Category: TV Channels

  • Vedika Sud joins NDTV 24×7 as consulting editor

    Vedika Sud joins NDTV 24×7 as consulting editor

    NEW DELHI:  NDTV 24×7 has roped in veteran journalist Vedika Sud as consulting editor, marking the return of one of south Asia’s most recognised broadcast reporters to the Indian news landscape. Sud, who most recently served as CNN International’s bureau chief for India and South Asia, brings nearly two decades of frontline reporting experience spanning crises, conflicts and political transitions across the region.

    At CNN, Sud was the network’s editorial lead across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, working closely with global desks and appearing on flagship programmes with anchors including Jake Tapper, Wolf Blitzer and Erin Burnett. She covered the India–Pakistan conflict following the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, the G20 climate and geopolitical negotiations, the India–Myanmar refugee crisis, the farmers’ protests, and Delhi’s landfill investigations exposing the intersection of environment and public health. Her on-the-ground reportage during the 2021 Delta wave of Covid, from overwhelmed hospitals to the desperate hunt for oxygen, earned international recognition for its clarity and compassion.

    Before CNN, Sud anchored prime bulletins at the India Today group, oversaw fast-paced editorial operations at NewsX and built her early career at Times Now, where she transitioned from producing political segments to fronting live broadcasts on elections, terror attacks and civic issues.

    Her work has won accolades including an honourable mention at the 2024 Society of Publishers in Asia Awards for reporting on women’s issues and a finalist slot at the South Asian Journalists Association Awards in 2021. An alumna of Sophia College, Mumbai, she also holds a diploma in social communications media and a graduate certificate in public policy from the Takshashila Institution.

    NDTV’s chief executive and editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal called Sud “an interpreter of meaning, not just a witness to events,” saying her global perspective would sharpen NDTV’s mission to deliver rigorous, contextual journalism in a crowded and noisy news environment.

    Sud said she was drawn to NDTV’s legacy of explanatory reporting. “The most powerful stories don’t simply tell you what happened — they explain why it matters and who it matters to. In an age of endless headlines, our responsibility is to cut through the noise and connect the dots for the public,” she said.

    Her appointment comes as NDTV, one of India’s oldest English news broadcasters, seeks to reinforce its editorial heft under new ownership. With Sud joining its leadership ranks, the channel is signalling a renewed commitment to fact-based reporting and nuanced analysis at a time when credibility in Indian television journalism is under sharper scrutiny than ever.

  • Power play Delhi hosts grand finale of News18 Sheshakti 2025

    Power play Delhi hosts grand finale of News18 Sheshakti 2025

    MUMBAI: When women take the wheel, the road to Bharat’s future looks smoother and far more inclusive. After a dazzling debut in Mumbai, News18 Sheshakti 2025, presented by Lions International, is set for its grand finale in New Delhi on August 21 under the theme “From Breaking Barriers to Building Bharat”.

    What began as a regional showcase has quickly grown into one of India’s most anticipated forums for female leadership. The third national edition will see over 30 trailblazers from policymakers and entrepreneurs to actors, athletes, and activists sharing how they’re not just breaking ceilings but laying down the foundation for a stronger, self-reliant India.

    The power-packed speaker line-up reads like a roll call of influence: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, former union minister Smriti Irani, British high commissioner Lindy Cameron, JNU vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Supreme Court justice Hima Kohli, actors Kriti Sanon and Sanya Malhotra, playback legend Kavita Krishnamurti, racing driver Mira Erda, and Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, among others. From boardrooms to battlefields, campuses to concert halls, the conversations promise to span every frontier.

    The scale matches the ambition. The initiative has already clocked two impactful national editions, with the 2025 Mumbai showcase marking the start of its 25th anniversary celebrations. Now, the capital takes centre stage as women from across industries share stories of innovation, grit, and transformation whether it’s shaping policy, building businesses, enabling grassroots change, or disrupting global sectors like AI, defence and healthcare.

    “News18 Sheshakti has always been a platform to celebrate, empower and elevate dynamic women,” said Network18 (broadcast) CEO Avinash Kaul. His colleague Network18 Group chief strategy officer Puneet Singhvi added that women today are “leading in business, sports, education and beyond shaping New Bharat with inclusivity, compassion, and courage.”

    From 11 AM on 21 August, the stage will be buzzing with bold voices and big visions. If Mumbai was the warm-up act, Delhi promises the full crescendo, an ode to the women scripting Bharat’s next chapter, one breakthrough at a time.

  • Brake it to make it Times Now hits the brakes on India’s reckless driving

    Brake it to make it Times Now hits the brakes on India’s reckless driving

    MUMBAI: On India’s 79th Independence Day, Times Now chose to free the roads from a different kind of tyranny, the chaos of reckless driving. Through its auto vertical, Times Drive, the channel flagged off ‘Brake The Habit’, a nationwide road safety initiative that’s turning bus shelters and billboards into stern speed-breakers for public conscience.

    The campaign was officially unveiled by union minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, who praised the effort as a timely nudge against habits that kill. The statistics are chilling   according to the MORTH 2022 report, India sees over 4.61 lakh accidents annually, most linked to over-speeding, drunk driving, red-light jumping, and increasingly, the deadly distraction of mobile phones behind the wheel.

    Planned as a six-month drive culminating in Road Safety Week in January 2026, the campaign goes beyond finger-wagging. It blends print, outdoor, digital, and Times Network’s broadcast platforms to hammer home the message. Billboards across metros bark warnings against overspeeding, while digital activations invite citizens to vote, opine, and even share stories of lifesaving interventions that prove responsible driving is cool, not boring.

    Young drivers are firmly in the crosshairs. With colleges and universities as key partners, the campaign is designed to catch drivers before bad habits harden into deadly reflexes. Early phases focus on online and on-air pushes, building towards a big on-ground crescendo during Road Safety Week.

    But this isn’t just about scare tactics. ‘Brake The Habit’ also celebrates empathy spotlighting acts of road courtesy, timely rescues, and human kindness that too often go unrecognised. It reframes road safety not as a chore but as a shared responsibility and even a source of pride.

    As Gadkari reminded, and as Times Now underlines: safety starts with the driver, not the car. With one reckless swipe or a single overshoot of the speedometer, lives can change forever. By hitting the brakes on bad habits, the campaign hopes India’s drivers can accelerate towards something far more liberating roads that are safe for all.

     

  • Pavan Kumar Allada to lead corporate strategy at Sun TV Network

    Pavan Kumar Allada to lead corporate strategy at Sun TV Network

    CHENNAI: Sun TV network has appointed Pavan Kumar Allada as head of corporate strategy, strengthening its leadership bench at a time when the southern broadcaster is sharpening its digital and growth ambitions.

    Allada joins from Disney Star, where he spent over ten years in key strategy roles at Star Sports. His remit spanned business planning, consumer insights, acquisitions, scheduling and partnerships. Most recently, he served as senior manager for content and acquisition strategy, consumer insights and scheduling, shaping programming and growth decisions for the network’s sports business.

    Earlier roles at Star Sports included business strategy and sales revenue planning, giving him a front-row seat to India’s booming sports broadcasting market.

    An MBA in marketing and strategy from IIM Lucknow and a BTech from IIT Madras, Allada also co-founded an entrepreneurial food venture, Gossip N Bite, early in his career.

    At Sun TV network, he will be responsible for driving corporate strategy, business growth initiatives and acquisition plays, while embedding consumer-first thinking into the company’s long-term plans. The move underscores Sun’s intent to fortify its position not just as a dominant regional broadcaster, but also as a player navigating the shifting media and digital consumption landscape.

  • Travel tales get luxe twist as Iconic 2025 returns to Delhi in August

    Travel tales get luxe twist as Iconic 2025 returns to Delhi in August

    MUMBAI: Fasten your seatbelts, India’s tourism calendar just got its most glamorous pit stop. Red Hat Communications, in association with TV9 Network, is bringing back Iconic 2025, the country’s leading travel, tourism, and luxury conclave, set to unfold on 25 August 2025 at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. Now in its seventh edition, the summit builds on a successful legacy of six past editions, 150 plus influencers, and widespread media buzz. This year, under the theme “Innovation, Transformation, and Impact”, the conclave promises a heady mix of policy, luxury, and lifestyle with a packed line-up of panel discussions, pitch sessions, and candid conversations.

    From “Influencing Itineraries: Content Engine Behind Modern Tourism” to “Dekho Apna Desh: Exploring India’s Uncharted Territories” and “Creating Iconic Tourism Experiences: Redefining Luxury and Hospitality”, the agenda blends wanderlust with strategy.

    The event will feature senior government officials, international tourism boards, luxury brand CXOs, aviation leaders, and travel-tech innovators, all decoding what lies ahead for Indian and global tourism. With India’s inbound and domestic tourism market expected to cross Rs 16 trillion by 2030, the timing could not be better.

    “Iconic 2025 is more than an event; it’s a movement that celebrates leadership, vision, and disruptive ideas shaping the future of tourism and lifestyle in India,” said Red Hat Communications CEO and Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council chairperson Jyoti Mayal.

    TV9 Network Chief Growth Officer Raktim Das added: “As India’s largest news network, we are committed to amplifying conversations that shape industries. Iconic 2025 offers the perfect platform to highlight the growth and potential of tourism and luxury on a global stage.”

    With TV9 as its media partner, the conclave is poised to capture a pan-India audience, cementing India’s reputation not just as a top travel destination but also as a global hub for luxury and lifestyle conversations.

  • Rana Daggubati leads JioStar campaign for PKL Season 12 Ghus Kar Maarenge

    Rana Daggubati leads JioStar campaign for PKL Season 12 Ghus Kar Maarenge

    MUMBAI: When Rana Daggubati says Ghus Kar Maarenge, even the toughest villains step back. JioStar has kicked off its Season 12 Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) campaign with a high-octane film starring the Telugu star, setting the tone for what promises to be the most aggressive and competitive season yet. Released in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, the film opens with Daggubati confronting a hostile group outside a mansion. With a snap of his fingers, he flips the script summoning carpets, drums, and grandeur before marching forward to face them down, echoing kabaddi’s signature blend of poise and power. He seals the film with a line every Titan fan will remember: “Ghuss ke marne ki baatein toh sab karte hai, but hum Telugu Titans wale karke dikhaate hai.”

    Season 12 arrives with new rules designed to guarantee results in every match, upping the stakes for fans and players alike. “The campaign reflects this shift in intensity,” a JioStar spokesperson explained, noting that Daggubati’s screen presence, composure, and authority made him the natural choice.

    For Daggubati, the association is personal. “Kabaddi is not just a sport, it’s a battle of will, power, and fearless spirit. The Pro Kabaddi League has redefined how we look at home-grown sports in India. There’s something electrifying about the raw aggression on the mat every single match,” he said.

    The action begins on 29 August, with a southern showdown between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas in the season opener. Every tackle, raid, and block will stream live and exclusive on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network, as kabaddi prepares to deliver yet another adrenaline-charged spectacle.

  • Tips Music acquires Studio Radha’s Cultural music of Gujarati and Kutchi

    Tips Music acquires Studio Radha’s Cultural music of Gujarati and Kutchi

    MUMBAI: Tips Music Ltd acquired Studio Radha’s complete music catalogue expanding its footprint into Gujarat’s rich cultural music heritage. The acquisition reflects Tips Music’s strategic expansion into regional markets, delivering authentic folk traditions with contemporary reach to Indian and global audiences.

    Studio Radha, known for its extensive collection of 4,000+ traditional songs spanning devotional music, folk music, and cultural storytelling, adds a dynamic, heritage-rich catalogue to Tips Music’s diverse portfolio, strengthening its position in regional Indian music while exploring new digital streaming and global publishing opportunities.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Tips Music Ltd managing director Kumar Taurani said, ” This acquisition, which has a authentic voice of our culture, is a strategic move to deepen our presence in India’s vibrant regional music markets. Beyond preserving this incredible legacy, our goal is to leverage our modern distribution infrastructure and introduce these timeless songs to a new generation of listeners globally. This aligns perfectly with our business strategy of investing in high-quality, diverse content that holds timeless appeal.”

    The Studio Radha catalogue will be made available across all major streaming platforms and digital services under the Tips Music banner, ensuring these cultural gems reach music lovers worldwide.
     

  • 40 years of Discovery: A legacy of wonder, knowledge & storytelling

    40 years of Discovery: A legacy of wonder, knowledge & storytelling

    MUMBAI: Thirty years ago, Discovery arrived in India as more than just a TV channel — it was a portal to worlds unseen, ideas unexplored, and stories untold. As Discovery turns 40 globally, the brand marks three transformative decades in India — celebrating its evolution  into a global storytelling powerhouse. Discovery continues to inspire curiosity, captivating audiences with its distinctive blend of education, adventure, and entertainment.

    From the early days of Discovery Atlas, Beyond 2000, Man vs Wild and the mind-bending MythBusters, it was never just television, it was education, inspiration and a gateway to global and local realities. From classrooms to living rooms, science labs to film studios, Discovery’s influence has transcended screens, shaping careers, expanding worldviews, and telling the stories of conservation, innovation, and cultural heritage like no one else.

    Warner Bros. Discovery South Asia MD Arjun Nohwar emphasises the impact, “For over three decades, Discovery has sparked imaginations, encouraged critical thinking, and created programming that left a mark in India. As we look ahead, our vision is to keep evolving with our audience, creating meaningful, relevant and future-forward content that continues to fuel India’s boundless curiosity. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the journey of these 30 years – it’s only with all your support that we are here today, gearing up for several more decades ahead.”

    In a country as diverse and dynamic as India, Discovery found powerful resonance through locally rooted stories. Shows like Breaking Point, Mission Frontline, India’s Paratroopers: Earning the Badge, Ladakh Warriors, Women Fighter Pilots, Journey of India, Revealed Franchise (Rashtrapati Bhavan & Siachen), Legends Franchise (Ramayana & Shiva), Secrets Franchise (Kohinoor, Sinauli & Buddha Relics), My Daughter Joined a Cult, Money Mafia, Hunt for India Mujahideen and Into The Wild with Bear Grylls, brought global scale production and storytelling formats deeply into Indian narratives. 
    Over the last three decades, Discovery has told the stories of the armed forces, collaborated with environmentalists, spotlighted women leaders, taken viewers from dense rainforests to war zones, from remote villages to cutting-edge laboratories, always with a factual lens and a wide-angle view.

    Warner Bros. Discovery South Asia head of content Sai Abhishek added, “For 30 years in India, Discovery has been a storyteller without boundaries — unearthing ancient archaeology, tracking wild animals in their natural habitats, venturing into the mysteries of space, exploring the depth of mythology, celebrating diverse cultures, capturing India’s defence might, and chronicling history as it unfolds. From riveting reality shows to awe-inspiring documentaries, we’ve brought local stories that entertain, enlighten, and endure. This anniversary isn’t just about looking back — it’s about continuing to surprise our viewers with stories exploring extraordinary new worlds.”

    To celebrate this milestone, Discovery has launched ‘My Discovery’, a nostalgic and people-powered campaign. On-air, the celebrations come alive every Saturday and Sunday at 6 PM all through the month of August, with a specially curated line-up of some of the channel’s most beloved titles. Under Extreme Action, audiences can relive the high-octane chaos of Destroyed in Seconds, which first premiered in 2008. Science & Innovation returns with the mechanical wonders of Extreme Machines from 1997 and the slow-motion revelations of Time Warp, which stunned viewers in 2008. Discovery Atlas: India Revealed – part of the celebrated 2007 documentary series, journeys deep into the country’s soul, offering a rich Cultural Lens. The thrill of Survival Against Odds plays out in Storm Chasers (2007), Junkyard Wars (1998), and the visceral storytelling of I Shouldn’t Be Alive: Science of Survival from 2005. Lastly, the impact of Human Endeavour shines through Doing Da Vinci, which brought Renaissance inventions to life in 2009, and Really Big Things (2007), alongside the gripping real-life rescues of Call 911 (2008). Each title is a window into the legacy Discovery has built, one story at a time.

    Beyond television, the #MyDiscovery campaign extends to social and digital platforms, inviting people to share how Discovery has sparked curiosity and shaped their lives. Through milestone moments, archival footage, and personal stories, the campaign taps into collective nostalgia while celebrating the enduring impact of Discovery’s storytelling. 
    For the past 30 years Discovery has been bringing stories of the world to India, and from India to the world. Continuing to reinvent itself, Discovery not only brings its rich library to audiences through its linear channel, but also showcases its commitment to cutting-edge technology by delivering content on its OTT platform, Discovery+. This allows fans to enjoy its stories anytime, anywhere, on the go. Today, with fresh formats and an expanded focus on regional storytelling, creator-led collaborations, and deeper integrations across digital platforms, Discovery is ready for its next frontier. 
    As part of the #MyDiscovery campaign, journey through inspiring stories brought to life by Discovery India — now on Instagram at:

     

     

  • Zee Entertainment bets big on micro-dramas and streaming distribution

    Zee Entertainment bets big on micro-dramas and streaming distribution

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises is placing a Rs 90 crore wager on the future of India’s fragmented media landscape, betting that micro-dramas and consolidated distribution will unlock new revenue streams as audiences scatter across platforms.

    The company’s board approved investments in optionally convertible debentures of two recently incorporated subsidiaries on 14 August. The bigger bet—Rs 50 crore—goes to ZBullet Enterprises, launched just two months ago to develop “Bullet,” a micro-drama application targeting younger viewers with bite-sized series. The remaining Rs 40 crore will flow to Advance Media Distribution Ltd (AMDL), a wholly owned subsidiary designed to consolidate Zee’s entire content distribution empire.

    AMDL represents the more strategic play. The new entity will handle distribution for all Zee Entertainment and Zee Media channels, plus the company’s streaming platform Zee5. It will also take over distribution of Watcho, an over-the-top platform owned by DTH operator Dish TV that Zee currently distributes. Beyond its parent company’s assets, AMDL plans to distribute third-party television channels and streaming services on a commission basis.

    The consolidation strategy follows a well-trodden path in Indian broadcasting. Zee previously shifted its television distribution to Taj TV before bringing it back in-house. Viacom18, now merged with Star India, operated through IndiaCast, while Sony Pictures Networks manages distribution through its own subsidiary.
    The logic is compelling: as audiences consume content across both traditional television and digital platforms simultaneously, a unified distribution approach promises to unlock subscription revenue from both streams. The move also positions Zee to serve smaller channels and streaming platforms that lack the resources and expertise to manage complex distribution arrangements themselves.

    ZBullet’s micro-drama focus, meanwhile, mirrors successful platforms in China where ultra-short episodic content has captivated mobile-first audiences. For a company built on Bollywood films and Hindi soap operas, the shift towards smartphone-friendly formats represents a significant strategic pivot.

    Neither venture has generated revenue yet, with both still preparing to commence operations. The investments will be made in tranches as business plans are finalised. But the timing suggests Zee recognises that India’s entertainment future belongs to companies that can master both content creation and distribution across every conceivable platform.

  • Siddarth Shahani joins IN10 Media Network as head of finance

    Siddarth Shahani joins IN10 Media Network as head of finance

    MUMBAI: IN10 Media Network has appointed Siddarth Shahani as head of finance. A chartered accountant with more than 24 years in the trade, Shahani will take charge of the network’s holding company and five subsidiaries.

    He moves from Barc India, where as financial controller he ran a 15-member team overseeing billing, treasury, taxation and payables. There, he drove compliance, streamlined processes, secured better foreign exchange rates and steered a Big Four audit.

    His earlier stints include senior finance roles at Daymon, Laqshya Media Group, Tops Security, Landor and Siemens, along with audit tenures at EY, KPMG and PwC.

    Shahani, known for his hands-on style and process rigour, is expected to bring tighter controls and sharper strategy to IN10 Media’s expanding portfolio.