ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Odisha takes centre stage as Rising Odisha 2025 sparks big ideas

    Odisha takes centre stage as Rising Odisha 2025 sparks big ideas

    MUMBAI: Odisha’s growth story is set to get the red-carpet treatment and the hot seat as Rising Odisha 2025 returns on 19 August, promising an evening of high-voltage ideas, debate, and vision-building. From 4 pm onwards, News18 Odia’s flagship leadership conclave will transform into a powerhouse of conversation, putting the state’s progress and challenges under the spotlight.

    Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi will lead the charge as chief guest and Keynote Speaker, setting the tone for discussions on governance, economic growth, tourism, exports, skill development, sports, and cultural heritage. Joining him are deputy chief ministers K.V. Singh Deo helming Agriculture, Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy and Pravati Parida, Odisha’s first woman Dy CM, who oversees women and child development, Mission Shakti, and Tourism.

    The evening will pack in exclusive interviews with Sampad Chandra Swain (Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education) and Suresh Pujari (Revenue & Disaster Management), alongside in-depth conversations with Suryavanshi Suraj (Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services, Odia Language & Culture) and Odia cinema icon-turned-politician Anubhav Mohanty.

    Political fireworks are guaranteed with a three-way debate featuring BJP’s Manmohan Samal, Congress’ Bhakta Charan Das, and BJD’s Debi Prasad Mishra, each pitching their roadmap for Odisha’s future.

    And in a nod to the state’s buzzing online culture, digital heavyweights Natia Comedy, Krishna, and Nitiana will join a panel to decode youth engagement, viral trends, and the evolving influence of social media.

    For those who can’t be in the room, the action unfolds live on News18 Odia from 4 PM, a front-row ticket to the ideas shaping tomorrow’s Odisha.
     

  • News18 Tamil Nadu hits pause on ads for break-free morning prime time

    News18 Tamil Nadu hits pause on ads for break-free morning prime time

    MUMBAI:  Who needs a coffee break when the news won’t take one? News18 Tamil Nadu is hitting the fast lane in the morning rush, going completely ad-free from 7:00 am to 10:00 am no interruptions, no distractions, just pure, back-to-back headlines. The move is a viewer-first experiment in prime-time engagement, ensuring that audiences stay glued to the day’s most impactful stories without the lure (or annoyance) of a break. It’s also a shrewd play for advertisers: the first spots aired after this three-hour break-free stretch land at the perfect moment, when viewer attention is at its sharpest, promising premium impact and brand recall.

    For brands, it’s a golden window uninterrupted audience flow, peak attention levels, and the halo of being seen alongside serious, high-focus news. The channel says the initiative not only keeps viewers hooked but also strengthens credibility and trust for advertisers riding the post-prime wave.

    But the innovation doesn’t stop there. News18 Tamil Nadu has been pushing boundaries with Disco with KS, a weekly podcast hosted by editor Karthigaichelvan. It’s the first of its kind for any Tamil news channel, blending sharp interviews with bureaucrats, industry leaders, and young achievers. Each episode racks up over 1 lakh views, with 10 plus snackable clips per episode routinely going viral reaching more than 3 million social media views, with a notable 25 per cent coming from the Tamil diaspora.

    Another highlight is Decode – The World Unfiltered, breaking down complex national and global events into crystal-clear context. Together, these offerings are turning the channel into more than just a news source, it’s becoming a daily habit for Tamil audiences across the globe.

    Come morning, whether it’s hard news, deep dives, or viral interviews, News18 Tamil Nadu wants you in without cutting away for anything else.
     

  • Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League returns, set to kick off from 25 December

    Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League returns, set to kick off from 25 December

    MUMBAI — The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) is back after its electrifying debut, promising even more action, intensity, and local pride. Season 2 kicks off on Thursday, 25 December 2025, marking the return of one of the state’s most thrilling sporting platforms — a professional stage for Uttar Pradesh’s finest kabaddi talent.

    This milestone builds on the momentum of UPKL’s inaugural season, which reached over 30 million TV viewers according to BARC India and generated 300+ million digital impressions, driven largely by audiences from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Season 2 is set to elevate the excitement with new franchises on board, more matches, and even bigger fan engagement.

    The league will comprise approximately 64 matches spread over 17 days, with all matches taking place in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

    Season 2 will begin with a league phase followed by playoffs, with all players selected through an auction. Building on the excitement of Season 1, which featured exceptional star players like Arjun Deshwal, Vinay Tewatiya, Shubham Kumar, Sahul Kumar, Abhishek Thakur, Mohd Aman, Nitin Panwer, Abhijeet Malik, Arpit Sroha who captivated audiences across the state. This season promises to showcase top-tier talent and deliver even more thrilling kabaddi action and intense competition.

    SJ Uplift Kabaddi Private Ltd director & founder, Sambhav Jain expressed, “The success of UPKL season one was a testament to the growing love for kabaddi in our state, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering support of our viewers, players, investors, sponsors, and every stakeholder involved. Building on the phenomenal success, as we move into the next chapter, we are thrilled for season two. We remain committed to our vision of building a strong platform for local talent and elevating kabaddi in Uttar Pradesh and beyond. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey so far and made season one possible. I look forward to everyone’s continued support in making season two even bigger, bolder, more inspiring, and more impactful.”
     

  • Test cricket’s digital triumph defies the doomsayers

    Test cricket’s digital triumph defies the doomsayers

    MUMBAI: Test cricket may be fighting for its future, but the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has delivered a resounding riposte to the sceptics. More than 170 million viewers logged onto JioHotstar during the five-match series between India and England—the highest-ever reach for a Test series on digital platforms.

    The numbers tell a compelling story. A staggering 65 billion minutes of watch time were clocked up as the series unfolded from 20 June  to 4 August. The climactic fifth day at The Oval alone drew a peak of 13 million concurrent viewers, setting a new record for online Test match streaming.

    All five matches went the distance, with nail-biting finishes and dramatic plot twists keeping audiences glued to their screens. Even when rain curtailed play on the Sunday at The Oval, with England needing just 35 runs and India four wickets, thousands returned on Monday morning for what many knew might be only an hour’s play.

    “The extraordinary response reinforced Test cricket’s ability to forge compelling narratives in almost every session,” said JioStar head of content for sports Siddharth Sharma. The platform served coverage in five languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.

    Yet this triumph highlights cricket’s central paradox. Whilst series between the sport’s “Big Three”—England, India and Australia—continue to thrive, concerns persist about Test cricket’s inclusivity for lower-ranked nations. The format’s commercial success remains concentrated among a privileged few.

    These worries have prompted the ICC to form an eight-member working group, led by chief executive Sanjog Gupta, to assess a proposed two-tier World Test Championship. England’s cricket board opposes the plan, fearing relegation could cost them lucrative clashes with Australia or India.

    The series marked India’s opening gambit in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, ending in a 2-2 draw after the final session. Fans also devoured Follow the Blues, a behind-the-scenes series, and When India Challenged the Crown, which revisited India’s Test legacy in England.

    JioStar now turns its attention to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, beginning 30 September.

  • Pogo powers up for Little Singham’s birthday bash with action, dance and dhamaka

    Pogo powers up for Little Singham’s birthday bash with action, dance and dhamaka

    MUMBAI: This August, Pogo is all set to celebrate the birthday of India’s beloved young supercop, Little Singham, with grand celebrations blending action, emotion, and excitement. As one of the most iconic characters on POGO, India’s homegrown kids’ entertainment channel, Little Singham will be at the heart of a high-voltage, multi-platform campaign designed to delight kids and families across the country.

    Kickstarting the celebrations, POGO has released a new promo featuring dynamic visuals and energy-packed moments, showcasing the essence of Little Singham, his courage, loyalty, and never-give-up spirit. The promo with a specially choreographed ‘hook step’ is also introduced to encourage fans to join in the celebrations and showcase their love for Little Singham across social media platforms.

    Warner Bros. Discovery Head of Factual Entertainment, Lifestyle & Kids, South Asia, Sai Abishek said, “Little Singham is more than just an icon; he stands for courage, confidence, and positivity, making him a true role model for millions of children across India. In the last eight years, Little Singham, its universe, and stories have uniquely and deeply touched kids and families, becoming a milestone for POGO and Warner Bros. Discovery. We remain committed to further building the beloved Little Singham universe that continues to resonate with kids and families.”

    Warner Bros. Discovery, head of marketing, South Asia, Janhavi Vyas added, “This campaign has been designed to be an exciting, multi-touchpoint experience that resonates with kids both on and beyond the screen. From high-energy content to immersive on-ground activations, we are thrilled to bring fans closer to Little Singham in fun and meaningful ways.” 

  • NDTV hires Aajtak veteran Sameer Anand

    NDTV hires Aajtak veteran Sameer Anand

    MUMBAI: NDTV has recruited  a senior advertising executive from rival broadcaster TV Today, as India’s news channels scramble for talent in an increasingly competitive market.

    Sameer Anand, who spent four and a half years climbing the ranks at TV Today’s Hindi news channel Aajtak, has joined NDTV as assistant vice president. The move comes as broadcasters battle for advertising revenues in a market where every rupee counts.

    Anand’s hire is a coup for NDTV Arena, the broadcaster’s sports arm. At Aajtak, he rose from assistant general manager to deputy general manager of ad sales, handling key corporate accounts that included blue-chip clients such as Maruti Suzuki, LG, Samsung and Panasonic during his earlier stint at Red FM.

    The executive’s career spans nearly two decades across India’s media landscape, including stints at Zee Entertainment Enterprises and radio broadcaster Red FM, where he cut his teeth managing corporate sales for 13 years.

    His appointment signals NDTV’s intent to bolster its commercial operations as Indian news channels face pressure from digital platforms and changing viewer habits. The broadcaster, which has weathered regulatory storms and ownership changes, is keen to strengthen its advertising revenues through experienced hands.

    The hire also reflects the musical chairs nature of India’s media industry, where seasoned sales executives command premium salaries as channels vie for market share in a fragmented landscape.

  • Mumbai seat battle heats up as CNN-News18 Town Hall hits the city

    Mumbai seat battle heats up as CNN-News18 Town Hall hits the city

    MUMBAI: When Mumbai talks politics, it doesn’t whisper, it shouts over traffic, cuts through the monsoon, and spills into cinema halls. On 13 August 2025, CNN-News18 Town Hall plants itself right in the middle of this noise with its Mumbai edition, themed “Ballot, BMC, and the Battle for Mumbai”. The agenda? Put the city’s future in the spotlight just weeks before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the first in eight years.

    Fresh from its Defence Edition, the Town Hall returns with a mix of political heavyweights, millennial ministers, and a hindi movie hitmaker. The line-up reads like Mumbai’s own blockbuster bill: Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister, will spar over civic priorities; Eknath Shinde, deputy CM, headlines “The Undisputed Sena-pati”; Aaditya Thackeray tackles whether Mumbai’s future is “regional” or global; and cabinet millennials Aditi Tatkare, Nitesh Rane, and Yogesh Kadam step up for “The Millennial Ministers” panel.

    And because Mumbai is never far from a film reel, filmmaker Mohit Suri will bring a cinematic interlude, delving into “Love, Loss and Legacy” after his latest success. Expect politics and pop culture to collide as only Mumbai can manage.

    “This edition is more relevant than ever,” says CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob. “With the upcoming BMC elections, these conversations are crucial for shaping the city’s vision.” CEO Smriti Mehra calls it a continuation of the channel’s mission to spotlight local concerns while sparking national conversations fitting for a network that’s been India’s No. 1 English news channel for over 3 years.

    The event will broadcast live from 4 pm on CNN-News18 and stream on its Youtube channel, inviting citizens to join in from home. But for Mumbai’s political stage, the message is clear: the curtain’s up, the lights are on, and the city’s future is up for debate.
     

  • Kaun Banega Crorepati’s 25th year secures 26 sponsors

    Kaun Banega Crorepati’s 25th year secures 26 sponsors

    MUMBAI: Sony Entertainment Television’s iconic quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17 has struck a powerful chord with the nation. Its campaign ‘Jahan Akal Hai Wahaan Akad Hai’ aptly echoes the rise of an India that is not only driven by intelligence (Akal) but also carries it with pride (Akad). This season has witnessed an exceptional response from the brand ecosystem, reaffirming KBC’s position as one of Indian television’s most credible and culturally relevant properties.

    Maruti Suzuki and the Aditya Birla Group are onboarded as Co-Presenting Sponsors, while the State Bank of India joins as Banking Partner, and Reserve Bank of India as a Special Sponsor, further deepening the show’s association with empowerment and trust.

    The Co-Powered By roster includes UPI, Ultratech Cement, Stable Money App, Asian Paints, and Gowardhan Ghee — spanning sectors from digital finance to FMCG. Special Partners secured are Patanjali Dant Kanti, BHIM Payments App, Polycab India Ltd., Dr. Fixit (Pidilite Industries), Vida powered by Hero Motocorp and WinZO Games.

    Further strengthening its appeal, Associate Partners include Amazon India, Kalyan Jewellers, Godrej & Boyce, Laxmipati Sarees, Groww, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), National Stock Exchange (NSE), Plasto Tanks and Pipes, Aashirvaad Select Atta, Director’s Elaichi and Bikaji — representing a diverse cross-section of India’s consumer landscape.

    KBC continues to be a powerful platform for brands, seamlessly integrating knowledge, inspiration, and wide-reaching impact.

    At the heart of the show is, as always, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan whose iconic presence and effortless camaraderie with the contestants breathe life into every story from the hotseat.

  • Meteora Developers World Padel League Season 3 to be broadcast live In over 150 countries

    Meteora Developers World Padel League Season 3 to be broadcast live In over 150 countries

    MUMBAI: Iconik Sports & Events presents Meteora Developers World Padel League, powered by Maisour, is set to reach fans in over 150 countries with live broadcast coverage for its third season, which will take place from August 12-16 at Mumbai’s Nesco Centre. In India, fans can catch all the action on Zee Café, & Flix, and Zee Zest (SD & HD) through linear television coverage, with digital streaming available exclusively on FanCode, WPL’s official digital streaming partner.

    Now in its third season, WPL continues to build on its reputation as a premier sporting and entertainment property. This season, the league has expanded from four to six franchises, bringing together 36 of the world’s top international players across the franchises: Vedanta Leopards, Khan Tigers, Hubtown Panorama Panthers, Game Changers Lions, SG Pipers Cheetahs, and Vernost Jaguars.

    Commenting on the broadcast roster, World Padel League co-founder Hemali Sharma said, “We are excited to welcome all our broadcast partners for this season. The fact that people in over 150 countries will be able to experience the action from the comfort of their homes, shows how far the sport has come in such a short time here. In India especially, the change has been incredible. What began as a niche game has now captured attention the world over, and we are proud to have been a part of that global movement. Season 3 will take that energy to the next level, giving fans everywhere a front-row seat to the speed and intensity of ‘The Greatest Show on Court!’”

    Welcoming the WPL to the Zee network, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd chief growth officer, Ashish Sehgal said, “We are incredibly excited to bring the World Padel League Season 3 to Indian homes and beyond. With coverage on Zee Café, & Flix, and Zee Zest (SD+HD), we’re opening the sport to an audience that’s hungry for high‑energy, emerging athletic action. At ZEE, our mission is to champion sports with growing but dedicated fan communities – delivering them into the mainstream and helping them become truly mass‑appeal events.”

    “We’re excited to partner with the World Padel League for the second year running. Padel is growing rapidly in India, with urban centres leading the way in both participation and viewership. More people are playing the sport, and naturally, they now want to watch the best players in action. Through our exclusive digital coverage, we’re committed to giving Indian padel enthusiasts front-row access to the world’s best action, anytime and anywhere,” said FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco.

    In Sri Lanka, matches will air exclusively on Peo TV by Sri Lanka Telecom, while DishHome holds exclusive streaming rights in Nepal. In the MENA region, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and beyond, coverage will be available on Saudi Sports Channel and Shahid OTT and Dubai Media. Across Europe and APAC, audiences can view matches on Dazn and Sport TV in Portugal and SPO TV. Fans in the USA and Canada will be able to catch all the action on Willow TV and across Africa on AfricaXP. With an extensive broadcast network spanning all continents, the World Padel League Season 3 will bring the excitement and energy of padel to fans around the globe, truly making it a worldwide sporting event.

    Tickets for Meteora Developers World Padel League, powered by Maisour are now available for fans eager to witness the thrilling live action at Hall No. 5, Nesco Centre exclusively on the District. Padel fans are encouraged to book their tickets to be part of the action at India’s biggest padel event.

     

  • NDTV appoints Anupam Srivastava as chief executive producer, NDTV India and regionals

    NDTV appoints Anupam Srivastava as chief executive producer, NDTV India and regionals

    MUMBAI: NDTV has appointed Anupam Srivastava as chief executive producer for NDTV India and its regional channels. He brings over two decades of expertise in broadcast journalism, long-form factual storytelling, and channel operations.

    Anupam combines the immediacy of live news with the depth of storytelling. At Times Now, Times Now, Navbharat, and Times Chronicles, he has led coverage of pivotal national events – from the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to high-stakes election nights and conducted two rare, exclusive interviews with the Prime Minister.

    In long-form content, his portfolio spans some of the most acclaimed factual series in recent years, including Love Kills on Discovery+, Tiranga on National Geographic India, 1971: Birth of a Nation, Tales of Valour, Kashmir: The Story, and Gallantry of Galwan. His work, marked by rigorous research, cinematic visual design, and disciplined narrative structure, has earned multiple NT Awards and ENBA honours.

    Beyond his editorial work, Anupam has played a pivotal role in shaping the visual and operational identity of channels – from leading the transition from SD to HD, to managing complete channel relocations, overseeing brand-defining design projects, and commissioning original programming for global OTT platforms. His ability to reimagine archival footage into fresh, high-impact narratives has enabled him to deliver premium content across a range of budgets.

    In his new role, Anupam will oversee NDTV India’s flagship programming and also spearhead content strategy, editorial direction, and brand positioning for NDTV’s growing network of regional channels. His mandate includes strengthening regional storytelling, deepening local engagement, and ensuring that the distinct cultural and linguistic character of each market is reflected in the network’s coverage.

    “NDTV’s strength has always been credible, well-crafted storytelling,” said Anupam on his appointment. “My focus will be on building on that strength across both national and regional platforms — refining our craft, and ensuring every story connects with viewers in a meaningful way.”

    “Anupam brings the judgement, experience, and creative focus to elevate NDTV’s premium content. His ability to translate editorial vision into high-quality execution makes him a valuable addition to the team,” said Rahul Kanwal, NDTV India CEO & editor-in-chief.