ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Globale Media invests in esports content platform Rooter

    Globale Media invests in esports content platform Rooter

    Mumbai: Globale Media, a mobile and web advertising company has begun its investment journey with Rooter, India’s leading gaming & e-sports content platform. A first-of-its-kind investment made by the ad-tech company, which has offices across the SEA and MENA regions. Rooter raised an investment of $16 million (131 crores) through debt and equity. The growth round led by Lightbox, also saw participation from Trifecta Capital, Pivot Ventures, Baldota Family Office, Denlow Private Trust, Venture Catalysts, and Potential Ventures.

    Spearheaded by Globale Media founder and CEO Bhavesh Talreja which is one of the leading mobile and web advertising companies in India. And with an in-depth network in the gaming industry, it only made sense to invest in a gaming-focused startup when India is steadily witnessing growth in this sector.

    Rooter’s latest capital infusion, which closed on the back of a strong balance sheet, will provide additional fuel to accelerate the company’s growth plans. The company will be utilising the funds to strengthen its technology capabilities, sharpen its product bouquet, and further enhance user experience on its platform. It will also be pursuing market expansion and cross-border growth opportunities, including potential strategic acquisitions.

    With plans to always stay ahead in the game, Globale Media also launched GMX- a programmatic self-serve cloud-based platform for unique audience segmentation a while ago.

    Commenting on the investment, Globale Media founder and CEO Bhavesh Talreja said, “The esports and gaming community has been witnessing steady growth lately and will only see a positive trajectory in the coming future. Our aim is to work with Rooter on their monetization front through this investment, as Rooter is one of the biggest esports streaming platforms in India. We were also motivated by their plans of enhancing user experience, market expansion, and industry achievements.”

    Rooter founder & CEO Piyush Kumar added, “We have always been closely associated with Globale Media over the years. So, when they expressed their interest in investing in our company, we were heartened by their confidence. Our current fundraising round will provide us with the impetus to further develop our technology framework and pursue organic and inorganic growth opportunities.”

  • ACCESS Europe GmbH announces ACCESS Twin for TV operators

    ACCESS Europe GmbH announces ACCESS Twin for TV operators

    Mumbai: – ACCESS Europe GmbH has announced that it has launched ACCESS Twin for TV Operators (T4TO).

    This new solution, which is deployable from 2H 2023, is designed to:

    • Provide TV and Telcos with the simplest route to enhance their customer offerings, combining a technology platform with content services including games, AVOD and FAST video as well as audio services including karaoke and music.
    • Reduce CAPEX for new Set-Top Boxes (STBs) investment by updating existing STBs.
    • Enable operators to control the UI/UX and data harvesting from their customer base.
    • Reduce STB memory requirements by removing the need to download and store applications when they are not in use.
    • Enable new connected services via OTA updates for capable STBs through the addition of the Twine Standard Client (TSC).
    • Refresh deployed legacy set-top boxes (STB) through the OTA update of STB firmware with the addition of the Twine Micro Client (TMC).
    • Providing application and content layers that provide super aggregation of metadata across services.

    “TV operators are in a tough spot right now; content costs continue to rise, while cord-cutting is an ever-present danger as Internet-only services expand,” said ACCESS Europe CEO Masahiro Aono. “Our new solution, ACCESS Twine for TV Operators (T4TO), enables operators to embrace these connected services across all their devices, and do this at minimum cost by extending the life of their population of set-top boxes. We believe that this is the right solution at the right time for any TV operator with a population of low-powered and old set-top boxes.”

    T4TO enables operators and telcos to quickly launch locally relevant entertainment services to the TV, mobile and tablet. ACCESS achieves this by combining a technology platform and content from our partners to provide games, karaoke, AVOD and FAST, streaming radio and podcasts, with more to come. T4TO can work in two ways:

    • Integrated with the STB software with UI and game rendering carried out on the box via the Twine Standard Client (TSC).
    • Rendered in the cloud and displayed on the Set-Top Box or other device via the Twine Micro Client (TMC), enabling operators to maximise the useful and profitable life of its legacy STB real-estate / investment.

    “Operators know they must embrace connected services to stay relevant with their customers, through providing greater engagement than app-only solutions such as smart TVs and dongles,” said ACCESS Europe VP product and content Robert Guest. “By enabling the quick addition of apps and services to existing STB platforms, combined with metadata aggregation and a highly configurable UX, T4TO keeps operators ‘consumer relevant’ without a huge CAPEX budget.”

  • BCCI & adidas partner as official kit sponsor of Indian cricket team

    BCCI & adidas partner as official kit sponsor of Indian cricket team

    Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) & adidas has announced a brand-new partnership as the kit sponsor for the BCCI. The contract, which runs through March 2028, will give adidas exclusive rights for manufacturing kits across all formats of the game. adidas will be the sole supplier for all match, training & travel wear for the BCCI- including the men’s, women’s & youth teams. Starting June 2023, Team India will be seen in the three stripes for the very first time and will debut their new kit during the World Test Championship Finals.

    Cricket remains the most popular sport in India, as well as experiencing continued expansion all over the world – sellout crowds, increased elite competition, and grassroots growth. Indian cricket has also evolved exponentially with a world-class youth system that reliably produces great athletes, a leading domestic league, and a cricketing identity that is revered globally. 

    The partnership between the BCCI and adidas will drive the sport forward both on and off the pitch with the sports brand bringing its innovative designs and expertise to Indian cricket. adidas has a long history of equipping some of the best teams in the world with footwear and apparel, created to be the best for the athlete. The BCCI and adidas will also bring their partnership to life by inspiring the next generation of young cricketers and growing the game for all.

    Speaking about the partnership, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said, “We are committed to helping grow the game of cricket and could not be more excited to partner with one of the world’s leading sportswear brands, adidas, in this journey. With its rich historical legacy in sports, world-class products, and strong global reach, adidas will play an important role in driving the performance and future success of different categories of Indian cricket”.

    Speaking about the partnership, adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden said, “We are proud to partner with BCCI and Team India, the most iconic team in India. Cricket is the most important sport in India, and it is very important for us to be visible and invest in it. We could not have found a better partner than BCCI. I believe India to be the fastest-growing sports market for the next decades. We are very committed to supporting our team to become the best sports brand in India.”

    Speaking about the partnership, adidas India GM Neelendra Singh said, “We are beyond excited for this historic moment at adidas, not just in India but also globally. We are proud to see the three stripes on the Indian cricket team. This is our moment to present cricket to the world with high-quality performance products for our athletes. We look forward to creating moments with our consumers through the most celebrated sport in India. adidas truly believes in the potential of cricket in India and through this partnership with BCCI we will accelerate growth.”

    With its rich history in sport through its long-term and innovative agreements with the likes of World Champions AFA (Argentina Football Association), the All Blacks, Major League Soccer, and sports teams all over the globe, the new partnership with the BCCI will further enhance the brand’s presence across the region and strengthen its commitment towards growing sports in India.  In addition to the men’s & women’s senior national cricket team, adidas will also kit India “A” men’s and women’s national team, India “B” men’s and women’s national team, India U-19 men’s and women’s national team, their coaches, and staff.

  • Barc India gets Dolly Jha as chief of product & research

    Barc India gets Dolly Jha as chief of product & research

    Mumbai: Broadcast Audience Research Council India (BARC), the world’s largest Television Audience measurement body, today announced the appointment of Dolly Jha as its chief of product & research.

    Jha is a Postgraduate in Management from IRMA and has an experience of close to three decades across KANTAR, ITC Foods & Nielsen. She comes with a rich experience across Consumer Research, Audience Measurement, Media Analytics, ROI Measurement and Innovation Research.

    Jha needs absolutely no introduction neither to the BARC Team nor to the industry at large. Prior to joining BARC India, she has been associated with Nielsen for 13 years where she has held multiple leadership roles. Her last role was as the managing director for Nielsen Media – India. At Nielsen, she led large Audience Measurement Mandates for multiple Industry Bodies. She has also steered the launch of various industry-first solutions in the digital Measurement space in India. She has worked extensively with broadcasters, agencies and publishers and strongly believes in an attitude of collaborative team spirit.

    Jha on her appointment said, “I am excited to join BARC India as the chief of product & research. BARC today runs the largest Audience Measurement system in the world. With all the experience behind me, I am looking forward to contributing to BARC by evolving the Measurement further  to meet the growing needs of stakeholders.”

    Welcoming Jha, BARC India CEO Nakul Chopra said, “It is indeed wonderful that Jha will join the BARC Leadership Team. As the chief of product & research – she will expectedly bring immense value to our eco-system, both from the perspective of working back from our output, to improve input quality and, over time in helping build value added services that will benefit all our subscribers. Both these vital functions are new capabilities that we seek to add to BARC – given her vast experience, I cannot think of a leader more suited to this role. In her stint at Nielsen, Jha has already deep exposure and understanding of what BARC does – I am confident that this will augur for an extremely fulfilling partnership. I warmly welcome her and look forward to working closely with her.”

  • COLORS announces the 13th edition of ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’

    COLORS announces the 13th edition of ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’

    Mumbai: The nation’s favourite stunt-based reality show ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ is set to make a comeback on COLORS with its 13th edition. Packed with adrenaline-inducing adventures and unexpected twists, this season will unleash an unprecedented level of danger. With its record-breaking viewership in the previous seasons, ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ has emerged as one of the top-rated non-fiction shows in the Hindi GEC space over the years. Conceptualised in the jungle, the 13th edition of the show will feature 14 contestants across different vocations, rising to take on the most terrifying challenges in the exotic landscape of South Africa. The iconic filmmaker and ace action maestro, Rohit Shetty will return as the host leading and mentoring the daring troop as they fight their phobias.

    Continuing their long-standing association with the show, Maruti Suzuki steps aboard as the presenting sponsor.  This season will feature popular faces including seasoned actor Rohit Bose Roy, B-town diva Daisy Shah, Bigg Boss 16 fame Shiv Thakare and Archana Gautam, popular television actors Anjali Anand, Nyrraa M Banerji, Anjum Fakih, Ruhi Chaturvedi, Aishwarya Sharma, Arjit Taneja and Sheezan Khan, singers Dino James and Rashmeet Kaur, Moroccon model Soundous Moufakir.  Produced by Endemol Shine India, ‘Maruti Suzuki Presents Khatron Ke Khiladi 13, Special Partner Cera Sanitaryware, Associate Partners Smith & Jones Pasta Masala, Amazon.in, and Himalaya Anti Hair Fall Shampoo will premiere on COLORS soon.

    Viacom18 revenue head – COLORS Pavithra KR said, “The legacy of our flagship property, Khatron Ke Khiladi grows with the love of the viewers, who eagerly anticipate the thrills it brings every year. An incredible platform for advertisers to engage with the audience, the show will capture the brave hearts competing to earn the title of the ultimate Khiladi. We are delighted to continue our long-term association with Maruti Suzuki, our presenting sponsor, and warmly welcome Cera Sanitaryware as our special partner, along with Smith & Jones Pasta Masala, Amazon.in, and Himalaya Anti Hair Fall Shampoo as our associate sponsors. Considering the show has always been a sponsor delight, we are confident to have more sponsor partners onboard. We are glad to have a stellar line-up of contestants and wish them the best as they challenge themselves under the guidance of our host, Rohit Shetty.”

    Viacom18 head – non-fiction – COLORS Shital Iyer said, “Khatron Ke Khiladi has etched a remarkable place in the hearts of millions of viewers over the years, owing to its unparalleled fandom. The previous seasons garnered immense success with exceptional ratings, and it will be exciting to witness the upcoming edition scale up the danger quotient. We have 14 brave contestants, who will wage a war against their fears under the mentorship of the one and only Rohit Shetty. Prepared to enliven the spirit of the jungle, the 13th season promises a heart-pacing dose of adventure, courage, and entertainment in the picturesque backdrop of South Africa.”

    Host Rohit Shetty said, “Hosting Khatron Ke Khiladi each year is something that I absolutely enjoy. With season 13 we are going into the wild with a jungle theme and the ultimate rule of the jungle is – the survival of the fittest and the bravest. It will be exciting to witness the wilderness of South Africa as the stakes are going to rise and the magnitude of action will be greater than the previous seasons. I am looking forward to meeting all the contestants and introducing them to the stunts we have planned.”

    Maruti Suzuki India Limited senior executive director, marketing and sales Shashank Srivastava said, “It brings us immense pride to associate with Khatron Ke Khiladi for the fifth time in a row. At Maruti Suzuki, it’s our constant endeavour to associate with properties that dial in on youthful and dynamic imagery quotient. Hence, we are extremely delighted to continue this partnership along with the iconic Swift; it has not only revolutionized the premium hatchback segment in India but also created a benchmark for others since its launch in 2005. It has a cult following amongst the youth and has earned the love of more than 2.5 million customers with its sporty design, powerful performance, and unmistakable road presence. With Swift’s proposition of being limitless, we’re sure that the contestants of this season of the show will bring limitless action to the viewers.”

  • Sania Mirza becomes Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network

    Sania Mirza becomes Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network

    Mumbai: Leading sports broadcaster Sony Sports Network has announced the exclusive onboarding Sania Mirza as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network, who will be seen as an expert panelist on the network. Sony Sports Network is the home to three out of the four Grand Slams, the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, US Open, along with the Davis Cup, making it the Home of Tennis in India.

    Mirza is a household name in India, and her achievements have put the country on the global tennis map. Having won six Grand Slam titles across Australian Open (2), US Open (2), Roland Garros (1) & Wimbledon (1), including three women’s doubles titles and three mixed doubles titles, she is one of the most successful tennis players in Indian history.

    Following an illustrious career, where the fans saw her serving up aces on tennis courts, Mirza will now also serve up expert insights off the court on Sony Sports Network’s Extraaa Serve. The Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Padma Bhushan recipient will be seen on the Sony Sports Network starting with the Roland-Garros on 28 May.

    Sony Sports Network has launched a special campaign called Home of Tennis. The campaign showcases Mirza, Sony Sports Network, and the three Grand Slams as a match made in heaven and celebrates her journey as she dons the hat of an expert after retiring from playing tennis. The first film talks about Mirza exclusively partnering with Sony Sports Network. The second film is Mirza presenting Roland Garros, Clay that Slays, to Indian audiences. The third film will showcase Sony Sports Network as the Home to Tennis with all three Grand Slams – Australian Open, Roland Garros and US Open, presented by the Tennis Ace. The fourth film with Mirza will be a teaser for the US Open, which is truly a Glam Slam and will launch in August.

    This association with Mirza is yet another step taken by Sony Sports Network to enhance the viewing experience of tennis fans in India. The network has been at the forefront of providing the best tennis content, and this association with Mirza will further strengthen its position in the market.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul said, “We truly believe that Mirza’s expertise and passion for tennis will be a great addition to our team, and we are thrilled to have her as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network. This partnership with the Padma Bhushan awardee will further strengthen our position as the premier destination for tennis in India, as well as enhance the viewing experience of tennis fans in India. Sony Sports Network has been at the forefront of providing the best tennis content, and additionally, we are the first broadcasters to telecast the Grand Slams live in multiple regional languages. This initiative has been widely appreciated by viewers across India, as it has taken the sport to a wider audience.”

    Mirza mentioned,“I am very excited to be a part of the Tennis Broadcast with Sony Sports Network post my recent retirement. With a strong portfolio of three of the four Grand Slams, Sony Sports Network is the Home of Tennis in India. It feels great to be part of the network’s commitment to bringing the best tennis content to viewers in India.”

  • India Today Group emerges as undisputed leader in digital viewership

    India Today Group emerges as undisputed leader in digital viewership

    Mumbai: The India Today Group, the nation’s leading multi-platform news medium, has once again surpassed its competitors, emerging as the top-ranked streaming video news platform in the Comscore VMX Multi-Platform, Reach (000), News/Information Category, Video Type: Content, March 2023, India report.

    According to the Platform Report, the India Today Group achieved an unparalleled reach of 117 million, securing the coveted Number 1 position in the News/Information category.

    This outstanding accomplishment is a testament to the Group’s unwavering dedication to innovation and serving its loyal viewership in the digital realm. By emphasising video content, capitalising on mobile technologies, and maintaining a robust social media presence across platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the India Today Group has solidified its position as a frontrunner.

    India Today highlighted several significant events that captivated the nation in March.

    These included Rahul Gandhi’s UK visit and speech in British Parliament raising controversy, 3 North East state assembly elections, the seizure and destruction of a staggering 9,298 kilograms of drugs in Bengaluru, and prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation in the One World TB Summit garnered immense attention as he addressed the global community about the pressing issue of tuberculosis.

    In addition, the preparations for the highly anticipated G20 summit were extensively covered, underlining India’s active involvement on the global stage. The Supreme Court made a noteworthy decision by refusing to entertain a plea challenging renaming Aurangabad as ‘Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar,’ directing the petitioner to approach the High Court.

    News of the Enforcement Directorate arresting former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia in connection with an excise policy case and Rahul Gandhi facing a significant setback as he was disqualified as a Member of Parliament and instructed to vacate his residence were major news events whose comprehensive coverage saw India Today bring out the best of its journalistic excellence and emerged as the unrivalled leader in digital viewership during the month of March.

    In the Comscore VMX Multi-Platform Report, the India Today Group outshone its competitors by a significant margin, surpassing the reach of Network 18 (109 million) and ABP Network (101 million) by a substantial margin. The Group’s dominance in the News/Information category, filtered by streaming video, demonstrates its unparalleled popularity among viewers. The India Today Group’s multiplatform products have enjoyed resounding success, owing to its strengths in mobile accessibility, captivating video content, and an influential presence on social media platforms. By being the preferred brand on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the Group has established itself as a trusted source of news and information for millions of users.

     

  • Sony-speak from India head NP Singh

    Sony-speak from India head NP Singh

    Mumbai: For all those who have been speculating about  the future of NP Singh, one of the most spotlight-shy CEOs, at Sony in India following the impending merger with Zee Entertainment, there is no need to keep guessing. Singh’s future is not only secure, but his role is actually going to be expanding,  in the overall scheme of the Japanese MNC. 

    This is amply evident from the fact that Singh shared centre stage at Sony’s annual corporate strategy day presentation in Tokyo mid-last week, along with group chairman & CEO Yoshida Kenichiro and Sony COO & CFO Totoki Hiroki.

    At the meet, Sony executives reiterated that  India is one of its pivotal markets.  Singh  highlighted that Sony Research India is actively collaborating with Sony Pictures Releasing India to develop AI models, such as video analytics, recommendation engines and speech recognition. This aside, Singh pointed out to other successful initiatives such as  Sony Talent Ventures  (with Sony Music) and the Hero project initiated by Sony Interactive Entertainment that is grooming game development talent, which are being ramped up even further..

    The affable and soft-spoken Sikh  revealed that its streaming service SonyLiv has managed to sign on 33.3 million subscribers globally, with an annual ARPU of Rs 573, according to a report in The Mint.

    Singh emphasised that “India is a global economic powerhouse and an opportunity destination for artists, content creators, game developers, studios, platforms and technology companies. Our efforts in India are aligned with Sony’s purpose of filling the world with emotion and we strive to push the boundaries and go beyond what is expected.”

    As far as the merger with Zee is concerned, Singh pointed out that  it is still awaiting regulatory clearances. The expectation is that it should be completely green-signalled by the first half of this financial year. “Upon closing, it will enable us to expand our kind of content creation and strengthen connections with diverse communities within India,” he stated.

    As has been reported, Singh is slated to get bumped upstairs as the chairperson of the combined entity, while current Zee MD & CEO Punit Goenka is to be given the former’s charge.

    However, since the marger still has some distance to go, Singh has since reorganised SPNI with Danish Khan being handed Sony’s digital initiatives and Neeraj Vyas being made responsible for the company’s GEC broadcast business. 

  • Times Now Navbharat ranks third in YouTube views

    Times Now Navbharat ranks third in YouTube views

    Mumbai: Continuously surging ahead in its growth trajectory, Times Now Navbharat makes a big impact by rising among the top three Hindi news channels on YouTube. Displacing key legacy players in its genre, the channel clocked an impressive 355 million views in April and registered a phenomenal 422 per cent cumulative growth, solidifying its position as the fastest-growing Hindi news channel. 

    Setting industry benchmarks with its distinctive and bold style of journalism that is firmly based on credible, accurate and decisive news reporting, Times Now Navbharat offers innovative content formats to viewers across platforms. On the back of the fastest news, exclusive news breaks, and most viewed prime-time shows – News Ki Pathshala and Sawal Public Ka, the channel has built a strong resonance with the viewers, driving high-decibel engagement across platforms. With a series of digital exclusives that integrates the channel’s broadcast and digital content, Times Now Navbharat has been offering well-rounded insights on every major news story, combined with comprehensive coverage of key events such as the Atique Ahmad murder and ground-breaking original reportage like Operation Sheesh Mahal expose.

    Times Network president & COO – digital business Rohit Chadda said, “This is a remarkable feat for a new entrant in the Hindi News category. With its unparalleled news content and interactive show formats, Times Now Navbharat has consolidated its position as the preferred destination for Hindi news on YouTube. This milestone reinforces our commitment in building new levers of digital engagement with our viewers and we are confident to continue to achieve new milestones.”

    Source: Vidooly

    With a focus on in-depth, well-researched content, coupled with coverage of big-ticket events, Times Now Navbharat has fostered a strong connection with the viewers, resulting in a phenomenal 500 million views across platforms in April.

  • Star Sports presents the grand finale of ‘The Incredible IPL School Quiz’

    Star Sports presents the grand finale of ‘The Incredible IPL School Quiz’

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official television broadcasters of the TATA IPL 2023, announces the highly anticipated national finale of the record-setting Incredible Premier League School Quiz. This ground-breaking initiative has captivated young cricket fans throughout the country, igniting their passion as the ongoing marquee tournament reaches its business end. One of the key highlights of the Incredible IPL School Quiz has been its seamless integration with the IPL broadcast, incorporating the engaging “Incredible Question of the Day” feature. This interactive component has challenged young minds and deepened their connection with the league they love. 

    The national finale of the Incredible IPL School Quiz is set to take place on Tuesday, 23 May 2023, at 5 PM, in the Star Sports studio in Mumbai. 

    This eagerly awaited event will serve as the thrilling culmination of the quiz, where the top eight teams from across the nation will showcase their skills and compete for the coveted championship title. The response to the quiz has been overwhelming, with a remarkable surge in viewership among children aged 2 to 14 years across all editions of the IPL.

    The Incredible IPL School Quiz will be further enhanced by the presence of some of India’s former cricketers, who will serve as mentors to inspire and guide the finalists. Star Sports takes immense pride in involving young cricket enthusiasts from every corner of India through the Incredible IPL School Quiz. This endeavor has provided a unique platform for kids to showcase their cricketing knowledge and created a significant avenue for brands targeting this specific consumer cohort.

    Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh will mentor the teams representing the North Zone, consisting of Deepak Memorial Academy in Sagar and St. Anthony’s Senior Secondary School in Udaipur. Esteemed former India cricketer S. Sreesanth will mentor the teams from Kenbridge School in Gulbarga and Delhi Public School in Hyderabad, representing the South Zone. The East Zone will be represented by DPS, Kalinga, and DPS, Dimapur, mentored by the legendary former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan. Lastly, Manibai Gujarati High School in Amravati and Our Lady’s School in Mumbai will represent the West Zone under the guidance of former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan.

    West Zone mentor Irfan Pathan said, “It’s heartening to see young kids travel from across the country for the finale! This has been a wonderful initiative to engage the young fans and give them a platform to showcase their love for the league we love! I’m excited to be associated with the West Zone and am looking forward to the finale!”

    South Zone mentor Sreesanth said, “Having spent some time with the teams, it’s clear to see they’re pumped to be here! This quiz and the upcoming finale have served as the perfect stage for the young fans who follow every ball of our very special league to flaunt their knowledge! I can’t wait for the finale and hopefully one of my teams will take the trophy home!”