Category: TV Channels

  • ET Now Swadesh announces ‘Swarna Mahakumbh’ initiative

    ET Now Swadesh announces ‘Swarna Mahakumbh’ initiative

    Mumbai: Marking the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, ET NOW Swadesh, the leading Hindi Business News Channel, announces ‘Swarna Mahakumbh’, a first-of-its-kind initiative empowering viewers on gold investments. Airing on 10 May from 4pm – 7pm, the three-hour mega initiative, will feature 22 renowned industry experts and analysts engaging in dynamic discussions, offering their insights on various types of gold investments including gold exchange-traded fund (ETF), gold funds, gold bonds, gold derivatives, and methods and precautions of gold jewellery investments.

    Led by ET Now and ET Now Swadesh editor-in-chief Nikunj Dalmia along with a team of seasoned financial and business journalists including anchor & senior news analyst Vishwamohan Kumar, news editor Abhishek Satya Vratam, anchor, senior news editor Kavita Thapliyal, anchor, news analyst Srishti Sharma and seputy news editor Prashant Pandey.

    ‘Swarna Mahakumbh’ initiative entails the following segments:

    Is It The Right Time To Invest In Gold? (4pm – 5pm): This segment focuses on the rationale of investing in gold & its returns, analysing the current industry rates of gold. Panellists include industry leaders like Suvankar Sen (MD, Senco Gold & Diamonds), Vikram Dhawan (head of commodities & fund manager, Nippon India Mutual Fund), Jay Prakash Gupta (founder, Dhan and  o-founder, Raise Financial Services), Harshal Barot (senior consultant, Metals Focus Limited), Kishore Narne (director, Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd) and Kirit Bhansali (vice chairman, Gem Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

    Gold Investment Option (5pm – 5:30pm): This segment delves into intricacies of investment vehicles such as Gold bonds, Gold ETFs, digital Gold, physical Gold, and Gold Mutual Funds, offering valuable insights into each avenue’s potential and considerations. Esteemed panellists include Saiyam Mehra (chairman, All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council). Dr.Renisha Chainani (head of research, Augmont), Mahendra Luniya (chairman, Vighnaharta Gold Ltd), Harshal Barot (senior consultant, Metals Focus Ltd), Manoj Kumar Jha (MD, Kamakhya Jewels Pvt Ltd),

    The ABCD Of Gold Jewellery Shopping (5:30pm – 6:00pm): Featuring industry experts, this comprehensive segment is dedicated to all facets of jewellery investment. From navigating the options for investing in physical gold to essential tips and pitfalls to avoid, this session with panellists Saiyam Mehra (chairman, All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council), Ashish Pethe (partner, Waman Hari Pethe), Sabyasachi Ray (ED, Gem Jewellery Export Promotion Council) and Rajesh Rokde, (vice chairman, All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council) will serve as an invaluable guide for anyone considering a gold purchase.

    Gold F&O Classroom (6:00pm – 6:30pm): Step into the Gold F&O Classroom for a master class on navigating the intricacies of trading in gold Futures and Options (F&O) and the process of delivery through exchange. Panellists Shivanshu Mehta (Director, India International Bullion Exchange IFSC Ltd and Bullion Head, MCX), Anuj Gupta (Head of Commodities Research, HDFC Securities), Bhargava Vaidya (Proprietor, B.N. Vaidya & Associates) and Sunil Katke (Head Commodities Retail Business, Kotak Securities) will offer valuable insights on the gold derivatives market, to elevate the gold trading journey of viewers.

    Viewers Queries on Gold (6:30pm – 7:00pm): This interactive Q&A segment will empower discerning viewers of all ages and professions get simplified answers to their queries on the various avenues of gold investments. Panellists Ajay Kedia (founder, director of Kedia Advisory), Vandana Bharti (AVP, Commodity Research, SMC Global Securities Ltd), Anand Gupta (Haripriya Jewellers) and Ravindra Rao (commodity expert) will provide expert insights and guidance.

     

  • CNN-News18 leads election season with 50.3 per cent market share

    CNN-News18 leads election season with 50.3 per cent market share

    Mumbai: As per the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), CNN-News18 has once again emerged as the undisputed leader in the English news genre during the ongoing election season.

    The channel’s market share surpassed an impressive 50.3%, a figure greater than the combined market share of all its competitors. (Source: BARC India | Market: 10L+ | Target Group: 15-30 ABC | Period: Week 18’24, (06:00 – 24:00 Hr) | Market Share % | Top 4 channels considered)

    CNN-News18’s power-packed performance comes on the back of its special election programming, delivering the most accurate information, featuring top-tier news anchors such as Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar and Palki Sharma. The channel’s extensive network of reporters all over the country ensured comprehensive coverage of crucial election issues. CNN-News18’s presentation with engaging graphics and insightful explainers simplified complex trends and data, making it easily accessible for the audience.

  • PM Modi praises TV9 Network for journalistic integrity

    PM Modi praises TV9 Network for journalistic integrity

    Mumbai: At the recently held exclusive roundtable interview with five editors of TV9 Network, the prime minister Narendra Modi took a few minutes to bestow words of praise and offer his congratulations to the network. The ‘PM and 5 Editors Roundtable’ was an unprecedented initiative to bring together the prime minister of the world’s largest democracy and five editors of its largest network. Over an hour and thirty minutes, the PM and the five editors engaged in a conversation that was as candid as it was momentous.

    The prime minister congratulated TV9 Network for fulfilling its duty to the country and its people without pandering to the stance of any one particular party – including his own. “Your network has published many stories criticising the BJP, and I take no issue with that. Because not once have I ever received a report that TV9 Network has engaged in activities that harm the country itself, or its reputation”, he remarked.

    Prime minister Modi also praised the journalistic integrity of TV9 Network at the roundtable discussion, saying, “At no point in time have I ever seen incidents, from any corner of the country, presented with mala fide intent by TV9 Network”.

    Acknowledging the extensive reach of both the broadcast and digital platforms of TV9 Network and praising the timeliness of its reportage to the five editors present, he said, “My congratulations go out to TV9 Network and its digital platforms, which enjoy a huge viewership. Whenever I travel abroad and need a reference point, I visit the TV9 Network digital platforms. (The network) puts out information that is current, and I refer to it sometimes too.”

    TV9 Network’s offerings in the digital media space were recently packaged into a comprehensive, cutting-edge initiative – the News9 Mediaverse. Comprising News9 Plus – the world’s first news OTT; News9 Live – India’s only 24×7 digital-exclusive English live stream; and News9Live.com – the English news website, the News9 Mediaverse is bringing the news to viewers in new-age formats.

    Prime minister Modi concluded his remarks about TV9 Network by saying, “Such media (networks) are essential for our country”.

    In February 2024, the prime minister similarly lauded the network, for the diversity of its newsroom and the efforts of its teams, while delivering the summit keynote address at TV9 Network’s flagship conclave, the What India Thinks Today Global Summit. He said, “In TV9 Network’s newsroom, I see the diversity of our vibrant democracy represented. To all the network’s writers, reporters, and technical teams, from varying geographies and linguistic backgrounds, I offer my compliments”.

  • Archie Panjabi joins BBC Studios as EP for ‘Anisha Accidental Detective’

    Archie Panjabi joins BBC Studios as EP for ‘Anisha Accidental Detective’

    Mumbai: Emmy award-winning actress, Archie Panjabi, has teamed up with BBC Studios Kids & Family to develop the new comedic mystery series, Anisha Accidental Detective.  

    Based on the successful book series of the same name, written by Serena Patel and illustrated by Emma McCann, the ten-part live-action series follows strong-willed ten-year-old, Anisha Mistry, whose life is upended when her auntie’s fiancé disappears a few days before their big Bollywood-style wedding.

    Anisha must use her super sleuthing skills to uncover what’s happened to her Uncle Tony and get him to the wedding on time. Utilising the framework of classic detective dramas, this is a binge-able whodunnit series for audiences aged seven plus, bursting with intrigue, laughs, twists and turns. Anisha’s race for the truth is set against the backdrop of a lavish, glamourous Bollywood-style wedding.

    Archie Panjabi, who was the first South Asian woman to win an Emmy award for acting and is best known for her work on The Good Wife, Blindspot, Bend It Like Beckham, and currently starring in Under The Bridge, has come on board as executive producer of the series.

    Archie said: “BBC Studios Kids & Family have pulled together an amazing team to bring these utterly delightful books to life. With a British Indian family at the heart, it’s a wonderful celebration of British Indian culture. Anisha was the character I yearned to see on screen when I was a ten-year-old. The series is a refreshing comedy mystery about friendship, family and growing up, packed with vibrant characters. It’s delightfully intriguing and will keep the whole family craving for more – just like Anisha’s granny’s parathas!”

    BBC Studios VP distribution South Asia Stanley Fernandes commented: “This announcement is really exciting news for our audiences in India who can already catch a fantastic variety of our BBC Kids and Family content on BBC Kids and BBC Player on Amazon Prime Video Channel. We’re really looking forward to seeing more detail on this show as it develops.”

    Serena Patel, author of the Anisha Accidental Detective books, which are published by Usborne and have been a success across countries including the UK, Australia and India, said: “I was thrilled when I heard that Archie Panjabi was coming on board as Executive Producer for the series. I have huge admiration for her career as an actor and for her to be involved in bringing my books to the screen feels like a dream come true.”

    The series is being developed by BBC Studios Kids & Family in a deal optioned by Emily Hayward-Whitlock at The Artist Partnership and Kate Shaw at The Shaw Agency, with up-and-coming screenwriter and children’s novelist Nikesh Shukla. Nikesh is the writer of the multi-award winning Two Dosas and the author of The Council of Good Friends and several YA novels. He is also co-founder of The Good Literary Agency, as well as working on a Spider-Man comic book miniseries for Marvel.  

    BBC Studios Kids & Family VP of development, Edward Barnieh, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with industry leaders like Archie Panjabi, alongside exciting new talent like Serena and Nikesh, to bring Anisha Accidental Detective to a global audience. The series will feature fresh, diverse characters and will be bursting with clues, suspects and hilarious mishaps and, with a ticking clock counting down to a big family wedding, it’s sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.”

  • Lionsgate, Abundantia Entertainment and EFAR Films join forces to co-produce two films in India

    Lionsgate, Abundantia Entertainment and EFAR Films join forces to co-produce two films in India

    Mumbai: Lionsgate, a global entertainment company, content development company EFAR Films and India’s leading content producer Abundantia Entertainment have come together to bring to Indian audiences two exciting movies. The first is a highly anticipated action-comedy motion picture that promises thrills and drama loaded with fun. The other film is a romantic comedy with lovable and memorable characters. Scripting is underway for both projects and exciting, top-of-the-line creative talent is being brought together to lead each title.

    Lionsgate Play Asia President Rohit Jain said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Abundantia Entertainment and EFAR Films on two exciting upcoming projects. The projects underscore our commitment to delivering innovative and culturally resonant films to audiences world over, and we are thrilled to bring this to life for our audiences in India. This is a testament to the power of gripping storytelling and the creative vision of our partners.”

    Abundantia Entertainment founder & CEO  Vikram Malhotra, said, “At Abundantia Entertainment, we are committed to producing high-quality and engaging content that is uniquely Indian and resonates with audiences globally. The two upcoming films perfectly align with this vision. We are delighted to collaborate with Global Major Studio Lionsgate and with EFAR Films to bring these stories to life in India.”

    Kavita Sharma Gandhi, Founder & CEO of EFAR Films, said, “We are delighted to be part of this exciting development alongside Lionsgate and Abundantia Entertainment. Our aim is to tell stories that are rooted in Indian ethos and culture with a universal appeal. We look forward to working together to create a memorable cinematic experience through these creative projects and this unique partnership.”

    Stay tuned for more updates on this collaboration as the production progresses.

  • Top shows of Sir David Attenborough to watch on Sony BBC Earth

    Top shows of Sir David Attenborough to watch on Sony BBC Earth

    Mumbai : Sony BBC Earth has been showcasing stories of curiosity and adventure taking viewers to corners of the globe otherwise unexplored. The channel’s landmark natural history shows such as the Planet Earth series have always struck a chord with the viewers for their compelling storylines and magnificent representation. A huge credit goes to Sir David Attenborough, the legendary broadcaster and naturalist who gave the wild a voice.

    Celebrating the birthday of the legend, Sony BBC Earth, the home of Sir David Attenborough, is showcasing a selection of his groundbreaking documentaries and series. Below are a few of his shows that you can add to your watchlist.

    1.    Frozen Planet I & II: The six-part series takes people on an expedition to the world’s coldest areas – the high mountains, frozen deserts, snowbound forests, and ice-cold oceans, to explore the wildlife in these regions. Filmed in the ultra-high definition using the very latest camera technology, and featuring dramatic new behaviours, intimate stories, and sensational natural spectacles captured on camera for the very first time, it gives viewers a chance to experience the wonders of our planet’s frozen realms.

    2.    Perfect Planet: The series reveals how perfectly our planet is set up to nurture life. It shows how sunlight, weather, ocean currents and volcanoes all work together in an intricate balancing act to shape and support the great diversity of life on Earth. The episode that focuses on volcanoes showcase how magma from the planet’s molten core builds land, and the mineral-rich ash from eruptions fertilises the surface.

    3.    Natural Curiosities: Sir David Attenborough presents a collection of his favorite natural curiosities found throughout the animal kingdom from armored giants to crafty insects where you can witness some new lives with adventurous mysteries in it. Each episode features two species connected by a distinctive evolutionary quirk.

    4.    Blue Planet 2: The series features a variety of revolutionary segments never seen in a video documentary. The species include cuttlefish that hypnotize crabs to stun them, giant trevally that leap out of the water to catch low flying birds, and newly discovered dancing yeti crabs.

    5.    The Green Planet: The show makes viewers dive into a world where a single life can last a thousand years. It takes them to the private, hidden existence of plants who are not as violent, competitive, and theatrical as animals, engaged in life-or-death contests for food and light, fierce territorial battles, and desperate attempts to reproduce and disperse their young.

    6.    Planet Earth II: The show is an immersive exploration of the jungles, mountains, deserts, islands, grasslands, and cities of the world. It takes viewers to the four corners of the globe to discover the extreme forces that shape life in each of these iconic landscapes and the remarkable ways animals manage to overcome the challenges of surviving in the wildest places on Earth.

    To know more, tune in to Sony BBC Earth from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

  • Namaste Karnataka on News18 Kannada

    Namaste Karnataka on News18 Kannada

    Mumbai: News18 Kannada is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest morning bulletin, `Namaste Karnataka,’ set to begin on 8 May 2024. Airing at 6:00 AM, `Namaste Karnataka’ is meticulously crafted to accompany viewers through their morning routines, providing a comprehensive yet concise overview of the day’s most crucial information. Whether enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, audiences can rely on “Namaste Karnataka” to deliver the latest headlines, insightful analyses, and actionable insights to kickstart their day on the right note.

    `Namaste Karnataka’ is more than just a news bulletin; it’s a daily experience designed to elevate viewers’ mornings. With a focus on keeping audiences informed, engaged, and energized, the show promises to enrich viewers’ lives with valuable information that empowers them to make better decisions. The show’s approach prioritizes stories that directly impact viewers’ daily lives, delivering clear calls to action and limiting discussions to one expert per segment. This ensures that viewers receive the most valuable insights without unnecessary clutter, making every minute of the show count.

    The show’s dynamic format ensures a captivating viewing experience, covering a diverse array of topics ranging from morning headlines to business, technology, health, real estate, and beyond. Each segment is meticulously curated to resonate with the daily lives of viewers, offering insights that are both relevant and actionable.

    Join this exciting journey of informed living and tune in to News18 Kannada starting 8 May 2024, at 6:00 AM, and let “Namaste Karnataka” become your trusted companion for a better morning and a brighter day ahead!

  • Varun Jain & Hansika Pareek collaborate on Ho Jaane Do

    Varun Jain & Hansika Pareek collaborate on Ho Jaane Do

    Mumbai: We have an ultimate bridal entry song for you. When your love stands in front of you at every turn of life, at different ages, in different emotions, life says let such love happen…when your destination becomes their destination too, when your path becomes their journey too, as many steps as you take, someone else is also ready to walk with you… let such love happen… every moment spent in a beautiful relationship ‘Ho Jaane Do’, the latest song from the incredible trio – Hansika Pareek, Varun Jain, and JUNO in collaboration with Artiste First, is like a warm hug for your heart, a reminder of love’s everlasting magic.

    The heartfelt video featuring Princy Khatiwada & Puneet Bhatia shows the walk down memory lane and all the emotions a bride goes to when her love stands in front of her and all the memories and emotions spent with that one person flashes back in that moment. In a world where hearts ache for love’s embrace, this is a song that will whisper straight to the soul.

    Set against the backdrop of heartfelt emotions and warm melodies, “Ho Jaane Do” tells the timeless tale of love surpassing all boundaries. Each melody invites listeners into a world where love serves as a steadfast companion, navigating through the highs and lows of life. It’s a journey where age, time, and emotions dissolve in the face of enduring affection. With every note, the song paints a vivid picture of a bond where love shines brightest, illuminating even the darkest of paths.

    Varun Jain, the mastermind behind the composition, shared, “Creating the music for ‘Ho Jaane Do’ was a deeply enriching experience. We wanted the melody to reflect the timeless nature of love, and I believe we’ve achieved that. Each chord, each arrangement, is crafted to evoke emotions that linger long after the song has ended. It’s a melody that transcends boundaries, echoing the universal language of love.”

    Hansika Pareek added, “When I first heard the lyrics of ‘Ho Jaane Do,’ I was immediately captivated by its portrayal of love. It’s a song that speaks to the heart and resonates with anyone who has ever experienced the magic of true love. Through every verse, it felt like unravelling the pages of a timeless love story. Each line resonated with me deeply, evoking memories of cherished moments and emotions that linger in the soul.”

    Juno added, “As a lyricist, my aim is always to weave emotions into words. ‘Ho Jaane Do’ allowed me to delve into the depths of love and portray its various shades. It’s a song that celebrates the beauty of companionship and the joy of finding love in unexpected places. Each line is a reflection of the intricate emotions that accompany love’s journey.”

    Artiste First co-founder Rohit Sobti shared,”At Artiste First, we firmly believe that the collaboration between Hansika, Varun, and Juno in ‘Ho Jaane Do’ is a testament to the transformative power of music. It’s a narrative that speaks to the depths of the human soul. This synergy of talent showcases the remarkable ability of music to evoke raw emotions and forge intimate connections with audiences.”

  • POGO announces Jay Jagannath Folklore Gem

    POGO announces Jay Jagannath Folklore Gem

    Mumbai: POGO, India’s homegrown kids’ entertainment channel today announced a new summer offering – ‘Jay Jagannath’. The new animated series, celebrating Indian culture and the theme of friendship from folklore, promises exciting adventures for kids and families. Premiering on 20 May, Monday, at 9:30 am in six languages – Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, and Malayalam.

    Embed link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQeaZVxEieQ

    Created and produced by ELE Animations in collaboration with Toonz Media Group, and Warner Bros. Discovery as broadcasting partner, ‘Jay Jagannath’ is inspired by the revered tales of Lord Jagannath of Puri. The series chronicles the endearing friendship between Lord Jagannath, depicted in his youthful form as Jagan, and his devoted companion Balram. Through their learnings and adventures, viewers will be transported into the enchanting world of Jagannath culture, exploring its rituals and folklore while celebrating India’s cultural heritage.

    A delightful fusion of action, humour, and valuable life lessons, Jay Jagannath exemplifies the power of trust and the beauty of camaraderie, offering kids together with their families an entertaining viewing experience. With each episode brimming with wisdom and showcasing the richness of India’s cultural ethos, the series promises to captivate audiences young and old alike.

    “POGO continues to champion local stories and talent, offering a national platform with pan-India viewership,” says Uttam Pal Singh, Head of the Kids’ Cluster, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery. “The launch of Jay Jagannath underscores our commitment to spotlighting hidden tales and gems that are locally developed and produced, all while nurturing India’s burgeoning animation talent. We are excited for our audience to enjoy the tales of Jagan and Balram as they take everyone on a journey of adventure, friendship and discovery.”

    Toonz Media Group chief executive officer P Jayakumar stated that ‘Jay Jagannath’ is having a PAN India appeal and exuded confidence that this collaboration will entertain and inspire viewers of all age groups, especially kids. “Through this collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery and POGO, we aim to make this IP a successful one by showcasing the beauty of friendship, devotion, and the rich cultural heritage of India,” he added.

    ELE Animations founder-director Durga Prasad said embarking on the creation of ‘Jay Jagannath’ has been nothing short of extraordinary. “Hailing from Odisha, a bastion of rich heritage, we are excited to bring the quintessential tale of Jagannath by breathing life into this timeless narrative of camaraderie and exploration. ‘Jay Jagannath’ is the glorious celebration of Indian culture and folklore”.

    ‘Jay Jagannath’ emerges not just as a captivating entertainment show but as a valuable educational tool, enriching young minds with cultural insights and fostering essential non-cognitive skills. As POGO continues its mission to provide diverse and enriching content, this series stands as a testament to its commitment to nurturing both the hearts and minds of its viewers. With each episode, children embark on an inspiring journey that celebrates friendship, devotion, and the rich tapestry of Indian heritage, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond the screen.

    Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Jagan and his cherished companions, as ‘Jay Jagannath’ promises to captivate hearts and ignite imaginations across the nation.

  • CNN-News18 leads with 38.8 per cent market share in election phase 2: BARC ratings

    CNN-News18 leads with 38.8 per cent market share in election phase 2: BARC ratings

    Mumbai: According to the latest data released by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), CNN-News18 has continued to dominate the Lok Sabha Elections coverage with leadership during the second polling phase on 26 April.

    With a remarkable 72 per cent lead over its nearest competitor, CNN-News18 remained the number one choice of viewers for comprehensive polling day coverage. It captured an impressive 38.8 per cent market share, maintaining a significant lead over competitors. (Source: BARC India | TG:  2+ | Mkt: India | Period: 26th Apr 2024 | Market Share per cent, 7 channels considered)

    The power-packed performance of CNN-News18 on the crucial polling day is a testament to its special election programming, delivering the most accurate information, coupled with the finest news anchors such as Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Shivani Gupta, and Rahul Shivshankar. The channel’s extensive network of reporters nationwide going to polls ensured comprehensive coverage nationwide. CNN-News18’s presentation with engaging graphics and insightful explainers simplified complex trends and data, making it easily palatable for the audience.

    Speaking on the channel’s performance, CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob said, “CNN-News18’s leadership in the second phase of elections is an affirmation from our viewers about our brand of nuance over noise journalism. At a time when audiences demanded the fastest and most comprehensive polling day coverage, they turned to CNN-News18 as their trusted source of information. We expect to see more viewers tuning in as the election fervour peaks in the coming weeks.”

    Network18 CEO of English News Smriti Mehra added, “We’re delighted by the channel’s exceptional performance on the polling day, securing a strong lead over the competition. This success not only underscores our commitment to delivering outstanding news coverage but also boosts advertiser interest, highlighting the impactful journalism and broad audience appeal that define our platform.”