ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Sony Sports Network secures PCB and PSL exclusive broadcast rights

    Sony Sports Network secures PCB and PSL exclusive broadcast rights

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network has once again raised the stakes in live cricket broadcasting, securing exclusive television rights for the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) home matches and the highly anticipated 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL). With this move, Sony cements its position as the go-to destination for cricket lovers across the Indian subcontinent, offering fans over 1,800 hours of live cricket in 2025.

    This broadcasting deal covers all of Pakistan’s home bilateral series, a tri-nation tournament, and the full 34-match PSL season, making it a significant addition to Sony’s ever-expanding cricket coverage. The television rights are exclusive for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Myanmar, while in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, Sony will broadcast the matches on a non-exclusive basis.

    The agreement kicked off with the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and south Africa. Fans can now look forward to a jam-packed cricket calendar on Sony Sports Network, which will air the following series in 2025:

    . Pakistan Super League (April – May): 34 matches

    .  Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (May): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Afghanistan (August): 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Ireland (September): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. south Africa (October): 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka (November): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    With the addition of PCB’s broadcasting rights, Sony Sports Network continues to bolster its cricket programming, which already includes rights for New Zealand Cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket, and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). This latest deal further solidifies Sony’s dominance in the cricket broadcasting landscape, bringing fans even more live-action and archival content, including classic India vs. Pakistan encounters.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) CRO – distribution and international business & head – sports business, Rajesh Kaul  stated, “Sony Sports Network’s key goals includes delivering the best cricketing action to our viewers.  To that end, we are continuously enhancing our cricket offerings, and 2025 is set to be a landmark year with over 1800 hours of live cricket on Sony Sports Network. Through this deal, we also have access to great archival content that includes Pakistan vs India matches that we will also showcase on our network. The acquisition of the Pakistan Cricket Board rights along with New Zealand Cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) positions us as the premier destination for cricket in India.”

    With this strategic acquisition, Sony Sports Network is all set to offer an uninterrupted cricketing experience, making it a must-watch hub for fans in 2025. Whether it’s the thrill of PSL, gripping bilateral series, or nostalgic archival showdowns, Sony is ensuring that cricket lovers never miss a moment of the action.

     

  • History TV18 unveils Dark Marvels-Exposing history’s deadliest creations

    History TV18 unveils Dark Marvels-Exposing history’s deadliest creations

    MUMBAI: Innovation has always been a double-edged sword. It has propelled humanity to greatness, but it has also unleashed some of the most terrifying instruments of destruction. History TV18’s latest docu-series, Dark Marvels, premiering on 15 February at 11 pm, takes viewers on a spine-chilling journey through the deadliest inventions ever created. From medieval war machines to execution devices, this series pulls back the curtain on humanity’s dark ingenuity.

    Each episode of Dark Marvels unveils the horrifying mechanics behind history’s most lethal inventions, exploring the sinister minds that brought them to life. Expect expert analysis, 3D recreations, and gripping archival footage that expose the motivations and deadly efficiency of these devices. Whether it’s the ruthless guillotine, the electric chair masquerading as humane punishment, or the monstrous super cannons of Nazi Germany, this is history as you’ve never seen it before.

    History TV18 president – content & communication Arun Thapar shares, “At History TV18, we believe in making History compelling, visually stunning, and thought-provoking. ‘Dark Marvels’ is a provocative addition to our after-dark lineup, exploring the razor-thin line between brilliance and brutality. The series uncovers how human ingenuity has often been wielded for dominance, destruction, and control.”

    This isn’t just a walk through war-torn battlefields or ancient torture chambers—it’s an unflinching look at the creativity that birthed terror. From the Roman Colosseum’s blood-soaked arenas to the silent menace of booby-trapped tombs, each episode leaves no stone unturned.

    Brutality or brilliance? You decide. But one thing’s for sure—‘Dark Marvels’ is not for the faint-hearted.

    Watch the Trailer 
     

  • TATA WPL on JioStar: A Beacon of Advertising Impact and Innovation

    TATA WPL on JioStar: A Beacon of Advertising Impact and Innovation

    MUMBAI: As the Women’s Premier League (TATA WPL) 2025 enters its third season, the tournament continues to redefine women’s cricket, setting new benchmarks for viewership, engagement, and brand partnerships. In just its second season, WPL became the biggest ever Women’s T20 tournament in terms of viewership, reaching close to 150 million viewers on digital streaming and 110 million on linear TV. The month-long event delivered a platform reach and TVR comparable to shows across other content genres that span over a period of 3-6 months. 

    Starting 14th February on live on the JioStar Network i.e. Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar, Season 3 of TATA WPL offers a dynamic mix of platform scale and innovative advertising solutions, and with a plethora of contextual advertising opportunities in February and March, advertisers can build association surrounding these social events through cricketing stars that have become household names in India. 

    Category-wide Brand Associations with TATA WPL 2025 on JioStar 

    Since inception in 2023, TATA WPL has witnessed a massive influx of brands wanting to be a part of the evolving landscape of cricket in India. Categories like infrastructure, automobiles, FMCG, payments, travel, lifestyle and BFSI have capitalized on the WPL wave across seasons, driving a high share of voice in a non-cluttered advertising environment. 

    How brands alleviated their campaigns through TATA WPL 2025

    . BFSI Brand: A prominent public sector bank partnered with WPL to create large-scale awareness surrounding their latest offerings. achieved a 16% uplift in online ad awareness, a 25% increase in purchase intent and a 20% increase in recommendation.

    . Automotive Brand: A leading automotive brand leveraged WPL on both LTV and CTV to build brand love for the launch of its new EV. The campaign saw a 1.5x uplift in Google search trends and 17% increase in purchase intent through impactful ad placements.

    . Lifestyle Brand: A multinational fashion brand associated with WPL on CTV and mobile with an objective to drive purchase intent for its new collection. The brand’s campaign witnessed an 11% increase in message association and a 7% increase in purchase intent through the WPL association. 

    Tailored advertising solutions for every marketing goal: 

    . TATA WPL on JioStar provides a wide array of advertising formats that cater to different marketing objectives:

    . Contextual In-Match Integrations: Seamlessly weave brand messages into key moments of the game, such as strategic timeouts, player milestones, and game-winning moments.

    . Co-Branded Segments: Align your brand with expert analysis, player interviews, and match highlights to capture viewer attention.

    . Interactive Digital Ad Formats: Drive engagement with innovative formats such as expandable CTAs, mid-roll carousels, and fence ads.

    . Targeted Audience Solutions: Leverage JioStar’s advanced analytics to target specific demographics, ensuring your message reaches the right audience. 

    .Contextual Opportunities for Brand Marketers to lookout for this WPL: 

    TATA WPL Season 3 coincides with International Women’s Day, providing brands with a unique opportunity to celebrate women’s empowerment and achievements. By aligning campaigns with this occasion, advertisers can create authentic narratives that resonate with audiences and drive emotional connections.

    . Highlighting the stories of inspiring women cricketers such as Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma offers brands a compelling way to champion empowerment while fostering deeper consumer engagement.

    . Along with this the TATA WPL 2025 season runs from February 14th to March 21st, a time filled with important cultural and social moments. Brands can leverage this opportunity to align their campaigns with these events to drive their campaigns and narratives.

    . Valentine’s Day (14th February)

    . Holi (8th March)

    . International Women’s Day (8th March)

    Creative ad assets such as branded segments, contextual overlays, and interactive formats offer brands the flexibility to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences during these significant occasions. 

    TATA WPL is not just a cricket league; it’s a movement reshaping the landscape of sports in India. By partnering with JioStar, brands can harness the power of this transformative platform to achieve their marketing objectives. 
    This season, make your brand the talk of the town. With tailor-made advertising solutions and contextual opportunities, TATA WPL on JioStar offers a high-impact platform to elevate your brand and connect with millions of passionate viewers.

  • &pictures brings the Full On Ishq film festival for Valentines week

    &pictures brings the Full On Ishq film festival for Valentines week

    MUMBAI: Love is in the air, and &pictures is turning up the romance dial with its Full On Ishq Film Festival—a cinematic extravaganza celebrating love in its most dramatic, passionate, and unpredictable forms. Running from 9- 14 February, this special lineup brings viewers a daily dose of heartwarming love stories, leading up to the highly anticipated channel premiere of Kisko Tha Pata on Valentine’s day at 2 pm. Because what’s Valentine’s without a little bit of love, longing, and drama?

    Kisko Tha Pata, directed by Ratnaa Sinha, is a deep dive into the unpredictable world of romance, exploring love, passion, and obsession set against the charming backdrop of Raipur. Starring Ashnoor Kaur, Akshay Oberoi, and Aadil Khan, the film promises an emotional rollercoaster ride.

    Following the journey of Shreya (Ashnoor Kaur), a young woman navigating complex emotions, the story also introduces Devansh (Akshay Oberoi), a man whose world is shattered by heartbreak, and Dhairya (Aadil Khan), a free-spirited biker who believes in living in the moment. This tale of love and destiny is bound to leave a lasting impact on audiences.

    Sinha shares, “Kisko Tha Pata is a story that dives deep into the unpredictability of love. It’s about choices, emotions, and how destiny plays a role in shaping our relationships. Love isn’t always easy, and this film beautifully captures its raw, unfiltered essence. I’m thrilled that audiences will get to experience this poignant tale on &pictures this Valentine’s Day.”

    Kaur adds, “Shreya’s journey is one of self-discovery, heartbreak, and resilience. She’s a character that will remind many of their own experiences with love—whether it’s the euphoria of falling in love or the agony of watching it slip away. Kisko Tha Pata is a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.”

    Oberoi, who plays Devansh, shares, “Devansh’s story is about heartbreak, healing, and finding redemption. He’s someone who loved deeply, lost painfully, and is struggling to put himself back together. Valentine’s Day is all about love, and Kisko Tha Pata shows that love isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.”

    Khan, portraying Dhairya, comments, “Dhairya’s character brings refreshing energy to the film. He is someone who sees love in its most free-spirited form—without boundaries or expectations. His journey is about embracing the moment, about hope, and about finding happiness even in the face of uncertainty.”

    In addition to Kisko Tha Pata, &pictures has lined up an impressive selection of romance classics to keep the love alive throughout the week. The festival features Ramaiya Vastavaiya, Sanam Teri Kasam, Geeta Govinda, Satyaprem Ki Katha, and Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana—a mix of modern and classic love stories that promise drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.

    So, if your idea of a perfect Valentine’s celebration includes cozying up with timeless love stories, &pictures has got you covered. Whether you’re swooning over intense love triangles, dramatic heartbreaks, or soul-stirring reunions, there’s a film for everyone.

     

     

  • Reliance Industries joins forces with Oval Invincibles in The Hundred

    Reliance Industries joins forces with Oval Invincibles in The Hundred

    MUMBAI: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), the powerhouse behind Mumbai Indians (MI), has officially added another feather to its cap. Through its subsidiary, Rise Worldwide Ltd, RIL has successfully partnered with the Oval Invincibles, a London-based franchise competing in the England & Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) thrilling 100-ball competition, The Hundred.

    Just days after clinching yet another league title in south Africa, MI is set to bring its winning mentality to English cricket. The partnership unites MI’s winning DNA with the reigning men’s champions of The Hundred in 2023 and 2024 and the women’s champions of 2021 and 2022—making this a true meeting of champions.

    From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the historic Oval, MI continues to build its cricket empire. With successful franchises in India, south Africa, the UAE, and now England, the MI brand is cementing itself as a dominant force in world cricket. The move is not just about expansion—it’s about bringing MI’s aggressive, entertaining, and fearless brand of cricket to an even bigger audience.

    MI’s journey is one of continuous evolution, and The Hundred—with its fast-paced, dynamic gameplay—is the perfect new frontier. The tournament has already captured the imagination of fans worldwide, and with MI’s involvement, it’s set to get even bigger. The #OneFamily philosophy has been at the core of MI’s success, and the inclusion of the Oval Invincibles only strengthens this ethos.

    So, whether it’s Mumbai, Cape Town, Dubai, or London—MI’s blue and gold continues to shine brighter than ever.

  • ITV Network Appoints Abhay Ojha as CEO

    ITV Network Appoints Abhay Ojha as CEO

    MUMBAI: ITV Network has appointed Abhay Ojha as chief executive officer for its television, print, digital and sports league business.

    Abhay brings over 25 years of experience across media and FMCG sectors, having previously worked with Zee Media, Star India, Zee Entertainment, Turner and Hindustan Unilever.

    Abhay’s expertise spans multiple industries, including media, FMCG, e-commerce, and financial modeling. He is a skilled change catalyst and financial strategist with a strong background in business management, digital transformation, investments, new business acquisition, and startups.

    Throughout his career, Abhay has successfully led multiple companies through digital transformations, resulting in millions of dollars in profit. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion for innovation, and strong business acumen have enabled him to achieve unprecedented success in launching new businesses.

    “His exceptional leadership skills and business acumen make him ideal to drive our organisation’s growth,” said ITV Foundation chairperson Aishwarya Pandit.

    “It’s an honor to join ITV network, an institution I have long admired and respected. I am drawn to ITV network because of the organisation’s clarity and consistency of purpose and am very excited to partner with the outstanding leadership team to lead the company into the future,” expressed Abhay.

    Abhay  holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Indore and a master’s in business management from IGNOU. In his new role, he will oversee the network’s expansion across multiple platforms and lead its digital transformation initiatives

  • Rewind to launch Hits & Hits Movies on Hong Kong’s Now TV

    Rewind to launch Hits & Hits Movies on Hong Kong’s Now TV

    MUMBAI: Come 14 February, Entertainment network Rewind Networks’ Hits and Hits Movies will hit Hong Kong’s pay TV platform Now TV.  Now TV subscribers will enjoy Hits on channel 513 and Hits Movies on channel 119 as part of the western signature pack.

    Hits brings a collection of classic Hollywood television series – from nostalgic dramas and comedies such as the Six Million Dollar Man, Agatha Christie’s Poirot and Marple, Frasier, and Gilligan’s Island to procedural favourites like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Homicide: Life on the Street and CSI: Crime Scene Investigations.

    Hits Movies, in high definition, will showcase blockbuster films spanning from the 1960s to the early 2000s, including action hits like Top Gun, timeless westerns such as High Noon and Once Upon a Time in the west, and special programming for international women’s day featuring films with strong female leads like Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Aeon Flux.

    Rewind Networks CEO Avi Himatsinghani said: “We are excited to partner with Now TV to bring Hits and Hits Movies to Hong Kong. at Rewind Networks, we believe in the power of timeless entertainment. This launch marks a significant milestone as we connect audiences with the shows and movies they love.”

  • RR Kabel powers up KKR partnership in a high-voltage comeback

    RR Kabel powers up KKR partnership in a high-voltage comeback

    MUMBAI: Cricket and connections go hand in hand quite literally this season, as RR Kabel recharges its partnership with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a principal sponsor. The leading wires, cables, and consumer electricals brand has inked a multi-year deal, returning for a second innings with KKR after its initial collaboration in 2021. With branding set to feature on the right chest of all KKR team kits, RR Kabel aims to spark greater brand recognition, particularly in Eastern India, while riding the wave of cricket’s unmatched popularity.

    For RR Kabel, the partnership isn’t just about visibility, it’s about powering the spirit of resilience, ambition, and excellence, much like the ethos of the three-time IPL champions. RR Global director Kirti Kabra, highlighted the synergy, stating, “Cricket is where passion, energy, and performance come alive values that align perfectly with RR Kabel. KKR embodies resilience and ambition, making them the ideal partner for us. This collaboration isn’t just a sponsorship; it’s about being part of something that excites and unites millions.”

    KKR CEO Venky Mysore welcomed RR Kabel back, saying, “Their continued association reflects the strong synergy between our values and vision. We look forward to strengthening this partnership and creating a lasting impact both on and off the field.”

    As KKR gears up for another thrilling IPL season, RR Kabel’s high-voltage branding push ensures that its presence will be felt beyond the stadium, reaching millions of cricket fans worldwide. With this dynamic partnership, RR Kabel is set to illuminate the cricketing stage, proving once again that the right connections both in sport and industry make all the difference.

  • TVU Networks levels up Kumbh Mela coverage with game-changing tech!

    TVU Networks levels up Kumbh Mela coverage with game-changing tech!

    MUMBAI: Imagine a sea of 450 million devotees, converging at the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, all seeking spiritual awakening—and now, imagine broadcasting that spectacle live, without a hitch. TVU Networks has done just that.

    This year’s Maha Kumbh Mela, held in Prayagraj, India, from 13 January to 26 February 2025, posed an Everest-sized challenge to broadcasters. The sheer scale of the event—hordes of pilgrims, signal-clogging mobile devices, and unpredictable terrain—demanded a broadcasting solution as powerful as the festival itself. TVU Networks delivered, deploying a trifecta of game-changing technologies that ensured seamless live coverage despite massive network congestion and rugged conditions.

    Three powerhouse solutions

    1. TVU One backpacks – Mobile Mastery TVU’s field teams wielded TVU One backpacks, transforming even the busiest bathing ghats into makeshift studios. Featuring TVU’s patented Inverse StatMux Plus (IS+) transmission technology, HEVC format smart VBR encoding, and Forward Error Correction (FEC), these power-packed units enabled reporters to transmit crystal-clear video—even in the heart of the most crowded ritual sites.

    TVU One backpacks

    2. TVU MLink transmitters – The Network Workhorses Broadcasting from a moving sea of people? No problem. TVU MLink transmitters, housed in strategically positioned broadcast vehicles, flexed their multi-network muscles, seamlessly aggregating 5G, 4G, Wifi, and ethernet. These high-tech hubs ensured rock-solid signal stability, even when millions of mobile devices strained the airwaves.

    TVU One backpacks

    3. TVU Rack router 5G – The Ultimate Command Centre Temporary studios at Kumbh Mela ran on TVU Rack Router 5G, a six-network behemoth supporting speeds up to one gbps. By integrating satellite, microwave, Wifi, and ethernet into one rock-solid connection, it provided reliable internet access, keeping production teams fully equipped and on-air.

    TVU

    “We are incredibly proud to provide the technological backbone for broadcasting this historic spiritual gathering,” said TVU Networks general manager for south Asia, Subodh Aggarwal. “Our solutions were specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges of the Kumbh Mela—from massive network congestion to the need for both mobile and fixed broadcasting positions. The successful implementation showcases our commitment to delivering reliable, cutting-edge broadcasting solutions even in the most demanding environments.”

    This achievement cements TVU Networks’ position as an industry leader in live broadcasting. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 was not just a test of faith for the devotees—it was a trial by fire for media technology, and TVU Networks emerged victorious, setting a new gold standard for large-scale event coverage in India and beyond.

  • India’s Waves conference finally scheduled from 1-4 May 2025

    India’s Waves conference finally scheduled from 1-4 May 2025

    MUMBAI: It required the intervention of some of the top industrialists and entertainment executives from India and globally, the information and broadcasting minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and most of all the prime minister Narendra Modi to nail the final dates for the inaugural  World Audiovisual Entertainment Summit (Waves). Vaishnaw announced on 8 February that Waves would be held from 1-4 May 2025 in Mumbai.

    And the venue: the fabulous JioWorld Convention Centre and the JioWorld Gardens in the famous Bandra-Kurla Complex.

    Said Vaishnaw on X: India is laying the foundation for becoming the creative powerhouse of the world! #WAVES2025 Following an inspiring meeting of the Advisory Board with the PM  @narendramodiJi, the 1st World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025) is levelling up to make India the global content hub! This summit will bring together the world’s top media CEOs, biggest entertainment icons, and creative minds from across the globe—unifying entertainment, creativity, and culture like never before! Mark your calendars. Pack your dreams. Get ready to ride the WAVES! 1st – 4th May 2025 .”

    Industry, can be assured now that Modi and Vaishnaw have stamped the dates, there will be no further postponments going forward like there were twice in the past.