ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • CM Devendra Fadnavis confirms implementation of NEP’s three-language formula in Maharashtra at ‘Mumbai Tak Baithak’

    CM Devendra Fadnavis confirms implementation of NEP’s three-language formula in Maharashtra at ‘Mumbai Tak Baithak’

    MUMBAI: Mumbai Tak, the digital news platform from the India Today Group, successfully hosted its premier event, ‘Mumbai Tak Baithak’, yesterday in Mumbai. The event served as a dynamic platform for dialogue on Maharashtra’s political, social, and developmental landscape, bringing together an influential array of leaders, thinkers, and first-time legislators.

    Delivering a significant policy update, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that the three-language formula outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) will be implemented across the state. During his keynote interaction, Fadnavis also hinted at potential BJP strategies for upcoming municipal elections, stating that while the party may form alliances for the BMC elections, it may also contest independently in other municipal corporations.

    The event featured a distinguished line-up of participants including deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, senior leaders Balasaheb Thorat, Chhagan Bhujbal, Aditya Thackeray, and Bala Nandgaonkar, as well as a new generation of public representatives such as Sneha Dubey, Babasaheb Deshmukh, and Sana Malik. Further enriching the discussions, Padma Shri awardee and social activist Girish Prabhune, and renowned economist and public intellectual Dr. Narendra Jadhav, and the special public prosecutor, who has also been nominated as the member of Parliament by the President of India, Ujjwal Nikam shared their insights on governance, equity, and regional development.

    Reflecting on the event’s impact, Milind Khandekar, managing editor of TAK Channels, stated “Mumbai Tak Baithak is our effort to spark meaningful conversations from Maharashtra’s heartland — connecting people, policy, and power through credible digital journalism.”

    With a growing digital footprint of over 4.3 million subscribers and 800 million video views in FY 2024–25, Mumbai Tak continues to cement its position as one of Maharashtra’s most trusted digital news platforms.

    The full conversation with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is available to view on YouTube.

  • Tarini Kumar appointed senior executive editor, NDTV 24×7

    Tarini Kumar appointed senior executive editor, NDTV 24×7

    NDTV has appointed Tarini Kumar as Senior Executive Editor of its flagship English news channel, NDTV 24×7. In this leadership role, she will be responsible for steering the channel’s output operations – overseeing the daily news flow, driving editorial planning, shaping programming strategy, and ensuring consistent quality in content delivery across time bands.

    Kumar brings with her close to two decades of newsroom experience, marked by senior editorial roles and an in‑depth understanding of broadcast workflows. She spent more than 15 years with India Today TV, where she progressed through a variety of positions, from programming producer to key roles in the output desk to Executive Editor. She played a pivotal role during high-impact national events, including election coverage and special programming blocks that required precision, agility, and sound editorial judgment.

    Before that, she served as deputy news editor at CNN‑News18, where she was responsible for prime‑time shows.

    Speaking on the appointment, NDTV’s CEO and editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal said, “Tarini’s extensive experience in output leadership and content strategy will strengthen NDTV’s editorial operations and programming depth. She knows news, she knows the people – her arrival brings a renewed focus on fostering strong teamwork and creating workflows that can respond swiftly to breaking developments without compromising on our legacy of editorial rigour.”

  • CNN-News18 stays on top, leaves rivals in the ratings dust

    CNN-News18 stays on top, leaves rivals in the ratings dust

    MUMBAI: Less talk, more traction CNN-News18 proves that in the world of English news, clarity (and clever design) really is king. According to the latest BARC data (Week 27, 2025), CNN-News18 has tightened its grip on the No. 1 spot in India’s English news genre, clocking a market share of 33.7 per cent, far ahead of NDTV 24×7 at 21.2 per cent and Times Now at 19.8 per cent. That’s a 70 per cent lead over Times Now and 59 per cent over NDTV, putting the channel miles ahead in the TRP tug-of-war.

    CNN-News18’s dominance isn’t just a flash in the pan, it’s been India’s top English news channel for over three years. And it’s not resting on those laurels. From investing in cutting-edge tech to doubling down on editorial depth, the network is clearly playing the long game.

    The channel recently rolled out a slick redesign rooted in its ‘One Screen, One Form, One Stream’ philosophy, bringing together TV and digital for a seamless experience. The emphasis? Fewer words, more visuals and sharper storytelling.

    Leading the charge are newsroom heavyweights like Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar, and Shivani Gupta, supported by a nationwide reporter network that ensures election coverage stays comprehensive and cutting-edge.

    CNN-News18 has also found its visual voice deploying snappy graphics and easy-to-digest explainers that make complex trends and data relatable to a diverse audience. It’s serious journalism with a stylish twist.

    In a genre where attention spans are fleeting, CNN-News18 seems to have figured out how to keep viewers hooked by giving them just the right mix of depth, design, and digital smarts.

  • Sony PAL scores big as free-to-air favourite with desi hits and mass reach

    Sony PAL scores big as free-to-air favourite with desi hits and mass reach

    MUMBAI: Sony PAL is having a serious moment in Indian living rooms—and it didn’t get there by chance. The free-to-air (FTA) Hindi general entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has emerged as the fastest growing GEC in Hindi-speaking markets (HSM), with numbers that would make even primetime rivals sweat.

    BARC data from April to June 2025 puts the channel’s reach at a staggering 192 million viewers—the highest among all FTA Hindi GECs over 13 weeks (NCCS 15+, Weeks 14–26). In 9 out of those 13 weeks, Sony PAL ranked no. 1 in reach. That’s not just traction—it’s dominance.

    The channel cracked the code by serving up tried-and-tested fan favourites—Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Vighnahatha Ganesha, and The Kapil Sharma Show—for free. For the first time, these primetime giants were available without a subscription, and the move paid off.

    With its family-first programming slate and no paywall in sight, Sony PAL has become the go-to channel for viewers looking for comfort food in content form. It’s the kind of television that skips the sass but delivers on sanskaar and smiles, hitting the sweet spot for India’s heartland audiences.

    In a fragmented TV landscape, where loyalty is fickle and attention spans shorter than an ad jingle, Sony PAL has managed to hold its ground—and expand it. Its audience-first philosophy, combined with mass-friendly storytelling, is proof that when you make great content accessible, the viewers show up in droves.

    And right now, they’re turning up in the millions.

  • Namrata Dadwal joins NDTV 24×7 as senior editor

    Namrata Dadwal joins NDTV 24×7 as senior editor

    MUMBAI: NDTV announces the appointment of Namrata Dadwal as senior editor, NDTV 24×7, with a clear mandate – to supercharge the network’s data journalism and analytics, and weave sharper insights into the heart of its news programming.

    Dadwal steps into the role with over 18 years of experience at the intersection of journalism, data, and visual storytelling. She has built and led editorial teams that have turned complex numbers into clear, compelling narratives – whether heading the Data Intelligence Unit at TV Today Network, crafting in‑depth features at The Economic Times, or shaping high‑impact communication campaigns with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNICEF.

    She has set up award‑winning data desks, mentored young journalists, and spearheaded projects that combine editorial depth with digital innovation – skills that are increasingly vital as newsrooms evolve to bring clarity and context in conversations.

    ‘Namrata’s appointment signals a decisive move to embed data at the core of our storytelling. Her ability to translate analytics into narratives will add a new dimension to how NDTV 24×7 explains the world to its viewers’, said NDTV CEO and editor-in-chief, Rahul Kanwal.

  • Subhojit Roy joins Sony Pictures Networks India as VP, ad sales

    Subhojit Roy joins Sony Pictures Networks India as VP, ad sales

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India has appointed Subhojit Roy as vice president, ad sales, strengthening its leadership ranks as it seeks to sharpen its commercial edge in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

    Roy brings with him over 14 years of experience in media and technology sales, having previously held senior roles at TV Today, ABP Network, Viacom18, Zee Studios and Reliance Broadcast Network. Most recently, he served as vice president, sales and strategy at TV Today, where he led monetisation efforts across broadcast and digital verticals.

    An alumnus of ICFAI University and IIM Ahmedabad, Roy has been a driving force behind branded content monetisation, revenue expansion through original IPs, and advertiser-led partnerships. His career spans stints in digital, broadcast, OTT and even government-tech interface sales, underscoring his deep understanding of both legacy and emerging revenue streams.

    At Sony Pictures Networks, Roy is expected to helm advertising strategy across the network’s diverse portfolio, bringing a data-driven approach to branded content, inventory optimisation, and advertiser solutions. His appointment comes at a time when broadcasters are grappling with shrinking linear margins and the urgent need to futureproof monetisation models through digital convergence.

    In his own words, Roy believes, “Almost every industry is getting massively disrupted by the combination of tech and media. Embrace it and empower your people.”

  • Leadership hires rise as firms chase performance over pedigree

    Leadership hires rise as firms chase performance over pedigree

    MUMBAI: From corner offices to boardroom briefings, India Inc. is hitting refresh on its leadership roster. As Indian enterprises tighten the screws on performance, governance and risk agility, CXO-level hiring has seen a 9.5 per cent spike in FY25, according to retained executive search firm Venator Search Partners. The leadership shuffle is part of a structural shift, with companies moving away from legacy-driven appointments toward outcome-oriented roles. According to Venator, over 50 per cent of its hires last year were board-level director positions, and business head mandates have risen by more than 30 per cent this fiscal year.

    “Leadership is no longer inherited. It’s being sculpted to meet sharper expectations,” said Venator Search Partners founder Deepraditya Datta.

    Post-pandemic pressures have forced boards and promoters to rethink how they evaluate leadership no longer by tenure, but by tangible impact. When results fall short, change comes swiftly.

    With regulatory scrutiny mounting, especially after the Reserve Bank of India imposed Rs 54.78 crore in penalties on 353 entities in FY25 for compliance failures, companies are seeking leaders who blend execution with governance.

    There’s rising demand for CXOs who can steer boardroom conversations, think through risk scenarios, and embed compliance into enterprise culture. Finance, audit, and risk functions are no longer just back-office guardians, they’re becoming frontline strategists.

    Inclusivity, too, is taking root at the top. Women now hold 20.6 per cent of CXO roles and 28 per cent of functional head positions, signalling a shift in how leadership pipelines are being built.

    Cybersecurity and digital resilience are also shaping boardroom priorities. As reliance on tech grows, so does the need for leaders who can manage digital risk and business continuity, especially across mid-market firms and large conglomerates alike.

    “The impulsive hire-and-fire culture is giving way to strategic realignment cycles, structured performance reviews, and impact-led assessments,” Datta added.

    In the age of transparency and accountability, Indian companies are rewriting the rulebook on what it means to lead and making sure the boardroom isn’t just where strategy starts, but where results are demanded.

  • Panja packs a punch as Season 2 locks arms with FanCode once again

    Panja packs a punch as Season 2 locks arms with FanCode once again

    MUMBAI: Get ready to grip your screens, India’s fiercest arm battles are back and bolder than ever. The Pro Panja League is flexing for a powerful comeback as Season 2 kicks off on 5 August , streaming live on Fancode. After a knockout debut that turned armwrestling into a must-watch phenomenon, the league is once again teaming up with India’s go-to digital sports platform to deliver unfiltered strength, strategy and spectacle to fans across the country.

    Returning in an IPL-style franchise format, the tournament will see elite athletes from across the nation collide in high-voltage matchups over 17 action-packed days in Gwalior known as much for its heritage as, now, for hosting this homegrown showdown.

    While the Kochi KD’s will defend their title, all eyes are also on the fresh crop of contenders eager to shake up the pecking order at the Panja table.

    “Our aim has always been to make armwrestling accessible to every Indian household,” said Pro Panja League co-founder Parvin Dabas. “Fancode’s reach in Season 1 gave us the perfect platform and we’re ready to dial it up again for Season 2.”

    Fancode co-founder Yannick Colaco added, “We’re proud to continue supporting the growth of indigenous sports. Panja isn’t just a contest of strength, it’s a celebration of pride and passion. And we’re excited to bring it to screens across India.”

    Fans can catch all the action live on the Fancode app (Android and Ios), on TV via Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TV, Samsung TV, Jio STB, and on the Fancode website.

    Whether you’re a diehard fan or new to the grip-and-rip game, the Pro Panja League promises a second season that’s bigger, bolder, and guaranteed to leave viewers hooked.

  • Profit scripted, as Network18 bounces back in Q1 FY 26

    Profit scripted, as Network18 bounces back in Q1 FY 26

    MUMBAI: Who needs a plot twist when your earnings season delivers one? Network18 has returned to the profit stage with a Q1 performance that reads more like a financial thriller than a media earnings report. For the quarter ended 30 June 2025, Network18 Media & Investments Limited reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 148.85 crore, reversing a net loss of Rs 195.36 crore from the same period last year. The surprise twist? A windfall from revaluing its stake in Eenadu Television Private Limited (ETPL), which contributed Rs 150.64 crore as an exceptional gain after ETPL ceased to be an associate effective 7 July 2025.

    On a standalone basis, the plot thickens further Network18 clocked a net profit of Rs 516.17 crore, a sharp rebound from a loss of Rs 74.65 crore in Q1 FY25. This included an exceptional income of Rs 587.01 crore due to the revaluation of its 24.5 per cent stake in ETPL.

    Operating revenue, however, told a more subdued tale. Consolidated revenue from operations came in at Rs 467.86 crore, down sharply from Rs 3,140.92 crore in the year-ago period. A large part of this decline stems from the exclusion of subsidiaries like Studio18 Media and Indiacast Media Distribution, which ceased to be part of the group in late 2024.

    Expenses followed the trend, with total costs at Rs 550.12 crore, down from Rs 3,509.46 crore last year. Key cost heads like marketing and distribution (Rs 113.73 crore) and operational costs (Rs 100.30 crore) reflected the reshaped structure of the business.

    The company’s earnings per share (EPS) swung from -Rs 0.82 last year to Rs 0.97 in the current quarter, highlighting the impact of exceptional items.

    Among key line items, employee costs stood at Rs 185.61 crore, while finance cost came in at Rs 52.30 crore. The company recorded depreciation and amortisation expenses of Rs 34.12 crore, and reported other income of Rs 10.15 crore for the quarter.  

    In the fine print, the company noted that despite ETPL no longer being an associate, it retains economic interest in the 24.5 per cent equity stake. The financial results also include profits from joint ventures and associates, amounting to Rs 70.32 crore, further cushioning bottom line performance.

    With cost optimisation, consolidation, and strategic divestments sharpening the focus, Network18 seems to be scripting a leaner, more profitable arc for FY26. Whether this is the start of a blockbuster run or a one-off cameo remains to be seen. But for now, the credits roll on a profitable note.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Pongpong Dino gets a juicy bite of UK and US broadcast deals

    Pongpong Dino gets a juicy bite of UK and US broadcast deals

    MUMBAI: From bouncing on cherries to jet-skiing on avocados, these dinos are serving fun by the spoonful. Emmy-winning French animation house Dandelooo is cooking up a global treat with Pongpong Dino, the delightfully zany preschool series that’s just landed broadcast deals in the UK and the US. The CGI show, produced by Korean studio Dream Factory and directed by Taek Geun Chae, blends food, friendship and fizzy fun for kids aged 3 to 5.

    Pongpong Dino will premiere on Sky Kids and Now in the UK later this year. Across the Atlantic, it’s set to make a splash on Vme Kids, the first 24/7 Spanish-language TV channel focused on educational preschool content in the US.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Pongpong Dino to the Vme Kids lineup,” said Vme Media Inc VP of programming and operations Doris Vogelmann. “With its vibrant animation, engaging storytelling and joyful tone, it’s a perfect fit for our youngest viewers.”

    The series follows five exuberant dino kids Momo, Titi, Po, Tutu, and Kaka as they bounce through fantastical food-filled worlds, where cheese becomes jump rope and lemons are repurposed as water balloons. The show encourages young audiences to explore food with all five senses, promoting curiosity, collaboration and a playful attitude to nutrition.

    At the heart of Pongpong Dino is a child-led approach to problem-solving where listening to peers and thinking creatively is key to every challenge. Forget boring lectures and picky eaters these dinos dive headfirst into flavour, fun, and friendship.

    With its global expansion, Pongpong Dino is proving that when it comes to early learning, a spoonful of imagination goes a long way.