ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • JioStar backs BCCI’s IPL suspension, says national interest comes first

    JioStar backs BCCI’s IPL suspension, says national interest comes first

    MUMBAI: JioStar – the official broadcast and streaming partner of the Tata IPL 2025 – has thrown its weight behind the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) decision to suspend the league indefinitely, declaring that national interest must take precedence over all else.

    In a statement issued to stakeholders and the media, the company expressed unwavering support for the government, the armed forces, and civilians impacted by the ongoing situation. JioStar has promised to collaborate with the BCCI to ensure the tournament resumes at an Tata IPL 2025 appropriate time.

    “We, at JioStar, wholeheartedly support the BCCI’s decision to suspend Tata IPL 2025 and stand firmly committed to prioritise national interest over all other considerations,” the company stated.

    JioStar further pledged to work closely with all stakeholders to guarantee a smooth transition, ensuring that everyone involved in the tournament’s broadcast and operations returns home safely.

  • IPL 2025 suspended indefinitely

    IPL 2025 suspended indefinitely

    MUMBAI: The news could not have come at a worse time for JioStar.  Just as the Indian Premier League 2025 – the IPL – world’s richest cricket league was beginning to gather momentum during the playoffs and attracting a slew of new advertisers, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a short while ago announced that it was calling it off – indefinitely. This is courtesy the conflict between India and Pakistan which has escalated and attained war like proportions.

    The BCCI members had long consultations this morning before finally taking the decision to indefinitely suspend it. Most of the cricketers playing in the league had expressed their reservations about their safety in the midst of the Indo-Pak tensions.

    JioStar leased a statement regarding the goverment’s decision stating, We, at JioStar, whole heartedly support the BCCI’s decision to suspend TATA IPL 2025 and stand firmly committed to prioritize national interest over all other considerations. At this time, we must stand united with our country, support the government and our armed forces, and extend solidarity & support to the civilians affected. We will work with the BCCI to bring back the tournament at an appropriate time. JioStar will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the transition is managed in a seamless manner and everyone involved in the tournament broadcast returns home safely.

    It may be recalled that last evening’s match between between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala on was cancelled after 10.1 overs of play in the first half following air raid alerts in neighbouring Indian cities of Jammu and Pathankot.

    How this will impact and how BCCI will work with the official broadcaster JioStar and streaming partner JioHotstar will become clearer in the coming days. Right now the focus is on the developing conflict between the two nations.

  • Zee Entertainment wraps FY25 with a bang

    Zee Entertainment wraps FY25 with a bang

    MUMBAI:  Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) has closed its financial year on a high note, reporting a 32 per cent rise in EBITDA to Rs 11,962 million for FY25, powered by sharp cost control and solid performance across its digital and television businesses. The company’s board has recommended a dividend of Rs 2.43 per equity share of Re 1, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting.

    Zee’s traditional TV business held its ground, maintaining a stable 16.8 per cent share of the Indian TV network viewership, even as sports broadcasts slightly ate into general entertainment viewership. Notably, Zeel’s regional channels — Zee Marathi, Zee Kannada, and Zee Telugu — emerged as strong performers.

    On the digital front, Zeel’s streaming platform Zee5 recorded a six per cent year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching Rs 9,760 million in FY25. Even more impressive was the platform’s ability to rein in losses, slashing its EBITDA losses by Rs 5,572 million over the year. Zee5’s growth was fuelled by 20 new original titles, which helped it maintain user engagement despite a challenging digital ad market.

    Zee Studios had a busy quarter, releasing eight films across Hindi and regional languages, bolstering its presence in the domestic film market. Meanwhile, Zee Music Co (ZMC) continued its YouTube dominance, reaching 164 million subscribers with a whopping 190 billion views in FY25. ZMC added 14.7 million new subscribers during the year, solidifying its position as the second-largest music label on YouTube.

    Zee’s financials reflected strong cost discipline. Total revenue for FY25 stood at Rs 82,941 million, with an EBITDA margin of 14.4 per cent — a 390 basis point increase from FY24. Profit after tax (PAT) from continuing operations surged by 245 per cent to Rs 6,874 million, a testament to the company’s focus on profitability.

    The balance sheet looked rock-solid with cash and cash equivalents swelling to Rs 24.1 billion by March 2025, including Rs 2 billion from the first tranche of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB). The company’s net profit for the year came in at Rs 6,795 million, a massive 381 per cent jump over FY24.

    * Operating revenue for FY25: Rs 82,941 million, down four per cent YoY due to advertising pressure.
    * Expenditure fell by eight per cent to Rs 70,979 million, reflecting strong cost control.
    * EBITDA for FY25 rose to Rs 11,962 million, with a margin of 14.4 per cent, up 390 bps YoY.
    * Profit before tax (PBT) from continuing operations surged 143 per cent to Rs 9,261 million.
    * Zee’s all-India TV network share: 16.8 per cent, marginally down by 30 basis points YoY.
    * Regional powerhouses included Zee Marathi, Zee Kannada, and Zee Telugu.
    * TV revenues saw a mixed bag, with advertising under pressure but subscription and syndication revenue offering a cushion.
    * Zee5 revenue: Rs 9,760 million, up 6 per cent YoY.
    * EBITDA losses cut by Rs 5,572 million in FY25.
    * Original content: 20 new titles, driving user engagement.
    * Syndication revenue provided an additional boost.
    * Zee Studios: Eight films released in Q4 FY25 across Hindi and regional languages.
    * Notable releases included Chirodini Tumi Je Amar (Zee Bangla), Naa Ninna Bidalaare  (Zee Kannada), Lakshmi Nivasam (Zee Telugu), and Gatti Melam (Zee Tamil).
    * Zee Studios maintained its focus on a balanced mix of in-house and distributed titles.
    * ZMC: Total subscribers: 164 million across all channels, up 14.7 million YoY.
    * Total video views: 190 billion in FY25.
    * ZMC remains the second-largest music label on YouTube globally.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery reports mixed bag in Q1 2025

    Warner Bros. Discovery reports mixed bag in Q1 2025

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) delivered a tale of two halves in Q1 2025 — streaming surged, but studios and traditional networks struggled. The media giant reported total revenues of $9 billion, a 10 per cent dip from last year’s $10 billion.

    Streaming revenues soared by nine per cent to $2.7 billion, with global subscribers hitting 122.3 million, up 5.3 million from Q4 2024. Advertising revenue in streaming shot up by 35 per cent, driven by a surge in ad-lite subscribers. Adjusted EBITDA in streaming rocketed to $339 million from just $86 million in the same period last year.

    Studios revenue dropped 16 per cent to $2.3 billion, hurt by a 27 per cent plunge in box office revenues. Hits like Dune: Part Two and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire couldn’t prevent a fall in theatrical revenue. Games revenue was a washout, plummeting by 48 per cent, as 2025 saw no major game releases.

    Global streaming ARPU decreased nine per cent  ex-FX to $7.11, primarily attributable to growth in lower ARPU international markets and a five per cent decrease in domestic streaming ARPU to $11.15, primarily driven by a broader wholesale distribution of Max Basic with ads. Content revenue decreased seven per cent  ex-FX, as the launch of Max in new international markets, including Australia in the current year quarter, resulted in lower third-party licensing. HBO’s The White Lotus  had a record-setting season in the ratings and ranked among the five most streamed shows of March.

    Global linear networks revenue fell seven per cent to $4.8 billion, weighed down by an eight per cent decline in distribution revenue and an 11 per cent fall in advertising. Domestic pay-TV subscribers continued to desert traditional networks, dragging the numbers down.

    The company slashed debt by $2.2 billion but was left with $38 billion in gross debt and $4 billion in cash. Free cash flow took a 23 per cent hit, sliding to $302 million from $390 million in Q1 2024.

  • Planet-ary applause as Sony BBC Earth honours Attenborough at 99

    Planet-ary applause as Sony BBC Earth honours Attenborough at 99

    MUMBAI: From jungles to ice caps, volcanoes to urban sprawls Sir David Attenborough has taken us everywhere without leaving the sofa. This 8 May, Sony BBC Earth rolls out the green carpet for the voice that has defined nature storytelling for generations. As Sir David Attenborough turns 99, the channel will celebrate the global treasure with a 12-hour programming marathon featuring his most iconic works from awe-inspiring jungles to icy wilderness, and the whispering secrets of plants to the thunder of migrating herds.

    Running from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the tribute includes classics like Life, Planet Earth II, and Seven Worlds, One Planet, alongside newer gems like Mammals, The Green Planet, and the visually dazzling Planet Earth III.

    The special programming will feature a marathon of acclaimed series and episodes, including:

    •  LIFE: This breathtaking series explores the glorious variety of life on Earth and the spectacular and extraordinary tactics animals and plants have developed to stay alive.

    •  LIFE STORY: Narrated from the lens of animals, this captivating series follows their journey from birth to parenthood. Each episode focuses on one stage of life, starting with the early days to the challenges of the grown-up world.

    •  Frozen Planet II: Frozen Planet II explores Earth’s icy realms, showcasing the incredible wildlife that inhabits them. The series delves into the unique challenges and adaptations of life in these extreme, frozen environments.

    •  Planet Earth II: Exploring the diverse habitats and animal life found across the globe, Planet Earth II highlights the challenges animals face in a changing world. From bustling cities to remote islands, the series reveals the wonders of our planet.

    •  The Green Planet: The series offers a unique perspective on the world of plants and their complex lives. It explores their intricate relationships and surprising behaviours of how plants communicate, defend, and reproduce, revealing a lesser-known world to viewers

    • Mammals: The series reveals their unique adaptations, survival strategies, and complex social behaviours of mammals – from the smallest shrew to the largest whale. Sir David Attenborough uncovers the secrets of their success in every corner of the planet.

    • Seven Worlds, One Planet: Unveiling the unique wildlife and habitats of each of Earth’s continents, each episode showcases the distinct evolutionary journeys and survival struggles found on these seven diverse landmasses. The series captures the breathtaking beauty and fragility of our planet’s continents.

    •  A Perfect Planet: A Perfect Planet examines the powerful natural forces that shape our planet. The series reveals how interconnected systems like weather, oceans, and volcanoes create the conditions for life to thrive. Sir David Attenborough explores how these forces work in harmony.

    • Planet Earth III: Showcasing the wonders of the natural world in stunning detail, this series delivers breathtaking footage of our planet’s most extraordinary landscapes and creatures. It also addresses the pressing challenges facing wildlife in our rapidly changing world.

    Expect breathtaking cinematography, moving narratives, and gentle reminders of the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world. Series like Frozen Planet II and A Perfect Planet go beyond pretty pictures, diving into the science behind nature’s resilience and the fragile harmony keeping life on Earth ticking.

    Each episode is a window into a different world, narrated with Attenborough’s signature blend of wonder, wisdom, and urgency. Whether it’s a baby penguin’s first slide on ice or the slow-motion unfurling of a rainforest fern, his storytelling makes even the smallest detail feel monumental.

    So if you’re in the mood to be awed, educated, and deeply moved, tune in on 8 May. It’s not just a birthday bash, it’s a masterclass in seeing the world through the eyes of someone who’s spent a lifetime making us care about it.
     

  • Gujarat Trailblazers hit sponsorship throttle ahead of ISRL season two

    Gujarat Trailblazers hit sponsorship throttle ahead of ISRL season two

    MUMBAI: Dust clouds, revving engines, and a fast lane to fandom—Gujarat Trailblazers are gearing up to race ahead in Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season two with new fuel in the tank. The founding franchise has announced brand tie-ups with La-Pino’z Pizza and Fantopark, signalling corporate momentum as India’s motorsport market races into mainstream marketing territory.

    The new sponsors come aboard as ISRL preps for its October-December two0two5 edition, where the Trailblazers hope to build on a strong debut last season. Known for their aggressive riding and fierce finishes, the team has emerged as a fan-favourite in Gujarat, backed by a charismatic leadership core.

    The team’s strategic vision comes courtesy of Daan Motorsports and Survi Group MD Dhrumil Patel, who continues to blend regional pride with global racing ambition. “We’ve always believed that Supercross has the potential to become more than a sport, it can be a cultural force”, Patel said. “At Gujarat Trailblazers, we’re not just building a team; we’re building an ecosystem that unites fans, brands, and communities through shared passion and high-octane experiences”.

    The broader ISRL ecosystem is also shifting gears. With Hindi cinema icon Salman Khan now the official brand ambassador, the league has entered a new orbit of star power and cross-demographic appeal. According to ISRL co-founder Veer Patel, season two will roll out music acts, curated food zones, and interactive fan parks to elevate the experience into a nationwide carnival.

    “From our expanded Fan Park zones to music acts, curated F&B experiences, and interactive engagements, ISRL Season two is poised to deliver an immersive, festival-like atmosphere delivering a 360-degree experience. The partnerships with teams like Gujarat Trailblazers reflect the growing resonance of this model with brands that value emotional connection,” he said.

    With over 1.5 crore spectators expected, the ISRL isn’t just burning rubber—it’s attracting boardroom attention. For Gujarat Trailblazers, these deals mark a growing validation of their brand-led motorsport blueprint, one that melds commercial clarity with community engagement.

  • Sun Bangla celebrates Mother’s Day with a storm of emotion and storytelling

    Sun Bangla celebrates Mother’s Day with a storm of emotion and storytelling

    MUMBAI: Rain fell, stories flowed, and hearts swelled as Sun Bangla rolled out its latest campaign, ‘Ma—The Eternal Shelter’, in the run-up to Mother’s Day. Set against a typical summer downpour, the channel’s new campaign takes a rousing dive into the primal force that is motherhood—present in goddesses, guardians, and even little girls.

    The campaign centres around a seven-year-old girl, Avery, who visits her ancestral home and befriends Chhutki, the daughter of a staff member. Their bond deepens over shared stories and playful mischief until a sudden rainstorm sweeps through. What follows is a visual essay on instinctive care—from a child shielding her goat to another protecting her dolls, culminating in a symbolic goddess who melts in the rain but never lets her children come to harm.

    “Motherhood isn’t just a role—it’s an instinct. A shelter. A sacrifice”, states the campaign film, which debuts on social media on 9 May. Already gaining traction online, the campaign has sparked emotional engagement with story-led visuals reflecting everyday acts of maternal care.

    Sun Bangla, known for its rooted Bengali storytelling, aims to culminate the campaign with a television rollout on 11 May. The on-air phase will extend the emotion beyond screens, anchoring its message in the homes of millions.

    Adding another layer of depth, the campaign also features leading protagonists from the channel’s top-rated serials. These actors will share their personal reflections through exclusive bytes and specially designed on-screen Astons. Each message underscores the theme that mothers—biological or otherwise—are life’s first and most enduring safety net.

    From digital buzz to primetime screen time, Sun Bangla’s tribute to mothers is both personal and universal. As the channel puts it, “This Mother’s Day, Sun Bangla stands with every Ma—because her love is the story that shapes us all”.

  • Zee J&K Ladakh: Zee Media’s northern frontier reboot with a mission for truth and unity

    Zee J&K Ladakh: Zee Media’s northern frontier reboot with a mission for truth and unity

    MUMBAI: In a strategic pivot steeped in regional pride, Kesar TV has been rebranded to Zee J&K Ladakh— a new avatar designed to capture the pulse of India’s northern frontier. Zee Media’s fresh orange and red brand identity goes beyond mere optics, standing as a beacon for integrity, resilience, and the region’s indomitable spirit, according to a press release issued by it.

    The rebranding is not just cosmetic, adds the release. It’s a statement. Zee J&K Ladakh is here to amplify the voices of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh—showcasing local stories, bridging communication gaps, and serving as a platform for hyper-local journalism. In a region where history, culture, and geopolitics collide, the channel aims to provide a steady, truthful narrative.

    Zee Media CEO Karan Abhishek Singh highlighted in the release: “With the strategic rebranding, Zee J&K Ladakh, the channel/ platform aims to be the voice of a region that has long been at the crossroads of history, culture, and geopolitics.  In fact, it is a bold step towards redefining how regional stories are told, heard, and understood. We look forward to bringing the stories of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh to the forefront, with integrity, empathy, and a relentless focus on truth.”

    Salaam TV and  Zee J&K Ladakh editor Tarique Faridy added: “Zee J& K Ladakh is committed to shedding light on the issues that matter most to the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. We are focused on providing the region with a platform for authentic storytelling, tackling everything from local politics to the aspirations of its youth. Through this, we aim to foster understanding, cultivate hope, and inspire change within and beyond the region.”

    The press release further highlighted that Zee J&K Ladakh’s digital-first strategy would enhance its reach with a revamped website and YouTube platform, offering trusted news and insightful public interest content to audiences across borders and generations. From the snow-clad peaks of Ladakh to the bustling streets of Srinagar and Jammu, the channel pledges to be a trusted source of news, covering politics, technology, sustainability, and more.

  • Siddharth Zarabi and Alok Nair take charge of Business Today in sweeping leadership shuffle

    Siddharth Zarabi and Alok Nair take charge of Business Today in sweeping leadership shuffle

    MUMBAI: At Business Today, the winds of change are charging at bull-run speed. In a significant leadership shake-up announced by the India Today Group, Siddharth Zarabi has been elevated to the role of group editor, while Alok Nair has taken independent charge of the overall Strategic Business Unit (SBU). Both executives now steer one of India’s most influential business media outfits into its next ambitious chapter.

    Zarabi, who has been with Business Today for just four years, will now helm the brand’s digital mandate in addition to his leadership across print and TV. With this expanded portfolio, Zarabi completes the vision of a unified, synergistic business vertical across platforms—a strategy laid out by Aroon Purie and the Group’s top brass. In his new role, he reports to Purie for print and to the author of the announcement for digital and TV operations.

    Congratulating Zarabi, the note hailed his growth as a homegrown ITG talent and recognised his leadership in shaping Business Today’s editorial voice. His promotion positions him at the forefront of an integrated content strategy amid growing media convergence.

    On the business side, Business Today COO Nair has taken independent charge of the entire SBU. Having spent four years scaling up the business, Nair has seamlessly integrated into the company’s high-performance culture. The announcement lauded his blend of energy, vision, and what were cheekily referred to as “magic beans”.

    Nair will now report directly to India Today Group, group CEO Dinesh Bhatia. His elevation is seen as a bold move to energise Business Today’s business trajectory and deepen its market impact.

    In a separate but equally enthusiastic email, Kamlesh Kishore Singh, host of the podcast Teen Taal was welcomed back into the newsroom after a brief sabbatical. Singh, known for his 16-year stint at the group and his mentorship at Lallantop, resumes a full-time role from 1 May, adding further heft to the Group’s editorial firepower.

    With Singh’s ‘unretirement’, the reunion with longtime collaborator Venkat promises what leadership calls a “lethal combo” for doubling down on AI and digital transformation. In lighter moments, the note teases an “Unfarewell party” to celebrate his return.

    Both announcements underline India Today Group’s renewed faith in internal leadership and long-standing editorial talent. “Get ready for a real bull run”, the memo concludes—a statement that may apply as much to markets as it does to this spirited newsroom.
     

  • Disney’s magic numbers: Q2 2025 earnings cast a spell

    Disney’s magic numbers: Q2 2025 earnings cast a spell

    MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company’s Q2 2025 earnings have delivered a star-studded performance, with revenues climbing seven per cent to $23.6 billion, driven by robust gains in entertainment and experiences. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing — sports struggled with soaring production costs, keeping the magic somewhat grounded.

    In the spotlight, Disney’s entertainment segment sparkled with a 61 per cent surge in operating income, hitting $1.3 billion. Direct-to-consumer revenues also soared, thanks to a 2.5 million bump in Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions, pushing the combined total to 180.7 million. The much-talked-about Disney+ subscriber base alone rose to 126 million, an addition of 1.4 million from the previous quarter.

    However, the sports division played a tougher game. Operating income tumbled by $91 million to $687 million, primarily due to bloated programming costs, which included airing three extra college football playoff games and an additional NFL clash. ESPN’s domestic advertising revenue shot up by 29 per cent, but it wasn’t enough to offset the spending blitz.

    Disney’s crown jewel — its experiences division — continued to enchant. Segment operating income hit $2.5 billion, a nine per cent rise, as domestic parks saw a 13 per cent boost in income, driven by higher spending and increased attendance.

    Net income soared to $3.4 billion from just $216 million a year ago, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) hitting $1.45, a 20 per cent year-on-year jump. Free cash flow surged over 100 per cent to $4.9 billion, thanks to lower tax payments and tighter cost control.

    But not everything was a fairy tale. Disney’s Star India JV posted a $103 million loss, reflecting ongoing challenges in the competitive Indian market. There was also a equity loss from India JV of ~$300 million driven by purchase accounting amortisation. Amounts for the current period include impairment charges related to the Star India transaction ($143 million) and content ($109 million). Tax expense in the current period includes the estimated tax impact of these charges and a non-cash tax charge of $244 million related to the Star India transaction. Amounts for the prior-year period include impairments of goodwill ($2,038 million).

    Looking ahead, Disney is waving its wand at a 16 per cent rise in adjusted EPS for the full year, expecting $5.75 per share, as it bets on double-digit growth in entertainment and a fresh direct-to-consumer push with ESPN’s new offering.

    Disney’s CEO Bob Iger summed it up: “Our outstanding performance this quarter underscores our continued success building for growth and executing across our strategic priorities. Overall, we remain optimistic about the direction of the company and our outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year.”