ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Star Utsav scripts a blockbuster comeback on FTA turf

    Star Utsav scripts a blockbuster comeback on FTA turf

    MUMBAI: Star Utsav is on a ratings roll, clinching the top Free-to-Air (FTA) spot for the eighth consecutive week since its high-voltage return. The channel has struck gold with its heady mix of nostalgia, daily drama, and culturally rooted storytelling that’s kept the Hindi heartland hooked.

    Powered by prime-time juggernauts like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin and Rabba Ve, Star Utsav hasn’t just topped the FTA charts—it’s also rubbing shoulders with pay TV biggies in the Hindi-speaking markets.

    “The strong reception to Star Utsav’s return validates the power of compelling storytelling. Our curated content strategy focused on family-driven narratives has enabled the channel to swiftly reclaim leadership in the FTA space. We remain committed to delivering scale and value to both audiences and advertisers alike,” said a Star Utsav spokesperson.

    What’s really driving viewership? A trio of relatable female leads—Sai, Akshara, and Khushi—who bring sass, strength, and substance to the small screen. They’ve emerged as icons for young Indian women, particularly in the 15–30 age group, where the channel leads the pack.

    And just when viewers thought it couldn’t get more nostalgic, Star Utsav unleashed Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, with Smriti Irani’s Tulsi returning to living rooms and melting hearts anew.

    With a heady cocktail of mythology, romance, drama, and legacy soaps, Star Utsav is proving that when it comes to storytelling, tradition still sells—especially when it’s served with a side of prime-time flair.

    **Source: BARC, 15+,HSM U+R, Week 14-21’2025

  • Sony Sports Network gears up for epic India-England showdown

    Sony Sports Network gears up for epic India-England showdown

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network is swinging for the fences this summer with its all-out broadcast of the India tour of England, starting 20 June 2025. With a refreshed Indian side stepping into the cauldron of English conditions and legends in the commentary box, the five-Test series promises fireworks on and off the pitch.

    From Headingley to The Oval, all five matches will be broadcast live across Sony Sports Ten channels, in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Whether you’re a cricket purist or a casual fan, there’s something in store—served up with regional flavour and expert insight.

    Bringing the heat off the field is Sony’s formidable Extraaa Innings panel, featuring a who’s who of cricket royalty. In English, viewers can expect sharp analysis from Sunil Gavaskar, Cheteshwar Pujara, Michael Vaughan, Nasser Hussain, Mike Atherton, Harsha Bhogle, and Sanjana Ganesan. Hindi viewers will be bowled over by Ajay Jadeja, Irfan Pathan, Ashish Nehra, Saba Karim, RP Singh, and more.

    Regional commentary comes courtesy of  Tamil and Telugu stalwarts like Hemang Badani,Bharat Arun, WV Raman,Venkatapathy Raju, and Rakesh Deva, ensuring cricket lovers from Chennai to Hyderabad get front-row seats in their mother tongue.

    With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli recently retired, a new generation led by Shubman Gill will carry India’s hopes. The historical odds aren’t in their favour—India has only won three Test series in England, in 1971, 1986 and 2007, each under a new skipper. But the signs are there for another fairytale run.

    It’s youth vs experience, tradition vs transition—and Sony Sports Network is pulling out all the stops to bring every ball, byte, and boundary to fans across the country. Game on.

  • News18 India takes a jab at Aaj Tak with bold print campaign in The Economic Times

    News18 India takes a jab at Aaj Tak with bold print campaign in The Economic Times

    MUMBAI: Three years is a long time to lie low, and News18 India isn’t letting its rival forget it. In a front-page ad that screams swagger, the channel took a not-so-subtle dig at competitor Aaj Tak with the line: “3 saal se gire, Aaj Tak nahi uthe”. Plastered across The Economic Times on
    10 June, the ad fired off a victory lap, underpinned by a bouquet of audience metrics.

    According to BARC (Wk 22’22–21’25, 24 hours, all days, HSM), News18 India clocked 7.88 crore average weekly AMA, decisively ahead of Aaj Tak’s 7.35 crore. The jab wasn’t just terrestrial. On YouTube, the network reported a massive 3.4 billion views, more than triple Aaj Tak’s 1.04 billion, as per May 2025 Playboard data.

    For three straight years, News18 India has claimed the top position in the Hindi news genre, especially during national events where real-time analysis and critical reportage often define trust.

    Its editorial firepower comes from a frontline of anchors including Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra. Backed by a nationwide web of reporters, the channel has kept its programming punchy, polarising when needed, but persistently on point.

    News18 India’s latest campaign doesn’t merely flaunt numbers—it sharpens them into weapons. As the digital and broadcast battlegrounds heat up, this move signals that News18 doesn’t just want to lead the race. It wants to win it with style.

     

  • Blockbuster breakup as Warner Bros. Discovery plots a starry split

    Blockbuster breakup as Warner Bros. Discovery plots a starry split

    MUMBAI: When one studio door closes, another opens with a box-office bang. In a dramatic plot twist that rivals its biggest screen spectacles, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is pressing play on a two-part sequel splitting into two publicly traded companies to give each unit its moment in the spotlight. Announced today, the tax-free separation will see WBD carve out Streaming & Studios home to HBO, DC Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures and Television, and HBO Max from Global Networks, which includes CNN, TNT Sports, Discovery, and Discovery+, as well as key linear and digital assets across 200 countries and 68 languages.

    David Zaslav, WBD’s current President and CEO, will lead Streaming & Studios, while Gunnar Wiedenfels, its CFO, will take charge of Global Networks. Both will retain their existing roles during the transition.

    “This move gives us the sharper focus and agility needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving media universe,” Zaslav said, promising a future of creative excellence and strategic flexibility. Wiedenfels added that the split will allow “each company to leverage its strengths and financial profiles,” paving the way for innovation and shareholder value.

    Streaming & Studios will combine storytelling firepower and IP goldmines think Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Batman with global platform HBO Max, which currently operates in 77 markets and plans further expansion by 2026. WBD is aiming for 3 billion dollars in annual adjusted EBITDA from this division.

    Global Networks, meanwhile, commands a massive reach of 1.1 billion viewers, with an eye on live content growth, international opportunities, and monetising digital assets like B/R and CNN’s new streaming play. The unit boasts industry-leading margins and strong free cash flow.

    A crucial detail: Global Networks will retain up to 20 per cent stake in Streaming & Studios, planned to be monetised later for balance sheet de-leveraging.

    To support the split, WBD has secured a 17.5 billion dollars bridge facility from J.P. Morgan, which it expects to refinance before separation. Tender offers and consent solicitations have also been launched to optimise its debt structure.

    The full spin-off is targeted for mid-2026, pending board approvals, market conditions, and tax clearances from the IRS. J.P. Morgan and Evercore are advising, with Kirkland & Ellis as legal counsel.

    WBD Chair Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr. framed the move as a win for shareholders: “This transaction is a great outcome, unlocking long-term value and strategic focus for two exceptional businesses.”

    The end credits may still be a year away, but WBD’s bold reboot is already setting the stage for a media double feature like no other. One company to power global fandoms, another to rule the airwaves all from the studio that gave us a century of storytelling magic.
     

  • Zee brings the ‘saath’ factor back to screens with ‘Aapka Apna Zee’

    Zee brings the ‘saath’ factor back to screens with ‘Aapka Apna Zee’

    MUMBAI: Zee has dropped a fresh new identity – Aapka Apna Zee – with a campaign that’s equal parts emotion and impact. Ditching the glitz for grit and heart, the network’s latest rebrand leans into community spirit with the tagline Saath aane se baat banti hai – because let’s face it, everything’s better when done together.

    The new campaign isn’t just a slick TV spot—it’s a full-blown cinematic hug. A series of multilingual films in seven Indian languages bring alive hyperlocal stories with familiar faces, real textures, and regional quirks. From the monsoon playing co-star in Kerala to a proud military village in Telangana, each story hits home—and hard.

    The hero of the brand film is an army dad called to duty days before his daughter’s wedding. In his absence, the mohalla rises like one big Indian joint family, pulling off the shaadi with flair. When he returns to find everything flawlessly done, his wife smiles and says Itna bada parivaar hai, aaram se ho gaya. Pass the tissues, please.

    But the kicker? Zee’s most loved fictional characters—yes, Angoori Bhabi, Devansh, Shravani, Durga, and more—step out of their shows and into this narrative, not as stars, but as apne log. It’s meta, emotional, and frankly, brilliant.

    Tags links:

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    Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd (Zeel) CMO Kartik Mahadev said, “Aapka Apna Zee is a powerful multilingual brand film series that brings alive the essence of the many Indians that live in one country.It is a mirror to how India shows up for each other. Each of the seven films is deeply rooted in the cultural milieu of its region— capturing its rhythm, rituals, landscapes, and the authenticity of its people. From the rains becoming a character in Kerala, to a village in Telangana known for its legacy of army service, every story reflects the cultural richness and emotional truths of real India. This campaign is a reaffirmation of Zee’s role as a trusted companion in the daily lives of millions. Saath Hai Toh Baat Hai is a sentiment that links to the heartbeat of millions of homes, where Zee isn’t just watched, but welcomed every day.”

    The campaign made its grand debut during the 23rd Zee Cine Awards 2025, with all seven films premiering simultaneously across the network’s TV and digital platforms. One idea, seven voices, all heart.

  • Market makes the match as Nuvama partners with Network18 for 360 buzz

    Market makes the match as Nuvama partners with Network18 for 360 buzz

    MUMBAI: When it comes to the market, timing is everything and Nuvama has picked its slot wisely. In a strategic play to bolster its brand presence across India’s financial news ecosystem, wealth management major Nuvama Group has inked a year-long partnership with Network18, beginning 2 June 2025. The tie-up places Nuvama right at the beating heart of stock market discourse, the Market Hours segment across the CNBC Universe.

    Billed as the most-watched business news programming in the country, Market Hours will now see Nuvama integrated via contextual co-branded promotions, smart non-FCT elements, and in-program visual branding that go beyond the classic ad break approach. The integration will play out across television, digital, and Connected TV, ensuring a full-spectrum 360-degree brand presence.

    Nuvama will also be the presenting sponsor of CNBC-TV18’s India Business Hour, airing Monday to Friday at 8 PM, a prime-time perch to cement its presence in India’s financial storytelling. But the real kicker is a first-of-its-kind daily post-market wrap, served with expert insight and fresh analysis on market movements, economic indicators, and sectoral shifts a content initiative that adds serious thought leadership to the brand’s positioning.

    Network18 CEO, business news, Smriti Mehra said, “We are delighted to welcome Nuvama as a valued partner. This partnership is rooted in a shared vision for long-term collaboration, and we look forward to working together in the years ahead.”

    Nuvama Group CMO Sujay Rachh added, “We are pleased to announce Nuvama’s first-ever partnership with Network18, a strategic move that brings together two trusted brands with a shared commitment to empowering investors. In a world where information is abundant, but clarity is rare, this association is designed to deliver credible, actionable insights. We see strong momentum ahead as this partnership brings together trust, scale and thought leadership.”

    For a sector as dynamic as wealth management, timing a brand push to the right platform and moment can be everything. With this partnership, Nuvama isn’t just riding the ticker, it’s making its own headlines.

  • Breaking news, breaking records as Aaj Tak holds Hindi crown again

    Breaking news, breaking records as Aaj Tak holds Hindi crown again

     MUMBAI: Prime time isn’t just Aaj Tak’s time, it’s the time they broke the mould and the leaderboard. India’s leading Hindi news channel, Aaj Tak, has retained its No. 1 position in Week 21 of the BARC ratings for 2025 (HSM | 15 plus | 24 Hrs | Gross AMA’000), clocking a Gross AMA of 1,06,202 and commanding a 13.3 per cent market share the highest among the 14 Hindi news channels tracked. Its closest competitor, News18 India, followed with 1,05,147 AMA and a 13.1 per cent share, showing just how close the news battle can get when the stakes are sky-high.

    This win isn’t just statistical, it’s strategic. The channel’s decisive and sustained coverage of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a major national story that dominated headlines in May, proved to be a defining moment. Aaj Tak’s revamped prime time roster, featuring anchors surgically slotted into time bands with distinct formats, captured viewer loyalty and cemented the channel’s position across TV and digital platforms.

    On 8 May, during the peak of Operation Sindoor’s coverage, 2 million concurrent viewers tuned in to Aaj Tak’s Youtube livestream, setting another benchmark and demonstrating that the channel’s dominance extends far beyond traditional broadcasting.

    Weeks 18 and 19 had already seen Aaj Tak notch record engagement across rolled and unrolled BARC data. Now, with Week 21 locked in as a win, the message is loud and clear when breaking news breaks, India still turns to Aaj Tak.

    With competitors close behind, Aaj Tak’s consistent edge in editorial innovation, digital integration, and anchor-led prime time might just be the secret sauce to its continued lead. For now, the scoreboard says it all and the ticker at Aaj Tak HQ probably reads: still number one.

  • Rafael Nadal’s UAX School and Sportzprix serve up digital sports marketing masterclass

    Rafael Nadal’s UAX School and Sportzprix serve up digital sports marketing masterclass

    NEW DELHI: India’s booming sports economy is about to get a masterstroke of a makeover. Spanish tennis titan Rafael Nadal’s UAX Rafa Nadal University School in Madrid has teamed up with homegrown grassroots sports platform Sportzprix to launch a power-packed online master’s in digital sports marketing — tailor-made for Indian students, marketers and sportpreneurs.

    This slick nine-month course blends Nadal’s high-performance mindset with UAX’s academic muscle, landing right in the sweet spot of India’s Rs-crore sports marketing boom. Set to launch in October 2025, the course aims to plug the yawning skills gap in fan engagement, sponsorships, digital influence and league building. Think Champions League meets Indian Super League — in the classroom.

    There’s a desi twist too. The curriculum comes with an India-specific module co-crafted by Sportzprix, covering everything from IPL-style formats and homegrown brand tie-ups to cricket’s influencer economy. Open to graduates, athletes and professionals, the course also includes an optional on-ground immersion at the UAX Rafa Nadal campus in Madrid — for those who fancy some Spanish sun and sports business savvy.

    “With India bidding for global events like Olympics, CWG and the domestic leagues becoming bigger and more professional India is poised for a sports revolution, and marketing will play a central role in shaping its future. Our partnership with UAX Rafa Nadal University School brings world-class sports education to Indian students and professionals at the click of a button,” said Sportsprix co-founder & CEO  Prasad Mangipudi.

    The ace himself weighed in too. Rafael Nadal, founder, mentor and tennis legend, said: “I’ve always believed in the powerful synergy between education and sport. Sport shapes individuals, but without academic grounding, its impact is incomplete. The UAX Rafa Nadal University School excites me because it embodies this alliance — blending education, specialization, and industry relevance. In a rapidly evolving world, we aim to stay ahead by anticipating market needs, and with the exceptional team we have, I’m confident we’ll deliver exactly what the industry demands.”

    “The UAX Rafa Nadal School of Sport is designed to shape the future leaders of the sports industry, combining UAX’s academic experience with the sport values that have defined Rafa Nadal’s career: effort, humility, discipline, and perseverance. We focus on training the next generation of professionals in the multi-sports industry and sport technology, combining academic excellence with the values and experience of Rafa Nadal and his team”,  pointed out UAX Rafa Nadal University School director Miguel Palencia Yllera.

    Backed by a bullish Google–Deloitte report that pegs India’s sports industry to hit $130 billion by 2030, the timing couldn’t be sharper. With league culture thriving, digital viewership spiking, and sports start-ups multiplying, this course arrives as the perfect training ground for India’s next-gen sports marketers.
    Applications are now open. Details are live on www.sportzprix.com/sportsed/UAX and the official UAX Rafa Nadal University School website.

    Game on, India.

  • Sea it to believe it David Attenborough dives deep with National Geographic

    Sea it to believe it David Attenborough dives deep with National Geographic

    MUMBAI: From the man who’s shown us the planet’s wildest wonders comes a call louder than the crashing waves and this time, the sea is the story. To mark World Oceans Day, National Geographic and Sir David Attenborough have teamed up for the first time to present OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH, a sweeping, feature-length documentary that blends science, storytelling, and soul-stirring visuals to shine a light on our planet’s blue heart and how we might just save it. The film premieres on Sunday, 8 June at 7 pm on National Geographic and streams the same day on JioHotstar.

    At 99 years old, the legendary broadcaster, biologist, and knighted natural historian delivers what may be his most powerful message yet. Drawing on a 70-year career of exploration, Attenborough takes viewers on an awe-inspiring undersea journey from coral reefs to kelp forests, seamounts to the open ocean showing how the Earth’s watery lungs are all interconnected, increasingly imperilled, and yet astonishingly resilient.

    With haunting new footage of bottom trawling, the film doesn’t flinch from showing the devastation being caused by destructive fishing practices. But rather than wallowing in gloom, Attenborough and the filmmakers focus on solutions: stories of hope, restoration, and revival, offering evidence that if action is taken now, marine life can recover at unprecedented scale.

    “If we save the sea, we save our world,” declares Attenborough and the science backs him. According to recent studies and inputs from advisors including Enric Sala, founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas, ocean protection efforts can lead to rapid biodiversity rebounds and support climate stability.

    The film’s timing is no accident. It aligns with the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice and falls mid-decade of the UN’s Ocean Science for Sustainable Development plan (2021–2030), lending weight to its message.

    As National Geographic EVP Tom McDonald put it, “There is no one better to deliver this landmark film than Sir David.”

    In India, where over 11,000 km of coastline supports thriving marine ecosystems and millions of livelihoods, the message couldn’t be more personal. JioStar president of entertainment Alok Jain noted, “This is not just a global story, it is our story too.”

    With sweeping cinematography, compelling accounts, and Attenborough’s trademark gravitas, Ocean urges viewers to rethink their relationship with the ocean. The film also offers hope that with the right marine protection policies and public pressure, we can restore what’s been lost beneath the waves.

    Later this year, the film will also be made available to educators and non-profits worldwide, bringing the message to classrooms, museums, and conferences.

    Directed by Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey, and Colin Butfield, and produced by Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios, Ocean is not just a documentary, it’s a rallying cry for ocean lovers, policy-makers, and future generations.

    Tune in this Sunday, 8 June at 7 pm because when Attenborough speaks, the world listens. And this time, the sea needs us to.

  • Crest in class Real Madrid’s 2025 kit is piping hot and Bernabéu bold

    Crest in class Real Madrid’s 2025 kit is piping hot and Bernabéu bold

    MUMBAI: A royal refresh is underway at the Bernabéu this time, in fabric. Adidas and Real Madrid have unveiled the 2025–26 Home Jersey, and it’s a sleek nod to the club’s illustrious past and future ambitions stitched together with precision, pride and a touch of metallic magic.

    Designed to celebrate the evolution of the Santiago Bernabéu, the kit is as much a tribute to architecture as it is to footballing legacy. Featuring metallic detailing and subtle textures, the jersey draws from both the old and new elements of the iconic stadium, creating a modern silhouette with historical soul.

    And while the classic all-white palette remains untouched, it’s the yellow piping drawn from the club crest that delivers a bold pop of identity. It’s Real Madrid through and through, just with sharper tailoring.

    Topping off the look is a clean crew-neck collar, paired with bespoke ribbed cuffs, and finished with white shorts and socks trimmed in dark grey for a full kit that says: regal, but ready for war.

    Performance hasn’t taken a back seat either. The on-field version of the kit uses the latest adidas innovation to maximise airflow, while the fan edition is built with sweat-wicking tech to keep things cool in the stands or on the pitch.

    Available now, the authentic player jersey is priced at Rs 8,599, while the replica home kit retails at Rs 5,999. Both can be snapped up at adidas stores, Real Madrid outlets, and select retail partners across India.

    With the Bernabéu as its muse and modern design in its seams, this kit doesn’t just wear history, it plays it forward.