ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Uber hits a six with free fan shuttles to Arun Jaitley Stadium

    Uber hits a six with free fan shuttles to Arun Jaitley Stadium

    MUMBAI: In a move that’s set to bowl fans over, Uber has launched a free Uber Shuttle Fan Bus service for Delhi NCR cricket lovers heading to the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Just in time for the peak of the cricket season, this initiative promises to hit the sweet spot between convenience and cricket mania.

    From April 16, five specially curated Uber Shuttle routes will ferry cricket fans from across Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram straight to the stadium gates on match days i.e. 16, 27, 29 April  and 11 May. The service is Uber’s way of blending love for the game with seamless city travel.

    Speaking on the initiative, Uber Shuttle head of strategy Snehashish Nag said, “We’re turning up the game day experience with Uber Shuttle – fast, reliable, and with zero stress. Booking’s a breeze, rides are smooth, and getting to the match is effortless with drop-offs right in front of the stadium. In Delhi, this is the ride fans can count on. It’s our way of moving smarter while also helping decongest roads on match days.”

    To add to the cricketing spirit, the Uber app is also getting into match mode with vehicle icons sporting cricket-themed avatars for the duration of the tournament. Because, why should jerseys have all the fun?

    The Uber Shuttle programme aims to complement public transport, making travel safer, smarter, and more sustainable. Whether it’s airports, offices, or now stadiums, Uber is betting big on plug-and-play city mobility. And if you’re planning to ride in, here’s how to book your match-day magic:

    1.    Open the Uber app and enter Arun Jaitley Stadium as your pick-up or drop-off

    2.    Tap the Shuttle icon

    3.    Pick your preferred time and hit Confirm Shuttle

    4.    Reserve your seat early and carry valid match tickets

    With a drop that’s closer than the front row and a ride that’s easier than parking hassles, Uber’s cricket shuttle is turning transport into a team player. So, match-day plans? Sorted.

  • Nand Kumar Nair shifts into top gear as editor, automobile at TV9 Network to steer new vertical

    Nand Kumar Nair shifts into top gear as editor, automobile at TV9 Network to steer new vertical

    MUMBAI: TV9 Network just added a turbocharger to its editorial engine—and his name is Nand Kumar Nair. The seasoned journalist and auto content whiz has taken the wheel as editor, automobile, bringing nearly two decades of motor revving, audience-grabbing experience to the news giant. With a résumé that’s zipped through Prasar Bharti, Dainik Jagran, and a global audience of 32 countries, Nair isn’t just stepping in—he’s rolling in with full headlights on.

    This appointment signals TV9’s bold pivot into the fast lane of automotive content. And with Nair in the driver’s seat, it’s not going to be a Sunday cruise. He’s tasked with building a dedicated automobile vertical from the ground up—one that fuses branded content, white label IPs, and digital affinity programs into a media powerhouse that grips eyeballs and delivers advertiser mileage like never before.

    “I am truly honoured to join TV9 Network and lead the creation of a dedicated automobile vertical. TV9 Network has long been a powerhouse of innovation and excellence in the media industry, and I am excited to contribute to its legacy. The automotive industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and this presents a tremendous opportunity to craft fresh, fascinating content that not only informs but captivates the audience. I look forward to working with a dynamic team to create impactful narratives that inform, inspire, and resonate with the audience across platforms,” Nair said, shifting into high enthusiasm.

    TV9’s top brass is equally amped. “We are thrilled to have Nand Kumar Nair on board, bringing with him an extraordinary legacy of media innovation, leadership, and content excellence. His visionary approach and deep industry expertise will be instrumental in accelerating our growth, expanding our reach, and redefining content strategy. We look forward to his leadership in driving innovation and unlocking new opportunities as we get on this stimulating drive together,” said TV9 Network CGO Raktim Das.

    CRO Amit Tripathi echoed the praise, calling Nair “a recognised media strategist and compelling on-air personality,” and lauding his flair for fusing storytelling with strategy. “Nair has an innate ability to fuse content excellence with business strategy. He has executed high-impact brand activations that delivered unparalleled return on investment,” Tripathi said.

    Nair’s track record proves it. He led Jagran Hi-Tech to the top of India’s automotive and tech content food chain, built and managed a 62-person strong content squad, and turned Wion Pitstop into a globally consumed show that had car geeks glued across 32 countries. Let’s not forget he also masterminded large-scale stunts like the Tata Motors Endurance Challenge—because why just talk torque when you can live it?

    At TV9, he will now build a content engine that doesn’t just test drives cars but test drives culture—bridging gearheads, green mobility fans, and advertisers looking to take the fast lane.

    Finish line?

    Create content that’s tuned to the engine of India’s auto-obsessed demographic and drives business results across TV and digital.a

  • Kapil Dev joins SOGF Grandmasters Series as north and east zone ambassador for mind sport glory

    Kapil Dev joins SOGF Grandmasters Series as north and east zone ambassador for mind sport glory

    MUMBAI: Kapil Dev is back—this time not swinging a bat but cheering on the country’s sharpest minds as they outwit, outplay and outmanoeuvre their way through the SOGF Grandmasters Series. Yes, the man who lifted India’s first World Cup in 1983 now lends his legendary presence to a very different kind of game—one with knights, queens, and a whole lot of calculation.

    On 15 April 2025, the Skillhub Online Games Federation (SOGF) officially announced the cricketing icon as the brand ambassador for the north and east zone finals of its mind sports extravaganza. The much-anticipated finals are scheduled for 29-30 April at Gurugram’s Hyatt Regency, promising checkmates, rummy runs and intellectual hustle like never before.

    “Mind sports are witnessing an incredible surge worldwide, propelled by high-speed internet, digital platforms, and growing accessibility. I’m delighted to join hands with SOGF to champion this movement in India. Strategic thinking, mental agility, discipline, and problem-solving—these are the qualities mind sports nurture, much like cricket. These skills are essential for shaping individuals who can compete on a global stage, and I’m proud to support an initiative that enhances India’s presence in this arena,” said Kapil.

    The Grandmasters Series has already galloped through south and west zone finales in Bengaluru and Mumbai, now heading to Gurugram for its penultimate regional clash. But this isn’t just chessboard showboating—the event covers three categories: Indian Chess Masters (ICM), Indian Chess Masters for the Blind (ICMB), and Indian Rummy Grandmasters (IRG). With over 1,50,000 online registrations in previous rounds, the tournament has proven that strategy isn’t just alive in India—it’s thriving.

    Kapil isn’t the only legend endorsing this mental marathon.

    Chess grandmaster Koneru Humpy, already the brand ambassador for the entire series, continues to wave the banner for brain-powered brilliance. “Being part of the SOGF series, including my presence at the Mumbai event, has been a rewarding experience. I truly believe in its potential to unearth and nurture India’s mind sports talent. I look forward to witnessing its growth and impact, confident that it will become a significant milestone on the Indian sports calendar, attracting top players from around the world,” she said.

    Her presence, paired with Kapil’s iconic credibility, gives SOGF a promotional double-whammy. According to president Shankar Aggarwal, “Having Kapil Dev as our brand ambassador for the north and east zone finals is a game-changer. His towering legacy in sports and his ability to inspire generations align perfectly with our vision.”

    Let’s talk numbers:

    . The IRG category saw 78,000 online warriors, 150 of whom made it to the finals.

    .  The ICM whittled down 3,500 registered players to just 32 finalists—16 men, 16 women.

    .  And in the most inclusive move of the series, the ICMB partnered with the All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) to handpick 16 talented minds across the country.

    If you thought this was just another low-stakes game night, think again. Past zonal winners walked away with the Major Dhyan Chand Scholarship and a slice of the Rs 60 lakh prize pie. And yes, the final zone event is “phygital”—a snazzy blend of physical gameplay and digital platforms, ensuring both scale and spectacle.

    Finalists in Gurugram will compete not just for regional bragging rights but for a golden ticket to the SOGF Grandmasters National Finals in New Delhi. That’s where the ultimate chess titans and card sharks will battle for national titles and global visibility—backed by alliances with the International Esports Federation (IESF), International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), and the Global Esports Federation (GEF).

    Brains, strategy, glory—and now, Kapil Dev. Your move.

  • Navi UPI hits a six with early RCB ticket access and cricket contest

    Navi UPI hits a six with early RCB ticket access and cricket contest

    MUMBAI: Cricket meets convenience as Navi UPI, the Official Payments Partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), returns with another exclusive offer for fans this time unlocking early ticket access for RCB’s final three home matches of the season. Starting 11 am on April 16, Navi UPI users will enjoy a 24-hour head start to book tickets for blockbuster clashes against Chennai (3 May), Hyderabad (13 May), and Kolkata (17 May), well before the general public scrambles to grab theirs.

    All it takes to score this VIP access is a tap on the RCB ticket banner in the Navi app and a payment via Navi UPI. This second wave of early access follows the resounding success of the first ticket window launched in March, which saw fans race ahead of the crowd to secure their spots for the opening home games.

    But Navi isn’t stopping at just ticket perks. Cricket fever’s gone digital with Powerplay, Navi’s first-ever user contest, now live on its Android app. With each UPI payment, users unlock digital player cards and collect a full team of 11 unique players and you could win 2,000 Navi coins or RCB memorabilia signed by the stars themselves. Got five of the same player? That’s an instant 100 bonus coins in the bag.

    Navi Technologies CEO Rajiv Naresh said, “We wanted to create something that makes everyday payments feel like a win. Navi Powerplay lets users have fun while they pay collecting player cards, earning rewards, and standing a chance to win RCB-signed memorabilia. We are excited to launch our first ever contest and look forward to enhancing contest-led strategies on Navi UPI in days to come.”

    As the IPL heats up, Navi UPI is giving fans more reasons to cheer combining cricket, collectibles, and cashless convenience in one winning pitch.
     

  • Big FM gets digitally loud with Jay Soni as India’s first Digital Jockey for Gujarat rollout

    Big FM gets digitally loud with Jay Soni as India’s first Digital Jockey for Gujarat rollout

    MUMBAI: Big FM just turned up the volume – not on your radio, but across your phone screen. In a move as spicy as a Kathiyawadi thali, the radio veteran has leapt into the creator economy with India’s first-ever digital jockey (DJ) – and who better to pilot the desi-digital fusion than television heartthrob and proud Gujarati, Jay Soni?

    Big FM announced the #DigitalJockey initiative – a hybrid beast fusing the nostalgia of radio storytelling with the pixel-perfect punch of digital content. The launch marks a strategic milestone in Big FM’s ambitious digital playbook, giving audiences something fresher than a Rajkot morning and deeper than a Vadodara poetry jam.

    And at the centre of this whirlwind is Soni, donning the DJ (not disc jockey – digital jockey, please) hat for Gujarat Diaries, an all-new series that dives into the state’s untapped tales. From conversations with artists and entrepreneurs to decoding local quirks and centuries-old customs, this isn’t just another travelogue—it’s Gujarat in 4K, with surround sound and sans clichés.

    Big FM COO Sunil Kumaran didn’t hold back on the ambition. “We are delighted to introduce Jay Soni as India’s first Digital Jockey representing Gujarat, who will bring a strong local flavour to this concept. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Big FM’s digital journey, as we bring together creators, communities and culture through compelling, platform-agnostic storytelling. With Digital Jockeys, we’re expanding our footprint in the creator economy whilst also boosting client engagement and amplifying the effectiveness of campaigns”, said he.

    Soni, who looks equally comfortable narrating anecdotes as he does charming television aunties, chimed in with full-throttle excitement. “I am extremely thrilled to collaborate with Big FM to become India’s first digital jockey. As a proud Gujarati, this opportunity not only lets me explore a new facet as an artist but also to reconnect with my roots in a special way. I am excited to present the charm, vibrancy and stories of my homeland in a fresh, digital format. I am looking forward to bringing unheard stories of the state and celebrating our culture with a broader online audience.”

    The series, which will live across Big FM’s growing footprint on Youtube, social media and podcasts, aims to make content as snackable as a fafda-jalebi combo. And with campaigns like #TheSocialStar, MOMfluence, and BIG Dhun in its portfolio, Big FM is turning into a 360° content powerhouse that plays equally well on smartphones as it does on stereos.

    Big FM is now betting big – pun intended – on scaling the Digital Jockey format to more regions. Picture local legends, regional vibes, and pan-India reach – all delivered in bite-sized, dopamine-hitting digital drops.

    So, the radio might be old-school, but the beat? That’s entirely 2025.

  • Gallant Sports hits the ground running with slick new tiles, turf and eco-friendly flooring

    Gallant Sports hits the ground running with slick new tiles, turf and eco-friendly flooring

    MUMBAI: When India’s athletes stretch, sprint and slam dunk, Gallant Sports wants to make sure they land like pros—not on dodgy turf or wobbly floors. In a move that screams ‘IPO-bound and proud’, the Delhi-based sports infra player has ripped the cover off its latest lineup of flooring wizardry, turf tech, and shock-absorbing magic. This isn’t just another rollout—it’s flooring with flair, and a serious statement of intent under its ‘Vision 2036’ roadmap.

    Gallant Sports—already a heavyweight in India’s sports infrastructure scene—announced the launch of a cutting-edge range of smart modular fields and sports flooring. The products are engineered to meet the needs of everyone from Sunday-league hopefuls to Olympic-level sprinters.

    “At Gallant Sports, we’re committed to shaping the future of sports in India,” said founder & CEO Nasir Ali. “This new product line reflects our mission to deliver innovative, safe, and sustainable solutions that elevate athletic performance and community well-being.” He added, “We’re not just building sports fields—we’re building ecosystems that empower athletes and institutions alike.”

    The company’s latest offering comes packed with enough acronyms, shock ratings and environmental kudos to make eco-engineers blush. But make no mistake—this kit means business.

    Gallant’s next-gen sports tiles—Titan, Hexagonal 2.0 and Rubber Elastomer—are made of high-grade TPE, the same stuff approved by FIBA 3×3. They boast weather resistance, impact absorption and energy return so good, they practically high-five your knees. Think basketball, futsal, and volleyball courts built to last—and bounce.

    The pre-fabricated rubber flooring options come in three comforting thicknesses—5mm, 8mm and 13mm. They’re odour-free, non-toxic, World Athletics-compliant, and most importantly, fully recyclable. Whether it’s a casual jog or a high-stakes sprint, the flooring promises grip without the slip.

    Gallant’s new FIFA-tested, non-infill synthetic turf cuts out traditional rubber crumbs—thankfully, because nobody likes cleaning black bits out of their socks. The turf stays cooler, looks cleaner, and is far easier to maintain. Plus, with a global phase-out of SBR infill looming by 2031, Gallant’s already ahead of the curve.

    Rounding out the rollout is a line of high-performance shockpads with geo-textile backing and GSM ratings of 70+. Available in thicknesses from 10mm to 20mm, they’re the unsung heroes for preventing knee-crunching, elbow-smacking wipeouts. Ideal for playgrounds and football fields, they tick every international safety box.

    This smart, modular, and sustainability-forward range isn’t just tech for tech’s sake. It’s a calculated move to beef up Gallant’s portfolio ahead of its public market debut later this year—a playbook that blends ambition, athleticism and asphalt.

    For an industry that’s often more dust bowl than digital-age, Gallant’s latest offering looks like a flooring revolution dressed in TPE. And if all goes to plan, India’s next generation of sportstars will be standing on world-class surfaces while the brand stands tall on the stock market.

  • News broadcast stuck in time warp, must evolve or die: Sudhir Chaudhary

    News broadcast stuck in time warp, must evolve or die: Sudhir Chaudhary

    MUMBAI: News broadcasting hasn’t had a proper makeover in two decades and is paying the price as viewers switch to sexier platforms, claims popular anchor Sudhir Chaudhary. Speaking on a Governance Now podcast with Sri Adhikari Brothers managing director Kailashnath Adhikari, , Chaudhary delivered a blunt diagnosis of the industry’s ailments.

    “Least innovation has taken place in the news broadcast industry,” lamented the veteran journalist. “With nearly 400 news channels today, the big 10-15 follow identical breaking news formats with red alerts, similar headlines, and studios where anchors look remarkably alike—debating the same subjects with familiar panellists.”

    The industry, he argues, has become obsessed with ratings rather than reinvention. “Experts in newsrooms study TRPs and suggest content creation based on popularity. Ninety-nine per cent of the industry functions in this reactive manner. The industry has lost its way.”

    Chaudhary, who boasts 7.9 million followers on X (formerly Twitter), noted a telling shift in viewer language: “Earlier people said they watch me on TV, but now they say they follow me.”

    While traditional news outlets flounder, social media influencers are cultivating massive audiences through innovative formats. Unlike cricket—which reinvented itself from five-day tests to T20 spectacles—television news remains trapped in amber, with the same stale formulas recycled night after night.

    “Today the consumer has a plethora of available options,” Chaudhary observed. “News is available on WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, television, print and social media. You have to show the same story in different formats, durations and parts on different platforms.”

    Looking ahead, Chaudhary—rumoured to be joining the National Broadcaster—says he craves “freedom to create content instead of chasing TRPs” and will seek alliances with social media creators. The message is clear: evolve or become yesterday’s news.

  • IPL 2025 advertising volumes surge by seven per cent: 22 match scorecard from TAM Sports

    IPL 2025 advertising volumes surge by seven per cent: 22 match scorecard from TAM Sports

    MUMBAI:  Advertising volumes for the Indian Premier League (IPL) have jumped by seven per cent in 2025, surpassing the previous season’s 22-match milestone. The tournament, cricket’s glitziest carnival, continues to be an advertiser’s dream with volumes climbing from 100 in IPL 17 to a whopping 107 in IPL 18, according to TAM Sports (A Division of TAM Media Research).

    growth everywhere

    The league’s magnetic pull for brands remains undeniable, with the latest data showing remarkable growth across the board. IPL 2024 witnessed a two per cent growth in categories, 14 per cent rise in advertisers, and an impressive 21 per cent surge in brands – clear evidence of advertisers’ unwavering confidence in the tournament’s broad consumer reach.

    Among the heavy hitters, Parle biscuits claimed the top spot across all 21 matches (barring the opening game). The top five advertisers in IPL 18 accounted for 30 per cent of overall volumes, with Parle Biscuits leading the charge while Sports Technologies and Volini Packaging maintained their strong presence in both IPL 18 and IPL 17.

    Collectively, the top five categories represented more than 40 per cent of total ad volumes. Ecom-gaming and mouth freshener emerged as recurring crowd-pleasers, featuring prominently in both seasons. Notably, two of the top five categories in IPL 18 came from the food & beverages sector, with mouth freshener dominating IPL 18’s advertising landscape.

    New categories

    The tournament also welcomed 24 new categories and 84 new brands advertising across 22 matches compared to IPL 17. Among these fresh faces, Parle Platina Hide & Seek established itself as the leading newcomer, followed by Rajshree Silver Coated Elaichi.

    With these numbers, IPL continues to prove it’s not just cricket’s biggest party – it’s also the advertising world’s most lucrative playground.

  • Foreign brands bowl over India as IPL turns global advertising pitch

    Foreign brands bowl over India as IPL turns global advertising pitch

    MUMBAI: As the Tata IPL 2025 continues to bowl over audiences with record-breaking viewership, it’s not just the players on the pitch who are playing for high stakes. Global brands are stepping up to bat, making India’s biggest sporting spectacle their preferred launchpad for business growth and JioStar’s broadcast and digital platforms their prime ad real estate.

    Joining the international sponsor squad this season is Danube Properties, coming on board as a ‘co-powered by’ sponsor on Star Sports, and Lattafa Perfumes, which becomes the first international retail brand to advertise on JioStar’s cricket coverage. Their presence signals a wider trend: cricket is no longer just India’s game, it’s the world’s marketing playground.

    In recent seasons, JioStar has attracted heavyweights like Etihad, Emirates, Disney Cruise Line, DP World, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Tourism, and more. Sectors like real estate, aviation, and tourism have taken centre stage, capitalising on cricket’s pan-India reach and its increasing influence in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

    JioStar chief business officer for sports revenue SMB & creator Ishan Chatterjee said, “Cricket in India is no longer just a national obsession, it’s a global advertising stage. We’re seeing international brands increasingly turn to JioStar as a gateway to scale, status, and cultural relevance. These partnerships go beyond awareness; they’re delivering real business outcomes, from lead generation to brand affinity in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.”

    Danube Properties founder and chairman Rizwan Sajan said, “Danube Properties is thrilled to partner with Star Sports this year on the Tata IPL. India is one of the biggest markets for Danube Properties, and there isn’t a better medium than Star Sports and the Tata IPL to maximize our reach. The Tata IPL takes place during one of the busiest periods in our investment cycle for both commercial and residential properties and being able to reach that scale of high-net-worth individuals within just two months gives our business a significant boost. This association continues to be a key driver of investor interest, making it easier than ever to own a property in Dubai. It has been a truly impactful association, and we look forward to even greater success ahead.”

    Danube’s campaign is cleverly timed with one of their busiest investment cycles, tapping into IPL’s ability to deliver scale within just a few weeks.

    India’s evolution into a premium consumption hub has turbocharged this trend. It’s now one of the top five global source markets for airlines, a significant base of NRI property buyers, and a high-spending outbound tourism segment. For global brands, India is not just a pit stop, it’s the prize.

    And as JioStar transforms cricket coverage into a blend of sports and sophisticated storytelling, it’s offering more than just visibility,  it’s delivering leads, loyalty, and legacy. In the grand theatre of the IPL, it’s not just sixes that soar, so do global ambitions.

  • Veteran journalist Rahul Sinha makes comeback at Zee News’s flagship show

    Veteran journalist Rahul Sinha makes comeback at Zee News’s flagship show

    MUMBAI: Seasoned journalist Rahul Sinha is set to rejoin Zee News’ prime-time show DNA (Daily News & Analysis) as its anchor bringing his distinctive brand of patriotic reporting to Indian screens at 9 pm daily. The 27-year veteran returns with a mission encapsulated in the Hindi slogan that translates to “Bold Voice, Credible Communication, 100% Nationalism.”

    With nearly three decades in the field, Sinha isn’t just dusting off his anchor’s chair – he’s reclaiming his old stomping ground on a programme he once helped make famous. His appointment comes as Zee Media positions DNA as an antidote to what it perceives as India’s increasingly muddled media landscape.

    “Zee News’s DNA is more than a mirror to the nation’s concerns,” said Sinha, who is also the managing editor at Zee News. “Today, when the country needs clarity and conviction in communication, DNA will be that bold and honest voice for every Indian.”

    The revamped show promises to cut through the clutter with Sinha’s trademark incisive analysis on everything from politics to international affairs, all filtered through a decidedly nationalist lens.

    Zee Media chief executive  Karan Abhishek Singh said: “DNA will continue to be a transformative force in Indian news with the mission of awakening the nation. As DNA takes on a fresh and dynamic avatar under Rahul Sinha’s leadership, it aligns with the evolving expectations of citizens. With a sharper, stronger approach, we look forward to redefining news analysis by diving deeper into the issues that matter most. In this renewed format, Rahul Sinha’s role will be instrumental in guiding the show’s editorial direction, bringing his vast experience and commitment to truth. In an era where clarity and courage in journalism are essential, our commitment is to empower citizens with truth, ask the tough questions, and deliver news that drives real impact. We are here to awaken the nation, one story at a time.”

    Viewers can expect the anchor’s unvarnished take on national issues, with Zee promising “editorial independence” and “bold questions” – though all delivered with what the network calls a “strong nationalist spirit.”

    In a mediascape often criticised for its partisan coverage, Sinha’s return represents Zee’s bet that Indians are hungry for news with a side of nationalism – delivered with conviction, if not always with neutrality