ITV

Tag: Indiacast Media

  • Sonal Gupta joins Zee Entertainment Enterprises as senior vice president- syndication

    Sonal Gupta joins Zee Entertainment Enterprises as senior vice president- syndication

    Mumbai, India – Zee Entertainment Enterprises has appointed Sonal Gupta as its new senior vice president- syndication, based in Mumbai. With over 15 years of experience in the broadcast industry, Gupta brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role. Her appointment is effective November 2024. 

    Gupta’s most recent position was as head of content & alliances at One Life Studios, where she was responsible for leading syndication and acquisitions worldwide, driving business development through sales, licensing, and distribution, and curating content from renowned production houses.

    Prior to that, she held senior positions at IndiaCast Media, Videocon D2H, and Neo Sports Broadcast, with a focus on international content syndication, digital platforms, and business development.

    Gupta’s extensive experience in the industry has equipped her with a deep understanding of the global market and a proven track record of driving growth and increasing brand presence. She is expected to play a key role in shaping the company’s syndication strategy and expanding its global footprint.

  • IndiaCast lands Fast channel DesiPlay TV on Mena region’s Starz On

    IndiaCast lands Fast channel DesiPlay TV on Mena region’s Starz On

    MUMBAI: It’s making real fast plays (no pun intended) in the middle east and north Africa.

    We are referring to DesiPlay TV,  the Fast channel, from the Mukesh Ambani-owned Viacom18.  

    IndiaCast Media Distribution (IndiaCast), the content asset monetisation arm of Viacom18 and Network18, today announced DesiPlay TV’s launch on Starz On in the middle east & north Africa (Mena), marking the Fast channel’s  availability on two key streaming platforms in the region offering audiences a diverse range of Indian entertainment content and making it accessible to a wider audience of Hindi entertainment enthusiasts across the region. 

    DesiPlay TV, a curated collection of popular Hindi television shows and Indian cinema  films, has garnered popularity among viewers worldwide. With this launch, DesiPlay TV is now available on leading Fast platforms, including Starz On, Shahid, Telus, Pluto TV, Plex, Sling, Rakuten TV, and Yupp TV, providing audiences with easy access to the rich tapestry of Indian storytelling across Mena, Americas and Europe. 

    The Fast channel vertical has witnessed rapid growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for affordable and accessible content.  The middle east, with its diverse population and growing digital penetration, presents a lucrative market for Fast channels. DesiPlay TV’s presence on Starz On, a prominent streaming platform in the region, is expected to further fuel its popularity and reach among Hindi content consuming audiences. 

    Says IndiaCast executive vice-president & head of international business Govind Shahi:  , “We are thrilled to further solidify DesiPlay TV’s presence in the Middle East through our partnership with Starz On. This expansion is a testament to the growing demand for Indian content globally. We believe that DesiPlay TV’s unique blend of entertainment and cultural richness will resonate with viewers in the region.”

    Starz On & evision head of content Sunil Joy adds:  “As part of our ongoing commitment to providing our audience with the best possible content, we are excited to announce the addition of DesiPlay TV to our platform. This partnership aligns with the growing demand for Asian content in the region and allows us to offer our viewers a more diverse and engaging entertainment experience.”   

  • Viacom18 takes DesiPlayTV to Europe and the UK

    Viacom18 takes DesiPlayTV to Europe and the UK

    Mumbai: IndiaCast Media – part of the Viacom18 group – is playing a big hand in Europe. The syndication and distribution firm has announced the launch of Viacom18’s leading Hindi FAST channel, DesiPlay TV, on Pluto TV in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The channel is being made available in Hindi with English subtitles to enable audiences to enjoy the content.

    Following the channel’s success in Canada, where it has garnered popularity among the South Asian diaspora and local Canadians, DesiPlay TV is set to entertain British and  European audiences with its rich tapestry of Indian entertainment while being the first Hindi FAST channel to be present across Pluto TV’s network in Canada, UK, Ireland and Europe. In addition to Pluto TV, DesiPlay TV is now available on some of the leading networks across the global including Sling, Plex, Shahid, MyCo, and YuppTV.

    DesiPlay TV offers a curated selection of the most beloved and iconic Hindi television shows and Bollywood blockbusters. Viewers can indulge in the drama-packed world of popular and highly rated shows like Uttaran, Na Aana Is Des Laado, Dev, Tu Aashiqui, and Sanskaar: Dharohar Apnon Ki. The channel also boasts an impressive library of Hindi cinema blockbusters featuring legendary stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Madhuri Dixit, Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif, and many more. To cater to a wider audience, DesiPlay TV also presents a diverse range of South Indian films dubbed in Hindi.

    “We are excited to bring DesiPlay TV to Pluto TV’s viewers in the UK, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland and Nordic countries,” said IndiaCast Media executive vice-president & head of international business Govind Shahi. “The strong performance of the channel in Canada, US and Middle East demonstrates the immense appetite for Indian content among the global audiences that inherently appreciate and enjoy Indian content. In our consistent efforts to take good content to our audiences, we have seen considerable success with Desi Play TV and in that our collaboration with Pluto has been very instrumental. With this launch, we are opening up a new avenue for audiences and hoping to entertain and associate with global audiences and not only South Asians. This is truly in line with our intent of taking India to the world.”

  • PLUTO TV in Canada launches VIACOM18’s DesiPlay TV

    PLUTO TV in Canada launches VIACOM18’s DesiPlay TV

    Mumbai: Pluto TV, a global leader in free streaming television (FAST) has announced that a brand-new DesiPlay TV channel is now streaming in Canada.  

    Viacom18’s DesiPlay TV is the first FAST Hindi General Entertainment Channel to launch on Pluto TV in Canada, featuring inspiring Indian stories, hand-picked Hindi shows and blockbuster Bollywood movies. Watch the best Hindi TV serials like Na Aana Iss Des Laado, Comedy Nights with Kapil, Uttaran, Mahakali, Radha Prem Ki Deewani, Mrs. Pammi Pyarelal. and more shows filled with renowned Indian characters. Viewers favourite desi TV shows are also available to watch with English subtitles.

    “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with IndiaCast on the brand-new DesiPlay TV channel, offering an array of diverse content to Pluto TV viewers across Canada,” said Pluto TV, Canada VP content Vanessa Case. “We are part of a diverse country, and our aim is to curate content that resonates with every viewer.”

    IndiaCast Media EVP, and head of international business Govind Shahi, said “DesiPlay TV, being the first Hindi general entertainment channel to launch on Pluto TV in Canada, marks a significant milestone as we bring the best of Hindi TV shows and Bollywood movies to South Asians for free. We are committed to entertain our ever-growing ethnic audience in Canada with a diverse array of quality content, ensuring that they experience the richness of Indian culture and storytelling right at their fingertips.”  

    A few of the amazing series on the Desi Play Channel include:

    Comedy Nights With Kapil

    Genre – Comedy

    In this celebrity talk show, hosted by Kapil Sharma, the biggest Bollywood stars walk in, while Kapil’s entire family and neighbours’ barge in!  This outrageous family has always enthralled and entertained the audiences, with characters including Gutthi, Palak, Bua and Dadi.  

    Mahakaali 
    Genre – Mythology

    If there is one goddess in Hindu mythology who is feared and revered at the same time, it is Kaali – the ultimate destroyer. But her personal life is also a part of this story, including her transformation from a mortal to Mahakaali, the Goddess Parvati and wife to Mahadev.

    Uttaran
    Genre – Drama

    UTTARAN is a popular Hindi show based on a tale of two friends with completely different backgrounds. Tapasya is the spoiled daughter of a rich man, while Ichha, her best friend, is the maid’s daughter. The series takes an interesting turn when Tapasya gets married, and the best friends are locked in a love triangle.  

    Na Aana Iss Des Laado 
    Genre – Drama  

    The critically acclaimed Indian TV show is a social drama that raises a voice against the oppression of women in the Indian hinterlands.  

    Radha Prem Ki Deewani 
    Genre – Drama

    Despite all the differences between them, destiny keeps bringing Radha and Prem together. Will this attraction turn into a love story? One of the best Romantic Hindi shows, only on DesiPlay TV.

    Mrs. Pammi Pyarelal 
    Genre – Comedy

    After moving to Mumbai, Param desperately needs a roof over his head, especially when his best friend, Rahul, also gets kicked out of his rented apartment. The duo learns of a house up for rent, but the landlady has one simple condition – her tenants must be married! With no option left, Param and Rahul spin a web of lies and pose as husband and wife. What follows is a hilarious roller coaster ride, packed with friendship, love and absolute chaos.

  • Debkumar Dasgupta moves on from IndiaCast

    Debkumar Dasgupta moves on from IndiaCast

    Mumbai: IndiaCast Media Syndication head (Middle East-Africa) Debkumar Dasgupta has moved on from the group after a long stint of over two decades. He will be in the company till 31 December.

    Dasgupta was currently posted in Dubai as senior VP and business head- syndication, Middle East and Africa of IndiaCast- the international and digital distribution arm of Viacom18 and TV18.

    He joined the group 24 years ago, and initially managed the domestic distribution of the channel. But his role expanded post the launch of Colors, when he was appointed to manage the Asia Pacific channel distribution and global content sales and syndication. The syndication business recorded significant growth during the subsequent decade. Later on, he was elevated to manage the channel business including subscription, ad sales, syndication in the Middle East-Africa.

  • VBS 2019: Broadcast industry dwells on TRAI consultation paper, NTO impact and way forward

    VBS 2019: Broadcast industry dwells on TRAI consultation paper, NTO impact and way forward

    MUMBAI: The new consultation paper on broadcast tariffs is only seeking to address some infirmities in the earlier New Tariff Order (NTO) and will not bring any fundamental changes to the regulatory framework, said TRAI advisor Arvind Kumar at VBS 2019. His comment hinted that there might be some changes in the regulatory framework, which will bring NTO 2.0.

    The first panel discussion at VBS 2019 organised by Indiantelevision.com and its production division ITV2.0 focused on ‘NTO-The future roadmap.’

    The panel was moderated by Elara Capital VP- research analyst (media) Karan Taurani among the panelists IndiaCast Media Distribution president Amit Arora, Star India Distribution and international business president and head Gurjeev Singh Kapoor, Metro Cast Network India promoter Nagesh Narayandas Chhabria, The Remediation Company founder & partner Shyamala Venkatachalam, IndusInd Media & Communications chief executive officer Vynsley Fernandes and GTPL Hathway vice-president Yatin Gupta.

    The objective of the NTO was to bring transparency, freedom of choice, level playing field in the industry and rationalising the consumers’ cost. The panelists agreed that the dust of the new tariff order has settled down but the NTO 2.0 period might impact pricing again. With the new consultation paper Gupta expected that there would be price capping on bouquets and a la carte.

    Said Kapoor: “Very fairly the NTO has allowed consumers to exercise the power of choice. For DPOs the level playing field has come out very clearly. For the first time broadcasters were allowed to go with their understanding on pricing and packaging. We collaborated with all the stakeholders and ensured that smooth transition of the NTO happens. It wouldn't have been possible without the entire ecosystem coming together. I appreciate that MSOs and LCOs came together and were able to manage this really well. Post NTO has been good learning and deep understanding from Star’s perspective.

    Whereas Arora said, “NTO has brought us closures as partners. There have been cases where platforms had designed packages and shown them to us for feedback. We don’t have the expertise of forming packages but we understand consumers as well as the retail price, which is feasible for my market. I don't understand the concept that the consumer has to pay less. I believe the consumers pay for value and content. As we move forward the challenge is going to be how do we make consumers pay more revenue for the content he/she watches. It’s between me and the platform to work together on how do we get him to buy."

    National MSO GTPL Hathway’s Gupta said, “Any industry is always resistant to changes especially if it's technology based. One important thing is how do regulators ensure that it benefits the consumers but not at the cost of industry. There has been a lot of effort that went into building the new regulatory framework. As we see in the past few months, industry has begun to settle down and it's about to grow again. Looking at the tectonic shift, the cable industry is not just here to stay but to grow.”

    “Most of the LCOs have settled down and they have adopted the new structure. They have been able to maintain and grow their business. Over the period of time various MSOs and various platforms have taken different views,” said Fernandes.

    Taurani opined that 60 to 70 per cent of subscribers who cut the cord on cable TV have moved to DTH. It was an important change that has been observed. This was due to various reasons: MSOs not being able to implement the NTO in effective ways, delays on the MSOs’ front in coordination, etc.

    On the same Venkatachalam commented, “On the DTH side, they already had established backend systems, the NTO just gave them a jump to make the transition process even easier. For the MSOs, it took them some time to put all the things in place.”

    The panelists also shared their perspective on norms of 15 per cent capping on bouquet and FTA channels moving behind a pay wall and their expectations from the consultation paper released by TRAI to review NTO.

    Gupta said, “With NTO 2.0 we are expecting the price capping of a la carte. The discounts being offered today range from 10 per cent to 70 per cent, so there should be some capping on that which can help consumers to make intelligent choices."

    Agreeing with Gupta’s comment, Venkatachalam said that NTO 2.0 will impact the pricing.

  • TDSAT gives 30 days to Tata Sky, IndiaCast to sign agreement

    TDSAT gives 30 days to Tata Sky, IndiaCast to sign agreement

    MUMBAI: Direct to home (DTH) operator Tata Sky and TV18-owned content distributor IndiaCast Media have got another 30 days from the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to enter into a content agreement under the ongoing legal spat between the two regarding a disconnection notice.

    TDSAT has ordered that the parties should enter into an agreement either on negotiated terms or on RIO terms within a further period of 30 days.  The interim orders passed earlier continue till next date.

    The matter has been posted under the same head on 22 January 2019.

    This is the second time that Tata Sky and IndiaCast Media have asked for an extension to decide on a content agreement from TDSAT. During the earlier hearing in October, the parties had asked for more time to settle on an agreement. TDSAT had given them an additional 30 days notice to settle the matter.

    Tata Sky had moved to TDSAT against the disconnection notice issued by IndiaCast, citing non-signing of the agreement, in September. The DTH operator had then sought an extension of the agreement, whose term had expired on 31 July, to be operative for a further period of three months.

    The tribunal had directed the parties to either arrive at a negotiated agreement otherwise they must enter into an RIO based agreement in accordance with the regulations.

  • Viacom18 ditches FTA in UK, now entirely pay

    Viacom18 ditches FTA in UK, now entirely pay

    MUMBAI: With the launch of its two channels, MTV Beats and Colors Rishtey, on Virgin Media Viacom18 has transitioned from free-to-air (FTA) to entirely paid platform. Viacom18’s channels will now only be available with a subscription on Sky and Virgin Media.

    Talking about leaving the Freeview platform, IndiaCast Media Distribution group CEO Anuj Gandhi says, “We are currently steering our business in a new direction in Europe and have decided to go pay and as a result, current channels will no longer be available on any free to air mode but will continue to be available on paid platforms.”

    The company gained significant viewership via Freeview, which reaches 11 million homes untapped by pay TV. Freeview contributed to 10 percent of its eyeballs in the UK. Rishtey and Colors at times received as high as 41 percent viewership contribution from it.

    Viacom18 channels on Virgin Media are in the mix pack which reaches to over 2.7 million subscribers. The growth is expected to be in line with Virgin’s growth forecasts.

    Viacom18 has a mix content strategy for its UK consumers. Curated programmes from India make up the bulk of its content while a tiny part is local programming. “Viacom18 is exploring further investments in local programming which will happen in the next fiscal, ” he reveals.

    On the advertising front, 90 percent comes from UK based companies. It has three sets of distinct advertisers. First – the local ethnic home-grown businesses, second – the mainstream multinationals and third is Indian companies that export to NRI audiences.

    Advertisers are clamoring to get airtime especially during Big Boss. “As a matter of fact, all our channels currently are utilising 100 percent of the available inventory and we are not even in our peak season, he adds.

    The buzz-creating idea of Viacom18 is to make sense to three categories of people living in UK – the first generation, their children/youth who have less exposure of content being produced in India as they have a variety of options to choose from and last one being people who have moved here in last few years as an intra company transfer or project based.

    While keeping the three categories in mind, Gandhi says that sometimes even small trade or local event associations give a higher ROI as compared to a high profile above-the-line campaign.

    Selecting the right marketing mix is crucial when you are in a niche market. That said, even the language used for communication will ensure success or failure.

    Viacom 18 partnered with Virgin Media in April 2011 to launch its General Entertainment Channel, Colors, on the cable platform. Colors has been available on Sky since January 2010. When launched, Colors was included in Virgin Media’s new Asian Mela bundle which comprised 11 TV channels, including ARY Digital, B4U Movies, B4U Music, SET Asia, MAX, Star Plus, Star News, Zee Cinema, Zee Punjabi, Zee TV and Colors TV, along with popular Asian radio station Sunrise Radio and priced at £11 a month.

  • Network18’s Vinit Jain calls it a day

    MUMBAI: After a stint of more than three years, Network18 media and investment group head commercial Vinit Jain has resigned from the company.

    A source close to the development informed www.indiantelevision.com that Jain has already served his notice period and last day at work.

    Jain joined Network18 in August 2013 as the group head – commercial where he was responsible for strategic financial planning, budgeting and management reporting, business and transaction restructuring and integration and new set-ups and business support.

    Prior to this, he worked as the chief financial officer at Indiacast Media and Distribution, a joint venture with Viacom 18 and  TV18 broadcast for more than two years.

    Jain also worked with Zee Learn as the chief financial officer for six months. Earlier, for more than 12 years, he worked as the director fo ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd.

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  • 300’s Zach Snyder to direct ‘Justice League’

    300’s Zach Snyder to direct ‘Justice League’

    MUMBAI: Confirming the studio’s plans for a movie based on its iconic super-team for the first time to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Warner Bros. president of worldwide production Greg Silverman said the studio has set plans to make a Justice League movie.

    Like Man of Steel and its follow-up, which starts production next month, Justice League will be directed by Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen). Henry Cavill is expected to return as Superman, along with Ben Affleck (Gone Girl) and Gal Gadot, who play Batman and Wonder Woman, respectively in 2016’s Man of Steel sequel tentatively titled Batman vs. Superman.

    “It will be a further expansion of this universe,” said Silverman to WSJ. “’Superman vs. Batman’ will lead into ‘Justice League.’”

    A script is still in development and Warner Bros. has not set a release date, though the movie is unlikely to come out before 2018. The studio has recently been casting the role of Cyborg, a half-robotic hero who is expected to have a cameo in Batman vs. Superman and then appear in Justice League. Other DC heroes who have been in Justice League comic books include Aquaman, Flash and Green Lantern.

    The plans for three superhero movies in relatively quick succession show how intent Warner is on catching up with rival Walt Disney Co.’s Marvel Studios in building a cinematic superhero universe after years of lagging behind.