Category: TV Channels

  • India at the Chaupal as News18 sets the stage for big voices and bold views

    India at the Chaupal as News18 sets the stage for big voices and bold views

    MUMBAI: The nation’s most powerful voices are pulling up a seat at the table or rather, the Chaupal. News18 India, the country’s No. 1 Hindi news channel, is gearing up to host its flagship summit Chaupal 2025 – Ab Bharat Ki Baari on October 16, 2025, in New Delhi.

    For years, News18 India Chaupal has been where India’s ideas meet India’s icons, a melting pot of politics, policy, and perspective. This year, the conversation turns to self-reliance and global ambition, as India continues to make waves across sectors, from infrastructure to innovation.

    The lineup reads like the guest list for democracy’s most high-profile brainstorming session. On the dais: Nitin Gadkari, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Sachin Pilot, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Jayant Chaudhary, and Smriti Irani. Adding to the mix are Tenjem Imna Along from Nagaland, K. Kavitha, Imran Masood, and Mukhtar Naqvi ensuring every corner of Bharat has a voice in the dialogue.

    But Chaupal isn’t just about politics. It’s a culture of conversation and the guest list proves it. Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev, actor Bobby Deol, South African High Commissioner Dr. Anil Sooklal, German Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann, French ambassador Thierry Mathou, and artistes like Suzanne Bernert, pianist Andreas König, Odissi dancer Sharon Lowen, and filmmaker Rafael Stemplewski will bring their unique global and cultural perspectives to the mix.

    “News18 India Chaupal serves as a premier platform for impactful dialogue and national discourse,” said Network18 Group chief strategy officer, Puneet Singhvi. “It brings together the country’s top voices to strengthen governance, democracy, and nation-building.”

    Adding to that Network18 (Broadcast) and MD, A+E Networks | TV18 CEO Avinash Kaul said, “Staying true to its legacy of fearless journalism, Chaupal unites voices that shape India’s narrative. It continues to evolve as one of India’s most distinguished thought leadership forums.”

    Since its inception, Chaupal has been more than a summit, it’s become a symbol of meaningful exchange. The 2025 edition promises high-decibel debates, insightful exchanges, and the kind of unscripted moments that remind viewers why democracy thrives on dialogue.

    So, whether you’re a policy wonk, a culture buff, or just someone who loves a good debate, mark your calendars. News18 India Chaupal 2025 goes live on 16 October, from 11 am onwards bringing India’s biggest names under one roof to ask, answer, and argue what’s next for Bharat.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery sparks dhamakedar Diwali for kids

    Warner Bros. Discovery sparks dhamakedar Diwali for kids

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, the magic of heroes lights up your screens! Warner Bros. Discovery is set to dazzle children across India with a festive lineup of specials, marathons, and new episodes on Pogo, Cartoon Network, and Discovery Kids throughout October.

    Pogo kicks off the celebrations with India ke superhero ka superutsav from 18 to 24 October, featuring fresh episodes and telefeatures of Chhota Bheem, Little Singham, Jay Jagannath, and Mighty Little Bheem. Young viewers can follow epic adventures like Nakshatra Warrior (Part 1–3), airing Sundays at 1 pm from 12 to 26 October, where Bheem and Little Singham unite to thwart Kaal and Kirmada. Late-night excitement continues with Chhota Bheem vs Bhakshak: Quest for Kala Aina (Part 1–3) at 11:30 pm, as Bheem races against time to save his friends.

    Cartoon Network blends superhero action and Halloween fun this month. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies premieres on 19 October at 11:30 am, followed by daily specials from 20 to 24 October at 9:30 am. Fans can also catch Beast Boy: Lone Wolf on 25–26 October at 11:30 AM and enjoy Halloween day specials with spooky episodes on 31 October from 3:30 PM.

    Meanwhile, Discovery Kids introduces new episodes of Titoo from 20 October, airing Monday to Friday at 1 pm, following the mischievous eight-year-old whose good intentions often lead to hilarious chaos.

    With superheroes, laughter, and magical adventures, Warner Bros. Discovery ensures this Diwali is filled with unforgettable entertainment for young viewers across India.

  • ET NOW lights up Diwali with mega market specials

    ET NOW lights up Diwali with mega market specials

    MUMBAI: This Diwali, ET NOW is making markets sparkle! India’s leading English business news channel has launched its Mega Diwali programming special, “Samvat 2082: Save, Invest, Prosper”, bringing investors closer to the festive action while decoding the country’s economic pulse.

    Presented by SBI Bank and co-powered by SBI Life Insurance and Polycab, the week-long coverage runs until 20 October and culminates in the Grand Muhurat Trading special on 21 October. With GST rate cuts and policy reforms shaping the economic backdrop, ET NOW aims to empower viewers with insights into investment strategies, consumption trends, and market opportunities.

    Highlights include Investment Gurus, featuring experts like Ramesh Damani, Rajeev Thakkar, Atul Suri, and others, who decode their outlooks for Samvat 2082. Consumption Pulse explores festive spending across automobiles, FMCG, retail, jewellery, and real estate, with insights from industry leaders including Harsh Mariwala and Santosh Iyer.

    Live interaction formats like deal or no deal answer viewers’ stock queries, while Fund’tastic Managers presents strategies from top mutual fund leaders such as Radhika Gupta and Prashant Jain. Commodity trends are tracked in Commodity Central, and investment opportunities are identified in Cracker Stocks, ranging from “Safe sparklers” to “High-risk rockets.”

    Primetime specials include ET NOW Realty Reckoner on 15 October, deep-diving into real estate across metros and emerging cities, and The Ultimate Snakes & Ladders on 17 October, reflecting India’s market highs and lows. The grand finale on 21 October features Muhurat Trading, with market stalwarts Vijay Kedia, Nilesh Shah, and Sunil Singhania leading live coverage and sharing wealth insights.

    With this festive line-up, ET NOW is combining expert analysis, interactive shows, and cultural relevance to help viewers navigate Samvat 2082 with confidence, ensuring Diwali celebrations are as bright financially as they are culturally.
     

  • Vinod Cookware cooks up festive magic on Rasoi

    Vinod Cookware cooks up festive magic on Rasoi

    MUMBAI: Stirring up the pot this festive season! Vinod Intelligent Cookware is turning up the heat on regional engagement by partnering as co-powered sponsor of Rasoi, Colors Gujarati’s long-running cooking show. The collaboration kicked off on 1 October 2025 and will span 158 episodes, running through the festive season.

    The integration brings Vinod’s flagship range: pressure cookers, kadhais, frypans, tawas, and steamers, front and centre. From logo placements and anchor mentions to in-content integration and strategic product placements, the brand ensures viewers get a full helping of visibility throughout the campaign.

    Rasoi, a cultural mainstay for over 20 years with more than 6,600 episodes and 20,000 recipes aired, is hosted by Dhvani Trivedi, Harsh Bhatariya, Riya Makwana, and Rudra Tumdi. The show blends authentic vegetarian recipes with modern, healthier twists, making it an ideal platform for Vinod Cookware to connect with Gujarati households during the festive season.

    Vinod Cookware India managing director Sunil Agarwal said, “Partnering with a culturally trusted show like Rasoi allows us to showcase our product innovations while engaging deeply with regional households. It reflects our strategy of blending tradition with modern cooking solutions, ensuring healthier and more enjoyable meals.”

    Network Advertising president-media Priya Jacob added, “This partnership is about more than presence; it is about connecting with families through a show they trust, creating meaningful brand engagement and reinforcing Vinod Cookware’s authentic identity.”

    The move adds to Vinod Cookware’s impressive portfolio of partnerships, which includes Masterchef India, Kaun Banega Crorepati, and regional collaborations with Zee Marathi and Amrita Television. Its ongoing digital campaigns have also garnered over 170 million views, demonstrating the brand’s strength across platforms.

    Founded in 1962 by Rajeram Agarwal, Vinod Intelligent Cookware is a leading manufacturer of premium stainless-steel cookware, with 400 plus products and a global presence since 1990. Known for hygienic pressure cookers and innovative solutions, the brand continues to blend tradition with modern technology to cater to evolving Indian kitchens.

     

  • McLaren races into the past as Iron Mountain fuels digital revival

    McLaren races into the past as Iron Mountain fuels digital revival

    MUMBAI: When it comes to history, McLaren’s not just leaving skid marks, it’s digitising them. The racing powerhouse has teamed up with global information management leader Iron Mountain to put its legendary past in pole position for a digital-age revival.

    Through this partnership, Iron Mountain will help McLaren Racing reimagine its vast archives transforming decades of blueprints, films, and photographs into dynamic, intelligent content. Think of it as a pit stop for history, where dusty reels and fading sketches are tuned up with AI precision and set to race into the cloud.

    The collaboration marks a major lap in McLaren’s digital heritage transformation journey. Iron Mountain’s AI-enabled platform will help unlock hidden value in the team’s storied legacy, turning nostalgia into an interactive experience for fans and partners across the globe. From the roar of Ayrton Senna’s engines to the craftsmanship behind every chassis, McLaren’s most iconic moments are set to be revived, reimagined, and relived.

    McLaren Racing, co-chief commercial officer Nick Martin said, “Our fans are at the centre of what we do, and we are passionate about sharing our storied past with them. With the integration of Iron Mountain, we will be able to bring to life more of the team’s rich history for our fans and partners as we look to shine a light on the McLaren Racing brand.”

    Beyond storytelling, the partnership also brings efficiency to the garage. Iron Mountain will support McLaren in securely managing and recycling end-of-life IT assets, a move that reinforces the team’s commitment to innovation and sustainability both on and off the track.

    Starting from the 2025 United States Grand Prix, Iron Mountain’s branding will appear on both McLaren Formula 1 race cars, along with several other touchpoints throughout the 2025 season and beyond.

    Iron Mountain executive vice president & chief commercial officer Greg McIntosh added, “We are proud to partner with the McLaren Formula 1 Team, which embodies the spirit of innovation and high performance at Iron Mountain. Our AI-enabled digital platform will help to fuel new opportunities for success and transform McLaren Racing’s iconic heritage media protecting these timeless assets for future generations.”

    By preserving its past while powering towards the future, McLaren proves that even in Formula 1, heritage doesn’t slow you down, it gives you more traction.

     

  • NDTV Profit IGNITE Debuts with a Defining Dialogue for Samvat 2082

    NDTV Profit IGNITE Debuts with a Defining Dialogue for Samvat 2082

    MUMBAI: In a grand launch befitting the festive spirit of Diwali, NDTV Profit hosted the first edition of IGNITE in Mumbai, convening India’s top market strategists, corporate leaders, fintech founders, and investors. The event underscored the urgency and optimism with which market participants are looking ahead to the new Samvat, seeking both direction and conviction in the wake of global economic turbulence.

    As the forum opened, veteran investor Ramesh Damani set the tone with a candid assessment: ‘The world today is vastly different from when I began in 1989,’ he remarked, calling for a recalibration of expectations and strategy. While globalization once dominated frameworks, he noted, nations now increasingly must fend for themselves. Yet, he asserted, India remains comparatively well-placed to navigate these headwinds.

    Damani also steered the attention toward sunrise sectors — rare earth minerals, shipbuilding, and infrastructure development — while voicing caution on gold’s long-term track record.

    Manish Chokhani of Enam offered a counter-view on gold’s resurgence as a hedge against inflation and Western monetary excess, though he too reinforced the importance of discipline and patience.

    From the exchange’s vantage, Ashishkumar Chauhan, CEO of NSE, issued a firm caution on leverage and derivatives, warning individual investors that unlike companies, they lack bankruptcy protections. ‘Leverage is the ultimate risk,’ he said, urging restraint.

    Nilesh Shah of Kotak Mahindra AMC underlined how India’s startups are absorbing technology at unprecedented speed and called for reforms to further unlock potential.

    Sundeep Sikka of Nippon Life AMC emphasized the resilience of SIP flows as a safeguard against emotional investing. Harshvardhan Roongta highlighted that no portfolio is complete without insurance, while Ayush Mittal urged investors to use AI as a research ally, not a substitute for judgement.

    The conversation also touched on consumption revival post-GST cuts, with Mayank Shah of Parle Products explaining how pricing benefits would filter down to smaller packs in the months ahead. Market voice Vijay Kedia called the IPO market ‘frothy,’ reiterating his now-signature lines urging discipline, patience, and conviction. Actor-entrepreneur Vivek Oberoi brought a refreshing entrepreneurial lens, sharing how his educational venture Swarnim University is blending degrees with start-up culture to build India’s next generation of founders.

    Rahul Kanwal, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of NDTV, said: ‘IGNITE is about bringing the market’s most trusted voices together. At a time when investors are flooded with noise, we want to create a space that offers clarity and reason. Our goal is to help people understand where real opportunities lie, and to make those conversations accessible to everyone who looks to NDTV Profit for guidance.

    The launch of IGNITE marks a new chapter for NDTV Profit — a conversation designed to explore the choices investors must make in an uncertain world. With its first edition setting the bar high, IGNITE will return through the year as a space where clarity, wisdom, and foresight come together to shape the conversation on India’s financial future.
     

  • Boom and Belonging, News18 Bangla’s Puja Tale Rings Twice on Global Stage

    Boom and Belonging, News18 Bangla’s Puja Tale Rings Twice on Global Stage

    MUMBAI: If storytelling were an art form, this one’s painted in vermillion and gold. News18 Bangla’s Durga Puja brand campaign, crafted in collaboration with Daaker Shaaj, has struck global gold again earning a coveted spot on Ads of the World for the second consecutive year. The campaign celebrates Bengal’s biggest festival through a cinematic blend of emotion, artistry, and community spirit that feels as timeless as the beats of the dhaak itself.

    Durga Puja isn’t just a festival, it’s five days of goosebumps, glitter, and grace that transform Kolkata into a living, breathing artwork. It’s where neighbourhoods turn into museums, and the faithful become storytellers. Channeling that magic, the campaign uses the ubiquitous boom, crafted with Daaker Shaaj’s signature detailing, as its visual thread connecting everyday Puja moments in a shared celebration of togetherness.

    The film’s Bengali copywriting hums with poetry and pride, weaving diversity, devotion, and the festival’s chaotic beauty into one seamless story. It captures the pulse of the city the late-night pandal-hopping, the sparkle of new clothes, and the laughter echoing over bhog and beats. Every frame feels soaked in nostalgia yet freshly relevant, offering viewers an emotional walk through Bengal’s cultural soul.

    Created by Inner Circle, this is not just a campaign but a cultural postcard, one that continues News18 Bangla tradition of elevating festive storytelling. Its repeat recognition on Ads of the World cements the brand’s reputation for innovative, inclusive, and locally rooted creativity that resonates globally.

    “Durga Puja is not only a religious festival but an emotive experience for people of Bengal. This campaign brilliantly captures that spirit, blending its rich culture with compelling storytelling,” said Xiaomi India RMM East Gourav Sinha.

    Echoing that sentiment Wow! Momo, CMO and co-founder L. Muralikrishnan added, “Durga Puja is not just a festival, it’s a celebration of myriad hues of what Bengal stands for; which is ‘For All. By All.’ This campaign beautifully captures that spirit, blending cultural authenticity with inclusive storytelling.”

    By celebrating the vibrancy and inclusivity of Durga Puja, News18 Bangla’s campaign doesn’t just showcase Bengal’s creative might, it reminds us why great ideas, like great festivals, are “for all, by all”. As the dhaak beats rise once again, this campaign proves that when culture meets creativity, the world can’t help but dance along.

  • Damini strikes again with a sequel after 30 Years

    Damini strikes again with a sequel after 30 Years

    MUMBAI: Lightning strikes twice, and this time, it’s Damini 2.0. The cult Marathi television classic that pioneered daily soaps in the 90s is set to make a grand comeback after three decades.

    Originally produced by the late Gautam Adhikari and Markand Adhikari under the Sri Adhikari Brothers banner, Damini ran for over nine years, clocking more than 1,500 episodes and earning legendary status in Marathi households.

    Now, Damini 2.0 is ready to carry forward that legacy. The sequel is being produced by Doordarshan Sahyadri Vahini and will once again be written and directed by Kaanchan Adhikkari, who helmed the original series.

    On the revival, media baron Markand Adhikari expressed his joy, “I am very happy that Doordarshan Kendra, Mumbai has decided to take forward the legacy of Damini by producing Damini 2.0, with Kaanchan writing and directing it. Adhikari Brothers has always strived to create content that resonates with Indian audiences, and our next generation, Ravi and Kailash, will continue this legacy.”

    A show that once changed the face of Marathi television is ready to do it again. With Damini 2.0, nostalgia meets new-age storytelling, and the storm is set to return to the small screen.

  • Bihar on the move as Times Now’s Election Yatra hits the road

    Bihar on the move as Times Now’s Election Yatra hits the road

    MUMBAI: Forget bulletins from air-conditioned studios this election season, the news is on the move. As Bihar braces for a high-octane poll battle, Times Now and Times Now Navbharat is hitting the dusty roads and crowded gullies of the state with Election Yatra, a roving newsroom covering 4500 km across 28 districts to capture democracy in its rawest, most unfiltered form.

    Beyond the familiar rhythm of Litti Chokha and Madhubani art, Bihar is a land forever rewriting its story restless, young, and hungry for change. With nearly 58 per cent of its people under 25 and a burgeoning MSME sector generating over 6 lakh jobs across 15 plus industries, the state is quietly shaking off stereotypes, one enterprise at a time. And now, as it heads into one of the most closely watched elections in the post-Operation Sindoor and new GST era, the spotlight burns brighter than ever.

    From Patna’s bustling lanes to Begusarai’s fiery campaign grounds, Times Now and Times Now Navbharat Election Yatra promises a front-row view of Bihar’s shifting political landscape. The mobile newsroom doubles as a studio, broadcasting straight from where conversations spark the chai stalls, the chowks, and the campaign caravans.

    This isn’t just another election coverage; it’s a 4500 km odyssey to decode the state’s complex identity, where nostalgia meets new narratives. Will Prashant Kishor’s experiment rewrite Bihar’s political math? Or will the familiar power blocs, the NDA and the Maha Gathbandhan hold fort once again?

    Under Mandate 2025, Times Now rolls out a power-packed programming slate that goes beyond headline politics.

    ● National Debate, airing from 11 October every Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, brings sharp minds together to dissect Bihar’s biggest issues.

    ● Inside, a documentary-style weekend special also launching 11 October at 11:30 am, delves deep into the forces shaping the polls.

    ●  Access, another new format, shadows key candidates through the campaign trail, offering an unfiltered, insider’s view of life behind the loudspeakers.

    Times Now Navbharat’s mobile hydraulic canter transforms into a full-fledged studio on-ground. The channel also has come up with a strategically designed lineup captures the pulse of Bihar as it heads into a historic Assembly election. Babua E Bihar Ba presently airing at 11:30 am & 7:30 pm every day, brings a travelogue-style journey across the state, interacting with locals keeping authentic linguistic charm. Further on Reporter Vs Reporter Season 2, returns to present both sides of every story: balanced, accurate, and fair, directly from Bihar’s heartland.

    “Bihar has always been the hotbed of political movements, a laboratory for national experiments,” said Times Now and Times Now Navbharat group editor-in-chief Navika Kumar. “This will be the first big test for voter sentiment post Operation Sindoor and the Opposition’s vote chori campaign. With new entrants like Prashant Kishor shaking up old equations, our teams will be on the ground to track every tremor of change.”

    She added that Times Now’s election coverage stands apart for its “depth, reach, and credibility”, ensuring that viewers don’t just watch the election, they understand it.

    As November 13 brings the Poll of Polls and Exit Poll, Times Now’s analytical engine will decode voter moods and seat projections with surgical precision. The Counting Day special on November 14 promises minute-by-minute updates as results unfold across the state, each number a reflection of not just votes, but voices.

    From Hajipur’s bylanes to Patna’s university corridors, Bihar’s democracy is as earthy as its soil and as unpredictable as its politics. Through Election Yatra, Times Now doesn’t just report the story, it travels with it, kilometre by kilometre, capturing the sounds, the sights, and the soul of India’s most fascinating electoral theatre.

  • Breaking the news and the charts CNN-News18 tops the ratings race

    Breaking the news and the charts CNN-News18 tops the ratings race

    MUMBAI: Newsrooms thrive on breaking stories but this time, CNN-News18 is the story. The network has stormed ahead of rivals to claim its place as India’s undisputed English news leader, clocking numbers that speak louder than any debate panel ever could.

    According to the latest BARC India data, CNN-News18 has pulled off a 64.4 per cent market share in the primetime slot (7–11 pm), leaving competitors trailing far behind NDTV at 15.4 per cent and Times Now at 12.2 per cent. (Source: BARC India | Market: 10L plus | TG: 22–40 Male | Period: Weeks 36–39’25 | Market Share per cent | 5 channels considered.)

    For a genre known for high decibels and fierce rivalries, CNN-News18’s dominance is striking, the channel holds more than four times the share of its nearest competitor. The network’s grip on viewers during India’s most-watched hours has placed it firmly in a league of its own, with “No. 1” becoming more of a habit than a headline.

    Zooming out beyond primetime, CNN-News18 continues to reign overall with a 36.5 per cent market share, followed by NDTV 24×7 at 25.2 per cent and Times Now at 21.4 per cent. (Source: BARC India | Market: India | TG: 15+AB | Period: Weeks 36–39’25 | Market Share per cent basis AMA’000 | 8 channels considered.)

    The victory isn’t a flash in the pan either. CNN-News18 has maintained the top spot since the return of BARC ratings in March 2022, consistently holding its ground across cycles, a feat few news brands can boast in such a volatile space.

    What’s fuelling this sustained supremacy? A mix of credibility, sharp reportage, and familiar faces that have become synonymous with trustworthy journalism.

    The channel’s roster of seasoned anchors Zakka Jacob, Anand Narasimhan, Rahul Shivshankar, and Shivani Gupta has helped define its editorial rhythm. Their prime-time shows are known for being fast-paced yet focused, where arguments may heat up but facts still win the floor.

    Behind the desk, CNN-News18’s network of correspondents across India keeps the channel ahead on breaking stories, from Delhi’s political corridors to distant district headquarters. It’s this combination of speed, scale, and storytelling that keeps viewers coming back when the clock strikes seven.

    In an era where English news is often accused of shouting louder than it reports, CNN-News18 seems to have struck the balance pairing the energy of TV debates with the discipline of data. The result is clear in the numbers: nearly two-thirds of English news viewers are tuning into CNN-News18 during primetime, a lead that transforms competition into footnotes.

    What makes this rise even more striking is the shrinking gap between viewership and trust, a rare commodity in news. The channel’s ability to hold attention without sensationalism, and to mix credibility with conversation, appears to be its secret sauce.

    It’s not just about being the loudest voice in the room anymore, it’s about being the one audiences actually listen to.

    With its 64.4 per cent primetime share, 36.5 per cent overall market lead, and an editorial style that’s both assertive and authentic, CNN-News18 isn’t just leading the English news genre, it’s redefining what leadership looks like in it.

    In the ratings war, it seems, the network has done what it does best break the news, then break the mould.