Category: Viewership

Mumbai: The nation’s favourite stunt-based reality show ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ is set to make a comeback on COLORS with its 13th edition. Packed with adrenaline-inducing adventures and unexpected twists, this season will unleash an unprecedented level of danger. With its record-breaking viewership in the previous seasons, ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ has emerged as one of the top-rated non-fiction shows in the Hindi GEC space over the years. Conceptualised in the jungle, the 13th edition of the show will feature 14 contestants across different vocations, rising to take on the most terrifying challenges in the exotic landscape of South Africa. The iconic filmmaker and ace action maestro, Rohit Shetty will return as the host leading and mentoring the daring troop as they fight their phobias.

Continuing their long-standing association with the show, Maruti Suzuki steps aboard as the presenting sponsor.  This season will feature popular faces including seasoned actor Rohit Bose Roy, B-town diva Daisy Shah, Bigg Boss 16 fame Shiv Thakare and Archana Gautam, popular television actors Anjali Anand, Nyrraa M Banerji, Anjum Fakih, Ruhi Chaturvedi, Aishwarya Sharma, Arjit Taneja and Sheezan Khan, singers Dino James and Rashmeet Kaur, Moroccon model Soundous Moufakir.  Produced by Endemol Shine India, ‘Maruti Suzuki Presents Khatron Ke Khiladi 13, Special Partner Cera Sanitaryware, Associate Partners Smith & Jones Pasta Masala, Amazon.in, and Himalaya Anti Hair Fall Shampoo will premiere on COLORS soon.

Viacom18 revenue head – COLORS Pavithra KR said, “The legacy of our flagship property, Khatron Ke Khiladi grows with the love of the viewers, who eagerly anticipate the thrills it brings every year. An incredible platform for advertisers to engage with the audience, the show will capture the brave hearts competing to earn the title of the ultimate Khiladi. We are delighted to continue our long-term association with Maruti Suzuki, our presenting sponsor, and warmly welcome Cera Sanitaryware as our special partner, along with Smith & Jones Pasta Masala, Amazon.in, and Himalaya Anti Hair Fall Shampoo as our associate sponsors. Considering the show has always been a sponsor delight, we are confident to have more sponsor partners onboard. We are glad to have a stellar line-up of contestants and wish them the best as they challenge themselves under the guidance of our host, Rohit Shetty.”

Viacom18 head – non-fiction – COLORS Shital Iyer said, “Khatron Ke Khiladi has etched a remarkable place in the hearts of millions of viewers over the years, owing to its unparalleled fandom. The previous seasons garnered immense success with exceptional ratings, and it will be exciting to witness the upcoming edition scale up the danger quotient. We have 14 brave contestants, who will wage a war against their fears under the mentorship of the one and only Rohit Shetty. Prepared to enliven the spirit of the jungle, the 13th season promises a heart-pacing dose of adventure, courage, and entertainment in the picturesque backdrop of South Africa.”

Host Rohit Shetty said, “Hosting Khatron Ke Khiladi each year is something that I absolutely enjoy. With season 13 we are going into the wild with a jungle theme and the ultimate rule of the jungle is – the survival of the fittest and the bravest. It will be exciting to witness the wilderness of South Africa as the stakes are going to rise and the magnitude of action will be greater than the previous seasons. I am looking forward to meeting all the contestants and introducing them to the stunts we have planned.”

Maruti Suzuki India Limited senior executive director, marketing and sales Shashank Srivastava said, “It brings us immense pride to associate with Khatron Ke Khiladi for the fifth time in a row. At Maruti Suzuki, it’s our constant endeavour to associate with properties that dial in on youthful and dynamic imagery quotient. Hence, we are extremely delighted to continue this partnership along with the iconic Swift; it has not only revolutionized the premium hatchback segment in India but also created a benchmark for others since its launch in 2005. It has a cult following amongst the youth and has earned the love of more than 2.5 million customers with its sporty design, powerful performance, and unmistakable road presence. With Swift’s proposition of being limitless, we’re sure that the contestants of this season of the show will bring limitless action to the viewers.”

Mumbai: Leading sports broadcaster Sony Sports Network has announced the exclusive onboarding Sania Mirza as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network, who will be seen as an expert panelist on the network. Sony Sports Network is the home to three out of the four Grand Slams, the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, US Open, along with the Davis Cup, making it the Home of Tennis in India.

Mirza is a household name in India, and her achievements have put the country on the global tennis map. Having won six Grand Slam titles across Australian Open (2), US Open (2), Roland Garros (1) & Wimbledon (1), including three women’s doubles titles and three mixed doubles titles, she is one of the most successful tennis players in Indian history.

Following an illustrious career, where the fans saw her serving up aces on tennis courts, Mirza will now also serve up expert insights off the court on Sony Sports Network’s Extraaa Serve. The Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Padma Bhushan recipient will be seen on the Sony Sports Network starting with the Roland-Garros on 28 May.

Sony Sports Network has launched a special campaign called Home of Tennis. The campaign showcases Mirza, Sony Sports Network, and the three Grand Slams as a match made in heaven and celebrates her journey as she dons the hat of an expert after retiring from playing tennis. The first film talks about Mirza exclusively partnering with Sony Sports Network. The second film is Mirza presenting Roland Garros, Clay that Slays, to Indian audiences. The third film will showcase Sony Sports Network as the Home to Tennis with all three Grand Slams – Australian Open, Roland Garros and US Open, presented by the Tennis Ace. The fourth film with Mirza will be a teaser for the US Open, which is truly a Glam Slam and will launch in August.

This association with Mirza is yet another step taken by Sony Sports Network to enhance the viewing experience of tennis fans in India. The network has been at the forefront of providing the best tennis content, and this association with Mirza will further strengthen its position in the market.

Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head – sports business Rajesh Kaul said, “We truly believe that Mirza’s expertise and passion for tennis will be a great addition to our team, and we are thrilled to have her as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network. This partnership with the Padma Bhushan awardee will further strengthen our position as the premier destination for tennis in India, as well as enhance the viewing experience of tennis fans in India. Sony Sports Network has been at the forefront of providing the best tennis content, and additionally, we are the first broadcasters to telecast the Grand Slams live in multiple regional languages. This initiative has been widely appreciated by viewers across India, as it has taken the sport to a wider audience.”

Mirza mentioned,“I am very excited to be a part of the Tennis Broadcast with Sony Sports Network post my recent retirement. With a strong portfolio of three of the four Grand Slams, Sony Sports Network is the Home of Tennis in India. It feels great to be part of the network’s commitment to bringing the best tennis content to viewers in India.”

Mumbai: Kids content viewership has been on the rise since the last few years in India. One Take Media, with its sprawling library of thousands of hours of kids animation content has been a constant provider of kids entertainment. These shows are not available just in Hindi but also in five other regional languages like Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Punjabi and Bengali.

One Take Media brings many award-winning animated series in regional Indian languages like Bablu Dablu Adventures, Cubs, Monster Plan, Bablu Dablu Squad, Billa Jasoos, Invention Story, Simba The King Lion, Jungle Book and many more.

“While the platform of consumption differs for many kids, be it linear television, FAST Tv or handheld devices, the consumption of kids content has only increased,” said One Take Media joint managing director Dr. Shamoly Khera. “Consumers prefer to consume content in their own language and the same applies to kids’ content. Kids love to watch animated shows in the language they hear at home – we are certainly seeing a better uptake in engagement with regional content.”

With evolving consumer behavior, One Take Media is determined to continue providing top-notch animated series and movies to the diverse Indian audience. All of these shows can now be accessed on Playflix – a content-streaming OTT app by One Take Media Co. 

Apart from Kids Animated series and Animated movies, OTMC also offers a wide library of Korean dramas, International shows, Hollywood dubbed movies and more.

Mumbai: CNN Worldwide has appointed Phil Nelson to lead the network’s international business operations and its work with commercial partners outside of the United States.

As executive vice president of CNN International Commercial (CNNIC), Nelson is responsible for all international Advertising Sales, Content Sales & Licensing and Commercial Distribution revenue, as well as related client solutions functions including the award-winning Create brand studio and world-class digital and data operations. In this role, Nelson also works with partners across the Warner Bros. Discovery business on areas such as CNN International’s distribution strategy and collaboration on digital operations and ad sales to provide more opportunities for brand partners to access news and other genres across the portfolio. Nelson becomes part of CNN Worldwide’s leadership team and reports to the network’s group executive vice president of business operations & strategy, Chris Marlin.

As CNNIC’s chief operating officer since 2019, Nelson led operational and international growth initiatives while managing advertising sales support functions. In that time he put in place the framework for CNNIC’s Audience First ad sales strategy, took CNN content onto new platforms, and grew the portfolio of CNN’s international affiliate business with broadcasters and publishers around the world as well as its commercial distribution footprint with hotels and airlines. Major initiatives in Nelson’s time at CNNIC to date include the introduction of CNN International onto Connected TV platforms in Europe, the launch of the CNN Apparel business in Asia, licensing the rights to Great Big Story, and the expansion of the CNN branded channel portfolio with additions including CNN Brasil, CNN Prima News and CNN Portugal.

Prior to joining CNN, Nelson was managing director at Turner North Asia and South East Asia Pacific, overseeing all aspects of Turner’s business in these regions. He had previously held other business development and strategic planning roles at Turner since joining in 2010 and has significant digital experience from his time at AOL, where he was managing director for AOL Asia. In addition, Nelson holds an MBA from Harvard University and, prior to entering the corporate sector, was a commander in the US Navy.

CNN is making additional key changes to CNNIC’s executive leadership team as it evolves its client offering:

•     Cathy Ibal is named senior vice president, advertising sales, to oversee all CNN’s international advertising sales. A proven commercial leader with 22 years’ experience at CNN, Ibal has a track record of leading global teams and developing innovative advertising and brand solutions for a wide range of clients – from major luxury and blue chip brands to travel and tourism and other private and public sector partners
•     Rob Bradley is appointed senior vice president of digital revenue, strategy & operations, with a remit that includes everything related to the digital ecosystem for CNNIC – revenue, operations and commercial strategy. In addition to his CNNIC role, Rob is part of the CNN Digital leadership team and will lead CNNIC’s collaboration with WBD’s international business operations on digital projects and utilising best practice in advertising technology and solutions
•     CNNIC’s sophisticated capabilities in creative, data, revenue strategy and client services are all being brought into one unit under the leadership of James Hunt who would be senior vice president of global client solutions. This will include a joined up offering for partners across CNNIC’s award-winning Create Studio and the Audiences & Data unit along with client servicing, events and strategy functions.

“For journalism to flourish, it’s imperative that we have a robust effective commercial operation to fund the work that CNN does around the world every single day,” said CNN Worldwide Chairman and Chief Executive Chris Licht. “To that end, I am delighted that Phil and his executive team are taking the reins at CNNIC to lead us into a new era of working with our commercial partners.”

“CNNIC has an incredible track record in unlocking value for both CNN and our commercial partners across a wide range of sectors,” said Nelson. “As we look to the future, we are creating new ways for partners to work with CNN that enable advertisers to engage with our audiences wherever they consume CNN and for broadcasters, publishers, Out of Home partners and platforms to access and leverage our world-renowned content and journalism. In a fast-changing media landscape, we are combining the best of CNN’s content and commercial offering in an innovative way that reflects client and market needs as well as audience expectations.”

Mumbai: Dolly Jha, who held the designation of managing director at Nielsen Media – India, an audience measurement, data and analytics firm has moved on, and is believed to join Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India, an industry body that measures television viewership in India.

In a post on LinkedIn, Jha mentioned that after completing her 13-year-long stint at Nielsen she wants “to continue to explore and learn while making meaningful contributions to the world of Media Measurement.”

Jha has about 25 years of experience and is an expert in audience measurement and drawing consumer insights from data. She is expected to head the product team at Barc India.

A graduate from the Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA) in 1994 she joined IMRB where she spent about nine years. She was the head of consumer insights at ITC for about three years after which she returned to IMRB for a second stint that lasted almost four years.