ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Reality or digital world? LALIGA comes to life in EA SPORTS FC and bridges the gap between the real and the virtual

    Reality or digital world? LALIGA comes to life in EA SPORTS FC and bridges the gap between the real and the virtual

    Mumbai: In a step towards convergence between the real and digital worlds, LALIGA has embarked on an exciting new era in response to the evolution the company has undergone in recent years and a changing landscape. With the aim of offering football fans a more authentic experience, and having announced EA SPORTS as the main sponsor of LALIGA, the company has joined the EA SPORTS FC universe to break down barriers between the real and the virtual.

    The intersection between both these ecosystems is taking on a new dimension thanks to the collaboration between the two businesses. Volumetric data extracted from professional men’s and women’s matches has been used to help reflect the true movements of the game better than ever before. Fans will notice meticulous attention to detail, from the true-to-life colours of the team badges to the atmosphere of the stadiums, all in order to achieve an unprecedented level of immersion in the digital football universe.

    Moreover, the Francisco de Laguna pitch in Madrid will be available in the future within the VOLTA game mode of the video game. This will allow players to experience the magic of football in an exceptionally realistic virtual environment. The inclusion of this pitch in EA SPORTS FC 24 takes on added significance as it was renovated through the FC FUTURES programme and Boa Mistura art collective, with the purpose of investing in community football and making the beautiful game accessible to all.

    LALIGA is taking great strides into the future thanks to collaboration with partners like EA SPORTS, redesigning the way football is experienced at all levels. This initiative intends to reach out to wider audiences and captivate younger generations, bringing a new perspective to the world of football and to the world of video games, as well as continually delivering better experiences for fans.

    With the exciting crossover between the tangible and the digital, LALIGA and EA SPORTS FC continue to prove that the line between reality and simulation is only getting thinner.

  • ALL ABOUT MUSIC 2023 all set to commence at Grand Hyatt Mumbai!

    ALL ABOUT MUSIC 2023 all set to commence at Grand Hyatt Mumbai!

    Mumbai: All About Music, India’s biggest music conference, is back again taking place from the 7th till the 9th of September at Grand Hyatt Santacruz Mumbai. All About Music, launched in 2017, is a global gateway into the Indian music market. India’s biggest B2B conference dedicated to music has completed six sold out editions by bringing together industry experts and stakeholders from every vertical of the music business and engaging the attendees through discussions around innovations and advances in the business of music.

    This year’s theme is “Transitions”, which focuses on exploring uncharted territories in our industry. With the emergence of new technologies like artificial intelligence and evolving market trends in the post-pandemic era, we find ourselves at a crossroads. How can we navigate this constantly changing landscape? Who can guide us through this transition? And most importantly, which path should we choose? The theme “Transitions” encompasses both the personal and universal aspects of this critical moment, encouraging people to forge meaningful connections during the conference and reimagine the future of the Indian music industry.

    This year’s event provides a three-day immersive experience with hand-picked keynote speakers, engaging panels, interactive workshops, captivating artist showcases, engaging masterclasses, and inspiring conversations. Attendees can connect with industry leaders at Connect Corner, network, and pitch their music to filmmakers and record labels. The event will cover a variety of topics, including consumption patterns, navigating the success of an artist, music publishing, understanding your rights, modern-day A&R, effective monetization strategies, and music distribution methods.

    Some promising personalities to look forward to in this edition are Shreya Ghoshal, Ricky Kej, Joshua Burke, Alfonso Perez-Soto, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwar, Bismil, Daler Mehndi, Anil Sharma, Jay Mehta, Krsna, MC Stan, Nucleya, Nirmika Singh, Mayur Jumani, Baba Sehgal, Raja Kumari, Satvinder Singh Koli, Srushti Tawade and many more.

    Did you know that All About Music has a platform called Pitch Your Music? This is a great opportunity for up-and-coming artists to showcase their talent! There are three categories available: ‘Pitch to Filmmakers’, ‘Pitch to Record Labels’, and ‘Pitch to Showcase’. You can pitch your music to a jury of filmmakers like Ashwiny Iyer, Mohit Suri, Anil Sharma & Vivek Agnihotri & Sabbas Joseph. You can also pitch to Record Labels like Saregama India, Warner Music India, Universal Music Group, T-series & Tips Music this will allow for prompt feedback and reviews from them. Additionally, the Pitch to Showcase category provides artists with a chance to perform on the main stage after the conference. The aim of the conference is to empower artists and give them the chance to showcase their work directly to filmmakers, showrunners, and record labels.

    “At All About Music this year, we attempt to navigate the transitions that are shaping the industry’s future. With ‘Transitions’ as our theme, we embrace the enigmatic forces molding music – from the uncertainty around AI to changing consumption patterns and models within the music industry. Our stage unites local and international voices, bridging genres and cultures,”  said Create and Collab business head Ashish Jose. 

    Gain insights about India’s music world industry by securing your spot in the making of music history by
    registering before 30 August!

  • Warner Bros. Discovery India’s epic misadventure: Two Brothers in ‘I Should Have Stayed Home

    Warner Bros. Discovery India’s epic misadventure: Two Brothers in ‘I Should Have Stayed Home

    Mumbai: Get ready for an exhilarating experience as Warner Bros. Discovery India introduces ‘I Should Have Stayed Home’. The series follows the journey of two brothers who plunge into an uncompromising adventure, navigating through rugged terrains that test both their resilience and their brotherly bond.

    The series spotlights Sid Mewara, a venture capitalist and trained chef, and Shanky Jayakumar, a consultant with the World Bank. Armed with their trusty 4X4 vehicles, this dynamic duo sets out on a journey filled with misadventures across the breathtaking terrains of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh. Will they conquer the hurdles that lie ahead? Tune in to Discovery+ and Discovery Channel on 11 September to find out.

    Expressing his excitement, Sid Mewara shares, “I Should Have Stayed Home” turned out to be “I definitely want to do this again.” Sure, it was seriously brutal, scary, and exhausting, but we loved being on the edge of disaster. While the show aimed to test these two unconventional travellers to their limits, for us, it evolved into an invigorating challenge.”Hoyega Hoyega” became our rallying cry on and off camera. Fear filled our shoes with sweat, but we just giggled our way to the finish line!”

    On this extraordinary voyage, Sid and Shanky confront numerous obstacles. Accustomed to life’s luxuries, Sid must break free from his comfort zone and confront the realities of mountain life. Shanky, a seasoned biker with a taste for adventure, faces an entirely new set of trials and tribulations. Stripped of modern technology, they navigate the untamed Himalayan wilderness, marked by low oxygen levels and freezing temperatures. In this journey, they rely on their instincts, wits, and the benevolence of strangers to fulfil their mission – a quest for sustenance, and shelter across diverse locations.

    “I have always loved living at the edge, and that’s what my biking experience has always taught me, but this is the first time I have put those learnings to use for my survival. I’m so glad for this opportunity that helped me explore beyond my comfort zone and challenge myself, which I wouldn’t have done otherwise. My camaraderie with my brother has also helped me get through this journey easily. And the rest is for my viewers to tell whether the risk was worthwhile or not!” adds Shanky Jayakumar.

    Sai Abishek, head of factual and lifestyle cluster, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, shares, “Our decision to cast the well-known social media duo, the Big Forkers, in this brand-new original series reflects our strategic commitment to nurturing emerging talent within the Warner Bros. Discovery portfolio. With a distinct and vibrant perspective, they bring a fresh voice to the table. Placing them in challenging scenarios not only promises ample entertainment for our viewers but also aligns perfectly with our ethos of fostering in-house talent. This approach, rooted in homegrown ideas from the market, stands as one of our central strategies for growth.”

    Covering over 1000 kilometres through the awe-inspiring Himalayas, witness the duo battle harsh weather and conquer treacherous mountain paths. Will they emerge triumphant, or will they succumb? Watch ‘I Should Have Stayed Home’ premieres on 11 September, Monday at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel and is available to stream on the Discovery+ platform.

  • Disney Star onboards 18 sponsors for the Asia Cup 2023

    Disney Star onboards 18 sponsors for the Asia Cup 2023

    Mumbai: The stage is set for an exhilarating cricketing spectacle as the Asia Cup 2023 approaches, and Disney Star, the official broadcaster, has onboarded a total of 18 sponsors for the upcoming tournament across Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar. The sponsors include renowned brands such as Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Glow & Lovely from HUL, Surf Excel, Jindal Panther, BPCL, My11Circle, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Amul, Maruti, Berger, McEnroe, Thums Up, Amazon Pay, MRF, Policy Bazaar, Tira from Reliance Retail and ICICI PRU MF.

    “Cricket fever is at an all-time high as sports fans across India wait in anticipation to watch the ‘Men In Blue’ in action at the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Brands across categories are equally excited and have come forward to collaborate with Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar to further their business objectives and get closer to millions of fans. We are thrilled with the positive response received for the Asia Cup and are looking forward to delivering an unmatched cricketing experience across both TV and Digital,” said Disney Star head of network – ad sales Ajit Varghese.

    As excitement for the Asia Cup reaches its peak, Disney Star’s resolute dedication to delivering exceptional content and memorable experiences remains unwavering.  The collaboration with these prestigious sponsors underscores the network’s dedication to delivering an exciting and immersive tournament for cricket fans.

    Both Star Sports and Disney+ Hostar recently unveiled their campaigns for the tournament, which have further notched up the buzz for the marquee cricket event. Additionally, the country is waiting in anticipation to watch the ‘greatest rivalry’ unfurl between India vs Pakistan, which will present a golden opportunity for brands to reach an unparalleled audience across the country.

    The Asia Cup 2023 is set to take place from 30 August to 17 September and the tournament will be broadcasted live on Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.

  • Nitu Chandra named brand ambassador for ‘Patna Pirates’

    Nitu Chandra named brand ambassador for ‘Patna Pirates’

    Mumbai: In a significant development for both the world of sports and entertainment, the renowned actress Nitu Chandra has taken up the prestigious role of brand ambassador for the illustrious Pro Kabaddi team, the Patna Pirates. The Patna Pirates, with a remarkable track record of securing three Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) championships, is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated teams in the league.

    Nitu Chandra, a versatile actress known for her contributions to cinema, brings her charisma and love for sports to this partnership. Her journey from the silver screen to the Kabaddi arena is poised to ignite a fresh wave of enthusiasm among fans and supporters alike.

    Speaking on this exciting venture, Chandra said, “Sports has been an integral part of my life from a very young age, and Patna holds a special place in my heart as my hometown. Joining hands with the Patna Pirates is a dream come true. It couldn’t be a more fitting way to celebrate talent, hard work, and unwavering dedication. The Patna Pirates have consistently demonstrated prowess and resilience in the Pro Kabaddi League. I am thrilled to join this incredible journey as their brand ambassador.”

    The Patna Pirates, through their remarkable journey in the Pro Kabaddi League, have carved a niche for themselves as a formidable force in the sport. With a stellar team of athletes and a passionate fan base, they have achieved remarkable success, clinching the PKL championship three times. Nitu Chandra’s association with the team adds a touch of stardom and an element of glamour to an already vibrant franchise.

    The Pro Kabaddi League, known for its thrilling matches and competitive spirit, is set to commence its tenth season. With Nitu Chandra as the brand ambassador, the Patna Pirates are poised to embark on this journey with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. This season promises to be an exciting spectacle where skill, strategy, and sheer determination will once again take center stage.

    As the countdown to the tenth season of PKL begins, fans and enthusiasts eagerly await the electrifying Kabaddi action that the league is known for. With Nitu Chandra’s association with the Patna Pirates, this season is expected to create history in the arena and the hearts of millions of fans who passionately follow the sport and its remarkable journey.

    The collaboration between Hollywood actress Nitu Chandra and the Patna Pirates is a testament to the unifying power of sports and entertainment. It signifies the seamless blend of talent, glamour, and sportsmanship and is set to create a lasting impact in Pro Kabaddi.

  • Zee Café’s Breaking Bad unites brands in a fun banter on X (Twitter)

    Zee Café’s Breaking Bad unites brands in a fun banter on X (Twitter)

    Mumbai: Zee Café has been trending on social media, making all the right noise about the premiere of Breaking Bad. The highest-rated show on IMDb is now available with a Hindi language option for the first time for Indian audiences on the channel and after successfully pulling the attention of viewers with some unique activities and assets, Zee Café’s #BreakingBadOnZeeCafe trend went viral on X (formerly Twitter) recently.

    For the uninitiated, Zee Café had roped in Gulshan Grover for a fun promo that introduced the show, and popular influencer Tanmay Bhatt also mentioned Breaking Bad – Hindi in one of his videos on the YouTube channel Overpowered AI, where he also re-imagined Shah Rukh Khan as Walter White a.k.a Heisenberg through an AI video.

    To take the banter around Heisenberg and Breaking Bad further, and engage with consumers and brands alike, Zee Café recently initiated a banter amongst brands by putting a spin on the most iconic relationship of Breaking Bad. Oh, it’s not Heisenberg and Jesse, but Heisenberg and chemistry! “Heisenberg ko Chemistry mein aur Breaking Bad ko content mein koi hara nahi sakta” tweeted Zee Café from their X handle.

    From there, it was a flurry of tweets from a range of brands including &TV, &flix, Moj, ShareChat, Zing, Hitz Music, Bhanushali Studios, Montra Electric and Comedy Culture, sharing their comparisons with ‘Heisenberg ki chemistry’.

    This brand banter was a fresh and fun-filled communication strategy, breaking the monotony from the usual brand and consumer conversation and showcasing the relevance of social media first campaigns. Brands came forward and spoke about their unique propositions while linking it to Breaking Bad, collaborating with each other. Isn’t that cool?

    In the meantime, watch Breaking Bad with a Hindi language option every weekday at 10 pm, only on Zee Café

  • BCCI media rights auction set to commence on 31 August

    BCCI media rights auction set to commence on 31 August

    Mumbai: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to have an auction on 31 August 2023, for the media rights of international and domestic matches for the upcoming five-year cycle. A few weeks ago, the BCCI released an Invitation to Tender (ITT) seeking proposals from reputable organisations.

    The ITT, which was made available after payment of a non-refundable fee of Rs 15,00,000 along with applicable GST, included the specific rules and regulations regarding the tender process, including eligibility requirements, the method for submitting bids, rights and obligations, etc. The ITT was up for grabs until 25 August 2023.

    For the new cycle, the BCCI is offering two packages: Indian subcontinent TV rights and Indian subcontinent digital rights, both of which are bundled with the remainder of the world’s TV and digital rights. The television bundle has a starting price of Rs 20 crore per match, however, the digital package commences at Rs 25 crore per match. It has also been mentioned that the total amount per match must not be less than Rs 60 crore per game. The upcoming cycle includes a total of 88 games.

    Only three companies have reportedly submitted technical proposals for the BCCI media rights – Disney Star, Sony Sports Network, and Viacom18.

    According to media reports, other entities such as ZEE Entertainment Enterprises and FanCode, as well as two other international corporations, Google and Amazon are not believed to have participated. As a result, the highly anticipated media rights auction for international and domestic fixtures in India will be a three-way fight between Sony and Star, and Viacom18.

  • News18 pushes the envelope with innovative campaigns and initiatives

    News18 pushes the envelope with innovative campaigns and initiatives

    Mumbai: News18, a news network, has continued to lead the way in driving innovation within the news industry. By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as Metaverse, AI and Robotics across its diverse range of campaigns, events, and promotions, News18 has underscored the role of technology in shaping the landscape of viewer engagement and content delivery, setting new standards of excellence in the process.

    News18 Madhya Pradesh / Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh’s Number One news channel set a historic benchmark for the region by seamlessly live-streaming its Rising Chhattisgarh summit on Metaverse. Renowned for discussions around key developmental priorities and celebrating state achievements, the Summit saw a massive increase in its outreach by enabling virtual attendance through this initiative. The campaign received an overwhelming response, with thousands of individuals joining the virtual stream within a matter of hours. This campaign promoting the livestream ultimately reached an impressive eight million individuals. Moreover, the event also featured the region’s first AI anchor Anjali, who unveiled the channel’s umbrella branding for the upcoming state elections “2023 Ka Mahasangram”, marking another first for the channel.

    News18 Rajasthan also recently organized an “AI Bhavishya Ka Dwar” conclave in Jaipur, wherein the channel offered the audience an opportunity to experience first-hand an interactive AI avatar. The event also deployed robots to handle specific tasks during the events creating a huge amount of buzz amongst the audience. The Network also recently successfully executed a hugely successful Independence Day campaign wherein viewers were allowed to create a virtual avatar and unfurl the Tri-colour at the ramparts of a model of the Red Fort that was created in the Metaverse

    News18 is paving the way for a new era in the news industry through its steadfast commitment to innovation and technology. With a focus on creating immersive experiences, and introducing industry-first initiatives, the network continues to redefine how it engages with audiences.

  • News9 Plus exclusive unveiling the journalist behind Rajiv Gandhi Govt’s fall

    News9 Plus exclusive unveiling the journalist behind Rajiv Gandhi Govt’s fall

    Mumbai: The pen is mightier than the sword. journalist Chitra Subramaniam whose investigation into the $1.3 billion Bofors arms deal brought down the Congress government in 1989, lives by this credo. A new show by News9 Plus, ‘Exposé’, features Subramaniam at her candid best as she recounts what went on behind the scenes of her decade-long probe into the scandal and reveals exclusive details.  

    One of the most high-profile investigative journalists in the country, she exposed how the Rajiv Gandhi-led government allegedly received kickbacks for the supply of Swedish Howitzers to the Indian Army. It all began when 29-year-old Subramaniam came across a news item on Swedish radio about the armaments company Bofors bribing top Indian officials. The scandal broke in 1987 based on the testimony of a former Bofors employee who turned whistleblower.

    “An accountant in Bofors saw these payments in secret Swiss bank accounts where it said, ‘Do not tell the name of the recipient’. And the accountant said if the money is paid legally, why do we have to hide the name of the recipient?” recalled Subramaniam.

    ‘Exposé’ is yet another example of News9 Plus’ dedication to serving clutter-cutting content, rich in perspective and in-depth analysis. Produced by News9 Plus’ team of seasoned journalists, the show follows Subramaniam’s investigation process.  

    She narrated how, through meticulous research and a lot of hard work winning the trust of her sources, she got her hands on documents that formed the foundation of the exposé: payment instructions to banks, secret contracts, minutes of meetings, and the diary of Bofors chief Martin Ardbo.

    As she followed the money trail and dug deeper to discover a web of corruption, with the then-PM Rajiv Gandhi at the centre, all hell broke loose in India. “Is it possible for a prime minister of a country to tell so many lies?” asks Subramaniam in the News9 Plus story.  

    Subramaniam, now 65, also spoke to News9 Plus about the role of the Hindujas and alleged middleman Ottavio Quattrocchi in the scandal. Quattrocchi was believed to be close to the Gandhi family and acted as an agent for the deal. “The day I wrote the piece in the Indian Express, Ottavio Quattrocchi fled India that night. How do you flee when the police, CBI, and everybody else is trying to catch you?”

    Despite receiving death threats against herself and her children, she continued to work on the Bofors deal scam for about a decade, piecing together the information to present the whole truth to the public. Slashed car tyres and smashed windows could not deter her.

    It was her love for the country and love for her work that kept her going. “I could not stop even after Rajiv Gandhi’s government fell. He had destroyed every institution, the judiciary, the parliament, the executive, even the Army,” she told News9 Plus.

    She further revealed that somebody in the Central Bureau of Investigation wanted to frame Amitabh Bachchan in the Bofors case. “You cannot imagine the pressure on me by the VP Singh government to blame Amitabh Bachchan because my word was sacrosanct.”

    Subramaniam pointed out that there are still loose ends. “There are documents lying with the CBI. These boxes haven’t been opened yet. Mr Modi, open the boxes, please.”

    ‘Exposé’ is a must-watch for anyone interested in the groundbreaking investigation that became a classic example of good old hard-hitting journalism. News9 Plus’ best-in-class storytelling and superior production values take you beyond the history-making headlines by Subramaniam. Watch ‘Exposé’, now streaming on News9 Plus.

  • News18 Gujarati presents exclusive election programming: ‘2024નો વિજયપથ’ and ‘ચક્રવ્યૂહમાં ચહેરો’

    News18 Gujarati presents exclusive election programming: ‘2024નો વિજયપથ’ and ‘ચક્રવ્યૂહમાં ચહેરો’

    Mumbai: News18 Gujarati announces its special election programming lineup in preparation for the upcoming Loksabha election. The programmes ‘2024નો વિજયપથ’ and ‘ચક્રવ્યૂહમાં ચહેરો’ from News18 Gujarati will keep viewers updated on the most recent political developments. The network is committed to delivering accurate, insightful, and comprehensive coverage with these programs.

    Introducing ‘2024નો વિજયપથ’ – a compelling and information-packed program set to be a one-stop destination for all election-related updates. It will take the viewers into the nitty-gritty of election campaigns, covering party strategies, candidates, and campaign tactics. Hosted by seasoned political analysts, ‘2024નો વિજયપથ’ will dissect each party’s approach, offering insights into their agendas, alliances, and policy proposals. From on-ground reports to expert analysis, this program aims to provide viewers with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving political landscape in the lead-up to the election.

    The other show ‘ચક્રવ્યૂહમાં ચહેરો,’ promises a closer look at the faces behind the politics. This interview-based show will feature prominent political leaders from various parties, discussing their vision, priorities, and party manifestos. Get first-hand access to these leaders as they discuss their plans to address the nation’s issues and deliver on the promises they made to voters. Through candid conversations and thought-provoking discussions, ‘ચક્રવ્યૂહમાં ચહેરો’ will provide a platform for politicians to directly connect with the people they serve. The program will be hosted by experienced interviewers and help viewers gain an insight into the motivations and ambitions of political leaders as they prepare for the upcoming Loksabha election.

    Tune into News18 Gujarati every Sunday at 2:00 pm to watch ‘2024નો વિજયપથ’, and ‘ચક્રવ્યૂહમાં ચહેરો’ every Saturday at 2:00 pm.