ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Cartoons, capes and catchy tunes light up kids TV this September

    Cartoons, capes and catchy tunes light up kids TV this September

    MUMBAI: Holy binge-fest, Batman! September is shaping up to be a supercharged month on kids’ TV as Warner Bros. Discovery’s Cartoon Network, Pogo and Discovery Kids roll out a line-up brimming with caped crusaders, festival adventures and musical sing-alongs.

    Cartoon Network is flying high with Batman Day celebrations on 20–21 September. Mornings will kick off with Batwheels, where Batman, Robin and Batgirl zoom through Gotham with their sentient vehicles. Come evening, fans can tune in at 6:30 pm for Bat-centric specials of Teen Titans Go!, including Batman v Teen Titans: Dark Injustice, a prank war gone too far until Raven restores order.

    Over on Pogo, Sundays are reserved for epic heroics. From 14 to 28 September at 1 pm, Little Singham & Chhota Bheem: Olympus Ke Yoddha will pit the pint-sized superheroes against villains Kaal and Kirmada, armed with solar weapons powerful enough to threaten entire universes. With help from Little Krishna and a Golden Dragon hatchling, balance must be restored.

    As festivals approach, Pogo kicks off its Superheroes Ka Superutsav from 22 September to 3 October, spotlighting 10 villains across premieres. The highlight? Chhota Bheem VS Rangda: The Battle for Bali on 28 September, where Bheem and friends fight to save the island from slipping into darkness.

    For younger viewers (and parents who hum along), Discovery Kids keeps things tuneful with Cocomelon. Every Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 am, Baby JJ and siblings turn ordinary moments into musical memories, from school days to family time.

    With superheroes, classic characters and cheerful tunes, the trio of kids’ channels promise week-after-week action, adventure and music to keep children (and quite possibly their parents) glued to the screen.

  • Apollo Tyres takes the front of India’s shirt in record guesstimated Rs 579 crore deal

    Apollo Tyres takes the front of India’s shirt in record guesstimated Rs 579 crore deal

    MUMBAI: Apollo Tyres has replaced Dream11 as the lead sponsor of India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams in a three-year pact guesstimated to be worth Rs 579 crore, the richest jersey deal in the sport’s history.

    Media reports state that the Gurugram-based company will pay the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI
    ) Rs 4.5 crore for each bilateral match and Rs 1.71 crore for ICC fixtures,  covering 121 bilateral games and 20 global tournaments through March 2028. Dream11 had reportedly been paying Rs 4 crore per bilateral game.

    The switch follows the government’s ban on real-money gaming platforms under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, which ended Dream11’s contract and left the team without a shirt sponsor during the Asia Cup in Dubai.

    BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia called the deal “a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions.” Vice-president Rajeev Shukla said the intense bidding—from Canva, JK Cement and other suitors—proved the “strong market confidence in Team India’s global brand.”

    Vinit Karnik from WPP Media had this to say on Linkedin: “Apollo Tyres stepping in as Team India’s lead sponsor marks more than a sponsorship—it underscores commitment to excellence on a global platform. Cricket is India’s cultural heartbeat, and this partnership reflects vision, scale, and legacy. At WPP Media, we are proud to stand alongside Apollo Tyres in this defining journey.”

    The Apollo logo will now feature on all formats of Indian cricket, giving the tyre maker unprecedented global visibility and underlining cricket’s unmatched commercial clout.

  • Bihar turns centre stage as India News Manch 2025 fuels poll fire

    Bihar turns centre stage as India News Manch 2025 fuels poll fire

    MUMBAI: Democracy had its loudest drumroll in Patna as India News Manch 2025 lit up Hotel Maurya with a day-long spectacle of fiery speeches, charged debates, and political one-upmanship. Billed as Bihar’s grandest political conclave yet, the event didn’t just host discussions, it set the narrative for the state’s fiercely awaited 2025 assembly elections.

    From the opening mantrochchar by Pandit Dr. Ranjit Narayan Tiwari to the final curtain call, the conclave was a political marathon that gripped audiences both in Patna and nationwide. The dais was nothing short of a power parade: Deputy CMs Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, veteran voices Ravi Shankar Prasad and Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, challenger-in-chief Tejashwi Yadav, strategist Prashant Kishor, and a chorus of leaders including Mukesh Sahani, Upendra Kushwaha, Ashok Choudhary, and Shambhavi Choudhary.

    Each session packed in headlines of its own. The debate titled “क्या PK का परचम लहराएगा?” turned into a spirited battle over Prashant Kishor’s political roadmap. The NDA vs INDIA clash lived up to its billing, with sparks flying as party representatives went head-to-head. And Sachchidanand Rai’s session, rooted in his IIT and industrialist background, struck a chord as he spotlighted youth, industry, and Bihar’s developmental trajectory.

    But the Manch wasn’t just politics, it was culture too. Bhojpuri stars Ritesh Pandey and Gunjan Singh brought the flavour of Bihar’s art and entertainment into the mix, reminding the audience that the state’s identity is as much about music and cinema as it is about manifestos and mandates.

    “This conclave shaped narratives and presented Bihar’s politics in its raw, unfiltered form,” said India News managing editor for input Rakesh Singh adding that Patna had never before seen such a convergence of power and ideology. Echoing this, Dr. Aishwarya Pandit Sharma, Founder of Itv Foundation, called it “a democratic celebration like no other,” emphasising how the conclave connected citizens directly with decision-makers.

    With India News Manch 2025 drawing over a dozen heavyweight leaders and thousands of engaged viewers, the conclave has firmly cemented Patna as the crucible of India’s electoral pulse, a place where not just Bihar’s, but the nation’s political future is being scripted.

  • RR Kabel serves up power as title sponsor of Prime Volleyball League

    RR Kabel serves up power as title sponsor of Prime Volleyball League

    MUMBAI: Talk about an electrifying partnership RR Kabel has spiked into the spotlight as the Title Sponsor of the Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia, just in time for its fourth edition. The announcement was made in Mumbai, where RR Kabel’s leadership sealed the deal alongside league organisers, unveiling the official match ball with plenty of flair.

    The tournament, set to begin 2 October 2025 in Hyderabad, will see 10 teams including debutants Goa Guardians battle it out across 38 matches and 21 action-packed days. The defending champions, Calicut Heroes, will face off against hosts Hyderabad Black Hawks in the opening clash. The stakes climb as the top four sides advance to the semi-finals on 24 October, with the grand finale scheduled for 26 October. Fans can catch all the high-energy action live on Sony Sports Network and the league’s Youtube channel.

    For RR Kabel, one of India’s leading wire and cable manufacturers, the tie-up is more than just branding, it’s about plugging into the spirit of sport. “Volleyball embodies energy, teamwork, and resilience values that resonate strongly with our brand,” said RR Global director Kirti Kabra calling the partnership “historic”. RR Kabel CMO Shishir Sharma added that the title sponsorship is a “commitment to fuelling India’s youthful, forward-looking spirit” through sport.

    The league itself has been steadily growing in scale and appeal. Baseline Ventures MD & co-founder Tuhin Mishra hailed the deal as proof of volleyball’s rising commercial traction. With RR Kabel on board, he believes Season 4 will deliver bigger visibility, more opportunities for players, and an expanding fan base across the country.

    From double-headers to do-or-die finals, the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League is gearing up to be India’s most electrifying sporting festival this October, a season where the game, quite literally, runs on power.

  • Goquest and Rains Pictures spark drama with new Turkish saga Arafta

    Goquest and Rains Pictures spark drama with new Turkish saga Arafta

    MUMBAI: When love meets vengeance, sparks aren’t the only things that fly. Fresh off the global success of Kuma (The Other Wife), Goquest Media has greenlit its next premium Turkish drama, Arafta, teaming up with acclaimed production house Rains Pictures for what promises to be one of the most explosive sagas of the year.

    Arafta, derived from “Araf,” meaning a fateful crossroads plunges its characters into a storm of love, betrayal, revenge, and redemption. At its centre is Mercan, played by İlsu Demirci, a young woman battling fate and survival, and Ateş, portrayed by Emin Günenç, whose intensity adds a raw edge to the tale. Their turbulent relationship forms the beating heart of this sweeping generational saga.

    Goquest, already riding high on the acclaim for Kuma and its licensing success, is partnering with Rains Pictures, the studio behind Turkish hits Rüzgarlı Tepe (Winds of Love) and Kan Çiçekleri (Vendetta). Together, they aim to build on Turkey’s soaring global drama wave, where family feuds, star-crossed romances, and high-stakes storytelling have struck a chord with audiences from Latin America to South Asia.

    “After the success of Kuma, Kan Çiçekleri, and Rüzgarlı Tepe, we’re thrilled to join forces with Sevda Kaygısız and Rains Pictures,” said Goquest Media managing director Vivek Lath. “With Arafta, we’re not just telling a story, we’re creating an unforgettable experience for global audiences.”

    For Sevda Kaygısız of Rains Pictures, the collaboration is another step in cementing Turkish dramas’ dominance on the world stage. “This is a story where love, revenge, and destiny intertwine. With Goquest’s reach and our storytelling vision, Arafta will resonate far beyond Turkey,” she noted.

    With Kuma already proving the make-to-sell model works in a crowded content market, Arafta signals Goquest Media’s growing ambition to marry local depth with international scale. The show is set to premiere globally soon, promising to tug at heartstrings and ignite debates in equal measure.

  • Times Network taps NKN Media to sell its stories in the Middle East

    Times Network taps NKN Media to sell its stories in the Middle East

    MUMBAI: Times Network, the broadcast arm of India’s Times Group, has appointed NKN Media FZC as its exclusive advertising sales partner for the Middle East. The deal gives NKN the reins to bring in ad revenue for the international feeds of Times Network, ET Now and Zoom, all of which already beam into regional homes via Etisalat, DU, Ooredoo and Starzplay.

    For Times Network, the tie-up is more than just business, it’s a bridge. With millions of Indians living and working across the Gulf, the network sees fertile ground for both connection and commerce. By leaning on NKN Media’s local expertise and market know-how, Times hopes to create fresh avenues for advertisers eager to reach a diaspora that is both sizeable and influential.

    The bouquet on offer is varied: Times Now, synonymous with sharp debates and global news; ET Now, trusted for market insight; and Zoom, Bollywood’s glossy home for film, music and celebrity sparkle. Together, they promise brands a stage where credibility meets entertainment.

    “This partnership deepens our connection with one of the most dynamic Indian communities overseas,” Times Network said, adding that the collaboration offers advertisers “a robust platform to engage with a highly influential audience.”

    NKN Media, ceo and md, Abdul Majid Khan was equally upbeat and said, “Partnering with Times Network, India’s leading media house, is a proud moment. With our global ad-sales experience, we’re confident of unlocking strong growth opportunities for both partners in the Middle East.”

    In short, the network that prides itself on making headlines has just made one of its own, by giving its Middle East audience (and the brands chasing them) a reason to stay tuned.

  • L&T Finance bowls a yorker with Jasprit Bumrah in new TVC

    L&T Finance bowls a yorker with Jasprit Bumrah in new TVC

    MUMBAI: Talk about delivering at pace! L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF) has just dropped a high-octane TV commercial titled ‘Just Zoom Two-wheeler Loans,’ and it’s got more zip than a Jasprit Bumrah bouncer. With the speedster himself front and centre, the campaign cheekily pitches LTF’s loan process as being just as fast and precise as Bumrah’s bowling.

    Launched to coincide with the cricket frenzy of the Asia Cup 2025, where LTF is the associate sponsor on the Sony TV broadcast network, the ad is set in a swanky two-wheeler showroom. The moment of magic? As a hesitant customer wonders about the speed of loan approvals, a TV in the background shows Bumrah charging in. In perfect sync with his iconic run-up and wicket-taking delivery, the loan is approved in real time: documents uploaded, processed, and done.

    The spot cleverly underlines the brand’s tagline ‘Bumrah ki speed par’, marrying cricket fever with financial speed, thanks to LTF’s proprietary AIML-powered credit engine, ‘Project Cyclops’. This tech marvel whirs behind the scenes, assessing credit worthiness instantly and delivering approvals with, well, Bumrah-esque precision.

    “We wanted the film to be as sharp and direct as a Bumrah yorker,” said LTF, chief marketing officer, Kavita Jagtiani. “From instant approvals to AI-powered personalisation, the campaign captures everything we stand for: speed, precision, and simplicity.”

    But this isn’t just a TV play. LTF is rolling out a full-throttle integrated marketing campaign across 13 cities, including hoardings, metro branding, airport takeovers, inflight magazine placements, and even a WhatsApp bot to help you finance your dream bike with a few taps.

    And there’s more for cricket buffs – an AI-powered ‘Bowl like Bumrah’ contest invites fans to mimic the pacer’s style and speed for a chance to win exciting prizes, including Bumrah-signed gloves. The digital buzz is further amped up through an influencer campaign and a social media blitz.

    Viewers can catch the TVC on Sony Sports (in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Malayalam), as well as Sony Pix, Sony Max, Sony Wah, and their HD variants.

  • Birla Tyres hits the road to glory as Asia Cup 2025 tyre partner

    Birla Tyres hits the road to glory as Asia Cup 2025 tyre partner

    MUMBAI: When cricket fever meets the open road, you know it’s a match made in motion. Birla Tyres, one of India’s most trusted tyre brands, has been named the official tyre partner of the DP World Asia Cup 2025, and it’s marking the milestone with a spirited new campaign film, Rolling with Champions.

    The campaign celebrates the shared DNA of cricket and tyres strength, resilience, and the ability to go the distance. In the film, the grit of cricketers collides with the durability of tyres, underlined by the message “where strength meets passion”. It’s a visual ode to how champions, on the pitch or on the highway, keep rolling forward with determination and trust.

    Birla Tyres business head Somesh Satnalika captured the sentiment: “Cricket is more than a sport, it is an emotion that unites millions. The Asia Cup is where this passion shines brightest, and with ‘Rolling with Champions,’ Birla Tyres is proud to be part of that journey. This partnership is our way of celebrating the spirit of champions on the pitch and on every road.”

    The DP World Asia Cup 2025 promises high-octane clashes, including the much-awaited India-Pakistan encounter on 14 September, followed by India vs Oman on 19 September, the Super Four from 20–26 September, and the grand finale on 28 September. With audiences across Asia tuned in, Birla Tyres’ association positions the brand firmly in the slipstream of cricket’s unifying energy.

    Known for its legacy of performance-driven tyres built on strength, reliability, and trust, Birla is leveraging the Asia Cup partnership to reinforce its connect with millions of fans across geographies. Much like the game itself, the tyres are designed to endure, inspire confidence, and keep the journey rolling.

    With this partnership, Birla Tyres isn’t just riding along, it’s driving home the message that true champions never stop moving.

  • Sponsors hit it out of the park at DP World Asia Cup 2025

    Sponsors hit it out of the park at DP World Asia Cup 2025

    MUMBAI: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has unveiled a formidable line-up of sponsors for this year’s tournament, led by title sponsor DP World. Joining the roster are Wonder Cement, Spinny, Hero MotoCorp, Beyond Developments, Haier, Vimal Elaichi, Ozone Locks, Hero FinCorp, Havells, and Groww. The partnerships have been brokered by TCM Sports, the sports marketing firm with a three-decade legacy of landmark cricket alliances.

    The men’s Asia Cup, running from 9 to 28 September, will see eight nations battle it out in the high-octane T20 format. With packed stadiums, fierce rivalries and a broadcast reach expected to run into hundreds of millions, the tournament promises one of its most competitive editions yet.

    ACC President Mohsin Naqvi said, “The DP World Asia Cup is the heartbeat of cricket in Asia. It’s a stage where champions rise, rivalries ignite, and fans unite. We are delighted to have a dynamic mix of sponsors across categories and welcome them all as partners.” [sic]

    TCM Sports, md, Lokesh Sharma added, “Participation of globally renowned sponsors is an acknowledgment of the stature of the Asia Cup. Beginning with this edition, we are placing more emphasis on fan engagement and grassroots development.”
     

  • Cricket goes widescreen as PVR Inox brings Asia Cup 2025 to cinemas

    Cricket goes widescreen as PVR Inox brings Asia Cup 2025 to cinemas

    MUMBAI: Popcorn, plush seats, and a sixer on the big screen PVR Inox is giving cricket a cinematic twist. The country’s largest multiplex chain has teamed up with ITW Universe and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to beam the Asia Cup 2025 India fixtures live across more than 200 cinema screens nationwide.

    The first blockbuster is, of course, the India–Pakistan clash on 14 September 2025, followed by India vs Oman on 19 September, the Super Four matches from 20–26 September, and the grand finale on 28 September. Tickets for the screenings go live on 11 September, with fans promised an atmosphere as electrifying as a stadium, only with better acoustics.

    “We are thrilled to bring cricket’s biggest rivalry to the silver screen,” said PVR Inox lead specialist for innovation, film marketing & digital programming Aamer Bijli. “Cricket in India is more than a sport, it’s an emotion. By showcasing these highly anticipated matches on the big screen, we aim to create a community viewing experience like no other.”

    For ITW Universe, the collaboration is about turning fandom into a shared spectacle. “The Asia Cup is the pinnacle of Asian cricketing rivalry. Watching it in cinemas is larger than life and deeply immersive,” noted ITW Universe co-founder Bhairav Shanth crediting the ACC for awarding public screening rights.

    The ACC too sees this as a leap in accessibility. “Bringing live matches into nationwide cinemas reflects our commitment to making cricket more inclusive,” said ACC GM for finance and ops Thusith Perera.

    This move is part of PVR Inox’s alternate content strategy, which has already seen screenings of live concerts, cultural events, and gaming tournaments. With cricket now joining the line-up, the multiplex chain is firmly positioning cinemas as community hubs, not just movie halls.

    So whether you’re after cover drives or cover songs in between overs, PVR Inox is betting that this season, the Asia Cup will be as much about the big screen as the big game.