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Tag: Disney Star

  • JioStar taps ad sales powerhouse Anuradha Mathu Agrawal to lead the charge

    JioStar taps ad sales powerhouse Anuradha Mathu Agrawal to lead the charge

    MUMBAI: When it comes to advertising, the battle for consumer attention is fierce, and JioStar has just enlisted a powerhouse to take the lead. Anuradha Mathu Agrawal has stepped in as head of mid-market entertainment ad sales, armed with decades of experience in media sales and strategic revenue growth. With a career spanning top networks and ever-evolving markets, she is set to redefine JioStar’s ad sales game with fresh strategies and bold moves.

    Her appointment follows the exit of Dhruv Dhawan, who previously led digital growth for mid-tier and emerging clients. While Dhawan’s next move remains a mystery, his contributions to JioStar’s digital ad sales strategy were widely recognised.

    A career built on media mastery

    If the advertising industry had a hall of fame, Agrawal’s name would be etched in gold. She has consistently delivered market-leading ad sales strategies, built robust revenue streams, and established herself as an expert in regional content monetisation.

    Agrawal’s media journey kicked off in 1994 with Bennett Coleman and Co. Ltd. (Times of India Group), back when print was still king and social media wasn’t hijacking everyone’s attention span. She later took her talents to India Today in 1998, proving she wasn’t just here to play—she was here to win.

    In 1999, she landed at Star India, where she spent nearly a decade making TV advertising a goldmine, selling ad slots that turned daily soaps, cricket matches, and reality TV into revenue machines. After an impressive nine-year run, she moved to Ndtv as senior vice president in 2008, and by 2010, she was fine-tuning brand deals at Turner Broadcasting System as an executive director (Cartoon Network, anyone?).

    Then came the plot twist—she co-founded Leomax International in 2012, running the show for nearly three years, striking e-commerce deals with Snapdeal, Fashion&You, and 99labels. Because why just climb the corporate ladder when you can build one yourself?

    By 2015, she was back in the corporate saddle as national revenue head at CNN-News18, before making a grand return to Star TV Network in 2016 as senior vice president—later rising to executive director at Disney Star post-merger, where she dominated regional ad sales in Telugu markets and the kids’ portfolio.

    The entertainment ad sales landscape is evolving faster than a binge-worthy series, and Agrawal is here to push JioStar to the forefront. With JioStar doubling down on innovation, her expertise will be pivotal in scaling revenue, optimising advertiser engagement, and creating a next-level media ecosystem.

    JioStar’s entertainment ad sales division just got a serious boost, and with Agrawal at the helm, the industry is watching closely. Will she revolutionise regional advertising? If history is any indication, the answer is a resounding YES.

     

  • Bharat Media recruits Sumaiya Shaikh Vaidya in biz development role

    Bharat Media recruits Sumaiya Shaikh Vaidya in biz development role

    MUMBAI: From being an executive assistant or administrator for almost 10 years in various companies in the beginning of her career, to associate director business development at the Bharat Media & Entertainment group (BMEG), Sumaiya Shaikh Vaidya has progressed extremely well.

    Her first big break outside the EA or admin role came when she was appointed as a deputy manager at India News in charge of revenue generation from the western Indian region – a position she enjoyed for two years. Following this,  she moved to Star TV as a senior sales executive , hopping on to dailyhunt for five months as regional manager, and then back to Disney Star for more than five years, leaving it in December 2024 as assistant manager looking after revenues for Star Suvarna SD, HD & Plus. In between she dabbled in short assignments for companies such as Red Digital Cinema, Aidem Ventures and dailyhunt.

    Her motto all along has been “to seek a higher level of work to expand my experience.”

    BMEG is headed by Andy Charles and is a marketing service company  with expertise in media planning and buying skills, strategic brand building, OOH + experiential,  and creative design solutions. It has offices in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi , Chennai, Kochi, Hyderabad and Kolkata with  new age clients such as Dangal, Linc, KochiKodens, Rapido, Bombay Shaving Co, IDBI Bank, among a long list of others.

     

  • JioStar bags Premier League broadcasting rights for next three year cycle

    JioStar bags Premier League broadcasting rights for next three year cycle

    MUMBAI: Premier League (EPL) fans in India can clink their beer mugs with glee. Especially if they are going to be watching the matches between their favourite clubs in a bar. JioStar has secured the media rights for the next three seasons beginning with the 2025-2026  one,  in a deal valued at $65 million, if a report in The Economic Times is to be believed. In all probability, the rights cover both live broadcasting on  television and  on streaming.

    The  audiovisual rights for the previous cycle (2022-2025) were with  Disney Star India’s Star Sports. However, with Disney Star India merging with Reliance Industries’ owned Viacom18 and Bodhi Tree Systems and being renamed as JioStar, it was the latter which put in the bid and acquired the rights.

    JioStar also has the rights to the  Indian Super League  – India’s premier soccer tournament – which came its way in the wake of the merger.

    “With this, the conglomerate will be driving the future of football in India,” says a sports media consultant.  “They are going to be putting a lot of marketing and promotional muscle behind the Premier League because if you look at the new deal with it, Uday Shankar and team Sanjog Gupta have apportioned $11 million for marketing EPL events in India during the cycle and $54 million for the audiovisual rights, according to the ET report.”

    However, how the live telecasts will be divided between Sports18 and Star Sports and Hotstar and JioCinema was not clear at the time of writing. Keep watching this space until some clarity comes in. 

    Manchester City had lifted the Premier League title in May 2024 with Arsenal emerging as the runner-up. 

    (Picture courtesy Premier League website)

  • Disney Star celebrates five wins at Digital Studios Awards 2024

    Disney Star celebrates five wins at Digital Studios Awards 2024

    Mumbai: Disney Star’s Broadcast Technology and Operations (BTO) team brought home five awards at the Digital Studios Awards 2024, underscoring its commitment to excellence in broadcast technology and operational innovation.

    At the individual level, Gajendra Tijare from Disney Star received the Excellence in Broadcast Leadership award for his visionary contributions in shaping the future of broadcast technology. The team subsequently received the Excellence in Broadcasting award, celebrating their significant advancements in broadcast processes that have enhanced operational efficiency.

    Disney Star also earned the Excellence in Broadcasting and Technology for Entertainment and Sports award, recognising exceptional delivery of broadcast experiences that resonate with audiences. Additionally, they received the Innovation in Broadcasting award for pioneering advancements in 4K UHD solutions, showcasing their commitment to cutting-edge technology. The Innovation in Post Production award further recognised Disney Star’s cloud-based post-production approach, which has set new standards in content creation.

    “We are honored to receive these prestigious awards, which recognize the hard work and dedication of our talented team at Disney Star. These awards reflect our unwavering commitment to advancing broadcast technology and our passion for delivering exceptional experiences to the audiences,” said Disney Star finance & strategy Mani Rangarajan.

     

  • Red Bull is PKL season 11’s official energy drink partner

    Red Bull is PKL season 11’s official energy drink partner

    Mumbai: As the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) gears up for an exciting season 11, Disney Star has teamed up with Red Bull as the official energy drink partner.

    Joining a stellar roster of sponsors including Dream11, Shriram Finance, ROFF, Parimatch Sports, HP Lubricants, and Mother Dairy, Red Bull boosts PKL’s status as one of India’s top sporting events. Fans can anticipate a season filled with thrilling Kabaddi action, innovative partnerships, and engaging content that enhances the viewing experience.

    PKL Season 11 kicks off on 18 October 2024, at the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex in Hyderabad, featuring a three-city format with matches in Noida and Pune. The opener sees the Telugu Titans take on the Bengaluru Bulls, followed by U Mumba facing Dabang Delhi K.C.

  • Disney Star onboards eight sponsors for PKL season 11

    Disney Star onboards eight sponsors for PKL season 11

    Mumbai: The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) returns for its eleventh season, to enhance the growing popularity of Kabaddi in India. Disney Star, the official broadcaster, has secured eight sponsors for the league across various platforms, including Dream11, Shriram Finance, ROFF, Parimatch Sports, HP Lubricants, and Mother Dairy, solidifying PKL’s status as a top sporting event in the country.

    This season aims to attract diverse audiences through exciting brand collaborations and a mix of sports and entertainment. Fans can expect thrilling Kabaddi action along with fresh content to improve the viewing experience.

    “The upcoming season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) promises to elevate the festive spirit, captivating both fans and brands with its unmatched spirit of competition it represents. As India’s premier home-grown sport, PKL continues to push new boundaries with every season, driving record-breaking engagement and interest. For brands, it presents a unique, integrated marketing platform that reaches millions of highly engaged viewers, offering exceptional visibility and impact. We are thrilled to welcome a diverse array of brands this season, who not only champion India’s indigenous sport but also recognize the immense value and reach PKL offers. With Disney Star’s unparalleled TV and digital coverage, we are set to deliver powerful engagement opportunities that connect brands with passionate audiences like never before,” said Disney Star’s head of network ad sales, Ajit Varghese.

    PKL season 11 begins on 18 October 2024, at the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex in Hyderabad, featuring a three-city format with matches in Noida and Pune. The opener will see the Telugu Titans face the Bengaluru Bulls, followed by U Mumba against Dabang Delhi K.C. Fans can watch the action live on the Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar, as PKL continues to showcase the intensity and drama that have made it one of India’s most popular sports.

    Through strategic sponsorships and partnerships, Disney Star emphasizes its commitment to providing top-tier sports entertainment for audiences nationwide.

  • Mother Dairy signs up as official dairy partner for PKL 2024

    Mother Dairy signs up as official dairy partner for PKL 2024

    Mumbai: Mother Dairy, India’s leading milk and milk products major, has today announced its official association as the dairy partner for the upcoming 2024 season of the prestigious Pro Kabaddi League. As part of this collaboration, Mother Dairy will be actively involved throughout the season, engaging with fans and consumers through various initiatives and promotional activities designed to enhance the excitement surrounding the sport.

    Mother Dairy managing director Manish Bandlish said, “We are excited to be part of Kabaddi, a sport that is deeply embedded in India’s culture and heritage. This collaboration is a perfect fit for our brand, offering us a unique opportunity to engage with our consumers and the passionate Kabaddi community across the country. By bringing together the power of dairy nutrition and the dynamic energy of Kabaddi, Mother Dairy aspires to promote the growth of the sport while fostering a culture of health and wellness nationwide.”

    Mother Dairy as the official dairy partner’ for the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League season will maintain a significant presence of brand and product portfolio at match venues and on official broadcast channels, while also engaging consumers across various platforms, including digital media.

    Bandlish further added, “Mother Dairy has found a strong synergy with sports and its enthusiastic community, as seen in our previous association with cricket. With this association, we aim to further expand our reach into focus markets and households of untapped or potential consumers, enhancing our brand’s top-of-mind recall.”

    “Today, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has firmly established itself as India’s second most-watched sporting event, commanding an impressive 70 per cent of the IPL’s audience. This rapid growth is a testament to the league’s fierce competitiveness, unyielding sportsmanship, and its broader impact on promoting physical well-being. We are thrilled to welcome Mother Dairy as a key sponsor, perfectly aligned with their mission to champion good health and vitality. This collaboration marks a significant step forward for both brands, and we look forward to a strong and fruitful association,” said Disney Star head of network Ad Sales  Ajit Varghese.

    The 2024 season will feature a total of 12 teams competing for this year’s title. The league is scheduled to kickstart on 18 October 2024 with a series of matches in Hyderabad, followed by Noida and Pune. Since its inception, the league has set new standards with packed venues and record viewership, becoming one of the most popular leagues in the country.

  • Uday Shankar & what’s driving the Star-Disney-Viacom18 merger

    Uday Shankar & what’s driving the Star-Disney-Viacom18 merger

    MUMBAI: Uday Shankar has been lying low for quite a while, avoiding mixing and sharing his wisdom with journalists – a breed from which he emerged  – as he goes about reshaping a new media and entertainment powerhouse coming out of the merger of Disney Star with Reliance Industries’ Viacom18. 

    But the incoming vice-chair took some time out to speak to McKinsey.com. Speaking to the consulting firm’s insights section online, Uday, highlighted what drove the merger.

    “..India is one of the few markets where television still has reasonably good health, within that, a lot of it is changing. Connected TVs and handheld devices have become very substantial and mainstream,” he said. “You’re competing with global players: Google and Meta. Most of digital-advertising revenue goes to these two companies. So you need to pivot; you need to create a business. We saw an opportunity to leverage our inherent strengths and make that strategic pivot. That’s the primary rationale for the merger.”

    He added that the streaming business also requires innovation and disruption with AVoD and SVoD models having limited revenue potential in India. 

    “While there are a lot of people today who are willing to pay for content and who are interesting or important to advertisers, there are also a lot of people who are not relevant for either of these models,” explained Uday. “You need to create unique or native monetisation models to create value from that base. Whoever manages to create new revenue streams definitely has an advantage. So I think all these opportunities exist.”

    Uday then went on to say he’s learnt from every leader he has worked with, from Rupert, James, Lachlan and Mukesh Ambani who he currently continues to work closely with. 

    “The first thing is they’re all very clear about why they’re doing what they’re doing—and that clarity is very helpful,” he elucidated “They all play to win. And they all have a high threshold for failure. They’re patient, and they’re not willing to give up. And then, they all work on trust. They all take their bets on people. And once they trust people, they’re willing to back them up. And I learned that myself. I take my bets on people; I trust them once they earn my trust. And I back them up.”

    To read the full interview logon to 
    https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/technology-media-and-telecommunications/our-insights/uday-shankar-on-indias-media-and-entertainment-evolution#/

    Picture courtesy: McKinsey.com’s video interview with Uday Shankar
     

  • Bigg Boss Tamil season eight kicks off on Star Vijay

    Bigg Boss Tamil season eight kicks off on Star Vijay

    Mumbai: The much anticipated Bigg Boss Tamil season eight premiered on 6 October 2024, featuring 14 sponsors across various categories. Presented by Nandu White Dhothis and powered by KAG Tiles and A23 Rummy, the season is also co-presented by Cadbury 5 Star, with support from associate sponsors like Kaleesuwari, Haier, and Cera Sanitaryware.

    The show continues to offer brands a prime platform to reach a wide audience. Vijay Sethupathi’s debut as the new host has generated excitement, with the teaser promo gaining over 10 million views in 24 hours.

    “Bigg Boss Tamil is a marquee show which continues to captivate millions across Tamil Nadu and beyond. For brands and advertisers who are keen on making a lasting impression amongst consumers, there is no better TV show than this one. Year-on-year, Bigg Boss Tamil has demonstrated its ability to deliver significant value to sponsors and advertisers and the eighth season is poised to elevate the entertainment experience to new heights. The grand launch yesterday, set the stage for what promises to be a remarkable and engaging season,” said Disney Star’s head of entertainment, ad sales & strategy, Dev Shenoy.

    Nandu Brand MD V. S. Gadigachalam shared his enthusiasm about securing the title sponsorship: “We are excited to be the title sponsor of the popular Tamil TV show, Bigg Boss season eight on Star Vijay. This brand integration offers us an opportunity to showcase our product range and unique features to our customers. Our association with Bigg Boss season 8 opens up new avenues for our brand, allowing us to explore innovative ideas and showcase different styles with our entire NANDU 100 per cent cotton dhothis range. As a show that connects with people on a daily basis, we are super excited to be an integral part of the show.”

    Head Digital Works (A23)  VP – marketing Gunnidhi Sareen expressed his thoughts on the collaboration, stating: “We are happy to collaborate with Bigg Boss Tamil for the second time. This association is an organic fit for A23, given the increasing visibility and engagement of reality TV in regional languages. Bigg Boss Tamil is all about showcasing one’s skill to win the game, which perfectly aligns with A23’s focus on skill-based gaming. The show’s popularity will yet again help us build meaningful relationships with audiences in key geographies to further strengthen our presence in the market.”  

    Himalaya Wellness media manager Pratheep Kumar shared his excitement about the partnership: “Coming from Tamil Nadu, I have seen Bigg Boss evolve into a household name over the years. I have witnessed viewers across age groups discussing the happenings in the house during social conversations. We at Himalaya are excited to associate with Bigg Boss Tamil for the first time to launch our new aloe vera face wash campaign. Through this association, we hope to address the need for skincare, both, inside with the BB Housemates and outside with the Tamil Nadu audience as well.”

    Bigg Boss Tamil season eight introduces amnen vs women competition, adding a new twist to the show. With fresh contestants, new rules, and Vijay Sethupathi as the host, the season promises drama and intense competition. It airs daily at 9:30 pm on Star Vijay and streams 24×7 on Disney+ Hotstar.

  • Disney Star signs 14 sponsors for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

    Disney Star signs 14 sponsors for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

    Mumbai: With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 starting on 3 October, Disney Star unveiled its impressive sponsorship line-up, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and anticipation for the tournament. Featuring a remarkable array of top brands from a host of industries such as automotive, technology, finance, and more, Disney Star has onboarded 14 sponsors across linear TV and digital platforms. The sponsors include Dream11, Natural Diamond Council, OnePlus, Dazller, ICICI Bank, Asus, Asian Paints, Maruti Suzuki, Aramco, Hero, SBI, Lenskart, Kajaria, Skechers.

    Disney Star head of network – ad sales Ajit Varghese stated, “The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to transform the sporting landscape, offering a powerful opportunity to unite global audiences and spotlight the very best of women’s cricket. Building on the success of previous tournaments, which have driven remarkable growth, this year’s event promises even greater impact. We are excited to onboard prestigious brands whose support not only reflects their commitment to advancing women’s cricket but also acknowledges the immense value this tournament delivers. With Disney Star’s expansive linear TV and digital coverage, we look forward to offering brands and advertisers unmatched opportunities to engage millions of passionate viewers.”

    The matches will be broadcast exclusively on the Disney Star network, and Disney+ Hotstar. The tournament begins on 3 October, and 10 teams will compete in 23 matches over 17 thrilling days at two premier venues in the UAE, the Dubai International Stadium and the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.