ITV

Tag: Star India

  • Ashok Namboodiri joins Revsportz as consulting editor to help supercharge global play

    Ashok Namboodiri joins Revsportz as consulting editor to help supercharge global play

    MUMBAI:  Ashok Namboodiri, who until recently led Zee’s international business, has joined Revsportz Global as consulting editor, the fast-growing sports media company confirmed today.

    The announcement was made by Boria Majumdar, founder &  editor in chief of Revsportz, who called Namboodiri “a very strong intellectual” and a long-time friend. 

    The two had kept in touch since Namboodiri’s tenure leading Zee’s international business from Dubai, and their recent meetings have sparked what Majumdar describes as a “smooth and natural” collaboration.

    Namboodiri’s resume reads like a media executive’s dream deck. From leading P&Ls at Zee Entertainment, Star India, and Raymond’s FMCG arm, to heading beverage verticals at Britannia and Tata PepsiCo JV NourishCo, he’s run the numbers and the narratives. Now, he steps into a more editorial and strategic role—ready to launch his own show, write regularly, and push Revsportz’s global game.

    “Over the next few weeks, you’ll hear a lot more from Ashok,” Majumdar teased, adding that the move signals ambitious international expansion for Revsportz.

    Namboodiri will contribute to the editorial voice, business direction and platform innovation at Revsportz—making it clear that the brand is playing to win, both on home turf and abroad.

    Revsportz just drew a powerful card in the media game. The duel for sports eyeballs is on.

  • Stream snatchers busted in Rs 700 crore IPTV piracy crackdown

    Stream snatchers busted in Rs 700 crore IPTV piracy crackdown

    MUMBAI: The pirates of the stream just hit rough waters. In a bold strike against content theft, JioStar has spearheaded a sweeping crackdown on a sprawling digital piracy racket worth an estimated Rs 700 crore, targeting the illegal IPTV service BOS IPTV. Acting on a criminal complaint filed by JioStar, the Cyber Crime Police Station in Gandhinagar, Gujarat has initiated legal action that’s shaken the foundations of underground streaming operations.

    At the heart of the case is BOS IPTV’s illicit distribution of premium content, including from JioHotstar, Star India pay TV channels, and even banned Pakistani networks all bundled at the eye-popping price of Rs 400 for three months. The catch? Every frame was pirated.

    Investigators found the pirated streams were being pulled using hacked set-top boxes sourced from legitimate DTH providers, a chilling reminder of how piracy is now entangled with mainstream distribution systems.

    Following JioStar’s formal complaint, FIR No. 11201018250 was registered on 14 May 2025, invoking a string of charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Indian Copyright Act, and Information Technology Act.

    Law enforcement acted swiftly making an arrest in Jalandhar, Punjab, and seizing three laptops and two mobile phones used in operating the pirated service. But the plot appears thicker than a set-top box manual, with authorities suspecting international links and a wider piracy syndicate behind the scenes.

    “This crackdown is a critical milestone in our ongoing fight against piracy,” said a spokesperson at JioStar. “We commend the swift and impactful action by the Cyber Police in Gandhinagar and other agencies involved. At JioStar, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect our content, partners, and the interests of millions of lawful subscribers. We will not hesitate to take the strongest possible legal action against anyone found engaging in such unlawful activities.”

    The operation signals JioStar’s zero-tolerance stance on content theft and sends a warning shot to illegal streamers everywhere: stealing signals might land you behind bars, not behind screens. With more raids expected, this takedown isn’t the end, it’s only the buffer before the next play.

  • Disney’s magic numbers: Q2 2025 earnings cast a spell

    Disney’s magic numbers: Q2 2025 earnings cast a spell

    MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company’s Q2 2025 earnings have delivered a star-studded performance, with revenues climbing seven per cent to $23.6 billion, driven by robust gains in entertainment and experiences. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing — sports struggled with soaring production costs, keeping the magic somewhat grounded.

    In the spotlight, Disney’s entertainment segment sparkled with a 61 per cent surge in operating income, hitting $1.3 billion. Direct-to-consumer revenues also soared, thanks to a 2.5 million bump in Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions, pushing the combined total to 180.7 million. The much-talked-about Disney+ subscriber base alone rose to 126 million, an addition of 1.4 million from the previous quarter.

    However, the sports division played a tougher game. Operating income tumbled by $91 million to $687 million, primarily due to bloated programming costs, which included airing three extra college football playoff games and an additional NFL clash. ESPN’s domestic advertising revenue shot up by 29 per cent, but it wasn’t enough to offset the spending blitz.

    Disney’s crown jewel — its experiences division — continued to enchant. Segment operating income hit $2.5 billion, a nine per cent rise, as domestic parks saw a 13 per cent boost in income, driven by higher spending and increased attendance.

    Net income soared to $3.4 billion from just $216 million a year ago, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) hitting $1.45, a 20 per cent year-on-year jump. Free cash flow surged over 100 per cent to $4.9 billion, thanks to lower tax payments and tighter cost control.

    But not everything was a fairy tale. Disney’s Star India JV posted a $103 million loss, reflecting ongoing challenges in the competitive Indian market. There was also a equity loss from India JV of ~$300 million driven by purchase accounting amortisation. Amounts for the current period include impairment charges related to the Star India transaction ($143 million) and content ($109 million). Tax expense in the current period includes the estimated tax impact of these charges and a non-cash tax charge of $244 million related to the Star India transaction. Amounts for the prior-year period include impairments of goodwill ($2,038 million).

    Looking ahead, Disney is waving its wand at a 16 per cent rise in adjusted EPS for the full year, expecting $5.75 per share, as it bets on double-digit growth in entertainment and a fresh direct-to-consumer push with ESPN’s new offering.

    Disney’s CEO Bob Iger summed it up: “Our outstanding performance this quarter underscores our continued success building for growth and executing across our strategic priorities. Overall, we remain optimistic about the direction of the company and our outlook for the remainder of the fiscal year.” 

  • YouTube India taps Gunjan Soni to drive next phase of growth

    YouTube India taps Gunjan Soni to drive next phase of growth

    MUMBAI: YouTube has picked a heavyweight to steer its India ambitions. Gunjan Soni, the former Zalora chief executive and Myntra marketing whiz, has been named country managing director, YouTube India — in a move that underlines the platform’s laser focus on India’s booming creator economy.

    Announcing the appointment, YouTube Asia Pacific vice-president and managing director Gautam Anand  hailed India as one of YouTube’s “most vibrant and crucial markets”, adding that Soni’s arrival signals an even stronger commitment to creators, users, and India’s digital future.

    With over two decades of leadership experience across e-commerce, tech, consulting, and media, Soni brings heavyweight credentials. Her CV reads like a greatest hits album: she led the turnaround of Jabong under Myntra, turbocharged Zalora’s regional expansion in southeast Asia, helped launch Hotstar at Star India, and pioneered data-led marketing at McKinsey.

    Fortune 40 under 40 honouree and board member at CBRE group, Soni is no stranger to building brands at scale — nor to nurturing ecosystems where creativity and commerce collide.

    Now based in Mumbai, Soni’s new playbook for YouTube India is packed with ambition: strengthening the creator economy, expanding shopping and video commerce, growing shorts and connected TV, and deepening user engagement across generations. In her own words, the goal is to “unlock intuitive, innovative formats” that empower Indian storytellers — from school kids shooting shorts to grandparents binge-watching devotional channels.

    “As a family of enthusiastic YouTube users ourselves — from my seven-year-old nephew to my 70-something mother — I’m truly excited to lead a platform that touches lives across generations,” said Soni in a spirited note to the community.

  • DSP Mutual Fund snaps up marketing powerhouse Aparna Kulkarni

    DSP Mutual Fund snaps up marketing powerhouse Aparna Kulkarni

    MUMBAI: Aparna Kulkarni has stepped into the role of vice president of consumer marketing at DSP Mutual Fund, leaving behind a glittering six-year stint at the Natural Diamond Council.

    At the Natural Diamond Council, Kulkarni built what she calls “the world’s biggest content publishing platform” for natural diamonds, masterminding celebrity campaigns and driving digital performance.

    Her impressive media background includes key positions at Times Network, where she headed marketing for premium movie channels, and Star India, where she managed high-profile shows including Siya Ke Ram and MasterChef India.

    Kulkarni now takes charge of brand marketing and investor education at DSP, bringing her content expertise and digital savvy to the financial services firm at a time when mutual funds are racing to connect with India’s rapidly expanding retail investor base.

    From entertainment to luxury to finance, Kulkarni’s fast-paced career shows no signs of slowing as she takes on this latest challenge at the respected fund house.

  • Nikhil Singh joins V360 as group executive director

    Nikhil Singh joins V360 as group executive director

    MUMBAI: Nikhil Singh has been appointed group executive director at PR and communications and comms-tech firm, the V360 group, leveraging his 21 years of experience in broadcast, digital, and mobile media. 

    Singh’s career spans roles at Shemaroo Entertainment, IndiaCast, Zee Entertainment, Times Group, Ten Sports, and Star India.

    At Shemaroo, Singh led IP monetisation, original content development, and global syndication, focusing on digital platforms and OTT partnerships. His track record includes content sales, digital partnerships with platforms like Netflix and Amazon, and international syndication.

    Singh’s expertise encompasses content licensing, co-production, and strategic change programs for digital transformation. He has experience in linear and on-demand media technology, content sales, and affiliate sales, with a network of contacts across consumer brands, TV channels, and telecom operators.

    V360 Group anticipates Singh’s leadership will drive digital strategy and revenue growth, capitalising on his extensive experience in content commercialisation and new media development.

  • Kulkarni exits Natural Diamond Council after six-year sparkle

    Kulkarni exits Natural Diamond Council after six-year sparkle

    MUMBAI: Aparna Kulkarni, a marketing heavyweight with a glittering CV, has hung up her diamond-studded boots at the Natural Diamond Council, after a six-and-a-half-year stint. She’s leaving behind a legacy of celebrity-fuelled campaigns and a digital strategy that, one might say, was rather brilliant.

    Kulkarni, who previously cut her teeth at media giants like Star India and Times Network, joined the Diamond Council in 2018, tasked with building their Indian consumer marketing strategy. She’s credited with transforming the brand’s digital presence, turning it into a “content publishing platform” – a fancy way of saying she made diamonds look good online.

    Her tenure saw a focus on “luxury content creation,” celebrity endorsements, and a PR blitz to polish the diamond narrative. She also dipped her hands deep into the nitty-gritty of performance marketing, tracking digital metrics and strategising annual social media plans. No mere baubles, then, but hard graft.

    “It felt like home,” Kulkarni said of her time at the council, adding that she’s “equally excited about what’s next.”

    She offered a heartfelt thanks to colleagues, and a cheeky “may the diamond prices keep going north!”

    One imagines a few champagne flutes were raised.

    Her departure leaves a vacancy for a marketing director who can maintain the brand’s digital sparkle and keep the celebrity endorsements shining. The diamond industry, it seems, just lost one of its brightest facets.

  • ITV Network Appoints Abhay Ojha as CEO

    ITV Network Appoints Abhay Ojha as CEO

    MUMBAI: ITV Network has appointed Abhay Ojha as chief executive officer for its television, print, digital and sports league business.

    Abhay brings over 25 years of experience across media and FMCG sectors, having previously worked with Zee Media, Star India, Zee Entertainment, Turner and Hindustan Unilever.

    Abhay’s expertise spans multiple industries, including media, FMCG, e-commerce, and financial modeling. He is a skilled change catalyst and financial strategist with a strong background in business management, digital transformation, investments, new business acquisition, and startups.

    Throughout his career, Abhay has successfully led multiple companies through digital transformations, resulting in millions of dollars in profit. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion for innovation, and strong business acumen have enabled him to achieve unprecedented success in launching new businesses.

    “His exceptional leadership skills and business acumen make him ideal to drive our organisation’s growth,” said ITV Foundation chairperson Aishwarya Pandit.

    “It’s an honor to join ITV network, an institution I have long admired and respected. I am drawn to ITV network because of the organisation’s clarity and consistency of purpose and am very excited to partner with the outstanding leadership team to lead the company into the future,” expressed Abhay.

    Abhay  holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Indore and a master’s in business management from IGNOU. In his new role, he will oversee the network’s expansion across multiple platforms and lead its digital transformation initiatives

  • Infectious Advertising appoints Abrar Nakhuda as head of digital

    Infectious Advertising appoints Abrar Nakhuda as head of digital

    MUMBAI: Infectious Advertising is gearing up for a digital shake-up, appointing Abrar Nakhuda as head of digital to spearhead innovation and strategy in an ever-evolving landscape. With a track record of crafting impactful brand narratives and data-driven campaigns, Nakhuda is set to lead the agency’s approach to AI-powered marketing, influencer engagement, and content storytelling.

    Speaking on his new role, Nakhuda shared, “My focus will be on elevating our clients’ digital presence, integrating the latest digital trends, and ensuring synergy between brands and platforms. From AI-driven workflows to influencer marketing and content innovation, we aim to push creative boundaries and set new industry benchmarks.”

    Infectious Advertising co-founders and directors Nisha Singhania and Ramanuj Shastry said, “Abrar’s expertise and energy bring a fresh perspective to our digital division. His vision will help us strengthen our approach and create groundbreaking digital campaigns.”

    Bringing years of experience from Digit 9.0, Every Media Technologies, Culture Machine, and Viral Fission, Nakhuda has led successful digital initiatives for NBA, Star India, Pepsi, and Amazon, helping brands build strong online communities and content IPs that resonate with audiences. His expertise lies in merging data insights with creative storytelling, a formula that has delivered measurable impact across industries.
     

  • 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.