ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Anushrav Gulati plugs into ABP Network as chief digital officer

    Anushrav Gulati plugs into ABP Network as chief digital officer

    MUMBAI:  Powering up for its next phase of digital evolution, ABP Network has appointed Anushrav Gulati as chief digital officer (CDO), bringing in a battle-hardened media and ad-tech pro with over two decades of deep digital DNA.

    With a career spanning the trenches of Infosys to the command centres of Network18 and Times Internet, Gulati has now taken guard at ABP Network as of May 2025—his latest inning in an already formidable game.
    From cracking programmatic codes at Network18 and leading digital ad sales at Times Internet, to building programmatic revenue models and launching performance-driven platforms at TVOptima, Gulati’s résumé reads like a playbook for India’s digital advertising future.

    Prior to this move, Gulati was head of sales and business development at TVOptima, where he moonlighted as a consultant and rainmaker for ad-tech startups. His work involved sealing high-stakes partnerships, taming tech integrations, and creating monetisation magic—earning him stripes as both a sales strategist and digital fixer.

    His longest tenure was with TCS (eight years), where he cut his teeth in project management, before moving up the product ladder at Infosys, Globallogic, Lime Labs, and letsbuy.com, gaining chops in product development and leadership.

    At Times Internet, he helmed digital ad sales and managed targets across marquee properties. At India TV, as vp – digital, he built the digital vertical from scratch, owning both growth and the P&L. His stint at Network18 saw him leading programmatic revenues for top brands like Moneycontrol, News18 and Firstpost, where he managed everything from SSP relations to syndication.

    Armed with a toolkit of AI, CRM, ad-tech, programmatic smarts, leadership and strategic business development, Gulati now steps into ABP with a clear mission—accelerate the broadcaster’s digital transformation, bolster advertising revenues, and bring the network’s digital game up to global speed.
    If his past playbook is anything to go by, expect ABP Network to double down on product innovation, AI-backed audience strategies, and sleek monetisation models.

    Watch this space—Gulati doesn’t just transform systems, he rewires playbooks.

  • Breaking News18 tops charts with highest hindi news viewership

    Breaking News18 tops charts with highest hindi news viewership

    MUMBAI: Mic drop in the newsroom News18 India has just dialled up the decibels and claimed top honours in the Hindi news genre. According to the latest BARC data (Week 20’25), News18 India has emerged as the most-watched Hindi news channel, notching up 119124 AMA’000s and pulling ahead of long-time rival Aaj Tak, which recorded 117819 AMA’000s. The numbers are part of a fierce race in the Hindi-speaking markets (HSM), where channels jostle for attention 24×7.

    Rounding out the top five are TV9 Bharatvarsh (103286 AMA’000s), Republic Bharat (93207), and Zee News (87641). (Source: BARC | Metric: AMA’000s | TG: NCCS All 15 plus | Period: Week 20’25, 24 Hours, All Days | Market: HSM)

    What’s fuelling this newsroom juggernaut? A combination of hard-hitting reportage, high-decibel debates, and a trusted team of anchors including Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra. The channel’s programming dives deep into issues that matter, delivering perspectives that resonate with viewers from every corner of the country.

    News18 India attributes its continued rise to “factual, credible, and accurate coverage” qualities that seem to be striking a chord with the increasingly discerning Hindi news audience.

    Backed by an extensive on-ground reporter network, the channel ensures it’s not just first with the news, it’s everywhere the news is. From political showdowns to ground reports, News18 India is holding the mic and the momentum.

  • Chetan Chauhan takes charge as CEO of Thinkinkpicturez to script regional content revolution

    Chetan Chauhan takes charge as CEO of Thinkinkpicturez to script regional content revolution

    MUMBAI: In a bold move fitting the silver screen, Thinkinkpicturez Ltd has cast veteran media executive Chetan Chauhan as its new chief executive officer. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Chauhan takes the helm as the Mumbai-based entertainment company lines up a Rs 500 crore expansion into regional cinema and children’s content.

    The announcement signals a clear pivot. Thinkinkpicturez is betting on the rising tide of regional storytelling, developing content in Gujarati, Marathi, and other Indian languages. The company has also set its sights on an often-overlooked segment: children’s cinema.

    Chauhan, an influential figure in the Gujarati film ecosystem and a former publicist for over 70 regional films, is known for his association with Pan Nalin’s Last Film Show, India’s Oscar entry. His résumé includes top roles at The Times of India Group (BCCL), Mid-Day, Reliance, and Pantaloons, along with academic tenures in Gujarat’s media institutions.

    “The entertainment industry in India is growing at an unprecedented pace… We are committed to nurturing fresh talent and promoting regional narratives, with a special emphasis on children’s cinema”, said Chauhan.

    Thinkinkpicturez is also exploring collaborations with the Gujarat Government to drive employment through media investments in the state. The company continues to assess the feasibility of six pending Hindi feature films previously announced.

    According to company sources, the goal is not just expansion, but representation. By spotlighting regional stories and backing grassroots talent, Thinkinkpicturez aims to redefine India’s entertainment map.

    With Chauhan at the wheel, the company plans to align with broader trends such as the rise of AI in storytelling and the push for inclusivity in content. His appointment marks a new chapter—less about red carpets, more about redrawing the boundaries of Indian cinema.

  • Adani Group signs on as title sponsor for Madhya Pradesh League’s 2025 cricket season

    Adani Group signs on as title sponsor for Madhya Pradesh League’s 2025 cricket season

    MUMBAI: If cricket had a homecoming king, Gwalior would be donning the crown for the second year running. The Madhya Pradesh League (MPL), gearing up for its second season, has announced the Adani Group as its title sponsor for 2025. The season kicks off 12 June at the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium in Shankarpur, Gwalior.

    Organised by the Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA) under the MP Cricket Association, the MPL is widening its playing field. The men’s tournament will now feature seven teams, up from five last year, with new entrants from Bundelkhand and Chambal. For the first time, the league also launches a women’s competition, introducing three teams to the turf—including one from Bhopal.

    MPL Chairman Mahanaaryaman Scindia said, “We are happy to have Adani Group as our title sponsor… We look forward to an exciting season”.

    A spokesperson from Adani Group added, “We are thrilled to be associated with the Madhya Pradesh League… We look forward to a season full of inspiring performances”.

    The jersey unveiling on 27 May offered fans a first look at the kits of all 10 franchises—seven men’s and three women’s—turning the spotlight on fresh branding and team identities. Players, team officials, and state dignitaries attended the ceremony, which amped up anticipation ahead of the opening match.

    Gwalior, host of the MPL’s inaugural edition in 2024, will once again stage the entire season. With Adani’s backing and the expansion of both men’s and women’s leagues, the MPL aims to entrench itself as a premier state-level cricket property.

    Men’s teams: Gwalior Cheetahs, Bhopal Leopards, Jabalpur Royal Lions, Rewa Jaguars, Indore Pink Panthers, Chambal Ghariyals, Bundelkhand Bulls

    Women’s teams: Chambal Ghariyals, Bhopal Wolves, Bundelkhand Bulls

  • Top global brands rally behind Sony Liv for Roland Garros 2025 streaming blitz

    Top global brands rally behind Sony Liv for Roland Garros 2025 streaming blitz

    MUMBAI: Sony Liv has fired the opening serve on the clay courts of Roland Garros 2025 with a blockbuster line-up of brand partnerships. Streaming the Grand Slam Live from 25 May to 8 June, the platform has drawn an ace set of sponsors across automotive, aviation, tech, and lifestyle.

    Hyundai Motor India, Lufthansa, and Oneplus have come aboard as co-presenting sponsors, lending global muscle to the tournament’s Indian presence. Dezerv joined as a co-powered by sponsor, while Sansaar (a D’Decor brand), Disney Adventure (Disney Cruise Line), and GHA Discovery entered the mix as partner sponsors.

    Sony Liv continues to court India’s premium digital audience with a tournament that has earned cult status among sports fans. The 2025 edition sees the return of star athletes including defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, current World number one Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and India’s Rohan Bopanna pairing with Adam Pavlasek in doubles.

    “Round-the-year premium sports content and prestigious tournaments have been at the core of Sony Liv’s sports strategy since inception. It plays a critical role in engaging the affluent, premium-mass audience for our SVOD as well as AVOD audience”, said Sony Liv head of ad revenue Ranjana Mangla. “Roland Garros attracts one of the most affluent audiences at scale, an essential segment of the addressable market for major advertising categories”.

    Hyundai Motors India AVP & vertical head marketing, Virat Khullar added, “Our association with Sony Liv for Roland-Garros reflects our commitment to bringing premium sports experiences to discerning viewers. This collaboration goes beyond sponsorship; it’s a testament to our dedication to sportsmanship and elevating the audience experience”.

    Echoing the sentiment, Lufthansa Group head of marketing, south Asia, southeast Asia, Pacific, Sng Ju Stephanie stated, “This partnership with Sony Liv not only strengthens our connection with sports enthusiasts in India but also reinforces our commitment to offering premium, meaningful experiences to travellers across the globe”.

    Roland Garros 2025, now Live on Sony Liv, promises to serve up high-octane drama and a grand slam of brand integrations as advertisers target tennis fans in a premium, high-engagement environment.

  • Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    MUMBAI: It’s no longer just about technique and turf, it’s about taming old ghosts with new fire. Sony Sports Network is set to bring viewers the cricketing showdown of the year, the India tour of England 2025, a five-Test epic that kicks off June 20. Played on iconic English grounds like Lord’s, The Oval, and Old Trafford, the series carries weight not just on the scoreboard, but in the psyche of Indian cricket.

    What makes this tour doubly dramatic? It’s the first major Test series in a post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli era. With a fresh captain and a young, fearless squad at the helm, Team India is ready to challenge a century-long struggle India has only clinched 3 out of 19 Test series in England. This time, they arrive armed with swagger, skill, and a new spirit: ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’.

    “The India tour of England will be a ‘test’ in the truest sense of the word… With ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’, we are celebrating the courage and determination of this new generation… Sony Sports Network aims to rally the nation behind Team India as they embark on this crucial Test series,” said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer for distribution & international business and head for sports business Rajesh Kaul.

    Adding his voice to the call is Cheteshwar Pujara, who noted, “With a young and dynamic squad, this tour represents a significant turning point for Indian cricket… I look forward to witnessing how this group rises to the occasion.”

    For Irfan Pathan, the series isn’t just about stats, it’s about seizing the stage: “Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari perfectly captures the fearless attitude… I am confident this team has the talent and determination to take on the toughest challenges.”

    To amplify the buzz, Sony Sports Network has launched ‘Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari’, a fiery, animated campaign packed with emotion and edge. One standout film features iconic captains Ajit Wadekar, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid reflecting on their rare Test triumphs on English soil reminding fans just how elusive victory here has been.

    Another short, ‘Fury in Harmony – Bumrah’, taps into Jasprit Bumrah’s explosive spell from the 2020-21 series, reinforcing the visceral thrill of red-ball cricket. And in a not-yet-aired third film titled ‘Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki’, set to the iconic 1984 Bollywood song, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan join forces with English stars like Mark Wood and Harry Brook to dramatise the rivalry and resistance India faces in England.

    With more than just points on the line, this tour is a statement of intent from a resurgent Indian side determined to rewrite Test history on England’s toughest pitches.

    Catch every ball, every twist, and every cheer Live starting 20 June 2025, only on Sony Sports Network. Because this time, the turf might be theirs but the win? That’s ours to take.

  • From boxing rings to Hindi cinema, IOS Sports unveils bold new logo as it marks 20 years of sporting glory

    From boxing rings to Hindi cinema, IOS Sports unveils bold new logo as it marks 20 years of sporting glory

    MUMBAI: In a career-defining rally that started from the squash courts of India, IOS Sports and Entertainment has launched a vibrant new logo to mark its 20 anniversary—an era that has seen it shape the trajectory of Indian sports management.

    Founded in 2005 by former squash player Neerav Tomar and industrialist Sanjeev Khandelwal, IOS has grown from a modest operation into one of India’s leading sports management agencies. The firm has managed over 150 elite athletes and partnered with 500+ brands.

    The new logo, revealed on 27 May, features a striking ’20’ in gradient hues, symbolising the breadth of sports it represents. It sits alongside the bold ‘IOS’ typography and the dates ‘2005 – 2025’, underpinned by the tagline ‘SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT’.

    “This new logo represents not just our journey, but the evolution of sports management in India”, said MD & CEO Tomar. “The vibrant colours symbolise the diversity of talent we represent, while the modern design reflects our forward-thinking approach”.

    Over the years, IOS has transformed how Olympic sports are perceived and monetised in India. It began its innings with Olympic boxer Vijender Singh and went on to represent top names like Suresh Raina, Lovlina Borgohain, Mirabai Chanu, Saina Nehwal, Geeta Phogat, and Ishan Kishan.

    Singh reminisced, “My journey with IOS began when they were just starting out, and we’ve grown together over these 20 years. They believed in me when Olympic sports athletes had limited commercial opportunities in India”.

    IOS also provides services to sports bodies including the Indian Olympic Association, Athletics Federation of India, Paralympic Committee of India, and Weightlifting Federation. Beyond athletes, the firm has overseen franchise operations like the Gujarat Lions in the IPL.

    Its entertainment credentials are equally robust, having delivered brand integrations in films like Mary Kom, Toofaan, and Rock On, seamlessly blending sport and cinema.

    With a refreshed identity and a legacy to match, IOS is entering its third decade at full sprint. The new branding will roll out across platforms from 27 May, kicking off a year of celebrations.

  • Moneycontrol beats ET in digital readership, tops April Comscore charts

    Moneycontrol beats ET in digital readership, tops April Comscore charts

    MUMBAI: The scoreboard in business journalism just got another update—and Moneycontrol is still running the game. For the eighth month in a row, the finance-focused platform outperformed The Economic Times (ET) across all key digital metrics, according to Comscore’s latest data for April 2025.

    With 43.93 million unique visitors in April, Moneycontrol widened the lead over ET’s 39.89 million, as per Comscore India MMX, which accounts for mobile, desktop, app and social traffic.

    But it didn’t stop at clicks. Moneycontrol tallied 298.76 million page views—nearly twice ET’s 159.33 million—suggesting readers stayed for more than just the headlines. When it came to time spent, users logged 347.19 million minutes on Moneycontrol versus 197 million on ET.

    In an age where scrolls and swipes dictate market leadership, Moneycontrol’s consistent dominance highlights its ability to keep users both informed and engaged.

    These figures reinforce the platform’s position as India’s most consumed source for business, markets, and financial news. If traffic is a proxy for trust, Moneycontrol seems to be the index India won’t stop tracking.

  • Adil Memon rises to helm Zee Mena: From marketing maverick to media monarch

    Adil Memon rises to helm Zee Mena: From marketing maverick to media monarch

    MUMBAI:  Adil Memon, Zee Entertainment’s long-standing content and marketing whiz, has now taken the hot seat as acting territory head – Mena at the broadcaster. After nearly 18 years of crafting desi drama into Arabic hits, Memon’s elevation signals a stronger push into cross-cultural storytelling and commercial innovation.

    The media veteran is best known for pioneering co-produced Arabic originals based on Indian formats—a savvy blend of Indian cinema  flair and Middle Eastern flavour that’s helped Zee cement its regional footprint.

    In his new role, Memon’s mission is clear: supercharge Zee’s linear, digital, and production arms for both south Asian expats and native Arab audiences, while dreaming up stories that cut across borders.

    From scaling eyeballs to growing co-pro IPs, his past titles—executive vice president, vice president, and content head—read like a masterclass in media manoeuvring. With stints across TV, print, and digital, plus a side-hustle passion for real estate, Memon brings a 360° business lens to the role.

    Whether it’s tightening revenue screws, building local alliances, or just knowing what makes viewers tick, Memon’s got it mapped. Here’s to a new innings—Zee style—in the ever-booming Mena media bazaar.

  • Kabaddi scores a social touchdown with multilingual digital slam

    Kabaddi scores a social touchdown with multilingual digital slam

     MUMBAI: They tackled language barriers like a raider takes on defenders and came out with the trophy. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has added a digital feather to its cap, bagging the ‘Social Media Campaign’ award in the Multilingual Campaign category at the ET Brand Equity Trendies 2025. The win celebrates PKL Season 11’s innovative and inclusive digital engagement strategy, executed by Mashal Sports in collaboration with Sportz Interactive, which saw fans across linguistic and cultural divides connect like never before.

    Held from October 18 to December 29, 2024, Season 11 wasn’t just action-packed on the mat, it was a slam dunk online too. The campaign’s multilingual format reached deep into regional fanbases, ensuring that the raiding and defending didn’t just speak one language, but many.

    The digital blitz hit the sweet spot, delivering high engagement across platforms like Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, X, and the Pro Kabaddi app, with vernacular content crafted for fans from every corner of the country. The league’s social-first, fan-first approach resonated with a wide base, helping PKL boost brand affinity and reinforce its position as one of India’s most loved sporting leagues.

    And the kabaddi action doesn’t stop there. The buzz now shifts to the Season 12 Player Auction, which will be held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai. Fans can catch Category A auction proceedings live on the Star Sports Network and Jiocinema starting 7 pm on May 31.

    For those who want real-time updates (in the language of their choice, no less), PKL’s Live Auction Centre on prokabaddi.com and the Pro Kabaddi official app will be the go-to. With the social handles prokabaddi across platforms staying in beast mode, fans can expect another season of full-contact, full-volume entertainment on and off the mat.

    If Season 11 was about digital dominance, Season 12 promises to be a perfectly executed raid into uncharted fan territories.