to ensure that they get a fearless atmosphere to deliver fair news.”

     

  • &pictures to premiere “Bheed” on 12 July

    &pictures to premiere “Bheed” on 12 July

    Mumbai: “Bheed” promises to redefine storytelling, breaking norms and exploring new narrative horizons. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the movie follows a dedicated police officer facing the daunting task of preventing migrant workers from crossing the border. As he navigates this crisis, he discovers pervasive prejudice and deep human suffering, transforming his duty into a passionate fight for humanity. Directed by the acclaimed Anubhav Sinha, the film features a stellar cast including Pankaj Kapur, Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza, and Kritika Kamra.

    Rajkummar Rao shared his excitement for the premiere on &pictures, saying, “This film isn’t just a project; it’s like opening a door to uncharted storytelling. &pictures is the perfect home for our unique journey, and I’m genuinely thrilled to share this experience with everyone. ‘Bheed’ is not your typical movie; it’s an exploration, a challenge to norms, and I can’t wait for the audience to dive into this distinctive narrative.”

    Dia Mirza added, “I truly believe that if we protect Mother Earth, she will protect us right back. Bheed resonates deeply with the challenges humanity faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and being part of a story that addresses such profound themes has always been, both, rewarding and invigorating. The pandemic made it abundantly clear that we have to change the way we live, produce, manufacture, and consume. Shooting this film has been an emotional journey, a transformative one more than anything and I’m eager for audiences of &pictures to embark on this exploration of humanity and resilience.”

    Director Anubhav Sinha expresses his enthusiasm for the premiere on &pictures, saying, “For us, ‘Bheed’ is more than a film; it’s an exploration of the human experience. I truly believe that with its premiere on &pictures, we will be able to reach a wider audience who will be able to understand the crux of the film. Shooting with the cast of Bheed was truly a delight making it a memorable experience for the whole team.”

    Join &pictures on 12 July at 10:15 pm for an unforgettable experience with “Bheed”.

  • Ultimate Table Tennis and Viacom18 extend broadcast deal to boost table tennis revolution

    Ultimate Table Tennis and Viacom18 extend broadcast deal to boost table tennis revolution

    Mumbai: Ultimate Table Tennis has partnered with Viacom18 to bring world-class table tennis action from the upcoming season of the league. UTT 2024 is scheduled to be held in Chennai from August 22 to September 7 and will be streamed on JioCinema for free and broadcasted on the Sports18 Network.

    This deal earmarks the second year of partnership between UTT and Viacom18 following a successful collaboration last season. The franchise-based league, which is in its fifth season, will witness 17 days of high-voltage and entertaining action as JioCinema and the Sports18 Network will bring high-octane matches in English and Hindi for table tennis and sports enthusiasts.

    Launched in 2017 and promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India, UTT has rapidly become one of the most sought-after global sports properties in table tennis. The league has played a significant role in the growth of Indian table tennis, contributing to India’s historic qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

    Talking about the association, UTT co-promoters Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani, expressed:
    “Our partnership with Viacom18 highlights our mutual dedication to expanding table tennis in India. With their mandate for the Paris 2024, Viacom18 will showcase our top Indian paddlers as they compete on the biggest stage. The transition to UTT 2024 following the Olympics will be seamless. Viacom18’s extensive reach and commitment to sports streaming and broadcasting will ensure that the excitement of UTT 2024 is felt in every corner of the country.”

    The league garnered a combined viewership of more than 33 million over 18 days on JioCinema and the Sports18 Network last season. This year expanding its footprint, UTT will feature eight teams for the first time with the addition of Ahmedabad SG Pipers and Jaipur Patriots. The other six teams participating in this edition are: PBG Bengaluru Smashers, Dabang Delhi TTC, U Mumba TT, Goa Challengers, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis and Chennai Lions.

    UTT adds on to the already diverse sporting portfolio of Viacom18, which is home to world-class sporting events, including the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024, Diamond League, select BWF events, BCCI Cricket, TATA IPL, TATA WPL, SA20, Major League Cricket (MLC) and the NBA among others.

    “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Ultimate Table Tennis. The league has captivated the audience by putting high-quality competition and fine performances by Indian and international star paddlers on the centre stage,” said Viacom18 Sports head of strategy, acquisitions, & partnerships Hursh Shrivastava. “We are particularly delighted to present the best Indian paddlers such as Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula who will be returning from their Olympic rendezvous as they throw their hat in the ring for UTT 2024.”

    A total of 48 premier paddlers, including top Indian players like Achanta Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Sreeja Akula alongside 16 global stars such as World No. 9 Bernadette Szocs, World No. 16 Nina Mittelham and Nigeria’s ace player Quadri Aruna, are set to compete in the UTT 2024.

    The player draft will take place in Mumbai on July 10.  

  • Warner Bros Discovery kicks off July with epic tales and adventures for kids

    Warner Bros Discovery kicks off July with epic tales and adventures for kids

    Mumbai: Welcoming the monsoon season, Warner Bros Discovery has come up with an incredible roaster of captivating shows and movies that are poised to ignite kids’ imaginations and keep them entertained throughout the month of July. Young viewers will join their favourite characters in thrilling quests, epic battles, and hilarious adventures that will surely keep them entertained. From the new show ‘Larva’ to new episodes of ‘My Hero Academia’ and ‘One Piece’ on Cartoon Network to new episodes of epic tales celebrating Indian culture and the theme of friendship with ‘Jay Jagannath’ on POGO, and the world of ‘Titoo’ – is a must-watch lineup for kids and families.

    Get ready for an electrifying kick of entertainment with a mix of new anime and nostalgia only on Cartoon Network. Fans are in absolute treat and adventure this July, as the channel is excited to announce a new show ‘Larva’ featuring spectacular chemistry between two larvae who never speak but make expressive sounds, starting from 22 July, Monday to Friday at 2 pm and 6:30 pm in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam.

    With brand new episodes of ‘My Hero Academia – Season 5’ every Sunday at 11:30 am to brand new season of ‘My Hero Academia – Season 6’ starting from 21 July, every Sunday at 11:30 am, fans will witness how the climactic battle between the Heroes with the students of U.A. High School, including Izuku Midoriya, and the villains of the Paranormal Liberation Front led by Tomura Shigaraki. Not only this, with brand new episodes of ‘One Piece Land of Wano Arc’ every Monday to Friday at 9 pm, the channel will keep viewers on the edge of their seats as Straw Hat pirates led by Monkey D Luffy attempt to triumph against all odds at sea.

    Fun continues on POGO, as fans will witness an exciting extravaganza of shows in July beginning with a brand-new season of ‘Jay Jagannath’ from Monday to Friday at 9:30 am, where fans will witness fusion of action, humour, and life lessons between Lord Jagannath and his devoted companion Balram. Another adventure awaits as ‘Chhota Bheem’ is on another thrilling journey in the all-new Big Picture: ‘Kirmada aur Zuhu: Qayamat Shuru’ airing every Sunday at 11:30 am starting 14 July. Chhota Bheem and his friends will also take all fans on an epic rollercoaster ride as they will face a formidable challenge when Kirmada returns and teams up with Zuhu to unleash chaos and destruction. Additionally, fans will also witness how ‘Little Singham’ battles his nemesis Kaal in a perilous alternate universe to save his town and restore order against new threats and challenges in the new Big Picture line ups featuring ‘Little Singham’ in ‘Kaal Ka Kaalverse’ from 21 July, every Sunday at 12:15 pm.

    New movies and shows will be the flavour of the month on POGO! On 28 July at 1 pm, fans will witness ‘Little Singham’ facing the return of his formidable adversary, Aparshatru, leading to an intense battle with the 2D telefeature ‘Bahubali Friends: Revenge of Aparshatru’.

    The excitement doesn’t end here! Kids and families will also get to enter the fun and friendship filled world of ‘Titoo’ from Monday to Friday at 6 pm and Saturday to Sunday at 9:30 am only on Discovery Kids.

    Get ready for an exhilarating and laughter-filled July as Warner Bros Discovery’s kids’ entertainment channels are all geared to present an extraordinary lineup of shows and movies!

  • Colors Kannada launches all new family drama Nanna Devru

    Colors Kannada launches all new family drama Nanna Devru

    Mumbai: Staying true to its commitment of captivating audiences, Colors Kannada, is back with another captivating show, Nanna Devru.

    Nanna Devru narrates the story between a revered philanthropist and his devoted disciple. The show follows Mayuri, a kind-hearted nurse from a humble background in Brahmadurga. Mayuri works at one of the many charity hospitals run by Sacchidananda, a well-known philanthropist and industrialist admired for his extensive social work. Mayuri holds Sacchidananda in the highest regard, viewing him as a living embodiment of virtue and wants to follow in his footsteps.

    Sacchidananda, a 44-year-old widowed father of a 20-year-old daughter Sakshi, who is the opposite of her father, rebellious in nature and revolts against her father’s decisions. Due to Sacchidananda devoting himself to the people’s cause, Sakshi has become distant and lives away from him to work in Bengaluru as a bartender which causes a lot of heartache to Sachidananda. Sacchidananda hopes to gain his daughter’s confidence one day.  

    Mayuri, a 24-year-old is an orphan, raised by her adopted parents Sukumar and Madhavi. Sukumar is a cab driver and Madhavi a homemaker. Mayuri is educated at the institutions run by Sacchidananda and working as a nurse in one of his hospitals, Mayuri deeply admires Sacchidananda’s philanthropic work. She is fiercely loyal and willing to go to any lengths to safeguard his reputation and protect him during challenging times.

    Nanna Devru explores how their lives intertwine after their encounter. The story revolves around Mayuri’s unwavering support as she helps Sacchidananda navigate the treacherous web of conspiracies woven against him by his envious family members. The narrative celebrates the unwavering innocence of a village girl who overcomes numerous obstacles to shield Sacchidananda, offering a unique and heartwarming experience for viewers.

    Mayuri Kyathari, the beloved star of the blockbuster show Ashwini Nakshatra, is back on Colors Kannada as Mayuri with the show Nanna Devru. Alongside her is Avinash Divakar, the grandson of Kannada comic legend Narashimharaju. He is an actor and dabbles as an art director and film director, who portrays the philanthropist, Sacchidananda. The show has a talented cast including Yukta Malnad, Swathi, V Manohar, Rekha Das, Nishitha Gowda, Malathi Sudhir, Yamuna Shrinidhi, Ravi Brahma, Abhishek Shrikanth, and many more.

    Shruthi Naidu, the successful producer behind Olavina Nildana, helms the production of Nanna Devru. Ramesh Indira, currently renowned for his captivating antagonist roles, directs the show alongside Shruthi Naidu.

    Colors Kannada business head Prashanth Nayak.B expressed his enthusiasm for the show: “As a brand, we are always loved by our audiences for bringing frbesh stories and their successful execution. Continuing that legacy, Nanna Devru presents a captivating narrative that explores the themes of innocence and righteousness. It showcases how these virtues navigate relentless challenges to achieve a greater purpose – social service. Having Shruti Naidu and Ramesh Indira adds immense value to this unique story.”

    Gear up for an emotional journey filled with innocence and righteousness! Nanna Devru premieres exclusively on Colors Kannada starting today at 6:30 pm, airing Monday through Saturday. The show will also be available on JioCinema.
     

  • Zee Marathi launches ‘Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada’

    Zee Marathi launches ‘Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada’

    Mumbai: Zee Marathi has launched its new cinematic television show, “Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada”, with the ambition to set new standards in Marathi GECs. The premise of the show based on the brother-sister bond is unique and not explored on Marathi television. To capture the authentic beauty and culture of Maharashtra, the show was filmed on location in Satara. The characters’ journeys are depicted on an unprecedented cinematic scale. The show’s unique narrative demanded a campaign of grand proportions, to captivate audiences across Maharashtra. From the initial release of the promotional video on social media, the response was nothing short of phenomenal, sparking excitement and anticipation. The campaign, powered by music, features the “Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada” song, set to become the Marathi brother-sister anthem.

    The launch of the show was befitting its cinematic feel when a larger-than-life 30-feet cutout of the character ‘Surya Dada’ was unveiled in Satara, where the storyline is based. This initiative created buzz and garnered attention at the grand premiere with the press and audience alike. The cutout was unveiled by the main cast of the show, Nitish Chavan, and Disha Pardeshi, along with the show’s producer, Shweta Shinde, in the presence of a live audience.

    The activity was followed by an on-ground premiere of the show for audiences and press alike. The response and the anticipation generated for the content have been heartening. In line with the scale of the campaign, airing a ‘Curtain Raiser’ for a fiction show was an unprecedented first for Marathi television.

    Zee Marathi and Zee Kannada chief content officer Raghavendra Hunsur expressed, “‘Our latest project, ‘Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada’, is set to revolutionize the Marathi TV landscape with its innovative storytelling and production quality approach. This serial promises to offer viewers an unparalleled cinematic experience, showcasing a compelling narrative that delves into the intricate dynamics of sibling relationships. With a focus on themes of love, duty, and familial bonds, the show is poised to resonate deeply with audiences. This ambitious venture underscores our dedication to pushing the boundaries of television content and marks a significant milestone in Marathi television. We are proud to bring this groundbreaking project to viewers and look forward to celebrating this new era in Marathi television together.”

    Zee Marathi chief channel officer V.R. Hema shared, “‘Lakhat Ek Amcha Dada’ exemplifies Zee Marathi’s dedication to captivating storytelling and engaging viewing experiences. The show highlights the beautiful yet underexplored relationship between brothers and sisters, bringing to the fore an evocative and inspiring tale of a brother who supports his sister’s aspirations and tackles the societal conditioning that inhibits them. The premiere event in Satara was a tremendous success, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd in full support of their beloved character, Surya Dada. The energy and excitement at the event underlined the show’s growing anticipation and set the stage for a remarkable television experience.”

  • Collaboration between Sony Sports Network and UEFA Euro holds immense significance for the Indian market: Rajesh Kaul

    Collaboration between Sony Sports Network and UEFA Euro holds immense significance for the Indian market: Rajesh Kaul

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network has geared up to elevate the sports broadcasting experience in India with its role as the official broadcaster partner for the ongoing UEFA European Championship (Euros). For Sony Sports Network, this partnership represents more than just airing matches—it’s about delivering premium football content that resonates deeply with Indian audiences.

    The network’s strategy includes enhancing the viewing experience with cutting-edge features such as high-definition broadcasts, multilingual commentary options, and interactive elements, ensuring every fan can enjoy the games to the fullest.

    Beyond technical enhancements, Sony Sports Network is focused on fostering a vibrant community of football enthusiasts in India. By engaging directly with fans and creating compelling content around the Euros, the network aims to deepen connections and cultivate long-lasting viewer loyalty.

    The growing popularity of European football in India is undeniable, with an increasing fan base eagerly following international tournaments like the Euros. This trend reflects a broader shift in sports preferences among Indian audiences, presenting Sony Sports Network with opportunities to expand its influence in the sports broadcasting landscape.

    Indiantelevision.com caught with SPNI’s Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul.

    Edited excerpts

    On the significance of Sony Sports Network being the official broadcasting partner for the Euros in India

    The collaboration between Sony Sports Network and UEFA Euro holds immense significance for the Indian market, as Indian audiences now have access to top-tier European club football.  Once we included regional language commentary in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Bengali it greatly enhanced viewership. The viewership impressions for UEFA EURO 2020 were more than triple those of the previous edition, reflecting the growing interest in international football in India.

    Moreover, the involvement of prestigious brands such as State Bank of India, Honda Motorcycles, Pepsi, and Yamaha among others, in addition to the ones we are in the process of onboarding, further amplifies the event’s appeal and commercial viability in the Indian market.

    Additionally, Sony Sports Network’s effective marketing strategies, like the appointment of Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan as the brand ambassador for football, aim to engage a younger, more affluent audience, expanding the sport’s reach beyond traditional markets like Northeast India, Goa, Kerala, and West Bengal. The integration of digital platforms like SonyLIV ensures that matches are accessible both on television and online, catering to the evolving consumption habits of modern viewers who prefer streaming content. Overall, the collaboration between Sony Sports Network and UEFA underscores the network’s commitment to enhancing the football viewing experience in India and fostering the sport’s growth by making it more accessible and engaging for a diverse audience.

    On Sony Sports Network enhancing the viewing experience through high-definition broadcasts, multilingual commentary, and interactive features.

    Sony Sports Network is dedicated to enhancing the viewing experience for football fans through a combination of high-definition broadcasts, multilingual commentary, interactive features, and expert analysis. By leveraging state-of-the-art technology, Sony Sports Network ensures that all matches are broadcast in high-definition, providing viewers with a more immersive and engaging experience that captures every detail of the action on the pitch.

    In addition to high-definition broadcasts, Sony Sports Network has significantly expanded its multilingual commentary offerings. Recognizing the diverse linguistic landscape of India, the network provides commentary in multiple regional languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali. This approach not only makes the content accessible to a broader audience but also enhances viewer connection and engagement by delivering the game in their preferred language.

    To further bring fans closer to UEFA Euro 2024, Sony Sports Network has assembled a robust group of expert panellists. This distinguished lineup includes former France captain Patrice Evra, former India captains Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, former India forward Robin Singh, India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and former international stars David James, Don Hutchison, Terry Phelan, Ashley Westwood, and Mark Seagraves. The in-depth analysis provided by these experts on the Football Extraaa show during the tournament will significantly bolster the viewing experience, offering fans valuable insights and perspectives.

    On the inspiration of “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign

    The “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign was inspired by our desire to celebrate the grand scale and universal appeal of UEFA Euro 2024 in a way that resonates deeply with Indian football fans. Football is growing rapidly in India, and we wanted to create a campaign that captures the excitement, passion, and festivity associated with this major tournament. Our goal was to not only highlight the tournament’s importance but also to engage a wider audience and bring the vibrant football community in India together in anticipation of the event.

    Kartik Aaryan was a natural choice as the brand ambassador for this campaign. His immense popularity, charismatic personality, and genuine love for sports make him an ideal figure to connect with our target audience. Kartik’s appeal spans across different age groups and regions, making him the perfect spokesperson to convey the excitement of UEFA Euro 2024.

    In the campaign, Kartik dons the avatar of an alien to symbolize the universal appeal and excitement surrounding the event, emphasizing that UEFA Euro 2024 is not just a football tournament but a global festival that transcends boundaries. His involvement adds a touch of entertainment and relatability, ensuring the campaign resonates with fans across the country.

    On sharing more details about the marketing strategy behind this campaign

    “Universe Ka Sabse Bada Football Festival of 2024” campaign aimed to maximize engagement, reach, and excitement for UEFA Euro 2024 among Indian football fans. Our strategy focused on tapping into various media channels, to create a ubiquitous presence, ensuring that the campaign reaches fans wherever they are. Recognizing India’s linguistic diversity, we are providing content in multiple regional languages, including advertisements, commentary, and interactive content in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali, to resonate with a broader audience and make them feel included in the excitement.

    Kartik Aaryan’s involvement as the brand ambassador is a crucial component of our strategy. His popularity and wide appeal make him an effective bridge to connect with our target demographic. Kartik posted the campaign look and video on his official X and Instagram accounts, which garnered over 127K engagements, highlighting the campaign’s wide reach and his influential presence. His portrayal of an alien in the campaign symbolizes the universal allure of UEFA Euro 2024, adding a fun and relatable element to the promotion. We have created a variety of engaging content, including new-look graphics, teaser videos, and campaign film, all designed to build anticipation and encourage fan participation.

    We are also partnering with famous sports personalities to amplify the campaign’s reach, and create maximum buzz and engagement for UEFA Euro 2024, making it a grand celebration of football that resonates with fans across India.

    On integration of original content and programming around UEFA EURO 2024 to keep the audience engaged beyond the live matches

    With football being one of the most followed sports globally and rapidly growing in India, we’re committed to providing an immersive experience that goes beyond just the live matches. For UEFA EURO 2024, we’re ramping up our efforts to keep fans engaged beyond the live matches. We understand that football is not just about the games; it’s about the analysis, and discussions surrounding them.

    The addition of football legend Patrice Evra to our esteemed panel for UEFA EURO 2024 will enrich the viewing experience for our audience. Alongside former India captains Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, former India forward Robin Singh, India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and former international stars David James, Don Hutchison, Terry Phelan, Ashley Westwood and Mark Seagraves will provide in-depth analysis and insights, keeping fans engaged before, during, and after the matches.

    On the key areas of growth SPNI is focusing on within sports broadcasting, particularly in relation to football

    At Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), we are dedicated to enhance the sports broadcasting experience, particularly in football. Recently, we renewed our UEFA Club competition rights for the next four years, which includes broadcasting rights of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Europa Conference League. Additionally, we have the rights of the 2028 edition of the UEFA European Championship (EURO 2028), as well as the Bundesliga, the Russian Premier League (RSL), and the UEFA Nations League.

    Our commitment to football broadcasting goes beyond securing rights. We are the pioneers in providing language feeds for football, ensuring that fans can enjoy the game in their preferred languages. “Football Extra” on Sony Sports Network has set a benchmark in football programming with its in-depth analysis and engaging content.

    We are continuously exploring new ways to enhance the viewing experience. Our goal is to bring fans closer to the action and make football more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

    On your personal excitement about UEFA EURO 2024 and Sony Sports Network’s role in bringing it to viewers

    Football happens to be one of the most followed sports in the world and is also growing by leaps and bounds in India. For instance, how the EURO 2020 broadcast on Sony Sports Network captivated audiences across India with 61 million viewers tuning in to witness the thrilling matches. This demonstrates the immense affinity Indian audiences have for international football competitions. We understand the significance of this event for football enthusiasts in India and are committed to delivering an unmatched viewing experience.

    We aim to provide viewers with an unforgettable experience to witness some of the world’s finest footballing talents competing on the grandest stage. It’s not just about the matches; it’s about the shared passion and joy that football brings to millions.

    On the biggest challenges in sports broadcasting over the next few years

    As a sports broadcaster, we haven’t faced any challenges in the industry, especially with major events like UEFA EURO 2024, but one particular challenge that stands out, particularly in India is cricket’s dominant viewership. Cricket holds a special place in the hearts of Indian sports fans, and its overwhelming popularity can sometimes overshadow other sports events.

    However, at Sony Sports, we view this challenge as an opportunity to diversify and expand our offerings. We understand the importance of providing a multisport channel that caters to the diverse interests of Indian sports enthusiasts. By offering a wide variety of sports, including football, tennis, WWE, and more, we aim to appeal to a broader audience and elevate the profile of non-cricket sports in India.

    Through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and engaging content, we are committed to promoting a culture of sports beyond cricket. 

  • Stupa Sports Analytics announced as streaming partner for ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Rome 2024

    Stupa Sports Analytics announced as streaming partner for ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Rome 2024

    Mumbai: Stupa Sports Analytics, a leading sports technology company, has announced that it will be the streaming partner for the ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Rome 2024. With around 6,000 participants, the event is poised to make history as the largest table tennis gathering to date.

    The event will feature 11 age categories, with titles contested in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, as well as mixed doubles. Para table tennis will also be included for the first time, making Rome 2024 the most inclusive World Masters Table Tennis Championships ever, exemplifying the ITTF’s commitment to making the sport accessible to all.

    From 7 to 14 July, Stupa will provide live streaming of the matches on ITTF’s YouTube channel. They will set up cameras on 11 tables to showcase all categories. With three cameras on the feature table to support multicam switching and one camera each for the rest of the tables, streams will include point history, score summary, and scoreboard.

    The opening and closing ceremonies of the event will also be broadcast by Stupa Sports Analytics and streamed live on ITTF’s YouTube channel.

    “Stupa Sports Analytics is thrilled to become the streaming partner for the ITTF World Masters Table Tennis Championships Rome 2024. This partnership underscores our commitment to enhancing the visibility and inclusivity of table tennis through innovative technologies. By providing comprehensive live streaming of matches, we aim to bring the excitement and spirit of this extraordinary event to a global audience. We look forward to contributing to the success of the largest table tennis gathering to date,” said Stupa Sports Analytics founder & CEO Megha Gambhir.

     

  • Sony Sports Network acquires exclusive television rights for Major League Cricket 2024 in India

    Sony Sports Network acquires exclusive television rights for Major League Cricket 2024 in India

    Mumbai: Culver Max Entertainment Private Ltd, who owns and operates Sony Sports Network, the leading sports broadcaster in India, is delighted to announce the acquisition of exclusive television rights for T20 cricket spectacle Major League Cricket (MLC) for one year in India. The second edition of the league will kickstart with reigning champions MI New York facing Seattle Orcas in the opener at Church Street Park, Morrisville and will be live telecast in India 6 July 2024. The grand finale of the tournament will be played at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas and will be live telecast in India on 29 July 2024.

    A major share from the ongoing cricket revolution in the United States can be attributed to MLC, which has attracted eyeballs of India’s evergreen cricket fraternity. The participation from Indian cricket franchises Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings brings a whole new level of excitement for fans of the respective teams. Some of the most popular cricketers including Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran are expected to feature in the upcoming edition of the league.

    The MLC’s second season features an all-star lineup of announcers, including the former captain of the Indian national cricket team and great batsman Sunil Gavaskar, Pakistani legendary bowler Wasim Akram, former New Zealand and Auckland cricketer Danny Morrison, alongside Daren Ganga, Pommie Mbangwa, Matthew Hayden, Chris Morris, Natalie Germanos, Scott Styris, and Mike Haysmen.

    The inaugural edition of MLC attained critical success with six teams participating i.e. San Francisco Unicorns, Washington Freedom, Texas Super Kings, Seattle Orcas, Los Angeles Knight Riders and MI New York. Team MI New York was crowned champions after they defeated Seattle Orcas in the final played at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas. Nicholas Pooran, who featured for the champions, registered 388 runs and was adjudged the Player of the Season last year.

    With the acquisition of television rights for Major League Cricket, Sony Sports Network has asserted its solid footprint in broadcasting cricket properties. The broadcaster’s cricket portfolio already boasts of rights for New Zealand Cricket, England Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket & the recent addition of India Tour of Zimbabwe T20I series.

    Match

    Date 

    Time (IST)

    Channel

    MI New York vs. Seattle Orcas

    06/07/24

    01:00

    Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD

    Texas Super Kings vs. Los Angeles Knight Riders

    06/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Washington Freedom vs. MI New York

    07/07/24

    00:30

    Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD

    San Francisco Unicorns vs. Los Angeles Knight Riders

    08/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Washington Freedom vs. Texas Super Kings

    09/07/24

    00:30

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Los Angeles Knight Riders vs. Seattle Orcas

    10/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Seattle Orcas vs.

    Washington Freedom

    12/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    MI New York vs. Texas Super Kings

    13/07/24

    00:30

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Los Angeles Knight Riders vs. San Francisco Unicorns

    14/07/24

    00:30

    Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD

    Texas Super Kings vs. MI New York

    15/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD

    Seattle Orcas vs. San Francisco Unicorns

    16/07/24

    00:30

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    MI New York vs. Washington Freedom

    17/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Seattle Orcas vs. Los Angeles Knight Riders

    18/07/24

    00:30

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    MI New York vs. San Francisco Unicorns

    19/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Texas Super Kings vs. Washington Freedom

    20/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    San Francisco Unicorns vs. Seattle Orcas

    21/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Los Angeles Knight Riders vs. MI New York

    22/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    San Francisco Unicorns vs. Washington Freedom

    23/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Texas Super Kings vs. Seattle Orcas

    24/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Eliminator (3 v 4)

    25/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Qualifier (1 v 2)

    26/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Challenger

    27/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD

    Final

    29/07/24

    06:00

    Sony Sports Ten 5 SD & HD
  • News18 Odia presents live coverage of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra starting 7 July

    News18 Odia presents live coverage of Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra starting 7 July

    Mumbai: News18 Odia’s special coverage of the Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra will be showcased live from Puri on 7 July, 6.00 AM. The channel’s exclusive coverage will continue for 15 days with 35 hours of engaging programming and 12 hours of live coverage of the Rath Yatra.

    News18 Odia aims to offer an engaging experience of the festival while offering insights from well-known researchers and scholars. This year, the channel presents a special attraction celebrating the Rath Yatra’s unsung heroes by featuring their extraordinary contributions over the years.  

    With deep roots in Odisha’s cultural identity, the Rath Yatra Festival has been celebrated for centuries, reflecting the rich heritage of the state. It brings people together in a spirit of joy and devotion as participating in the Rath Yatra is believed to bring good luck and blessings. The event will feature a series with the Sevayat Family, including the Sapta Rathakar, carpenter, blacksmith, wood carver, painter, Bhoi Sebayat (helper), tailor, flower decorator (Rana Sebayat), Tahia maker, and dancers preparing for Lord Jagannath’s service, along with the Ghantua performer.