ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • TV news explodes as Operation Sindoor captures India’s attention

    TV news explodes as Operation Sindoor captures India’s attention

    MUMBAI: TV news viewership in India rocketed during the week of 3 to 9 May, driven by the high-octane drama of Operation Sindoor —a military blitz by Indian armed forces against terror hubs in Pakistan.

    Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India reported a staggering 507 million viewers tuning into news content that week—the highest weekly total since 2022. Over the three critical days (7-9 May), news grabbed 16 per cent of total TV viewing, up from its usual 6 per cent slice.

    Hindi news channels led the charge, clocking 254 gross rating points (GRPs), smashing previous highs seen during the 2024 Lok Sabha election results and major state elections. Viewer engagement spiked, with the average time spent on Hindi news jumping to 60 minutes—a 67 per cent rise over pre-operation weeks.

    The frenzy peaked during ministry of external affairs (MEA) briefings on the operation. The first briefing on Wednesday sent viewership soaring by 509 per cent. Thursday and Friday briefings saw gains of 125 per cent and 242 per cent, respectively.

    Operation Sindoor also brought 65 million fresh eyes to Hindi news—viewers who hadn’t touched the genre in the previous month. Daily tune-ins nearly doubled, leaping from 73 million to 142 million.

    In the Hindi-speaking market (HSM 2+), the news genre’s share of TV content surged from three per cent to 13 per cent, with the 15+ age group soaring from four per cent to 15 per cent—outstripping the 2016 surgical strikes.

    Barc India said the data reaffirms television’s enduring role as the go-to medium for news during major national events, underscoring its unparalleled reach and influence.

  • Dream Sports Foundation and UTT team up to serve India’s next table tennis champs

    Dream Sports Foundation and UTT team up to serve India’s next table tennis champs

    MUMBAI: In a sharp backhand boost to grassroots talent, Dream Sports Foundation (DSF) and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) have joined forces to launch ‘Dream UTT Juniors’ — a one-of-a-kind under-15 table tennis tournament designed to offer rising stars a taste of the big league.

    The initiative will see eight top-performing boys and girls from the recently concluded Dream Sports Championship Table Tennis 2025 drafted into UTT franchises. These young athletes will compete alongside the sixth season of the Ultimate Table Tennis league, scheduled from 29 May to 8 June in Ahmedabad, with matches streamed live on Fancode.

    “At Dream Sports, we are driven by our vision to ‘Make Sports Better’”, said Dream Sports CEO & co-founder Harsh Jain. “Thanks to Vita Dani and Niraj Bajaj, Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) has played a pivotal role in nurturing India’s table tennis talent to compete & win at the global stage. But there remains a pressing need to support grassroots talent, and our partnership to create Dream UTT Juniors is a big step toward bridging this gap. Through our Dream Sports Foundation, we aim to empower the next generation of athletes to make India proud in the 2030 Youth Olympics and thereafter at the 2036 Olympics”.

    Dream UTT Juniors marks a pivotal extension of DSF’s mission to build from the base. The U-15 stars were selected through a national talent pool, shaped during DSF and the Table Tennis Federation of India’s earlier initiative—one lauded for professionalism and intensity rarely seen at this level.

    “Dream UTT Juniors is a natural extension of our shared vision with Dream Sports Foundation — to strengthen the foundation of sport in India and empower young athletes”, added UTT co-promoter Vita Dani. “By giving budding table tennis talent early exposure to the world-class UTT ecosystem, we’re not just launching a tournament — we’re creating a pathway for the next generation of Indian stars to emerge”.

    Since 2017, UTT has helped rewrite the script for Indian table tennis, providing domestic talent the platform to share space with international champions. Now, Dream UTT Juniors aims to embed that exposure early in the athlete journey.

    With this initiative, DSF and UTT aim to establish a structured pipeline that bridges school-level promise with professional readiness. As Indian table tennis gains new traction, this partnership might just deliver India’s future champions.

  • Amit Gupta promoted at Warner Bros Discovery as sr director, APAC ancillary & Hyderabad content operations

    Amit Gupta promoted at Warner Bros Discovery as sr director, APAC ancillary & Hyderabad content operations

    MUMBAI:  Amit Gupta has stepped into a new adventure as senior director – APAC ancillary and Hyderabad content operations at Warner Bros Discovery, adding another star-studded chapter to his 25-year career in the media and entertainment industry.

    Gupta, who previously served as director – program operations for South Asia at the same company, has been a master of content logistics and operations. From running the show for kids and English movie channels at Turner to leading creative services and broadcast post at Prime Focus Technologies, he has been the backstage wizard keeping the content flowing.

    Before joining Warner Bros. Discovery, Gupta sharpened his craft at Reliance MediaWorks as AVP – technical and operations, and earlier at Sony Entertainment Television, where he steered the post-production department. He even donned the hat of a senior video editor at Applause Entertainment and freelanced as an online video editor, giving him a deep understanding of the creative and operational sides of the business.

    In his new role, Gupta will oversee APAC’s ancillary operations and lead the Hyderabad content hub, playing a critical role in delivering Warner Bros Discovery’s magic across the region. With a career that’s a mix of big names and bigger responsibilities, Gupta’s latest gig is set to be another hit on his list.

  • Lightning International strikes with 14 Fast channels on myTV Super

    Lightning International strikes with 14 Fast channels on myTV Super

    MUMBAI:  Lightning International has unleashed a storm of entertainment on Hong Kong’s leading streaming service, myTV Super, with the launch of 14 brand-new free ad-supported streaming TV (Fast) channels. From action-packed blockbusters to toe-tapping tunes and jaw-dropping documentaries, the new channels promise a binge-worthy bonanza – all for free.

    The partnership marks myTV Super’s first-ever Fast channel collaboration, powered by Amagi Media Labs, and is set to transform the streaming landscape in Hong Kong. With the new channels, viewers can dive into a world of diverse content across smart TVs, myTV Super boxes, the myTV Super app, and the web.

    Lightning International  CEO James Ross couldn’t hide his excitement: “This collaboration with myTV Super is a game-changer. We’re bringing a treasure trove of content to viewers, catering to every taste and passion.”

    The channel lineup is an eye-pleasing buffet:

    * Action Hollywood Movies – Big hits, bigger thrills. 
    * Concerto – Classical music that strikes a chord.
    * Docsville – Documentaries that dare to inspire.
    * Globetrotter – Travel tales for the restless.
    * NewsWorld – Headlines and happenings, 24/7.
    * Now 70s, Now 80s, Now 90s00s – Nostalgia with a beat.
    * Now ROCK – Rock your world, one riff at a time.
    * Pet Club TV – Furry friends and adorable adventures.
    * Pulse – Wellness and wellbeing in a click.
    * Rialto Classic Movies (RCM) – Golden era films in all their glory.
    * TRACE Sport Stars – The world’s sporting elite in action.
    * TRACE Urban – Hip-hop and urban vibes that never stop.

    myTV Super, the OTT platform of Television Broadcasts Ltd (TVB), has cemented its position as a streaming powerhouse in Hong Kong, and this partnership with Lightning International adds a bolt of variety to its content arsenal.

    (Photo: James Ross, CEO of Lightning International with Rex Ching, President, myTV Super)

  • Zee rebrands as a content and tech powerhouse with ‘Yours Truly, Z’ promise

    Zee rebrands as a content and tech powerhouse with ‘Yours Truly, Z’ promise

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zee) has unveiled a fresh, tech-infused brand universe as it repositions itself as a content and technology powerhouse. With a sharp focus on blending content with cutting-edge technology, the company has set its sights on enhanced performance, profitability, and global reach.

    Zee’s new brand identity, headlined by the promise ‘Yours Truly, Z,’ is a blend of bold design, vibrant colours, and heartfelt storytelling. It’s not just a facelift; it’s a complete transformation aimed at offering immersive experiences across entertainment platforms. The sleek, adaptive design reflects Zee’s legacy of three decades while embracing the aspirations of young India.

    Zee brandA letter from the brand to its stakeholders adds a personal touch: “I promise to make you laugh louder, dream bigger, and feel more deeply in every moment.” This emotional connect isn’t just fluff – it’s a strategic move to deepen consumer loyalty and brand affinity.

    The transformation was unveiled at the Zee Cine Awards 2025, where CEO Punit Goenka highlighted the brand’s mission to leverage technology for content creation, distribution, and monetisation. “Our new look is futuristic, dynamic, and agile, reflecting our team’s capability to capitalise on emerging opportunities,” Goenka said. “The brand promise of ‘Yours Truly, Z’ captures our consumer-centric approach and commitment to delivering meaningful experiences.”
    Zee Brand architectureUnderpinning this transformation are Zee’s core brand pillars: a purpose-driven existence, a vision to bring positive change through purposeful entertainment, and a mission to consistently deliver value to stakeholders. The company aims to enrich lives by creating extraordinary moments of optimism and togetherness.

    From its pioneering role in Indian media to becoming a global player, Zee has been an entertainment juggernaut. Now, with its fresh brand universe, it’s not just keeping up with the times – it’s setting the pace. 

    As the brand’s new identity rolls out on  8 June 2025, during the telecast of Zee Cine Awards, all eyes will be on how ‘Yours Truly, Z’ shapes the future of Indian entertainment.

  • One Tap Wonder as TV9 Clicks with Google’s Global Spotlight

    One Tap Wonder as TV9 Clicks with Google’s Global Spotlight

    MUMBAI: When it comes to logging in, less really is more and TV9 Digital has proved just that. In a rare nod from Silicon Valley’s finest, Google has spotlighted the Indian news platform in a global case study for its swift, smart, and successful rollout of Google One Tap sign-in.

    The feather in TV9’s cap? Over 2 lakh user registrations in just 60 days. No passwords, no confusion, no drama just a single click and straight into the news. The result? Fewer drop-offs, happier users, and a treasure trove of first-party data.

    The case study from Google highlights how this friction-free feature supercharged TV9 Digital’s user acquisition and retention. It wasn’t just about the numbers, though. The richer data allowed for smarter personalisation think curated newsletters, targeted alerts, and reader experiences that feel like they were written just for you.

    Emphasising that innovation TV9 Network’s DNA chief growth officer Raktim Das said, “Being recognized by Google in a global case study is a proud moment for us. It underscores our commitment to combining journalism with cutting-edge technology to deliver a superior experience to our digital audience.”

    Das added: “Google’s partnership on Google One Tap has been instrumental in our user acquisition strategy, delivering a seamless sign-up experience. The resulting 200,000 registrations in 60 days demonstrate the immense potential of this collaboration. We see this as a significant opportunity to further leverage this partnership for enhanced audience engagement and first-party data growth.”

    March was already a milestone month for TV9, with 138 million unique visitors recorded on ComScore. But this Google case study has turned a strong run into a standout moment, positioning the brand not just as a news destination, but as a tech-forward leader in digital publishing.

    As platforms everywhere scramble to future-proof their audience strategies, TV9’s “One Tap” masterstroke shows that when it comes to engagement convenience really is king. Or in this case, news you can trust with a single click.
     

  • News18 India tops charts with 96.5 per cent viewership jump during India-Pakistan conflict

    News18 India tops charts with 96.5 per cent viewership jump during India-Pakistan conflict

    MUMBAI: As tensions flared during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, viewers across the country turned to News18 India in record numbers. The Hindi news channel soared to the top of the charts, notching a 96.5 per cent spike in Average Minute Audience (AMA000’s), according to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data.

    From 7-9 May, News18 India clocked 39,341 AMA000’s, establishing itself as the most-watched Hindi news channel during the period. Its Cumulative Reach’00 also saw a substantial rise, touching 45,438—a 49.9 per cent increase. (Source: BARC, Market: HSM, TG: 2+, Period: Wk 18’25)

    In a volatile media environment flooded with misinformation about India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, News18 India focused on accurate, responsible, and timely reportage. The channel broke key developments, including the pivotal DGMO calls that halted further escalation.

    Network18’s broader general news portfolio also registered a sharp rise in performance. With an AMA000’s count of 81,155, the network saw an 82.8 per cent boost. Its Cumulative Reach’00 reached 1,02,485, marking a 38.6 per cent week-on-week surge. (Source: BARC, Market: India, TG: 2+)

    The network’s editorial strength stems from its top-tier anchors and an extensive on-ground network that enabled comprehensive, ground-up coverage. Network18’s portfolio includes News18 India and CNN-News18 on the national front, and a robust regional slate including News18 Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand, News18 Bihar/Jharkhand, News18 Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh, and News18 Bangla, among others.

    Network18 has consistently held its position as the country’s number one news network for over two years, with its mix of rigorous journalism and regionally rooted storytelling continuing to win the trust of Indian audiences.

  • Sportskill launches Champions Club Elite Pass to back India’s top-ranked young athletes

    Sportskill launches Champions Club Elite Pass to back India’s top-ranked young athletes

    MUMBAI:  In a powerful push for grassroots excellence, Sportskill has launched the Champions Club Elite Pass — a performance-based initiative designed to identify, support, and celebrate India’s top young athletes. Far from a membership card, the pass is a golden ticket to advanced training, national recognition, and elite exposure — all backed by one of India’s oldest sporting institutions, the Cricket Club of India (CCI).

    The pass, awarded free of charge, is open to athletes who rank in the top eight nationally or top 16 in Asia across five racket sports — Tennis, Squash, Table Tennis, Badminton, and Pickleball. By eliminating financial barriers and prioritising merit, Sportskill is flipping the script on how early-stage sports talent is nurtured.

    “This is not just an endorsement; it’s a call to action for institutions across the country to come together and build a world-class, athlete-first ecosystem”, said Sportskill co-founder Chetan Desai.

    The initiative received ringing endorsement from Anil Nayar, a Harvard alumnus and 28-time national champion who’s been inducted into the U.S. Squash Hall of Fame. He called the programme “a win-win for champion players, club members, and budding juniors”, underscoring its potential to transform both player development and club prestige.

    With CCI lending its name to the pass, Sportskill has found a heavyweight ally. Known for shaping legends and hosting historic tournaments, the Mumbai-based institution’s support adds legacy value to a forward-facing initiative.

    Sportskill co-founder Abhinav Sinha added, “The support from CCI gives further momentum to our mission of building a transformative sporting culture for India’s youth. It’s time clubs moved from being venues to becoming talent incubators”.

    Pass holders will gain access to high-performance training, a dedicated athlete profile to attract sponsors, and entry into an invitation-only celebration featuring top talent across disciplines. Even their coaches will be formally acknowledged — a rare move that spotlights mentorship in Indian sport.

    Underneath the glamour sits a solid tech stack. Sportskill is evolving into a full-fledged sports tech as a service (STaaS) platform that leverages AI, video analytics, and data-driven coaching to deliver measurable improvement across athlete journeys. Its ambition: to support champions not when they make it, but while they’re making it.

    Applications for the Champions Club Elite Pass are now open at www.Sportskill.app. For queries, athletes and parents can write to connect@Sportskill.app.

    With this initiative, Sportskill isn’t just investing in India’s next sports stars — it’s building a structure to ensure their journey is seen, supported, and celebrated from the start.

  • ABP Network cements third place in India’s digital media race with 152 million monthly users

    ABP Network cements third place in India’s digital media race with 152 million monthly users

    MUMBAI:  ABP Network has tightened its grip on India’s digital news landscape, emerging once again as the country’s third-largest publisher, according to Comscore MMX Multi-Platform data for March 2025. The network reached over 152 million unique users across platforms, outshining rivals such as HT Media, Zee Digital, India Today Group, Times Network, and NDTV.

    ABP Network’s dominant digital footprint spans web, apps, and Youtube, supported by an unmatched edge in regional news segments. With this continued performance, the network has retained its third-place ranking for the second month in a row.

    In the Hindi news category, ABP News led the charts with 93.8 million unique visitors—beating NDTV.in by more than 28 million. Meanwhile, ABP Ananda topped the Bengali market with 10 million desktop and mobile users, and secured the number two position overall with a combined reach of 22.5 million when factoring in social media.

    In Maharashtra, ABP Majha reigned supreme in the Marathi segment for a second consecutive month, drawing 22 million users in March and outperforming TV9 Marathi, Sakal Media, and Lokmat. ABP Nadu also made strong inroads in Tamil Nadu, ranking second with 10 million unique visitors.

    This performance reflects ABP Network’s growing command over regional markets and its strategic focus on digital growth. The consistent growth underscores ABP Network’s commitment to expanding its national footprint while deepening its roots in local language markets. With its strong audience engagement, the company continues to raise the bar for digital journalism in India.

  • Shyam Tallamraju takes charge as VP – fan loyalty & live experiences at JioHotstar

    Shyam Tallamraju takes charge as VP – fan loyalty & live experiences at JioHotstar

    MUMBAI: From co-founding a tier-2 India gaming platform to curating spiritual live events with Bachchan, Shyam Tallamraju has made career pivots look easy. Now, he has stepped into his latest—and arguably most dynamic—role as JioHotstar vice president – fan loyalty & live experiences, marking a major milestone in the OTT giant’s audience engagement evolution.

    Tallamraju announced the move via LinkedIn, reflecting on a whirlwind two-month sprint where he already led the platform’s non-sporting live experiences for Mahashivratri and Ram Navami. Both events featured Hindi cinema legend Amitabh Bachchan and signalled a shift in JioHotstar’s content curation playbook—one that stretches beyond just cricket and cinema.

    “It’s always Day One at JioStar”, Tallamraju wrote, hinting at the long runway ahead in crafting moments that go beyond screen time to forge fan bonds. His appointment signals a clear commitment by the platform to build deeper, more interactive viewer journeys across festivals, fandom, and everything in between.

    Prior to this role, Tallamraju co-founded Hi Hello, a multilingual social gaming app that clocked over two million downloads and $100,000 in revenue. Despite its eventual closure, the three-year journey gave him a front-row seat to India’s tier two digital pulse.

    “Running a startup is a crash course in life”, he admitted, acknowledging the grind and lessons that shaped his vision for building meaningful fan ecosystems. His earlier stints include leadership roles at Gupshup, OZiva, Bookmyshow, and Radio Mirchi—adding to a portfolio that blends media strategy with brand insight and digital storytelling.

    With over two decades of experience and a knack for turning everyday moments into fan rituals, Tallamraju’s new chapter is poised to push the boundaries of experiential entertainment at one of India’s biggest OTT platforms.

    As the streaming race heats up, JioHotstar’s next big wins might not just lie in what’s on-screen, but in how deeply it can embed itself into the lives—and emotions—of its viewers. And Tallamraju seems all set to lead that charge.