Category: TV Channels

Sakal Media Group Emerges as the No.1 Marathi News Platform in India – ComScore Jan 2025

MUMBAI: The Sakal Media Group has once again cemented its position as Maharashtra’s leading media powerhouse. According to the Comscore report for January 2025, esakal.com has emerged as the number one Marathi news platform, attracting 13.05 million monthly active users. This remarkable feat underscores Sakal’s ability to connect with its audience through compelling storytelling and cutting-edge digital strategies. With a significant lead over its competitors, Sakal’s dominance in the digital space is undeniable.

esakal.com: The digital powerhouse

At the heart of Sakal Media Group’s success is esakal.com, a platform that has redefined digital journalism in Maharashtra. Launched as the online extension of the iconic Sakal newspaper, esakal.com has grown into a standalone powerhouse, offering a seamless blend of traditional journalism and modern digital innovation. Its user-friendly interface, comprehensive coverage, and commitment to quality have made it the go-to source for Marathi-speaking audiences.

The January 2025 Comscore rankings highlight esakal.com’s unparalleled reach, with 13.05 million monthly active users – a figure that speaks volumes about its popularity and trustworthiness. This achievement is not just a win for Sakal Media Group but also a reflection of esakal.com’s ability to connect with readers on a deeper level.

What sets esakal.com apart? Several key factors have contributed to esakal.com’s dominance in the digital news space:

1. Credibility and trust: In an era of fake news and misinformation, esakal.com has remained a beacon of truth. Its rigorous fact-checking process and commitment to unbiased reporting have earned it the trust of millions.

2. Hyper-local focus: esakal.com understands the pulse of Maharashtra. From breaking news in Mumbai to cultural events in Pune and agricultural updates in rural areas, the platform covers it all. This hyper-local approach ensures that readers stay connected to the issues that matter most to them.

3. Innovative storytelling: esakal.com has embraced multimedia storytelling, using videos, infographics, and interactive features to make news more engaging. This dynamic approach has resonated with younger audiences while retaining the loyalty of older readers.

4. Real-time updates: In the fast-paced world of news, esakal.com stands out for its ability to deliver real-time updates. Whether it’s breaking news, live coverage of events, or instant analysis, esakal.com ensures its readers are always informed.

5. Community engagement: esakal.com goes beyond just reporting the news. Through initiatives like reader polls, feedback forums, and community-driven stories, the platform has fostered a strong sense of connection with its audience.

Outperforming competitors

The January 2025 Comscore rankings highlight esakal.com’s significant lead over other prominent Marathi news platforms. With 13.05 million monthly active users, esakal.com has not only secured the top spot but also demonstrated its ability to attract and retain a massive audience. This achievement is a reflection of esakal.com’s relentless focus on quality content and user satisfaction.

esakal.com’s role in Sakal Media Group’s legacy

Sakal Media Group has been a trusted name in Maharashtra since 1932, and esakal.com has played a pivotal role in carrying this legacy into the digital age. By seamlessly transitioning from print to digital, esakal.com has ensured that Sakal’s values of credibility, integrity, and community focus remain intact. The platform has become a bridge between the group’s rich history and its future, offering readers the best of both worlds.

Sakal Media Group CEO Uday Jadhav stated, “This achievement is a testament to our team’s dedication to delivering credible and engaging content. We are honored by the trust Maharashtra has placed in esakal.com. With over two decades of experience in business strategy and operational management, I’ve seen the group grow, but this digital growth is truly exceptional.”

Sakal Media Group editor-in-chief Nilesh Khare added, “This recognition from Comscore reaffirms our commitment to delivering news that resonates with the people of Maharashtra. At Sakal Media Group, we understand the power of credible journalism, and we strive to uphold the highest standards of integrity in our reporting.”

Sakal Media Group director Janhavi Pawar emphasised, “At esakal.com, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of digital journalism. Our focus on innovation and community engagement has made us the preferred choice for Marathi-speaking audiences. We are always looking to bring a global perspective to our local operations.”

Sakal Media Group business head – digital Swapnil Malpathak highlighted, “Our success is rooted in understanding the pulse of Maharashtra. By providing real-time updates and hyper-local content, we ensure our readers are always informed and connected. Our focus on digital product monetization and digital transformation has been a key driver in this achievement.”

The future of esakal.com

As esakal.com celebrates this milestone, it is also looking toward the future. The platform plans to invest further in cutting-edge technology, expand its digital offerings, and explore new ways to engage with its audience. From AI-driven personalisation to immersive storytelling techniques, esakal.com is committed to staying ahead of the curve.

Maharashtra’s trusted digital voice

esakal.com’s success is not just about numbers; it’s about the trust it has built with its readers. For millions of Maharashtrians, esakal.com is more than just a news platform – it’s a reliable companion that keeps them informed, engaged, and connected to their community. The January 2025 Comscore ranking is a validation of esakal.com’s efforts and a reminder of why it continues to be Maharashtra’s most trusted digital voice.

Sakal Media Group’s achievement in topping the Comscore rankings for January 2025 is a testament to the excellence of esakal.com. With 13.05 million monthly active users, esakal.com has set a new benchmark for digital news platforms in Maharashtra. Its commitment to credibility, innovation, and community engagement has made it the preferred choice for readers across the state. As the media landscape continues to evolve, esakal.com remains dedicated to delivering high-quality, trustworthy, and engaging content.

Key takeaways:

. esakal.com ranked number one in Comscore’s January 2025 rankings among Marathi news platforms.

. Attracted 13.05 million monthly active users, outperforming its competitors.

. Success driven by credibility, hyper-local focus, innovative storytelling, and real-time updates.

. Future plans include investments in technology and enhanced audience engagement.

. esakal.com is Maharashtra’s most trusted digital news platform, carrying forward Sakal Media Group’s legacy.

esakal.com’s journey is a shining example of how a digital platform can thrive by staying true to its core values while embracing innovation. As Maharashtra’s leading digital news destination, esakal.com continues to set the standard for excellence in journalism.

March 5, 2025
Live Times: Journalism that sparks action

MUMBAI: In an era where news doesn’t just report events but shapes them, Live Times, India’s first global multicast news hub, is setting the standard for fearless, impact-driven journalism. By prioritising public interest and accountability, the platform has compelled policymakers to act on pressing issues, from inflated airline fares to systemic failures in healthcare and education.

By exposing skyrocketing travel costs during peak seasons and highlighting the dire state of public hospitals, Live Times has prompted regulatory scrutiny and government action, including increased funding and policy interventions.

The Power of Responsible Journalism

Founder Dilip Kumar Singh reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to uncompromising reporting: “We stand by our motto-Complete Truth, Whatever It Takes. This is not just a tagline; it’s the DNA of our newsroom. Our AI- and HI-driven verification system ensures 100% factual reporting, actively combating misinformation in an era of uncertainty.”

Innovation in News Delivery

Live Times is pioneering a new era of journalism through multicast technology, integrating real-time coverage, data analytics, and audience-driven content. By harnessing digital innovation, the platform aims to inform, mobilise, and hold decision-makers accountable.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, Live Times remains dedicated to its mission—delivering journalism that doesn’t just inform but drives real change. The platform encourages citizens to share stories that matter, amplify unheard voices, and demand accountability from those in power.

March 5, 2025
Disney Entertainment co-chairman Dana Walden outlines corp strategic vision

MUMBAI: Dana Walden, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, delivered a comprehensive overview of the company’s operations and future direction at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on 4 March 2025, addressing key areas of investor interest including streaming profitability, content strategy, and technological innovation.

Walden explained how Disney’s restructuring under CEO Bob Iger has created a “clean structure” with three segments: Disney experiences under Josh D’Amaro, ESPN under Jimmy Pitaro, and Disney entertainment co-led by herself and Alan Bergman. Within their division, Bergman oversees film studios and branded series, whilst Walden manages global television, with joint responsibility for Disney+ and Hulu, including ad sales, technology, and platform distribution.

She emphasised that this structure has “restored the authority to creative executives” who understand “how to create stories at scale” whilst connecting “the people who approved the spending to the revenue.” Disney Studios achieved market dominance with $5.5 billion at the box office, which Walden suggested was “more than all the other studios combined, or very close.” The company also claimed half of the top ten most streamed shows of the year.

Walden highlighted a dramatic financial improvement in Disney’s streaming business, transitioning from “losing over $1 billion a quarter” to becoming “profitable, growing revenue and delivering with visibility towards double-digit margins.” She noted that Disney+ is still only five years old, emphasising the rapid pace of achievement.
The integration of Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers was described as “an extraordinary value” that is “driving engagement” and “improving our churn dynamic.”

Upcoming content releases like Moana 2 (arriving on Disney+ on 12 March) will serve as “a huge event for subscribers, both in terms of acquisition and engagement,” followed by Mufasa in late March.

Disney’s creative prowess was underscored by its 60 Emmy Awards, which Walden pointed out was “more than any of our competitors ever,” whilst “the rest of the industry split the other 69 awards.”

Regarding international growth, Walden discussed the company’s investment in local content development over the past two years, citing the Korean series Moving which attracted “over 1.5 million subscribers.” She outlined a three-tiered approach: “local for local, local for regional, and global for the whole world.”

On ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer service, Walden confirmed the flagship product would launch later this year with “new features that will really blow people away.” She highlighted recent additions to Disney+, including an ESPN tile with over 3,000 hours of programming and the newly launched SC+, a daily SportsCenter show that provides “a daily touch point for sports” and a “reason every day to open the app.”

In the competitive children’s entertainment space, Walden asserted Disney’s dominance in the preschool segment, with Bluey emerging as the most streamed show in the United States last year, driving “60 billion minutes of engagement on Disney+.” She acknowledged the fragmented viewing habits of older children across social media, gaming and YouTube, noting Disney’s “meaningful and great partnership with YouTube” where they produce “thousands of videos” with Disney Junior having “22 million subscribers.”

Walden revealed that Disney is developing technology features that will “specifically address how kids are interacting with content right now in a very contemporary way,” whilst also highlighting the success of Disney Playtime, a linear-style channel that helps “introduce this young audience to multiple franchises.”

On technology, Walden countered the notion that Disney needs to become a great technology company, asserting “Disney is a great technology company and a great storytelling company,” citing the Imagineers’ work in parks, Pixar’s production innovations, and the acquisition of BamTech. She highlighted key technology hires including Adam Smith from YouTube as Head of Technology and Andre Rohe from YouTube and Meta as Head of Engineering, who are focused on “algorithmic programming and personalization, deploying AI across all of our services.”

Walden identified advertising as “absolutely a growth area,” leveraging Hulu’s position as “the original ad solutions partner on streaming video.” She touted Disney’s technological advantages in “automation, programmatic targeting, the ability to work with the biggest DSPs to share data in a clean room,” claiming Disney is “significantly ahead of our competitors in this space.”

Concluding her remarks, Walden expressed confidence in Disney’s leadership team, describing the company as being in “incredibly good hands” under CEO Bob Iger, with “a small leadership team who deliver so much value” and “excellent” company culture.

March 5, 2025
Desi Trill names Ruth Mohinani as head of operations in India

MUMBAI: Desi Trill, the trailblazing global movement reshaping South Asian music and culture, has announced the appointment of Ruth Mohinani as its head of operations in India. With over 17 years of experience in television, music, and sports, spanning content strategy, IP development, A&R, sync, and licensing, Ruth is set to supercharge Desi Trill’s footprint in one of the world’s most electrifying music markets.

As the driving force behind Desi Trill’s expansion in India, Mohinani will spearhead collaborations, curate groundbreaking events, and propel South Asian artists onto the global stage.

Expressing her enthusiasm for this pivotal role, Mohinani shared, “Desi Trill is more than a movement—it’s a cultural shift. I’m honored to take on this role and work with a team that’s dedicated to showcasing south Asian artistry worldwide. Desi Trill’s vision aligns with my own—to empower artists, build meaningful IPs, and create content that resonates across cultures. The journey ahead is exciting, and we’re just getting started.”

Echoing this excitement, Desi Trill co-founder Shabz Naqvi stated, “Ruth’s entry marks a pivotal moment for us in India. Her impressive track record and deep understanding of the industry make her ideal to drive our mission of creating a new genre and building south Asian talent globally under our Brown Is Everywhere community activations. We’re excited to have her on board in this journey.”

Prior to joining Desi Trill, Mohinani served at Rolling Stone India as SVP – content strategy, where she played a key role in shaping content direction and artist engagement. Before that, she led Indian hip-hop’s meteoric rise as general manager (A&R) at Universal Music India, overseeing record-breaking streaming successes through Mass Appeal India and Def Jam India.

Her illustrious career also includes pivotal leadership roles at NBA India, Viacom18 (Vh1 India & Comedy Central India), and Zee Trendz/Zee Café, where she pioneered IP development, content programming, acquisitions, talent management, and major events. Beyond corporate leadership, Mohinani remains a steadfast mentor, guiding emerging artists as they navigate the ever-evolving music industry.

With this strategic appointment, Desi Trill is doubling down on its mission to connect South Asian sounds with global audiences, expanding its reach and influence across India and beyond.

March 4, 2025
Sony Music Publishing & Tips Music strike global renewal, add Youtube

MUMBAI: Hindi music beats are going global, and Sony Music Publishing (SMP) is ensuring they reach every corner of the world. Sony Music Publishing and Tips Music Ltd have renewed their exclusive global publishing agreement, marking an expanded multi-year deal that now includes Youtube (worldwide, excluding India) as a key platform for publishing exploitation. This strategic move will propel Tips Music’s legendary catalogue onto the global stage with even more firepower.

The partnership underscores a shared mission-to amplify Indian music’s international presence. As Bollywood soundtracks and independent Indian music continue to gain traction worldwide, this deal grants SMP extended rights to Tips Music’s 32,000+ track catalogue across 24 languages. That means more Indian music in films, TV shows, ads, and digital platforms everywhere.

Sony Music Publishing’s president – international Guy Henderson expressed enthusiasm about the continued collaboration, “We are thrilled to be expanding our relationship with Kumar and his team at Tips. Tips’ exceptional growth has been a constant factor over many years. Sony Music Publishing looks forward to an exciting future with Tips, with their continued growth and success around the world.”

For Tips Music Ltd MD Kumar Taurani the renewed partnership signals a new era of global impact, “Building on the success of our initial partnership with Sony Music Publishing, this renewal marks an exciting evolution in our global publishing business. In just over a year of collaboration, we’ve seen remarkable growth in our international music usage, with our songs finding new listeners across continents. Adding Youtube as a platform opens significant new avenues for our artists and catalogues to reach audiences worldwide.”

Beyond global distribution, the partnership is set to maximise publishing revenues through Sony Music Publishing’s advanced reporting systems and global partnerships. Tips Music Ltd CEO Hari Nair highlighted the significance of this, stating, “Sony Music Publishing has the best teams and world-class reporting systems, allowing Tips to monitor publishing revenues. The enhanced agreement with SMP enables us to leverage their unparalleled international network of partners and societies globally. The addition of Youtube should drive significant growth in our international publishing revenues.”

Meanwhile, Sony Music Publishing India MD Dinraj Shetty emphasised the larger vision, “Our strengthened partnership and renewed collaboration with Tips Music marks a new era of growth and global impact. By combining their iconic catalogue with our publishing expertise, we are committed to bringing the soul of Indian music to audiences worldwide.”

Tips Music isn’t stopping at just licensing and publishing. The company plans to invest heavily in 12-15 Hindi and regional film albums annually, alongside a robust slate of independent music under Tips Originals.

As Indian music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, this partnership positions Sony Music Publishing and Tips Music at the forefront of this cultural expansion. The deal is expected to significantly boost publishing revenue streams while creating new opportunities for collaboration, sync licensing, and digital growth.

March 3, 2025
JioHotstar’s divine stream sets records with Mahashivratri spectacle

MUMBAI: Faith met the future as JioHotstar’s Mahashivratri: The Divine Night drew millions into a 15-hour spiritual odyssey, blending tradition with technology on an unprecedented scale. With 3.9 crore views and 21.8 crore minutes of watch time, the live-streamed spectacle turned smartphones into temples, allowing devotees to experience rituals, mythology, music, and meditation from the comfort of their homes.

More than just a broadcast, JioHotstar’s multi-stream format brought viewers into the heart of India’s grandest celebrations. Over 20 live aartis from revered Jyotirlingas, spiritual discourses from Isha Yoga Centre and Art of Living, and soul-stirring performances by Sona Mohapatra and rapper Narci created an immersive, interactive experience. Fans could switch between temple feeds, listen to mythological narratives, or engage in real-time chanting and live Q&A sessions—transforming passive viewing into active participation.

JioStar CEO-sports Sanjog Gupta called it a game-changer in digital storytelling. “JioHotstar is redefining live-streaming by making shared cultural moments more immersive. Mahashivratri: The Divine Night proved that technology can deepen our collective experience of faith. And this is just the beginning.”

Brands, too, found their place in this sacred digital gathering, with JK Super Cement, Country Delight, Nirma Advanced Detergent, and Denver tapping into the high-engagement potential of live-streamed cultural events. With Mahashivratri: The Divine Night, JioHotstar has unlocked a new frontier where tradition meets technology, proving that devotion, like digital experiences, has no boundaries.

March 3, 2025
My11circle partners with JioStar as co-presenting partner for TATA IPL

MUMBAI: Cricket fever in India is no joke, and this year, the excitement just got bigger. My11circle has partnered with JioStar as a co-presenting partner for the official digital streaming of TATA IPL 2025. That’s right—fantasy cricket just levelled up, and fans are in for an even more immersive, edge-of-the-seat experience.

This move cements My11circle’s position at the heart of cricket fandom, tapping into JioStar’s massive digital reach across mobile and connected devices. The brand, already an official associate partner of TATA IPL, is now in its second year of a five-year commitment to the marquee tournament. And if there’s one thing this deal guarantees, it’s a season packed with adrenaline-pumping cricket and non-stop engagement.

My11circle’s goal? Bringing cricket fans closer to the action than ever before. And with this partnership, they’re doing just that.

“The passion for IPL in India is undeniable, and we are dedicated to providing users with an even more dynamic and immersive experience. At My11circle, our focus has always been on our users. Partnering with JioStar as a co-presenting partner helps us blend seamlessly with the digital viewing experience, taking fan engagement to the next level. Together, we’re creating a platform that not only celebrates cricket but also brings fans closer to the action,” said Games24x7 COO Saroj Panigrahi.

By aligning with JioStar, My11circle is now set to engage with millions of cricket fans streaming TATA IPL 2025 digitally, ensuring deeper interaction, real-time participation, and an overall next-gen fantasy sports experience. This partnership doesn’t just make watching cricket fun—it turns every match into a high-stakes, immersive event where fans can test their skills, make strategic calls, and win big.

With its rapidly growing fantasy sports community, My11circle continues to push boundaries, using cutting-edge technology and a seamless platform to redefine the cricket fan experience.

March 3, 2025
BBC Studios names Robi Stanton EVP & GM of global media & streaming ANZ

MUMBAI: BBC Studios Australia & New Zealand has just made a bold move, appointing Robi Stanton as EVP & general manager of Global Media & Streaming for the region. If the name sounds familiar, that’s because she’s been a media heavyweight for over 25 years, shaping the industry with her expertise in distribution, commercial strategy, marketing, and advertising sales at some of the world’s biggest media companies-including CNN International Commercial, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Turner International. Now, she’s set to make waves at BBC Studios.

Working closely with Global Entertainment ANZ EVP & GM Kylie Washington, Stanton will spearhead content sales, channels and streaming, and advertising sales. Their mission? Delivering innovative, pan-business growth solutions that elevate BBC Studios’ footprint across Australia and New Zealand. No small feat—but if anyone can do it, it’s her.

Her appointment comes at a time when BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming ANZ is already firing on all cylinders. Recent milestones include enhancing BBC.com and the BBC app, launching six FAST channels on Nine, bringing BBC First to Sky NZ, extending natural history deals with Nine and TVNZ, and renewing a long-standing premium content partnership with ABC. It’s clear—BBC Studios is on a roll, and Stanton is here to push it even further.

With ambitious plans for content, digital platforms, and streaming services, BBC Studios is doubling down on its global media dominance. Stanton is expected to bring her strategic acumen to the table, further solidifying BBC’s standing as a content powerhouse.

One thing’s for sure—this is not just another corporate shuffle. It’s a game-changer for BBC Studios in Australia and New Zealand. The countdown begins—Robi joins later this month, and we’re here for the action.

March 3, 2025
Zindagi DTH celebrates women’s month with iconic female-led dramas

MUMBAI: March isn’t just another month—it’s a time to celebrate resilience, strength, and the captivating stories of women who dare to defy norms. And what better way to do that than with an electrifying lineup of women-led dramas? Zindagi DTH is rolling out an unforgettable selection of shows under the theme Mein Aur Meri Dastaan, featuring powerhouse performances, gripping narratives, and female protagonists who refuse to fade into the background.

Leading the charge is Pani Jaisa Pyaar, a drama that dives deep into love, sacrifice, and destiny. Starring Saba Qamar, Mikaal Zulfiqar, and Ahsan Khan, this poignant tale follows Sana, a young woman torn between societal expectations and personal dreams. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as her journey of resilience and heartbreak unfolds on 18 March 2025.

For those who love a good mix of heartbreak and hope, the fan-favourite Mere Humsafar makes a grand return. Starring Hania Aamir and Farhan Saeed, this tearjerker follows Hala, a woman navigating life’s challenges while searching for her place in the world. Prepare to be mesmerised as the drama airs on 16 March 2025, in Zindagi’s Jashn-e-Superstar slot.

Adding some lighthearted yet thought-provoking drama to the mix is Kuch Ankahi, featuring the dynamic duo Sajal Aly and Bilal Abbas. This modern drama balances career struggles, relationships, and the evolving role of women in society, all while maintaining a refreshing touch of humour. Available for streaming from 9 March 2025, this is one comeback you won’t want to miss.

Talking about her role in Mere Humsafar, Aamir shared, “Playing Hala has been an emotional and thrilling journey. Her resilience, strength, and ability to find hope in the darkest times mirror the spirit of so many women around the world. I’m honoured to be part of a story that continues to resonate with audiences and celebrate perseverance.”

But that’s not all. The celebration of women continues with even more riveting dramas: Inkar, starring Yumna Zaidi and Imran Ashraf, streaming from 15 March 2025; Baaghi, led by the unstoppable Saba Qamar, airing on 22 March 2025; and Ayesha, starring Yasra Rizvi and Sarmad Khoosat, hitting screens on 9 and 23 March 2025.

Catch all these iconic dramas exclusively on Zindagi DTH or head over to Zindagi’s Youtube channel for a binge-worthy experience. This women’s month, brace yourself for powerful stories that inspire, challenge, and celebrate the indomitable spirit of women.

March 3, 2025
Inside JioStar’s IPL 2025 advertising revolution: Chatterjee unveils unprecedented cross-platform strategy

MUMBAI: In what industry observers are calling a watershed moment for cricket broadcasting, JioStar is orchestrating a comprehensive transformation of the Indian Premier League (IPL) advertising ecosystem ahead of the 2025 season. Ishan Chatterjee, the company’s chief business officer for sports revenue, SMB & creator, recently outlined the ambitious strategy that leverages the newly merged digital-linear platform to create what he described as “the most sophisticated sports advertising vehicle in the global marketplace.”

The sweeping changes come at a pivotal moment for both the IPL and India’s media landscape, with JioStar aggressively positioning itself as the premier destination for brands looking to connect with the country’s massive cricket audience. Even as the IPL last year generated 525 million viewers, the aspiration this year that it will just around double that by the time the tournament ends, making it the amongst the most watched sports spectacles globally. A billion viewers for the IPL? No one in the BCCI or ICC would have imagined this kind of viewer engagement when the league was conceived.

The cornerstone of JioStar’s 2025 IPL strategy is the full integration of what were previously separate digital and linear broadcast operations, creating what Chatterjee calls “a unified ecosystem that eliminates the traditional boundaries between viewing platforms.”

“Previous IPL seasons required advertisers to navigate separate buying processes, measurement systems, and creative specifications for digital and television,” explained Chatterjee. “The merged JioStar platform fundamentally reimagines this approach, offering brands a synchronised presence across all viewing environments while streamlining the entire process from initial planning through post-campaign analysis.”

“The days of platform-specific advertising strategies are rapidly fading,” Chatterjee noted. “Our integrated approach acknowledges the reality that viewers move fluidly between large-screen and mobile experiences, often within the same match or even the same over.”

To capitalise on this consolidated approach, JioStar has completely restructured its sales operation, moving away from the platform-centric model that previously separated digital and television teams.

“We’ve implemented a category-first organisational structure,” revealed Chatterjee. “Each vertical is staffed with specialists who deeply understand both the specific industry dynamics of their assigned categories and the full capabilities of our merged platform.”

The new structure includes dedicated teams focusing on:

* High-value partnerships: Targeting India’s largest advertisers with customised, multi-faceted campaigns spanning both platforms

* SMB development: Creating accessible entry points for medium-sized brands previously priced out of IPL advertising

* Digital-native brands: Specialised solutions for direct-to-consumer companies seeking performance-based outcomes

* Regional activations: Localised advertising options leveraging JioStar’s language-specific feeds

* Industry Verticals: Category specialists in FMCG, automotive, finance, technology, and other key sectors

This restructuring has enabled more strategic conversations with potential advertisers, according to Chatterjee. “Rather than beginning with platform selection, we now start by understanding the brand’s specific business objectives, then architect solutions that leverage the appropriate mix of touchpoints.”

Early advertiser commitments suggest strong market reception to JioStar’s new approach. Chatterjee confirmed significant early adoption across several categories: “We’re seeing particularly strong momentum in FMCG, beverages, and seasonal categories like air conditioners and fans that benefit from the IPL’s alignment with early summer,” he said. “The fantasy sports and fintech sectors continue their aggressive expansion, while we’re also seeing renewed interest from automotive and consumer electronics brands.”

Industry sources familiar with IPL advertising rates suggest that JioStar is commanding premium pricing for the 2025 season, with integrated packages reportedly 15-20 per cent higher than comparable separate buys in previous years. Despite these increases, Chatterjee indicated that demand remains robust.

“Early conversations with partners indicate exceptionally strong confidence in IPL’s ability to drive business outcomes at scale,” he noted. “The tournament’s combination of massive reach and deep engagement remains unmatched in the Indian media landscape.”

Perhaps the most significant development in JioStar’s 2025 offering is the implementation of Nielsen’s comprehensive analytics dashboard, providing advertisers with unprecedented visibility into campaign performance across both digital and linear environments.

“This represents a fundamental shift in sports advertising measurement,” emphasized Chatterjee. “For the first time, brands have access to independent third-party validation covering both digital and traditional broadcast exposures within a unified reporting framework.”

The Nielsen partnership addresses what has historically been a significant pain point for advertisers—the inability to consistently measure cross-platform campaigns. The dashboard provides real-time data on:

* Total deduplicated reach across all platforms

* Frequency distribution by viewer segment

* Engagement metrics specific to ad format

* Brand lift measurements

* Attribution modeling for direct response campaigns

* Audience composition analysis

* Competitive share of voice

Several major advertisers have cited this measurement capability as decisive in their spending allocations. “The transparency and actionability of the data have been game-changers in our conversations with brand partners,” said Chatterjee. “The ability to optimise campaigns mid-tournament based on real-time performance insights creates an entirely new dimension of value.”

JioStar’s 2025 IPL coverage will showcase an extensive array of advertising formats designed to maximise engagement across viewing environments. Chatterjee highlighted several breakthrough innovations which
the platform’s digital offerings leverage advanced technology to create highly targeted and interactive experiences:

* AI-Powered Audience Segmentation: Utilising over 100 different targeting parameters including demographics, geography, language preferences, viewing history, and first-party data

* Dynamic Creative Optimisation: Automatically tailoring ad creative based on viewer attributes and behaviors

* Interactive Overlays: Enabling viewers to engage directly with brand content without leaving the match stream

* Click-to-Engage Units: Creating immediate pathways to brand websites or app downloads

* Lead-Generation Formats: Capturing viewer information within the viewing experience

* Sequential Messaging: Delivering progressive brand narratives across multiple ad exposures

* In-Stream Commerce: Enabling direct purchases within the viewing environment

“Our digital capabilities enable precisely targeted messaging that connects brands with high-intent consumers at exactly the right moment,” explained Chatterjee. “This level of personalisation dramatically increases both engagement and conversion rates.”

For linear broadcast, JioStar has developed several proprietary formats designed to break through the traditional commercial break paradigm:

* Brand spotlight: Exclusive placements during the strategically important first five overs of matches

* CGI-led live interventions: Seamlessly integrating brand messaging into broadcast graphics and virtual elements

* Scannable action replay: Technology that makes television content directly interactive with mobile devices

* 3D breakout billboards: Immersive graphical elements that extend beyond standard screen boundaries

* Strategic time-out sponsorships: Premium integrations during the match’s natural breaks

* Synchronised second-screen experiences: Coordinated messaging across television and digital platforms

* Contextual trigger activations: Ad deployments tied to specific match events or performance milestones

“These innovations fundamentally reimagine what’s possible within the traditional broadcast environment,” Chatterjee said. “We’re creating opportunities for brands to engage viewers during the most compelling moments of match coverage rather than relegating them exclusively to commercial breaks.”

A major focus of JioStar’s 2025 strategy is the seamless integration of commerce capabilities directly into the viewing experience. Chatterjee identified this as a pivotal growth area, particularly for quick commerce and mobile commerce advertisers.

“The ability to convert viewership into immediate purchase opportunities represents the holy grail for many advertisers,” he explained. “We’ve developed several capabilities specifically designed to collapse the traditional funnel and enable instant commerce conversions.”

These capabilities include:

* Interactive elements within the viewing stream that reveal product information and purchase options

* Voice-activated commerce: Enabling viewers to initiate purchases through voice commands on compatible devices

* One-click purchasing: Streamlined checkout for registered users

* Real-time inventory integration: Live availability updates for limited-time offers

* Geo-targeted delivery options: Customised fulfillment messaging based on viewer location

* Post-purchase attribution: Connecting sales outcomes to specific ad exposures

Particularly innovative is the “scannable action replay” technology, which Chatterjee described as “creating commerce opportunities during the most engaging moments of match coverage.” The feature enables viewers to instantly interact with products featured during replays without the need for traditional QR codes.

When questioned about potential internal competition between JioStar’s digital and television sales teams, Chatterjee emphasised that the company’s approach is collaborative rather than competitive, focusing on the unique strengths of each platform.

“We’ve moved beyond the outdated notion of platform competition,” he stated. “Each viewing environment offers distinct advantages that can be strategically leveraged as part of a comprehensive campaign architecture.”

According to Chatterjee, television excels at establishing broad reach and emotional impact, while digital platforms enable precise targeting and interactive engagement. “The most sophisticated advertisers are recognising that these capabilities are complementary rather than competitive,” he noted. “Our integrated planning approach helps brands identify the optimal balance based on their specific objectives.”

Looking toward the future, Chatterjee outlined JioStar’s commitment to continued measurement innovation, including plans to incorporate attention metrics, emotional response data, and advanced attribution modeling into future advertising packages.

“We’re investing heavily in next-generation measurement capabilities that will provide even deeper insights into how advertising impacts both brand perception and purchase behavior,” he revealed. “These advancements will further enhance the strategic value of IPL as an advertising platform.”

As IPL 2025 approaches, JioStar appears positioned to capitalise on the tournament’s massive viewership with what Chatterjee confidently predicted will be “record-breaking commercial performance across all metrics.”
Industry analysts suggest that if successful, JioStar’s integrated approach could serve as a template for sports broadcasting globally, potentially influencing how major properties like the NFL, Premier League, and Olympics structure their commercial offerings in coming years.

“What we’re building goes beyond simply selling advertising inventory,” concluded Chatterjee. “We’re creating an entirely new model for how brands can engage with sports audiences across the full spectrum of viewing experiences—a model that delivers unprecedented value for advertisers, viewers, and the broader cricket ecosystem.”

March 2, 2025