Category: TV Channels

  • ‘Hoopr Smash partners with Turnkey Music

    ‘Hoopr Smash partners with Turnkey Music

    MUMBAI: Hoopr Smash announced its strategic partnership with Turnkey Music & Publishing Pvt. Ltd., an independent music publisher, founded and headed by seasoned music industry veteran, Atul Churamani. Through this partnership, more than 1250 tracks, largely English, from Turnkey’s catalogue, will now be available for licensing through the Hoopr Smash platform. This addition expands Hoopr Smash’s rapidly growing library to 20,000+ tracks, marking a significant milestone in making high-quality, international-standard English tracks more accessible and legally licensable for creators and brands across India.

    With a legacy rooted in artist development and publishing innovation, Turnkey Music & Publishing has worked with international catalogues, domestic copyright owners, and independent singer-songwriters. Led by industry expert, Atul Churamani – who has played a key role in shaping Indian pop, music publishing and digital music in India – Turnkey focuses on curating high-quality English music across genres like soul, blues, indie rock, and pop. The label has built a strong identity through sharp A&R, a culture-first approach, and acclaimed initiatives like Paddy Fields, India’s first folk fusion festival. This partnership brings Turnkey’s globally-relevant English music catalogue to Hoopr Smash’s self-serve platform, enabling creators and brands to license world-class tracks legally and effortlessly; while ensuring fair monetization for artists and rights holders alike.

    Churamani said, “Hoopr Smash is doing a great service to musicians and brands alike. With the amount of music being released every day, it has become challenging for brands to find new and appropriate music that is a fit for them. So we are extremely excited about partnering with Hoopr, especially as Gaurav Dagaonkar and his team have worked hard to get the Hoopr platform to where it is today, ensuring that musicians are compensated fairly for their work. In addition, Gaurav has been particular about engaging with the Indian Performing Rights Society as well, so that composers and lyricists also receive their share of royalties. Micro licensing is the new mantra for musicians and creators and we could not have asked for a better partner to help build a sustainable business for them.”

    Hoopr co-founder & CEO Gaurav Dagaonkar said, “India’s content ecosystem is booming, but the independent music space has long lacked accessible, legal licensing options. With Turnkey’s diverse and globally-relevant catalogue now on Hoopr Smash, we’re addressing this critical gap while expanding our offerings meaningfully. Atul Churamani’s legacy in artist development and the music publishing space adds immeasurable value to this collaboration. Together we hope to create a future ready and transparent ecosystem where brands and creators license music in a responsible manner and artists receive fair compensation.”

    Hoopr Co-Founder & CRO, Meghna Mittal added, “As the demand for English music grows across branded digital content, campaigns, and creator communities, it’s crucial that the music licensing infrastructure evolves to match the growing demand. Our partnership with Turnkey brings not just a rich catalogue of English tracks, but also decades of publishing expertise to the platform. Hoopr Smash’s real-time licensing, automated compliance, and intuitive discovery tools ensure that creators can access world-class music legally and instantly—while rights holders benefit from full transparency and control. This is exactly where tech, creativity, and fair monetization meet.”

    With over 80,000 brands producing digital content in India daily, nearly 87 per cent of whom operate without proper licensing, the need for a transparent, ethical music licensing solution is more urgent than ever. This collaboration between Hoopr Smash and Turnkey directly addresses India’s ₹10,000 crore annual loss due to unlicensed music usage, by offering a legally compliant, scalable framework that benefits both artists and content creators.

  • Reporter Channel sets new benchmark: First to cross 218 GRP in male 22+

    Reporter Channel sets new benchmark: First to cross 218 GRP in male 22+

    In a landmark moment for Malayalam television news, Reporter Channel has become the first news network in Kerala to cross 218 GRP in the Male 22+ ABC segment — a key demographic that represents Kerala’s most influential, urban, and brand-conscious audience.

    This milestone is more than a numerical achievement. It reflects Reporter Channel’s consistent focus on editorial precision, strategic scheduling, and audience alignment. In a market where content choices are abundant, the ability to lead in a premium segment like Male 22+ demonstrates sustained viewer preference and platform trust.

    In a noteworthy shift, Reporter Channel has not only outperformed its news competitors but has also surpassed several established general entertainment channels in overall GRP performance.This indicates a broader viewer shift toward content that is not just entertaining but relevant, immediate, and rooted in real-world context. In a GRP-driven market, Reporter’s position above legacy entertainment brands underscores its growing influence in shaping mass viewing behavior across Kerala.

    The Male 22+ category includes working professionals, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers — a group closely watched by advertisers for its high media value and purchasing influence. Reporter’s performance in this space signals both content relevance and strong delivery across time bands.

    At the helm of this achievement is the channel’s leadership. Mr. Anto Augustine, Managing Editor / Managing Director of Reporter Channel, has led the organisation through a phase of operational clarity and editorial strengthening.

    “When content stays sharp and honest, audiences follow — and they stay,” says Mr. Anto Augustine.

    Under his direction, the channel has combined a strong newsroom with a clear programming identity, balancing speed with depth, and regional storytelling with journalistic accountability.

    The 218 GRP mark in Male 22+ is not just a record; it sets a new benchmark in Kerala’s broadcast news environment. For advertisers, it confirms that Reporter is the most effective platform to reach high-value audiences. For the industry, it underlines the potential of regional brands to shape performance standards traditionally associated with national channels.

    This performance milestone reinforces Reporter Channel’s position as a consistent leader in Kerala’s news space. With 218 GRP in the Male 22+ segment, the channel has set a new benchmark for regional news viewership. As audience preferences evolve, Reporter remains focused on delivering reliable, relevant, and data-driven content, backed by strategic leadership and editorial clarity.

     

     

  • Disney India’s Friendship Day post hits nostalgia sweet spot

    Disney India’s Friendship Day post hits nostalgia sweet spot

    MUMBAI: Disney India marked Friendship Day with an Instagram nod to the good old days of imperfectly perfect friendships. Its caption, “Timings were off. But the bond? Always on point!”, struck a playful chord, inviting followers to share their own throwback tales of late-night calls, silly fights and loyalty.

    With a wink to nostalgia and a splash of heart, the post reminded fans that while timings may falter, true friendships never do.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Disney India (@disneyindia)

    In a world obsessed with blue ticks and instant replies, Disney’s message feels refreshingly analogue: friendships don’t run on Wi‑Fi, they run on heart. By tapping into a universal truth that bonds outlast bad timing the brand delivers a post that’s equal parts sentiment and scroll‑stopping charm.

    And if engagement numbers are anything to go by, Disney India’s Friendship Day celebration proves one thing: the best friendships, like the best stories, never really go out of style. 
     

  • Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation (IDMIF) announces Kevin Vaz as its new president

    Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation (IDMIF) announces Kevin Vaz as its new president

    MUMBAI: The Indian Digital Media Industry Foundation (IDMIF), a subsidiary of the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF), has announced the appointment of Mr. Kevin Vaz as its new President. The decision was taken at the IDMIF Board of Directors meeting held on 30 July 2025.

    One of India’s most influential media and entertainment leaders, Kevin Vaz brings to bear nearly three decades of experience that have shaped the industry. Currently serving as chief executive officer of the entertainment business at JioStar, he succeeds K. Madhavan, under whose leadership IDMIF has grown into a key advocate for India’s digital media sector.

    Speaking on his appointment, Vaz said, “I am honoured to take on this responsibility and build upon the strong foundation laid by Mr. Madhavan. As we move into 2025–26, my focus will be on fostering fair competition, innovation and sustainable growth across India’s digital media landscape. Digital is a critical pillar of the media and entertainment industry and with the right policy push and collaborative efforts, we have an incredible opportunity to further innovate, empower creators and enhance audience experiences. By working closely with the government, industry stakeholders and the creative community, we can shape an inclusive, future-ready ecosystem that delivers lasting value for all.”

    IDMIF’s Digital Media Content Regulatory Council (DMCRC), established on 31 May 2021 under the IT Rules, 2021, functions as an independent self-regulatory body for non-news content of IDMIF member Online Curated Content Providers (OCCPs). Registered with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), the DMCRC ensures balanced content governance, protecting consumer interests while upholding creative freedom.

    The DMCRC is chaired by Justice Mukul Mudgal (Retd.) and comprises eminent industry experts, including:

    ●   Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari (Writer & Filmmaker)
    ●   Nikkhil Advani (Producer & Director)
    ●   Deepak Dhar (CEO, Banijay Asia)
    ●   Tigmanshu Dhulia (Director, Actor & Screenwriter)

    The Council also includes representatives from leading Online Curated Content Providers (OCCPs) such as Anil Lale (JioHotstar) and Ritesh Khosla (SonyLIV).

    Modelled on the highly acclaimed Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) – IBDF’s self-regulatory body for non-news television channels, the DMCRC plays a vital role in addressing viewer concerns and promoting responsible content practices. Notably, Justice Mudgal also previously chaired the BCCC, which has been commended by Indian courts for its effective self-regulation framework.

  • Gaurav Banerjee appointed chairman of BARC India

    Gaurav Banerjee appointed chairman of BARC India

    MUMBAI: Gaurav Banerjee, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)’s Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer has been appointed as Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India’s new Chairman at its Board Meeting on 1st August 2025. This is with immediate effect. He takes over from Shashi Sinha, executive chairman of IPG Mediabrands India, who served as BARC India’s chairman for over three years.  

    Mr. Banerjee is a distinguished leader with over two decades of experience in the Media and Entertainment industry and also represents Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF) as its Vice President.  He is a director on the boards of MSM-Worldwide Factual Media Private Limited and Bangla Entertainment Private Limited.

    Speaking on being elected as BARC India’s new Chairman, Gaurav Banerjee, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, SPNI, said, “BARC India continues to empower stakeholders across the ecosystem with data driven decision making and it is a privilege to take on the role of Chairman at the world’s largest television audience measurement company. A big thank you to Shashi Sinha for his exceptional leadership and steady guidance over the last three years. As we navigate a rapidly converging media landscape, I look forward to continue strengthening BARC’s position as a trusted and credible currency for TV measurement in India.”

    Shashi Sinha, Executive Chairman of IPG Mediabrands India, and the outgoing Chairman of BARC India, said, “Over the last few years, I have had the opportunity to partner with BARC and the various committees at different levels. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at BARC for their unwavering support and collaboration. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new Chairman, Gaurav Banerjee. I am confident that with his unique leadership style, BARC will continue to grow and innovate to meet the evolving needs of our industry.”

    Nakul Chopra, CEO, BARC India, added, “We welcome Gaurav Banerjee as our new Chairman. His leadership will be invaluable as BARC continues to evolve and serve the dynamic needs of the broadcast and advertising ecosystem. We would also like to express our deep respect and thanks to Shashi Sinha for his stewardship and commitment to BARC. His tenure has been instrumental in enhancing data granularity while reinforcing BARC’s dedication and commitment to the industry.”

  • Sony YAY! and TV Asahi collaborate on all-new episodes of Obocchama-kun

    Sony YAY! and TV Asahi collaborate on all-new episodes of Obocchama-kun

    MUMBAI: Sony YAY!, the leading kids’ entertainment brand in India, has partnered with Japan’s iconic broadcaster TV Asahi to produce brand – new episodes of the fan-favourite anime Obocchama-kun. The first-of-its-kind collaboration has the stories and character design created in Japan and the animation produced in India, bringing together the creative strengths of both countries to revive a classic series for a new generation.

    Since its debut on Sony YAY!, Obocchama-kun has emerged as a breakout hit, resonating strongly with kids across India through its eccentric humour, relatable characters, and unique storytelling style. The series has quickly built a loyal fanbase and proved its potential to grow into a long-term franchise.

    Ambesh Tiwari, Business Head, Sony Kids said, “Obocchama-kun has created a special place in the hearts of kids across India. At Sony YAY!, our mission has always been to give our audience more of what they love. This collaboration is a step forward in that journey—bringing new stories, deeper humour, and the same Obocchama magic that has connected so strongly with fans.”

    Maiko Sumida, Head of Animation Sales & Development, Interntational Business Department, TV Asahi said, “Obocchama-kun is back again! What’s more, all the stories are brand new, fully supervised by the original creator, Mr. Yoshinori Kobayashi, making this return more fun and exciting than ever before. This series holds special significance for TV Asahi, as it is a co-production with Sony Pictures Networks India. We are looking forward to the Obocchama-kun’s unpredictable adventures on Sony Yay!”

     

  • Mandals to the Metaverse Zee 24 Taas Goes Global with Ganpati

    Mandals to the Metaverse Zee 24 Taas Goes Global with Ganpati

    MUMBAI: Ganpati Goes Global, and Zee 24 Taas Is Right at the Heart of It. From Glasgow to Girgaon, Ganpati is no longer just a local celebration, it’s a global phenomenon. And Zee 24 Taas isn’t just covering the news, it’s shaping the narrative. In an engaging conversation with Indian Television Dot Com Zee 24 Taas editor Kamlesh Sutar shared how the channel is reimagining festive programming to reflect both tradition and tech, rural reverence and social media sparkle.

    “It starts with Shravan,” Sutar explains, “Dahi Handi and Gokulashtami kick off the season, followed by Ganesh Utsav, Navratri, and Diwali. Our audience spans the globe now diaspora in the US, UK, UAE, even Pakistan tunes in.” Last year, the channel’s Desho Deshi Se Bappa special featured live coverage from Glasgow, where the Grand Maharashtra Mandal’s celebrations lit up screens back home.

    Zee 24 Taas plans to go bigger this year, capturing Ganesh festivities in cities with strong Maharashtrian communities Dubai, New York, Spain, and beyond showing how faith travels and festivals follow.

    Back home, the strategy is rooted in hyper-local storytelling. “Mumbai isn’t just Mumbai,” Sutar says. “We go down to the mohalla Dadar, Parel, Girgaon. And the same for other cities Ashur in Pune, Hatkanangle in Kolhapur. Hyper-local gives us deeper engagement and a stronger emotional connect.”

    The channel’s on-ground teams no longer report from the field they are the field. Anchors now go live from pandals and mandals, turning static coverage into immersive storytelling.

    Zee 24 Taas is also speaking the language of Gen Z. “Young people don’t tune into conventional news, they scroll it,” Sutar says. So the team infuses digital-first formats like Instagram Lives, trending reels, and celeb-driven content. A Celebrity Ganpati segment is in the works, roping in well-known faces to boost youth engagement across platforms. “We’re not just live on TV, we’re live on YouTube, Instagram, everywhere.”

    To keep audiences plugged into the pulse of the festival, Zee 24 Taas has lined up a comprehensive slate of special programming that blends devotion with entertainment. For television viewers, the schedule includes Shree Ganesh Aarti, a daily broadcast of the morning aarti from 27 August to 6 September at 6:45am, and Zee 24 Taas Sukhkarta, airing twice first as a build-up from 21 to 26 August at 10:30am, and later as a daily festival bulletin from 27 August to 6 September at 7:30am.

    Global Bappa, telecast at 12:30pm, brings a glimpse of Ganeshotsav celebrations from across the world, while Bappa Aaj Kai Khanar spices things up with festive recipes during the same afternoon slot. Gharguti Ganesh Spardha, airing from 1:30pm to 2pm, invites viewers to showcase their home celebrations, while Celebrity Ganpati brings star-studded darshans to the screen from 5:30pm. Gavakadcha Bappa, scheduled at 7:30pm, offers local flavours through festival walk-throughs from across Maharashtra. Special aarti broadcasts like Shree Ganeshachi Pran Prathishtha will mark the festival’s start on 26 and 27 August. The finale, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya, on Anant Chaturdashi (6 September), will run from 7am to 11pm, capturing the immersion-day fervour.

    Beyond the box, Zee 24 Taas is equally charged up on digital. Their festival content package includes a mix of festival news, informative stories on Ganesh Chaturthi’s significance and rituals, vibrant photo galleries featuring eco-friendly idols and pandals, and specially curated recipes. The channel’s social feeds will also be abuzz with original and syndicated videos, plus crowd-sourced web stories featuring images sent by enthusiastic devotees. This integrated multi-platform strategy ensures Zee 24 Taas celebrates Ganeshotsav not just as a regional affair, but as a global experience echoing across living rooms in India and beyond.

    Sustainability, too, has made its way into editorial choices. The channel spotlights eco-friendly idols, online pujas, and even the rise of online Ganesh shopping. “Modern-day concerns like the environment and accessibility are integrated seamlessly,” Sutar notes.

    Zee 24 Taas is mindful of maintaining editorial sanctity while embracing advertiser partnerships. “Brand integration works when it’s organic,” says Sutar. “For instance, a mithai brand during Ganpati feels natural. We steer clear of irrelevant sponsorships. It has to be a win-win for the brand and for our audience.”

    The channel’s approach ensures advertisers find a contextual home during peak seasons, and viewers get content that’s immersive, not intrusive. With tailored brand stories, past campaigns have seen solid ROI and lasting recall.

    At its heart, Zee 24 Taas’ festive coverage is driven by a simple belief: India’s festivals aren’t bound by state lines or even national ones. They resonate worldwide, evolve with technology, and unite communities through shared celebration.

    And as Kamlesh Sutar puts it best, “I may not celebrate Ganpati at home anymore, but with Zee 24 Taas, I get to celebrate it with a million households across the world.”

  • NDTV Profit Digital recasts its editorial future: Nazim Khan joins as editor

    NDTV Profit Digital recasts its editorial future: Nazim Khan joins as editor

    MUMBAI: NDTV has appointed Nazim Khan as Editor, NDTV Profit Digital, as the platform enters a new phase of editorial and digital growth. The appointment underscores NDTV’s commitment to building a sharper, more agile business news offering – rooted in clarity, credibility, and journalistic depth.

    Nazim brings over 15 years of experience across India’s most respected financial news platforms, including Moneycontrol, CNBCTV18.com, and Morningstar. His work spans newsroom leadership, content innovation, and digital strategy – shaping coverage that blends market insight with audience intelligence.

    In his previous role as Vice President – Business and Content at Quantent, Nazim led digital initiatives for leading financial institutions and fintechs. From investor education platforms to high-performance content formats, he has consistently delivered strategies that are both editorially sound and digitally effective.

    ‘NDTV Profit Digital is evolving to meet a new kind of business audience – one that is faster and more discerning. Nazim understands the intersection of editorial purpose and execution for a digital platform. He brings both newsroom instinct and strategic clarity’, said Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of NDTV.

    At NDTV Profit Digital, Nazim will oversee editorial direction and content strategy, with a focus on deepening market coverage, launching original IPs, and broadening investor engagement across platforms and formats.

    ‘NDTV has always stood for thoughtful, trustworthy journalism. I am excited to build on that legacy and help shape a platform that is intelligent, accessible, and aligned with the way modern India consumes business news’, said Nazim Khan on his appointment. Nazim’s appointment signals a renewed editorial vision for NDTV Profit Digital – one that meets the demands of today’s audience while anticipating the shifts of the future.
     

  • Eros finds some relief with Rs 13 lakh profit in rocky first half

    Eros finds some relief with Rs 13 lakh profit in rocky first half

    MUMBAI: Loss to gloss? Eros Media scrapes into the black, thanks to a property sale. From a cinematic cliffhanger to a financial plot twist, Eros International Media has posted a modest standalone profit of Rs 13 lakh for the half year ended 30 September 2024 thanks almost entirely to a Rs 2,303 lakh gain from selling office premises. But behind the positive headline figure lies a tangled script of unpaid dues, regulatory heat, and an eroded net worth.

    As per the company’s unaudited results approved on 31 July 2025, total income stood at Rs 5,390 lakh for the April–September period, of which only Rs 3,079 lakh came from actual operations. The remaining Rs 2,311 lakh largely stemmed from the one-time property deal, bumping up the bottom line just enough to dodge a red mark. For context, Eros had reported a loss of Rs 9,970 lakh in the same period last year and a full-year loss of Rs 47,973 lakh in FY24.

    Despite this slim profit, Eros continues to operate under significant financial strain. Its net worth remains negative at Rs (48,572) lakh, and liabilities exceed assets. The company is staring at long-overdue receivables of Rs 14,893 lakh from Eros Worldwide FZE, its former parent, apart from another Rs 7,303 lakh from Eros UK and Rs 3,183 lakh from Eros USA. A provision of Rs 25,150 lakh has been made towards these in FY24.

    Moreover, the company is entangled in a regulatory saga. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued an ex-parte order in June 2023 and later a confirmatory order in October 2023, citing irregularities including suspect content advances. These advances Rs 5,253 lakh (net of impairment) out of a whopping Rs 1,07,201 lakh remain under SEBI scrutiny. The watchdog has since issued a show-cause notice, and the next Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) hearing is slated for 22 September 2025.

    Adding to the drama, the Enforcement Directorate conducted a search at Eros’ Mumbai office earlier this year under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, with proceedings still pending.

    Eros’ auditors, Haribhakti & Co LLP, have flagged a “material uncertainty” over its ability to continue as a going concern. While the company says it’s pursuing overdue collections, restructuring loans, and exploring long-term monetisation of its film and music library, the road ahead is anything but smooth.

    Despite the small profit reprieve, this may not be the interval, let alone the climax. Eros still needs a major plot twist to turn the tide. For now, it’s banking more on nostalgia and asset sales than a strong box office-style comeback.

  • Strong 11-brand sponsor lineup fuels Colors’ new weekend reality offering – Pati Patni Aur Panga

    Strong 11-brand sponsor lineup fuels Colors’ new weekend reality offering – Pati Patni Aur Panga

    MUMBAI: For over a decade, Colors has stood as a pioneer in homegrown non-fiction entertainment, consistently creating original formats that redefine family viewing in India. Building on this legacy of relatable, impactful storytelling, the channel is set to premiere its new weekend primetime reality format, Pati Patni Aur Panga, on Saturday, 2 August 2025. The excitement is already translating into strong advertiser confidence. With 11 sponsors across television and digital platforms, the show is one of the most commercially promising non-fiction launches of the year.

    Leading the sponsor lineup is Nivea Body Milk as the Presenting Sponsor, with Sugar Free Green, Rajdhani Besan, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Pour Homme and ENVY joining as Co-Powered Sponsors. Vikram Tea, Colgate, Catch, and Giva have come on board as Special Partners, while Zouk adds to the strong roster as the Associate Partner. This impressive sponsor response underscores the strong market momentum and brand confidence surrounding the show.

    “Colors is a non-fiction powerhouse, consistently delivering engaging home-grown non-fiction formats that strike a chord with viewers across the country.Our focus has always been on creating formats that bring families together and keep audiences engaged weekend after weekend. Pati Patni Aur Panga builds on this tradition with a unique blend of authenticity and entertainment. For brands, it offers family-inclusive weekend viewing, prime-time stickiness, and high-impact integrations across TV and digital.The perfect festive-season alignment, ensuring maximum recall and engagement with viewers across demographics,” said Mahesh Shetty, Head of Revenue, Entertainment, JioStar.