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Tag: Disney Star

  • Disney Star retains ICC TV & digital rights for India till 2027

    Disney Star retains ICC TV & digital rights for India till 2027

    Mumbai: Disney Star on Saturday announced that it has signed a four-year agreement with exclusive digital streaming and television rights for both men’s and women’s events through 2027.

    In a press statement, Disney Star said, “We are delighted to be able to continue our association with the International Cricket Council (ICC). Under the new four-year agreement, Disney Star has retained the exclusive digital streaming and television rights for both men’s and women’s events through 2027. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with ICC in the years ahead.”

    “Disney Star has played an important role over the last seven years in transforming ICC games into one of the biggest sporting spectacles in India and has expanded the viewer base of the property across geographies and demographics in the country,” the statement added.

    The ICC did not reveal the value of Disney Star’s bid, but it is expected to be higher than the $1.44 billion benchmark set by the ICC for four years. Disney Star also owned the last set of ICC rights, which were worth approximately $2.1 billion. The bids had been opened on Friday and the ICC Board confirmed the winner on Saturday.

    The extension of the ICC rights adds to Disney Star’s strong portfolio of cricket properties, which also includes the television rights for IPL (2023-27), TV and digital rights to Cricket Australia (2024-31), BCCI broadcast rights through 2024, and Cricket South Africa (end of 2023-24 season), and bolsters their status as the go-to destination for the best sporting events in the country.

    “Disney Star won following a single round sealed bid process which has yielded a significant uplift to the rights fee from the previous cycle, continuing the impressive growth and reach of cricket,” an ICC release said.

    ICC chairman Greg Barclay said, “We are delighted to continue to partner with Disney Star as the home of ICC cricket for the next four years, which has delivered an outstanding result for our members and will support our ambitious growth plans.”

    “Having a broadcast and digital partner for women’s events in India is a significant step forward in our ambition to accelerate the growth of the women’s game. Disney Star presented impressive plans for the promotion of women’s cricket and they clearly share our vision, so I’m incredibly excited by the size of the opportunity ahead,” he added.

    Disney Star country manager and president K Madhavan said, “We are delighted at being able to continue our association with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and look forward to strengthening our partnership by growing the sport of cricket in the years ahead.

    “With the acquisition of the ICC Digital and TV broadcast rights, Disney Star has further strengthened its status as the premier destination for marquee cricket events in the country.”

  • Disney Star to broadcast Australian cricket in India from 2024-25

    Disney Star to broadcast Australian cricket in India from 2024-25

    Mumbai: Disney Star has inked a seven-year deal with Cricket Australia (CA) to broadcast all men’s and women’s international cricket as well as the Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) throughout India & the rest of Asia.

    The deal estimated at $250 million will begin during the 2023-24 cycle. Cricket Australia is the national governing body for cricket in Australia.

    Earlier, Disney Star held CA’s broadcast rights after which Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India took over the rights. India is set to play a five-test series in Australia starting December & January (2024-25). It will be the first time India has played a five-test series in Australia since 1991-92. Disney Star will also hold the rights to Australia’s next home Ashes series in the summer of 2025-26.

    “Disney Star’s massive audience reach will provide enormous exposure for Australian cricket and CA’s commercial partners in the world’s largest cricket market,” said the statement.

    Disney Star also recently retained the TV broadcast rights for the T20 Indian Premier League from 2023-27 for Rs 23,575 crore. “CA’s alignment with the IPL broadcaster will ensure multiple benefits including widespread cross-promotion of the BBL,” it further noted.

    “We are delighted to announce this new association with Disney Star from season 2023-24 onwards,” said Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley. “Disney Star is synonymous with the game in India and we look forward to working with them to showcase the outstanding cricket played in Australia every summer.”

    “The magnitude of this association is testament to the enduring rivalry and respect that exists between Australian and Indian teams, the excitement and popularity of WBBL and BBL, and the high regard of Australian cricket in India and global markets more broadly,” he added.

    “There was significant interest in our rights and we are very grateful to our current rights holder Sony for their partnership which will continue throughout this season.”

    “Cricket Australia represents some of the best content that the world of cricket has to offer, be it the standard of cricket played, the popularity of Aussie Cricketers, the rivalries and narratives or the context of playing in front of expressive crowds and tough conditions,” said Disney Star head of sports Sanjog Gupta.

    “Disney Star has been delighting millions of Indian fans by showcasing marquee cricket across our linear & digital platforms. Some of the most memorable moments for Indian fans have been produced in Australia and we look forward to elevating many more such moments with our unique brand of story-telling, programming, local activations and tech-enabled experiences in association with Cricket Australia,” he added.

  • Disney Star elevates Amrutha Nair’s position as head ad sales – Hindi & English entertainment

    Disney Star elevates Amrutha Nair’s position as head ad sales – Hindi & English entertainment

    Mumbai: Disney Star India has elevated Amrutha Nair as head of ad sales for Hindi and English entertainment. She will take over from Arghya Chakravarty who has moved on from the company after a five-year association.

    Nair’s role has been expanded in addition to her current responsibility where she is managing the product and revenue strategy for the regional business.

    Nair began her career with Asianet Communications following which she joined TV Today Network to handle their ad sales for Southern markets. She re-joined Star in 2016 as product & revenue head for English cluster following which she moved on to the regional business in April 2017. 

  • Disney Star launches #MixItUp campaign film to celebrate Pride month

    Disney Star launches #MixItUp campaign film to celebrate Pride month

    Mumbai: It’s Pride month of 2022 and to celebrate this lyrically, Disney Star network has launched a powerful music video #MixItUp. Disney Star recognizes and appreciates the need for creating a more inclusive world.

    We live in a world full of colour and all shades together make the rainbow. Man, woman, gay, lesbian, transgender, and a plethora of shades define us. The world and India have been waking up to the need for celebrating diversity and expression, demonstrating respect for every individual, and affirming individual choices and the right to be who they want to be.

    To open conversations, the network ignited the idea of pushing boundaries symbolically – and inspiring everyone to consciously make space without prejudice and make the world even more beautiful.

    The campaign video #MixItUp features real people with real stories and true love in one space, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Some were outstanding singers, some were great dancers, and we mixed it all up.

    The result was a loving message that encouraged each one to open their hearts to everyone. After all, a world full of love makes room for everyone.

  • High price dictated Disney-Star’s decision not pursue IPL digital rights

    High price dictated Disney-Star’s decision not pursue IPL digital rights

    Mumbai: Disney+ Hotstar which was in the running for the Indian Premier League digital broadcast rights decided to drop out due to the high price of the rights package. 

    Disney Star participated in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights e-auction and stated that it made disciplined bids with a focus on long-term value.

    The company retained the TV broadcast rights to the tournament for the next five years for a substantial price of Rs 23,575 crore or Rs 57.5 crore per match. “We made disciplined bids with a focus on long-term value. We chose not to proceed with the digital rights given the price required to secure that package,” stated Campbell.

    “We are pleased to extend our association with the Indian Premier League and look forward to offering the next five seasons across our portfolio of television channels,” said Campbell. “IPL is an important component of our portfolio of television channels in India, providing an incredible opportunity for us to showcase The Walt Disney Company’s powerful global brands and iconic storytelling, as well as Disney Star’s impressive collection of local original content, to millions of viewers in India.”

    Disney Star India will explore other multi-platform cricket rights controlled by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The company holds the rights to premier sports properties such as Pro Kabaddi League, Indian Super League Football as well as various international rights including Tennis Grand Slam Wimbledon Championships and the English Premier League.

    Disney Star operates a portfolio of more than 70 television channels in India that cut across general entertainment, films, sports, infotainment, kids and lifestyle content reaching 90 per cent of pay cable and satellite TV homes in the region.

    The company’s OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar has 100 local original titles in the pipeline with over 80 originals slated to premier this fiscal year. Last year, seven out of the top ten most popular Hindi subscription-video-on-demand (SVOD) entertainment series in India were Hotstar Specials. “Disney+ Hotstar has changed the way Indians watch their entertainment – from favourite locally produced original TV shows to global blockbuster films,” said Campbell.

  • IPL e-auction: Viacom18, Disney Star & Times Internet win media rights for 2023-27

    IPL e-auction: Viacom18, Disney Star & Times Internet win media rights for 2023-27

    Mumbai: The 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) media rights auction has concluded. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has sold the rights at a combined value of Rs 48,390 crore. Disney Star has won the TV broadcast rights, Viacom18 has laid claim to the digital rights, including exclusive and non-exclusive games, and Times Internet has won the bid for international media rights.

    “IPL is now the second most valued sporting league in the world in terms of per match value!” said BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Tuesday.

    “The BCCI will utilize the revenue generated from IPL to strengthen our domestic cricket structure starting from grassroots, to boost infrastructure and spruce up facilities across India & enrich the overall cricket-watching experience.”

    He further said, “Now, it’s time for our state associations, IPL franchises to work together with the IPL to enhance the fan experience and ensure that our biggest stakeholder – the cricket fan – is well looked after and enjoys high quality cricket in world-class facilities.”

    The bidding for Package C and Package D concluded on Tuesday. Viacom18 and Times Internet shared Package D that included international media rights. Viacom18 won the rights to Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom while Times Internet won the rights to the rest of the world that included the Middle East and Africa (MENA) & US. Package D was sold for Rs 1,058 crore for five years or Rs 2.58 crore per match for 410 matches.

    Package A for TV broadcast rights was won by Disney Star at the value of Rs 23,575 crore for five years or Rs 57.50 crore per match for 410 matches. Package B for digital broadcast rights for exclusive matches was sold to Viacom18 at Rs 20,500 crore for five years or Rs 50 crore per match for 410 matches. Viacom18 also won the bid for Package C that included non-exclusive digital matches at a value of Rs 3257.52 crore for five years or Rs 33.24 crore per match for 98 games.

    Sony Pictures Networks India MD and CEO NP Singh said, “I want to begin by congratulating and thanking BCCI for an extremely well-managed and transparent bidding process. Next, I want to congratulate the winners of the four IPL media rights packages. The IPL began with SPN and has since developed into one of the world’s most popular sporting leagues in its 15-year history. We’ve seen the league grow and would have liked to see it on the Sony Network again. In this regard, we made a reasonable bid, considering all the expected returns. We had to factor in the market’s anticipated expansion and potential economic and other concerns over the next five years. Fiscal prudence, in my opinion, is critical for strategic management.”

    The highly anticipated auction was first announced on 29 March by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The contenders for broadcast rights included Disney Star, Sony Pictures Networks India and Viacom18. The bidders for digital rights include Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Disney+ Hotstar and Reliance Jio. Mjunction conducted the auction.

    The IPL is the second most valuable sports property after the National Football League (NFL) in terms of broadcast price per match. The value of the media rights per match has reached almost Rs 114 crore leaving the Premier League behind which is valued at around Rs 81 crore per match. The action continues on Wednesday.

  • Fox Star Studios rebrands to Star Studios

    Fox Star Studios rebrands to Star Studios

    Mumbai: India’s leading movie studios Fox Star Studios has rebranded to Star Studios, introducing a new visual identity. With this brand refresh, Star Studios will present universal story themes with iconic characters and new-age cinematic spectacles backed by cutting-edge technology, for theatrical releases as well as direct-to-digital

    Associating with the most prominent creative minds, talent and new-age storytellers, Star Studios will continue to bring genre-agnostic stories to global audiences starting with “Brahmastra Part One: Shiva”, “Babli Bouncer”, “Gulmohar” , remake of “Hridayam” and many more in the pipeline.

    The studio has also given blockbuster movies such as “M.S. Dhoni – The Untold Story”, “Sanju”, “Neerja“, “Chhichhore” and many more

    Speaking of this rebranding, Disney Star head of studios Bikram Duggal said, “With Star Studios, we aim to harbour the best creative minds and bring unique stories to audiences with an expanding entertainment palate. We are creating a diverse range of stories across genres from grand visual spectacles to family dramas and everything in between. We are delighted to create a collaborative studio environment at Star Studios that helps create cinematic experiences across theatrical and direct-to-digital films. We have already announced a few of these films, and in weeks and months we will be announcing many more films.”

  • Disney Star registers FIR against piracy group Tamil Rockers, Tamil MV, Tamil Blasters and Pikashow

    Disney Star registers FIR against piracy group Tamil Rockers, Tamil MV, Tamil Blasters and Pikashow

    Mumbai: Disney Star has registered a FIR (First Information Report) against piracy groups Tamil Rockers, Tamil MV, Tamil Blasters and Pikashow on Wednesday at the Bengaluru cyber cell.

    The case has been registered under Information Technology Act 2008 under Section 66, Copyright Act 1957 under Section 63 and 65 and IPC (Indian Penal Code) 1860 under Section 420 against R Kumaravel and R Radhakrishnan. As per the report accessed by Indiantelevision.com, R Kumaravel resides in the Yelahanka suburb of Bengaluru city.  

    While Tamil Rockers, Tamil Blasters and Tamil MV are illegal piracy websites, Pikashow is a third party standalone mobile application that facilitates the free access to content from all major broadcasters and OTT platforms. It has over 12 million downloads.

    Disney Star noticed that its Hotstar Specials such as Rudra: The Edge of Darkness, Bigg Boss Ultimate (Tamil), Human, Parampara, Escaype Live and Anupama: Namaste America, its movie library such as “Tadap”, “Kaun Pravin Tambe”, “Atrange Re”, “Hum Do Humare Do”, “Sanak”, “Badhaai Do”, “12th Man”, “Taanakkaran”, “Maaran”, “Bheemla Nayak” and “Bheeshma Parvam” were being leaked by these piracy groups. Its linear TV content from channels Star Plus, Star Gold, Star World and Star Sports was made available on the Pikashow app. The company tried to register a case with the Tamil Nadu cyber cell unsuccessfully for three months finally taking the decision to file the report with Bengaluru cyber cell.

    The piracy group sources their content directly from theatre/OTT platforms and releases it on the internet. They distribute content through torrent, third party cyberlockers, user-generated platforms and offshore servers.

    The group initially focused on leaking content in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam but of late they’ve expanded their rogue operations to include other languages such as Hindi. The cumulative traffic on these websites is estimated to be 64 million. Theatrical movies and OTT content are the biggest victim of such piracy groups. All theatrical releases are made available on these illegal websites within 24 hours of release. They are able to create new mirror domains to avoid internet service provider (ISP) blocking.

    In March last year, an investigation by the crime branch of Faridabad revealed the operations of Boss IPTV that was distributing illegal set-top-boxes (STBs) through various vendors after a police complaint was filed by live TV platform Yupp TV. The company was allegedly stealing TV signals from various Indian and international broadcasters & offering them via its platform.

    As major media companies increase their presence on the internet as a means to distribute its content, the crackdown on illegal piracy groups continues.

  • Disney Star announces the launch of dedicated Odia channel

    Disney Star announces the launch of dedicated Odia channel

    Mumbai: Disney Star has announced the launch of a dedicated Odia general entertainment channel – Star Kiran, which will premiere on 6 June.

    Star Kiran will be the first regional HD channel in Odisha and it will be launched in SD and HD versions. Star Kiran also marks Disney Star’s foray into the seventh local language market in the country.

    With Star Kiran, Disney Star aims to scale up the TV viewing experience of Odisha through captivating storytelling and formats mounted on enhanced production quality. The channel will have a variety of shows ranging from mythology to popular fiction and fantasy thrillers keeping the viewers of Odisha entertained, enchanted and mesmerised, said the statement.

    The channel will also showcase dazzling events and non-fiction shows and be the ultimate destination for Odia films. Viewers can experience latest blockbusters through big World TV premieres with films like “Premam,” “Dil Re Aachi Tore Na,” “Gupchup,” and “Mahabahu” to name a few.

    Speaking about this new venture, Disney Star head- network entertainment channels, Kevin Vaz said, “As we commence our journey in Odisha with a vision to create newer benchmarks of progress and success, we plan to showcase compelling narratives through iconic characters that will celebrate the ethos and emotions of the land. Star Kiran will have a complete bouquet of entertainment for our viewers in Odisha. We are also delighted to introduce Star Kiran HD – the first regional HD channel in Odisha. I sincerely thank our partners and associates who are with us on our journey.”

    The channel will feature following shows:

    “Tu Kahibu Na Mu”

    A fresh love story of two people who are poles apart. An unconventional love story where love is always shielded by clash of ego and pain. A love story where despite being passionately in love, one never accepts the love for the other creating numerous iconic moments of romance that Odisha will cherish forever. The protagonist of the show Akash Singh Deo is being played by the popular film actor Shreyan Kumar who is making his TV debut with this show. The character of Megha Das, the female lead is being played by Mitali Sarghariya. Show is produced by Akshay Kumar Parija Productions. The show will be telecast at 7 p.m from Monday to Saturday on Star Kiran SD and HD.

    “Suhaga Sindura”

    A fascinating journey of a tribal girl who creates her identity in a big city. Set in the backdrop of picturesque landscape of rural Orissa, the story traces the journey of Hema who accidentally gets married to Aditya, a rich urban boy. After marriage she comes to the city with her husband only to discover that Aditya was already promised to another girl called Malini, who happens to be her estranged sister. Here starts the journey of Hema to find her place and her identity amidst the family in a big city. The character of Hema is being played by Sushree Sabita Palei, while Aditya is being played by Jayjeet Das. Pralipta Samal (Jessy) is playing the character of Malini. The show is being produced by DG Creation. Suhag Sindura will be telecast at 7:30 p.m from Monday to Saturday on Star Kiran SD and HD.

    “Shanti”

    A tale of a homemaker rediscovering herself in her own family that she has nurtured so long with her relentless love, care and hard work. Shanti is a simple housewife, in her mid-forties, who has dedicated her entire life to look after her family that consists of her husband, three grown-up children and her in-laws. But in the world that she has made with so much love and affection, where does she fit in? Shanti is being played by Naina Das, who has been a very popular actor in the Odia Film & Television Industry. Show is produced by Akshay Kumar Parija Productions. Shanti will be telecast at 8 p.m from Monday to Saturday on Star Kiran SD and HD.

    “Kiye Para Kiye Apanara”

    The journey of Jai, a simple girl from being a house help to being a suitable daughter-in-law who holds the family together. The show is an ode to celebrate love that runs thicker than blood. The character of Jai is being played by charming Priyanka Kumari Rath, who has been a very popular face in Odia Television and the role of the male protagonist Chandan is being played by Srijit Mahapatra. The show is being produced by Omm Sai Production. Kiye Para Kiye Apanara will be telecast at 8:30 p.m from Monday to Saturday on Star Kiran SD and HD.

  • NatGeo commemorates Earth Day with ‘One for Change’ campaign

    NatGeo commemorates Earth Day with ‘One for Change’ campaign

    Mumbai: National Geographic has announced the launch of its one-of-its-kind initiative titled ‘One for Change’ to commemorate Earth Day. The initiative will showcase a series of short films, spotlighting the stories of ten changemakers who have taken extraordinary steps to save the planet and make the world a better place.

    Premiering 22 April on the television platforms of National Geographic and the entertainment channels across Disney Star, the films will also be released on National Geographic social media handles that have a combined following of over 10 million in India.

    With an aim to inspire and encourage viewers to take that one step and ‘be the one for change’, the stories will focus on the journey of these passionate individuals and get the viewers acquainted with their lives, their passions and shine a light on what pushed them to follow the path of planet conservation.

    “Furthering the knowledge and understanding of our world is at the core of National Geographic. Through the years, we have helped our viewers better understand and care about our world, with our thought provoking and fact based narratives,” said Disney Star head – network entertainment channels Kevin Vaz. “With ‘One for Change’, we wanted to uplift and inspire our viewers, through the remarkable stories of incredible individuals, from across the country, who have taken that first step and more, towards loving our planet.”  

    “Given the nature and the purpose behind the initiative, we will have the might of the entire entertainment channels at Disney Star championing the films across our channels and give them the thrust they need to reach out to millions of our audiences. With this, we hope that these stories of passion, triumph and sheer love for our Mother Earth and its people will ignite a spark and inspire all planet lovers to take that one little step towards building a sustainable and hopeful future for the Earth,” he further added.

     The ten changemakers featured in the series are:

    •     Vani Murthy- Known as the Worm Queen, Murthy is spreading awareness about the importance of composting
    •     Purnima Barman Devi- The leader of the Hargila Army, working towards the protection of endangered Greater Adjutant Stork
    •     Tejas Sidnal – An architect who has innovated a unique tile that is made from carbon waste
    •     Venkatesh Charloo – A pioneering marine conservationist, helping in coral restoration in Goa
    •     Vidyut Mohan – 2020 ‘UNEP Young Champion of the Earth’, Mohan has created a machine that converts waste farm residue into products of value for farmers
    •     Varsha Raikar – RJ with Radio Bundelkhand who raises awareness against climate change
    •     Rukmani Katara- CEO of a solar company, igniting a renewable energy revolution in rural India
    •     Poonam & Aditya Singh- A couple that is rewilding barren land on the outskirts of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve as a buffer between man and animal
    •     Thulasi Gouda- Padma Shri winner Gouda has been preserving forests in her village for 50 years and is called the living encyclopedia of the forests
    •     Sonam Wangchuk- An eco-architect who has pioneered the creation of carbon neutral structures in Ladakh using elements from nature