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Tag: Jiostar

  • TATA WPL on JioStar: A Beacon of Advertising Impact and Innovation

    TATA WPL on JioStar: A Beacon of Advertising Impact and Innovation

    MUMBAI: As the Women’s Premier League (TATA WPL) 2025 enters its third season, the tournament continues to redefine women’s cricket, setting new benchmarks for viewership, engagement, and brand partnerships. In just its second season, WPL became the biggest ever Women’s T20 tournament in terms of viewership, reaching close to 150 million viewers on digital streaming and 110 million on linear TV. The month-long event delivered a platform reach and TVR comparable to shows across other content genres that span over a period of 3-6 months. 

    Starting 14th February on live on the JioStar Network i.e. Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar, Season 3 of TATA WPL offers a dynamic mix of platform scale and innovative advertising solutions, and with a plethora of contextual advertising opportunities in February and March, advertisers can build association surrounding these social events through cricketing stars that have become household names in India. 

    Category-wide Brand Associations with TATA WPL 2025 on JioStar 

    Since inception in 2023, TATA WPL has witnessed a massive influx of brands wanting to be a part of the evolving landscape of cricket in India. Categories like infrastructure, automobiles, FMCG, payments, travel, lifestyle and BFSI have capitalized on the WPL wave across seasons, driving a high share of voice in a non-cluttered advertising environment. 

    How brands alleviated their campaigns through TATA WPL 2025

    . BFSI Brand: A prominent public sector bank partnered with WPL to create large-scale awareness surrounding their latest offerings. achieved a 16% uplift in online ad awareness, a 25% increase in purchase intent and a 20% increase in recommendation.

    . Automotive Brand: A leading automotive brand leveraged WPL on both LTV and CTV to build brand love for the launch of its new EV. The campaign saw a 1.5x uplift in Google search trends and 17% increase in purchase intent through impactful ad placements.

    . Lifestyle Brand: A multinational fashion brand associated with WPL on CTV and mobile with an objective to drive purchase intent for its new collection. The brand’s campaign witnessed an 11% increase in message association and a 7% increase in purchase intent through the WPL association. 

    Tailored advertising solutions for every marketing goal: 

    . TATA WPL on JioStar provides a wide array of advertising formats that cater to different marketing objectives:

    . Contextual In-Match Integrations: Seamlessly weave brand messages into key moments of the game, such as strategic timeouts, player milestones, and game-winning moments.

    . Co-Branded Segments: Align your brand with expert analysis, player interviews, and match highlights to capture viewer attention.

    . Interactive Digital Ad Formats: Drive engagement with innovative formats such as expandable CTAs, mid-roll carousels, and fence ads.

    . Targeted Audience Solutions: Leverage JioStar’s advanced analytics to target specific demographics, ensuring your message reaches the right audience. 

    .Contextual Opportunities for Brand Marketers to lookout for this WPL: 

    TATA WPL Season 3 coincides with International Women’s Day, providing brands with a unique opportunity to celebrate women’s empowerment and achievements. By aligning campaigns with this occasion, advertisers can create authentic narratives that resonate with audiences and drive emotional connections.

    . Highlighting the stories of inspiring women cricketers such as Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma offers brands a compelling way to champion empowerment while fostering deeper consumer engagement.

    . Along with this the TATA WPL 2025 season runs from February 14th to March 21st, a time filled with important cultural and social moments. Brands can leverage this opportunity to align their campaigns with these events to drive their campaigns and narratives.

    . Valentine’s Day (14th February)

    . Holi (8th March)

    . International Women’s Day (8th March)

    Creative ad assets such as branded segments, contextual overlays, and interactive formats offer brands the flexibility to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences during these significant occasions. 

    TATA WPL is not just a cricket league; it’s a movement reshaping the landscape of sports in India. By partnering with JioStar, brands can harness the power of this transformative platform to achieve their marketing objectives. 
    This season, make your brand the talk of the town. With tailor-made advertising solutions and contextual opportunities, TATA WPL on JioStar offers a high-impact platform to elevate your brand and connect with millions of passionate viewers.

  • Yojana Phadnis moves from Viacom18 to JioStar as manager, creative strategy

    Yojana Phadnis moves from Viacom18 to JioStar as manager, creative strategy

    MUMBAI: She began her career at one of our publications Tellychakkar.com more than a baker’s dozen years ago. And, in early February , seasoned marketing and communications specialist in the media and entertainment industry Yojana Phadnis, was  appointed manager, creative strategy at JioStar Network.
    Phadnis has played a pivotal role in brand building, marketing communications, and film promotions across Bollywood, Hollywood, and regional cinema.

    Prior to this, she served as marketing manager at JioCinema, where she contributed to strategic brand and creative marketing efforts for the platform. She previously spent six years at Viacom18, where she held key positions in marketing and corporate communications, managing promotional campaigns for major film releases.

    Her career also includes stints at Eros International, MSLGroup India, Perfect Relations, and Hanmer MSL, where she led public relations and corporate communications for major television and entertainment brands, including Star India and Life OK.

     

  • Chand Das gets Account Director – digital & TV (south) role at JioStar

    Chand Das gets Account Director – digital & TV (south) role at JioStar

    MUMBAI: Chandan Das has been appointed as Account Director – digital & TV revenue generation – south at JioStar Network. He transitions from Disney Star where he was region head – south, responsible for ad sales of Star Jalsha, Jalsha Movies and Star Kiran channels.

    In his new role at JioStar, Das will lead digital and TV revenue generation, focusing on monetisation of key properties like BigBoss, Star Parivar Awards, and various digital IPs, along with OTT platform and TV channel inventories across markets.

    Das brings over 14 years of experience in business development and project management, having previously managed a Rs 250 crore-plus business portfolio for Star Plus and Disney Kids channels in the southern region. He has also worked with HT Media and Info Edge India in various sales leadership roles.

     

  • Rohit Dhawan transitions to JioStar India as head of brand solutions (sports)

    Rohit Dhawan transitions to JioStar India as head of brand solutions (sports)

    MUMBAI: Rohit Dhawan, a veteran marketing and media professional with over two decades of experience, has recently taken up the position of head of brand solutions (sports) at JioStarIndia.

    In this role, Dhawan will lead strategic advertising solutions for marquee sporting properties such as the IPL, ICC, and BCCI events. His focus will be on driving innovative brand partnerships at the intersection of sports, media, and technology to enhance engagement across both digital and television platforms.

    Reflecting on his career, Dhawan highlighted his passion for leveraging storytelling to create impactful campaigns. “The last nine years have been particularly fulfilling in building new business models and revenue streams through various forms of content,” he noted.

    Prior to this appointment, Dhawan served as vice president of customer marketing at Viacom18 Sports, where he played a pivotal role in managing customer marketing strategies for major sports events. He also held senior roles at Mindshare, including vice president of content plus, where he managed brand partnerships and solutions marketing.

    Dhawan’s extensive career portfolio includes leadership positions at Hindustan Times Media, ESPN Star Sports, and Mindshare, where he worked on prominent accounts like Pepsi, Pizza Hut, and KFC. His areas of expertise include sports marketing, digital strategy, brand partnerships, and media innovation.

  • JioStar Study reveals live cricket streaming on mobile outperforms other platforms for long-format ads

    JioStar Study reveals live cricket streaming on mobile outperforms other platforms for long-format ads

    MUMBAI: Media planners and buyers who are sharpening their teeth before going in for the kill over unsold inventory during the cricket coming up in the next few months, pay attention to this piece of information being put out by JioStar.  

    A neuroscience-backed study conducted by its team in collaboration with Neurons Inc has revealed that advertising during live cricket streaming on mobile drives superior audience engagement, focus, and brand recall compared to other digital platforms, making it the most effective medium for long-format advertising.

    The study evaluated identical advertisements across JioStar’s mobile streaming platform and three other digital platforms, including a user-generated video service, an image-centric social media platform, and a community-driven network. The findings demonstrated striking differences in cognitive and behavioural responses. Ads during live cricket on handheld devices achieved 1.7x higher viewer focus compared to user-generated video platforms, 4.1x higher focus than image-centric platforms, and 7.8x higher than community-focused platforms. 

    Engagement rates were 2x, 2.7x, and 8x higher compared to user-generated, image-centric, and community-focused platforms, respectively. The platform drove a 2.2x increase in both brand favourability and purchase intent, alongside a 2x rise in daily active users and a 4.5x spike in app downloads.

    JioStar  head of business, sports revenue, SMB & creator Ishan Chatterjee said: “Cricket is more than a sport in India — it’s an emotion that brings millions together. This study underscores how this passion translates into an immersive advertising environment, providing brands with unparalleled opportunities for compelling storytelling. With upcoming marquee events such as the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy and Tata IPL, advertisers can achieve impactful results.”

    Neurons Inc Asia  MD Shikher Chaudhary added: “Our research confirms that the dynamic nature of live cricket significantly enhances engagement, setting a new standard for digital advertising. The heightened focus and superior recall during live matches make it an ideal platform for impactful long-format ads.”

    With the Tata 2025 set to begin in March, JioStar’s OTT mobile platform offers advertisers access to millions of passionate cricket fans. Beyond Tata IPL, brands can leverage high-profile events, including the India-England series, ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, and Tata Women’s Premier League 2025, to deliver powerful, narrative-driven campaigns that resonate well beyond the final ball.

  • Disney reports substantially better results in Q1 FY 2025

    Disney reports substantially better results in Q1 FY 2025

    MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company reported robust Q1 FY25 financial results, driven by growth in its entertainment and experiences divisions and a return to profitability in streaming operations. The company posted a 44 per cent  jump in adjusted earnings per share to $1.76, exceeding market expectations of $1.45. Revenue rose by five per cent  to $24.69 billion, fuelled by strategic price hikes across streaming services.

    The direct-to-consumer (D2C) segment, encompassing Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, delivered a $293 million operating profit, recovering from a $138 million loss in the same quarter last year. However, Disney+ saw a marginal decline in subscribers, slipping to 124.6 million from 125.3 million in Q4 FY24. Hulu reported a three  per cent  growth in its subscriber base, offsetting some losses.

    Despite the dip in Disney+ subscribers, D2C revenue increased by nine per cent, reflecting the effectiveness of pricing strategies. The company announced plans to launch ESPN as a stand-alone streaming service by fall 2025, with a focus on delivering comprehensive sports content and digital features.

    Disney’s entertainment division recorded double-digit operating income growth, supported by the success of key franchises. Box office revenue saw a rebound, thanks to blockbuster releases and a strong international performance. Upcoming releases are expected to sustain this momentum in the next quarter.

    The sports division reported an impressive operating income of $250 million, reversing a $100 million loss from the same period last year. The absence of major cricket events in Q1 and improved operating efficiencies contributed to this turnaround.

    The experiences, parks, and products segment remained a key growth driver, bolstered by strong demand for domestic and international parks. Revenue from this segment surged by double digits as travel and leisure activities continued to normalise post-pandemic.

    Disney finalised a $220 million merger of its Hulu + Live TV business with FuboTV, taking a 70% ownership stake in the combined entity. CEO Bob Iger confirmed the company’s commitment to further growth in digital entertainment and immersive experiences.

    Looking ahead, Disney forecasts high single-digit earnings per share growth for FY25 and double-digit operating income growth in the entertainment division. However, the stock dipped 2.4 per cent  following the report, influenced by concerns over Disney+ subscriber declines.

    Meanwhile, moving on to its India operations. The mousehouse expects a $300 million equity loss from its Indian joint venture (JV), JioStar, in FY25 due to purchase accounting, according to CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston in the company’s Q1 FY25 earnings commentary. The JV, formed with Reliance Industries (RIL) and Bodhi Tree Systems, marked the merger of Star India, Disney+ Hotstar, and Reliance’s media assets.

    Disney, which holds a 37 per cent  stake in JioStar, deconsolidated Star India’s results from 14 November 2024. This quarter included just 1.5 months of Star India operations, compared to a full year in fiscal 2024. The company reported a $33 million equity loss from the JV in Q1, primarily linked to purchase accounting.

    The JV is projected to contribute $74 million to Disney’s entertainment operating income in FY25, down from $254 million last year, while the sports segment is expected to generate $9 million, recovering from a $636 million loss.

    Advertising revenue from Disney+ Hotstar in India fell sharply to $15 million in Q1 FY25, compared to $165 million the previous year. Despite this decline, direct-to-consumer (D2C) ad revenue outside India rose 16 per cent. Disney anticipates D2C operating income to increase by $875 million in FY25, partly due to an improved comparison against a $200 million adverse impact from Disney+ Hotstar in the previous year.

    Sports segment income improved to $250 million in Q1, recovering from a $100 million loss in Q1 FY24, which had aired the ICC Cricket World Cup.

    The company recognised a $143 million impairment charge and a $0.2 billion non-cash tax charge in Q1 FY25 as part of transaction-related restructuring. Cumulative foreign currency translation losses net of tax amounted to $0.8 billion.

    JioStar, valued at $8.5 billion, is 56 per cent  owned by RIL and seven per cent  by Bodhi Tree Systems. Disney’s move signals a strategic shift in its approach to the Indian market amid evolving media consumption patterns.

    The Walt Disney Company reported robust Q1 FY25 financial results, driven by growth in its entertainment and experiences divisions and a return to profitability in streaming operations. The company posted a 44 per cent  jump in adjusted earnings per share to $1.76, exceeding market expectations of $1.45. Revenue rose by five per cent  to $24.69 billion, fuelled by strategic price hikes across streaming services.

    The direct-to-consumer (D2C) segment, encompassing Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, delivered a $293 million operating profit, recovering from a $138 million loss in the same quarter last year. However, Disney+ saw a marginal decline in subscribers, slipping to 124.6 million from 125.3 million in Q4 FY24. Hulu reported a three  per cent  growth in its subscriber base, offsetting some losses.

    Despite the dip in Disney+ subscribers, D2C revenue increased by nine per cent, reflecting the effectiveness of pricing strategies. The company announced plans to launch ESPN as a stand-alone streaming service by fall 2025, with a focus on delivering comprehensive sports content and digital features.

    Disney’s entertainment division recorded double-digit operating income growth, supported by the success of key franchises. Box office revenue saw a rebound, thanks to blockbuster releases and a strong international performance. Upcoming releases are expected to sustain this momentum in the next quarter.

    The sports division reported an impressive operating income of $250 million, reversing a $100 million loss from the same period last year. The absence of major cricket events in Q1 and improved operating efficiencies contributed to this turnaround.

    The experiences, parks, and products segment remained a key growth driver, bolstered by strong demand for domestic and international parks. Revenue from this segment surged by double digits as travel and leisure activities continued to normalise post-pandemic.

    Disney finalised a $220 million merger of its Hulu + Live TV business with FuboTV, taking a 70% ownership stake in the combined entity. CEO Bob Iger confirmed the company’s commitment to further growth in digital entertainment and immersive experiences.

    Looking ahead, Disney forecasts high single-digit earnings per share growth for FY25 and double-digit operating income growth in the entertainment division. However, the stock dipped 2.4 per cent  following the report, influenced by concerns over Disney+ subscriber declines.

  • Bigg Boss Season 18 shatters records with 205+ million viewers across TV & digital

    Bigg Boss Season 18 shatters records with 205+ million viewers across TV & digital

    MUMBAI: Another season of drama, strategy, and nail-biting eliminations has come to a close, and Bigg Boss Season 18 has done it again—breaking records, dominating screens, and keeping millions glued to their couches. The reality TV juggernaut raked in a mind-blowing 205+ million viewersh  across TV and JioCinema, with a total of 112 billion viewing minutes (yes, you read that right!). And if that wasn’t enough, social media went into overdrive, racking up 5.6 billion views across platforms, with 2.9 billion views on JioCinema alone. Now, that’s what you call a blockbuster

    JioStar head of revenue – entertainment & international, Ajit Varghese summed it up perfectly, “Year after year, Bigg Boss continues to redefine entertainment, offering brands the ultimate platform to forge deep audience connections. The response to this season has been phenomenal, and we’re excited to push the boundaries even further.”

    Bigg Boss, the crown jewel of JioStar’s entertainment empire, continues to strike gold with its regional editions in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and Bengali. With each passing season, the show mirrors society’s evolving dynamics, proving that nothing beats the thrill of watching strangers fight, form alliances, and occasionally (just occasionally) find friendship.

    This year, Bigg Boss Jaante Hain took unpredictability to the next level, with the all-seeing Bigg Boss predicting contestants’ futures. The “Time Ka Tandav” theme was a masterstroke, amplifying the mind games, shock twists, and pulse-racing moments that had fans hooked. Who knew reality TV could be this deliciously dramatic?

    When you pull in numbers like these, it’s no surprise that brands are lining up to be part of the magic. Season 18 had the backing of some of the biggest names, including co-powered partners Belavita, Vaseline, and Parle Hide & Seek, and special sponsors like Ching’s Schezwan Chutney and Berger Paints.

    The sponsorship lineup also featured beauty partner Blue Heaven, hygiene partner Harpic, and home decor partner My Trident, alongside Go Cheese, Macho Sporto, Good Knight, and Galaxy Chocolate as associate sponsors. On the digital front, major players like Vimal, Housing.com, Oppo, LG Hot and Cold AC, and Rapido Cabs amplified the show’s reach, with First Games, Manyavar, Manforce, Kellogg’s Muesli, Roff, Streax, and Swiss Beauty adding to the mix.

    Love it or hate it, you just can’t ignore it. Bigg Boss 18 was an unstoppable force across YouTube, Meta, and X, fueling heated debates, meme storms, and endless discussions. Whether it was contestants’ fiery showdowns, jaw-dropping twists, or unexpected evictions, social media lived and breathed every moment.

    With record-breaking numbers, insane engagement, and a growing fanbase, Bigg Boss has once again proved why it remains India’s most-loved reality show. And if Season 18 was this explosive, we can only imagine what’s in store for next year. Buckle up, because the drama is far from over!

  • 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.

     

  • Sameer Gogate returns to Viacom18 as Colors business head

    Sameer Gogate returns to Viacom18 as Colors business head

    MUMBAI: When general manager Sameer Gogate put in his papers at BBC Studios, it was not clear why and where he was headed. Why would someone give up a plum secure job working with the Beeb which many an executive joins with a retirement plan in mind?

    That clarity came in mid-this week, when whispers started that he was actually heading back to his alma mater – Viacom18 – now called JioStar, followed the merger  with Disney Star India. 

    But what would he be doing there, was the question? Isn’t the company extremely top heavy with so many bosses that not even department executives know who is reporting to whom and who has the responsibility for a particular function?

    That clarity too came when Gogate’s responsibility was leaked. He would be in charge of the business of Colors, Viacom18’s star channel.  In his new role, Gogate will report to Alok Jain, head of cluster entertainment at JioStar.

    For the record, Gogate joining Viacom18 is like returning home for him  as he was once deeply embedded in its ecosystem. He was director of commercial and syndication, overseeing content syndication, film acquisitions, and co-productions for Viacom18 Motion Pictures and he also had a position at Colors, where  he managed music and format licensing, talent management, and group commercial strategy a few years ago.

    Gogate brings a wealth of experience from his time at BBC Studios, where he played a pivotal role since 2019 in producing local adaptations of popular BBC formats, including multiple seasons of Criminal Justice and Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa (Dancing with the Stars). He also oversaw the creation of original series such as Highway Love, Ishq in the Air, School of Lies, and Tujhpe Main Fida. Among his recent successes was the IMDb top-ten hit, The Shekhar Suman Show.

    Prior to BBC Studios, Gogate worked at Vuclip as Head of Monetisation, Commercial, and Distribution, where he managed revenue operations and key content partnerships. He also held senior roles at Eros International Media, Endemol India, Viacom18, and EY. 

    Meanwhile, following Gogate’s departure, BBC Studios India has announced an interim leadership arrangement. Deepa Nair, head of business and legal affairs, and Sachin Mahajan, head of finance, will jointly oversee the production team in India. Stanley Fernandes will continue leading the channels & streaming and content sales divisions for India and South Asia. The company has yet to announce a permanent successor for Gogate.

  • Aaron Mascarenhas transitions to JioStar as Hindi movies strategy & acquisitions head

    Aaron Mascarenhas transitions to JioStar as Hindi movies strategy & acquisitions head

    MUMBAI:  JioStar has announced the tranisition of Aaron Mascarenhas as the new head of Hindi movies strategy & acquisitions (digital). 

    With a robust background in commercial negotiations, content management, and acquisitions, Mascarenhas brings over a decade of media experience to his new role.

    Prior to  JioStar, Mascarenhas served as associate vice president of content acquisitions & strategy at Viacom18, and held senior positions at Amazon’s MX Player, LeEco, and Zee Entertainment. 

    He holds a master’s degree in marketing and advertising from Alliance Manchester Business School and a bachelor’s degree in management Studies from the University of Mumbai.