ITV

Tag: South Africa

  • Amazon expands Anish’s empire across Middle East and Africa

    Amazon expands Anish’s empire across Middle East and Africa

    DUBAI: Amazon has promoted a veteran marketing executive to oversee both deal-making across the Middle East and North Africa and marketing operations in South Africa, as the American e-commerce giant doubles down on emerging markets.

    Anish  Rajan, who previously orchestrated Amazon India’s flagship sale events generating over $2 billion in revenue, has been handed the expanded role effective September 2025. His promotion adds south African marketing responsibilities to his existing mandate as head of deals and events across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

    The appointment reflects Amazon’s growing ambitions in regions where it sees significant untapped potential. Rajan’s west Asian operation already contributes 23 per cent of the region’s annual revenue, whilst launching Amazon-first innovations that have since been rolled out globally.

    His track record spans 15 years across e-commerce, consumer electronics and logistics. Before joining Amazon in 2020, he held senior marketing roles at Samsung Electronics and led marketing communications for fashion platform Jabong during its high-growth phase.

    At Amazon India, Anish spearheaded the deals programme that accounted for 39 per cent of store revenue, building scalable systems and customer experience improvements that were subsequently adopted across Amazon’s global marketplaces.

    His earlier career included stints at Micromax, where he led brand strategy and product launches, and DHL Express, where he managed global partnerships including Formula 1 and Manchester United, overseeing a $30 million retail portfolio.

    The dual-region role positions Anish at the centre of Amazon’s emerging markets strategy, where the company is competing fiercely with local players and other global platforms for market share.

  • Try time for India as GMR backs Rugby Premier League debut

    Try time for India as GMR backs Rugby Premier League debut

     MUMBAI: Rugby’s big break in India just got a power-packed boost courtesy GMR Group. One of India’s largest conglomerates has scrummed down with Rugby India to become the title partner of the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL), a first-of-its-kind franchise-based Rugby 7s tournament set to kick off in Mumbai on June 15, with the final scheduled for 29 June 2025.

    Organised in collaboration with GMR Sports, the league promises to be a landmark moment for Indian rugby. The action will unfold at Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex (Andheri Sports Complex), featuring six founding franchises and a mix of global and homegrown talent.

    The GMR Rugby Premier League (GMR RPL) will welcome players from rugby powerhouses like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Argentina, Great Britain, Ireland, USA, and Spain, along with 18 international athletes from Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany. On the home front, 30 Indian players were picked from a competitive auction pool of 71, putting the spotlight on the country’s emerging talent.

    GMR’s entry as title sponsor is no token gesture. With a strong track record in nurturing sport be it cricket with the Delhi Capitals, kabaddi, or grassroots initiatives the group’s involvement signals a serious intent to grow rugby’s footprint in India.

    Calling it a “very important opening season,” Rugby India president Rahul Bose hailed the partnership as one rooted in “mutual belief and optimism.” He added, “We are confident this partnership will stand the test of time.”

    For Indian rugby, this isn’t just a league, it’s a leap. And with GMR’s backing, the sport finally looks set to convert potential into points. Let the rucks and tries begin.

  • Bravo and Pollard hit replay as Legends League brings back Windies fire

    Bravo and Pollard hit replay as Legends League brings back Windies fire

    MUMBAI: The World Championship of Legends (WCL) Season 2 is set to serve fans a full toss of nostalgia and firepower, with West Indies stalwarts Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard leading the charge. The dynamic duo will don the maroon once again, this time for the West Indies Champions, a franchise that blends national pride with T20 pizzazz.

    Bravo, whose last international outing was in 2021, isn’t just making a casual comeback. “Last time I left cricket, my body wasn’t prepared for what it could handle,” he shared. “Now it’s imperative that with my full attention on returning to T20 cricket, I stay committed and I perform well.”

    Sharing on the excitement of taking the field with Kieron Pollard in the World Championship of Legends second season Dwayne adds, “Me and Kieron have a partnership way before we started playing franchise cricket. The only experience that we are going to share now is that we are going to be representing our nation again which is also our franchise for participation in the World Championship of Legends.”

    At 40-plus, Bravo still holds the swagger of a T20 pioneer boasting a mind-boggling 631 wickets from 582 matches. He redefined death bowling and left an indelible mark on franchise cricket globally. Now, he’s out to prove that class, like a good calypso beat, never fades.

    Joining him is longtime teammate and fellow West Indian legend Kieron Pollard, whose credentials are equally stellar 600 plus appearances and 11,000 runs in T20s, along with leading West Indies’ white-ball sides between 2019 and 2022.

    Kieron Pollard also shares happiness on Bravo’s comeback for the World Championship of Legends season, he shares, “Hearing Dwayne coming back to play melts my heart. Dwayne is a true champion and the kind of cricketing career he had once, one can never argue that he has had it well and he has given back to cricket a lot.”

    West Indies Champions owner Ajay Sethi who also acquired the franchise back in 2024 shared, “It is like reliving history in all its glory. Having Bravo and Pollard return to play T20 cricket is like bringing old friendship that defined West Indies’ golden era. To see them represent their own nation again in T20 is a moment that can never be forgotten.

    World Championship of Legends founder & CEO Harshit Tomar commented on the significance of their inclusion: “The addition of Bravo and Pollard to the West Indies Legends squad marks a significant turning point for the championship’s second season. They will raise the tournament’s profile with their all rounder skills and captivating demeanor on and off the field.”

    Easemytrip CEO and co-founder Nishant Pitti expressed his excitement about the announcement: “We are excited to welcome Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo to the Easemytrip World Championship of Legends. Fans will surely swarm the stands due to their immense star power.”

    The event, approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board, isn’t just another friendly fixture, it’s the only official T20 tournament for retired pros, and it’s taken the nostalgia market by storm. Held in England, cricket’s spiritual home, the six-franchise format pits greats from South Africa, Australia, India, Pakistan, England, and the West Indies in a format that mixes sentiment with serious skill.

    The second season of the World Championship of Legends promises high-octane action, high-stakes nostalgia, and a reminder that legends never truly retire, they just take longer warm-ups.

  • Somnath Saha picked as MD of EssenceMediacom, south Africa

    Somnath Saha picked as MD of EssenceMediacom, south Africa

    MUMBAI: GroupM has has promoted Somnath Saha to managing director of EssenceMediacom, south Africa, effective January 2025.

    Saha, a two-time Cannes award winner and the most-awarded executive at GroupM, will leverage his data-driven expertise to drive client growth and talent development.

    “I’m honored to lead EssenceMediacom, addressing the convergence of media and data to reach client objectives,” said Saha. “I look forward to creating an inspiring and innovative work environment that makes our clients and people proud.”

    GroupM sub-Saharan Africa CEO Claudelle Naidoo welcomed Saha’s appointment, stating: “Somnath brings a wealth of experience in solving complex client challenges and converting them into growth opportunities, marking an important milestone in our journey to deliver greater value and growth to our clients.”
     

  • South Africa’s Betway SA20 Season 3 cricket league sets new viewing and attendance records

    South Africa’s Betway SA20 Season 3 cricket league sets new viewing and attendance records

    MUMBAI: It’s in crackling, explosive form. Betway SA20 has kicked off its third season with a record-breaking opening match viewership, surpassing previous records and solidifying its position as a major force in South African cricket.

    The opening match between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town drew a record 382,778 live unique viewers on SuperSport, a 129 per cent  increase from Season 2. This makes it the second-highest recorded live opening viewership number on SuperSport this summer, behind the T20 series between the Proteas and India.

    Additionally, the opening week saw record attendance numbers, with four sold-out matches and an 79 per cent attendance rate across six matches. The fans have enthusiastically embraced the cricket and entertainment experience, setting the stage for a successful tournament.

    League commissioner Graeme Smith attributed the success to the collective efforts of the franchises, SuperSport, and the fans, saying, “We’ve worked hard to establish the league as a property that appeals to viewers at home and those who come to the stadium. These numbers give us the confidence that we’re on the right track to building on a strong foundation. The league has come to be recognised as amongst the best in the world after the IPL. Most people did not give us a chance of succeeding.”

    Nielsen Sports SA managing director Tumelo Selikane added, “We’re thrilled with the response to the Betway SA20 league. The strong viewership numbers are a testament to the league’s growing popularity and the exceptional work of SuperSport and the League.”

    Betway SA20’s success has also attracted new sponsors, further solidifying its commercial value and appeal. As the tournament progresses, the league is poised for continued success, with strong viewership numbers and growing commercial appeal.

  • Fast platform RunnTV attracts investment from South Africa’s media conglomerate eMedia

    Fast platform RunnTV attracts investment from South Africa’s media conglomerate eMedia

    MUMBAI: In the fast evolving world of television today, partnering is the way to go. That’s the belief of the Runn Media Lab-owned free ad-supported television (Fast)-based content streaming platform RunnTV. Founded by Manish Sinha, the company announced a strategic partnership with south African media group and broadcaster eMedia Investments on 29 November As part of this partnership, eMedia has also made a strategic investment in RunnTV.  The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

    The partnership and investment will enable both companies to combine expertise and resources across media and technology, catalysing their growth across the digital streaming landscape both in India and in the overseas markets.

    RunnTV is a new-age streaming platform offering its users free, entertainment across genres while providing advertisers a premium, brand-safe space to effectively reach their target audiences. Launched in November 2023, it is targeting the emerging and high growth Fast market in India and beyond through mobile and connected devices.

    “eMedia joining us as a partner and a strategic investor presents exciting new opportunities for RunnTV.The partnership will fuel a robust and sustainable growth, technology and product innovation, expanded content offerings, and expansion to new markets,” says RunnTV founder & CEO Manish Sinha. “We look forward to this partnership to reshape digital entertainment, not only in India but across the globe.”

    eMedia is a Rand 3.1 billion (Rs 1,450-odd crore) turnover media conglomerate in South Africa having businesses in television and radio broadcasting, OTT streaming, content production, and properties and facilities. eMedia holds owns multiple marquee media brands including eTV, eNCA, eVOD, Openview,  Cape Town Film Studios and YFM.

    Through this collaboration, eMedia will not only further strengthen its already strong digital portfolio but will also leverage Runn Media Labs’ media technology and RunnTV platform to expand its digital business to other international markets including India.

    “We are very excited to invest in and partner with RunnTV and join forces on this exciting journey,” says Khalik Sherrif, CEO at eMedia. “RunnTV team has built a strong technology that powers its Fast platform and has an exciting and promising roadmap. We look forward to working closely with the talented team at RunnTV to shape the future of media and entertainment together.” 

    Shall we raise a toast to the new beginnings?

  • Viacom18 and SA20 announce strategic 10-year partnership

    Viacom18 and SA20 announce strategic 10-year partnership

    Mumbai: Viacom18 Sports, India’s newest sports network, on Wednesday announced a 10-year partnership to exclusively present SA20, South Africa’s recently launched premier T20 league, in India.

    The addition of SA20 strengthens Viacom18’s portfolio of world-class sporting events, including the Indian Premier League, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, NBA, Diamond League, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and top ATP and BWF events.

    Viacom18 is reshaping sports fans’ experiences and building one of the most-loved media platforms in India. The SA20 and Viacom18 will work closely to grow and engage cricket fans in India. South Africa’s strong cricket roots, domestic set-up, and popularity of its players with Indian fans will enable SA20 to stand out among other international T20 leagues. South Africa and India have a long and storied cricket relationship that this partnership will further strengthen while bringing high-quality T20 action to Indian fans.

    Cricket South Africa (CSA) is leaving no stone unturned to deliver a massively entertaining and competitive show by encouraging all their marquee players to be available for the SA20 tournament.

    The inaugural SA20 auction in September saw over 100 players signed by the six teams. Teams could sign up a maximum of ten South Africans and seven overseas cricketers in their squad. For every match, each team will be allowed to have up to four overseas players in the XI. All teams have also opted to sign one uncapped, young player.

    The SA20 will see international superstars like Quinton de Kock, Faf Du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan, Adil Rashid, Jason Roy, Liam Livingstone, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jason Holder in action.

    The league features six teams playing each other twice in a round-robin stage before the semis and final. In all, 33 matches will be played over four weeks starting 10 January 2023. The six teams—Joburg Super Kings, Pretoria Capitals, Durban SuperGiants, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Paarl Royals, and MI Cape Town—are owned by groups that have teams across various global leagues, including the Indian Premier League.

    “We continue to offer fans an immersive and engaging experience by strengthening our sports portfolio with some of the best cricket action through SA20,” said Viacom18 Sports CEO Anil Jayaraj.  “T20 is the most popular cricket format with Indian fans. The history and legacy of South African cricket and the popularity of South African cricketers in India make it a thrilling proposition for cricket fans in India. We expect significant viewership and fan engagement as the event will be played in primetime.”

    “Today is a ground-breaking day for South African cricket. This long-term partnership between the SA20 and Viacom18 as our official Indian broadcaster is a catalyst that supports our ambitions to build the world’s second-biggest league,” said SA20 League commissioner and former South Africa captain Graeme Smith. “With six IPL owners expanding their brands in South Africa, Viacom18 is the perfect partner to take the SA20 into the homes of the passionate and cricket loving Indian market.”

    “The benefits of domestic cricket will be far-reaching, with more South African players exposed to a global cricket audience and a stimulus to build a strong and sustainable cricket ecosystem. As SA20, we look forward to working with the dynamic team at Viacom 18 to build a world-class league,” Smith added.

    Viacom18 recently announced that JioCinema will live-stream all the matches and offer curated content around the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The world’s greatest show, the football World Cup, which happens once every four years, will be exclusively presented on JioCinema and Sports18 platforms from 20 November through 18 December.

  • Reliance to acquire franchise in South Africa’s T20 cricket league

    Reliance to acquire franchise in South Africa’s T20 cricket league

    Mumbai: In the evolving sports ecosystem, Reliance Industries is playing a crucial role by providing ownership of cricket franchises, football leagues in India, sports sponsorship, consultancy, and athlete talent management, and bringing in industry best practices. To provide a better platform, it has announced the acquisition of a franchise in Cricket South Africa’s upcoming T20 league. Based in Cape Town the new franchise will take forward the Mumbai Indians brand and comes close on the heels of acquiring the UAE-based International League T-20 team.

    Further, Reliance Foundation Sports – the CSR wing of RIL has been leading India’s olympic movement by providing opportunities to athletes across the country to become champions in multiple sports and also leading India’s charge in hosting global sporting events.

    Reliance Industries director Nita Ambani led a successful bid to host the prestigious International Olympic Committee Session in Mumbai in 2023 after a gap of 40 years.

    On this acquisition, Ambani said, “I’m delighted to welcome our new T20 team to the Reliance family! We are excited to take the Mumbai Indians’ brand of fearless and entertaining cricket to South Africa, a nation that loves cricket as much as we do in India! South Africa has a strong sporting ecosystem, and we look forward to exploring the power and potential of this collaboration. As we grow MI’s global cricketing footprint, we remain committed to spreading joy and cheer through sport!”

    Adding to it, Reliance Jio chairman Akash Ambani said, “With our South African franchise, we now have three T20 teams across three countries. We look forward to leveraging our expertise and depth of knowledge in the cricket ecosystem & brand Mumbai Indians to help build the team and provide fans with some of the best cricketing experiences.”

  • Except for DNA, everything in ‘MTV Roadies 18’ has changed: Anshul Ailawadi

    Except for DNA, everything in ‘MTV Roadies 18’ has changed: Anshul Ailawadi

    Mumbai: Viacom18 has completely sold out the inventory for “MTV Roadies: Season 18” in what is to be one of the most “financially healthy” seasons of the long-running show, Viacom18 head of youth, music and English entertainment Anshul Ailawadi told IndianTelevision.com at the launch event.

    This season of “Roadies” has onboarded Infinix Smartphones as ‘presenting’ partner and CoinSwitch, Paree Sanitary Pads, Leverage Edu and Lakme Sun Expert as ‘co-powered by’ partner. It has also partnered with Rage Coffee, Wai Wai Noodles, Big Muscle Nutrition, Fly High Institute, Romsons Perfume.

    “Outside of sport in India, I don’t know of any entertainment property that has a handset manufacturer, a crypto exchange, a make-up brand, an ed-tech company, and a sanitary pad manufacturer as your ‘presenting’ and ‘powered by’ sponsors,” said Ailwadi. “Then, of course, we have the NBA, Wai Wai Noodles, Rage Coffee and a couple more brands that have partnered with “Roadies.” This is India’s longest-running adventure reality show and for the interest of young people, honestly, there’s no better vehicle for the engagement that we offer.”

    This year’s “MTV Roadies” will be hosted in South Africa. “The idea was to scale up the show 10 times and visually when we looked at which country or location was the best candidate, the consensus was that South Africa was the spot,” noted Ailwadi. “The kind of landscape and opportunities that it offers are very rare.”

    The fresh season of “Roadies” will witness 20 new contestants who will be paired in a new ‘Buddy pairs’ format. The troop will hit the road and create pit stops across destinations where the contestants will unravel clues for their next task and destination. The new format will also see contestants and Sonu Sood come together over bonding sessions and camp fire huddles.

    When queried about the format changes, Ailawadi said, “Let me answer that in another way by telling you what has not changed? The only thing that has not changed is the fact that the DNA of the show is about an adventure and a journey. Everything else has changed. This season has a new host, new location and new format. The show is still about pushing yourself and doing things you never thought you were capable of doing while inspiring your peers. That’s the gist of it. There are several innovations this season but you must watch the show to know more.”

    To promote the new season, Viacom18 will broadcast the entire first episode of the show on five channels including MTV, MTV Beats, Colors Infinity, Comedy Central and Vh1 as well as roadblock 15 network channels to drive tune-ins. They have also launched a 360-degree marketing campaign across TV, digital, radio and outdoor.

    “We’ve done a campaign with Sonu Sood, who is known for taking migrant workers to their homes during Covid-19, in partnership with metros in Delhi, Bangalore and Bombay that will broadcast a public service announcement voiced by Sonu Sood,” shared Ailawadi.

  • MTV Roadies Season 18 to premiere on 8 April

    MTV Roadies Season 18 to premiere on 8 April

    Mumbai: The Season 18 of Infinix Smartphones MTV Roadies is set to premiere on 8 April starting at 7 pm. The show will be on air thrice a week from Friday to Sunday on MTV. It will also stream on Voot.

    The show is shot in South Africa and will be hosted by actor Sonu Sood. CoinSwitch, Paree Sanitary Pads, Leverage Edu and Lakme Sun Expert have come on board as ‘co-powered by’ sponsors. The show has been produced by PipPip media private limited.

    “At MTV, we have always delivered unprecedented, clutter-breaking experiences to our young audiences leading with the pop-culture phenomenon that is Roadies,” said Viacom18 head of youth, music and English entertainment Anshul Ailawadi.

    “With the new season, fans will get to see the classic, enduring passion to become a Roadie, but with innovation in format, South African locales, with superstar host Sonu Sood. We will also be airing the show thrice a week for the first time, giving fans more entertainment and adventure. We are confident that MTV Roadies Journey in South Africa will break new ground in the realm of adventure reality shows.”

    “Infinix is a premium smartphone brand, and like MTV Roadies, embodies the spirit of ‘Ab Rukna Nahi’ with its contemporary and innovative tech,” said Infinix Mobiles CEO Anish Kapoor.

    “With both MTV and Infinix Smartphones catering to the young audience, through this partnership, we aim to reach out and connect with the youth of India. As a forward-looking company, we are sure this new season in a new format will be a thrilling journey offering unmatched adventure and excitement,” Kapoor added.

    The first episode of the season will be simulcast across 19 channels along with a content roadblock on 15 channels across the Viacom18 network.