ITV

Category: TV Channels

  • All Women’s Sports Network launches on Jio TV

    All Women’s Sports Network launches on Jio TV

    MUMBAI: We all know Whoopi Goldberg as a wonderful actress and for her roles in The Color Purple and Sister Act series. Now the American star – who has long been a supporter of sports –  will be known for launching a global sports network for women. Yes, exclusively focused on women’s sports.

    Called the All Women Sports Network (AWSN) its launch was announced mid-last week on The Tonight Show hosted by Jimmy Fallon. Goldberg is partnering with an organization called  CommonSpirit Health which is led by CEO Wright Lassetter III for the network.

    The new channel will “be the home for live women’s sports from around the world. Everything from soccer, basketball, tennis, cricket, curling, you name it — if a woman is playing it, we’re showing it,” expressed Goldberg to Fallon.

    In India, AWSN is available on Jio TV and Jio TV+ across all mobile phones and is integrated with the Jio set top box as well. Goldberg added that the channel is to be available in 65 countries including west Asia, Asia and a US announcement is set to follow.

    According to Goldberg, the goal of AWSN is to “rectify the imbalance in sport representation, championing the cause of female athletes one step at a time.” 

    At the time of writing, the channel was showcasing docuseries around prominent sportswomen like Billie Jean King, Serena Williams and other athletes, interspersed with live matches of women’s football, beach ball in Germany and Sweden, and basketball, field hockey leagues in Australia. 

     

  • Raj TV’s financial woes deepen despite 53 per cent revenue surge

    Raj TV’s financial woes deepen despite 53 per cent revenue surge

    Mumbai: Raj Television Network Limited, a longstanding player in the regional media landscape, reported its unaudited financial results for Q2 FY2025. The results reveal a downward trend in profitability and rising operational expenses, challenging the company’s financial stability. Despite a 53 per cent revenue boost to Rs 359.3 million from Rs 234.5 million in the prior year, this increase did not translate into profitability. The high costs, notably a 77 per cent surge in cost of revenue to Rs 293 million, outpaced revenue growth, resulting in a net loss of Rs 168 million for the quarter, a stark contrast to a modest profit of Rs 217,000 in Q2 FY2024.

    Operating expenses surged by 35 per cent year-over-year, driven by escalating costs in core functions. Employee benefits decreased marginally by 6 per cent, reflecting cost-control efforts, yet operational expenses remained high. Finance costs increased by over 60 per cent, reaching Rs 10.3 million, which, combined with increased borrowing, amplified the financial strain.

    Balance sheet liabilities reflect rising pressures; current liabilities rose by nearly 39 per cent, with trade payables ballooning from Rs 60.5 million to Rs 145.4 million, signalling cash flow challenges. Current assets, meanwhile, were relatively static, highlighting potential liquidity constraints. Cash and cash equivalents diminished significantly to  Rs 3.3 million, a steep decline from  Rs 26.7 million at the beginning of the fiscal year.

    Raj Television’s pivot to higher revenue has yet to offset its expenditure growth, underscoring the need for strategic intervention to address profitability and cash flow. Going forward, Raj TV faces a critical need for fiscal recalibration to stabilise and reduce rising debt.

    Financial highlights for Raj Television Network’s Q2 FY2025 performance:

    1. Revenue Growth: Revenue rose by 53 per cent to Rs 359.3 million, up from Rs 234.5 million in Q2 FY2024.

    2.   Net Profit : The company reported a net loss of Rs 168 million, compared to a modest profit of Rs 217,000 in the same quarter last year.

    3.  Operational Expenses : Total expenses surged by 35 per cent year-over-year

    4. Cost of Revenue : Cost of revenue rose sharply by 77 per cent, reaching Rs 293 million.

    5. Employee Benefits : Employee costs decreased by 6 per cent year-over-year.

    6. Finance Costs: Finance expenses increased over 60 per cent, totaling Rs 10.3 million, exacerbated by increased borrowing.

    7. Trade Payables: Current liabilities, including trade payables, jumped 39 per cent, rising from Rs 60.5 million to Rs 145.4 million.

    8. Cash Flow: Cash and cash equivalents dropped significantly to Rs 3.3 million, down from Rs 26.7 million at the fiscal year’s start.

  • Sony Sports Network to air Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 live

    Sony Sports Network to air Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 live

    Mumbai: Sony Sports Network will telecast the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 live for hockey fans across India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This much-anticipated continental tournament will be held from 11 to 20 November 2024 at the newly built Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar.

    Sony Sports Network will ensure a seamless broadcast of the tournament, where the Indian Women’s Team has an impressive record. Having won the trophy for the first time in 2016, India enters the competition as the defending champion after reclaiming the title in Ranchi in 2023. With this victory, India joined Japan as one of only two teams to have won the trophy twice. The Indian team will face strong competition from Olympic silver medallist China, as well as Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand.

    Led by captain Salima Tete and vice-captain Navneet Kaur, India will play against Malaysia on the tournament’s opening day, eager to secure an early victory. After missing out on qualification for the Paris Olympics this year, the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy presents a vital opportunity for the team to start afresh.

    India must achieve a top-four finish among the six participating teams to advance to the semi-finals on 19 November. The winners of the Semi-Finals will then progress to the Final, scheduled for 20 November. This tournament also marks the Indian women’s hockey team’s first Asian competition under chief coach Harendra Singh, who took charge earlier this year.

    All the matches will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD and HD channels and live streamed on SonyLIV, starting from 1500 hrs IST.

  • Vipin Unni joins OTT platform Aha as chief marketing officer

    Vipin Unni joins OTT platform Aha as chief marketing officer

    Mumbai: In a strategic move to enhance its market footprint, Aha, the popular regional OTT platform, has appointed Vipin Unni as its chief marketing officer (CMO). Unni’s appointment comes as Aha seeks to elevate its brand positioning and tap into a larger audience base in an increasingly competitive streaming industry.

    Unni, renowned for his expertise in leading marketing strategies at Airtel, Reliance, and Star TV, brings a strong track record in digital marketing and brand expansion to Aha. He has spearheaded initiatives that seamlessly integrate innovative marketing approaches with profound consumer insights. Previously, Unni held pivotal leadership positions, refining his ability to thrive in the fast-paced digital environment.

    The appointment is timely as competition among streaming platforms intensifies, with companies vying for the attention of regional audiences who increasingly prefer local language content. Unni’s leadership could propel Aha to expand its subscription base and fortify its brand presence across South India and beyond.

    The OTT platform has been focusing on high-quality original content, and Unni’s marketing acumen will be crucial in positioning these offerings effectively.

  • SPNI appoints Sibaji Biswas as chief financial officer

    SPNI appoints Sibaji Biswas as chief financial officer

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Networks India has announced the appointment of Sibaji Biswas as its new chief financial officer (CFO), effective the first week of January 2025. In this role, Sibaji will lead SPNI’s financial strategy, planning and corporate finance, to enhance operational efficiency and growth across the company’s multi-channel and digital platforms.

    With over two decades of financial leadership and expertise in strategic transformation, Sibaji has a proven record of delivering growth and driving innovative solutions. As CFO and executive director at Syngene International, a Biocon Group listed subsidiary, he has played a key role in its growth where revenues doubled, and market cap nearly tripled in the last five years. During his tenure, he drove supply chain and digital transformation in the business for optimising operations, futureproofing the business and enhancing efficiencies.

    Sibaji’s career highlights include a 12-year tenure at Vodafone, where he held pivotal roles such as CFO of Vodafone Romania, EVP of corporate development, and head of procurement. As part of Vodafone’s senior leadership team, he contributed to strategic growth initiatives in India and other markets. His previous role as head of corporate finance at Hutchison India saw him collaborating with its distinguished leadership team, shaping innovative finance strategies that propelled the company’s expansion.

    Sony Pictures Networks India MD & CEO Gaurav Banerjee stated, “Sibaji’s financial expertise and strategic approach make him a strong fit for SPNI’s leadership team. His experience in building operational efficiency and navigating complex financial landscapes will be valuable as we strengthen our brand and enhance the viewer experience. We look forward to his contributions as we enter this next phase of growth.”

  • Times Network’s news channels announce exclusive election programming

    Times Network’s news channels announce exclusive election programming

    Mumbai: As Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh prepare for pivotal Assembly and by –poll elections respectively, Times Network’s premium news channels, Times Now, Times Now Navbharat, ET Now & ET Now Swadesh announce comprehensive election programming. Featuring a lineup of exclusive and engaging shows, on-ground reports, insightful analysis, and live election coverage, the ongoing programming promises viewers a holistic news viewing experience.

    Under ‘MANDATE 2024,’ Times Now, India’s Election News Headquarters, offers election programming that includes:

    1   Access: Go behind the scenes with Maharashtra’s election candidates as they navigate the election campaign trail. Offering a day-in-the-life perspective, this show airing every Saturday at 3:30 p.m., provides an immersive glimpse into the strategies, and challenges, that fuel each candidate’s journey in this electoral grind.

    2   Election Yatra: Delving into Maharashtra’s political pulse, this show features live, on-ground reports from Thane, Konkan, Mumbai, Western Maharashtra, Marathwada, Vidarbha, and Central Malegaon. This show, airing daily at 5: 30 p.m., analyzes key issues, assesses the current government’s track record, and reveals voter expectations across the state.

    3   Inside: Offering an in-depth exploration of the evolving political landscape in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, this show airing every Saturday at 1:30 pm, delivers detailed analysis of the election scenario across the state, offering viewers a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics driving both elections.

    4   The National Debate: Addressing the most significant issues influencing India’s politics, this show brings together a diverse panel of experts in Mumbai for insightful discussions on critical topics. Airing every Saturday at 8 p.m., ‘The National Debate’ sparks meaningful conversations dissecting key topics influencing the course of this election.

    Times Now Navbharat under ‘Jan Gan ka Mann’ focuses on:

    1   Maharashtra Ka Mahayudh: This electrifying on-ground series directly connects with voters across key constituencies, delving into pressing local issues, capturing public sentiment. Offering a flavour of real electoral pulse, this show, airing daily at 5:30 p.m., offers an unfiltered look at the state’s defining political landscape.

    2   9 ki Jang, 27 ka Trailer: Airing daily at 7 p.m., this show dives into 9 crucial battleground seats in the Uttar Pradesh by-election, seen as a precursor to the 2027 assembly election race. With real-time voter insights, the show breaks down the high-stakes dynamics shaping this political battleground.

    Public Manch, a show featuring influential personalities from Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, engaging in one-on-one conversations, will offer viewers a deeper understanding of the forces shaping India. Set to air every Saturday at 10 p.m., the show will be broadcast on both channels.

    Et Now under ‘Battleground Maharashtra’ and Et Now Swadesh under ‘Ranbhoomi’ focus on:

    1   Battleground Maharashtra: Et Now brings a special coverage of the Maharashtra Assembly elections on 20 November (Polling Day), and 23 November (Counting Day). Featuring top economists, political commentators and market experts, the extensive coverage will dissect Maharashtra’s significant economic contributions. On 25 November, the first equity trading day after Maharashtra’s new government is formed, the channel will analyze the impact, featuring expert insights from market, macroeconomic, and political guests.

    2   Ranbhoomi Jharkhand Ka Ran: This panel discussion on Et Now Swadesh focuses on the high-stakes political climate in Jharkhand will bring together influential political leaders, seasoned analysts, and market experts to dissect key issues, explore potential economic and political impacts of the upcoming elections. Airing on 11 November at 5 p.m., this show will help viewers with perspectives essential for understanding the state’s future trajectory.

    3   Ranbhoomi Maharashtra Ka Mahamukabla: Airing on 18 November at 5 p.m. this panel discussion is centred around Maharashtra’s intense electoral contest. Featuring prominent political figures, analysts, and market experts, this show on ET Now Swadesh offers viewers a nuanced understanding of the potential ramifications across both politics and market trends.

    4   ET NOW Swadesh Chunav Yatra: This on-ground segment, starting 8 November captures real-time insights from Maharashtra and Jharkhand through a series of impactful interactions with political leaders, analysts, and voters, bringing the region’s evolving election dynamics.

    At the end of this crucial polling phase, Times Now and Times Now Navbharat will present Exit Polls (November 20), from 5 p.m. onwards, providing expert insights and analysis on the election outcomes. On Counting Day (23 November), all channels will provide comprehensive, real-time coverage with a lineup of eminent guests, including politicians, political analysts, and senior journalists, offering expert commentary and insights on the unfolding election results.

  • Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile: Inside the twists and turns of Zee TV’s new fiction drama

    Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile: Inside the twists and turns of Zee TV’s new fiction drama

    Mumbai: In an era of rapidly evolving entertainment, Zee TV’s latest offering, Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile, is set to make waves with its intriguing storyline, nuanced characters, and an emotional core centered around family. Set to premiere with a star-studded launch, the show features Ayushi Khurana, Bharat Ahlawat, and Jayati Bhatia, promising audiences a unique journey through love, loyalty, and sibling bonds. At the heart of this venture are producers Goldie Behl and Sonnal A. Kakar of Rose Audio Visuals Pvt. Ltd., who bring their combined strengths to create a refreshing new take on the Indian family drama.

    The launch event, held at the Westin Mumbai Garden, buzzed with excitement as Behl and Kakar shared heartfelt reflections on their creative journey. Both expressed gratitude to Zee TV and shared insights into the unique storyline of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile, which delves into the complexities of the ‘Aata Saata’ tradition—a cultural practice involving the reciprocal marriage of siblings, adding depth and layers to the narrative.

    Kakar expressed, “I would really like to thank Zee TV for their trust and faith in us for this show and special thanks to the entire Zee TV team. My journey began with Zee TV back in 2006 as a media professional, so it feels only right that my first show as a writer-producer is on this platform. The concept of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile revolves around the ‘Aata Saata’ tradition, an exchange marriage involving siblings, where the second girl is often seen as a guarantee. This dynamic brings two strong-willed characters together: Reet Chaudhary, an investigative reporter from Gwalior, and Raghav Suryavanshi. The story explores whether a transactional marriage can bloom into true love.”

    Behl expressed, ” I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sonnal for this lovely concept she came up with, and, of course, Zee TV. I started my career on television with Zee and have had a very long association with them. Returning to daily shows after a long time, and with Zee again, feels amazing! We’re incredibly excited and motivated to give you a fantastic show.”

    We sat down with Goldie Behl at the glitzy launch event at the Westin Mumbai Garden for an exclusive look behind the scenes, exploring the inspiration, vision, and journey that have brought Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile to life.

    With Goldie Behl, producer of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile

    What inspired the concept of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile? Can you tell us a bit about the story and what makes it unique from other shows currently airing?

    The major inspiration actually came from Sonnal Kakar, who envisioned the show. She brought this idea to the table, and I was more involved in handling the business aspects this time. It’s an exciting story—full of unexpected twists—that sets it apart from typical love stories on TV.

    How did you go about choosing Ayushi Khurana, Bharat Ahlawat, and Jayati Bhatia for the lead roles? What qualities in them convinced you they were perfect for these characters?

    The selection process was straightforward; it was our usual process of auditioning. The actors fit the roles well, and we could see they had the chemistry and talent required for the story.

    Could you share any behind-the-scenes moments or challenges faced while producing this show?

    Honestly, there weren’t any major challenges this time. Everything went smoothly, which is a testament to the team’s hard work and planning.

    How do you envision the show connecting with audiences? What aspects of the storyline do you think will resonate most?

    It’s not just another love story—this show has many twists and turns. We’ve focused on keeping the audience engaged by adding layers of suspense and complexity to the characters. That’s what we believe will make it stand out.

    How was your experience working with co-producer Sonnal A. Kakar on this project? What unique strengths did each of you bring to the production?

    Usually, I’m more of a “lone ranger.” But this time, working with Sonnal was great. We each brought our expertise to the table, and everything went smoothly. It was a collaborative effort that brought out the best in both of us.

    What are your hopes for Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile and its place within the Zee TV lineup? Are there any particular milestones you’re looking forward to achieving with this show?

    Honestly, my main goal is for it to be the number one show on Zee TV and any other platform where it airs. That’s the milestone we’re all aiming for.

    With constantly evolving viewer preferences, how do you plan to keep the audience engaged over the course of the show?

    Like I mentioned, this isn’t just another love story. There’s a lot of suspense and twists that will keep viewers hooked. In most stories, you’d expect a typical romance that ends in marriage, but here, it’s almost the opposite. We’re flipping the script to keep things fresh.

    What do you personally find most rewarding about producing shows like Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile? Is there any specific message or takeaway you hope viewers will gain?

    The message really centers around siblings and the love they share. It’s about how far you’d go for the sake of your sibling. That’s a theme I think will resonate with a lot of people—it’s heartfelt and grounded in reality.

    Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile promises to be more than just another television drama, with a storyline rich in surprises, sibling love, and intricate character dynamics. Behl’s vision, combined with the creative spark brought in by Sonnal A. Kakar, suggests that Zee TV audiences have much to look forward to in this new show.

  • Finolex Pipes & Fittings expands award-winning campaign with TV stars nationwide

    Finolex Pipes & Fittings expands award-winning campaign with TV stars nationwide

    Mumbai: Finolex Pipes and Fittings is raising the stakes in its celebrated ‘Peedhiyaan Badlengi, Pipe Nahi’ (Generations Change, Pipes Don’t) campaign by going hyperlocal. The leading Indian pipe manufacturer has enlisted popular television personalities across regional networks, driving the campaign’s message deeper into India’s diverse communities. This innovative approach sees well-known faces from Zee TV, Zee Telugu, Zee Kannada, and Star networks connecting directly with their audiences.

    Krishna Kaul, star of Zee TV’s Kumkum Bhagya, takes the lead in engaging the Hindi-speaking market. In the Telugu-speaking regions, Chandu Gowda from Trinayni on Zee Telugu builds rapport with viewers, while Zee Kannada’s Laxminivasa actor Dhanajaya resonates with Kannada audiences. Tamil-speaking viewers recognise Vijay’s Vetri Vasanth from Siragadika Asai, while Maharashtra audiences are greeted by Amit Bhanushali from Tharla Tar Mag on Star Pravah.

    “We’re amplifying our ‘Peedhiyaan Badlengi, Pipe Nahi’ campaign, reaching deeper into India’s regional markets,” explains Finolex Pipes & Fittings, VP of marketing & communications, Sumit Bhatia. “Our partnership with local television stars allows us to speak directly to customers in their cultural context, reinforcing our legacy of quality.”

    Kaul shared his enthusiasm, noting, “The campaign’s message resonates deeply with Indian families. Just as our daily serials bring families together, Finolex has been a trusted presence in Indian homes for generations.”

    Bhanushali added, “In Maharashtra, viewers welcome me into their homes every day. As a Finolex brand ambassador, I’m proud to represent a brand that shares this deep connection with Indian households.”

    The campaign, enhanced through a collaboration with Zee Entertainment, leverages TV, digital platforms, and social media to strengthen regional connections with targeted content. ZEEL, chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue, Ashish Sehgal commented, “We are thrilled to partner with Finolex Pipes & Fittings on this unique, influencer-driven campaign across Zee TV, Zee Telugu, and Zee Kannada. This partnership blends the reach and influence of our channels and characters with Finolex’s commitment to quality and reliability.”

  • NXTDIGITAL appoints Rajiv Bhargava as chief financial officer

    NXTDIGITAL appoints Rajiv Bhargava as chief financial officer

    Mumbai: NXTDIGITAL, the digital media division of Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS), has appointed Rajiv Bhargava as its chief financial officer.

    Rajiv, a chartered accountant with over three decades of experience, has held leadership roles at Sony Pictures Networks, PepsiCo India Holdings, and Gujarat Tea Processors and Packers (Wagh Bakri Tea Group). His expertise spans media and entertainment, FMCG, banking, pharmaceuticals, and retail. Known for his skills in financial planning, risk management, and operational efficiency, Rajiv has a track record of driving cost savings, improving profitability, and leading teams toward excellence. He is also passionate about digital transformation in finance within the media and entertainment sectors.

    HGS’ whole-time director and head of the media group Vynsley Fernandes said, “We are delighted to welcome Rajiv to Hinduja Global Solutions and the Nxt Media Group. We’re looking forward to have Rajiv lend his expertise and experience to our business as we embark on another growth phase.”

    Bhargava said, “I am excited to join NXTDIGITAL and leverage my expertise in finance to drive business transformation, especially at a time when media, entertainment and technology is seeing convergence. I am devoted to ensuring a robust financial future by managing key finance functions, accounts and revenue management, and I look forward to collaborating with teams and partners to ensure a unified vision for the future.”

  • News18 Bangla’s ad campaign sets the stage for upcoming Dashobhuja Awards

    News18 Bangla’s ad campaign sets the stage for upcoming Dashobhuja Awards

    Mumbai: News18 Bangla redefined the essence of this festive season with a campaign celebrating the resilience and power of women. Launched during Durga Puja and continuing through the festive season, this  initiative highlighted the significance of Nari Shakti beyond the traditional five days of festivities. Every day, viewers were treated to fresh and engaging content that emphasized the significance of women’s strength, weaving stories that resonated deeply with the spirit of the festival.

    The campaign aims to draw parallels between the divine strength of Maa Durga and the exceptional spirit of women from various walks of life, emphasizing their strength, resilience, and valuable contributions to society. The campaign featured content that embodied the spirit of Maa Durga in everyday women professionals such as doctors, journalists, advocates, and teachers, who have overcome challenges through their extraordinary efforts. The impactful campaign was also featured in Ads of the World, further showcasing its innovative approach and reach.

    The campaign will culminate with News18 Bangla’s upcoming flagship event, the prestigious ‘Dashobhuja Awards’ ceremony, which aligns closely with the campaign’s overarching theme. This event will honour ten extraordinary women from remote areas of West Bengal who have made remarkable contributions without being in the limelight. The awards will recognize the accomplishments of women who have carved their path in their respective fields and achieved significant milestones.

    The campaign holds special significance in light of the socio-cultural landscape of West Bengal, where women’s empowerment and gender equality have become focal points. To further amplify the narrative, News18 Bangla has gathered insights from renowned personalities in West Bengal, sharing their thoughts on the impact of the campaign.

    Madison World VP Samrat Mukherjee said “This festive season, News18 Bangla’s campaign to celebrate women of all professions is a true tribute to the spirit of Goddess Durga – strength, courage, and resilience! By highlighting the achievements of women in various fields, News18 Bangla is helping to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world. Such campaigns play a vital role in shaping our society by challenging stereotypes, promoting gender equality, and empowering women to pursue their dreams. May this festive season be a reminder that women are the embodiment of Shakti, and their success is worth celebrating!”