ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • Prashant Gaonkar gets appointed as CEO of Alpha Pictures

    Prashant Gaonkar gets appointed as CEO of Alpha Pictures

    MUMBAI: Prashant Gaonkar, a seasoned media professional with over 25 years of experience, has been appointed chief executive officer at Alpha Pictures Pte Ltd. Gaonkar, who joined the company this month, brings extensive expertise in content syndication, inflight and maritime entertainment, digital media distribution, and music licensing.

    Throughout his career, Gaonkar has held key leadership positions at major media organisations, driving strategic growth and forging innovative partnerships across global markets.

    Prior to his current role, he served as head of business development at NH Studioz, where he managed India’s largest film library with over 2,500 titles. His responsibilities included content syndication across linear and non-linear platforms, digital business operations on platforms such as YouTube and social media, and leveraging ancillary rights for inflight, maritime, and surface transport sectors.

    Earlier in his career, Gaonkar held the position of vice president, content syndication, and revenue head for music and digital at Eros International. His tenure saw significant achievements, including expanding ErosNow’s music portfolio through partnerships with global streaming platforms such as Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. He played a pivotal role in content licensing for broadcast TV and OTT platforms, as well as launching successful AVOD ventures on YouTube.

    Gaonkar’s contributions to inflight entertainment are particularly noteworthy. He spearheaded content syndication initiatives for Eros, securing partnerships with over 59 international airlines and establishing a strong presence in African and European markets.

    He also held the role of head of inflight entertainment at Crest Animation Studios, where he specialised in supplying programming to prominent airlines, including Air India, Emirates, and Gulf Air. Prior to that, he gained valuable experience as client services manager at both Dattaram Advertising and Shells Advertising, as well as marketing officer at Jasubhai Group.

    A physics graduate from K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, Gaonkar has consistently demonstrated a strategic approach to media and content distribution, with a focus on scalability and sustainability.

  • FanCode races ahead with exclusive multi-year MotoGP streaming deal

    FanCode races ahead with exclusive multi-year MotoGP streaming deal

    MUMBAI: Sports fans, start your engines! FanCode has just turbocharged its motorsport lineup by securing exclusive digital rights for MotoGP in India. This high-octane three-year deal places FanCode firmly in pole position as the go-to platform for motorsport enthusiasts, following its roaring success with Formula 1 streaming.

    Brace yourself for non-stop, edge-of-your-seat action—FanCode will stream every MotoGP Tissot Sprint and Grand Prix race live, bringing fans closer than ever to the adrenaline-fueled world of two-wheel racing. With cutting-edge technology, lightning-fast machines, and riders who redefine the limits of speed, MotoGP has captured the imagination of millions. This partnership ensures that Indian fans won’t miss a single overtaking maneuver, photo finish, or last-lap showdown.

    The love for motorsport in India has hit the accelerator in recent years. Following the historic Indian Grand Prix debut in 2023, the demand for MotoGP has skyrocketed. The event alone pulled in over 100,000 spectators, proving India is more than ready for high-speed thrills. Industry reports show that the country’s motorsport audience has surged by 30 per cent in the past five years, with MotoGP leading the charge among young, tech-savvy sports fans.

    With MotoGP legends like six-time champion Marc Marquez, reigning king Jorge Martin, two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia, and 2021 title-holder Fabio Quartararo battling it out on the track, every race delivers unparalleled drama and excitement. And now, thanks to FanCode, Indian fans can witness every hair-raising moment from the best seat in the house—their screens.

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco revved up the excitement, saying, “MotoGP is one of the most electrifying sporting events globally, and the appetite for motorsports in India is stronger than ever. With this landmark deal, we’re committed to delivering an unmatched experience for every speed-loving fan in the country.”

    Dorna Sports head of media rights Alex Arroyo fueled the adrenaline saying, “India is a critical market for MotoGP, both in terms of its rapidly expanding fanbase and its relevance to global manufacturers competing in the sport. Our partnership with FanCode ensures that Indian fans get premium access to all the MotoGP action, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this thrilling sport to millions of passionate viewers.”

    FanCode’s MotoGP package isn’t just about watching races—it’s about immersing fans in the sport. Subscribers will get:

    . Live streaming of all Sprints and Grand Prix races

    . Exclusive behind-the-scenes content and race highlights

    . Interactive stats and multi-angle viewing options for a next-level experience

    The move cements FanCode’s reputation as the home of motorsports in India, following its successful acquisition of Formula 1 streaming rights. Whether it’s four wheels or two, FanCode ensures that Indian fans never have to look anywhere else for world-class racing action.

    So, buckle up and get ready-MotoGP is coming in hot, and FanCode is in the driver’s seat.

  • Pankaj Rai departs from Wion and Zee Business

    Pankaj Rai departs from Wion and Zee Business

    MUMBAI: Zee Media Corp has announced the resignation of Pankaj Rai, business head of WION and Zee Business.

    According to a statement issued by the company under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, Rai has decided to step down to explore opportunities outside the organisation.

    The company has accepted his resignation, and he will be relieved from his duties at the close of business on 5 February 2025.

     

  • Bengaluru Jawans triumph in inaugural World Pickleball League

    Bengaluru Jawans triumph in inaugural World Pickleball League

    MUMBAI:  Bengaluru Jawans etched their names in history by defeating Pune United 3-1 to claim the championship title of the first-ever World Pickleball League (WPL), India’s pioneering franchise-based pickleball tournament. 

    Held in south Mumbai’s Cricket Club of India, it is India’s inaugural franchise-based pickleball competition, co-founded by Arjuna Awardee and former Indian tennis player Gaurav Natekar, along with former India No. 1 Arati Ponnappa Natekar.
     

    the team fans cheering the pune united in the finals

    It featured six teams: Mumbai Pickle Power, Pune United, Bengaluru Jawans, Chennai Super Champs, Hyderabad Hustlers, and Dilli Dilwale. Each team consisted of eight players, including five or six international players and one or two Indian players. The WPL also included top juniors selected by the federation to provide them with exposure to high-level competition. The league offered a prize pool of $250,000 (approximately Rs 2.1 crore), with awards distributed to the winner and runner-up teams.

     It was streamed live on FanCode and telecast live on the Sony Sports network. 

    The tournament commenced with Mumbai Pickle Power facing Pune United, followed by Bengaluru Jawans clashing with Chennai Super Champs. Each team competed in five group-stage matches, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. In total, spectators enjoyed 90 matches over the ten-day event. 

    The intense final saw Jack Foster deliver a commanding 26-8 victory in the men’s singles, setting the stage for Bengaluru’s success. Trang Hyunh-McClain and Alejandra Borobia followed with a 13-9 win in the women’s doubles. Pune United responded with William Sobek and Vanshik Kapadia securing a 15-6 men’s doubles victory, but Katerina Stewart’s decisive 21-9 triumph over Brooke Revuelta in the women’s singles sealed Bengaluru’s championship.
     

    The women's doubles in the finals

    Stewart, named Player of the League, said, “I’m incredibly grateful and overjoyed—it’s still sinking in! These ten days of pickleball in India have been extraordinary. Winning with my team made it even more special. At 5-5 today, I had a bit of panic but reminded myself to stay calm and focus, and it paid off.”

  • Shibani Gharat completes thirtieth full marathon

    Shibani Gharat completes thirtieth full marathon

    MUMBAI:  The attractive and erudite Shibani Gharat, anchor and associate executive producer at CNBC-TV18, has a dirty dark secret: she loves to run.  Night or day, she loves the feel the pavement gives to her feet when her strides cover long distances on Mumbai’s streets. She recently completed her thirtieth full marathon at the Tata Mumbai Marathon (TMM). By finishing over 10 full marathons at the prestigious event, Gharat has earned the esteemed title of TMM Legend.

    Shibhani TMM LegendShibhani finisher

    Gharat, who has over 11 years of experience in broadcast journalism, shared insights from her transformative running journey.

    “Each marathon was a reminder that success is not always about speed or crossing the finish line first; it’s about persistence, patience, and growth in the face of challenge,” she noted.

    Her key takeaways from marathon running include:
    * Resilience: Progress is about continuing despite challenges.
    * Consistency: Success stems from disciplined preparation.
    * Celebrating Milestones: Small rewards during a race help maintain motivation.
    * Community Support: The energy of fellow runners and spectators is invaluable.

    Gharat’s career in journalism spans work on notable shows such as Storyboard, Tech Guru, and Lessons in Marketing Excellence. Her achievements in both professional media and endurance sports continue to inspire audiences.

    The Tata Mumbai Marathon, one of India’s largest long-distance running events, celebrates dedication and endurance. Gharat’s accomplishment exemplifies the spirit of resilience central to the event.

     

  • Cnbc-Awaaz budgets big on viewers, hits five lakh peak on Youtube

    Cnbc-Awaaz budgets big on viewers, hits five lakh peak on Youtube

    MUMBAI: Cnbc-Awaaz cashed in big on budget day, emerging as the undisputed leader in Union Budget 2025 coverage with over 5 lakh concurrent viewers on Youtube during finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s speech. (Source: Databeings) Peaking at 4,99,451 views at 12:05 pm, the channel consistently maintained its top position from 11 am to 12:30 pm, outperforming business and Hindi news competitors in live coverage engagement.

    Network18 CEO – english & business news, Smriti Mehra said, “These numbers reaffirm cnbc-awaaz as India’s premier destination for Budget coverage, trusted by viewers for its depth, clarity, and real-time insights. We are grateful to our audience and advertisers and remain committed to delivering exceptional value.”

    Led by managing editor Anuj Singhal, Cnbc-Awaaz’s expert-driven coverage featured top financial minds, offering viewers unparalleled analysis of one of India’s most crucial economic events.

  • Zeel CHRO Dheeraj Jaggi resigns

    Zeel CHRO Dheeraj Jaggi resigns

    MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) has announced the resignation of Dheeraj Jaggi, chief human resources officer and senior management personnel, citing personal reasons. His resignation will take effect from 31 January 2025. The company made this public through a regulatory filing with the Bombay stock exchange on 31 January. 

    In a communication to company CEO Punit Goenka or PG, Jaggi expressed gratitude for his nearly six-year journey at Zeel, describing it as one of the most transformative phases of his career. He highlighted his contributions to the company’s internal transformation, culture, and capability-building agenda, as well as the honour of being entrusted with the responsibility of the CHRO role by  PG.

    Said Jaggi: “I have my deepest gratitude for the journey we have shared. From handling the HR agenda for the largest, diverse and complex businesses across Zeel and leading the internal transformation, culture and capabilities agenda, my journey at Zeel has been one of my career best. The opportunity to reimagine and drive your vision forward through strategy and robust execution, has been an honour and a privilege. The organization’s choice, helmed by you, to recognise my commitment by rewarding me with the responsibility of the CHRO position, is the one I will always have the deepest gratitude for. 

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    Jaggi assured the company of his commitment to serving his full notice period and facilitating a seamless transition. Zeel extended its appreciation for his contributions and wished him success in future endeavours.
     

  • How CNBC-Awaaz managing editor Anuj Singhal sees Budget 2025 panning out

    How CNBC-Awaaz managing editor Anuj Singhal sees Budget 2025 panning out

    MUMBAI: Hindi business news channel CNBC-Awaaz  has budgeted oodles of programming and innovations as it seeks to give its viewers a simplified rendition of the Union  Budget when it is presented by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 

    The channel’s managing editor Anuj Singhal shared his views on the upcoming Budget 2025 and detailed the channel’s comprehensive programming strategy to decode its impact on the economy and markets.

    Reflecting on the previous year’s budget, Singhal noted, “The 2024 Budget was essentially a vote-on-account, but significant announcements like the rationalisation of capital gains tax stood out. We expect the government to continue streamlining the tax structure and closing existing loopholes.”

    Singhal emphasised CNBC-Awaaz’s audience-focused approach under the theme Make or Break, aimed at day traders and investors closely tracking budget announcements. He highlighted the inclusion of expert panels, such as the Budget Editors, featuring CEOs and market specialists dissecting budget impacts on stocks and investments. The Budget Jury will cover tax, mutual funds, and broader market trends from both common investor and market perspectives. Additionally, a Tech Panchayat  will provide real-time stock trading insights based on budget developments.

    Addressing the challenge from digital-first competitors, Singhal revealed plans for a digital-exclusive stream featuring prominent anchors and experts on YouTube and other platforms. “We are fully leveraging our position as the number one digital business news platform in terms of reach,” he said.

    Singhal assured viewers of CNBC-Awaaz’s capability to track market reactions in real-time. “Our anchors live and breathe markets. We’ll keep one eye on the budget and the other on live stock movements, ensuring our audience doesn’t miss a single detail.”

    Special formats, including interactive charts and live market check-ins, will further enrich the coverage.
    On anticipated policy changes, Singhal was cautious: “We do not foresee a significant policy shift. The government’s prudent fiscal approach has served it well. Any major change would indeed be surprising.”

    With a robust line-up of expert opinions and digital innovations, CNBC-Awaaz aims to provide unmatched coverage of Budget 2025, empowering traders and investors with actionable insights.

  • Sony MAX Premieres Saale Aashiq – A Paradigm Shift in the Movie Industry

    Sony MAX Premieres Saale Aashiq – A Paradigm Shift in the Movie Industry

    Building on the success of their supernatural thriller “Adbhut” released last September, Sony MAX is once again breaking ground with the direct-to-TV release of “Saale Aashiq”. This movie offering signals our commitment to delight linear TV viewers with compelling and exclusive content.

    “Saale Aashiq” will Premiere on Sony MAX on February 1, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Set against the backdrop of a small town in Madhya Pradesh, the film narrates the captivating love story of Shatru (Tahir Raj Bhasin) and Gudia (Mithila Palkar) as they navigate challenges to stay together. The star-studded cast also includes veteran actors Chunky Pandey and Darshan Jariwala.

    With its unmatched reach and viewership potential, Sony MAX’s direct-to-TV release initiative is a smart, consumer-first response to the shifting viewing preferences. It seeks to reignite the tradition of families gathering around the Television at a set time to enjoy a shared experience.

    Makarand Palekar, EVP, Head – Distribution Sales, Marketing and Operations, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)

    “Direct-to-TV releases leverage the broad reach of linear television to maximise audience engagement while catering to evolving content consumption trends. This strategic approach strengthens distribution, ensuring wider accessibility and driving viewership growth. Sony Pictures Networks India remains committed to innovative distribution initiatives that enhance content reach and impact.”

    Sony MAX’s direct-to-TV initiatives boldly bridge the gap between viewing preferences, delivering high-impact content directly to TV and capturing young audiences. The strong audience desire for fresh content has made watching new releases at home rival the appeal of a theatrical experience.

  • Shah Rukh Khan lights up DP World ILT20 with his cinematic glamour

    Shah Rukh Khan lights up DP World ILT20 with his cinematic glamour

    MUMBAI: The DP World ILT20 just got its biggest blockbuster moment yet—Shah Rukh Khan made his grand return, sprinkling his signature cinematic charm over cricket’s most exciting T20 showdown. As if the electrifying matches weren’t thrilling enough, the ‘Badshah’ of Indian cinema added a touch of cinematic magic, making his third consecutive appearance at the tournament.

    SRK was spotted at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, passionately cheering for his team, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, during their clash against the Dubai Capitals. With his trademark charisma, he turned up the energy both on and off the field, proving yet again that cricket and cinema are a match made in entertainment heaven.

    The DP World ILT20 has rapidly become the second-most watched T20 league globally, boasting a stellar lineup of cricket’s finest. Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Sam Curran, Andre Russell, and Nicholas Pooran have delivered knockout performances, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. But let’s be honest—when SRK walks into the stadium, the decibel levels go off the charts!

    With world-class facilities, perfect weather, and the vibrant hospitality of the UAE, ILT20 has evolved into a cricketing carnival. It’s no wonder the tournament is drawing a global audience, cementing Dubai as a premier sporting destination.

    This high-octane fusion of cricket and Indian cinema glamour has turned the DP World ILT20 into more than just a tournament—it’s an entertainment extravaganza. Whether it’s the on-field action or the off-field star-studded spectacle, the league continues to redefine sports entertainment.

    Indian fans can watch the adrenaline-pumping tournament live across Zee’s 15 linear TV channels, including &Pictures, Zee Cinema, Zee Action, Zee Telugu, Zee Tamil, Zee Kannada, &Flix, and more. Not near a TV? No worries! Zee5, one of India’s top OTT platforms, is streaming the event for fans on the go.

    With more epic clashes on the way, the DP World ILT20 is far from over. So, the real question is—are you ready for more cricket, more entertainment, and maybe another SRK grand entrance?

    Watch SRK’s electrifying stadium moment here: