ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Try time for India as GMR backs Rugby Premier League debut

    Try time for India as GMR backs Rugby Premier League debut

     MUMBAI: Rugby’s big break in India just got a power-packed boost courtesy GMR Group. One of India’s largest conglomerates has scrummed down with Rugby India to become the title partner of the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL), a first-of-its-kind franchise-based Rugby 7s tournament set to kick off in Mumbai on June 15, with the final scheduled for 29 June 2025.

    Organised in collaboration with GMR Sports, the league promises to be a landmark moment for Indian rugby. The action will unfold at Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex (Andheri Sports Complex), featuring six founding franchises and a mix of global and homegrown talent.

    The GMR Rugby Premier League (GMR RPL) will welcome players from rugby powerhouses like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Argentina, Great Britain, Ireland, USA, and Spain, along with 18 international athletes from Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany. On the home front, 30 Indian players were picked from a competitive auction pool of 71, putting the spotlight on the country’s emerging talent.

    GMR’s entry as title sponsor is no token gesture. With a strong track record in nurturing sport be it cricket with the Delhi Capitals, kabaddi, or grassroots initiatives the group’s involvement signals a serious intent to grow rugby’s footprint in India.

    Calling it a “very important opening season,” Rugby India president Rahul Bose hailed the partnership as one rooted in “mutual belief and optimism.” He added, “We are confident this partnership will stand the test of time.”

    For Indian rugby, this isn’t just a league, it’s a leap. And with GMR’s backing, the sport finally looks set to convert potential into points. Let the rucks and tries begin.

  • Kids cluster head Uttam Pal Singh departs from Warner Bros Discovery

    Kids cluster head Uttam Pal Singh departs from Warner Bros Discovery

    MUMBAI: Live frugally has been the mantra in the world of content creation for quite some time now. Almost every genre has been impacted with large advertisers shaving their ad budgets. The kids genre too has been buffeted by the stormy winds of a shrinking ad universe.

    Kids broadcasters have in turn cut the per episode production allowance given to producers, apart from reducing the number of fresh content hours. Additionally, OTT platforms which have been going through a tough period have slashed their per unit purchase price for animation content.  

    Net outcome: studios are either resorting to massive layoffs or shutting down.

    “The heady days of two or three years ago and the pre-pandemic era when we were producing 200 minutes of animated content have gone, now we are producing just 30 minutes of content,” says a studio owner. “Look at the number of artists who have been without a job with the shutting down of Technicolor, The Mill and MPC and Jellyfish pictures.”

    Broadcasters are tightening their belts on the manpower front as well now in order to stay afloat. The buzz in the market is that Warner Bros Discovery India south Asia kids cluster head Uttam Pal  Singh is no longer working with the company. Apparently his role became redundant with Discovery programming head Sai Abhishek being asked to additionally shepherd the kids portfolio which includes Discovery Kids, Cartoon Network and Pogo channels.  

    Uttam Pal Singh was with Warner Bros Discovery for eight years. He was first hired as head of content of Discovery Kids in 2017, then elevated to head the channel, and finally given charge of the entire kids cluster in 2022.

    Indiantelevision.com reached out to Warner Bros Discovery for a comment but no one was willing to come on record. 

  • Goa sets it, PVL spikes it with debut of 10th team, Goa Guardians

    Goa sets it, PVL spikes it with debut of 10th team, Goa Guardians

     MUMBAI: From sandy shores to centre court, Goa’s taking its volleyball love to the big league. The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has just added a fresh dose of flair to its roster with the launch of its tenth franchise, the Goa Guardians. Backed by Netenrich chairman and CEO Raju Chekuri, the Guardians are set to debut in Season 4, which officially kicks off on 2 October 2025. With this move, PVL continues its streak of adding one team every season, cementing its reputation as one of India’s fastest-growing sporting leagues.

    Goa may be famous for its beaches and football fandom, but volleyball has long pulsed through its local communities and now, the state gets its long-overdue representation on the national stage.

    “We’re not just building a team, we’re building an Olympic dream,” said Chekuri, expressing his ambition to see India competing in volleyball at the highest global levels within the next decade. “Goa Guardians is a mission to harness the untapped potential across India and give our athletes the international exposure they deserve.”

    With over 160 players expected to go under the hammer, PVL’s Season 4 auction will take place on 8 June in Calicut and fans can catch every spike and steal live on the league’s YouTube channel.

    Baseline Ventures managing director and co-founder Tuhin Mishra which co-owns and markets the league, called the addition “a major boost” to the sport’s national presence. “There’s no shortage of talent in India, and a 10-team league means more chances for players to shine.”

    Also welcoming the new entrants was PVL CEO Joy Bhattacharjya, who said the Guardians are a “fantastic addition,” and praised Chekuri’s vision for grassroots development and international credibility.

    Goa Guardians now join a formidable line-up: Ahmedabad Defenders, Bengaluru Torpedoes, Calicut Heroes, Chennai Blitz, Delhi Toofans, Hyderabad Black Hawks, Kochi Blue Spikers, Kolkata Thunderbolts and Mumbai Meteors.

    With this expansion, PVL isn’t just growing in size, it’s growing in ambition. As the countdown to Season 4 begins, the league is poised to serve up thrilling rallies, bigger rivalries, and new regional heroes, all with one clear mission: to spike Indian volleyball into global consciousness.

  • Colors Kannada turns 10: Dashakada Mahotsava promises stars, sparkle and Shivanna nostalgia

    Colors Kannada turns 10: Dashakada Mahotsava promises stars, sparkle and Shivanna nostalgia

    MUMBAI: Colors Kannada is rolling out the red carpet for a full-blown birthday bash — and it’s bringing the who’s who of Sandalwood along for the ride. The channel is celebrating its 10-year milestone with Colors Kannada Dashakada Mahotsava, a two-day televised gala airing on 7th and 8th June at 7:00 PM.

    Presented in association with Sunpure (special partner) and Dazzler Cosmetics (beauty partner), the primetime celebration will see the Kannada entertainment fraternity light up the screen with nostalgia, spectacle and a salute to the channel’s legacy.

    Leading the charge? None other than Karunada Chakravarthy Dr. Shivrajkumar, whose own cinematic milestone — 40 years in the industry — will be honoured in a specially curated segment titled Shivanna 40. Expect emotional throwbacks, on-stage surprises, and a starry-eyed salute from industry stalwarts and family alike.
    From screen legends like Geetha Shivarajkumar, Sri Murali, Vijaya Raghavendra, Dr. Tara Anuradha, and Mukhya Mantri Chandru, to small-screen sweethearts like Shwetha Prasad, Ranjini Raghavan, Dhanush, and Sushma Nanaiah, the Mahotsava promises a parade of familiar faces and fan-favourite moments.

    Themed Ade Beru, Hosa Chiguru (Same Roots, New Shoots), the celebration honours a decade of cultural storytelling while teasing a bold new era with the launch of fresh shows and formats.

    “For over a decade, Colors Kannada has been more than just a channel — it has been a true companion to every Kannadiga. We’ve strived to reflect the lives of our viewers, celebrate their spirit, and tell stories that echo the heart and soul of Karnataka. As we mark this remarkable milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to every viewer who welcomed us into their homes and hearts. This celebration is as much theirs as it is ours — a tribute to the journey we’ve shared and the promise of many more stories to come. A heartfelt thank you to Shivanna for being part of this momentous occasion and leading us forward into a bright and inspiring new chapter for Kannada entertainment.” said JioStar head of cluster entertainment -south Krishnan Kutty.

    From Puttagowri Madhuve to Bigg Boss Kannada, the channel has been at the forefront of fiction and non-fiction storytelling in Karnataka, shaping viewing habits and setting new benchmarks.

    For fans, this weekend is more than just a celebration — it’s a love letter to 10 years of prime-time magic. Don’t miss the Mahotsava on Colors Kannada, 7 and 8 June, 7:00 PM sharp.Colors 

  • Ghosted with benefits as Noyontara haunts prime time on Colors

    Ghosted with benefits as Noyontara haunts prime time on Colors

    MUMBAI: Just when your TV schedule was mourning the end of IPL madness, Colors is summoning the spirits with Noyontara, a supernatural thriller that slips between the living and the dead with all the finesse of a ghost through a locked door.

    Premiering 9 June at 8:30 PM and airing daily, Noyontara centres on a 23-year-old ghost-whisperer who marries into a family with more secrets than skeletons in the closet and that’s saying something. The titular Noyontara (played by Shruti Bhist) steps into the lavish yet ominous Pari Mahal as Dr Surjo’s new bride, only to discover that her real in-laws might be the ones lurking beyond the veil.

    With a cheeky ghost sidekick named Hasiram and two very much dead women claiming to be her mother-in-law (cue Narayani Shastri in a dual role that’s all shade and secrets), Noyontara must untangle love from manipulation, science from the supernatural, and figure out whether she’s being guided… or gaslit.

    “Noyontara isn’t your typical ghost story,” says Shruti Bhist. “She’s not afraid of the dead she speaks their language. What drew me in was the idea of a saviour, not a victim. And yes, the ghosts here are more guardian angel than ghoul.”

    For Narayani Shastri, it’s a dual debut her first collaboration with Colors and her first time playing two emotionally conflicting characters on the same canvas. “One thrives on power, the other on protection. And the viewer never quite knows which one’s which.”

    Also making his Hindi TV debut is Bengali heartthrob Arjun Chakrabarty as Surjo, a rational man grappling with very irrational hauntings. “It’s less about fearing the supernatural,” he explains, “and more about wrestling with buried grief and emotional truths we hide from ourselves.”

    With its blend of paranormal drama, human vulnerability, and a haveli that’s practically a character in itself, Noyontara promises to be the gothic escape viewers didn’t know they needed. Expect blurred lines, chilling twists, and a heroine who’s got one foot in this world and one firmly planted in the next.

    So, if your evenings have been missing drama post-IPL, prepare to get possessed. Noyontara is here to haunt your heart and your remote.

  • Kho-Khoaching class act sets sport on global fast track

    Kho-Khoaching class act sets sport on global fast track

    MUMBAI: Kho Kho, the homegrown Indian game of agility and grit, just got a high-speed upgrade on and off the mat. As the sport stretches beyond its traditional roots to stake its claim on the global stage, the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) is playing tag with the future by launching its most advanced training initiative yet.

    The Advanced Level III-A Training Course for coaches and technical officials kicked off on June 2, 2025, at SGT University, Budhera, and will run till June 15. Organised by KKFI under the aegis of the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), the course is no ordinary classroom drill, it’s a knowledge sprint featuring 20 international coaches and officials from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, Australia, England, Korea and Malaysia, alongside 50 Indian coaches and 65 technical officials.

    From biomechanics to sports psychology, recovery techniques to anti-doping awareness, the curriculum mirrors a sport in metamorphosis. With morning fitness sessions and rigorous classroom modules, participants are being immersed in a next-gen playbook designed to take Kho Kho from kabaddi’s countryside cousin to a globally recognised sport.

    5 June was a masterclass in modernisation with sessions on sports science by Pooja Bhati, anti-doping education by Vikas Tyagi and Anurag, and tactical training by legendary coach H. V. Nataraj. The day began with a sweat-inducing physical drill by Ashwani Sharma, reinforcing the discipline behind the dash.

    “This course reflects our commitment to preparing a new generation of coaches and officials who are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and international exposure to take Kho Kho to the next level,” said KKFI president Sudhanshu Mittal. He also underlined how the sport is evolving with mat-based gameplay, a Decision Review System (DRS) and even the strategic ‘Wazir’ role.

    The training for coaches wraps up on June 11 with a practical exam and reflective session, before the officials’ segment begins from 12–15 June.

    With 135 participants in total and a syllabus as sharp as the game’s signature sprints, this course is more than just a seminar, it’s Kho Kho’s statement of intent. The message is clear: India isn’t just where the game began. It’s where the global future of Kho Kho is being written one pivot, one pass, and now, one world-class coach at a time.

  • Mayank Dayal switches gears, takes the wheel at LA Knight Riders

    Mayank Dayal switches gears, takes the wheel at LA Knight Riders

    MUMBAI: Mayank Dayal, a seasoned sports marketing whiz, has made a cracking move, transitioning from the dusty pitches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the sun-kissed shores of Los Angeles. He’s stepped into the role of business head – Los Angeles Knight Riders, a full-time gig with Knight Riders Sports, effective June 2025. This chap knows his onions when it comes to brand building and fan frenzy, having honed his skills across two decades in global sports, media, and entertainment.

    Just five months ago, Dayal was the head of marketing for Gujarat Titans, where he was instrumental in driving brand growth and whipping up fan engagement for the IPL franchise. Before his stint with the Titans, he was a key player at Sony Sports for nearly three years, leading award-winning campaigns for behemoths like the Fifa World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Olympics, and even the WWE. Talk about a versatile player!

    His career journey reads like a thrilling sports documentary. Dayal spent over six years at Sony Pictures Networks India, climbing the ranks to head – marketing, sports, after a four-year stint as associate vice president. Prior to that, he spent a considerable nine years and one month at Viacom18 Media Pvt Ltd, where he held various marketing leadership roles, including senior manager – marketing and director, marketing for channels like Comedy Central and Vh1.

    Dayal’s early innings saw him at Star India Pvt Ltd for nearly three years, where he served as an assistant manager and assistant manager – brand solutions, crafting innovative brand integrations. He also had a four-year, five-month spell as a manager – major accounts at Star News, where he was even awarded “The Best Sales Performer.” His foundational experience includes a brief stint as a trainee – marketing at Bharat Petroleum Co. Ltd and an executive trainee at Linterland – Rural.

    With a deep understanding of audience insights and digital media fandom, Dayal is all set to knock it out of the park for the Los Angeles Knight Riders. It seems his career is always playing on the front foot, driving brand, fan, and revenue growth in the global sports arena.

  • Mumbai Falcons race into cricket with SoBo franchise and Rs 82 crore play for India’s sporting future

    Mumbai Falcons race into cricket with SoBo franchise and Rs 82 crore play for India’s sporting future

    MUMBAI: They’ve dominated global circuits at 300 km/h.

    Now they’re padding up for the pitch.

    Mumbai Falcons Racing Limited, known for flying India’s flag high in international motorsport, has switched gears with the launch of SoBo Mumbai Falcons, their new T20 franchise under the Mumbai Cricket Association’s T20 Mumbai League.

    Announced in Mumbai on 3 June, the Rs 82 crore franchise unveiling wasn’t just about the new jersey or the team anthem. It marked a bold crossover between two of India’s biggest sporting passions—cricket and racing—with a shared focus on science, data, and talent development.

    The occasion also saw the debut of ‘Agla Star – One in a Billion Hunt’, a national athlete development programme targeting India’s next sporting icons—not just in cricket but across disciplines. Lending gravitas to the vision, Kapil Dev has joined the SoBo Mumbai Falcons in an advisory and ambassadorial capacity.

    “We’re not here to be just another cricket team. We’re here to build something deeper, something more future-focused. The same dedication that built champions in racing is now being brought into cricket”, said the Mumbai Falcons leadership.

    Founded in 2019, Mumbai Falcons became the first Indian team to win an FIA-accredited international racing championship. Their focus on performance science has shaped careers of motorsport prodigies like Kimi Antonelli, Arthur Leclerc, and Oliver Bearman. In 2024, they clinched the Formula Regional Middle East title and secured second place in Formula 4 middle east.

    Now, the Falcons are extending that high-performance blueprint to the cricketing crease. The SoBo Mumbai Falcons will blend the instincts of gully cricket with a precision-led, data-first culture usually reserved for pit lanes.

    The initiative signals a new chapter in Indian sports—where cricket isn’t just about sixes and sledges, but also systems and strategy. From anthem to academy, the SoBo Falcons promise to be more than a team; they aim to become an institution for sporting excellence.

  • Fancode nets Uefa broadcast rights for Women’s Euro 2025 and U21 Men’s Championship

    Fancode nets Uefa broadcast rights for Women’s Euro 2025 and U21 Men’s Championship

    MUMBAI: Football fans in India won’t have to squint at dodgy links or wake up to spoilers anymore—Fancode has clinched exclusive broadcast and digital rights for two of Uefa’s most anticipated tournaments: the Uefa Women’s Euro 2025 and the Uefa U21 Men’s Championship 2025.

    The Uefa Women’s Euro will run from 2 July to 27 July with 31 matches on the card, showcasing elite athletes like Alexia Putellas, Lauren James, Keira Walsh, Ada Hegerberg, Aitana Bonmatí, and Kadidiatou Diani. With eight-time winners Germany, defending champions England, and continental heavyweights like Sweden, France, and the Netherlands vying for glory, the tournament promises fireworks.

    Fancode co-founder Yannick Colaco commented, “The growth of women’s football globally has been phenomenal, and Indian fans have embraced it with passion. We are proud to bring Uefa Women’s EURO 2025 to our platform, continuing our commitment to making world-class women’s sport accessible to fans across India”.

    But the summer of football doesn’t stop there. The Uefa U21 Men’s Championship—scheduled from 11-28 June—will also be streamed live on Fancode. Known as the launchpad for greats like Andrea Pirlo, Mesut Özil, Juan Mata, and Thiago Alcântara, the tournament now features rising stars including Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Warren Zaïre-Emery (PSG), and Rico Lewis (Manchester City).

    Colaco added, “These are tournaments with massive international following, and now Indian fans can watch all the action seamlessly, live and exclusive on Fancode. It’s part of our vision to make top-tier global football more accessible than ever before”.

    Uefa’s marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein endorsed the partnership, “We are pleased to partner with Fancode as the home of the upcoming Uefa Women’s Euro & Uefa Under-21 Championship in the Indian sub-continent region. Football fans will be able to enjoy extensive and the highest quality coverage of Uefa Women’s Euro 2025 & Uefa Under-21 Championship 2025, with all matches broadcast on Fancode’s digital platform”.

    Fancode has previously brought Indian audiences major women’s tournaments including the Fifa Women’s World Cup 2023 and the Barclays FA Women’s Super League. Their focus on building visibility for women’s sport continues with this latest move.

    Fans can tune in via Fancode’s mobile app, website, TV apps like Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Jio STB, or platforms including Tata Play Binge, WatchO, Playbox, and Sundirectgo. Matches will also be broadcast on Tata Play Fancode Sports (Channel 475), Jio TV+, and Prime Video Channels.

  • TV9 Network to host second News9 Global Summit in Stuttgart to power Indo-German ties

    TV9 Network to host second News9 Global Summit in Stuttgart to power Indo-German ties

    MUMBAI: If diplomacy had a passport, it would likely be stamped in Stuttgart this October. TV9 Network is flying its flagship summit back to Europe, announcing the second edition of the News9 Global Summit to be held in Stuttgart, Germany, from 8-10 October 2025. The event celebrates 25 years of the Indo-German partnership and marks a decade of strategic state-level cooperation between Maharashtra and Baden-Württemberg.

    At a press conference in Noida, TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das joined Baden-Württemberg sate secretary Florian Hassler and VfB Stuttgart 1893 AG chief marketing & sales officer Rouven Kasper to officially unveil the summit’s second act. With a theme rooted in cooperation over competition, the summit aims to spark robust discussions around democracy, sustainable development, and cross-border innovation.

    “The second edition of the News9 Global Summit is a bridge between two innovation-driven democracies”, said Das. “India and Germany fit each other like a jigsaw puzzle. India brings scale, a tech-savvy workforce, and demand, while Germany contributes technology and precision”.

    Das stressed that collaboration, not conquest, is the need of the hour. “We don’t have to win at the loss of somebody else”, he said, highlighting the potential for both nations to chart a shared growth trajectory.

    The summit will bring together leaders from politics, academia, and business for three days of candid conversation on the future of democracy, trade, development, and global cooperation. Special attention will be given to the unique bond between Maharashtra and Baden-Württemberg, showcasing how sub-national partnerships can fuel international diplomacy.

    “As we celebrate 25 years of Indo-German partnership, Baden-Württemberg is proud to host the News9 Global Summit”, Hassler noted. “This platform strengthens our ties with India, fosters innovation, and promotes democratic dialogue”.

    Kasper, who saw the summit’s inaugural edition strike a chord, expects a sequel worth the build-up. “Last year, the summit was a tremendous success”, he said. “This year, we’re ready to turn up the volume on ideas that matter, with speakers and discussions that go beyond borders”.

    The Stuttgart gathering will also spotlight the city’s growing role in global diplomacy. The Summit is designed to be more than just a talking shop – it aims to offer real-world solutions on sustainability, trade, technology and people-to-people connections.

    TV9 Network, known for its expansive regional footprint, is also using the occasion to reinforce India’s robust and plural media ecosystem, a point Das proudly acknowledged.

    As geopolitics evolves at breakneck speed, the 2025 edition of the News9 Global Summit positions itself not just as a celebration of the past but as a compass for the future.