ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Loco teams up with Upthrust Esports for the ‘Challengers Showdown’

    Loco teams up with Upthrust Esports for the ‘Challengers Showdown’

    Mumbai: Loco, the world’s leading independent esports and live streaming platform, today announced its partnership with Upthrust Esports for the ‘Challengers Showdown’. This collaboration aims to empower gamers of all backgrounds and promote inclusivity within the Indian esports community.

    Set to captivate gaming enthusiasts from 20 June to 2 July, the Upthrust Esports Challengers Showdown, powered by Loco, will feature a prize pool of Rs 10,00,000. The teams participating in the 1000 open slots, will battle it out to occupy the four spots for qualifying teams in the semi-finals. Additionally, featuring 20 invited teams in the semi-finals, the ‘Challengers Showdown’ guarantees an awe-inspiring display of talent, strategy, and passion. This 10-day tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of the finest gaming talent, offering an unparalleled experience for participants and viewers alike.

    What truly sets this event apart is Loco’s unwavering commitment to equal opportunities for players of all skill levels. With a remarkable 1000 open slots available, this tournament is a testament to Loco’s mission of empowering gamers everywhere. Whether you’re an aspiring newcomer or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to shine on the grand stage.

    Loco users will be immersed in a truly unrivaled entertainment experience, enabling them to stream the event in real-time without any lag. Every heart-pounding moment of the ‘Challengers Showdown’ will be brought to life.

    “We are excited to host the Challengers Showdown on Loco,” said Loco founder Ashwin Suresh. “Our platform is dedicated to leveling the playing field and giving gamers, regardless of their background, an opportunity to showcase their skills. With Loco, the exhilaration of esports becomes an immersive and inclusive experience.”

    Commenting on the partnership, Upthrust Esports founder Kartik Sabherwal said, “We are thrilled to announce Loco as our powered by and streaming partner for this event. Upthrust and Loco have had a long-standing association over the years. This time our collaboration aims to bring unparalleled esports action not just for BGMI but for the whole gaming community, combining the expertise of both Upthrust and Loco to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience. We both will be working for the growth of esports in India together, collectively.”

    Which underdog team will rise to the occasion? To catch all the action unfold at the Esports Challengers Showdown, visit Upthrust’s live channel on Loco.

  • Rahul Shivshankar calls it a day as Times Now’s editor-in-chief

    Rahul Shivshankar calls it a day as Times Now’s editor-in-chief

    Mumbai: In a reshuffling, Times Now editor-in-chief Rahul Shivshankar has put in his papers. As per media reports, on 20 June, Shivshankar quit all the WhatsApp groups of Times Now, including the editorial group, without any prior announcement.

    Reports also suggest that there was a clash between him and the management, and Times Group MD Vineet Jain was a part of the decision. 21 June would be Shivshankar’s last working day at the channel.

    Shivshankar had been associated with Times Now since its inception in 2005 when he joined the channel. However, he had a brief break from 2013 to 2016 when he left the group and served as the editor-in-chief of News X.

    Post Arnab Goswami’s departure from Times Now in 2016, Shivshankar returned to the channel and was roped in as the editor-in-chief.

  • An Ode to Father’s

    An Ode to Father’s

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks decided to mark Father’s Day with an extraordinary cinematic creation. Collaborating with their Distribution Trade Community across India and the SAARC region, they embarked on a remarkable and heart-warming venture.

    This unique initiative involved engaging with their clients, ensuring their involvement through using their voices for the narrations—a pioneering step that no other broadcaster from the has taken before. It is also a brilliant case point on how user-generated content can be utilised effectively and it doesn’t confine under the boundaries of digital. The Distribution Trade Community serves as the vital link between the broadcaster and consumers like us, making their inclusion in this project unprecedented.

    The endearingly captivating video pays tribute to the timeless love of fathers. Through the artistry of 8 distinct poems, each in a different language, the film encapsulates the depth of a father’s affection for his children. These genuine poems evoke profound emotions, touching the hearts of viewers and shining a spotlight on the talented members of the distribution community.

    Happy Father’s Day

    Each of the eight poems tells a unique story, closely tied to a specific region and the language spoken there. The narration of these films is beautifully delivered by individuals representing each of the eight regions.

    Today, Sony Pictures Networks not only honours Father’s Day but also celebrates the distribution community as a whole. This initiative by Sony Pictures Networks exemplifies their close collaboration with clients and their commitment to involving the community in various endeavours.

    Father’s Day serves as a reminder to express gratitude, love, and appreciation for the crucial role fathers play in our lives. It presents an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions, sacrifices, and the profound impact they have on their children and families. From the very beginning to the most pivotal moments of our lives, fathers provide unwavering support, much like the sturdy banyan tree within a family.

    Let us celebrate and cherish the significance of our fathers every day, recognising their importance not only on Father’s Day but throughout the year.

  • News18 Odia presents live broadcast and exclusive documentaries for Rath Yatra 2023

    News18 Odia presents live broadcast and exclusive documentaries for Rath Yatra 2023

    Mumbai: Rath Yatra, a festival that symbolises unity, brotherhood, and peace, holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Odisha. It is a grand celebration that commemorates the journey of Lord Jagannath from his temple in Puri to his aunt’s shrine in Gundicha Temple. With deep roots in Odisha’s cultural identity, this festival has been cherished and celebrated for centuries. News18 Odia, has announced its new initiative to bring an unforgettable experience to its viewers by broadcasting the Rath Yatra live from various locations in Odisha on 20 June.

    In addition to the live coverage from Puri, News18 Odia will broadcast the Rath Yatra celebrations from different locations across Odisha. Viewers can look forward to live-streaming from Keonjhar, Koraput, Dhenkanal, Sonpur – Patali Shreekhetra, Nilagiri, Kendrapada, and Baripada, where the grand event is celebrated with utmost devotion and rich traditions. To ensure maximum accessibility, the channel will also provide live streaming of the Rath Yatra rituals on the News18 Odia Facebook and YouTube platforms.

    To enhance the viewers’ understanding and appreciation of the festival, News18 Odia presents a special attraction – seven unique documentaries that delve into the lesser-known stories of the temple, Rath Yatra, and Shree Jagannath culture. These riveting documentaries will be screened from June 21 to June 27, offering a deeper insight into the spiritual significance and historical facets of Rath Yatra. The channel has assembled a team of eminent scholars, researchers, and historians, who have dedicated their expertise to craft these engrossing documentaries, ensuring a truly immersive experience for the viewers.

    News18 Odia invites all its viewers to tune in to News18 Odia and its digital platform, https://odia.news18.com/, from 20 June to 1 July to witness the most comprehensive coverage of the Rath Yatra. The channel’s commitment to delivering factual and interesting content will provide an unparalleled experience to viewers across Odisha and beyond.

    News18 Odia gratefully acknowledges the support of its sponsors for making this initiative possible. The Rath Yatra coverage is powered by Reliance Industries Ltd., while Bharat Massala is the special partner. The associate sponsors for this event are Rithvika Gold and Diamonds, Prime Agro, Ganesh Institute of Engineering & Technology, and Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan. News18 Odia recognizes the significance of this auspicious occasion and is committed to providing an immersive and comprehensive experience for its audience.

     

  • MTV Beats and Vh1 bring Your favourite indie and global artists together with – ‘World Music Day – Showcase’

    MTV Beats and Vh1 bring Your favourite indie and global artists together with – ‘World Music Day – Showcase’

    Mumbai: MTV Beats and Vh1, Viacom18’s youth music channels, are all set to hit shuffle and bring a multi-genre celebration of music to fans. This World Music Day, the two channels will present ‘World Music Day – Showcase’, bringing together the power of music. Hosted by Rohini Ramnathan, popularly known as RoTalks, MTV Beats and Vh1’s ‘World Music Day – Showcase’ will captivate viewers with exclusive glimpses, insightful conversations, and memorable performances from the best of the best, on Wednesday, 21 June 2023, starting 1:00 PM. 

    Featuring prominent artists including Anoushka Maskey, Dream Note, Indian Ocean, Shiekh Sadi, Nikhita Gandhi, Saahel, Akanksha Bhandari, Taba Chake and Hardil Pandya on MTV Beats and Nickelback, Corey Taylor, Tsumyoki, Lenka, Grentperez, Rosie Darling, Mali, Kamakshi Khanna, Anoushka Maskey, Celina Sharma, Bryden & Parth, Perp and Shayan on Vh1 across Rock, Hip-hop, Jazz, Pop, Blues, and Indie, the one-of-a-kind experience promises not only incredible musical moments but also delve deeper into the creative process and inspirations behind the artists’ favourite songs. Adding to the excitement, the participating artists will be joining the show from the comfort of their own homes, bringing a personal touch to their performances. From heart-pounding beats to soul-stirring melodies, World Music Day – Showcase will bring the talent and diversity of the global music scene to the forefront.

    Speaking about ‘World Music Day – Showcase’, MTV Beats programming head Merill Sequeira said, “At MTV Beats and Vh1 India, World Music Day is always special – it’s a cultural motif and celebration of music, its evolution and the artists who make it memorable. ‘Showcase’ is an endeavour to bring artists closer to their fans and connect people through the power of music.”

    Get ready for an extraordinary journey filled with unforgettable performances, heartwarming moments, and the sheer joy of music. Tune in to MTV Beats and Vh1 on 21 June at 1:00 PM and MTV at 9:30 PM to immerse in the unparalleled magic of music. 

  • LaLiga launches its first official online shop in partnership with Fanatics

    LaLiga launches its first official online shop in partnership with Fanatics

    Mumbai: LaLiga has launched its first ever official online shop with Fanatics, a digital sports platform and global leader in licensed sports merchandise, as part of a wide-ranging omnichannel retail and manufacturing partnership.

    The Official LaLigaStore will be launched globally this summer, ahead of the start of the new season. Fans will be able to find a wide selection of officially licensed shirts, training gear and accessories from LaLiga, as well as from many of the league’s leading teams. The offer will be expanded over time to include clubs from both LaLiga divisions, marking the largest assortment of LaLiga fan merchandise ever assembled.

    In addition, Fanatics will become a master licensee for LaLiga consumer products, leveraging its global infrastructure and in-house manufacturing capabilities to create and distribute a range of premium, fashion-forward clothing range for the store’s launch.

    The long-term deal marks Fanatics’ first league-wide partnership in European football, bringing the model used to great success by the major US Sports Leagues to fans of Spanish football across the world. The wide-ranging partnership encompasses e-commerce, licensing, product manufacturing and event retail, as well as the opportunity to open an official La Liga high street retail store.

    The Official LaLigaStore has been built using Fanatics’ industry-leading Cloud Commerce Platform (CCP), which is used and trusted by more than 900 of the most recognised and successful sporting organisations in the world, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, The FA, UEFA, French Football Federation (FFF), NFL, NBA, NHL and Formula One.

    LaLiga executive director Óscar Mayo said, “This partnership with Fanatics will bring us even closer to the millions of fans that LaLiga has around the world and allows us to continue to expand our business ecosystem, taking the fan experience to the next level.”

    Fanatics senior VP – international business affairs and development Matthew Primack said, “This launch marks a major milestone for Fanatics with LaLiga becoming our first European football league partnership. We are confident that what we will be offering fans, alongside LaLiga, will break new ground by bringing existing fans to the home of the league and global fans to an official collective destination.

    “Our extensive experience as the official retail and merchandising partner to the major US sports leagues, and many of the world’s leading club and international football teams, made this the natural next step in our continued journey to better serve sport and build a leading global digital sports platform.”

  • SAFF Championship: FanCode secures exclusive digital rights

    SAFF Championship: FanCode secures exclusive digital rights

    Mumbai: FanCode, India’s premier sports destination, will exclusively live stream the upcoming South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship. All the matches will be played in Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru. The tournament will kick off on 21 June and run till 4 July, with a total of 15 matches being played.

    Fans will be eagerly anticipating the India-Pakistan clash, scheduled for the opening day at 7:30 PM. India will then face Nepal on 24 June, before ending the group stage with a game against Kuwait on 27 June.

    Football fans can watch all the action on FanCode’s mobile app (Android, iOS, TV), TV app available on Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Jio STB, Samsung TV, Airtel XStream, OTT Play and www.fancode.com

    The other group consists of Lebanon, Bhutan, Maldives and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.

    India comes into the tournament as defending champions and will be high on confidence after its recent success in the Hero Intercontinental Cup. Some of the marquee players in action will include captain Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh, Sandesh Jhingan, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Lalengmawia Ralte.

    FanCode’s collaboration with SAFF Championship further strengthens its commitment to providing unparalleled access to live Indian football content to its growing user base. The platform previously streamed the Hero Super Cup, Santosh Trophy, Stafford Challenge Cup, Kerala Premier League and Goa Professional League.

    With interactive streaming features such as live stats, data, and analysis on the match screen, FanCode’s digital-first streaming gives sports fans an immersive experience. FanCode is also offering tour passes at affordable prices for fans apart from monthly and yearly subscriptions.

     

  • UTT teams up with Aatral for Table Tennis in Metaverse

    UTT teams up with Aatral for Table Tennis in Metaverse

    Mumbai: Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) in a pathbreaking partnership with Aatral, one of the leading metaverse solutions companies in India, aims to revolutionise fan engagement by creating an immersive and interactive virtual experience for table tennis enthusiasts for the very first time. Aatral, renowned for its expertise in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) development, will collaborate with UTT as its official metaverse partner to create next-level fan experience, and engagement and establish the league’s prominent presence in the virtual world. 

    Recognising the immense potential of the gaming industry and its significance in India, UTT is committed to providing fans with innovative ways to connect with the sport. The partnership also signifies their shared commitment to innovation and fan-centric experiences.

    “We know that sports have always been a powerful force that unites people from diverse backgrounds. Through this collaboration in the Metaverse, UTT and Aatral will offer fans a distinctive environment with a variety of gaming options and table tennis-related experiences. These games will deliver an unprecedented degree of immersion by utilising VR, AR and mixed reality to transport players across borders,” commented UTT co-promoter Vita Dani.

    Three to four table tennis-themed mini-games will be available to fans. Aatral will create a fan-engaging environment in 3D space which will allow fans to download and play the application from the Google Play Store, App Store and UTT website by the end of June 2023. These downloadable games will enhance the interactive capabilities of mobile devices to further increase fan involvement. Fans will be able to enjoy the thrill of table tennis not only during the league but anytime, anywhere with this portable gaming experience, giving the sport to connect the fans at their fingertips. 

    “We are thrilled to announce our association with the Ultimate Table Tennis team, the first of its kind in the metaverse for table tennis. At Aatral, we are committed to providing our users with immersive and interactive experiences that bridge the gap between the physical and virtual worlds. By partnering with UTT, we are enabling our users to enjoy the thrill of table tennis in a new and exciting way, as well as creating opportunities for social connection, learning, and entertainment. We are looking forward to being part of this groundbreaking event in sports leagues in the country!” stated Aatral Founder and CEO, Prem Balachandran.

    As part of this collaboration, UTT and Aatral will also set up experiential stalls across select venues to reach out to students, youth and table tennis fans, featuring interactive stations where fans can don VR/AR equipment and engage in the virtual table tennis matches like never before. 

    By embracing the multiverse environment, UTT aims to create a lasting impact on fan engagement, providing an unparalleled platform for fans to connect with their favourite sport and players in ways they have never imagined.

    Promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India, UTT Season Four will be played at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune from 13 to 30 July. Bengaluru Smashers, Chennai Lions, Dabang Delhi TTC, Goa Challengers, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis and U Mumba TT are the six franchisees that will compete for the title with live action being broadcasted on Sports 18 and streamed on JioCinema.

  • Colors Kannada launches yet another blockbuster show FAMILY GANGSTARS

    Colors Kannada launches yet another blockbuster show FAMILY GANGSTARS

    Mumbai: After the successful streak of Gicchi Giligili’s second season, Colors Kannada is back with the grandest television extravaganza, “FAMILY GANGSTARS,” an entertainment game show featuring television superstars from Kannada GEC. 

    Powered by Amrith Noni, Ariel and with special partners Swastik Masala, Sangeetha Mobiles, Sadguru Ayurveda Gram Flour Soap, Indus 555 D TMT, Sudarshan Silk Chekpet & Marathahalli, and 1 to 3 Noodles, FAMILY GANSTARS premieres every Saturday and Sunday at 9 PM. 

    FAMILY GANGSTARS aims to pioneer a groundbreaking concept within the realm of Kannada GEC by seamlessly integrating the talents from 10 acclaimed ongoing shows on Colors Kannada. This unique initiative endeavours to captivate the discerning audience, that is expected to leave a lasting impression.

    Television celebrities hailing from popular shows like Bhagyalakshmi, Tripura Sundari, Kendasampige, Antarapata, Geetha, Ramachari, Raja Rani, Nannamma Superstar, Dancing Champions, and Gicchi Giligili will be organized into distinct teams.

    The show will present a diverse array of captivating games between teams, unveiling a delightful blend of humor, drama, emotions, and camaraderie among the talented individuals in each episode. With an infusion of engaging content, every episode will showcase thrilling matches and entertaining games between various teams, capturing the audience’s attention. Srujan Lokesh, a highly popular television personality, will host the show with his discerning supervision. 

    This grand family entertainment game show has already created a sensation in the state, garnering an overwhelming response from the audience and attracting seven brand sponsors. 

    Colors Kannada business head Prashanth Nayak B said, “The tremendous response we are receiving from the audience through social media, as well as the interest shown by brands, reflects the confidence in our talented performers. The response we have received has also boosted our confidence in our conviction towards new subjects and experiments. With the participation of talents from all of Colors Kannada’s programs, we are confident that this will become a hugely popular and entertaining family show.” 

    Regional Entertainment – head of sales Bikash Kundu added, “The early involvement of eight sponsors, even before the show’s launch, speaks volumes about their confidence in the reach and influence of this grand family entertainment game show. As the show gains popularity, we anticipate a surge in the number of sponsors who want to align themselves with its success, further affirming the show’s value and appeal.” 

    Amrith Noni CEO Narayan said, “With immense enthusiasm, Amrith Noni is thrilled to announce our partnership with COLORS Kannada for this sensational family entertainment game show. This ground-breaking endeavour marks the first of its kind in the state of Karnataka, and we are honoured to be a part of this extraordinary adventure, seamlessly merging Ayurvedic traditions with modern entertainment. Through this collaboration, our primary goal is to bring boundless joy, laughter, and a sense of togetherness to every household, while also fostering awareness about the remarkable advantages of Ayurveda.”

    Innovative Advance Media Management Pvt Ltd. managing director Madhusudan commented, “We are thrilled to announce the exciting partnership with COLORS Kannada. Through our sponsorship of IAMPL clients on this captivating game show, we aim to create a truly immersive experience that flawlessly combines the splendour of our traditional attires with the exhilaration and delight of family entertainment. We are elated to showcase the timeless beauty of our cultural heritage, as we invite viewers to immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere we have crafted for them.”

  • Colors Bangla Cinema rebrands with “Saat Ronge Bandha” promise

    Colors Bangla Cinema rebrands with “Saat Ronge Bandha” promise

    Mumbai: Colors Bangla Cinema, a leading channel dedicated to Bengali cinema, is thrilled to announce the unveiling of its new brand identity, centered around the promise of “Saat Ronge Bandha” (Unified by Seven Colors). This rebranding represents a significant milestone in the channel’s journey and reinforces its commitment to delivering diverse and captivating content to its viewers.

    Cinema, in its essence, is a powerful manifestation of human emotions. Different genres, such as romance, comedy, drama, action, thriller, and fantasy, address these emotions in unique ways, adding magic and vibrance to people’s lives while instilling new hope in their minds. At Colors Bangla Cinema, the brand promise is to offer an entire spectrum of emotions that touches every chord, much like the seven colours of a rainbow, with an aim to become the ultimate destination for movies, providing a seamless and fulfilling experience for our audience.

    The new brand identity of Colors Bangla Cinema has been meticulously designed to capture the unified essence of Bengali cinema, while reflecting the multi-hues of Bengal and the various genres. The design approach involves incorporating iconic cultural signatures of Bengal and colours associated with different emotions to arrive at a captivating colour palette. Each colour represents a specific genre, enabling viewers to instantly connect with the emotions evoked by the films. Pink symbolises romance, blue signifies drama, orange represents action, yellow reflects comedy, green embodies thriller/horror, and violet portrays fantasy. On the other, the colour red stands for bonding which is also the landing colour for the channel where all other colours come together.

    In line with the new brand identity, Colors Bangla Cinema also brings a Blockbuster Movie Festival- ‘Cine Mahotsav’ for its viewers in association with Budleaf as the presenting sponsor and special partner Dear Government Lotteries. Kicking off with a fourteen-day movie festival and with fourteen blockbuster titles, starting from 17 to 30 June, Colors Bangla Cinema aims to offer a seamless entertainment experience. The exciting line up for Cine Mahotsav includes ‘Poran Jaye Jolia Re’, ‘Sasur Bari Zindabad’, ‘Premer Kahini’, ‘Le Halua Le’, ‘Total Dadadgiri’, ‘Bojhena Se Bojhena’, ‘Bolo Dugga Mai Ki’, ‘Sathi’, ‘MLA Phatakesto’, ‘Awara’, ‘Yuddha’, ‘Sedin Dekha Hoechilo’, and ‘Rehmat Ali’.

    Colors Bangla and Colors Bangla Cinema business head Sagnik Ghosh, shared his thoughts on the new brand identity stating, “With ‘Saat Ronge Bandha,’ we aim to create an emotional resonance with our viewers by bringing together the diverse range of human emotions depicted in Bengali cinema. Our new brand identity truly captures the essence of Bengal, its vibrancy, and the plethora of emotions evoked by different movie genres. Through our wide variety of movies, we are determined to establish Colors Bangla Cinema as ‘The Destination’ for Bengali movies, offering our audience an unparalleled entertainment experience.”

    Colors Bangla Cinema will don the new brand identity across various platforms, including on-air promotions, digital channels, social media platforms, and marketing collaterals.

    To build awareness and tune-ins, the movie festival is being promoted on air, print, on ground, radio activations along with promotions on social media platforms for better reach and engagement.