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  • Women cricket anchors dazzle this IPL season with diamond flair

    Women cricket anchors dazzle this IPL season with diamond flair

    MUMBAI: Cricket may be about bat, ball, and brilliance but this IPL season, there’s another element lighting up screens: bling. As the Tata IPL 2025 sets stadiums ablaze, India’s top women cricket anchors are stepping into the spotlight with more than just stats and sharp commentary they’re shimmering in natural diamonds.

    In a first-of-its-kind partnership, De Beers Group has joined forces with Star Sports and JioHotstar to add sparkle to the studio. Eleven celebrated presenters from across feeds are donning exquisite diamond jewellery during match broadcasts proving that cricket and couture can go hand-in-hand.

    From layered bangles to cocktail rings and statement neckpieces, the diamonds are not just accessories, they’re part of the performance. Whether delivering power plays or pre-match predictions, the anchors are bringing glam to the game, fusing cricket’s high energy with the poise of polished elegance.

    But the shine doesn’t stop there. The partnership has also rolled out a new segment, Real Diamonds of the Week, spotlighting cricketers whose on-field feats echo the qualities of a diamond resilience, brilliance, and timeless appeal. It’s a sparkling tribute that swaps the traditional ‘player of the match’ with something a little more radiant.

    De Beers Group SVP Shweta Harit said, “Cricket and natural diamonds both embody authenticity, excellence and a lasting legacy. Just as the game unites fans across regions and generations, natural diamonds symbolize connections that stand the test of time. This collaboration brings the brilliance of the sport and the timeless allure of diamonds together, making every moment on screen even more memorable.”

    JioStar chief business officer for sports revenue and SMB & creator Ishan Chatterjee,  said, “With record-breaking viewership marking the opening weekend of Tata IPL 2025, cricket continues to unite audiences like never before. This collaboration between De Beers Group and India’s leading women anchors adds brilliance to the game, blending its precision and passion with the timeless elegance of natural diamonds. Just as cricketing icons leave an indelible mark on the field, these presenters shape the narrative with confidence and style, making every moment even more unforgettable.”

    It’s a rare match where sport and sparkle share the screen but one that’s clearly hitting it out of the park. In a league obsessed with sixes, this glittering collaboration is a stylish seventh.

  • Sony Pictures snags Levine, Hartbeat’s Ex-CEO, for strategic push

    Sony Pictures snags Levine, Hartbeat’s Ex-CEO, for strategic push

    MUMBAI:  Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) has recruited  Jay Levine, former CEO of Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat media company, to serve as executive vice president, chief strategy officer and business operations. Levine will report directly to SPE president and CEO, Ravi Ahuja, and will spearhead the company’s strategic growth initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions.

    Levine, who joined Hartbeat in early 2024, made a splash by producing the Emmy-nominated Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady for Netflix and “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” for Peacock. He also renegotiated key partnerships with industry giants like Netflix, NBCUniversal, and Sirius XM.

    Prior to Hartbeat, Levine spent over a decade at Warner Bros. and WarnerMedia, where he held various senior leadership roles, including leading business operations and strategy for the WarnerMedia Studios and Networks group. His extensive background also includes stints at Disney and ESPN.

    Ahuja lauded Levine’s “deep expertise and great reputation,” adding that his “collaborative spirit” would be invaluable for Sony’s growth. Levine, in response, expressed his eagerness to “advance the company’s opportunities for expansion and growth given the evolving media landscape.”

    This move signals Sony Pictures’ aggressive pursuit of growth and innovation in the increasingly competitive entertainment industry.

  • PM Modi headlines News18 Rising Bharat Summit to fire up Gen Z India

    PM Modi headlines News18 Rising Bharat Summit to fire up Gen Z India

    MUMBAI: Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam is about to go from red tape to red carpet as PM Narendra Modi steps in as the chief guest and keynote speaker at the News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, happening on 8-9 April. And no, it’s not your average panel snooze-fest — it’s a political-meets-pop-culture juggernaut that wants to turbocharge India’s youth ahead of Viksit Bharat 2047.

    The theme? “Youthful Aspirations: Dream Big, Achieve More, Rise Together”. And with 420 million young minds in the mix, organisers aren’t playing small.

    Featuring 100+ speakers and 75 sessions, the summit pulls in a dizzying array of names. Political heavyweights like Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, S. Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, and Ashwini Vaishnaw will trade notes with startup honchos, global thinkers, memory champs, astronauts, actors, and even violin prodigies.

    “Under the spotlight will be India’s youth, as they architect the nation’s journey to 2047…” organisers announced, hinting at the star-studded guestlist.

    Among the blockbuster names? Jeffrey D. Sachs, Børge Brende, Avi Dichter, Scott Kelly, and Namal Rajapaksa will bring in the global heat. On the home turf, corporate firepower arrives via Irina Ghose (Microsoft), Jay Kotak (Kotak Mahindra Bank), Ashish Chauhan (NSE) and Sindhu Gangadharan (SAP Labs).

    And it’s not just thought leadership. From Vijay Amritraj to Abhinav Bindra, Kajol to Sunny Deol, Raj Shamani to Shveta Salve, the summit promises a gen-z meets gen-x cocktail of brains, beauty and brawn.

    But what makes this event tick isn’t just the headliners — it’s the students. Through a unique initiative called ‘Samadhan’, select faculty and students from top institutes tackled India’s messiest problems — from urban congestion and air pollution to education reform and river rejuvenation. PM Modi will unveil these policy blueprints, fuelling conversations with the changemakers of tomorrow.

    “What emerged were five ground-breaking proposals… that are visionary, pragmatic, and future-ready,” said organisers.

    Hosted by Network18, Rising Bharat is not just a talking shop. It’s India’s big, bold platform for shaping real action and real outcomes — with a few selfies and song sets on the side. Expect performances from Esther Hnamte, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Ambi and L. Subramaniam, and even a mind-bending moment with mentalist Suhani Shah.

    This year, Rising Bharat might just do what Parliament often can’t: get India’s brightest minds across age, industry, and ideology in one room — and get them to agree on something.

    Tune in, take notes and maybe even take charge.

    https://www.news18features.com/risingbharatsummit/

  • Fantasy sport brands clean bowl the recall game as fitness fizzles out

    Fantasy sport brands clean bowl the recall game as fitness fizzles out

    MUMBAI: In the battle of brands, fantasy leagues take the trophy while fitness flops.

    As the IPL 2025 roars on with sixes, super overs and stumping drama, it’s not just cricketers battling it out on the field. Brands, too, are jostling for mind space. But according to a fresh report by Crispinsight and Kadence International, some are swinging big while others barely make the scoreboard.

    The study, called eDART-IPL25, tracked day-after recall among IPL viewers. And here’s the curveball: two in three viewers recalled a fantasy sports brand, making it the MVP of brand recall this season. Tyre brands followed at a steady pace, with one in three fans remembering them. Meanwhile, sports and fitness brands barely broke a sweat, with a miserable one per cent recall despite being very much in the game.

    “Sponsorship-driven visibility and strategic placements are proving to be just as powerful if not more than traditional ad slots in IPL,” said Crispinsight partner Ritesh Ghosal. “While fantasy sports brands dominate recall, many high-spending brands are strug gling to break through the clutter, reinforcing the need for smarter, recall-focused marketing strategies.”

    Big bucks, low bounce?

    Despite ad spends soaring higher than Shubman Gill’s batting average, the findings call bluff on the idea that more money guarantees more memory. It’s the in-game sponsorships, stadium banners, and on-screen moments that’re stealing the limelight—and with it, consumer attention.

    “IPL this year sees a larger number of brands advertising but with lesser depth, making standing out that much tougher,” added Kadence International Aman Makkar. “Our findings highlight the growing importance of sponsorship-led brand placements, which deliver sustained visibility in the live telecast and deeper connection with fans.”

    While traditional advertising has its place, non-FCT (non-film commercial time) methods are now the hot ticket. Think jerseys, LED boards, dugout logos, and anywhere else the camera lingers for more than five seconds. The study indicates that these lower-cost yet high-exposure strategies are proving to be a smarter play.

    As the IPL season barrels forward, Crispinsight and Kadence International plan to publish weekly updates from their eDART tracker, helping brands tweak their campaigns before the final overs run out.

    So, if your brand’s not in the highlights, maybe it’s time to switch the pitch. Because in today’s IPL, if you’re not integrated, you’re invisible.

  • Aaj Tak stirs the pot with ‘Bahas Baazigar’ debate show launch

    Aaj Tak stirs the pot with ‘Bahas Baazigar’ debate show launch

    MUMBAI: If you’ve ever yelled at your TV during a news debate, Aaj Tak now wants you to do more than just scream into the void. The channel just launched Bahas Baazigar, India’s first interactive ‘debate-along’ show, where the audience doesn’t just watch—they weigh in.

    Debuting on 7 April 2025, the show airs every Saturday at 8 pm and is hosted by firebrand anchor Anjana Om Kashyap. The format splits political representatives into two groups—for and against the motion—and lets them spar in front of a live audience. Think of it as Prime Time Parliament minus the chairs being thrown.

    But here’s the real game-changer: the audience gets to vote in real-time. Not just those clapping in the studio, but you—yes, you sitting at home with snacks and sarcasm. All it takes is a scan of an on-screen QR code via the Aaj Tak app. Votes roll in live, shaping the outcome while the debate unfolds.

    Each participant gets a set time to lay down their logic, so it’s less about volume and more about value. A panel of judges offers their take, but the final word lies with the audience, turning political debate into democratic sport.

    Bahas Baazigar is Aaj Tak’s latest flex in reinventing television news, aiming to ditch the noise and bring structure, substance, and a splash of style. The show is designed to be the antithesis of screech-fests that masquerade as dialogue.

    Whether you’re a policy nerd, a passive scroller, or a chai-fuelled uncle with opinions, this is your moment. Grab your phone, tune in, and take sides—because the revolution will be debated.

  • ABP tops the charts with regional flair and a digital news power play

    ABP tops the charts with regional flair and a digital news power play

    MUMBAI: Who says news is all doom and gloom? For ABP Network, it’s a story worth celebrating in five languages, no less. According to Comscore MMX-Multi-Platform data for February 2025, ABP Network has emerged as India’s third-largest digital publisher, pulling in a whopping 147.9 million unique visitors and outpacing media giants like HT Media, Zee Digital, India Today Group, Times Network, and NDTV.

    But this isn’t just a numbers game, it’s a masterclass in multilingual domination. ABP’s regional powerhouses are sweeping through Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, and Punjabi markets like seasoned newsroom ninjas.

    In the Hindi segment, ABP News surged ahead with 75.7 million unique visitors, outshining its nearest rival by over 18 million, a staggering lead that cements its top slot in India’s most competitive news space.

    ABP Ananda waltzed through the Bengali market with 18.9 million UVs, dancing 11.8 million steps ahead of the competition. Meanwhile, ABP Majha proved its mettle in Marathi with 19.2 million visitors, comfortably ahead of Sakal Media and Lokmat.

    Over in Gujarat, ABP Asmita swept up 5.3 million unique visitors, leaving behind TV9 Gujarati, Divyabhaskar, and News18 Gujarati. ABP Sanjha flexed its Punjabi muscle with 1.2 million UVs, clinching the top spot ahead of News18 Punjab and Punjab Kesari Jagbani.

    And in the Tamil market, newcomer ABP Nadu made a statement, grabbing second place with 9 million visitors, becoming the youngest publisher to break into the leadership ranks.

    From legacy strongholds to new frontiers, ABP Network is clearly not just chasing eyeballs, it’s curating digital loyalty across India’s media map. With its blend of regional relevance, digital-first strategy, and journalistic agility, ABP isn’t just reporting the news, it’s rewriting the playbook.

  • IPL18 ad-splosion – brands in a frenzy for cricket’s hottest ticket: TAM data, 13 matches

    IPL18 ad-splosion – brands in a frenzy for cricket’s hottest ticket: TAM data, 13 matches

    MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a sporting event; it’s an advertising goldmine. New data (22 March to 1 April 2025) from TAM Sports indicates a massive surge in ad volumes, with IPL 18 experiencing a 112 per cent increase for the first 13 matches compared to IPL 17 (22-31 March 2024 ). The scramble for screen time is intense.

    top 5 brands ipl

    IPL 18 is attracting a wave of new players. The number of competing categories has risen by 13 per cent, and the number of advertisers has jumped by an impressive 31 per cent. Brands are clearly banking on the IPL’s broad appeal to connect with India’s passionate cricket audience.

    Mouth freshener brands are currently leading the pack, commanding an 11 per cent share of ad volumes. Ecom-gaming and biscuits are also major contenders, with 10 per cent and nine per cent shares respectively.

    The top five categories collectively account for over 40 per cent of all ad volumes, highlighting the fierce competition at the top. While ecom-gaming and cellular phones maintain a strong presence, the food and beverage sector is making a significant push, with two of the top five categories originating from it.
    top 5 brands iplParle Products holds the top position among advertisers, securing nine per cent of the ad share. The top five advertisers together account for 28 per cent of the total ad volumes.

    IPL 18 is also marked by significant change. 23 new categories and 83 new brands have entered the advertising arena. Emerging categories include cars, ecom-auto rental services, and fashion outlets. In contrast, categories such as range of food products and chocolates are absent this season.

    New brands vying for attention include Platina Hide & Seek and Campa Energy Drink. The advertising landscape is dynamic, with brands fiercely competing for visibility.
     

    top categories IPL

    As the IPL action unfolds on the field, an equally compelling drama is playing out in the advertising world. The stakes are high, and the competition is relentless.

  • Rugby Premier League set to scrum into Mumbai with global firepower

    Rugby Premier League set to scrum into Mumbai with global firepower

    MUMBAI: India’s sporting calendar is about to get a bruising new addition, and no, it’s not another cricket spinoff. Rugby India and GMR Sports have locked horns to launch the world’s first franchise-based Rugby 7s tournament-the Rugby Premier League (RPL). The action kicks off in Mumbai on 1 June 2025, at the iconic MFA (Mumbai Football Arena), promising a 15-day, 34-match blitz of pure, unfiltered speed, tackles, and muscle.

    Picture this: six city-based franchises, 30 international legends, 30 top Indian players, and some of the world’s best coaches, all crammed into two weeks of adrenaline-pumping rugby. It’s not just a league—it’s an all-out blitz on the senses.

    Star-studded doesn’t even begin to cover it. Expect to see legends like Perry Baker (USA), Rosko Speckman (South Africa), Terry Kennedy (Ireland), Scott Curry (New Zealand), and Waisea Nacuqu (Fiji) lighting up the turf. Olympians, World Cup medallists, and serial try-scorers are all confirmed to put on a show. Add 18 more players from Canada, Germany, and Hong Kong, and the RPL becomes a melting pot of bone-crunching brilliance.

    “This is a league that’s been six years in the making, but we wanted to do everything right… Rugby 7s is one of the most attractive television sports in modern history. Welcome, India and the world, to the Rugby Premier League,” said Rugby India president Rahul Bose radiating the kind of energy only a scrum-half could match.

    Franchises representing Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bhubaneswar will feature top coaching minds including Mike Friday, Ben Gollings, Tomasi Cama, and DJ Forbes. Talk about bench strength.

    To give Indian talent its due, 30 domestic players were selected from a pool of 71 via auction—a first for Indian rugby. “The RPL will not only captivate a wider audience but also provide Indian players with invaluable opportunities to compete alongside the world’s best,” said GMR Sports CEO Satyam Trivedi.

    The RPL has already secured an exclusive window on the global Rugby 7s calendar, ensuring zero scheduling conflicts with other international competitions. It’s now or never, and the global rugby fraternity seems to have circled their calendars in red.

    Star Sports and JioHotstar will broadcast the mayhem live, and JioStar CEO – sports Sanjog Gupta promised to bring “every tackle, sprint, and score” to screens across the country.

    With the whistle about to blow on India’s first franchise rugby league, there’s only one question left: Are you game?

  • Network18 reshuffles the deck, bets big on digital with Singhvi and Sangani’s top moves

    Network18 reshuffles the deck, bets big on digital with Singhvi and Sangani’s top moves

    MUMBAI: If Indian media were a cricket match, Network18 just did a solid mid-innings shuffle. In a strategic rejig designed to sharpen its digital edge, the media giant named Puneet Singhvi as chief strategy officer and elevated Mitul Sangani to CEO of News18 Digital. Both appointments were announced on 4 April 2025.

    Singhvi will don the hat of digital architect-in-chief, leading the centre of excellence (CoE), central product & tech, partnerships, off-platform ventures, and admin & operations across the group. He reports directly to Network18 Media MD Rahul Joshi. The message? Strategy is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a boardroom weapon.

    Meanwhile, Sangani will steer the ship at News18 Digital, taking charge of product, tech, audience growth and the ever-crucial revenue engines across News18 and Local18. Previously the CEO of Indian language businesses at Network18, Sangani knows the terrain. His new role will have him report to Network18 (broadcast) CEO Avinash Kaul for digital revenues, while working closely with Joshi on broader strategic alignment.

    The digital sales teams of News18.com and Local18 will also report to Sangani, signalling a tighter operational handshake between growth, content, and commercial.

    “Network18’s digital business has grown significantly over the past few years, making it one of the largest players in the industry in terms of audience and revenue. It has a diverse set of brands with a strong presence on and off platforms. Moneycontrol, Firstpost, and News18 will be the key strategic priorities in the year ahead,” the company stated.

    Kaul will continue to oversee the Indian languages broadcast business, ensuring continuity while the digital play scales up.

    With a rising tide of digital disruption and audiences consuming news faster than you can say “breaking”, Network18’s leadership switchboard just lit up—and the moves look calculated, not cosmetic.

     

  • Hockey’s hot comeback: Hero HIL scores big with Indian viewers

    Hockey’s hot comeback: Hero HIL scores big with Indian viewers

    MUMBAI: The Hero Hockey India League (HIL) has roared back to life after a seven-year hiatus, smashing viewership records and breathing fresh life into the sport. The 2024-25 edition didn’t merely return—it revolutionised the game by introducing the first-ever women’s league alongside the men’s competition, coinciding rather neatly with Indian hockey’s centenary celebrations.

    The numbers tell a cracking tale: a whopping 40.8 million viewers tuned in overall, rocketing 48 per cent above the 2017 figures. The men’s competition captivated 32.9 million fans, while the women’s matches—despite featuring fewer games—pulled in an impressive 15.1 million viewers.

    In a sporting landscape where women’s events typically draw a fraction of male viewership, the HIL has pulled off something of a miracle. At times, the ladies nearly matched their male counterparts in audience figures, with the most-watched women’s match drawing 2.92 million viewers against the men’s final peak of 3.07 million.

    Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey remarked, “The success of Hero HIL 2024–25 is a testament to India’s deep-rooted love for hockey. The overwhelming response from fans, brands, and broadcasters reflects the league’s immense potential. As we move forward, our commitment remains steadfast in elevating Indian hockey to new heights, ensuring that the sport gets the recognition and support it truly deserves.”
     
    The digital realm proved equally fruitful, with social media engagement hitting the roof—over a billion views across platforms, turning hockey chat into the hottest ticket in town.

    Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh stated, “The revival of Hero HIL has been a monumental success, not only in terms of numbers but also in the enthusiasm it has reignited among fans and players alike. This season has proven that hockey continues to hold a special place in India’s sporting culture. The addition of the women’s league is a crucial step towards greater inclusivity and empowerment in sports.”

    The triumphant return builds on hockey’s Olympic momentum, where it accounted for a juicy 15.2 per cent of early Tokyo Games viewership. With these stellar numbers, it seems the stick-and-ball game isn’t just back—it’s positively sizzling.