ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Times Network MD & CEO MK Anand delivers welcome address at Times Now Summit 2024

    Times Network MD & CEO MK Anand delivers welcome address at Times Now Summit 2024

    Mumbai: Times Network managing director & CEO MK Anand articulated the theme of this year’s summit: “Unstoppable India.” Emphasizing the significance of the summit’s focus, Anand highlighted the lineup of distinguished speakers who would delve into various aspects of this theme.

    Anand underscored the role of the media in the context of India’s remarkable journey toward its full potential. He acknowledged the monumental task of ensuring that all segments of society are well-informed and engaged, free from bias or prejudice. Despite occasional challenges, Anand commended the Indian news media for its commendable reporting during historic and challenging periods.

    Reflecting on Times Network’s journey over the past two decades, He draw attention to the network’s commitment to delivering dependable news platforms. Amidst rapidly evolving technological, social, and business landscapes, Times Network has consistently strived to remain at the forefront of news media in India.

    However, he also addressed the challenges posed by the advent of social media, AI, and advanced graphics, which have revolutionised information consumption but also facilitated the spread of misinformation. He stressed the critical role of consumers in discerning between fact and fiction, urging them to choose their news sources wisely to uphold the integrity of journalism.

    As the summit unfolds against the backdrop of historic elections and the dawn of a new era for India, Anand envisioned it as an opportunity for collective introspection and progress.

  • News18 Indian Languages dominate digital space, beat competition

    News18 Indian Languages dominate digital space, beat competition

    Mumbai: According to the latest Comscore data, the News18 Indian Languages cluster has beaten all its competitors to become the number one digital news platform for Indian languages in the country.

    With an impressive 69.6 million Unique Visitors (UVs), News18 Indian Languages outperformed all competition.

    News18 Indian Languages cluster consists of Hindi as well as regional languages. (News18 India, News18 Rajasthan, News18 MP/Chhattisgarh, News18 Bihar Jharkhand, News18 UP/Uttarakhand, News18 Punjab/ Haryana, News18 Bangla, News18 Gujarati, News18 Kannada, News18 Tamil Nadu, News18 Telugu, News18 Odia, News18 Assam/NE, News18 Lokmat, News18 Kerala and News18 Jammu Kashmir Ladakh Himachal)

    Commenting on the achievement, News18 Network CEO – Indian Languages Mitul Sangani said, “News18’s leadership in Indian languages is a reflection of continuous focus on hyper-local content and personalisation of content basis the needs of language users. News18, with coverage in 13 languages, provides the most extensive coverage in Indian languages and will work towards the expansion of the language news ecosystem.”

    News18 Indian Languages’ impactful performance is attributed to its in-depth coverage leading up to the Lok Sabha polls. The platform comprehensively covers key election issues and news stories from diverse perspectives in all major languages across the country, reaching audiences nationwide. The wide audience appeal achieved through News18’s unmatched journalism has not only captured advertisers’ interest but also instilled trust in them.

    News18 Network is an undisputed leader in terms of viewership both on TV and digital platforms. The group garnered the undivided attention of viewers in every segment, emerging as the go-to source for news across languages. 

  • Viacom18 gets favorable order on pirated IPL streams

    Viacom18 gets favorable order on pirated IPL streams

    MUMBAI: Viacom18 Media is cracking the whip on illegal streaming of the IPL matches online. It recently received a dynamic+injunction  order from the Delhi high court in its favour restraining six  pirated web sites from showing the most prized cricket tournament globally.

    When a company or an individual receives a dynamic+injunction, it allows it to protect copyrighted work as soon as it is created ensuring no irreparable loss to the authors and owners of the copyrighted work.

    The reason the order was given is because any delays in blocking the rogue signals could lead to severe losses for Viacom18 considering the short duration of the IPL matches.  

    The court directed Viacom18 to communicate the details of crooked websites  to the DoT and MeitY on a real time basis so that they can issue blocking orders as well as to the ISPs so that actions can be taken immediately. It also ordered domain name registrars to lock and suspend the pirating websites and disclose their complete details.

    The bench observed that the current VUCA world of the internet, calls for robust and effective legal remedies with courts being proactive in updating, adapting, and modifying their directions to address  challenges that crop up effectively

  • Sony Pictures Networks India set to become the home to New Zealand Cricket for seven years

    Sony Pictures Networks India set to become the home to New Zealand Cricket for seven years

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has acquired the television and digital rights to broadcast and stream all New Zealand-based BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS  matches into India and associated territories for the next seven years.

    The landmark deal, from 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2031, will include India’s tours of  New Zealand in the 2026-27 and 2030-31 summers, as well as all other bilateral  Tests, ODIs, and T20Is played in New Zealand during the designated period.

    All matches will be telecast and streamed live across SPNI’s sports channels and will  be livestreamed on Sony LIV, respectively, adding to an SPNI portfolio which already includes agreements with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Sri  Lanka Cricket (SLC).

    Sony Pictures Networks India CEO & managing director NP Singh stated, “We  are thrilled to announce our new partnership with New Zealand Cricket.

    “New Zealand is renowned for its exceptional sportsmanship and strength; it’s one of  the most respected cricket teams globally.

    “It is our privilege to deepen and nurture the bond between this esteemed team and  its passionate fan base in India.”

    Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, Chair of New Zealand Cricket, said it was an exciting time  for both organisations.

    “With world-class sporting tournaments in their portfolio, Sony Pictures Networks  India is one of the premiere sports content providers in India and we look forward to  our association”, she said.

    The BLACKCAPS have enjoyed major success in the recent years, with the inaugural World Test Championship title win in 2021 highlighting their accolades. The men’s team also finished runners-up in the previous T20 World Cup, winning millions of hearts with their spirited display.

    Cricket fans in the Indian subcontinent can look forward to watching the BLACKCAPS in action against cricket heavyweights India, Australia, England and Pakistan among others until the end of the 2031 season.

    SPNI’s chief revenue officer – Distribution & International Business  and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul, welcomed NZC to its stable of cricket content.

    “Our constant endeavour has been to add marquee properties to our sports portfolio.  making us a global muti-sporting arena for audiences in India. Our partnership with  NZC is an important addition to our sports portfolio as the BLACKCAPS have won  the hearts of cricket fans through their fierce competitive spirit and impeccable  sporting behaviour”, said Kaul.

    “We’re looking forward to showcasing some terrific cricket through our seven year  partnership which includes three crucial bilateral series against England, Sri Lanka  and Pakistan in 2024-25 as well two bilateral series featuring the Indian men’s team  in 2026-27 and 2030-31 respectively.”

    New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Scott Weenink was delighted with the  agreement, noting the partnership was a natural fit, with both organisations sharing  similar values.

    “Sony Pictures Networks India is an aspirational, innovative and forward-focussed  business that prides itself on being efficient and sustainable in a rapidly changing  world”, said Weenink.

    “It puts its consumers first and seeks to be the very best it can be – values NZC  relates to very strongly.”

    NZC GM Commercial Chris Smith said India was a key market for NZC and that the  partnership with SPNI was the result of closely aligned interests.

    “It’s fair to say this is a significant commercial agreement,” said Smith.

    “Sony has a large presence in the Indian market on both linear and digital platforms  and we’re looking forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.

    “It’s been a great experience working with the Sony team while finalising these  arrangements.”

    SPNI’s digital rights in India will be co-exclusive with Amazon Prime for the 2024-25  and 2025-26 seasons. 

  • Adidas creates the world’s first ‘Female Field’

    Adidas creates the world’s first ‘Female Field’

    Mumbai: In the Arab world, many young Arab girls from conventional families grow up believing that sports are not for them. This belief stems from the notion in traditional Middle Eastern society that sports are more suitable for boys and men. Sadly, this mindset has led to a startling statistic: an average of 73 per cent of young Arab girls give up playing sports by the age of 14.

    To challenge this status quo and raise awareness about the transformative impact of sports on women and girls, adidas has pioneered the world’s first “Female Field.” This innovative concept stems from a fundamental insight: in the Arabic language, most words associated with sports are female in gender. For instance, words like “ball,” “run,” “kick,” “jump,” “goal,” “shoot,” “pass,” and even the word “sport” itself are all considered feminine due to the ending letter, called the “Ta’Marbuta.” This letter, written as a circle with two dots on top, imparts feminine gender to Arabic words.

    Drawing inspiration from this linguistic feature, adidas incorporated the “Ta’Marbuta” into the design of a football pitch. Just as this letter gives gender to words, it gave gender to the pitch, making it distinctly female. By adding two dots above the center circle, traditionally found on playing fields, adidas created a visible reminder that women belong in the world of sports just as much as men, sparking conversations about the importance of supporting women in sports. This simple yet powerful idea emphasizes representation and encourages society to see things from a female perspective.

    The Female Field initiative was launched in collaboration with Onyx FC, the UAE’s first and only owned and operated football team, as part of their inclusion in the adidas family. The goal of this partnership is to embody the team’s ethos: empowering girls to pursue their sports dreams and giving them the confidence to step onto the field.

    Soon enough, countless replicas popped up across Dubai, not just on football fields, but basketball courts, beach football pitches, even Ice Hockey rinks were among the many being turned into Female Fields.

  • RX France announces launch of Mip London 2025

    RX France announces launch of Mip London 2025

    MUMBAI: Change is the only constant is an adage we all know. Well, that’s happening at RX France’s long running MipTV market too. The RX France management today announced that the 61 year old content exhibition market which is held in March-April annually  in Cannes, France is being wrapped up after this year’s edition between 8 and 10 April. A new event called Mip London will come up come-2025. (Its bigger sister event, MipCom which is held annually in Cannes will however continue with its October dateline.)

    Mip London is positioned as a new industry market and networking event which is set to take place 24-27 February with a preopening a day before. The debut event will coincide with the 2025 London Screenings, which have been growing in stature over the years. The venue for Mip London is salted to be the Savoy Hotel and IET London: Savoy Place adjacent venues in the city’s West End. A press release issued by RX France states that Mip London was created following industry feedback to satisfy the growing need for versatile meeting and screening solutions in line with the increased demand for international companies to connect with buyers in London each February.

    Mip London, the release states,  aims to consolidate an already-busy global TV events calendar, and differs in format to MIPTV. The focus is not on exhibiting but rather providing international companies looking to have a presence in London with tailored, scalable options to showcase and network in one convenient spot. MIP LONDON will have a comprehensive invitation programme which gives free access to qualified buyers.

    “The creation of Mip London  is a direct result of clear and evidenced market factors,” says RX France entertainment division director  Lucy Smith. “There is a continued appetite for a global content market

    in the first half of the year. Mip London  will not only alleviate a busy events calendar but will provide

    an additional entry point for international companies to gather in London at the same time.”

    “Staging markets that provide clients with the best possible solutions for showcasing their content and facilitating deal making is what we do best at Mip and take a huge pride in, as proven over decades in Cannes and more recently Cancun,” adds Smith. “We have consulted with many of those already hosting events in London as well as with international companies looking to do so. Our vision is a market that complements, not competes with, the established screenings programme, that provides further options for the widest range of international distributors, studios and buyers to take part and can bring even more business to London in February for the benefit of all. Leading RX France’s first Mip market in London is an opportunity I’m very grateful for.”

     

  • Star Sports launches ‘Star Creators Network’

    Star Sports launches ‘Star Creators Network’

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of TATA IPL 2024, is launching a first-of-its-kind initiative in India – the Star Creator’s Network – in collaboration with some of the most influential and promising content creators across the social media landscape. The endeavour seeks to bring together the cricketing universe with the world of content creators in a collaborative effort to deeply engage sports fans and digital audiences. It offers creators the opportunity to build content around themes and narratives relevant to #IPLonStar and have its cricket coverage benefit from the creativity and following of the selected creators.

    The endeavour entails several initiatives starting with an electrifying box cricket challenge “Ajab Gajab T20 Challenge” which involved select Content creators such as Abhishek Malhan, Akshay Gupta, Raj Varma, Thugesh and more playing alongside modern greats of the game like Steve Smith, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Ambati Rayudu and more, who’re a part of Star Sports’ commentary panel for TATA IPL 2024. The initiative was aimed at bringing out the sporting side of creators and the fun side of modern Cricketers, creating moments of rivalry and entertainment. All the action from the “Ajab Gajab T20 Challenge” will be aired on Star Sports Network on 27 March at 4.30 pm.

    Star Sports has also collaborated with Asia’s #1 YouTuber, Carry Minati. The 24-year-old Delhi-based creator who is widely loved for his satirical roast videos, parodies and gaming content will host ‘Cheeky Singles’ after Tanmay Bhat & his gang hosted it during IPL last year. The show entails Carry’s take on the week of Cricket gone by and on contextual themes emerging among passionate fans, presented in his inimitable style. The episodes will air every weekend at 12.30 pm.

    Speaking about the Star Creators Network, Star Sports spokesperson said, “Content creation and social engagement shape the way fans interact with their favourite sport. Our Creator Network Program represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to deepen the passion and grow fandom for the sport. By harnessing the power of creators, their connections/influence and providing them a platform like Star Sports, we can create compelling content that resonates with digital natives, helping foster deeper appreciation of the game we love and our brand.”

    Star Sports has also teamed up with Madan Gowri, one of the top content creators in Tamil, to spice up CSK match-days. Madan Gowri will curate fan reels, produce vlogs and take fan questions, which he will get Star Sports Tamil experts to answer. Gaming influencer Ocean Sharma and Food & Travel vlogger Sahiba Bali have also been enlisted to present Star Sports’ coverage of TATA IPL 2024.

    As part of its Star Nahi Far initiative, Star Sports is also giving select content creators the chance to engage with IPL captains in a bid to explore never-seen-before dimensions to the Cricketers’ profile.

    The endeavour is not limited to established creators but also seeks to unravel emerging talent and help them build their profile as a sports content creator. ‘Dream Job’ presents a thrilling opportunity for aspiring creators across India, inviting them to embark on an engaging 8-week challenge centred around captivating themes of the IPL. The ultimate prize awaits the winner—an esteemed chance to become an anchor on Star Sports during the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This career-defining moment offers unparalleled exposure to the creator on a global stage.

    Speaking on the lifetime opportunity, Jatin Sapru, the winner of Star Sports’ talent hunt in 2007, said, “I’m immensely grateful to be in this position, having won Dream Job in 2007 and now looking for the next anchor. ‘Dream Job’ isn’t just a title; it’s a life-changing opportunity for content creators. It’s a platform where passion meets profession, where dreams find wings to soar. With the depth of talent in our country currently, I would recommend that everyone embraces the journey and cherishes every moment, for it’s not just about winning; it’s about the transformative power of pursuing what you love. I can also assure you that this is a ‘Dream Job!’”

    In collaboration with Meta, Star Sports will also engage with content creators representing each of the 10 regions represented by IPL teams to expression passion, fandom and support. Star Sports aims to foster a deeper sense of community engagement while showcasing the vibrant diversity of the Cricketing landscape like never before.

    These initiatives underscore Star Sports’ commitment to nurturing the thriving creator ecosystem and enabling creators to produce compelling content which resonates with sports fans as well as their own audiences. The ambition of the Star Creators Network will be to make the new season of #IPLonStar truly memorable.

    Watch Tata IPL live on the Star Sports network starting 22 March 2024.

  • Master the art of hosting with Zee Zest’s “House Party Hits”

    Master the art of hosting with Zee Zest’s “House Party Hits”

    Mumbai: Groove, laugh, and savor unforgettable moments as “House Party Hits” which premiered on Zee Zest on 21 March is currently airing every Thursday & Friday at 8 pm. With a dynamic blend of culinary delights, creative themes, and infectious energy, this unique lifestyle show promises to redefine the art of throwing house parties.

    Led by the culinary genius Chef Smit Sagar, renowned for his prowess, “House Party Hits” offers viewers an exclusive peek into creating the perfect party ambience and transforming mundane house gatherings into extraordinary experiences. Alongside the experienced party planner Neetu Jakhar, known for her DIY expertise and creative upcycling, the duo craft an immersive experience, blending flavors and festivities seamlessly.

    Unlike any other show, “House Party Hits” showcases the meticulous planning and execution behind each themed soirée. From conceptualisation to implementation, viewers will witness the intricate details that go into creating the perfect party ambiance. With its motto, “Epic Parties. Unforgettable Memories.”, the series promises to deliver a whirlwind of entertainment, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

    While the first episode delves into the excitement of birthday celebrations, the second episode ignites the spirit of Holi, the festival of colors. Offering a treasure trove of culinary delights and innovative décor inspirations, Chef Smit Sagar and Neetu Jakhar share invaluable tips to ensure a joyous and memorable bash for all the occasions.

    Zee Zest chief channel officer Amit Nair shared his excitement about the show, saying, “House parties have always held a special place in our hearts, serving as cherished gatherings. Zee Zest recognizes this timeless allure of House Parties and taps into the current fervor, offering a platform where the magic of house parties is celebrated in all its glory. With House Party Hits we aspire to reimagine it for the modern age with a zestful twist that promises to elevate every gathering into an unforgettable experience. “

    Don’t miss the chance to join the ultimate house party experience. Tune in to “House Party Hits” every Thursday and Friday at 8 pm, starting 21 March only on Zee Zest.

  • India TV’s winning video strategy drives traffic and engagement surge

    India TV’s winning video strategy drives traffic and engagement surge

    Mumbai: India TV, a Hindi-language news channel, As per India TV, it has expanded its digital presence across websites, social media, and video platforms. Video is essential to their strategy in a rapidly evolving landscape. However, a key challenge emerged: ensuring optimal visibility and discoverability of their videos across Google surfaces, even when those videos are hosted on a third-party platform. To increase visibility and drive referral traffic back to their web properties, India TV sought strategies to optimise their content for search.

    By implementing video markup on their domain, indiatv.in, following the Video SEO best practices and using the Search Console Video indexing report, India TV exponentially increased the number of video pages indexed by Google significantly boosting video discoverability across Google Search and Discover.

    “We sincerely thank Google for their invaluable partnership. By implementing video best practices on our India TV website, we have seen an impressive increase in our video traffic and engagement in just three months! This web video strategy has led to greater discovery of our videos across Google surfaces and consequently major growth in video consumption on our site.” Ritu Dhawan MANAGING DIRECTOR, INDIA TV

    158 per cent Increase in Video Impressions on Google Search

    67 per cent Increase in Video Clicks on Google Search

    The Results

    India TV implemented video best practices such as creating a separate video sitemap to make it easier for Google to find their videos, creating a dedicated page for each video to get them maximum exposure and implementing video schema tags to their entire video inventory. After successfully implementing Video SEO best practices and paying careful attention to the quality of their content and metadata, India TV saw a noteworthy 158 per cent increase in video impressions and 67 per cent growth in video clicks in just three months.

  • Colors Kannada brings back the most delicious cookery show SaviRuchi as treat on Kannada new year

    Colors Kannada brings back the most delicious cookery show SaviRuchi as treat on Kannada new year

    Mumbai: Keeping its promise to entertain audiences round the clock, Colors Kannada has always been a pioneer in bringing a complete family values and emotions into screen. With SaviRuchi in its third season, Colors Kannada is all set to bring the Kannadiga’s authentic taste and nutrition into the lives of its audiences starting from April 9 at 12 noon, airing Monday through Saturday.  

    As the new season flagging off on Kannada new year, the show is back with all the new elements added into its incarnation with the involvement of culinary maestros from diverse corners of Karnataka.

    Colors Kannada business head Prashanth Nayak said, “We are launching the new season of SaviRuchi on the most auspicious day of Ugadi. The festival is quintessential as it signifies the gathering of entire family, a very tastier and healthier food prepared by family for family with love. We are bringing this show to our audiences, to whom we consider our family from all corners of Karnataka. We wish that this new year will bring our audiences way closer to us with an added element of travelling to the corners of Karnataka to explore the traditional recipes,” he said.

    Hosted by anchor and Nannamma Superstar fame Jahnavi, SaviRuchi will have a very interesting addition of BK Chandru, famously known as Bellulli Kabab Chandru across the Internet with his unique way of narration about cooking. SaviRuchi will have the amalgamation of celebrity chefs and health experts to make it as nutritious as it tastes.