Category: TV Channels

Sadhna Broadcast seeks fresh start with name change

MUMBAI: Sadhna Broadcast Ltd a company allegedly embroiled in a significant market manipulation scandal, is seeking permission to rebrand itself as Crystal Business System Ltd following regulatory action from India’s Securities & Exchange Board (Sebi).

The company’s board recently approved the name change after receiving preliminary clearance from the registrar of companies in Delhi. The proposal now awaits shareholder approval and final regulatory permissions before taking effect.

The rebranding effort comes in the wake of a major securities fraud case that saw SEBI bar 31 entities connected to Sadhna Broadcast, including Hindi film actor Arshad Warsi, his wife Maria Goretti, and several company promoters from trading in the securities market.

Sebi’s investigation revealed a sophisticated scheme involving misleading YouTube videos that falsely claimed the company would be acquired by the Adani Group and had secured a Rs 1,100 crore contract with an American corporation. These fabricated claims triggered a buying frenzy among retail investors, with the company’s shareholder base ballooning from 2,167 to over 55,000.

While small investors purchased shares at inflated prices, company insiders and accomplices allegedly offloaded their holdings for substantial profits. Sebi impounded illegal gains totalling Rs 41.85 crore made by various entities involved in the scheme.

As recently as February 2025, one participant in the scheme, Ravindra Dahyabhai Patel, settled with SEBI by paying Rs 72.8 lakh as a settlement amount and disgorging Rs 1.9 crore in ill-gotten gains. He also accepted a six-month voluntary debarment from the securities market.

The board resolution for the name change makes no mention of the scandal or regulatory actions, presenting the rebranding as a routine corporate matter requiring amendments to the company’s memorandum and articles of association.

The company continues to be listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI), though the proposed name change will require additional approvals from these exchanges before implementation.

March 2, 2025
MIP London debuts with strong attendance, sets sights on 2026 return

MUMBAI: The inaugural MIP London market concluded its five-day run on 27 February with metrics that suggest a respectable, if not quite revolutionary, entry into the crowded conference calendar. Some 2,800 delegates from over 80 countries descended upon the capital for what organisers hope will become a fixture in the global television industry’s peripatetic schedule.

The event, which ran from 23-27 February, appears to have established itself as a new fixture in the global television industry calendar, with the IET London and The Savoy already confirmed as venues for 2026.

“MIP London’s debut exceeded expectations. This is year one of a long-term commitment and we will be back in London next year,” said MIP London and MIPCOM Cannes director Lucy Smith. “This was new, a new format, bringing in new people, and it really feels that MIP London has found its place in this busy week.”

European delegates comprised the largest contingent, followed by North Americans, with significant representation from Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Türkiye. More than 70 companies established meeting spaces, including country pavilions from Belgium, China, France, Korea and Spain.

The event featured an extensive programme of international screenings, insight presentations, and industry matchmaking sessions. Notable highlights included presentations from YouTube and a headline conversation between Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria and David Beckham.

Attendees reflected the evolving media landscape, with traditional buyers and sales executives joined by producers, content creators, and representatives from digital-first companies and streaming platforms, including Fast, AVOD and CTV players.

Smith emphasised that the new event was designed to complement existing industry gatherings. “Our plan has always been to complement existing events, and I thank everyone who came and engaged with the market. We will listen intently to every bit of feedback to evolve MIP London for 2026 and beyond, and to deliver what the international industry says it needs.”

The 41st edition of MIPCOM Cannes, MIP London’s established sister event, will take place from 13-16 October 2025, preceded by MIPJunior on 11-12 October.

March 2, 2025
Karnataka sets sights on creative technology leadership following GAFX 2025

BENGALURU: The Karnataka government has unveiled ambitious plans to position the state as a global creative technology hub, announcing upcoming Esports Summit and Game Developers Conference events following the conclusion of the highly successful Bengaluru GAFX 2025.

The three-day conference, held at The Lalit Ashok and organised by the Department of Electronics, IT & Biotechnology and the Association of Bangalore Animation Industry (ABAI), attracted over 5,000 daily visitors and featured 100+ sessions with 200 speakers from ten countries.

“Karnataka is not just the IT, biotech, and skill capital of India—we are on our way to becoming the global creative capital,” declared information technology minister Priyank Kharge at the valedictory function. “With the right policies, incentives, and vision, we will transform India into a hub for creative technology.”

The minister outlined plans for significant investment in incubators, Centres of Excellence, and original intellectual property creation, inspired by the success of global entertainment giants like Disney and Marvel.

Karnataka’s AVGC-XR Finishing School has already trained over 842 students, while the state hosts 27 Digital Art Centres and represents 20 per cent of India’s Media & Entertainment market.

Several major announcements marked the event, including the animated debut of beloved comic character Suppandi, unveiled by actor Rana Daggubati. The character will stream on PowerKids TV, with Tinkle’s young female superhero WingStar also set for animation. The prestigious Uncle Pai Promising New Creator Award was launched, with Mahati Santhanakrishnan named inaugural recipient for her comic Hunting Monsters.

A significant partnership between Green Gold Animation (India) and TG Entertainment (UK) was announced to expand The Brilliant World of Tom Gates franchise across South Asia, focusing on licensing, merchandising, and animation production.

The conference proved particularly fruitful for business development, with the B2B Forum facilitating 395 letters of intent between companies. Fifteen top buyers engaged with 39 participating companies, with 40 intellectual properties showcased. The Investor Connect Program saw 29 investors from 22 companies meeting with 34 startups, offering crucial funding and mentorship opportunities.

The Skyesports Souvenir 2025 National Esports Championship featured four elite teams competing for a Rs 5 lakh prize pool, with Gods Reign crowned champions and Aakash “PH1NNN” Bose earning MVP honours. The competition showcased Counterstrike 2, confirmed as a title in the upcoming Olympic Esports Games 2026.

The AnimationXpress GEM Awards recognised industry excellence across gaming, esports, and metaverse categories. Notable winners included Bloom – A Puzzle Adventure (Best Casual Game), Indus Battle Royale (Best Mobile Game), and 1971: Indian Naval Front (Best Hardcore Game). SuperGaming claimed Game Studio of the Year, with Lucid Labs named Best Indie Studio.

Several strategic agreements were formalised, including an MoU between Uzbekistan and ABAI that will see delegations exchanged between the countries. The ABAI AVGC Centre of Excellence and Media & Entertainment Skills Council also partnered to advance skilling, incubation, and policy development.

A Digital Detox Center by the All India Gaming Federation was launched, while a special session on Bringing Moana 2 to Life offered behind-the-scenes insights into Disney’s advanced animation technologies, including Tonic for hair grooming and enhanced crowd simulation.

“There are tangible outcomes that will be an accelerator for India’s creative technology industries,” said Bengaluru GAFX chairman and ABAI president Biren Ghose. “GAFX 2025 has succeeded in highlighting the disruption that will enable studios, startups, and talent to make a lasting impact on the global stage.”

March 1, 2025
TV Today’s digital strategy chief exits after one-year stint

MUMBAI: India Today group/ TV Today network announced today that Rudra Prasad Kasturi has stepped down from his role as chief strategy officer for digital business, precisely one year after joining the media conglomerate.

In a brief statement, the company confirmed it had accepted Kasturi’s resignation “to pursue other opportunities,” with his departure effective from close of business on 28 February.

Kasturi, a seasoned media executive with previous stints at The Times of India group and Times Internet, where he held various leadership positions, appears to be maintaining his tradition of brief but impactful tenures at India’s leading media houses.

Industry observers note that Kasturi’s CV now sports an impressively symmetrical one-year stint at India Today, neatly matching his seven-month escapade as chief growth officer at Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd. Perhaps in the fast-paced world of digital media strategy, longevity is measured in months rather than years.

The company has not yet announced a successor.

March 1, 2025
Zee UK crowned media brand of the year at British Asian Media Awards

MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment UK has been named media brand of the Year 2025 at the prestigious Arqiva British Asian Media Awards, cementing its position as a dominant force in the UK broadcasting landscape.

The award recognises Zee’s strategic expansion over the past year, which has seen the broadcaster evolve from a niche provider into a comprehensive media network with growing mainstream appeal.

In 2024, Zee significantly expanded its footprint with several key launches, including Zee One UK, the country’s first fully English-dubbed channel showcasing Indian content, and Zee Punjabi, which caters to the 700,000-strong Punjabi diaspora across major platforms including Sky and Virgin Media.

The media group has also strengthened its European presence with localised Zee One channels in Germany and France, delivering Bollywood films and Indian series dubbed in local languages.

“We are incredibly proud to be named Media Brand of the Year,” said Territory Head Europe Parul Goel. “This recognition underscores our commitment to delivering high-quality, diverse content that resonates with audiences across the UK and Europe.”

Zee’s marketing strategy has included high-profile campaigns across London’s transport network, digital billboards, and iconic locations such as Piccadilly Circus, significantly raising the brand’s visibility beyond its traditional audience base.

The company, part of India’s Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, now operates over 50 channels worldwide, reaching more than 1.3 billion viewers globally.

February 28, 2025
Praveen Someshwar moves to Diageo India as MD & CEO after transforming HT Media

MUMBAI: Praveen Someshwar is no stranger to transformation. After steering HT Media Group through a period of digital reinvention and AI-powered journalism, he is now shifting gears—this time to the world of premium spirits. Diageo India has appointed him as its new managing director & CEO, a move that signals an exciting new chapter for both Someshwar and the country’s leading beverage company.

After six and a half years at HT Media, where he spearheaded the digital-first evolution of iconic brands like Hindustan Times, Mint, and Fever Network, Someshwar is now set to bring his sharp business acumen to Diageo India. Under his leadership, HT Media embraced AI-driven journalism, expanded its digital footprint, and built a robust ecosystem blending print, OTT, podcasts, and video. His tenure saw the integration of 400+ engineers, product specialists, and designers working alongside 3,000+ journalists, transforming the organisation into a tech-savvy media powerhouse.

Someshwar himself reflected on his HT journey with a heartfelt farewell on Linkedin, saying, “Transforming a traditional media powerhouse into a digital-first, tech-driven organisation was no small task. And yet, what I witnessed over the years was nothing short of extraordinary.”

At Diageo India, Someshwar steps into the shoes of Hina Nagarajan, who moves into a global role. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the premiumisation of the beverage sector, digital innovation, and market expansion are at the forefront of Diageo’s strategy. Someshwar’s career has been a masterclass in reinvention. From leading PepsiCo’s India and Asia operations to redefining media with HT’s tech-driven expansion, he has consistently pushed boundaries. At Diageo India, he now faces a new challenge—bringing the same strategic foresight to a dynamic, fast-evolving beverage industry.

His new role will focus on strengthening Diageo’s market dominance with a digital-first approach, enhancing consumer engagement through AI-driven insights, and driving premiumisation in India’s evolving spirits market.

With India’s premium beverage market booming and digital innovation reshaping consumer experiences, his leadership could redefine the future of premium spirits in India.

February 28, 2025
Finolex Pipes joins forces with TVF for engaging brand campaign

Mumbai: Finolex Pipes & Fittings has teamed up with The Viral Fever (TVF) for a unique brand integration campaign that combines humour with storytelling to highlight the durability and reliability of its products. Featuring beloved characters from TVF’s acclaimed series set in Phulera, the campaign seamlessly blends entertainment with brand messaging.

The initiative launched with a light-hearted reel starring Banrakas (Durgesh Kumar) and Binod (Ashok Pathak). In the clip, Binod proudly showcases his dream home, where Finolex CPVC Pipes stand out as the trusted choice for durability. A second reel, featuring Chandan Roy as Vikas, continues the comedic approach, depicting a humorous encounter during damaad ji’s visit, reinforcing the reliability of Finolex Pipes.

Shared on TVF’s official Instagram and Facebook pages, the reels have garnered enthusiastic viewer engagement. Building on this success, Finolex is set to release a total of seven videos, with the second instalment premiering on 24 February 2025 and the third scheduled for 28 February 2025, followed by further episodes in the coming weeks.

Finolex Pipes & Fittings vice president of marketing and communications Sumit Bhatia stated, “Partnering with TVF allows us to present our brand in an engaging, relatable manner. The show’s authenticity aligns perfectly with our commitment to quality, making this collaboration an ideal platform to highlight the strength and longevity of our products.”

By integrating Finolex Pipes & Fittings into everyday narratives, the campaign enhances brand visibility and positions Finolex as a trusted choice for plumbing solutions. With TVF’s reputation as one of India’s leading OTT content creators, this partnership provides an excellent opportunity to connect with a wide audience and reinforce Finolex’s legacy of excellence.

February 28, 2025
ETNOW business conclave spotlights India’s road to a $5 trillion economy

MUMBAI- India’s economic ambitions took centre stage at the ETNOW.in Business Conclave & Awards 2025, where industry stalwarts and policymakers mapped out the nation’s journey toward a $5 trillion economy by 2030. Aligned with ET NOW’s ‘Rise with India’ ethos, the event served as a strategic forum for discussions on AI, digital policy, space technology, and national security key pillars of the Viksit Bharat vision.

Union minister Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s rapid strides in the space sector, revealing that the industry attracted Rs 1,000 crore in private investments within months of opening to commercial players. He projected a fivefold expansion of India’s space economy, reaching $44 billion in the next decade, citing missions like Gaganyaan as milestones of self-reliance.

Former union minister and tech investor Rajeev Chandrasekhar made a compelling case for revamping India’s outdated IT laws, stressing that the 25-year-old IT Act fails to account for the Internet and AI—two transformative forces driving the digital economy. “A modern, entrepreneur-first legal framework is needed, free from unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles,” he asserted.

Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. Gen. K.T. Parnaik (Retd.), underscored the role of strong border security and infrastructure in economic growth, detailing Arunachal Pradesh’s potential as a hydropower hub with a capacity of 58,000 MW.

The ETNOW.in Business Conclave & Awards 2025 honoured excellence across 82 categories, recognising industry leaders driving innovation and impact. Naveen Kukreja (Paisabazaar.com) and Ashish Kashyap (IND Money) were named ETNOW Industry Icons, while Central Park Flower Valley secured the Leading Township of the Year award.

ACT21 Software Pvt. Ltd. was celebrated for Excellence in Fintech with its HyPerform solution, and VAXIFLU-4 (Zydus) received the Service Excellence Award in Vaccines & Prevention. In the branding space, U.S. Polo was recognised for its Excellence in Marketing Campaign (2024-2025), while Exhale Label emerged as the Emerging Fashion Brand, reinforcing its growing influence in the fashion industry.

February 27, 2025
Charlotte Moore takes over from Andy Harries as Left Bank Pictures CEO & SPT EVP

MUMBAI: BBC’s chief content officer Charlotte Moore and one of the UK’s most influential media executives, is making a power move. Moore has been named CEO of Sony-owned Left Bank Pictures, the powerhouse behind hit shows like The Crown. But that’s not all-she’s also stepping into a newly created role as EVP, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) International Production Group creative director.

A career-defining transition, Moore’s appointment places her at the helm of one of the UK’s most prestigious production houses while also shaping Sony’s broader global creative vision. She takes over from the Left Bank co-founder and long-time CEO Andy Harries, who is moving into an executive chair role after 18 years steering the company’s success.

At Left Bank, Moore will oversee its award-winning slate, ensuring the studio remains at the forefront of premium storytelling. But her remit doesn’t end there. As EVP, creative director of SPT International Production Group, she will drive the creative direction for Sony’s expanding global content strategy, influencing projects across multiple territories.

Moore expressed her enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, stating, “The opportunity to lead Left Bank Pictures, a studio with such an extraordinary legacy, while also shaping Sony Pictures Television’s international creative vision, is truly exciting. I look forward to working with the exceptional teams at both companies to continue delivering world-class storytelling.”

Moore’s departure from the BBC marks the end of an era. She has been instrumental in shaping the corporation’s content strategy, overseeing major successes across drama, entertainment, and factual programming. Under her leadership, the BBC launched groundbreaking hits, strengthened its digital footprint, and reinforced its position as a global content powerhouse.

At Left Bank Pictures, she inherits a studio with an enviable track record. Founded in 2007, Left Bank has delivered acclaimed titles such as The Crown, Outlander, and Three Pines. As Moore takes the reins, expectations are high for the studio’s next wave of premium productions.

As Moore steps into this high-profile role, all eyes will be on how she shapes the next chapter for Left Bank Pictures and Sony’s international content ambitions. One thing is certain-Hollywood and beyond will be paying attention.

February 27, 2025
Punit Goenka: “I am focused on bringing back the original Zee way of working, with 20 per cent margins”

MUMBAI: Punit Goenka, chief executive of Zee Entertainment, has weathered a storm of challenges during his five-year tenure at the helm of the once-dominant Indian media powerhouse. From offloading stakes to resolve debt issues and battling with major shareholder Invesco, to the spectacular collapse of the Sony merger and facing scrutiny from market regulator SEBI, Goenka’s career has resembled something of a corporate soap opera – perhaps befitting for a man who runs a television empire.

Despite seeing the company’s value plummet from Rs 40,000 crore to less than Rs 10,000 crore and losing his board position, the embattled executive remains undeterred in his mission to revive the struggling media giant, in an interview he gave to the BusinessLine newspaper.

“I have always treated myself as a professional promoter,” said Goenka, explaining his continued dedication despite now holding less than four per cent stake in the company. “I could have just sat at home and enjoyed my dividends,” he quipped, though one imagines those dividends are considerably smaller these days.

Reflecting on past decisions, Goenka acknowledged he might have approached Zee’s digital transformation differently. “I would have probably invested in Zee5 in a more staggered manner,” he admitted, suggesting his “entrepreneurial mindset” may have led to over-investment in anticipation of the ill-fated Sony merger.

Despite industry challenges, Goenka reports having increased EBITDA margins from 10 per cent to 16 per cent over the past year – “60 per cent growth in profitability is not a small task,” he noted, with the subtle pride of a man who would very much like to keep his job.

“The industry is bound to grow at 10 per cent CAGR. It may happen in six months or it may take a year or so more. But it is bound to happen. And this market is going to be television AND digital. It will not be an OR market,” he said.

When questioned about competing with deep-pocketed rivals like Netflix and Jio, Goenka maintained that Zee’s strategy focuses on ideas rather than extravagant budgets. “Fortunately for me, I don’t need deep pockets,” he claimed, in what might be the understatement of the year given the company’s current market position.

As for his future strategy, Goenka aims to position Zee as a “content and tech company” while targeting a return to 20 per cent profit margins. “Even today, at 16 per cent, I can confidently say that we are amongst the best in class on margins, compared to anyone else in the industry. FY25 was a year to get our cost optimisation in place. Before that, we were scaling the company for a merger. In that situation, a lot of our costs got inflated. Plus, we had one-time costs of the merger itself. So in FY25, we spent the first six to eight months trying to prune all the costs and bring it back to the original Zee way of working, which we have successfully done, and now our focus is purely on growth.”

Whether he can successfully navigate the company back to its former prominence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – in the entertainment business, everyone loves a comeback story.

February 27, 2025