ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Bravo and Pollard hit replay as Legends League brings back Windies fire

    Bravo and Pollard hit replay as Legends League brings back Windies fire

    MUMBAI: The World Championship of Legends (WCL) Season 2 is set to serve fans a full toss of nostalgia and firepower, with West Indies stalwarts Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard leading the charge. The dynamic duo will don the maroon once again, this time for the West Indies Champions, a franchise that blends national pride with T20 pizzazz.

    Bravo, whose last international outing was in 2021, isn’t just making a casual comeback. “Last time I left cricket, my body wasn’t prepared for what it could handle,” he shared. “Now it’s imperative that with my full attention on returning to T20 cricket, I stay committed and I perform well.”

    Sharing on the excitement of taking the field with Kieron Pollard in the World Championship of Legends second season Dwayne adds, “Me and Kieron have a partnership way before we started playing franchise cricket. The only experience that we are going to share now is that we are going to be representing our nation again which is also our franchise for participation in the World Championship of Legends.”

    At 40-plus, Bravo still holds the swagger of a T20 pioneer boasting a mind-boggling 631 wickets from 582 matches. He redefined death bowling and left an indelible mark on franchise cricket globally. Now, he’s out to prove that class, like a good calypso beat, never fades.

    Joining him is longtime teammate and fellow West Indian legend Kieron Pollard, whose credentials are equally stellar 600 plus appearances and 11,000 runs in T20s, along with leading West Indies’ white-ball sides between 2019 and 2022.

    Kieron Pollard also shares happiness on Bravo’s comeback for the World Championship of Legends season, he shares, “Hearing Dwayne coming back to play melts my heart. Dwayne is a true champion and the kind of cricketing career he had once, one can never argue that he has had it well and he has given back to cricket a lot.”

    West Indies Champions owner Ajay Sethi who also acquired the franchise back in 2024 shared, “It is like reliving history in all its glory. Having Bravo and Pollard return to play T20 cricket is like bringing old friendship that defined West Indies’ golden era. To see them represent their own nation again in T20 is a moment that can never be forgotten.

    World Championship of Legends founder & CEO Harshit Tomar commented on the significance of their inclusion: “The addition of Bravo and Pollard to the West Indies Legends squad marks a significant turning point for the championship’s second season. They will raise the tournament’s profile with their all rounder skills and captivating demeanor on and off the field.”

    Easemytrip CEO and co-founder Nishant Pitti expressed his excitement about the announcement: “We are excited to welcome Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo to the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends. Fans will surely swarm the stands due to their immense star power.”

    The event, approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board, isn’t just another friendly fixture, it’s the only official T20 tournament for retired pros, and it’s taken the nostalgia market by storm. Held in England, cricket’s spiritual home, the six-franchise format pits greats from South Africa, Australia, India, Pakistan, England, and the West Indies in a format that mixes sentiment with serious skill.

    The second season of the World Championship of Legends promises high-octane action, high-stakes nostalgia, and a reminder that legends never truly retire, they just take longer warm-ups.

  • Rahul Kanwal departs from TV Today

    Rahul Kanwal departs from TV Today

    MUMBAI: Rahul Kanwal, the journalistic juggernaut who steered India’s top news channels through tumultuous times, has resigned from the TV Today group.

    After a two decade plus -long innings at the broadcasting powerhouse, Kanwal is hanging up his microphone as news director of India Today and Aajtak, and executive director of Business Today. His departure marks the end of an era for a newsman who became the face of prime-time journalism in the subcontinent.

    The Harvard-educated presenter transformed the group’s digital footprint with remarkable alacrity. Under his watch, the 30-year-old Business Today brand underwent a digital metamorphosis that rivals would kill for.
    At the helm of a 500-strong reporting army, Kanwal’s editorial empire reached a staggering 400 million viewers monthly. The Newstrack anchor, famous for his centrist “question all, take no prisoners” approach, created waves by establishing the Data Intelligence Unit and Anti-Fake News War-Room when misinformation was running rampant.

    The Chevening fellow’s career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric—from humble beginnings as a reporter at Zee News in 1999 to conquering the summit of Indian broadcast journalism over his 23-year career.
    Kalli Purie, vice-chairperson of the India Today Group, described Kanwal’s journey as “the quintessential India Today Group narrative—an extraordinary journey of organic growth, limitless opportunities, and a meteoric rise that benefited both sides.”

    In an internal memo to staff, Purie acknowledged their 22-year collaboration: “We’ve worked closely together, built formidable teams, created powerful editorial IPs, and traversed the length and breadth of our incredible country, collecting memories that will last a lifetime. Our newsroom is the envy of the media ecosystem.”

    She added: “Change is never easy, but as news professionals, it is our very lifeblood. It is what drives us forward. There is just so much to do as AI is again opening a new doorway, an exciting inflection point for content creators.”

    The CEO expressed confidence in the team Kanwal leaves behind: “He has mentored a strong second line, which is locked and loaded for what comes next. It’s now your turn to shine.”

  • Filamchi Bhojpuri turns five with full filmi flair and month-long dhamaka

    Filamchi Bhojpuri turns five with full filmi flair and month-long dhamaka

    MUMBAI: When it comes to celebrating milestones, Filamchi Bhojpuri clearly believes in going big or going back to the editing room. The channel is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a month-long rollercoaster ride of entertainment and fanfare—aptly titled ‘5 Saal Maha Dhamaal’. And yes, it’s as loud, proud and paisa-vasool as Bhojpuri TV gets.

    Throughout April, viewers will be treated to everything from exclusive contests and social media bonanzas to daily prize giveaways that range from gold coins and silver idols to air coolers and pooja hampers. Basically, if it shines, cools or blesses, it’s up for grabs.

    Topping the party chart is the world television premiere of Filamchi’s third home-grown film, Kyunki Har Ek Saas Zaruri Hoti Hai. Because why not throw a little saas-bahu drama into the celebratory mix? The film will premiere on the channel as a crown jewel in the campaign.

    The party doesn’t stop there. During the nine day Chaitra Navratri celebration, viewers stand a chance to win goodies every single day. And then comes the Filamchi Premiere League, where fans decide the programming. That’s right—viewers can vote for their favourite Nirahua and Khesari titles, turning prime time into a democratic dhamaka.

    “Celebrating our fifth anniversary is a testament to the immense trust and love we’ve received from our viewers,” said IN10 Media MD Aditya Pittie. “We’re rolling out a month-long celebration filled with fresh content, exciting events and fantastic prizes. Looking ahead, Filamchi Bhojpuri remains dedicated to pushing boundaries.”

    IN10 Media VP – content strategy Amarpreet Saini added, “Our fifth anniversary is a true reflection of our commitment to the audience and the wonderful community we’ve built. Every initiative is designed to give back to our loyal viewers who’ve showered us with so much love.”

    From fan-first content to back-to-back contests, Filamchi Bhojpuri’s April programming is less of a schedule and more of a celebration. And if the first five years were this dramatic, you’d best buckle up for what’s coming next.

  • Birla Estates and RCB forge stronger ties with star-studded T20 campaign

    Birla Estates and RCB forge stronger ties with star-studded T20 campaign

    MUMBAI: Birla Estates, has launched its much-anticipated Indian T20 2025 campaign, featuring Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Krunal Pandya. With the tagline ‘Every sq.ft. tells a story’, the campaign highlights the dreams, aspirations, and emotions that make every home special.

    Taking its association with cricket a step further, Birla Estates is now the principal sponsor of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming T20 season. This marks the fourth consecutive year of collaboration, reinforcing shared values of excellence, ambition, and perseverance between the brand and the sport.

    The campaign, conceptualised by Mccann, features three engaging digital films that draw a compelling parallel between Chinnaswamy Stadium RCB’s iconic home ground and Birla Estates homes. Just as every patch of grass and every square foot of ground at Chinnaswamy has witnessed unforgettable moments, every square foot of a Birla home holds priceless memories encapsulated in the campaign’s core message, Storiespersqft.

    One of the campaign’s standout films showcases Kohli executing a stunning mid-air catch, with the voiceover stating, “To feel superhuman. just 5 sq.ft.” Another features Kohli and Krunal exchanging a fist bump while running between the wickets, with the tagline, “To become great partners. it takes 22 yards.” These visuals cleverly reinforce the idea that significant moments don’t require vast spaces—just meaningful ones.

    Birla Estates head of marketing Anitha Krishnan stated, “Our long-standing partnership with RCB has evolved over the seasons, and we take immense pride in being the principal sponsor, with our brand prominently displayed on the players’ jerseys. This placement reflects our deep commitment to cricket as a platform that resonates with our audience. Our campaign is an extension of our larger corporate vision—one that goes beyond building structures to creating spaces that tell meaningful stories. Just as every cricketing milestone represents years of dedication and achievement, every home becomes a backdrop for life’s most cherished moments. Through this campaign, we aim to create a strong emotional connection with homebuyers—aligning their aspirations with the journey of cricketers. It beautifully blends the passion for cricket with the pride of homeownership—two defining milestones in Indian culture.”

    RCB COO Rajesh Menon added, “We are delighted to continue our association with Birla Estates as a valued member of the RCB family. Their commitment to excellence and innovation mirrors the ethos of our team. Together, we aim to elevate the fan experience and create unforgettable memories both on and off the field. This partnership is a testimony to our shared vision of inspiring and engaging millions of cricket enthusiasts.”

    Last year, Birla Estates’ T20 campaign generated 41.3 million impressions and reached over 10 million fans. As the 2025 season unfolds, cricket lovers can look forward to an exciting line-up of games, digital activations, and engaging initiatives—all driven by this powerful collaboration.

  • Live Times expands reach, now available on DD Free Dish

    Live Times expands reach, now available on DD Free Dish

    MUMBAI: India’s first global multicast news hub, Live Times, has bolstered its distribution network by securing a coveted position on DD Free Dish Channel No. 100, alongside adding Waves OTT to its digital portfolio.
    The strategic expansion follows Live Times’ already robust presence across major DTH platforms—Tata Play, Dish TV, and Airtel DTH—as well as on Jio TV, India’s largest digital platform.

    With this latest move, Live Times has dramatically expanded its footprint to reach approximately 150 million households or 450 million individuals across socioeconomic categories A, B and C. This comprehensive coverage spanning the entire social spectrum underscores the network’s commitment to delivering “authentic and accurate” news to citizens across all demographic and economic backgrounds.

    “Information is power, only when it is factually correct,” remarked Live Times founder  Dilip Kumar Singh.”To ensure that our viewers and users are empowered with truth alone… Live Times on DD Free Dish is one of the key platforms to take the truth even to the nook and corners of the country.”

    The addition of DD Free Dish—often referred to as India’s common man’s entertainment lifeline—serves to bridge the persistent information gap between metropolitan centres and rural communities. Singh added that the expansion represents “one step closer to democratising access to news and information.”

    For advertisers seeking to connect with a diverse, pan-Indian audience, Live Times now offers unprecedented reach from urban hubs to remote villages through a platform that prides itself on authentic journalism with impact.

    Viewers can access Live Times on DD Free Dish (Channel 100), Tata Play (Channel 539), DishTV (Channel 665), Airtel Digital TV (Channel 385), Jio TV (Channel 3069), and Sikka Cable TV (Channel 319).

    The network, which operates from what it describes as “a state-of-the-art multicast hub”—purportedly the first of its kind in India—follows the ethos of “Satyam Shivam Sundaram” while leveraging partnerships with global technology companies and content providers to deliver its news service.

  • Just For Laughs channel pranks its way onto Pluto TV in global deal

    Just For Laughs channel pranks its way onto Pluto TV in global deal

    MUMBAI: When the world needed a laugh, Just For Laughs didn’t clown around. In a move as smooth as a silent slapstick gag, Just For Entertainment Distribution inked a deal with Pluto TV to launch its FAST channel across Canada, Latin America, Brazil, France, Italy, and the Nordics. The Just For Laughs GAGS channel is now live and ready to tickle funny bones, sans dialogue, across six major territories.

    Pluto TV, the reigning champ of free, ad-supported streaming television (FAST), has opened the global doors for the Montreal-born comedy empire. The partnership promises pure, no-translation-needed hilarity—where classic pranks meet universal mischief, and nobody is safe (except maybe your coffee mug).

    “JFE Distribution is thrilled to announce our continuing expansion, now with our FAST deal with Pluto TV in several territories. Placing our award-winning content on new channels helps with our mission of ‘Keeping the world feeling good’ with the best programming around,” said Just For Entertainment Distribution CRSO Alex Avon.

    Pluto TV International SVP of content strategy and acquisitions Kat Kowalski added, “Canadian content travels the globe so well. Pluto TV viewers love a good laugh, and through Canada’s JFE Distribution we are so happy to bring the Just For Laughs Channel to the FAST world through our platform.”

    JFE Distribution director of monetisation & OTT Carlos Pacheco said, “Our new partnership with Pluto TV further exemplifies our unique standing as an independent producer and publisher by expanding our content into even more markets. We’re especially proud to bring Just for Laughs’ first FAST channel in the Canadian market with Pluto TV.”

    The launch joins Pluto TV’s already broad buffet of genres in Canada—from crime drama and sci-fi to news, game shows, and anime. Now, with the Just For Laughs GAGS channel on the line-up, things just got a whole lot cheekier.

    If laughter is the best medicine, Pluto TV may have just opened a cross-continental pharmacy.

  • NAB 2025: LiveU redefines news production with new automated story-centric workflows

    NAB 2025: LiveU redefines news production with new automated story-centric workflows

    MUMBAI: LiveU will spotlight its latest technical collaborations around efficient story-centric workflows and cloud collaboration in its expanded EcoSystem at the upcoming NAB Show 2025 (south hall lower booth SL4911). With its IP-Positive architecture, the LiveU EcoSystem is designed for easy interoperability between production systems, enabling broadcasters and other organisations to speed up and optimise production processes.

    LiveU’s chief product officer & general manager (Americas) Gideon Gilboa said, “Creating more value from video and solving customers’ pain points – that’s our goal. With ever-faster news cycles and the growing demand for more content, these creative workflows enable faster turnarounds, more stories to be covered and an end to costly manual processes. By expanding the LiveU EcoSystem and seamlessly connecting the systems behind the scenes, we free creators up to concentrate on what matters most – crafting compelling content – while opening the doors to new monetisation streams and serving expanding digital audiences.”

    The LiveU EcoSystem is a modular set of best-of-breed components, allowing customers to deploy different configurations and workflows, aligned with their production requirements. It is underpinned by LiveU’s resilient and low latency LRT (LiveU Reliable Transport) protocol and further enhanced by LiveU IQ (LIQ), LiveU’s revolutionary connectivity solution.

    At the core of these new integrations is the LiveU Ingest automatic recording and story metadata tagging solution. LiveU Ingest allows live content to be accessed from anywhere and is interoperable with other production tools, connecting live video from the field and growing files with NRCSs (newsroom computer systems), AI-enabled transcription, MAM (media asset management), and storage systems.

    Story-centric workflows,

    . LiveU + Dina, Mimir + Trint: This NEW AI-enabled integrated solution creates immediate value by ingesting live content, making it instantly accessible alongside rich, searchable metadata (via Dina) and growing real-time transcription (via Trint) in Mimir’s MAM system. Content is easier to find and edit so that editors can begin working in real-time from any location as files continue to grow. Content can also be re-used and repurposed for new revenue-generating opportunities. See the solution in action at booths SL6826 (Dina and Mimir), SL6005 (Trint) and SL4911 (LiveU).

    .  LiveU + Marquis + Avid: LiveU and Marquis are now bringing growing file support to Avid systems to streamline news and sports production workflows. The enhanced solution gives customers the ability to begin editing as soon as live recording starts and supports metadata-based auto-ingest for improved efficiency. See the solution in action at booths SL4528 (Marquis), SL1516 (Avid) and SL4911 (LiveU).

    .  LiveU + AP Storytelling: LiveU and AP Storytelling are teaming up to support a story-centric workflow whereby AP Storytelling is able to generate story metadata in LiveU Central allowing field operators to easily select them and assign them to any live transmission. Live content is recorded in LiveU Ingest with the relevant associated metadata providing a faster news turnaround. See the solution in action at booths SL1905 (AP Workflow Solutions) and SL4911 (LiveU).

    Streamlined creative collaboration

    .  LiveU + LucidLink: LucidLink and LiveU enable live content to be brought directly into LucidLink’s storage collaboration platform as part of a seamless cloud-based workflow for content creators, broadcasters, and production teams. LiveU DataBridge provides essential connectivity for remote LucidLink users to connect and collaborate from anywhere. See the solution in action at booths SL2705 (LucidLink) and SL4911 (LiveU).

    Visitors to the LiveU booth will experience hands-on demonstrations showcasing how these technologies integrate with existing broadcast infrastructures and emerging cloud-based production environments.

    In addition, experts from Tupelo Honey, AWS, Vizrt and LiveU will be presenting tried and tested solutions for efficient live cloud sports production based on REMI, hybrid lightweight production workflows. The session will take place on Tuesday, April 8 between 14.00-14.30 PST at the Creator Lab Theater B – south Hall Lower.

  • News18 India blows the competition out of the water on Youtube views

    News18 India blows the competition out of the water on Youtube views

    MUMBAI: In the noisy, over-caffeinated newsroom that is Indian Youtube, News18 India just walked in wearing aviators and dropped a mic. The Hindi news juggernaut smashed viewership records this March with 845 million views, claiming the crown as the most-watched channel in the news & politics category — not just in India, but globally.

    That’s right, globally.

    Not bad for a channel that also manages to look dramatic during rainfall updates.

    According to Playboard stats, News18 India stayed a staggering 43 per cent ahead of its rival, which managed 589.4 million views.

    It wasn’t even close.

    At this point, News18 could file a restraining order against second place.

    This viewership feat reinforces the channel’s iron grip on digital dominance and reflects a dual-platform loyalty that would make most marketers swoon. It’s not just about Youtube either. As per BARC data (Wk 08’23-07’25), News18 India has been the most-watched Hindi news channel on television for two straight years. Consistency, thy name is Kishore Ajwani… and company.

    “This milestone reflects News18 India’s commitment to delivering impactful journalism at scale, meeting audiences where they are, and setting new benchmarks in the digital news landscape,” the network stated. Viewers have stuck around for the channel’s power-packed programming and not just the breathless countdowns.

    Credit for the digital fireworks goes to a high-octane anchor line-up that includes Kishore Ajwani, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liyaquat, Prateek Trivedi, and Aman Chopra. Their collective ability to turn news into theatre – with facts, mind you – has clearly paid off. And with a nationwide reporting network feeding them updates faster than social media can trend a hashtag, real-time coverage remains the channel’s bread and butter.

    News18 India’s numbers didn’t just spike during slow news days either. The Delhi polls, counting days, and other high-octane political events were all met with newsroom adrenaline and viewer loyalty. As India continues its love affair with digital content, News18 India appears to be the main character in this ongoing rom-com of facts and ratings.

  • Infosys turbocharges Formula E with AI-powered stats centre

    Infosys turbocharges Formula E with AI-powered stats centre

    MUMBAI: Infosys has launched an AI-powered Formula E stats center to electrify fan engagement for the world’s premier all-electric racing championship. The digital services giant has partnered with the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship to create an interactive platform that transforms complex racing data into digestible insights for motor racing enthusiasts.

    The new platform, powered by Infosys Topaz, uses generative AI to deliver dynamic stat cards and AI-generated narratives across Formula E’s decade-long history. Fans can track their favourite drivers and teams through current and past seasons via a trendy bubble chat format that serves up curated questions about stellar performances and key milestones.

    Says Formule E chief executive officer Jeff Dodds,:  “Fans are at the heart of what we do, and we’re thrilled to offer them a new and engaging way to connect with the sport. As our first technical partnership with Infosys, we’re showcasing how innovation and technology can elevate the experience for everyone who loves Formula E, by making race data more accessible and easier to understand. Fans will be able to  follow their favorite driver and team with in-depth insights and track their performance over the seasons ahead.”

    The tech partnership coincides with Formula E’s introduction of the lightning-quick Gen3 Evo vehicle in Season 11. This engineering marvel accelerates from 0-60 mph in a jaw dropping 1.82 seconds—30 per cent faster than current Formula 1 cars—while maintaining the championship’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

    Adds Infosys EVP & chief marketing officer  Sumit Virmani: “Our partnership with Formula E
    proves how technology can revolutionize fan engagement. The AI-powered Stats Center, fueled by Infosys Topaz, transforms raw data into compelling narratives, offering fans an immersive journey through driver and team performance, celebrating key milestones and unlocking compelling stories. From dynamic stat cards that adapt to the race timeline to an AI companion that prompts engaging questions, we’re supercharging the Formula E fan experience, making its rich history, and exciting present more accessible and engaging, ultimately raising the bar for digital fan engagement.”

    Infosys has also helped shift Formula E’s central datalake to Google Cloud, creating a robust architecture for the racing series’ marketing, business intelligence and sporting operations.

    The collaboration represents another lap in Formula E’s race to combine cutting-edge motorsport with sustainable innovation, giving fans more reasons to get charged up about the electrifying championship.