ITV

Tag: Turner

  • Storytelling powerhouse Edstead enlists media veteran Megha Tata

    Storytelling powerhouse Edstead enlists media veteran Megha Tata

    MUMBAI: Edstead, the research-driven documentary studio known for its compelling narratives, has recruited media heavyweight Megha Tata as strategic advisor, signalling a strategic pivot in its content innovation journey.

    With three decades of media leadership under her belt, Tata brings a formidable arsenal of experience from industry giants like Star, Turner, HBO, and Discovery. Her appointment promises to turbocharge Edstead’s mission of purpose-driven storytelling.

    “I am delighted to work with Edstead at this transformative stage,” Tata commented, hinting at the studio’s potential to reshape media narratives, “We’re poised to create content that truly informs and inspires.”

    Edstead  founder Shekhar Bhattacharjee expressed unbridled enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Her leadership insights are invaluable as we craft stories that matter.”

    Tata’s impressive credentials include lecturing at top-tier institutions like IIT, IIM, and ISB, positioning her not just as an industry leader but a talent-shaper.

    The move signals Edstead’s ambitious strategy to elevate documentary storytelling from mere information to a catalyst for societal change.

  • 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

  • WarnerMedia opens new regional hub in Singapore

    WarnerMedia opens new regional hub in Singapore

    Mumbai: Global media company WarnerMedia on Friday opened a new regional hub for Asia (excluding China and Japan) in Singapore.  

    The office was officially opened by Singapore’s minister for communications and information (MCI) Josephine Teo and it signals the full integration of WarnerMedia’s business in the region that includes Warner Bros, HBO, and Turner brands. It also houses the new streaming platform HBO Max, which is expected to launch in its first Asian markets in the future.

    “Our new flagship office is truly spectacular. More than just a new workspace, it brings together the most incredible parts of our diverse business – from Harry Potter’s Wizarding World to Looney Tunes, Game of Thrones, and Wonder Woman – under one roof for the first time,” said WarnerMedia managing director for India, Southeast Asia and Korea Clement Schwebig. “Here in Singapore, we have long supported a sizeable ecosystem for the entertainment, broadcast, production, and licensing industries. From our new Singapore hub, we will continue with our ambitious plans for the region.”

    WarnerMedia expects to substantially increase additional roles in Singapore in the coming years, including those in the technology field as the company increases focus on its direct-to-consumer streaming business led by Amit Malhotra as HBO Max managing director for Southeast Asia, India, and Korea.

    “As we get ready to launch HBO Max in our first Asian markets, we’ll build on WarnerMedia’s legacy of incredible stories and introduce a brand-new streaming experience for our fans in the region,” said Malhotra. “Our new office space in Singapore as a regional HQ will be the perfect backdrop for the innovative work to be done in the lead up to our launch.” 

    On a tour of the office, minister Teo also met with young Singaporean employees, who discussed their early experiences in the media industry. Joining her was Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) chief executive Lew Chuen Hong. “There is tremendous potential in this region, and the new hub signals the central role that Singapore plays in WarnerMedia’s expansion plans. Wonderful opportunities will be created for our media talents and the broader ecosystem, both in Singapore and in Asia,” Hong said.

  • Tata Sky launches new set of regional packs

    Tata Sky launches new set of regional packs

    MUMBAI: DTH provider, Tata Sky, has now launched another set of regional channel packs – Tata Sky Smart Packs after unveiling a unique Flexi Annual Plan. The new list of smart plans includes 10 Indian languages that starts at Rs 206 per month.

    The packs consist of Hindi, Punjabi and Gujarati Smart plan of Rs 249. Bengali smart plan costs Rs 220, Odia comes under the bracket of Rs 211 and Marathi plan costs Rs 206. In case of Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, the company has priced these language packs for Rs 249 each respectively. The prices listed are inclusive of DRP, NCF and taxes, according to the report.

    The channel has also planned to launch two new broadcaster packs that will allow the subscribers to make flexible choices regarding their channel selections. From the list of this new packs, the first pack is the Sony Happy India South B pack for Rs 29.5 and the other one is Turner Family HD pack for Rs 14.75.

  • Turner and TotallyAwesome extend presence in South Asia through five new countries

    Turner and TotallyAwesome extend presence in South Asia through five new countries

    MUMBAI: TotallyAwesome today strengthens its partnership with broadcasting giant Turner in five new territories namely India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The collaboration stands to give kids brands in these countries higher engagement with the under-16 demographic through its kid-safe advertising platform.

    TotallyAwesome provides hundreds of brands targeting children with a safe avenue to interact with their audience; its kids-safe marketplace AwesomeAds reaches 170 million kids across the Asia Pacific every month. Moreover, after COPPA in the US and GDPR-K in Europe, India has recently introduced a Personal Data Protection Bill, making it illegal to track children online. This has required advertisers to completely rethink their digital marketing strategies to use compliant platforms such as AwesomeAds offered by TotallyAwesome and which Turner now uses across most of Asia-Pacific.

    TotallyAwesome´s continued relationship with the global entertainment, sports and news company Turner means advertisers in South Asia can engage safely with kids on Turner’s websites, apps, and game apps with licensed titles including Ben 10 – Alien Experience,  Cartoon Network Watch & Play and Toon Cup, plus many more through TotallyAwesome’s safe and COPPA/GDPR-K compliant platform.

    Turner owns and manages some of the most recognized entertainment platforms in the world, including the renowned Boomerang and Cartoon Network. The media powerhouse recognises the rising trend of children consuming content online, and is committed to more kid-safe and privacy protection-compliant content through this extended partnership with TotallyAwesome.

    TotallyAwesome’s CEO Quan Nguyen said: “More than 170,000 children go online every day. As Asia shores up its privacy protection for children, TotallyAwesome is glad to partner further with Turner in Asia to bring more quality and safe content to children, as well as provide brands with a trusted platform to work with.”

    Juhi Ravindranath, VP – Ad Sales – South Asia, Turner India added, “Kids are a key demographics for us. As children consume more digital content, the decision to partner with TotallyAwesome and their kids safe and compliant platforms gives us and our advertising partners peace of mind. We look forward to a fantastic collaboration with TotallyAwesome.”

  • BTVI’s Megha Tata steps down as chief operating officer

    BTVI’s Megha Tata steps down as chief operating officer

    Mumbai: Megha Tata, chief operating officer of business news channel BTVI , has stepped down from her role, Indiantelevision.com has learnt. 15 March 2019 will be her last day at the organisation, Tata informed colleagues via an email last week.

    “Till such time the management decides on the way forward, my direct reports will report into Siddharth (Zarabi),” the veteran executive went on to add.

    The former HBO India MD – South Asia was roped in by BTVI in August 2016. Under her leadership, BTVI has made major gains in terms of viewership, especially on digital platforms.

    With over 25 years of media experience under her belt, Tata has worked for some of the most formidable brands in the media and entertainment business.

    Before joining HBO, Tata worked for Turner International India as general manager, Entertainment Networks, South Asia.

    Prior to her stint at Turner, Tata was the senior vice president -advertising sales, Star India.

    With another round of success behind her, all eyes will now be on Tata’s next move.

  • TURNER’S KIDS AND NEWS CHANNELS WIN BIG AT INAUGURAL ASIAN ACADEMY CREATIVE AWARDS

    TURNER’S KIDS AND NEWS CHANNELS WIN BIG AT INAUGURAL ASIAN ACADEMY CREATIVE AWARDS

    MUMBAI: CNN and Cartoon Network won eight honours – also known as “Goddess of Creativity” wins – at the Asian Academy Creative Awards on December 6, the region's version of the International Emmy Awards.

    Cartoon Network took home three awards.  Lamput from India won "Best 2D Animated Programme or Series”. The show has struck a chord not only in India but with the audience around the world. The other awards included Bill & Tony for "Best 3D Animated Programme or Series" and "Best Children's Animated Programme or Series."  The kids network also scored a further 10 national wins for its shows in Australia, India and Japan, where three were for Turner’s other entertainment brands MondoTV and TABI Channel.

    CNN and CNN Vision, its global production powerhouse, won five awards for reporting and programming in the region, and went into the awards with 13 national wins from across eight different countries (Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Bangladesh).

    Cartoon Network India also celebrated multiple wins earlier this year at the Asian Creative Asia Awards (AAA). For Lamput, the team won across categories that included – “Best Short Form Content”, “Best 2D Animated Programme or Series” and “Best Children’s Animated Programme or Series” along with “Best Children’s Programme (one off/special)” for Roll No.21 Kris Aur Ulta Pulta Time.

    Held in conjunction with Asia Television Forum in Singapore, the Asian Academy Creative Awards are part of the Singapore Media Festival.

    Overview of Turner’s regional AACA awards:

    CNN

    Best Documentary Programme: Secret State inside North Korea
    Best News or Current Affairs Presenter: Kristie Lu Stout
    Best Single News Story/Report: Punggye-ri: Nuclear Site Destruction
    Best News Programme: News Stream
    Best Lifestyle Programme: Business Traveller

    Cartoon Network

    Best 2D Animated Programme or Series: Lamput by Cartoon Network
    Best 3D Animated Programme/Series: Bill & Tony by Cartoon Network
    Best Children's Animated Programme/Series: Bill & Tony by Cartoon Network

  • Turner India’s 13th edition of School Contact Programme is all about Fun and Fitness

    Turner India’s 13th edition of School Contact Programme is all about Fun and Fitness

    MUMBAI: Turner India announced the 13th edition of Cartoon Network and POGO’s School Contact Programme (SCP) for 2018. Touted as one of India’s largest school outreach programmes, 1 million kids from approximately 1100 schools will experience more power-packed and fun-filled SCP with Cartoon Network’s ‘Masti ki Recess’ and POGO’s ‘Fun Bhi Fit Bhi’ theme along with their favourite toons!

    Description generated with very high confidenceAt Cartoon Network’s ‘Masti ki Recess’, schools will become more fun for students through an extra break; a new concept wherein Cartoon Network will combine the magic of its shows and characters such as Ben 10, Kris from Roll No 21, Oggy from Oggy and Cockroaches and We Bare Bears, with light-hearted fun and interactive games. The additional break promises to be a highlight in the daily routine of the school children!

    Description generated with high confidenceOn the other hand, POGO’s SCP turns ‘bigger and fitter’ through ‘Fun Bhi Fit Bhi’ theme.  Kids’ favorite toons superhero Bheem, the fantastic trio Tik Tak Tail, Grizzy and many more fun characters will spread awareness about being agile, mentally alert and eating healthy.  The activities planned under this theme will revolve around fitness and games! For the first time POGO will get kids to interact with their favorite toons primarily through audio-visual led activity.

    The 13th edition of Turner India’s multi-city School Contact Programme will make the students’ everyday school routine more exciting and engaging through a host of interactive games, trivia, competitions, and exciting prizes.

    Krishna Desai, Executive Director & Network Head-Kids, South Asia said, “We, at Turner India, are thrilled to kickstart the 13th year of our annual property, the School Contact Programme. With each year we have seen the programme attract more schools with tremendous participation from students across the country. In line with our fan-first strategy, we aim to connect with our little fans beyond the television world through new themes and more interactive elements for this edition.   We are confident of providing them with a newer, more immersive experience and an opportunity to interact with their favorite toons.”

    Cartoon Network’s ‘Masti Ki Recess’ SCP is co-powered by Go Cheese and Unibic with associate sponsors Himlaya Toothpaste and MTR Laban. POGO’s ‘Fun Bhi Fit Bhi’ SCP is presented by Cipla Active Kids Immuno Boosters and co-powered by Go Cheese, Perfetti, Parle Fab with associate sponsors Dr. Batras and Himalaya.

    The Cartoon Network and POGO ‘s School Contact Programs will be held in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Surat.

    Kids can also watch their favourite cartoon characters and continue the fun with Super Bheem at 4:30pm, Grizzy and The Lemmings at 6:30pm and Tik Tak Tail at 7:30pm on POGO, and Roll No. 21, Monday to Friday at 1:00pm on Cartoon Network.

  • Time Warner to be renamed Warner Media, Turner CEO exits

    Time Warner to be renamed Warner Media, Turner CEO exits

    MUMBAI: AT&T announced on Friday, its first full day of owning Time Warner, that the operating businesses in the $85 billion acquisition will be contained in an entity called WarnerMedia. The names of the operating units — HBO, CNN, Warner Bros., TNT, etc. — will stay the same.

    AT&T’s media business CEO John Stankey who is tasked  with running WarnerMedia after integrating it into AT&T, also announced the exit of Turner CEO John Martin.
    Those who reported to Martin — Turner President David Levy, Turner International President Gerhard Zeiler and CNN Worldwide President Jeff Zucker — report now to Stankey.

    “This initial Turner org structure will allow me to work more closely with more Turner leaders and accelerate my personal learning of the business,” Stankey wrote in a memo to his “new colleagues.”

    The heads of WarnerMedia’s two other divisions — HBO CEO Richard Plepler and Warner Bros. CEO Kevin Tsujihara will stay in their jobs.

    Among Time Warner’s top executives, however, Stankey said only general counsel Paul Cappuccio will join the new regime.

    That means former Time Warner chairman and CEO Jeff Bewkes, whom Stankey profusely thanked for his support throughout the deal’s 21-month approval process, will retire after a brief transition.

    WarnerMedia, to meet its goal of $1.5 billion in cost savings, is expected to announce further job cuts.

    Stankey promised daily operations would see “little change,” but he didn’t mince words about further paring of the old Time Warner.

    He further added, “Many of the redundant corporate support functions between our companies at the HQ/holding company level will be eliminated in the coming months,”
    Getting back to the name change, Stankey cited lingering confusion between Time Warner the media company and, until its takeover by Charter Communications, Time Warner the cable company. “Our consumer research suggests this confusion isn’t going away,” he said.

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  • ‘Chhota Bheem’ movie to travel to Indonesia, US, UK, Thailand

    ‘Chhota Bheem’ movie to travel to Indonesia, US, UK, Thailand

    MUMBAI: A decade after entertaining the children of India, animated cartoon character Chhota Bheem will fly abroad. The upcoming venture of the franchise has hit both the big and small screens and is set for a global release. The year 2018 seems bright for the production with KickO and Super Speedo on Sony Yay’s channel.

    The production house is venturing for the first time in the international market with the upcoming 3D movie, Chhota Bheem: Kung-fu Dhamaka. The movie will fly to many countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, the US and the UK. The quality of VFX for the movie will be at par with international ventures.

    Green Gold Animation chief strategy officer Srinivas Chilakalapudi said, “We want Chhota Bheem to be on a global level. As far as marketing strategies for international space are concerned, we are looking for tie-ups with FMCG and leisure brands.”

    According to reports, the production house usually spends not more than a million dollar (between Rs 5-6.7 crore) on its feature films, including the expenses on marketing and promotion. The company, which has its own merchandise, is growing at over 20 per cent in revenues and is cash positive.

    Green Gold Animation was founded in 2001. The company produced Vikram Betal and Krishna animation shows which convinced Pogo TV to give a chance to the production house. Chhota Bheem made his first appearance in 2008 on Pogo TV. It succeeded and continued to run. The company is financed by Samir Jain, Raj Viswanadha, Arun Shendurnikar and Nidhi Anand.

    The show was aired on Sirasa TV in Sri Lanka with the name ‘Chandi’. Chhota Bheem is also aired in Pakistan on Cartoon Network Pakistan and Pogo in Hindi. The show received high ratings and today Chhota Bheem is watched more than any other cartoon show in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.

    Not only this, the company inked a deal with Netflix to digitally broadcast Mighty Little Bheem – a spinoff of Chhota Bheem and Amazon Prime for the show Kalari Kids – a lost martial art form of Kerala (Kalaripayattu).

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