ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Viacom18’s action against FairPlay results in the arrest of key stakeholder of the betting platform!

    Viacom18’s action against FairPlay results in the arrest of key stakeholder of the betting platform!

    Mumbai: During the unprecedented success of IPL 2023, Viacom18 was locked in legal battle against the betting website ‘FairPlay’ for the  infringement of digital streaming rights of Viacom18. This update comes on the heels of the arrest of Gulam Abbas Muni, a key figure behind FairPlay’s operations in India. The saga, originating in early 2023 with the media buzz surrounding IPL, has unfolded with the entertainment network Viacom18 taking due legal recourse in the face of infringement of their exclusive rights.

    Viacom18 Media Pvt. Ltd. general counsel commented on the matter, stating, “The unlawful streaming made it imperative for us to intervene promptly. After almost a whole year of persistence we now have one of the perpetrators behind bars. In such cases prompt action is of utmost importance. The damage caused was not just financial but also to our reputation. At Viacom18, we consistently strive to stay ahead of infringers/pirates through proactive legal measures and will continue to do so.”

    Taking advantage of the hype around IPL 2023, the online betting platform ‘FairPlay’ falsely advertised across print, digital media, and hoardings in Mumbai and other major cities. Not only endorsing the gaming/betting website but also illicitly associating itself with the streaming rights of  IPL, using taglines like “Watch IPL for Free, LIVE”. Subsequently, it was revealed that IPL 2023 was being unlawfully streamed on the FairPlay platform.

    Having secured the digital rights for IPL from BCCI for a period of 5 years, Viacom18 took swift measures by seeking a pre-infringement injunction. By an order dated 21st December 2022 passed by the Hon’ble Madras High Court, more than 4,750 specified websites, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), unknown parties were restrained from streaming/hosting/downloading/exhibiting/transmitting or making available content that violates Viacom18’s rights in the IPL.

    On 19th April 2023, the Hon’ble Madras High Court granted an Injunction against FairPlay, thereby restraining the unauthorized digital streaming/hosting/downloading/exhibiting/transmitting of the IPL 2023 on the FairPlay website, including any advertisements. Given FairPlay’s infringement of Viacom18’s rights, Viacom18 filed a suit before the Madras High Court and filed an application for Interim Injunction against FairPlay.

    Furthering their commitment to protecting their rights, Viacom18 filed a criminal complaint before the Maharashtra Cyber Digital Crime Unit (MCDCU) against FairPlay and its owners and distributors, namely Abbas, Penny, and Joe, for copyright infringement, criminal conspiracy, and cheating, among other offenses, thus enforcing Viacom18’s rights in IPL.

    After months of thorough investigation, on 12 December 2023, the MCDCU successfully arrested Abbas, one of the prime accused. The Accused Gulam Abbas Muni was produced before the Court on the same day and has been remanded to police custody until the next date.

    In conclusion, through prompt and proactive actions, Viacom18 has continued their fight against piracy, resulting in a successful enforcement of its rights and reducing piracy.

  • Mohit Chauhan’s enchanting ‘Hum Mile The Jahan’ – Love Anthem of the Year

    Mohit Chauhan’s enchanting ‘Hum Mile The Jahan’ – Love Anthem of the Year

    Mumbai: When you think of love when you think of romance, one voice that comes to mind is Mohit Chauhan! The voice of love is now back with another mystical tune as he collaborates with II Music in ‘Hum Mile The Jahan – Heavenly Love Song ’.

    ‘Hum Mile The Jahan’ is a warm and soulful number that recreates the innocence and purity of love. The song transports you to a time when love was simple, heartfelt and unfiltered. The tune exudes a charming feel that is similar to the joy of falling for someone for the very first time.

    While the lyrics remind you of a romantic world and the music engulfs your heart, Mohit Chauhan’s lustrous voice adds a layer of magic to the melody. Written by Ravi Basnet and composed by Rajib-Mona, this track will make you want to fall in love all over again.

    The man with the midas touch, Mohit Chauhan is a name synonymous with tranquil vocals and limitless talent. The multiple award-winning singer is responsible for cult hits such as ‘Dooba Dooba’ as well as cinematic classics like ‘Tum Se Hi’, ‘Masakali’, ‘Dooriyan’, ‘Kun Faya Kun’ and many more chartbusters.

    Taking a leaf out of the song, ‘Hum Mile The Jahan’ blends spellbinding visuals with stellar acting in its official music video. Shot in the breathtaking valleys of Kashmir, the video is adorned by glimpses of lustrous lakes and picturesque shikaras, as Nitanshi Goel and Mrinal Dutt ignite a lovable spark with their on-screen pairing. Song video production done by Renzu Music perfectly captures the journey of young hearts discovering love together. A prolific figure in the music video industry, director Danish Renzu has extracted sensational performances from both leads and crafted spectacular frames in the video.

    Talking about his latest tune, Mohit Chauhan said, “Love is an emotion that will never get old. With Hum Mile The Jahan, we have tried to weave in the vintage magic of love at first sight, but also kept it contemporary for today’s young generation. An artist learns something new about themselves with each new song they work on, and I’ve discovered quite a few things in this journey of creating Hum Mile The Jahan. I hope my fans have a similar discovery as they listen to this track”.

    Sharing his thoughts on their latest release, II Music co-founder Rohit Sobti said, “Hum Mile The Jahan is a Heavenly love song and not just a love song. May it be this melodious music, beautiful lyrics or the official music video, each and every element of the track is brimming with romance and nostalgia of meeting the beloved. There is a soothing essence in Mohit’s voice that truly defines the magic of love, and only a man of his talents could have done justice to this song”.

    The song ‘Hum Mile The Jahan’ is available on all leading music platforms. The music video is like on YouTube. 

  • Pro Kabaddi League ignites nationwide passion in schools and camps

    Pro Kabaddi League ignites nationwide passion in schools and camps

    Mumbai: Season 10 of the Pro Kabaddi League has been an absolute delight for fans, infusing an electrifying dose of excitement and passion not only within the stadium but also permeating through schools, institutions, and kabaddi camps nationwide. To forge an even stronger connection between the game and its aficionados, a captivating initiative kicked off on 1 December 2023 in cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru– the Canter Activity.

    The canter’s tentative route ingeniously combines school visits in the mornings and afternoons, where students are treated to riveting match highlights and Kabaddi content. The canter’s mission doesn’t stop at schools; it extends to Kabaddi camps and bustling locations with high footfall. Here, spectators are treated to live matches, intensifying the thrill and spectacle of the game.  

    The Pro Kabaddi League’s strategic activation aims at casting a wider net, attracting fresh audiences to the sport. With a particular focus on engaging kids, the initiative aspires to nurture a genuine interest in Kabaddi. By bringing the essence of the game to schools, the canter activity endeavours to create a ripple effect, channelling the newfound enthusiasm of students towards attending live matches.  

    More than just a promotional endeavour, these canter activations serve as pivotal instruments in heightening the overall excitement and thrill associated with the Pro Kabaddi League. By venturing into communities, schools, and camps, the Pro Kabaddi League not only expands its fan base but also deepens the roots of the sport across diverse demographics.

  • Walkers & Co Joins Forces with Echoes of Earth for Green Activations Promoting Inclusion and Sustainability

    Walkers & Co Joins Forces with Echoes of Earth for Green Activations Promoting Inclusion and Sustainability

    Mumbai: In its six edition, themed ‘ENSEMBLE OF THE WILD,’ Echoes of Earth celebrated the interconnectedness of India’s richest biodiversity hotspot. The festival highlighted the dependencies and relationships between flora/fauna species, their habitats, and ecosystems, all working collectively to maintain the delicate balance of nature. Walkers & Co, a platform celebrating self-belief, identity, and progress is to announce its collaboration with Echoes of Earth, India’s music and lifestyle festival known for its commitment to sustainability and conservation.

    Walkers & Co took a closer look at ‘THE WESTERN GHATS,’ celebrating efforts for a sustainable future .Key activations on the ground included a people-powered giant ‘Keep Walking’ signage, engaging festival goers in a powerful display. An immersive interactive zone featured a 40ft ‘KEEP WALKING’ sign in giant letters in the sky, showcasing the festival’s commitment to sustainability. Another installation was the crowdsourced e-waste Walkers & Co giant striding man Installation, recognizing the ethos of Dr Hari Babu on rebirthing scraps into art. The initiative resulted in the creation of a 12ft e-waste striding man symbolizing the importance of responsible waste management.

    Building on Walkers & Co’s latest campaign that has given a national platform to emerging artists who are doing outstanding work in the space of inclusion and diversity, Walkers & Co extended its act of enablement with the Aravani Art Project by providing them with a canvas at India’s greenest music festival. Festival goers were witness to larger-than-life banners, telling stories of inclusion and progress for the trans community. The vibrant artwork not only celebrates the resilience of the transgender community but also challenges societal norms, making a profound impact on viewers.

    This collaboration between Walkers & Co and Echoes of Earth exemplified the power of collective action in driving positive change. Together, they aimed to inspire, educate, and create lasting impacts in the realms of sustainability, conservation, and inclusion.

  • Bangladesh beats India in the inaugural SCG Multicultural Cup 2023

    Bangladesh beats India in the inaugural SCG Multicultural Cup 2023

    Mumbai: The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) witnessed a dazzling showcase of multicultural cricket talent at the SCG Multicultural Cup 2023. Eight community teams, representing diverse cultures, converged at this iconic venue for a spirited tournament that transcended borders and celebrated unity through sports.

    A special acknowledgement goes to AD Group of Companies, the title sponsor of this event. Adeel Malik from AD Group of Companies is the owner of this company, and without his invaluable support, this event would not have been possible. This sponsorship significantly contributed to the success and vibrancy of the SCG Multicultural Cup 2023.

    The event was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia, Adding to the grandeur of the occasion, cricket legends Brett Lee and Russel Arnold were present, offering their support and adding to the excitement of the tournament.

    This incredible event would not have been possible without the help and support of Venues NSW heads- GM Phil

    Reflecting on the significance of this amazing community cricket tournament, Brett Lee expressed, “This event provides players with the incredible opportunity to fulfil a dream by playing at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. It brings communities together and celebrates diversity, showcasing the power of cricket to unite.”

    Nick Hockley remarked, “What a fantastic event organized by Kamil Khan, this event will bring the community together and promote diversity, fostering a spirit of unity through the love of cricket.”

    Kamil Khan, the force behind the event, said, “The SCG Multicultural Cup shows how cricket brings diverse communities together. It reflects our shared love for the sport, and events like these play a big role in creating a sense of belonging and togetherness.

    Bangladesh won the SCG Multicultural Cup 2023, held at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. The final match witnessed Bangladesh defeating India, securing the championship.

    The SCG Multicultural Cup 2023 concluded with a grand award ceremony, honouring the participating teams and celebrating the success of an event that not only showcased cricketing excellence but also championed the values of diversity, inclusivity, and unity.

  • Convergence: Everything you need to know

    Convergence: Everything you need to know

    Mumbai: Get ready for an unforgettable showdown as Riot Games debuts Convergence, its first-ever esports tournament in India in partnership with The Esports Club and sponsored by Lenovo! We’re excited to announce the match-ups and schedule as six of the best VALORANT teams in the world battle it out at the Manpho Convention Center in Bangalore from 14 to 17 December.

    Riot Games country manager, India and South Asia Arun Rajappa said, “Convergence marks an incredible moment for Riot Games in India, and we’re grateful to our devoted VALORANT fans who’ve been with us since 2020. India holds a special place in our global growth vision, and our focus on player-centric community building remains unwavering. Our aim is to establish India as a premier destination for esports, fostering an inclusive ecosystem that not only uplifts players but also captivates audiences, reinforcing the vibrancy of the gaming landscape.”

    If you want to be there in person to witness the action firsthand, you can grab your tickets. here.

    Participating Teams

    Convergence will see franchised teams from Asia, Europe, and the Americas and True Rippers Esports, an Indian team that qualified via a Closed Qualifier event.

    1. Global Esports (India)
    2. Gen.G Esports (South Korea)
    3. Team Vitality (France)
    4. FUT Esports (Turkey)
    5. FURIA (Brazil)
    6. True Ripper Esports (India)

    Tournament Format

    Tournament Schedule

    Where to Watch

    The tournament will be broadcast in multiple languages (Hindi, English and Korean) and the full list of channels can be found below.

    Twitch

    English: https://www.twitch.tv/valorant_pacific
    Korean: https://www.twitch.tv/valorant_kr

    YouTube

    English: https://www.youtube.com/@VCTPacific
    English: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsportsClub
    Hindi: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEsportsClub
    Hindi: https://www.youtube.com/@VALORANTEsportsSA
    Korean: https://www.youtube.com/@VCTkr

    Others

    Korean: https://bj.afreecatv.com/valorant
    Korean: https://game.naver.com/esports/Valorant/home

  • 1stadia partners with Eurosport to broadcast the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023

    1stadia partners with Eurosport to broadcast the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023

    Mumbai: Eurosport, a prominent name in sports entertainment, has acquired the television broadcasting rights for FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 across the Indian subcontinent, encompassing India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The tournament with seven teams is set to commence on 12  December 2023, at the King Abdullah Sport City, with subsequent matches scheduled at Prince Abdullah AlFaisal Stadium in Saudi Arabia until its culmination on 22 December 2023.

    FIFA Club World Cup is FIFA’s highest-level club tournament, which brings together continental champions from across the globe. This includes UEFA Champions League winner Manchester City and Fluminese FC from Brazil.

    The rights for the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 were obtained through a strategic partnership with 1Stadia, the innovative sports media company facilitating the distribution of premier sporting events.

    Eurosport India head  Ruchir Jain,  said, “We are absolutely thrilled to announce our association with 1stadia to broadcast of the FIFA Club World Cup on Eurosport. This event holds a paramount place in the annual club football calendar, marking the crowning of the world champion. Renowned teams such as Manchester City, Al-Ittihad, and others, featuring star players like Erling Haaland and Karim Benzema, will grace the grand stage. It’s an unmissable event. Our commitment has always been to provide top-notch sports content to our audience, and with this initiative, we’re taking a significant stride in bringing the very best of global football to our viewers in India.”

    1Stadia CEO Sangeet Shirodkar, said, “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Eurosport for the live broadcasting of the FIFA Club World Cup 2023. This partnership not only reinforces our commitment to delivering premium sports content but also marks a significant milestone in providing football enthusiasts worldwide with unparalleled access to this prestigious tournament. By joining forces with Eurosport and integrating FanCode into the equation, we are ensuring a cutting-edge, immersive, and accessible viewing experience for fans. Together, we look forward to setting new standards in sports broadcasting and bringing the excitement of the FIFA Club World Cup 2023 to a global audience like never before.”

    The FIFA Club World Cup 2023 promises to be a riveting spectacle, with captivating matchups and unexpected twists. The clash between Saudi Pro League champions Al Ittihad, led by the phenomenal 2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, and Auckland City of New Zealand in the first round sets the stage for an intense competition.

    The unique format of the tournament, pitting the host country’s team against the OFC Champions League holders, adds an extra layer of excitement. The winner of this encounter faces CAF Champions League winner Al Ahly of Egypt in the second round, and Mexico’s Club Leon will take on AFC Champions League winners Urawa Reds of Japan. South America’s Fluminese and Europe’s Manchester City teams will join the competition from the semi-finals, competing against winners of the second round of matches.

    The tournament winners earn the right to call themselves the best club in the world.

  • BBC staff members launch new company to serve audiences with BBC Indian language services

    BBC staff members launch new company to serve audiences with BBC Indian language services

    Mumbai: Four BBC staff members have today (12 December) announced plans to leave the organisation and form a new entity in India which will provide audiences with a breadth of services across India, as commissioned by the BBC.  

    The establishment of Collective Newsroom Pvt Ltd ensures the BBC and Collective Newsroom can meet their shared commitment to Indian audiences and cover stories on India that matter to global audiences. It complies with the Indian foreign direct investment law.

    Collective Newsroom has been established as an Indian company, wholly owned by Indian citizens, with four existing staff members leaving the BBC to lead Collective Newsroom. These senior leaders have a wealth of editorial and programme-making experience. The BBC will commission Collective Newsroom to produce its six Indian language services as well as Indian digital output and an Indian YouTube channel in English for audiences globally.

    The BBC has a long-held and deep-rooted place in India’s media landscape, having first launched the Hindi language service in 1940. Since then it has developed a range of BBC output, expanding the number of Indian language services and growing audience figures from decade to decade with its agenda-setting and high-impact journalism.

    BBC India senior news editor Rupa Jha and founding shareholder of Collective Newsroom, said, “Audiences in India can be assured that the BBC’s Indian language services and unique range of quality output will inform, educate and entertain audiences across our diverse and highly engaged country under the agreement between the BBC and Collective Newsroom. We launch Collective Newsroom with big ambitions for audiences in India and beyond.”

    BBC News deputy CEO said Jonathan Munro, “The BBC’s presence in India is steeped in a rich history that has always put audiences first, so we warmly welcome the formation of Collective Newsroom which continues that progression. The BBC will get first-class content from Collective Newsroom that will be rooted in India and in line with the editorial standards audiences expect from the BBC. We look forward to working with them.”

    BBC News International Services senior controller Liliane Landor said, “Two of the BBC’s critical strengths are its truly global output for audiences and our reputation as a trusted source of news. We are deeply committed to excellence in journalism for and from India, and this agreement ensures the continued production of independent, international and impartial journalism that the BBC News brand is renowned for in India and around the world.”

    Activity for BBC monitoring and the BBC’s English language newsgathering operation for global output will remain with the BBC.

    Notes to editors:

    1.    The four staff members leaving the BBC to lead Collective Newsroom are; Rupa Jha, Mukesh Sharma, Sanjoy Majumder and Sara Hassan

    2.    The BBC provides content in six Indian languages (BBC News Hindi, BBC News Marathi, BBC News Gujarati, BBC News Punjabi, BBC News Tamil, BBC News Telugu) as well as in English, to 82 million people around the country on average each week

    3.    BBC News Hindi is the BBC’s language service with the largest audience and in 2023, across all platforms, its weekly reach figure grew 27 per cent year-on-year

    4.    The BBC World Service reaches 318 million people on average every week globally and operates 42 different language services

  • TV9 Network dominates the Indiantelevision.com News Television Awards 2023

    TV9 Network dominates the Indiantelevision.com News Television Awards 2023

    Mumbai: In a resounding recognition of its commitment to excellence in journalism, TV9 Network won a staggering 53 awards at the News Television Awards 2023, organised by Indiantelevision.com at an event on 9 December in Holiday Inn, Delhi.

    The honours span no less than 15 categories and 7 languages, recognising the work of multiple broadcast channels and digital platforms by TV9 Network, including News9 Plus, The Innovation Hub, Money 9, TV9 Bharatvarsh, TV9 Bangla, TV9 Gujarati, TV9 Kannada, TV9 Marathi, TV9 Telugu and the TV9 UPUK Digital YouTube channel.

    Incepted in 2007, the News Television Awards honour outstanding television news journalism across 45 unique categories in 8 different languages, rewarding “channel programmers, anchors, presenters, technicians, producers, editors, reporters and management”, as per its website.

    “There is a major transformation taking place in the realm of Indian news media today. As viewers become more discerning amidst a surplus of options, TV9 Network has succeeded at disrupting the status quo, both in conventional broadcasting and in digital news formats. From pioneering the world’s first news OTT platform to delivering unparalleled coverage of current affairs through traditional television, innovation is at the centre of everything we do. Our commitment is to continually enhance the quality of content while upholding the fundamental tenets of journalistic integrity”, said TV9 Network chief growth officer Raktim Das.

    Indiantelevision.com founder & CEO Anil NM Wanvari, joined the panel of jurors for this year’s event, which included esteemed personalities such as PolicyBazaar CMO Sai Narayan, Gulf Marketing head Amit Gheji and JK Tyre CMO Amit Gujral among others.

    News9 Plus, India’s first news OTT platform took home 8 laurels at the event, across the ‘Programming’ and ‘Promo, Designing and Packaging’ categories, with TV9 Network MD and CEO’s ‘Duologue with Barun Das ft. Mithali Raj’ winning the award for ‘Editorial Choice – Most Cerebral Talk Show’.

    TV9 Network Innovation Hub, the flagship brand solutions powerhouse, bagged 2 wins for the Set Design and Brand Partnership of its ‘Road to Safety’ campaign, which aimed to increase awareness about road safety in India.

    Money9, the personal finance OTT offering by TV9 Network and the first of its kind in India, was also graced with the ‘Original Programming On OTT (Hindi)’ award, for its show Money Central.

    Also winning big were the broadcast channels, with TV9 Bangla walking away with an unprecedented 12 accolades, including 3 Personality Awards, for Amritanshu Bhattacharya, Anirban Chowdhury and Suman Mahapatra.

    TV9 Telugu scored a similarly impressive 11 wins, with 3 Special Awards and 4 Personality Awards given out to Deepthi Vajpeye, Rajinikanth Vellalacheruvu, G Nethravathi and Pranitha Yadav.

    TV9 UPUK, the YouTube channel dedicated to quality news coverage of events in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand also emerged a big winner of the evening, with 4 Programming Awards and 2 Personality Awards, to Pankaj Tripathi and Brijesh Tiwari.

    On another front, Shivani Purohit of TV9 Gujarati was also conferred with a Personality Award, bringing the total tally of honours bestowed on the channel to 6.

    Meanwhile, TV9 Kannada and TV9 Marathi enjoyed great success in the Programming Categories, taking home 3 and 2 commendations respectively.

    Logging one win for Programming and one Personality Award to Mahesh Kumar Tiwari, TV9 Bharatvarsh rounded out the Network’s tally for the evening, bringing the figure up to a tremendous 53.

  • Tata Play introduces Addressable Ads for linear television

    Tata Play introduces Addressable Ads for linear television

    Mumbai: India’s largest content distribution platform Tata Play, has announced Addressable Ads for linear television. Addressable TV advertising technology enables advertisers to selectively segment TV audiences and serve different ads to different households, even if they are watching the same content. In essence, digital-akin media planning can now be achieved on television through Addressable Ads. Starting today, brands can sharpen the targeting of their linear TV ads through filters of geographies and audience profiles.

    Addressable TV ads mark a revolutionary milestone for television advertising as it merges linear TV with digital capabilities. TV advertising is essential for top-of-funnel deliveries. With Tata Play’s Addressable Ads solution, advertisers can enjoy a better ROI with functionalities like targeting and buying impressions. Broadcast partners are now empowered with an opportunity to offer a more relevant, rewarding, and effective inventory.

    Tata Play CEO & managing director Harit Nagpal explained how the new development disrupts the linear TV advertising ecosystem, “While Television delivers the highest advertising reach for brands, it doesn’t offer sharper targeting. With our targeted ad delivery, we can now split a TV spot into multiple beams with each beam carrying messages to distinctive audience cohorts, as required by the advertisers.”

    This breakthrough marks a first for unconnected boxes, empowering advertisers to reach their targeted audience with complete measurability. The segmentation will be based on audience profiles and various geographical cuts, making television advertising more engaging and effective. Tata Play has partnered with Invidi and TAM for this initiative. While Invidi will manage the tech aspect of Addressable ads, TAM will facilitate audience measurement and monitoring.