Category: TV Channels

  • Zee launches Zee Zonke in isiZulu

    Zee launches Zee Zonke in isiZulu

    Mumbai: Indian media giant, Zee Enterprises, will feature programmes dubbed in South Africa’s largest language, isiZulu, reveal media reports.

    The channel, Zee Zonke (‘Zee for All’ in isiZulu) started broadcasting last week on the DSTV satellite platform in all its different bouquets. The channel will offer drama series and novellas fully dubbed in isiZulu, catering to South African audiences.

  • Indian Olympic Association signs up Samsonite as Asian Games partner

    Indian Olympic Association signs up Samsonite as Asian Games partner

    Mumbai: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced the coming on board of Samsonite, the world’s largest travel luggage company, as a partner for the Hangzhou-bound Asian Games contingent. The members of the Indian contingent will travel to the Games with premium suitcases.

    IOA president Dr PT Usha has said the collaboration marks the partnership of leaders committed to excellence. “The provision of a premium suitcase, designed for the official kit for the Asian Games 2022, to each member of the Indian team is a symbol of the support and belief that the entire nation, and brands of global repute like Samsonite, bestow upon our champions,” she said.

    India’s seasoned Table Tennis star A Sharath Kamal, who won two bronze medals in the last Asian Games in Jakarta, welcomed the partnership. “I cannot stress enough the importance of the whole team travelling with such premium suitcases with our playing kits and ceremonial dresses in them. The feeling of pride and confidence among our athletes can only grow with such action,” he said.

    Samsonite India CEO Jai Krishnan said it was an honour for the luggage giant to be part of the Indian athlete’s journey. “Samsonite has always been about journeys. And there’s none more heart-stirring than that the one our athletes are embarking on. We are honoured to be a small but significant part of their journey,” he said.

    The deal serves as a testament to the growing stature of Indian sports. It underscores the value that leading brands perceive in associating themselves with the Indian contingent as it embarks on a mission to make the country proud with its performances in the Asian Games in China. This partnership with a brand that is an embodiment of quality and durability mirrors our athletes.

    Samsonite is the world’s largest travel luggage company, with a heritage dating back over 100 years and its products are sold in over 100 countries. Samsonite South Asia Pvt Ltd (“Samsonite India”) is engaged in selling products through wholesale and distribution channels as well as retail through franchisee stores in India. 

  • Royal Stag Boombox and Viacom18 unveil fourth original song ‘Imtihaan’

    Royal Stag Boombox and Viacom18 unveil fourth original song ‘Imtihaan’

    Mumbai: Royal Stag Boombox, in collaboration with Viacom18, is all set to bring a completely new genre of music where the melody of Bollywood meets the gully of hip hop creating the original sound of generation large. Music evokes emotions in people across generations, making it a significant passion pillar for Seagram’s Royal Stag. In this modern era, the younger audience is more inclined towards exploring exciting new forms of music. Celebrating the spirit of ‘Living it Large’ and having enthralled thousands of music lovers in Manipal, Bhubaneshwar, Pune, Indore & Dehradun with its unique on-ground experiences, Royal Stag Boombox enters its next phase with the launch of four original music videos. The fourth such original music track to be released is a unique collaboration between soul singer, Neeti Mohan and the prodigious rapper EPR.

    The latest track ‘Imtihaan’ is a captivating blend of Bollywood and Hip-Hop genres, creating an electrifying musical experience. The song carries a depth of sentiment and captures the struggle to discover artistic ingenuity. As the name suggests, it explores the trying nature of overcoming artists’ block and creating soulful music.

    It’s the fourth original Melody x Hip Hop music tracks to be released across platforms, as part of Royal Stag Boombox’s unique, phygital format.

    EPR said, “I’m very happy to be a part of Royal Stag Boombox. It is a unique platform that has given rap artists like me the opportunity to celebrate the flourishing Hip Hop scene in India. I had a memorable time working with Neeti Mohan on Imtihaan. I hope the audience likes it.”

    Singer Neeti Mohan added, “As an artist, it’s wonderful to see a platform like Royal Stag Boombox create new music. True to the concept of the platform, our song Imtihaan celebrates the coming together of Hip Hop and Bollywood in an interesting manner.”

    Music is a significant passion pillar for Seagram’s Royal Stag and today’s youth tilt towards exploring exciting new forms of music. Contemporary genres such as hip-hop are becoming increasingly popular, while Bollywood melodies remain integral to the youth’s cultural milieu. Royal Stag Boombox intends to stir the imagination of this generation, blending music they have inherited – Bollywood scores, with the genre that speaks to them, Hip Hop. The fourth song, Imtihaan is live on YouTube, social, and major audio platforms.

  • ENN Sports LLP acquires Hyderabad Strikers ahead of TPL season 5

    ENN Sports LLP acquires Hyderabad Strikers ahead of TPL season 5

    Mumbai: Ahead of the highly anticipated season 5 of the Tennis Premier League (TPL), visionary founders and owners of ENN Sports LLP, Nikunj Shah, Navin Dalmia, and Rajdeep Dalmia have acquired the Hyderabad Strikers. The highly enterprising trio will be co-owners of the two-time and current champions of the league alongside celebrity co-owner Rakul Preet Singh.

    Co-owner of Hyderabad Strikers, Rakul Preet Singh spoke with delight about the new development, “The TPL is a great place for the talented tennis players in the country to show off their skills and improve their game further while working with the biggest names in the sport. Hyderabad has always been well-known for their contribution to Indian tennis, and with the Hyderabad Strikers, we want to further enhance that reputation.”

    ENN Sports LLP is a premier sports-promoting company that is dedicated to enhancing sports culture in India and around the world. The company provides a wide range of services that include sports team management, event organisation, and sports marketing.

    Nikunj Shah’s entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his deep-rooted love for sports, has positioned him as a prominent figure in both communities. With his ongoing efforts, Shah continues to leave a lasting impact on the sports landscape.

    Talking about his love for the sport of Tennis, co-owner Nikunj Shah said, “Tennis holds a special place in my heart. I actively participate in and support the sport. We are always looking for opportunities to help athletes grow at the highest levels, and the TPL aims to do exactly that. So, I want to actively contribute to the growth of Tennis in India, which I am certain would be possible through the Hyderabad Strikers.”

    Rajdeep Dalmia has a passion for technology that is infectious and has the ability to inspire and motivate those around him. He believes in the power of collaboration and fosters an environment of innovation and creativity within his organisations.

    Dalmia, who used to play tennis in school said, “The TPL is a great way to experience the excitement of a live tennis match, especially as the matches are played in a fast-paced environment due to the format. The Hyderabad Strikers is a phenomenal franchise with a storied history in the league. With our expertise from ENN Sports LLP, I am sure we will be able to expand the dedicated fanbase of the Hyderabad Strikers that will spur us on in our title defence in season 5.”

    Co-founder of the TPL, Kunal Thakkur spoke about how the new ownership will help the Hyderabad Strikers come season 5. He said, “ENN Sports LLP is an innovative enterprise much like the TPL. Their expertise in sports will allow them to become league leaders in terms of strategy, planning, and promotion. This will surely help the Hyderabad Strikers to continue succeeding on and off the court.”

    Co-founder of the TPL Mrunal Jain mirrored his fellow co-founder’s sentiment as he said, “The Hyderabad Strikers is the most outstanding franchisees in the league, and will surely prosper even more under the guidance of visionaries such as Nikunj Shah, Navin Dalmia, and Rajdeep Dalmia.”

  • Rahul Shivshankar to join Network18 as consulting editor

    Rahul Shivshankar to join Network18 as consulting editor

    Mumbai: Noted TV news editor and anchor Rahul Shivshankar is all set to join Network18 Group as a consulting editor.

    He will join the stellar line-up of TV news anchors, editors and writers at India’s largest news network.

    Commenting on his new role, Shivshankar said, “I am very excited to be associated with Network18, which has evolved into the country’s most influential news network on the back of its unflinching commitment to reporting the facts that speak truth to the people.”

    “It is a privilege to add to the plethora of sober reflections, critical news analysis, and balanced voices that are already platformed on the network by some of the news industry’s leading lights,” he added.

    Shivshankar will contribute across platforms at the network.

    The group presently runs India’s top TV news brands such as CNN-News18, News18 India, CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz and News18 regional channels. The network is also home to some of India’s top digital news brands such as Moneycontrol, Firstpost, News18.com, among others.

    Welcoming Rahul Shivshankar to the group, Network18 CEO (digital) & president-corporate strategy Puneet Singhvi said, “Rahul is a distinctive journalist and editor with an unparalleled audience connect. He has been the face of prime time TV journalism and a leading newspaper columnist for almost two decades. His work will add a fresh dimension to our coverage of big events, both on TV and digital.”

    A news industry veteran with nearly three decades of experience in print and television journalism, Shivshankar began his career as a reporter with Times of India, where he broke a large number of stories and started writing for the edit page as one of the youngest leader writers at the paper.

    Later, he became part of the core team that launched Times Now and continued to rise through the ranks.

    As editor-in-chief of Times Now, he played a pivotal role in catapulting the channel to its next phase. He has interviewed many important newsmakers including Narendra Modi, Benjamin Netanyahu, Boris Johnson, Bill Gates, Hillary Clinton, Mike Pompeo, Anthony Fauci and many others.

    Shivshankar has received critical acclaim for his coverage of the 26/11 Mumbai Terror attacks. He was invited to contribute to an anthology of investigative narratives about the attacks published by Roli Books. He has also authored a soon-to-be released book on the 2024 Elections, commissioned by Penguin Random House.

  • discovery+ unveils an enticing September line-up spanning various genres

    discovery+ unveils an enticing September line-up spanning various genres

    Mumbai: discovery+, the marquee non-fiction, real-life subscription streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, announces its upcoming line-up of shows scheduled to release in the month of September. The versatile slate will bring to its audiences a wide range of titles spanning multiple genres.

    Adventure

    I Should Have Stayed Home

    Join the Big Forker brothers, Sid and Shashank, in ‘I Should Have Stayed Home,’ premiering 11 September on discovery+ and Discovery Channel. Watch as they tackle rugged terrains, face adversity, and push their limits in an exhilarating adventure through Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Will they conquer the challenges? Tune in to witness their resilience and brotherly bond journey, as they rely on instincts and strangers to seek sustenance and shelter in the untamed Himalayan wilderness. It’s an extraordinary voyage of self-discovery and survival you won’t want to miss.

    Streaming: 11 September 2023

    True Crime

    Megan Thee Stallion vs. Tory Lanez: Five Shots

    The shocking shooting of popular hip-hop star Megan Thee Stallion was revealed by insiders and lawyers involved. Told from both perspectives, it looks at how Tory Lanez still protests his innocence but examines why Megan was vilified on social media despite a terrifying ordeal.

    Streaming:08 September 2023

    Operation Sex Sting

    Investigative journalist Grace Kahng explores human trafficking in Polk County, Florida, embedding with undercover decoys as they sting men, women and pimps engaged in the dangerous game of sex for sale. Roo Powell and her team work to keep minors safe from sex abuse.

    Streaming: 20 September 2023

    Mother, May I Murder?

    Terrifying true stories of mothers and their children when nature’s strongest bond morphs into conspiracy, manipulation and murder. Acts of greed, revenge and cruelty leave trails of torment and destruction across America. Ordinary folks confront the evil that was always right in front of them.

    Streaming:  29th September 2023

    A Body In The Basement

    In 1978, a shocking murder in broad daylight terrifies a small Illinois town; it goes unsolved for years until an elite team of investigators uses cutting-edge technology to dig up new clues and lay a cunning trap to catch a killer.

    Streaming: 19th September 2023

    Survive The Raft

    Taking place over nine episodes, this new series will place a bunch of strangers on one boat to see how well they can survive living and working together on the sea. And unlike many of the other survival shows on the network, this one has a competitive aspect to it. The contestants will be put to the test with mental and physical challenges that will test their abilities to work as a team.

    Streaming: 15 September 2023

    Nature & Wildlife

    Dinosaur With Stephen Fry

    Stephen Fry journeys into the prehistoric world of the dinosaurs through the use of cutting-edge CGI engines that allow interaction with both the dinosaurs and the environments they inhabit.

    Streaming: 25 September 2023

    Wild By Nature

    A wildlife series dealing with the endemic fauna of Mexico, narrated by actor and naturalist Arturo Islas. He travels through the jungle, deserts and seas in search of the beautiful fauna species: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and insects.

    Streaming: 08 September 2023

    Food

    Food Affair With Mark Wiens

    A six-episode series where Mark explores the abundant culinary treasures of Singapore with guests from fine dining chefs to hawker heroes.

    Streaming: 12 September 2023

    Ciao House

    Ten up-and-coming chefs embark on the journey of a lifetime to Tuscany, hosted by renowned chef, Alex Guarnaschelli and Tuscan-born chef Gabriele Bertaccini.  Shot on location in Italy, the series welcomes ten rising culinary stars who will live together in a breathtaking Italian villa and compete against each other as individuals and in teams to prove their mastery of Italian cooking techniques and dishes.  From real-life nonnas showcasing how they make pasta from scratch to a lesson with the head butcher of a three centuries-old family butcher business, each challenge is accompanied by a local experience steeped in tradition.

    Streaming: 10 September 2023

  • Catalysing transformation: Zee Media’s India eMobility Conclave sets the stage for a sustainable electric mobility landscape

    Catalysing transformation: Zee Media’s India eMobility Conclave sets the stage for a sustainable electric mobility landscape

    Mumbai: Zee Media successfully hosted the India eMobility Conclave, emerging as a catalyst for transformative change, setting the stage for a landscape defined by sustainable electric mobility. It primarily focused on boosting awareness on EVs, policy advocacy, technology advancement and sustainable mobility setting a remarkable precedent for fostering sustainable mobility solutions and propelling India toward a cleaner, greener, and electrifying future.

    The India eMobility conclave began with a keynote address and an engaging fireside chat with Sh. Nitin Gadkari – Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India, shed light on the myriad opportunities presented by India’s EV adoption journey. This conclave served as a dynamic platform engaging esteemed stakeholders from diverse sectors towards insightful discussions and collectively envisioning a future where electric mobility took centre stage. It also included a one-on-one discussion with the Guest of Honour – Sh. Kailash Gahlot – cabinet minister (Home, Law, Transport, IT and AR), on ‘Delhi’s tryst with EV adoption’. It also comprised of insightful series of captivating panel discussions that delved into key topics, like:

    1. The Rise of E-scooters and E-bikes: This session emphasised on insightful discussion on how electric two-wheelers are transforming urban mobility in India, offering sustainable solutions to congestion and pollution.

    2. Electrifying Horizons: Navigating the Road Ahead for Electric Vehicles – Visionaries navigated the road ahead for electric vehicles, delving into market dynamics, consumer adoption, and strategies to overcome challenges.

    3. Powering Progress: Battery Innovations in the EV Revolution: It deep-dived into the latest battery technologies and innovations driving the EV revolution, emphasizing the critical role of batteries in shaping the future of transportation.

    4. E-Mobility 360: Exploring the Holistic Impacts of Electric Transportation – An exploration of the holistic impacts of electric transportation, considering environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

    Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal role EVs play in shaping a cleaner and greener future for transportation, providing a roadmap for policymakers to steer the nation toward an electric-powered future.

    Speaking on the success of the grand conclave, Zee Media Corporation Ltd. CRO Mona Jain further said, “The India eMobility Conclave has transcended expectations, not only in terms of its success but also in the resonance it has found among stakeholders. This event has not only opened avenues for industry collaboration but has also showcased the immense revenue opportunities that lie within the realm of electric mobility. As we stride forward, we’re poised to unlock new horizons of growth and sustainability.”

    Zee Media Corporation Ltd. CEO Abhay Ojha said, “The India eMobility Conclave stands as a pivotal milestone in our journey towards a sustainable future. The event’s success echoes the collective commitment of Zee Media towards shaping a transportation ecosystem that resonates with the needs of the present while safeguarding the planet for generations to come. By bringing together brilliant minds and fostering crucial conversations, we have ignited a transformation that will reshape the way we move.”

    Powered by BGAUSS, the Zee Media India eMobility Conclave was presented by SAERA and SERVOKO, e-mobility partners were Evazon and Arzoo, logistic partner – APML and knowledge partner GL Bajaj. It forged an extraordinary benchmark, pioneering the path for sustainable mobility solutions and propelling India into the realm of a more immaculate, verdant, and electrifying future.

  • G20 Town Hall by CNN-News18 to discuss India’s pivotal global moment

    G20 Town Hall by CNN-News18 to discuss India’s pivotal global moment

    Mumbai: To put a spotlight on India’s G20 moment and the nation’s growing influence on the global map, CNN-News18 has announced the ‘G20 Town Hall’, which is slated to take place on 5 September in New Delhi.

    As India prepares to host the New Delhi G20 summit later this month, CNN-News18’s ‘G20 Town Hall’ will serve as a platform to dissect the country’s role as a global leader and assess India’s emergence as ‘Vishwamitra’ (Friend of the world), a term which was highlighted by PM Modi recently.

    The platform will bring together thought leaders and policy makers such as Piyush Goyal (Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution and Textiles), Meenakshi Lekhi (Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture), Amitabh Kant (G20 Sherpa, Government of India), Harsh Vardhan Shringla (G20 Chief Coordinator) and Ricky Kej (three-time Grammy winning Indian Music Composer and Environmentalist), among others. The event will also feature panel discussions graced by diplomats representing economies of all scales, from the largest to the most modest.

    Commenting on the special edition of the Town Hall, CNN-News18 managing editor Zakka Jacob said, “Our Town Halls have always served as a neutral platform to engage in meaningful discussions that provide viewers with an opportunity to hear directly from political leaders and officials. This time around, we intend to use the platform to highlight India’s promising position on the global map, which was bolstered by the presidency of G20. The G20 Town Hall will empower the audience with a deeper understanding of India’s G20 presidency and the nation’s pivotal global moment.”

    The G20 Town Hall will explore India’s G20 theme – ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’, and the country’s role in driving the development agenda under the theme. It will also shed light on how the G20 theme underscores the interconnectedness of global challenges and the need for collaborative solutions through discussions on culture, academics, and politics.

    CNN-News18 Town Hall is a prominent platform for policymakers and opinion leaders in India. The channel’s commitment to delivering unbiased news and facilitating informed conversations makes this event an invaluable opportunity for political leaders and viewers alike.

    ‘CNN-News18 Town Hall’ is an on-ground event, which will be streamed live on CNN-News18 TV channel as well as its YouTube channel 6 pm onwards on 5 September.

  • News18 India plans extensive coverage from ground zero of the high-stakes India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match

    News18 India plans extensive coverage from ground zero of the high-stakes India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match

    Mumbai: News18 India will be telecasting the on-ground coverage of the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match to be held on 2 September afternoon. The coverage will be led by channel’s managing editor, Kishore Ajwani, who will be at Kandy, Sri Lanka along with his editorial colleagues.

    As the country’s No. 1 Hindi news channel, News18 India is committed to delivering in-depth and insightful coverage of this historic cricket clash. With our managing editor at the helm, we aim to bring our audience live updates, analysis, audience interaction, and engaging special segments, ensuring that cricket enthusiasts, fans, and viewers from across the country have an unforgettable and enriching experience.

    The India vs. Pakistan encounter promises to be a cricketing spectacle of unparalleled significance, and News18 India stands as your trusted source for comprehensive and reliable coverage. The channel will be capturing the varied colours of the clash, enthusiasm and euphoria of fans around the match.

    Tune in to News18 India’s coverage of the match from Kandy on 2 September 9 am onwards.

  • Viacom18 secures exclusive media rights for BCCI international and domestic matches

    Viacom18 secures exclusive media rights for BCCI international and domestic matches

    Mumbai: Viacom18 secured exclusive media rights for the BCCI international and domestic matches for September 2023-March 2028. The network won both the Indian sub-continent and global television and digital rights for the next five years for a cumulative figure of Rs 5,963 crore. The rights were secured through the BCCI’s Invitation to Tender E-Auction process held on 31 August.

    “We are elated about winning the exclusive media rights to BCCI international and domestic matches, and excited at the opportunity to serve fans the best of India cricket across both digital and TV,” said Viacom18 Sports CEO Anil Jayaraj. “We would also like to thank the BCCI for conducting a transparent and efficient e-auction process.”

    “Live sports consumption in India has sharply pivoted towards digital, and winning the global digital rights will help us further fuel this ascendancy,” Jayaraj added. “Additionally, winning the broadcast rights is an extension of our strategy as we will continue to serve quality and affordable content to all viewers as they continue to migrate from linear TV to digital screens. The landmark rights, therefore, come with a great responsibility of enhancing viewers’ experience of Indian cricket like never before.”

    The addition of BCCI international and domestic cricket includes International Men’s, Women’s matches, and domestic first-class competitions like the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, among others and makes Viacom18 the leading sports network in the country. The network’s portfolio includes global sports properties like TATA IPL, TATA WPL, Olympics 2024, SA20, Major League Cricket (MLC), Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), NBA, Diamond League, World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023, MotoGP, LALIGA, Ligue1, Serie A, BGIS (E-Sports), Abu Dhabi T10, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and top BWF events.

    Viewers can continue to watch their preferred sports by downloading JioCinema (iOS & Android). For the latest updates, news, scores, and videos, fans can follow Sports18 on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.