ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Gourav Rakshit bids farewell as Viacom18 Digital Ventures COO

    Gourav Rakshit bids farewell as Viacom18 Digital Ventures COO

    Mumbai: Viacom18 Digital Ventures COO Gourav Rakshit has stepped down from his position.

    Rakshit has over two decades of experience in Consumer Technology, IT and FMCG sectors. He started his career with Nestle. He has also worked with Planetasia and Infosys Consulting before joining People Group.

    Prior to joining Viacom18, he was president and CEO of People Group that owns and operates Shaadi.com. A University of Rochester and IIM Ahmedabad alumnus, Rakshit has almost three decades of experience in Consumer Technology, IT and FMCG sectors.

    A Viacom18 spokesperson said, “Gourav has played a  key  role in shaping Viacom18’s digital agenda over the last 5 years.  He has now decided to move on other pursuits outside the organisation . We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.” 

  • Union Budget 2024: Record Rs 3442 cr boosts India’s sports sector

    Union Budget 2024: Record Rs 3442 cr boosts India’s sports sector

    Mumbai: During her speech, the finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated, “The country is proud of our youth scaling new heights in sports. The highest-ever medal tally in Asian Games and Asian Para Games in 2023 reflects a high confidence level. Chess prodigy and our Number-One ranked player Praggnanandhaa put up a stiff fight against the reigning World Champion Magnus Carlsson in 2023. Today, India has over 80 chess grandmasters compared to little over 20 in 2010.”

    Sports budget allocation 2024-25

    •    Khelo India: Rs 1045 Cr
    •    SAI: Rs 822 Cr
    •    National Sports Development Fund: Rs 18 Cr

    Here are the post-budget reactions of India’s sporting business stakeholders

    Punit Balan Group chairman & managing director Punit Balan shared his thoughts on the budget allocation stating, “The government’s proactive stance towards sports through this increased allocation of funds will provide the impetus for Indian athletes to shine brightly in international competitions, contributing to the continued growth and success of the country’s success on the global stage. With the Paris Olympics looming on the horizon, we are confident that our youth will make it the best-ever campaign for India.”

    Reflecting on the government’s sustained commitment to the growth of sports in India, Ultimate Kho Kho CEO and League Commissioner Tenzing Niyogi highlighted, “Last year, we witnessed a Rs 300 crore increase in sports allocations, which contributed to India’s success in the Asian and Para-Asian Games. The government’s continued commitment is evident in the latest budget, with a total allocation of Rs 3442 crores, which reflects a significant increase from the previous year’s budget. The increased allocations not only boost the morale of our athletes but also serve as a testament to the government’s vision for developing and nurturing sporting talent. As India gears up for the upcoming Paris Olympics, this heightened financial support will pave the way for a promising era for sports in the country.”

    One of the key beneficiaries of this augmented budget is Khelo India, which has received a significant increase from Rs 880 crores to Rs 900 crores.

    “The substantial allocation in this year’s budget not just for the sports sector but also for Khelo India will play a pivotal role with regard to grassroots development. This support for our athletes across all sporting disciplines will facilitate more participation and lead to more medals at the Olympics and other international tournaments,” commented U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok.

    Concurring with him, Yuva Kabaddi Series CEO Vikas Gautam emphasised, “The commendable allocation in this year’s budget marks a significant stride towards transforming India into a sporting powerhouse. By prioritising grassroots infrastructure via increasing the Khelo India budget, we are not just investing in facilities but nurturing the latent talent that resides in every corner of our nation. This budget reflects a visionary approach, recognizing that the true potential of our athletes lies in the foundation we build for them today. It’s a resounding commitment to creating a robust sports ecosystem and with our combined efforts I hope this will fuel the aspirations of our youth and propel India to new heights on the global stage.”

    Gamepoint co-founder & CEO Aditya Reddy believes that the impact of sports extends beyond the field, offering massive economic opportunities.

    “PM Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the Khelo India Youth Games in Chennai stated that the government has resolved to make the country an important centre of the global sports ecosystem. He also highlighted that sports was not just limited to the field, but also presents a huge economic opportunity, he said the country’s sports-related industry will be worth at least Rs 1 lakh crore in a few years. Given the positive approach of the government towards sports, we hope that post the Lok Sabha elections, the new government will increase the budget allocation and announce new measures for the growth of Indian sports,” noted Aditya Reddy.

    Alongside the increased budget allocations, FM Nirmala Sitharaman praised the achievements of the country’s youth in sports and highlighted the confidence level reflected in India’s highest-ever medal tally at last year’s Asian and Para Asian Games during her speech.

    In addition, she proudly stated that India now boasts over 80 Chess Grandmasters which is a significant increase from just over 20 in 2010 and sparked optimism among the country’s sporting business stakeholders.

    Punit Balan, whose PBG-owned team Balan Alaskan Knights competed in the inaugural Global Chess League (GCL) last year said, “Our FM, Nirmala Sitharaman, acknowledging the remarkable achievements of our youth in sports, particularly in chess, reflects the bright future of the sport in our nation. We take pride in Raunak Sadhwani, the prodigy of Balan Alaskan Knights, being one of India’s 80 Grandmasters.”

    The positive sentiments were echoed by Suhail Chandhok who expressed, “As mentioned by FM Nirmala Sitharaman, Indian athletes have been making their presence felt on the International stage and that is a significant indication of our country becoming a sporting powerhouse. Our upGrad Mumba Masters’ grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi, Harika Dronavalli, and Koneru Humpy securing Medals at last year’s Asian Games 2022 have brought immense pride to Indian chess, with Vidit also going on to secure a place in the prestigious Candidates tournament.”

    With the continued support from the government, the sports sector in India is poised for further development and a bright future for athletes across various disciplines.

  • Under the charismatic leadership of CMD and Editor-in-Chief, Upendrra Rai, Bharat Express Celebrates One Year of Informative Excellence

    Under the charismatic leadership of CMD and Editor-in-Chief, Upendrra Rai, Bharat Express Celebrates One Year of Informative Excellence

    Mumbai: Bharat Express, a dynamic Hindi news channel, proudly marks its one-year anniversary under the visionary leadership of Mr. Upendrra Rai, CMD and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express News Network. Over the past year, the channel has emerged as a trusted source of news, delivering insightful and comprehensive coverage to its viewers. The celebration unfolded at ICC, Lodhi Road, where eminent personalities from diverse spheres graced the gathering.

    Under Mr. Rai’s guidance, Bharat Express News with the motto of Satya, Sahas and Samarpan i.e. Truth, Courage and Dedication, has demonstrated a commitment to journalistic integrity, providing timely and accurate information across a spectrum of topics. The channel’s success is attributed to its relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to delivering news that matters.

    Reflecting on the milestone, Upendrra Rai, CMD and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express News, expressed gratitude for the team’s hard work and the unwavering support of viewers. “Our journey over the past year has been remarkable, and we are immensely proud of the strides we’ve made in delivering quality news. We look forward to continuing our mission of informing, educating, and empowering our audience,” said Mr. Rai.

    Mr. Upendrra Rai stands as a pioneering journalist who, singularly driven by a commitment to integrity, established a media brand using his personal resources, dedicated to the noble cause of unbiased journalism.

    Bharat Express News has become a beacon of responsible journalism, covering a diverse range of subjects, from politics and business to social issues and culture. The channel’s innovative approach to storytelling has resonated with audiences across the nation, making it a go-to source for reliable information.
     

  • Zee Business emerges as the leading YouTube live channel during budget day

    Zee Business emerges as the leading YouTube live channel during budget day

    Mumbai : Amidst the fervent anticipation surrounding the budget speech, Zee Business once again affirmed its unrivalled position in the realm of financial journalism, seizing the spotlight as the most-watched channel on YouTube Live at 12:00 PM. Surpassing its industry peers, Zee Business shattered previous viewership records, delivering insightful coverage and expert analysis during pivotal events.

    As per claim by Zee Business on the basis of Data Beings report,  Zee Business captivated its widespread audience with comprehensive insights into market trends and economic developments, as the most popular Livestream in terms of Average views during a 12 hour period from 000 hrs till 1200 hrs on 1 February, 2024.

    Not only this, ZEE Business’ live views count even crossed a whopping 1,75,000 Live views during finance minister’s budget speech.

    As per claim made by Zee Business , in comparison to Industry peers like Republic Bharat, TV 9 Bharatvarsh, News 18, India TV, CNBC Awaaz, Aaj Tak, ABP News, Zee Business consistently attracted higher viewership, reaffirming its position as the preferred destination for those seeking insightful analysis and updates on the stock market and economic affairs.

    This remarkable achievement not only underscores the unwavering trust and credibility that millions of viewers place in Zee Business but also solidifies its position as a trailblazer in financial journalism, boasting a substantial viewership share of 25.03 per cent when compared with even the Hindi general news category.

    In an industry landscape where competition for viewership is fierce, Zee Business continues to stand out as the preferred destination for those seeking accurate and timely financial information.

    With its commitment to excellence and leadership, Zee Business remains at the forefront of delivering unparalleled value to its audience, reaffirming its status as the nation’s premier source of financial news.

    Emphasising on the success of the livestreaming on the Budget, Zee Business, managing editor, Anil Singhvi, said, “In commemorating Zee Business’s  feat of leading YouTube live viewership during the budget speech, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our viewers for their invaluable support. We take great pride in Zee Business’s performance during the livestream, which underscores our dedication to providing accurate and insightful financial news.

    This accomplishment reiterates our unwavering commitment to delivering timely updates and comprehensive analysis, further establishing Zee Business as the foremost destination for nuanced coverage of market trends and economic insights.” he added.

    Zee Business & WION, chief business officer further Madhu Soman, highlighted, “We’re incredibly thrilled by our success during the budget speech on YouTube live. Our primary aim has always been to offer our audience the finest in financial journalism, and surpassing our peers in viewership is a validation of our efforts. This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication and hard work of our team. Zee Business has consistently been at the forefront of financial journalism. Our dominant presence on YouTube live during the budget speech further emphasises our unwavering commitment to providing unmatched value and excellence to our valued viewers.”

    As the nation’s premier source of financial reportage and analysis, Zee Business continues to set new standards for quality and reliability in news broadcasting.

    Zee Media Corporation Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528 million viewers through its linear and digital properties.

  • Bodhisatva Ganguli joins Network18 as group consulting editor

    Bodhisatva Ganguli joins Network18 as group consulting editor

    Mumbai : Bodhisatva Ganguli, who recently retired as editorial director of The Economic Times, has joined Network18 as group consulting editor.

    Bodhi will join the strong line up of editors and writers at Network18 and will primarily contribute to Moneycontrol across multiple formats, guide teams and also help with the network’s on ground events.

    An economics graduate of Kolkata’s Presidency College, Bodhi did his post graduate degree from the Delhi School of Economics.

    He started his career at the Business India magazine and joined the opinion section of the Economic Times in 1999. He became the paper’s executive editor in 2015 and was later elevated to the post of Editorial Director.

    Bodhi will be based in Mumbai.

  • PKL Season 10 on Star Sports Network hits 226M viewers in initial 90 matches

    PKL Season 10 on Star Sports Network hits 226M viewers in initial 90 matches

    Mumbai: Star Sports Network, the official broadcaster of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), continues to offset new benchmarks for Kabaddi viewership in the country. The league’s milestone Season 10 has captivated an astounding 226 million* viewers during the initial 90 matches, showcasing a remarkable 17 per cent increase in reach compared to season nine and making it the only sport outside cricket to cross the 200 million mark multiple times. Furthermore, the broadcaster has recorded 38 billion minutes* of watch time, 15 per cent higher than Season nine during the same period. Additionally, there has been a 22 per cent rise in TVR**, highlighting the growing popularity of Kabaddi among Indian sports enthusiasts.

    The PKL Season 10 has already surpassed last year’s viewership figures, with the playoffs and finals yet to be played. The playoffs will begin from 26th February 2024 at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium (G. M. C. Balayogi Indoor Stadium) in Hyderabad with the finals to played on 1 March 2024.

    “Pro Kabaddi League embodies the principles of intense competition, and a strong commitment to fan engagement. Our focus on showcasing India’s emerging Kabaddi talent has been pivotal in elevating the league’s stature. Season 10 reflects the league’s continuous expansion and development as we continue to break records. The past decade has been marked by growth, and a steadfast commitment to delivering a top-notch viewing experience. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to fans for their passionate support, and as we approach the milestone season’s conclusion, we are dedicated to delivering a grand finale,” said a Star Sports spokesperson.

    PKL Season 10 marks a significant milestone, solidifying its position as the second biggest sporting property in India. The league provides a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills alongside global icons on a grand stage. Players such as Maninder Singh, Arjun Deshwal, Mohammadreza Shadloui, and Ashu Malik have captivated audiences with their exceptional performances, making every match a thrilling spectacle.

    As the league unfolds, the competition intensifies with nine teams still in contention for the five open spots for the playoffs. With the business end of the season approaching, fans can expect an exhilarating conclusion to the league stages, filled with action-packed matches and nail-biting moments.

    Source:

    *BARC 2+U+R

    **BARC 15+ M AB

  • DNA India achieves ’50 million UVs In January’

    DNA India achieves ’50 million UVs In January’

    Mumbai : India’s one of the fastest-growing content & infotainment platforms, DNA India announced a remarkable achievement: surpassing 50 million unique visitors in January. DNA has achieved 54 mn unique visitors and 162 mn page views in January 2024.

    This milestone is a testament to DNA India’s dedication to provide timely, accurate, and diverse content to its rapidly expanding audience.

    Since its launch, DNA India has established itself as a reliable source for news and explainers across various domains, including politics, business, entertainment, sports, and more.

    The platform’s unique approach to journalism, featuring innovative formats like DNA Explainers, video-based stories, and in-depth analysis of the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind the news, has garnered widespread appreciation globally.

    As a digital hub, DNA India has consistently attracted individuals seeking comprehensive and credible reporting on critical contemporary issues.

    DNA (DMCL) CEO & editor Sushant S Mohan expresses profound gratitude to the platform’s loyal audience for their continual support and engagement. He remarks, “Experiencing success with a brand that prioritizes textual content in a world dominated by video is truly exhilarating. The enthusiastic response we’ve garnered, with young individuals reaching out to share their thoughts on our informative content and expressing interest in the entrepreneur profiles we showcase, is incredibly fulfilling. It is reassuring to see that our brand has successfully reached the target audience at the opportune moment.”

    DNA (DMCL) chief product & technology officer, Akshansh Yadav remarks on DNA India’s evolving success, stating, “DNA’s success and historic milestone is a testament to our relentless commitment to innovation, user-centric design, and cutting-edge technology which has resulted in an unparalleled user experience, driving record-breaking engagement. We are not just reporting the news; we are shaping the future of digital media. This achievement marks a new era for us, and we remain committed to pushing boundaries, delivering quality content, and providing an exceptional platform for our global audience.”

    DNA India is not resting on its laurels. To better serve the digitally-savvy Indian audience, the platform is set to launch new initiatives and forge strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing user experience.

    DNA chief digital growth officer for user acquisition & SEO Arnav Mathur shares his insights on the platform’s growth strategy, emphasising the importance of adapting to the changing digital landscape to stay ahead in the competitive news sector. He says, “DNA has 50 million reasons to celebrate! We’ve cracked the code to build a thriving online community. A strong editorial commitment towards diverse voices & compelling narratives, amply supported by a strong SEO, social media & product team has helped build this rich tapestry of human connections. Here’s to many more milestones, one story at a time!”

     

  • Indian actor Ajay Devgn joins forces with World Championship of Legends

    Indian actor Ajay Devgn joins forces with World Championship of Legends

    Mumbai: Indian actor Ajay Devgn is making a strategic investment in the upcoming World Championship of Legends, a highly anticipated Global T20 tournament set to take place at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, England. The tournament is scheduled to run from 3 July to 18 July, featuring legendary players.

    Talking about taking his love for cricket to the next level, Actor Ajay Devgn shared, “As a cricket enthusiast, this championship is an incredible event where legendary cricketers will be back on the field. These players are celebrated globally and watching them play again is a dream for every cricket lover.”

    The star-studded event is proposed to include cricketing legends such as Yuvraj Singh, Brett Lee, Kevin Petersen, Suresh Raina, Shahid Afridi, and many more who will add their brilliance and experience to the competition.

    WCL is being presented by the renowned Indian travel company EaseMyTrip.

    EaseMyTrip CEO and co-founder Nishant Pitti stated, ‘EaseMyTrip has been associated with many cricketing and sporting events in the past, but WCL has a unique feel to its structure. It’s nostalgic, bringing back our cricketing legends together, and that too in England. It’s going to be amazing. Moreover, I have always admired Mr. Ajay Devgn, and I am sure the combination of Cinema and Cricket will be an amazing gift to all the fans across the globe.”

    The World Championship of Legends 2024 proposes to host six teams – India, Pakistan, Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africa. This international clash of legends is expected to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

    World Championship of Legends the visionary founder Harshit Tomar expressed his delight at the unfolding partnership with Ajay Devgn. “We are thrilled to welcome Indian Legend Mr. Ajay Devgn as part of this journey. Have always been his fan and love his aura and I am sure his involvement will take our WCL to the next level. His passion for the game and commitment to promoting cricket align perfectly with the values of the World Championship Of Legends. With an expected list of renowned and esteemed players, we are confident that WCL 2024 will be an unparalleled success.”

    As cricket fans eagerly await the commencement of the tournament, the World Championship of Legends is gearing up to deliver a spectacular cricketing extravaganza, showcasing the best of the best in T20 cricket.

  • Disney and Viacom18 set to finalise deal by month’s end

    Disney and Viacom18 set to finalise deal by month’s end

    Mumbai: Disney is set to sell 60 per cent of Its assets to Viacom18 in a strategic agreement as per media reports. The deal is set to close this February.

    According to the report, the pact values the India business at $3.9 billion and the transaction is likely to close this February.

    Both Disney and Viacom 18 signed a non-binding pact in December last year, as per which Reliance was to have a 51 per cent shareholding and Disney 49 per cent.

  • CNN-News18 to redefine morning television with ‘The Breakfast Club’

    CNN-News18 to redefine morning television with ‘The Breakfast Club’

    Mumbai : CNN-News18 has announced the launch of first-of-its-kind morning show, ‘The Breakfast Club,’ starting 5 February. Inspired by the format of western morning shows, ‘ The Breakfast Club ’ will be anchored by Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor from 8 to 9 am on weekdays.

    The show is set to become the go to source for viewers seeking to kick-start their day with information they can use in their day to day life. The show, unlike any other, is a unique blend of news, lifestyle, and entertainment, designed to keep the audience informed, engaged, and energised as they sip their morning coffee or tea.

    The Breakfast Club ’ is not just another news show; in fact, it has been conceptualised as a non-political show to offer a daily experience that makes viewers’ mornings better with information that enables them to make better decisions.

    The show’s format incorporates mini segments of 5-8 minutes each, ensuring a dynamic presentation. Segments, both daily and weekly, cover a wide range of topics including morning headlines, big events, business, technology, health, real estate and more.

    The editorial approach of the show focuses on selecting stories that impact daily lives, providing clear calls-to-action and limiting discussions to one expert per segment. The production quality is set to be top notch, with each segment having a separate station and show-specific graphics. The Breakfast Club will utilise engaging music throughout the segments to contribute to the overall energetic and positive tone of the show.

    The set design is carefully crafted, featuring a mix of traditional desk setups and comfortable seating areas to adapt to different segment tones.

    To engage with the audience, “The Breakfast Club” plans to conduct surveys online, utilise News18.com for trend reading, and debunk viral myths, addressing questions that genuinely matter in viewers’ lives.

    Speaking on the new show, CNN-News18 managing editor, Zakka Jacob, said, ” As we usher in a new era of morning television with ‘The Breakfast Club, we aim to make every viewer’s morning an engaging and energising experience, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. And as India’s number one English news channel, we have packaged the finest blend of news, lifestyle, and entertainment content for our audience. We are confident that our viewers will join us on this exciting journey as we redefine mornings in an authentic, positive, and inclusive way. ”

    The anchor of ‘ The Breakfast Club ’, Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor added, ” We’re excited to launch ‘ The Breakfast Club ’ that breaks free from the ordinary and charts a new course in Indian news television. Join us in this refreshing experience, where we’ve bid farewell to traditional news delivery. Let’s rise and shine together, India!”

    Network18 said, CEO Smriti Mehra – English and Business news, said, ” We are thrilled to introduce ‘The Breakfast Club ’ to our programming line-up at CNN-News18. This show reflects our commitment to delivering dynamic content that aligns with the evolving preferences of our diverse audience. By blending news, lifestyle, and entertainment, we aim to provide our viewers with a positive start to their day, setting ‘The Breakfast Club’ apart from any other morning show in India. It will be at the forefront of news excellence and audience engagement, setting a new standard for morning programming in the India’s TV news space.”

    Starting 5 February 2024, ‘The Breakfast Club’ will be aired on weekdays at 8 am on CNN-News18 and the channel’s YouTube platform.