Category: TV Channels

Anjali Sud and her big free TV bet with Super Bowl LIX

MUMBAI: Anjali Sud loves going on the offensive and throwing big and wide. Rarely, has she failed to get a touch down during her career no matter how bold her move. The former rather young CEO of Vimeo – who transformed the service into one valued at hundreds of millions of dollars – and current Tubi CEO, is once again putting herself to the test – she is pressing the pedal on free streaming television.

Said she on Linkedin: “I believe in the power of video. I have dedicated my next chapter to empowering audiences with free, frictionless entertainment at Tubi. Viewers deserve fewer barriers, more joy and greater diversity in storytelling. As the most watched free TV streaming service in America, Tubi is committed to defining next generation entertainment.”
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Come 9 February and Tubi will be walking her talk and, in her words, “even the walk when it will stream the Super Bowl LIX, free in 4K, for US audiences.”

The game will be played between American Football Conference (AFC) champion and two-time defending Super Bowl champion, the Kansas City Chiefs, and National Football Conference (NFC) champion, the Philadelphia Eagles. For traditional TV watchers, the action on the green will be aired on Fox Sports with over 100 cameras being used for filming, including a new 4K, 240 Hz model from Sony as its high skycam. The lower skycam will employ the use of lidar and simultaneous localisation and mapping (Slam) technology to provide more precise tracking of its position, data which will primarily be used to improve the performance of augmented reality (AR) graphics. The game will be made available with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound on Comcast Xfinity.

Sud revealed that it will be a series of firsts for Tubi at America’s biggest sporting event: “from the first-ever Tubi Red Carpet featuring the fashion and celebrity surrounding the game (including the ability to shop the trends from your phone!), to wacky Tubi brand spots that cut to the heart of what we stand for, to airing our biggest original ever, The Z-Suite starring Lauren Graham, after the trophy ceremony.”

She acknowledged that none of this would have been possible “without the boldness, creativity and steady determination of the Tubi team and our excellent partners at FOX Sports. It has been a true effort from all and I couldn’t be more proud to work with people who aren’t afraid to try new things and reach new heights together…especially when it offers a great entertainment experience for millions of Americans.”

TV spots are going at $7.5 million to $8 million per 30 second slot. Wow If that is not steep, we wonder what is.

Could we have Uday Shankar, Sanjog Gupta and gang take a similar punt with this year’s IPL?

February 8, 2025
Zee Kannada News Achievers Awards 2025: Honouring Karnataka’s visionaries

MUMBAI: Karnataka’s finest achievers are set to take the spotlight as Zee Kannada News presents the Zee Kannada News Achievers Awards 2025 on 8 February. This grand celebration will shine a light on visionaries, changemakers, and trailblazers whose relentless dedication is driving Karnataka’s progress across industries.

With the overwhelming success of Yuvarathna and Veera Kannadiga, this prestigious event returns bigger and bolder, uniting distinguished personalities, industry leaders, and public servants for an evening of recognition and inspiration.

Leading the charge at this prestigious ceremony will be Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah as the chief guest. Joining him are former CM Sadananda Gowda; Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji; Deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar; and Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy. The event will also feature celebrated icons from entertainment and social spheres, including Priyanka Upendra, Dhruva Sarja, Lakshmi Govindaraju, Poornima Ramkumar, Divyashree, Madhumala SN, and singer Bobby.

Beyond a glittering affair, the Zee Kannada News Achievers Awards serve as a powerful platform to honour game changers and emerging leaders shaping the future of Karnataka. The awards will highlight contributions across multiple categories, with a special focus on public service & welfare, covering education, MSME, women empowerment, infrastructure, health, and agriculture.

By celebrating these champions of change, Zee Kannada News reaffirms its commitment to empowering those who make a difference. More than just a trophy, these awards embody a movement—fueling aspirations, fostering innovation, and driving collective progress. The platform stands as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, encouraging them to dream bigger and achieve more.

Zee Kannada News invites business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and citizens to witness and celebrate Karnataka’s finest achievers. Tune in on 8 February to experience a night of honour, impact, and inspiration!

February 8, 2025
Zee 24 Taas’ Udyog Sammelan ignites Maharashtra’s entrepreneurial spirit

MUMBAI: Maharashtra’s business landscape is evolving, and Zee 24 Taas is ensuring entrepreneurs don’t miss a beat. The channel will telecast the Udyog Sammelan, a premier entrepreneurial event, on 8 Feb at 2:30 pm, 9 Feb at 3:30 pm, 10 Feb at 3:30 pm, and 11 Feb at 3:30 pm. If you’re an entrepreneur—or just dream of being your own boss—this is one event you won’t want to miss!

With the theme ‘Empowering Maharashtra’s Next-Gen Entrepreneurs’, the summit dissected key business challenges and solutions, covering everything from funding access and government policies to digital transformation and industrial innovation. The event placed a spotlight on agribusiness, technology, manufacturing, and services, showing how young visionaries are reshaping Maharashtra’s economic fabric.

Udyog Sammelan wasn’t just talk—it was about action. Here’s what the state’s key decision-makers had to say:

1 Industries minister Uday Samant announced that 20 acres out of every 100 acres acquired will be reserved for MSME startups, setting the stage for Navi Mumbai’s rise as a semiconductor and data centre hub.

2 Minister of ports development Nitesh Narayan Rane revealed that Vadavan Port is set to become Asia’s largest, propelling Maharashtra into a new era of economic expansion. “Our vision is to make Konkan an industrial hub,” he declared.

3 Minister of skill development & entrepreneurship, Mangal Prabhat Lodha stressed the importance of employee respect in building successful industries. He also announced the integration of 438 ITIs into industry operations and the launch of a Private Participation Policy.

Zee 24 Taas editor Kamlesh Sutar underscored the importance of the initiative, stating, “The Udyog Sammelan was not just a conference—it was a catalyst for Maharashtra’s entrepreneurial growth. By bringing together industry leaders and innovators, we are ensuring that these powerful insights reach a larger audience, enabling entrepreneurs to unlock new opportunities.”

Zee Media Corporation Ltd CEO Karan Abhishek Singh echoed this sentiment, adding, “At Zee Media, we thrive on fostering meaningful partnerships that drive impact. This telecast is our commitment to supporting the business community, sparking new ideas, and creating a robust ecosystem for Maharashtra’s entrepreneurs.”

The Udyog Sammelan telecast is more than just another business discussion—it’s a masterclass in navigating today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. Whether you’re an established entrepreneur, a startup enthusiast, or just someone curious about where Maharashtra’s industries are headed, this broadcast is packed with actionable insights, strategic guidance, and success stories that can inspire and inform your next big move.

February 8, 2025
Prime minister Modi chairs celeb laden Waves advisory panel meeting

MUMBAI: It’s happening. It’s not. It’s postponed. It’s not. With all the confusion going around prime minister Narendra Modi’s pet project to promote India as a cultural and entertainment capital, Waves, he has decided to take the bull by the horns by himself.

He had a meeting with the Waves advisory board on 7 February with minister Ashwni Vaishnaw in attendance. The meeting was conducted under the umbrella of Meity. Among those included in the video call figured: Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Anupam Kher, Ted Sarandos, Anil Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Shekar Kapur, Anand Mahindra, Hema Malini, Chiranjeevi, Mithun Chakravarty, Ekta Kapoor and many other celebrities.

Let’s hope, some consensus was arrived at this time to avoid the embarrassments that two date changes have brought to Waves, to the ministry of information and broadcasting and to the country as a whole. .

February 8, 2025
ICC unveils Atif Aslam’s anthem for Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

MUMBAI : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has dropped the official anthem for the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke with Atif Aslam lending his powerful vocals to the track. A fusion of cricketing passion and Pakistani culture, the song sets the tone for the high-stakes tournament kicking off in less than two weeks.

With just 12 days remaining until the highly anticipated tournament, the song’s release adds to the growing excitement ahead of the 15-match event, set to take place from 19 February to 9 March across Pakistan and the UAE.

Produced by Abdullah Siddiqui, with lyrics by Adnan Dhool and Asfandyar Asad, the track is a vibrant celebration of Pakistan’s rich culture, showcasing its streets, markets, and stadiums. The accompanying music video highlights the nation’s deep-rooted passion for cricket. The song is now available on major streaming platforms worldwide.

Fans can still secure tickets for the tournament online or through select physical outlets in Pakistan. Tickets for the Final, scheduled for Sunday, 9 March, will be available following the first semi-final in Dubai.

The competition will feature the world’s top eight teams battling in 15 high-intensity matches over 19 days, with every encounter crucial in the quest for the coveted white jackets.

Expressing his excitement, Aslam said: “I have always been passionate about cricket and once aspired to be a fast bowler. Understanding the emotions of the game, especially during an India-Pakistan clash, makes this opportunity particularly special for me.”

ICC chief commercial officer Anurag Dahiya added: “With just days to go, the official song embodies the spirit of the Champions Trophy and Pakistan’s cricketing identity. We encourage fans to secure their tickets and be part of this celebration.”

Tournament director and PCB chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad Syed hailed the song’s release as another milestone in the build-up to the global event. “Aslam, a powerhouse of Pakistani music, has delivered blockbuster anthems before, and we believe this song will set the stage alight. As excitement builds, we anticipate packed stadiums and an electric atmosphere.”

February 7, 2025
Rohit Dhawan transitions to JioStar India as head of brand solutions (sports)

MUMBAI: Rohit Dhawan, a veteran marketing and media professional with over two decades of experience, has recently taken up the position of head of brand solutions (sports) at JioStarIndia.

In this role, Dhawan will lead strategic advertising solutions for marquee sporting properties such as the IPL, ICC, and BCCI events. His focus will be on driving innovative brand partnerships at the intersection of sports, media, and technology to enhance engagement across both digital and television platforms.

Reflecting on his career, Dhawan highlighted his passion for leveraging storytelling to create impactful campaigns. “The last nine years have been particularly fulfilling in building new business models and revenue streams through various forms of content,” he noted.

Prior to this appointment, Dhawan served as vice president of customer marketing at Viacom18 Sports, where he played a pivotal role in managing customer marketing strategies for major sports events. He also held senior roles at Mindshare, including vice president of content plus, where he managed brand partnerships and solutions marketing.

Dhawan’s extensive career portfolio includes leadership positions at Hindustan Times Media, ESPN Star Sports, and Mindshare, where he worked on prominent accounts like Pepsi, Pizza Hut, and KFC. His areas of expertise include sports marketing, digital strategy, brand partnerships, and media innovation.

February 7, 2025
India Today – Business Today Budget Round Table 2025: Big bets & bold claims

MUMBAI: If Budget discussions were a high-stakes poker game, this year’s India Today – Business Today Budget Round Table saw ministers going all in with big bets and even bolder claims. From Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s tax relief assurances to Piyush Goyal’s firm rejection of a BRICS currency, and Nitin Gadkari’s ambitious Rs 15 lakh crore infrastructure monetisation vision—this was no ordinary policy talk.

Sitharaman set the tone early, brushing aside concerns of a structural slowdown while underscoring the government’s commitment to taxpayers. “In every Budget, there is a clear sense that we respect taxpayers,” she declared, championing income tax rebates and relief measures under the new tax regime. She also expressed confidence that higher disposable incomes would fuel consumption and savings, giving sectors like FMCG and banking a much-needed boost.

Meanwhile, Commerce minister Piyush Goyal wasted no time in dismissing the idea of a BRICS currency. “We don’t support any BRICS currency… It is impossible to think of a BRICS currency,” he said, leaving no room for ambiguity. He also addressed rupee depreciation, maintaining that India must work towards a stronger currency to reduce import dependence.

Transport minister Nitin Gadkari, always one to bring numbers to the table, outlined his Rs 5 lakh crore plan for highway monetisation while acknowledging roadblocks like land acquisition and environmental clearances. His projections were ambitious—toll income hitting Rs 1.4 lakh crore in two years, scaling up to Rs 15 lakh crore with further monetisation—but execution remains the challenge.

Beyond taxation and infrastructure, the event also dived into global economic headwinds. Finance and Revenue secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey flagged rising trade disruptions and protectionist policies, reassuring attendees that India remains committed to open markets. Meanwhile, Electronics & IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had exciting news on the tech front—India’s foundational AI model will be ready by the end of the year, with 10,000 GPUs already deployed for research.

For investors, the insights kept coming. Market veteran Vijay Kedia predicted continued market consolidation, advising investors to focus on government-driven themes like tourism. Value Research CEO Dhirendra Kumar urged a gradual investment strategy, while Mosaic Asset Management’s Maneesh Dangi remained bullish on IT and services.

With 10 power-packed sessions, 15+ industry leaders, and over 200 corporate executives and experts in attendance, the India Today – Business Today Budget Round Table 2025 delivered high-impact discussions and valuable takeaways. With NSE as an exchange partner, the event ensured that the country’s economic pulse was taken with precision.

As India steers through global uncertainties, the discussions reinforced the government’s commitment to taxpayers, economic stability, and infrastructure growth—while also highlighting challenges like trade tensions, currency fluctuations, and policy roadblocks that remain very much in play.

February 6, 2025
Damyant Singh Khanoria resigns as CMO of sports at Viacom18

Mumbai: He was a high-profile hire in 2024. And now he has quit. Damyant Singh Khanoria has stepped down as chief marketing officer (CMO) of sports at Viacom18, ending his tenure that began in January 2024.

Khanoria, a seasoned marketing professional, brought over two decades of experience in leading global brands. Prior to his role at Viacom18, he served as CMO of Oppo India for over three years, overseeing the brand’s marketing strategies and campaigns. His career also includes a significant stint at Apple, where he led Marcom operations for nearly four years.

Earlier, Khanoria held senior roles at adidas for over a decade, including senior marketing director and head of product marketing for sports performance. He also managed brand communications at Mudra Communications, handling key accounts such as McDonald’s.

Known for his expertise in brand strategy, sports marketing, and product innovation, Khanoria’s departure marks a significant development in Viacom18’s leadership.

The company is yet to announce his successor.

February 6, 2025
Disney reports substantially better results in Q1 FY 2025

MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company reported robust Q1 FY25 financial results, driven by growth in its entertainment and experiences divisions and a return to profitability in streaming operations. The company posted a 44 per cent jump in adjusted earnings per share to $1.76, exceeding market expectations of $1.45. Revenue rose by five per cent to $24.69 billion, fuelled by strategic price hikes across streaming services.

The direct-to-consumer (D2C) segment, encompassing Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, delivered a $293 million operating profit, recovering from a $138 million loss in the same quarter last year. However, Disney+ saw a marginal decline in subscribers, slipping to 124.6 million from 125.3 million in Q4 FY24. Hulu reported a three per cent growth in its subscriber base, offsetting some losses.

Despite the dip in Disney+ subscribers, D2C revenue increased by nine per cent, reflecting the effectiveness of pricing strategies. The company announced plans to launch ESPN as a stand-alone streaming service by fall 2025, with a focus on delivering comprehensive sports content and digital features.

Disney’s entertainment division recorded double-digit operating income growth, supported by the success of key franchises. Box office revenue saw a rebound, thanks to blockbuster releases and a strong international performance. Upcoming releases are expected to sustain this momentum in the next quarter.

The sports division reported an impressive operating income of $250 million, reversing a $100 million loss from the same period last year. The absence of major cricket events in Q1 and improved operating efficiencies contributed to this turnaround.

The experiences, parks, and products segment remained a key growth driver, bolstered by strong demand for domestic and international parks. Revenue from this segment surged by double digits as travel and leisure activities continued to normalise post-pandemic.

Disney finalised a $220 million merger of its Hulu + Live TV business with FuboTV, taking a 70% ownership stake in the combined entity. CEO Bob Iger confirmed the company’s commitment to further growth in digital entertainment and immersive experiences.

Looking ahead, Disney forecasts high single-digit earnings per share growth for FY25 and double-digit operating income growth in the entertainment division. However, the stock dipped 2.4 per cent following the report, influenced by concerns over Disney+ subscriber declines.

Meanwhile, moving on to its India operations. The mousehouse expects a $300 million equity loss from its Indian joint venture (JV), JioStar, in FY25 due to purchase accounting, according to CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston in the company’s Q1 FY25 earnings commentary. The JV, formed with Reliance Industries (RIL) and Bodhi Tree Systems, marked the merger of Star India, Disney+ Hotstar, and Reliance’s media assets.

Disney, which holds a 37 per cent stake in JioStar, deconsolidated Star India’s results from 14 November 2024. This quarter included just 1.5 months of Star India operations, compared to a full year in fiscal 2024. The company reported a $33 million equity loss from the JV in Q1, primarily linked to purchase accounting.

The JV is projected to contribute $74 million to Disney’s entertainment operating income in FY25, down from $254 million last year, while the sports segment is expected to generate $9 million, recovering from a $636 million loss.

Advertising revenue from Disney+ Hotstar in India fell sharply to $15 million in Q1 FY25, compared to $165 million the previous year. Despite this decline, direct-to-consumer (D2C) ad revenue outside India rose 16 per cent. Disney anticipates D2C operating income to increase by $875 million in FY25, partly due to an improved comparison against a $200 million adverse impact from Disney+ Hotstar in the previous year.

Sports segment income improved to $250 million in Q1, recovering from a $100 million loss in Q1 FY24, which had aired the ICC Cricket World Cup.

The company recognised a $143 million impairment charge and a $0.2 billion non-cash tax charge in Q1 FY25 as part of transaction-related restructuring. Cumulative foreign currency translation losses net of tax amounted to $0.8 billion.

JioStar, valued at $8.5 billion, is 56 per cent owned by RIL and seven per cent by Bodhi Tree Systems. Disney’s move signals a strategic shift in its approach to the Indian market amid evolving media consumption patterns.

The Walt Disney Company reported robust Q1 FY25 financial results, driven by growth in its entertainment and experiences divisions and a return to profitability in streaming operations. The company posted a 44 per cent jump in adjusted earnings per share to $1.76, exceeding market expectations of $1.45. Revenue rose by five per cent to $24.69 billion, fuelled by strategic price hikes across streaming services.

The direct-to-consumer (D2C) segment, encompassing Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, delivered a $293 million operating profit, recovering from a $138 million loss in the same quarter last year. However, Disney+ saw a marginal decline in subscribers, slipping to 124.6 million from 125.3 million in Q4 FY24. Hulu reported a three per cent growth in its subscriber base, offsetting some losses.

Despite the dip in Disney+ subscribers, D2C revenue increased by nine per cent, reflecting the effectiveness of pricing strategies. The company announced plans to launch ESPN as a stand-alone streaming service by fall 2025, with a focus on delivering comprehensive sports content and digital features.

Disney’s entertainment division recorded double-digit operating income growth, supported by the success of key franchises. Box office revenue saw a rebound, thanks to blockbuster releases and a strong international performance. Upcoming releases are expected to sustain this momentum in the next quarter.

The sports division reported an impressive operating income of $250 million, reversing a $100 million loss from the same period last year. The absence of major cricket events in Q1 and improved operating efficiencies contributed to this turnaround.

The experiences, parks, and products segment remained a key growth driver, bolstered by strong demand for domestic and international parks. Revenue from this segment surged by double digits as travel and leisure activities continued to normalise post-pandemic.

Disney finalised a $220 million merger of its Hulu + Live TV business with FuboTV, taking a 70% ownership stake in the combined entity. CEO Bob Iger confirmed the company’s commitment to further growth in digital entertainment and immersive experiences.

Looking ahead, Disney forecasts high single-digit earnings per share growth for FY25 and double-digit operating income growth in the entertainment division. However, the stock dipped 2.4 per cent following the report, influenced by concerns over Disney+ subscriber declines.

February 6, 2025
Neeraj Jha named honorary secretary general of ASIP

MUMBAI: The Association for Sports Industry Professionals (ASIP) has a new power player in its ranks. Neeraj Jha, a veteran with over 20 years of experience in the sports industry, has been appointed honorary secretary general, a role that positions him at the forefront of shaping the future of sports business in India.

Jha’s appointment is no ordinary shuffle in leadership—it’s a strategic move to unify industry stakeholders, foster innovation, and accelerate professional growth in the sector. ASIP expressed full confidence in Jha’s ability to steer the ship toward greater collaboration and impact.

ASIP founder Shaji Prabhakaran welcomed Jha, reinforcing the organisation’s vision to build a robust platform for sports professionals in India.

“Neeraj brings a wealth of experience and passion for the industry. His leadership will be crucial in strengthening ASIP’s role as a catalyst for sports business development,” said Prabhakaran.

Taking on the new role with enthusiasm, Jha shared his excitement about joining ASIP’s mission, “I’m excited to collaborate with ASIP’s dedicated professionals to drive impactful change and build a vibrant community. Thanks to Shaji Prabhakaran for creating this platform—together, we’ll take it to new heights.”

Jha’s appointment is a big win for ASIP as the organisation intensifies its efforts to professionalise the sports industry, bridge knowledge gaps, and enhance opportunities for industry professionals.

February 5, 2025