ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Newsroom Gets a Newsmaker as Rahul Kanwal Takes Charge at NDTV

    Newsroom Gets a Newsmaker as Rahul Kanwal Takes Charge at NDTV

    MUMBAI: From breaking headlines to making one Rahul Kanwal has officially taken the hot seat at NDTV. India’s most trusted news network, New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV), has named Rahul Kanwal as its new chief executive officer and editor-in-chief, signalling a high-octane chapter in the brand’s storied legacy. In this dual role, Kanwal will steer both editorial and business operations at NDTV, an institution that has long been the gold standard in Indian journalism.

    With over 25 years of newsroom muscle, Kanwal brings a potent mix of prime-time credibility, investigative grit, and election coverage flair. His previous innings at India Today, Aaj Tak, Business Today, Headlines Today, and Zee News saw him rise through the ranks as news director, executive director, and senior editorial leader.

    An alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s General Management Program, and a Chevening Scholar trained in international broadcast journalism at Cardiff University, Kanwal also holds a journalism degree from Delhi University. His mantle includes accolades like the Roy Peck Trust Grant for Hostile Environment Journalism, among other awards for excellence in the field.

    Welcoming the appointment AMG Media Networks CEO Sanjay Pugalia said, “NDTV is a news super-brand that has stood for credibility and trust for nearly four decades through path-breaking journalism across television and digital platforms. With five new product launches over the past two years, NDTV continues to expand its footprint while remaining steadfast in its founding ethos. Rahul brings deep editorial insight, a passion for journalism, and proven leadership qualities that will be instrumental as we scale our presence across products and platforms.”

    Rahul Kanwal said, “Like many in my generation, I grew up watching NDTV. I am super charged about the prospect of infusing new life and energy into this marquee news brand. For years, NDTV has been the go-to brand for election coverage and big breaking news. I consider it a great honour to lead this storied media brand, and I am confident that NDTV will continue to rise to great heights of journalistic and business excellence. I look forward to working with the stellar teams at NDTV as we build on the extraordinary legacy of this great institution.”

    The NDTV Board also took a moment to commend Sanjay Pugalia for steering the ship through a crucial phase of transformation and reaffirmed their intent to tap into his strategic vision going forward.

    With five new product launches in the last two years and a growing digital footprint, NDTV isn’t just reporting the future, it’s writing it. And with Kanwal at the helm, it seems the best scoops may still be ahead.

  • Finale Countdown Hits a High Note with Zee5’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Live

    Finale Countdown Hits a High Note with Zee5’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Live

    MUMBAI: Cue the drumroll, Karnataka, your favourite musical face-off is tuning into the digital age like never before. Zee5 is turning up the volume with a first-of-its-kind exclusive livestream of the Zee Kannada Sa Re Ga Ma Pa grand finale, streaming before TV on 5 June 2025. One of the biggest digital leaps in Indian reality television, this grand event marks the platform’s most ambitious live telecast yet, and it’s pulling out all the stops from fan-voting rewards to legendary judges and Rs 99 subscriptions that come with a side of surprises.

    Hosted by fan-favourite Anushree, the finale brings together a power-packed panel of judges Vijay Prakash, Rajesh Krishnan, and Arjun Janya who’ve helped shape Karnataka’s contemporary music scene and mentored countless rising stars along the way.

    What’s more, viewers are now part of the action like never before. From 14 May till two days before the finale, fans can log into the Zee5 app and vote for their favourite singer to win the title of “Most Popular Singer.” One lucky superfan might even be crowned the “Most Favourite Voter”, unlocking exclusive goodies.

    Zee5 and Zee Kannada business head Deepak Sriramulu stated, “Regional content continues to be a key pillar of our growth at Zee5, along with music playing a powerful role in connecting communities. The Grand Finale of Zee Kannada Sa Re Ga Ma Pa is a celebration of Karnataka’s rich musical legacy, and we are proud to bring this iconic cultural experience live to audiences across the globe. With exclusive digital-first access on Zee5, we’re taking regional entertainment to the next level, making it more immersive, interactive, and accessible than ever before. This marks the first time such a landmark event is being brought to life in the digital space, and it sets the stage for many exciting opportunities in the future as we continue to redefine how audiences engage with regional culture and music.”

    With its growing emphasis on regional-first entertainment, Zee5 continues to hit the high notes when it comes to local engagement. The platform’s Rs 99 subscription offer not only gets users early access to the musical finale but also puts them in the running for rewards making bingeing both emotional and rewarding.

    So whether you’re team high-octane vocals or rooting for that soulful crooner, this June 5th, your living room becomes the front row of Karnataka’s biggest musical celebration streaming exclusively, only on Zee5.

  • Old shows new highs as Sony PAL tops FTA charts with 109 million viewers

    Old shows new highs as Sony PAL tops FTA charts with 109 million viewers

    MUMBAI: Who says old favourites can’t cause new waves? Sony PAL, the Free-to-Air (FTA) Hindi general entertainment channel from Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), is proving that prime-time nostalgia can power modern ratings. The channel has clocked a sharp surge in viewership, becoming the fastest-growing FTA GEC in Hindi-speaking markets (HSM), and is now the undisputed leader in reach and resonance.

    According to BARC (Week 19, 2025), Sony PAL now reaches 109 million viewers that’s 17 per cent weekly reach, the highest among FTA Hindi GECs. And it’s not just mass appeal the channel’s got serious metro cred too. Among urban Hindi-speaking audiences aged 15 plus, Sony PAL pulled in a robust 41 GRPs, outperforming FTA peers. Even more striking? Urban male viewers gave it 63 GRPs, confirming that Sony PAL isn’t just a family favourite, it’s also prime time for the bros.

    What’s fuelling this FTA frenzy? Familiar faces and full-fat entertainment. Iconic shows like Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah and The Kapil Sharma Show have migrated to free-to-air for the first time, a strategic play that’s expanded their fan base and made quality content accessible without a paywall.

    By combining smart content curation with a no-subscription model, Sony PAL has tapped into India’s deep appetite for nostalgic, family-friendly storytelling all while scooping up serious ratings gold.

    In a landscape where eyeballs are fickle and attention spans fleeting, Sony PAL has managed to hit the sweet spot comfort viewing with mass reach, delivered for free. Now that’s what you call a PAL for the people.
     

  • Toon in drop out mall crawl brings summer mayhem for kids

    Toon in drop out mall crawl brings summer mayhem for kids

    MUMBAI: What do you get when Chhota Bheem, Tom & Jerry, Ben 10, and Mr. Bean walk into a mall? No, it’s not a joke setup, it’s Warner Bros. Discovery’s summer tour turning shopping centres into cartoon chaos with the mother of all toon takeovers.

    With Pogo, Cartoon Network, and Discovery Kids uniting for a high-energy, 10-city mall activation, Indian kids are in for a summer that’s equal parts action, laughter, dance-offs, selfies, and superhero hugs. The blockbuster bonanza kicked off this May and continues through June, transforming malls in metros like Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru and even non-metro hubs like Aurangabad, Kottayam and Ahmednagar into playgrounds of pure animated madness.

    Themed zones will see POGO’s India Ke Superheroes (featuring Little Singham, Chhota Bheem and Chhutki) rubbing shoulders with Cartoon Network’s Jhatpat Action Khatpat Comedy icons (Ben 10, Teen Titans Go, Tom & Jerry, and Powerpuff Girls) while Discovery Kids’ Katti Batti Dosti Pakki springs to life with Titoo and Mr. Bean’s wacky camaraderie.

    But it’s not just for the ‘Gram although there are selfie spots aplenty. Think interactive games, creative art corners, dance battles, and themed installations that pull kids right into the worlds they usually only binge-watch. The energy isn’t just reserved for the malls either. Online extensions include digital challenges, UGC contests, and highlights from the on-ground madness keeping the FOMO real.

    Warner Bros. Discovery marketing head of South Asia Janhavi Vyas said, “At Warner Bros. Discovery, we’re passionate about crafting joyful, immersive experiences that unite families and ignite young imaginations. Through these summer activations, we’re transforming malls into vibrant hubs of creativity and entertainment, bringing fans close to their beloved characters,while delivering blockbuster fun that complements our exciting summer slate and creating lasting memories for our audiences.”

    And just in case parents were wondering how to get their kids off screens post-visit, WBD’s summer programming plans ensure they don’t have to. The slate boasts nearly 200 half-hours of fresh content across the three channels, including 22 new Chhota Bheem episodes, the premiere of Chhota Bheem in Samay Chakra, superhero specials like Leo! Rise of Super Singham, and Singhamverse Kaalverse 2.

    Chhota Bheem also turns 17 this May, and WBD isn’t letting that go unnoticed cue crossover events, Maha Blockbuster films, and weekly stunts. Add in strong brand partnerships and multiple language options, and you’ve got a summer lineup designed to keep India’s kids happily glued whether on-ground or online.

    In short, if your child disappears this May and June, don’t panic. Just follow the sound of cartoon catchphrases, dance floor beats and raucous laughter. Chances are, they’re at the mall, tooning out in the best way possible.

  • Max gets a manga-nificent makeover with Japanese drama rollout

    Max gets a manga-nificent makeover with Japanese drama rollout

    MUMBAI: Is it a romcom? A legal thriller? A dark comedy with a deadly title? Max says: Why not all of the above? In a bold eastward expansion of storytelling, Warner Bros. Discovery and Japanese streaming powerhouse U-Next are taking their relationship to the next level by giving Japanese dramas a global passport.

    After launching Max within U-Next in Japan last year, the partners are now flipping the narrative. A curated bouquet of 10 Japanese series, including TBS’s much-awaited Love is for the Dogs and TV Tokyo’s deliciously morbid Please Die My Beloved, will be released across key international markets starting with the U.S., Brazil and Southeast Asia.

    Also in the lineup: Ignite (a legal drama with teeth), Mr. Mikami’s Classroom, Who Saw the Peacock Dance in the Jungle?, La Grande Maison Tokyo, its special episode Light of My Lion, Until I Destroyed My Husband’s Other Family, and Baby Assassins. The slate cuts across genres from slow-burn psychological thrillers to culinary family sagas and assassin-led chaos ensuring there’s more than one flavour for every binge palate.

    This cross-cultural programming exchange is no accident. U-Next president and CEO Tenshin Tsutsumi confirmed that since their exclusive tie-up with WBD in September 2024, expanding Japanese IP globally has been a core focus. “We’re handpicking shows that don’t just do well at home but hit the right emotional notes internationally,” he said.

    U-Next currently offers the largest SVOD catalogue in Japan, per GEM Partners, with add-ons like e-books, e-manga, e-magazines, and a seven-year Premier League streaming deal thrown into the mix. Its 2023 merger with Paravi has also deepened its access to local favourites from TBS and TV Tokyo making it a treasure trove of binge-worthy content.

    For WBD, it’s another power move in its global localisation playbook. Operating across 220+ territories in 50 languages, the media giant is leaning into regional partners to give local stories international wings, proving that you don’t need subtitles to go viral, just good storytelling.

    The international rollout of the Japanese drama collection on Max will begin later this year. Dates? Still hush-hush. But the message is loud and clear: Japan’s dramas are no longer just for Japan. And Max is ready to stream the love.

  • Bhuvanesh Mendiratta steps into spotlight as MD of Miraj Cinemas

    Bhuvanesh Mendiratta steps into spotlight as MD of Miraj Cinemas

    MUMBAI: The curtains have risen on a new leadership act at Miraj Cinemas. On 26 May 2025, the company appointed Bhuvanesh Mendiratta as its new managing director, succeeding Amit Sharma, who exits after a 14-year stint to explore new avenues.

    Mendiratta has been no stranger to the Miraj marquee. As chief operating officer, he helped script the chain’s rise to India’s third-largest multiplex network, with 235 screens across 70 locations in 48 cities. In his new role, he will chart business strategy, lead daily operations, and drive future growth.

    With two decades in entertainment and hospitality—including tenures at PVR and Cinemax—Mendiratta has worked across verticals like F&B, programming, and marketing. He holds a degree in Hospitality Administration from NCHMCT and an executive MBA in hospitality management.

    “Bhuvanesh has been part of our core team for a long time and understands every aspect of the business. With his strong industry knowledge and execution skills, we believe he is well-placed to lead Miraj Cinemas into its next phase of growth. We are excited about what lies ahead”, said Miraj Group group CEO Arvind Jain.

    In his first comments as MD, Mendiratta said, “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m truly honoured to take on this responsibility. Our focus will remain on strengthening our presence, adding premium formats like IMAX and Neo-M, and creating the best possible experience for moviegoers across India”.

    He also pointed to expansion plans targeting tier two and tier three cities with content strategies tailored to regional audiences and sustainable cinema formats.

    Under Mendiratta’s direction, Miraj Cinemas aims to double down on premium screen formats, upgrade sound and projection tech, and deepen its national footprint—ensuring the story at Miraj continues to unfold on a bigger, bolder canvas.

  • Manoj Padmanabhan takes charge as chief growth officer at Smitson Entertainment

    Manoj Padmanabhan takes charge as chief growth officer at Smitson Entertainment

    MUMBAI: In a career move that straddles the worlds of OTT and grassroots sports, Manoj Padmanabhan has taken over as chief growth officer at Smitson Entertainment. The announcement was made public via Linkedin, where Padmanabhan confirmed he would continue in his role as chief revenue officer at Sportvot while spearheading growth at Smitson.

    Smitson Entertainment is building its identity around storytelling for the new-age Indian audience. From web series and show formats pitched to top OTT players to music IPs designed for global stage experiences, the company aims to put Indian creative narratives in the global spotlight. Padmanabhan’s entry comes at a time when Smitson is ramping up content pipelines and forging international collaborations.

    “Pranaay Pradhaan let’s make this count”, Padmanabhan said in a post, hinting at an ambitious new chapter.

    Padmanabhan brings more than two decades of experience across sports broadcasting, digital media, and entertainment. Currently at Sportvot, he has been instrumental in building a cost-effective live streaming platform tailored for community and grassroots sports. Under his leadership, Sportvot launched the Sportvot Cloud Studio—a web-based production tool enabling multi-camera sports broadcasts from smartphones, professional rigs, or even AI-driven cameras.

    Prior to this, Padmanabhan held leadership roles at Alpha Metaverse Technologies, Total Esports (TES), Dailyhunt, and Star TV Network, where he led niche sports sales and helped establish leagues like Pro Kabaddi and Premier Badminton League. He also played a foundational role in shaping Indian Super League (ISL) at RISE Worldwide, transforming India’s football broadcast ecosystem.

    With his music initiative Soulful Vibrations and past ventures into production and programming at Ten Sports and UTV, Padmanabhan brings a multidisciplinary flair to the table—equally at home with tech stacks and turntables.

    As Smitson positions itself at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and cultural storytelling, Padmanabhan’s blend of experience, agility and industry foresight could help shape a powerful creative engine built for scale.

  • News18 India tops Aaj Tak again with fact-first firepower during Operation Sindoor

    News18 India tops Aaj Tak again with fact-first firepower during Operation Sindoor

    MUMBAI: In a ratings war where credibility has become the real battleground, News18 India once again edged out arch-rival Aaj Tak, clinching the crown as the most-watched Hindi news channel during Operation Sindoor, as per Barc data. While the nation held its breath during the Pahalgam terror strike and the ensuing India-Pakistan standoff, viewers chose their go-to: the one that stuck to facts.

    News18 India has now been perched at the top for three consecutive years, clocking an average of 78,179 AMA’000s, outperforming Aaj Tak’s 72,964. The data (Barc, AMA’000s | TG: NCCS All 15+ | Period: Wk 20’22-19’25 | 24 Hrs, All Days | HSM) reaffirms its sustained grip on Hindi news viewership.

    The channel also led in cumulative reach with a towering 5,92,801 against Aaj Tak’s 5,77,077 during the same three-year stretch (Barc, Cume Reach 000s | TG: NCCS All 2+ | All India).

    It wasn’t just consistency—it was timeliness. From the first shot fired in Pahalgam to the final word on the ceasefire, News18 India led the narrative. Between 22 April and 16 May 2025, it racked up 3,56,249 AMA’000s in comparison to Aaj Tak’s 3,43,934 (BARC, Gross AMA’000s | HSM).

    During the same timeframe, News18 India’s cumulative reach surged to 2,03,774, while Aaj Tak trailed at 1,85,359 (BARC, Cume Reach’000s | HSM).

    The decisive moment came during India’s DGMO press briefings. While most were fumbling facts, News18 India reported that Pakistan’s DGMO had reached out to discuss a ceasefire—before anyone else. On 11-12 May, the channel recorded 665 AMA’000s, nudging past Aaj Tak’s 650 (BARC, AMA’000s | HSM).

    While many chased clicks, News18 India chased clarity. From real-time coverage to unfiltered analysis, it gave audiences what they needed—truth without the theatrics. That trust, built story by story, is now reflected in cold, hard numbers.

  • Nordic households caught in the act: piracy up 16 per cent as illegal IPTV continues to boom

    Nordic households caught in the act: piracy up 16 per cent as illegal IPTV continues to boom

    MUMBAI: Piracy in the Nordics isn’t just about dodging subscription fees anymore—it’s now fuelling organised crime. New research by Mediavision reveals over 1.5 million households in the region are paying for illegal IPTV services, up 200,000 homes (16 per cent) from spring 2024. These services offer cut-price, unlawful access to premium TV channels and streaming content.

    While Finland lags slightly in pirate uptake, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are sailing in the same leaky boat. Behind the scenes? A report in late 2024 had disclosed that the web of illegal operators had ties to trafficking and drug cartels.

    “Piracy continues to pose a serious threat to the industry,” said Mediavision.  senior analyst Adrian Grande. “As illegal IPTV keeps growing, it is encouraging that the issue is on the agenda, but it is also clear that action is needed to tackle the problem”.

    The reason: rising living costs and high OTT prices were pushing households into piracy’s arms.

    And it’s not just a fringe issue—25 per cent of 15–74-year-olds in the region streamed or downloaded content illegally in mid-2024 alone. The Nordic Content Protection (NCP) had in 2024 sounded the alarm, not just on copyright theft but its criminal underbelly. 

    To fight back, the NCP had teamed up with TV 2 Denmark, Viaplay Group, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Allente to launch high-impact anti-piracy campaigns, fronted by local TV personalities. These aired throughout 2024, hoping to shock users into realising that their dodgy stream might be bankrolling crime.

    In Norway, legislators are exploring a bold fix: a payment ban on IPTV services, similar to restrictions already placed on offshore gambling. Meanwhile, Sweden’s laws remain murky, with NCP pushing for stricter, clearer rules.

    As pirates loot the digital seas of Europe, Indian broadcasters and streamers would be wise to keep their periscopes up. How much of a revenue loss they are incurring on account of  the Nordic pilferage only a deeper inquiry can ascertain.

  • Mumbai Tak marches into Pune with the Jai Hind Utsav

    Mumbai Tak marches into Pune with the Jai Hind Utsav

    MUMBAI: Mumbai Tak, the feisty digital arm of the India Today Group, is rolling out its big guns—quite literally—for a showstopper in Pune. The Jai Hind Utsav, set to light up the Modern Engineering College auditorium on 23 May, promises a high-octane mix of political firepower and lyrical soul.

    From Maharashtra Navnirman Sena supremo Raj Thackeray to former army chief general Manoj Mukund Naravane , the line-up reads like a who’s who of India’s influence circuit. Add musical maestros Salil Kulkarni, Sandeep Khare, and Bhimrao Panchale into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a cultural cocktail ready to stir Pune awake.

    “This event is a testimony to the popularity and the support that Mumbai Tak has received from its viewers. Through this endeavour, our aim is to strengthen connect with viewers and give them a different experience rich with cultural heritage of the state,” said Tak channels managing editor  Milind Khandekar. “We’re weaving the cultural fabric of Maharashtra into an experience that viewers won’t forget.”

    The entire extravaganza will be streamed live on www.mumbaitak.in, and across Facebook and YouTube—ensuring that no one misses the beats or the barbs.