ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    Digital influencer Subhakar Mishra hops on to NDTV India

    MUMBAI: Once on track to become an engineer, Shubhankar Mishra is now about to engineer something else entirely, a possible tectonic shift in Hindi TV journalism. The social media powerhouse with over 30 million followers across platforms is stepping into prime time on NDTV India this July, marking a move that blurs the lines between digital virality and newsroom credibility.

    It’s a transition that has been years in the making. Inspired by a single film (3 Idiots) and armed with little more than conviction and curiosity, Shubhankar abandoned the engineering blueprint to follow the story instead of the script. From remote COVID-hit villages in Assam to the heartland’s neglected narratives, his reportage often arrived before traditional headlines did.

    But what makes his journey remarkable isn’t just the reach, it’s the resonance. Whether it’s on Instagram Reels or in long-form Youtube documentaries, he’s told stories that institutions ignored until the scroll stopped. And now, as he walks into NDTV’s studio, he brings with him not just an audience, but a mission.

    “I’m not here to be comfortable. I’m here to ask what needs to be asked,” says Mishra, explaining why NDTV India is his new home. “There aren’t many spaces left where you’re encouraged to challenge power and speak truth. NDTV is one of them.”

    The new show promises to be viewer-centric, field-forward, and unapologetically direct, a mirror held up to Bharat, by someone who hasn’t just reported on it but lived it. Expect sharp questions, grounded voices, and a refusal to settle for status quo headlines.

    “Shubhankar represents the kind of journalism this moment demands fearless, field-first, and deeply connected to the idea of India,” said NDTV CEO and editor-in-Chief Rahul Kanwal. “His following isn’t just numerical, it’s emotional. It’s trust.”

    This move is also part of NDTV’s broader editorial revamp, a pivot toward immersive storytelling, digital convergence, and fresh editorial leadership. With voices like Shubhankar leading the way, NDTV is positioning itself as a platform for a “New India” one where journalism doesn’t just inform but inspires.

    From algorithms to anchor chairs, Shubhankar Mishra’s next chapter might just redefine what news in Hindi prime time looks and sounds like. And if his 30 million-strong digital tribe is any indication, a lot of India is already tuned in.

  • Netflix inks landmark deal to host TF1 channels in France

    Netflix inks landmark deal to host TF1 channels in France

    MUMBAI: In a groundbreaking move poised to reshape France’s television landscape, Netflix has announced a landmark partnership with major French broadcaster TF1. From the summer of 2026, Netflix subscribers across France will gain direct access to TF1 Group’s live channels and extensive on-demand content, all seamlessly integrated into their existing Netflix subscription. This “first-of-its-kind partnership,” unveiled at the Cannes Lions advertising conference, signals a significant strategic shift for both media giants.

    The deal will see Netflix members in France able to stream TF1’s five free-to-air linear television channels — TF1, TMC, TFX, TF1 Séries Films, and LCI — directly through the Netflix platform. This unprecedented integration also includes access to over 30,000 hours of on-demand content from TF1+, the broadcaster’s own streaming service. Viewers will no longer need to switch between apps to catch popular French dramas like Broceliande and Demain nous appartient,  entertainment staples such as The Voice, or even major live sporting events featuring France’s national football and basketball teams.

    For Netflix, this collaboration is a clear step towards becoming a comprehensive “one-stop-shop” for television audiences globally. Netflix co-chief executive Greg Peters highlighted the synergy, stating the deal “plays to our strengths of giving audiences the best entertainment alongside the best discovery experience.”

    By teaming up with France’s leading broadcaster, Netflix aims to provide “even more reasons to come to Netflix every day and to stay with us for all their entertainment.” The move is particularly astute given France’s stringent regulatory requirements that mandate international streaming platforms invest in and contribute to local content production.

    Conversely, for TF1, whose chief executive Rodolphe Belmer expressed his delight, the alliance represents a crucial opportunity to expand its digital footprint and unlock new avenues for advertisers in an increasingly fragmented viewing market. TF1 currently reaches 58 million monthly viewers via its broadcast channels and serves 35 million users on its TF1+ streaming service. 

    Belmer emphasised that the partnership would allow TF1’s “premium content to reach unparalleled audiences and unlock new reach for advertisers within an ecosystem that perfectly complements our TF1+ platform.” While TF1+ remains central to its strategy, the Netflix integration is seen as “truly complementary,” with internal analyses predicting a “significantly net positive” business effect.

    Peters and Belmer flew into the picturesque French Riviera town of Cannes to make the announcement. 

    The financial terms remain undisclosed, but industry observers suggest it could serve as a global blueprint for similar arrangements as Netflix seeks to deepen its power over traditional broadcasters. This development comes at a pivotal time for Netflix, which in April 2025 saw co-chief executive Ted Sarandos announce an ambitious target of reaching a $1 trillion market capitalisation. 

    However, the company has also faced recent headwinds, including subscriber backlash following price increases in several countries and a slowdown in growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Integrating content from popular free-to-air broadcasters like TF1 could provide a fresh impetus for subscriber acquisition and retention.

    The partnership is not entirely new territory for TF1 and Netflix, who have previously collaborated on successful co-productions such as Les Combattantes, L’Agence, and Tout le bleu du ciel. This deepening of ties underscores a growing trend of convergence between traditional media and streaming giants, as both adapt to evolving consumer habits that increasingly favour on-demand consumption. The ability to watch a diverse range of content, from scripted dramas to live sports, all within a single interface, marks a significant evolution in the streaming warS.

  • Ervan Preet Bagga takes charge as national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms

    Ervan Preet Bagga takes charge as national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms

    MUMBAI:  Media sales maven Ervan Preet Bagga has stepped into the role of national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms – India, marking a dynamic return to the broadcaster where she earlier led the charge as regional sales head for the North.

    With over 15 years of experience in revenue strategy, relationship management, digital marketing, and sales leadership, Bagga has carved a niche as one of India’s most agile P&L experts. Her last role as director – SMB sports at Viacom18 saw her scale monetisation across key sports properties, blending strategic partnerships with sharp execution.

    Bagga’s previous roles at ByteDance, IN10 Media, iTV Network, Zee Entertainment, and Network18 add depth to her multi-platform expertise—across entertainment, sports, and digital-first media. She is known for her people-centric leadership style, keen market instincts, and a robust track record of unlocking new business.

    Back at Goldmines, Bagga’s focus will be on driving national revenues, crafting integrated brand solutions, and future-proofing the sales playbook as the company scales its content ambitions.

  • Manjyot Sandhu launches global distrib, acquisitions and creator-funding NARaTiV Media:

    Manjyot Sandhu launches global distrib, acquisitions and creator-funding NARaTiV Media:

    MUMBAI: A new global player has entered the content arena. NARaTiV Media, a next-generation distribution, acquisitions and creator funding company, has officially launched—armed with serious financial firepower and a subscriber arsenal topping 100 million+ across YouTube and Meta platforms.

    Built on over 25 years of global media and licensing experience, NARaTiV is co-founded by former Zee TV syndication and licensing veteran Manjyot Sandhu, who now leads the company as chief executive officer. The company aims to become the preferred partner for content owners, independent producers and creators looking to scale across borders, platforms and formats.

    At its core lies a creator investment fund, designed to turbocharge the growth of new media businesses and digital-first talent. The company’s owned and operated channel portfolio spans multiple languages, with exclusive content representation deals and active buying mandates for major CTV and linear networks.

    “We’re building NARaTiV with a bold vision—to unlock true value for creators and content owners worldwide,” said Sandhu. “Financial strength with strategic agility is our edge.”

    The company has hit the ground running with operational hubs in Rio, Mexico City, Los Angeles, Sofia, London, Istanbul, Dubai, and New Delhi—signalling a firm focus on global-local synergy.

    NARaTiV’s upcoming slate includes a flurry of content deals, platform partnerships, and international licensing moves—marking the start of what could be a narrative shift in creator economy infrastructure.

    Further announcements on partnerships, content mandates, and strategic initiatives will follow in the coming weeks.

  • UST flags off Trivandrum Marathon 2025 with training runs and big race on 12 October

    UST flags off Trivandrum Marathon 2025 with training runs and big race on 12 October

    MUMBAI: When the going gets tough, the tough start training early. Kerala’s capital is lacing up again as the UST Trivandrum Marathon returns for its second edition on Sunday, 12 October 2025. Promising high-octane footwork and community spirit, the marathon is expected to see more than 10,000 participants across categories.

    Organised by UST, the global digital transformation firm, in partnership with NEB Sports, the 2025 edition will once again start from the UST Campus in Thiruvananthapuram. Just like last year, the event will feature a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K Run and a 5K Fun Run—ensuring there’s a lane for every level of enthusiasm.

    To get the runners race-ready, three official training runs will begin with the first warm-up sprint on Sunday, 22 June. UST Campus will host the kick-off training session, and participants will receive T-shirts, route support and breakfast to keep energy levels and morale high.

    “I’m really delighted that UST is hosting Thiruvananthapuram’s largest marathon for the second year in a row. Aligned to our organisation’s mission of Transforming Lives, this marathon is designed to uphold our community’s wellness and health. This year, we aspire to make it larger than the previous edition, with advanced training runs, support initiatives and expert advice. With more than 10,000 runners participating, we are committed to making the UST Trivandrum Marathon 2025 a memorable event”, said UST COO Alexander Varghese.

    NEB Sports CMD Nagaraj Adiga added, “As in the first edition of the UST Trivandrum Marathon, we are excited to be joining hands with UST for the mega event this year. With the date now set for the training runs and the main event, we are excited to host the maximum number of runners from across the country”.

    Those wishing to participate can register at bit.ly/3ZnARUv and pick their distance. With just weeks to go until the first training run, the countdown to Kerala’s biggest marathon has officially begun.

  • TV9 brings News9 Global Summit to Dubai, bridging business with Hindi cinema

    TV9 brings News9 Global Summit to Dubai, bridging business with Hindi cinema

    MUMBAI: As cricket fans mourn India’s latest middle-order collapse and the mercury soars in Noida, TV9 Network is setting its sights westward with diplomatic flair and some celebrity swagger. The media giant has officially launched the second international edition of its News9 Global Summit, and this time it’s Dubai that will host the event, themed ‘India-UAE: Partnership for Prosperity and Progress’.

    Set to take place on 19 June 2025 at the Taj Dubai, the summit promises a medley of cross-border policy, economic dialogue, and cultural exchange. The line-up spans heavyweight bureaucrats, billionaire entrepreneurs, artificial intelligence enthusiasts, and those who like their cameras facing them—Hindi cinema celebrities.

    Union minister of Oil and Gas Hardeep Singh Puri will deliver the keynote address, while India’s ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir will speak on strengthening strategic ties. Spiritual leader Pujya Brahmavihari Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha will delve into the religious bonds bridging the two nations.

    The UAE edition follows the summit’s maiden voyage to Stuttgart, Germany in November 2024. With this initiative, TV9 aims to position the News9 Global Summit as a soft power lever that fosters investment, bilateral cooperation, and cultural understanding between India and its key global partners.

    “Following the momentum generated by our first Global Summit in Germany, we are excited to bring News9 Global Summit to the UAE, a thriving nation of innovation and commerce. This platform reflects our vision to create meaningful, cross-border partnerships that drive sustainable progress. India and the UAE share a dynamic relationship, and the Summit will be a pivotal space for dialogue and collaboration”, said TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das.

    The summit’s agenda covers pressing topics such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the India-middle east-Europe Corridor (IMEC), start-up synergies, tariffs, and AI integration. It will also celebrate cultural harmony, with Indian and Emirati influencers, creators and changemakers lending their voice.

    Celebrity firepower will come courtesy of Suniel Shetty, Ektaa Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri, among others, adding Hindi cinema glamour to the policy-packed schedule.

    The event is backed by an ensemble of patrons and sponsors. UAE-based Buimerc is the Summit Patron, with De Beers, Tata AIG Insurance, and the National Egg Co-ordination Committee as associate sponsors. Classmate, Hanok, JK Super Cement and Womenpreneur magazine are partners, while SKIL Travels handles logistics. Soil and Sita Vatika are on board as celebration partners. Famous Studios is the entertainment partner, Khaleej Times is the media partner, and the Indian People’s Forum is the official diaspora partner.

    Live updates will roll out on @News9Tweets, while the action unfolds across News9 and other TV9 Network channels.

  • Meenakshi Kandwal joins NDTV India to bring grit, grace and people-first journalism to primetime

    Meenakshi Kandwal joins NDTV India to bring grit, grace and people-first journalism to primetime

    MUMBAI: At a time when newsrooms race for views, NDTV has chosen to double down on values. The channel has welcomed seasoned journalist and anchor Meenakshi Kandwal to its editorial team, signalling a bold investment in purpose-led storytelling. The move underlines NDTV’s renewed focus on editorial clarity and integrity, where impact matters more than noise.

    Kandwal, known for her razor-sharp reportage and youth appeal, brings over 15 years of experience in television and digital journalism. From hosting marquee shows like Opinion India Ka on Times Now Navbharat to Aaj Subah and Ek Aur Ek Gyarah on Aaj Tak, she has built a career that balances wide reach with rare editorial conviction. Her audience spans platforms like X, Instagram and YouTube—where her authenticity cuts through algorithm fatigue.

    Her reporting often pushes beyond what’s trending. She once trekked through snow-laden terrain from Leh to Kargil to spotlight a lack of airport access in the region—not as a transportation gripe, but as a lifeline issue. “I want to see an airport before I die,” an elderly man told her. That quote, and the ensuing national conversation, reveal the ethos that drives her storytelling.

    “She brings a rare mix of depth, empathy, and editorial sharpness. Her field stories have already had a national impact”, said NDTV group CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal.

    Kandwal began telling stories early—reading the morning news at school in seventh grade. She later became the first-ever anchor chosen through Star News’ nationwide anchor hunt.

    Whether covering labourers trapped in tunnels in Chamoli or championing unheard voices in Bharat, Kandwal has stayed grounded in the belief that journalism should serve people, not pageviews.

    “NDTV India has always stood for trust, empathy, and journalism that values the viewer’s intelligence. That’s exactly what drives me as a journalist. I look forward to going beyond the headlines and telling stories that matter”, Kandwal said on her appointment.

    Her addition strengthens NDTV’s dynamic new lineup, a newsroom being reshaped by young but deeply credible journalists. It’s part of a larger transformation NDTV India has undertaken—to make journalism relevant, rooted, and relatable again.

  • Game of pawns just got powered up as chess makes its esports move

    Game of pawns just got powered up as chess makes its esports move

     MUMBAI: The queens are charged, the knights are digital, and India’s chessboard is now esports-ready. In a game-changing move for Indian chess, Nodwin Gaming has announced a strategic partnership with Chess.com and Chessbase India, marking a historic convergence of esports, content, and competitive chess. Together, the trio will co-create original IPs, power pro-level broadcasts, and elevate India’s growing chess ecosystem into a global force.

    From school tournaments to creator streams, chess has undergone a stunning revival. Once the preserve of silent halls and grandmasters, it’s now the fourth most-watched sport in India trailing only cricket, kabaddi, and BGMI. This new-age boom has been fuelled by the digital-first youth, and the stats are as sharp as a Sicilian Defence, 7.6 billion games played globally on Chess.com in 2024, 200 million plus registered users, including over 9 million monthly active players from India, 550,000 plus new Indian sign-ups every month, 925 million organic views, with viewership up 640 per cent year-on-year

    The tipping point? The Gukesh vs Ding Liren World Championship final, streamed in India exclusively by this trio, which racked up 24 million views and a peak concurrency of 200,000.

    “Chess has now become more than a game, it’s content, culture, and community,” said Nodwin Gaming co-founder and MD Akshat Rathee. “With this partnership, we’re building a future-ready ecosystem to take Indian chess from heritage to hype.”

    And it’s not just the numbers. The chess revolution is reshaping Indian cities and screens alike, Cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai rank among the world’s top chess-viewing zones. 80.9 per cent of Indian chess viewership is on smartphones. Core audience? Ages 18–34, a Gen Z and millennial-driven wave of tactical fandom

    Chessbase India CEO Sagar Shah sees this as more than a business arrangement, “This is a vision to take Indian chess from grassroots to global. With NODWIN and Chess.com, we now have the firepower to truly scale it.”

    Chess.com India, country director Avadh Shah added, “The excitement around chess is at an all-time high, and this collaboration ensures India plays a defining role in shaping its future.”

    That future arrives fast. At the Esports World Cup 2025, chess will debut with a 1.5 million dollars prize pool. Representing India will be S8ul’s Grandmasters Nihal Sarin and Aravindh Chithambaram the country’s first-ever esports team to compete in global chess.

    From mobile-first blitz battles to stadium-sized finals, chess is no longer just about black-and-white strategy, it’s a full-spectrum spectacle. And with Nodwin Gaming, Chess.com, and ChessBase India now playing as one, India might just checkmate the world.

  • Sony’s India reboot: fresh faces, big bucks and a bold digital bet

    Sony’s India reboot: fresh faces, big bucks and a bold digital bet

    MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is doubling down on India, rebooting its strategy under new leadership and betting big on digital, cricket and content to reclaim lost ground in the subcontinent’s fast-evolving media landscape.

    Speaking at SPE’s annual presentation, chief executive Ravi Ahuja described India as a “tremendous opportunity” amid the country’s strong economic and population growth. The rejig came more than a year after the collapse of Sony’s much-hyped merger with Zee Entertainment.

    At the heart of the reshuffle is Gaurav Banerjee, former Star India top content boss, now managing director and chief executive of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)— Culver Max Entertainment.

    Banerjee’s mandate: fix the fiction, fire up streaming, and sharpen Sony’s distribution game.

    SPNI, which runs 27 TV channels and the SonyLiv platform, reported Rs 839 crore in profit on Rs 6,510 crore revenue in FY24. The company is now funnelling fresh investments into digital, particularly SonyLiv, as part of a broader growth revival.

    “We are rebuilding and reorienting our growth strategy, including investment in digital and our Sony LIV streaming platform,” said Ahuja. “We recently secured exclusive media rights for all Asian Cricket Council (ACC) tournaments from 2024 to 2031, which we anticipate will boost viewership and enhance Sony LIV.”

    The sticker price:  $170 million. It also shelled out $200–250 million for the England and Wales Cricket Board rights, sub-licensing the digital India tour rights to JioHotstar but retaining TV control. But there’s a wrinkle: the upcoming Asia Cup in September may be under threat due to rising India–Pakistan tensions post the Pahalgam terror strike.

    Meanwhile, Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is in revamp mode. The channel, battling ratings pressure in fiction, is reloading its primetime slate with a rebooted Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, mythologicals like Prithviraj Chauhan and Shirdi Wale Sai Baba, and the upcoming thriller Aami Dakini. Tentpoles like Kaun Banega Crorepati, Shark Tank India and Indian Idol continue to anchor the lineup. SET also remains a YouTube juggernaut, with 184 million subscribers—ranking fourth globally.

    Globally, SPE posted sales of $9.9 billion and operating income of $774 million despite the Hollywood strike denting series output and SPNI dragging on profits.

    Sony may have dropped its  Zee alliance, but with a rejigged team, fresh IP, and digital firepower, its India innings appears to be just getting into super scoring mode. With both Ahuja and Banerjee  fresh at the crease and gradually getting their shots right, SET might well hit it out of the park this time.

  • Rules X ropes in sports tech maven Laila Mintas to turbocharge Europe cricket league’s vision

    Rules X ropes in sports tech maven Laila Mintas to turbocharge Europe cricket league’s vision

    DUBLIN:  Irish sports innovation outfit Rules X, operating partner of the upcoming European T20 Premier League (ETPL), has brought on board sports tech powerhouse Laila Mintas, signalling a bold push to redefine cricket’s future through technology, fan engagement, and strategic disruption.

    From leading Fifa’s anti-match-fixing initiatives and launching Concacaf’s first Sports Integrity Unit, to scaling Sportradar US to over 85 per cent market share and selling Bet.Works for $125 million, Mintas has worn many hats over her 20 years in the global sports betting and the iGaming space.  A Berlin-trained lawyer with a PhD that triggered reforms in Germany’s betting laws, she has also served as CEO of PlayUp USA and PlayEngine, where she oversaw product innovation, AI deployment, and investor relations. Her deep expertise across sports integrity, AI-led fan experience, and regulatory reform positions her as a key catalyst in Rules X’s mission to shape ETPL into a high-octane, tech-forward cricket league for the modern fan.

    She currently sits as non-executive director at UK-based SIS Ltd and leads her consultancy, Dr Mintas Consulting. A multi-award-winning leader, she’s been named one of the most influential figures in sports betting by SBJ, Business Insider, and Global Gaming Business.

    “Cricket is experiencing phenomenal global growth, and the European T20 Premier League, under Rules X, represents a monumental opportunity to transform the fan experience through cutting-edge innovation, technology and strategic partnerships,” exclaimed Mintas. “I am incredibly thrilled to join the Board at this pivotal moment, contributing to a league that truly embraces the future of sports.”

    ETPL Co-owner Priyanka Kaul echoed the sentiment, stating, “We are making conscious efforts to create a differentiated product with the ETPL—one that’s sustainable, exciting, and drives the sport forward. Welcoming a seasoned global leader like  Mintas to our board reinforces our commitment to excellence and innovation. Her global perspective and track record in sports innovation will be invaluable as we shape the future of cricket in Europe and beyond.” 

    The ETPL — featuring both men’s and women’s leagues — is set to bowl its first over in 2026, with matches across iconic European venues. Backed by Rules X, the league aims to be more than just another tournament — a fusion of entertainment, tech and cricketing excellence. 

    The league is being pitched as  Europe’s next big cricket export — and with Mintas on board, it’s stepping up to bat with serious firepower.