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Tag: Warner Bros Discovery

  • Vikram Sharma to lead consumer products for Warner Bros. Discovery in Asia-Pacific

    Vikram Sharma to lead consumer products for Warner Bros. Discovery in Asia-Pacific

    Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products head Robert Oberschelp announced that Vikram Sharma has been named group vice president, head of consumer products, APAC, effective 1 April.  Sharma will report to Oberschelp, Head of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), and part of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Revenue & Strategy division helmed by chief revenue & strategy officer Bruce Campbell.

    Sharma will lead the APAC region of WBDGCP following longtime global consumer product executive Julian Moon’s previously announced retirement after 33 years with the company. He will be based in Singapore and continue to work closely with WBD’s Head of APAC, James Gibbons, and with other regional and country leadership to drive and develop strategic, operational, and financial initiatives to maximize the potential of key brands and franchises, including DC, Harry Potter, Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, Discovery and more, in support of WBD’s global multi-billion-dollar retail consumer products licensing organisation.  

    Sharma has been with WBD for five years, working and leading teams in consumer products and licensing, ad sales, and partnership roles across multiple territories in the region. Previously, he spent nearly nine years in similar roles with increasing responsibility in India and Southeast Asia with The Walt Disney Company.

    In announcing the appointment, Oberschelp said, “Vikram has been one of our go-to, results-oriented leaders in Asia-Pacific for some time.  His depth of knowledge of the vastly different markets and cultures of the region, along with his innovative and collaborative spirit, makes him the right choice for this time”.  Oberschelp also recognized the strong team Sharma will now lead, adding, “We have a terrific internal creative and products team, great country and regional partners, and very strong bench strength in management.  I’m grateful for everyone’s collaboration and support of this choice, and I will join you in congratulating Vikram on his leadership role”.

     

  • Warner Bros. Discovery Kids announces festive Holi programming!

    Warner Bros. Discovery Kids announces festive Holi programming!

    Mumbai: It’s time to welcome summer filled with colours, festivities, and fun! Warner Bros. Discovery unveils an exciting new line-up for its kids’ entertainment channels – Cartoon Network, POGO, and Discovery Kids, featuring beloved animated characters and captivating tales from local and global fan-favourites. Kickstarting the Holi week, new stunts and shows promise an immersive experience with laughter, colours, and more.

    Holi Extravaganza

    This Holi season, fans will join the mysteries and heroic experiences with ‘Teen Titans Go!’ on Cartoon Network, where a marathon of specials, movies and themed episodes starts 24 March till 29 March from 11:30 am onwards. This special programming guarantees limitless enjoyment for the entire family, offering a captivating blend of humour and adventure that will keep everyone entertained throughout the Holi week.

    On POGO, starting 23 March to  29 March at 11:30 am, fans will enjoy daily specials – movies, premieres, and new tales featuring India’s favourite homegrown superhero ‘Chhota Bheem’ and supercop ‘Little Singham’. The Holi weekend will also take viewers on an exciting adventure as Bal Hanuman joins Chhota Bheem’s fight over evil with the premiere of part three of the Big Picture – ‘Chhota Bheem aur Bal Hanuman’, ensuring a colourful and joyous celebration for kids and families on Sunday, 24 March at 11:30 am.

    Holi specials don’t end here. Join the festivities with ‘Titto’ and ‘Fukrey Boyzzz’ on Discovery Kids as the toons take centre stage in a delightful movie marathon from March 23 to March 29 at 10:30 pm onwards. Titoo with his friends and the Fukrey gang extend a warm invitation to viewers for an adventurous and joy-filled Holi extravaganza. Exclusively featured on Discovery Kids, this movie marathon promises a perfect blend of excitement and fun for the entire family to enjoy during the festive season.

    Welcoming April fun with Discovery Kids

    The anticipation builds as ‘Titoo’ and ‘Fukrey Boyzzz’ blend in their masterful pranks in the new special, ‘April Fool aur Hum Cool’, promising mysterious tales and wholesome entertainment. Starting at 10 am on 1 April, the curated special will take viewers into a world of spoofs, twists, and laughter for a delightful April Fool’s Day experience for parents and kids. Brace yourselves for a captivating journey filled with clever pranks and heartwarming moments as Titoo and the Fukrey gang bring their unique charm to the special celebration.

    Get ready for an entertaining experience, as the channels deliver non-stop fun tailored for kids and families this festive season. Whether it is the enchanting tales of ‘April Fool aur Hum Cool’ or other exciting programming, this month promises to celebrate laughter and entertainment.

     

  • Neeraj Jha promoted to director – head of content & acquisition (sports) at Warner Bros Discovery

    Neeraj Jha promoted to director – head of content & acquisition (sports) at Warner Bros Discovery

    Mumbai: Neeraj Jha, who previously served as the head of content and acquisition (sports) at Warner Bros Discovery, has been promoted to the role of director – head of content and acquisition (sports).

    In his prior position, Jha spearheaded the rights and acquisition endeavors for Eurosport and Discovery Plus, successfully negotiating and securing significant content deals. These efforts led to a notable 30 percent expansion of the content library and a marked increase in viewer engagement.

    Jha also supervised the production and strategy of branded sales content, collaborating closely with marketing teams to devise campaigns that resulted in a noteworthy 25 percent growth in sponsorships and advertising revenue. Furthermore, he played a key role in developing and executing programming strategies, syndication, and slot-selling initiatives, which culminated in a substantial 40 percent surge in viewership and enhanced market positioning.

    His career journey began as an assistant producer at IMG, and he subsequently gained experience across prominent entities such as E-TV Network, Zee News, Ten Sports Network, and Discovery Inc.

  • discovery+’s new series “Mega Banks of India” to premiere on 1 March

    discovery+’s new series “Mega Banks of India” to premiere on 1 March

    Mumbai: Warner Bros Discovery is set to launch its new series, Mega Banks of India, streaming on discovery+ from 1 March 2024. The inaugural episode will shine a spotlight on State Bank of India (SBI), exploring its illustrious history, pivotal role in shaping India’s economy, and innovative strides in the banking sector.

    In its exploration of the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector, Mega Banks of India offers a captivating dive into legacy banks that have shaped India’s economic landscape. Each episode, spanning from pre-independence origins to modern innovations, unveils the remarkable journey of these institutions. Featuring insightful interviews with key figures such as SBI chairman Dinesh Khara, historian Abhik Ray, and SBI’s managing directors, viewers gain a comprehensive understanding of the bank’s historical significance and contemporary relevance.

    SBI chairman Dinesh Khara said “The “Mega Banks of India” series launched by Warner Bros. Discovery is a great initiative to showcase the legacy of a strong banking background of the Indian economy. It boosts the flux of various initiatives from time to time for the nation, be it in Agriculture, MSME, Forex, Digitization, Amritkal or even startups. This is a remarkable showcasing of the ‘Millennial India’ at a Global platform. “

    Warner Bros Discovery head advertising sales South Asia Tanaz Mehta said, “The Mega Banks of India series marks a significant milestone in our endeavor to explore the fascinating narratives within India’s financial landscape. With the premiere episode featuring the State Bank of India (SBI), audiences will delve into the rich history of Indian banking. Our series reflects our dedication to delivering engaging content and offering valuable insights into the BFSI sector.” 

  • VBS 2024: The Churning Video Distribution Ecosystem – What’s next?

    VBS 2024: The Churning Video Distribution Ecosystem – What’s next?

    Mumbai: India is in the grips of seisnic changes regarding video and broadband consumption. Pay TV cord-cutting is rampant even as free TV subscriptions are on the rise and OTT buy-ins are churning with the signs up for certain platforms stagnating even as others are seeing rapid increases and some are seeing cataclysmic drops. Aggregators of OTTs are popping up on the horizon promising cheap bundles along with value-added services for cable TV and DTH. There’s a rush to set up free advertising-supported TV channels by TV set manufacturers and smart TV device makers. There’s the Jio factor where it seeks to convert most pay TV customers to free streaming of video content by offering free access to consumers at no cost. The consumer continues to demand bandwidth higher than ever imagined even as prices drop. Margins are under pressure as every player goes one-up on each other acquire and retain customers.

    The video and broadband distribution landscape has not been as vibrant as it is now.. How long will this pot-boiling continue? What will the magic potion of video and broadband look and taste like? And what’s the end game? Indiantelevision.com has held the 20th edition of Video and Broadband Summit better known as VBS at Sahara Star Hotel, Mumbai.

    The session chair for this panel was Ernst and Young LLP partner, media & entertainment advisory services Ashish Pherwani along with panelists: Fastway group CEO Prem Ojha, IndiaCast president Amit Arora, Dish TV CEO Manoj Dobhal, Warner Bros. Discovery & Eurosport South Asia head of distribution Ruchir Jain, Shemaroo Entertainment COO-broadcasting business Sandeep Gupta and Harmonic EMEA-APAC streaming market development director Alexandre Paugam

    Pherwani started off by saying by 2028, the TV world be breaking up into three largely equal partners and will have about 70 to 80 million pay TV and 65 to 70 million free-to-air services.

    Jain said, “We are very hopeful about the future right now. If you look at this, what’s going to happen is one is that the entire set of consumers are increasing in number. So I’m talking about how pay TV is gonna grow, connected TVs, and also about the free-to-air services, etc, so it’s the number of people coming into the media, who is going to invest. So that’s one big factor, the second big factor is the time scale

    Ojha opined that, “Our job is to keep the ground ready so that all this beautiful content and all these absorbing content can reach out to consumers the way they want it today.”

    Arora said, “So it is select all 3 platforms to seem to be consuming a lot of common content assets and that is going to change in the future formats will change may be the price point. I agree with that.”

    Dobhai said, “ We are brands with long-run legacies. And new ones coming up. Fortunately, unfortunately, I’m on the receiving end of it because we are the ones who showed the word of it all the country that you know what experience it brings when you watch an immersive content technology, upgraded version of it, satellite, and all that.”

    Gupta added that for Shemaroo, Gujarati is like building our own Prime Video. Because we are devoted ourselves to Gujrati. We are trying to expand on more areas as well. Other than that Shemaroo and ShemarooMe are mostly devoted to Gujarati.

    Lastly, Paugam replied, “Coming from the technology, part of things, especially the broadcast infrastructure, I think we see a big trend, and DTH cable stays strong. And for us, it stays at a huge part of our business helping protesters and operators distribute their content through those networks and optimize it. But the big growth is in streaming. And we’ve seen a tipping point globally, the number of subscribers from pay TV subscribers, being outpaced by the number of streaming subscribers. We’re moving from sending a unified feed and broke it down to everyone to sending unique guests and a unique feed to the end user. That gives us the ability to customize this unique feed. I think a lot of innovation and new technology that are emerging are around how do we leverage that streaming vessel to have the experience as personalized as possible.”

  • POGO adds Cocomelon to its programming slate

    POGO adds Cocomelon to its programming slate

    Mumbai: Kickstarting 2024 with a wholesome programming slate, POGO, India’s beloved kids’ entertainment channel announces the debut of the adored cartoon series ‘CoComelon‘ on Indian television for the first time in Hindi and Tamil. Beginning 19 February, every Monday to Friday at 9:30 am, POGO’s new show will engage little fans with the fascinating world of best-in-class animation featuring rhymes and original children’s songs, offering a perfect blend of entertainment and education.

    Announcing the launch of the show, Warner Bros. Discovery head of Kids Cluster, South Asia Uttam Pal Singh said, “POGO has consistently delighted audiences with its industry-leading programming, staying ahead of the curve. In line with our fan-first strategy, we are adding another global sensation in kids’ entertainment to our slate with ‘CoComelon‘ in Hindi and Tamil for the first time on Indian television. Following the success of ‘Baby Little Singham’ and ‘Mighty Little Bheem’ on POGO, ‘Cocomelon’ will surely strengthen our portfolio in delivering engaging and educational content to young viewers while expanding our viewer base.”

    With its mesmerising animation style, globally acclaimed and renowned, ‘CoComelon‘ seamlessly intertwines valuable learning experiences that play a pivotal role in shaping children’s various cognitive and non-cognitive behavioural traits. POGO will elevate the programming landscape, providing young viewers an extraordinary journey into the heartwarming tale of the title character ‘JJ’ and his endearing family and friends.

    ‘CoComelon’, known for its vibrant characters, catchy tunes, and engaging stories, offers a treasure trove of entertainment for kids and young parents. Its arrival on POGO marks a significant moment for Indian television, introducing the globally beloved show to a new audience and promising an epic journey filled with laughter and valuable lessons for children across the country.

    To ensure an immersive experience in the ‘CoComelon’ universe, POGO is going the extra mile by introducing the show in Hindi and Tamil. With engaging and educational content in their language, this bright and colourful cartoon series with kid-friendly music will deliver a joyous ride of fun and entertainment.

  • Warner Bros. Discovery joins hands with the New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 as the entertainment partner

    Warner Bros. Discovery joins hands with the New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 as the entertainment partner

    Mumbai: Prepare for an unforgettable experience at the New Delhi Book Fair 2024, where Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) proudly takes centre stage in an exciting partnership. The Children’s Pavilion will come alive with daily sessions featuring captivating activities from POGO, Cartoon Network, Discovery Kids, Discovery Channel and Animal Planet, all brought together by Warner Bros. Discovery as the entertainment partner.

    Adding to the excitement, cherished toon stars like Chhota Bheem and Little Singham made memorable appearances on weekends, charming the kids visiting the fair. The collaboration will prominently engage visitors with a diverse range of entertainment and educational activities throughout. From engaging workshops to lively performances and interactive sessions with Indian superheroes like Little Singham and Chhota Bheem, WBD’s got it all covered.

    That’s not all! POGO, Cartoon Network and Discovery Channel are joining forces to host workshops and lively performances by Indian superheroes, including Little Singham and Bheem, alongside interactive sessions with Cartoon Network superheroes. Fans will also get to join the fun and embark on a Discovery Journey to Space with Gaganyaan.

    Join us throughout the New Delhi Book Fair 2024, from February 10th to 18th, at the Children’s Pavilion in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, spanning halls 1 to 5. Admission fees apply, and tickets are available online via the ITPO website and at select DMRC Metro stations.

    Take advantage of these thrilling and educational experiences for young minds!

  • Warner Bros. Discovery Kids offers February fun for young viewers

    Warner Bros. Discovery Kids offers February fun for young viewers

    Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery’s kids’ entertainment channels, Cartoon Network, POGO, and Discovery Kids, are all gearing up for a fun-filled February! Young viewers will join their favourite characters in celebrations, thrilling quests, epic battles, and hilarious adventures that will keep them entertained all month. Join us for an unforgettable February packed with joy and surprises!

    Tom and Jerry Birthday Bash

    For decades, the iconic duo ‘Tom and Jerry’ have continued to impart life lessons on friendship, relationships, and enmity. On the 84 anniversary of the beloved duo, Cartoon Network is celebrating the day by airing amazing back-to-back episodes on Saturday, 10 February from 7 am onwards. The classic chase comedy series will surely take families down memory lane while entertaining kids.

    New Chhota Bheem premieres

    Get ready for an exciting journey with Chhota Bheem and his pals with the new season of Chhota Bheem’s Big Picture – ‘Andhakarmay Ka Raaj’ every Sunday at 12:30 pm in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Marathi. This special three-part series tells a captivating story where Bheem and his friends solve nightly mysteries, meet wise ghosts, and face challenges. Gear up for a mix of suspense, humour, and lessons about courage and friendship. The gang’s adventure will continue with a new Maha Blockbuster- ‘Chhota Bheem Dholakpur ki Dastaan’ premiering on Sunday, March 03 at 11:30 am only on POGO.

    On Discovery Kids, starting February 10th, indulge in the excitement of ‘Ekans: Snakes Awake’ every Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 pm. Immerse yourself in the world of Ekans as the story takes unexpected twists and turns in brand-new episodes, promising an engaging and adventurous experience. The excitement doesn’t end here! Fans will enjoy wholesome entertainment packed with the thrilling tales of Kris in ‘Roll No. 21’ every Monday to Friday at 12:30 pm and 7:30 pm.

    This February, Warner Bros. Discovery’s Kids portfolio invites families to enjoy a month filled with joy, entertainment, and valuable lessons. Nonstop fun for kids and families begins now!

  • FICCI appoints Arjun Nohwar as co-chair of FICCI Media & Entertainment Committee

    FICCI appoints Arjun Nohwar as co-chair of FICCI Media & Entertainment Committee

    Mumbai: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has appointed Arjun Nohwar as the co-chair of the FICCI Media & Entertainment Board. Currently the general manager for India & South Asia for Warner Bros Discovery, Nohwar oversees the business in the region, leading operations across a diverse portfolio of global brands and networks in kids, entertainment, sports, and infotainment genres. This includes iconic brands such as Discovery, Animal Planet, Eurosport, Cartoon Network, POGO, Discovery Kids, DC, and the discovery+ streaming service.

    Elaborating on his vision for the industry, Nohwar said, “Accepting the mantle of Co-Chair at FICCI’s Media & Entertainment committee is an honour for me and I look forward to engaging with industry leaders, government stakeholders, and policy makers. Together, with a shared commitment, we aspire to build synergies that not only guide our industry towards unparalleled growth but also solidify its standing as a global leader. In this endeavour, I look forward to working closely with Kevin Vaz ( hair) and Sandhya Devanathan (co-chair), leveraging our collective expertise to chart a visionary course for the industry. FICCI’s steadfast dedication to fostering collaboration and shaping progressive policies is laudable, and I am particularly excited about the prospect of contributing to the dynamic evolution of the Indian Media & Entertainment landscape.”

    Nohwar has a robust background of working across technology and consumer facing sectors. He has worked at Uber, Tata Sons, several Tata companies as a TAS Manager, and at the Planning Commission of India. Prior to his role at Warner Bros Discovery,  Nohwar was the APAC Regional GM for Uber’s SaaS business. Nohwar is on the Advisory Board of AMBA, a social enterprise that works to provide economic independence to the intellectually challenged, he routinely advises startups and lectures at educational institutes.

  • POGO India’s Chhota Bheem and Little Singham’s crossover ‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’ breaks records

    POGO India’s Chhota Bheem and Little Singham’s crossover ‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’ breaks records

    Mumbai: POGO, India’s homegrown kids’ entertainment channel, is kicking off 2024 with an exciting milestone for its flagship production Chhota Bheem and Little Singham’s debut crossover movie ‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’ that became the ‘No. 1 movie of 2023’. Leading the charts in kids’ entertainment, the epic showdown broke records with its exclusive premiere in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Marathi. The high-stakes saga pegged the dynamic duo against each other for the first time in television history, leaving the world’s fate in the balance.

    Celebrating the success of the movie, Uttam Pal Singh, Head of Kids Cluster – South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery, said, “2023 has been a landmark year for POGO and its culmination with an exhilarating milestone for us and our partners Green Gold Animation and Reliance Animation has set the stage for a successful 2024. We jointly brought together the mightiest heroes of kids’ entertainment – Chhota Bheem and Little Singham, in a historic cross-over adventure loved abundantly by the fans. With extraordinary teams and talents converging, the visionary concept resulted in the record-breaking viewership phenomenon of ‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’.”

    “We’re thrilled by the success of our partnership with Green Gold Animation, Rohit Shetty Picturez, and POGO. We had aimed to create a never-seen-before event for our fans with ‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’ that captivates audiences of kids and families with its thrilling narrative, action sequences, and unexpected twists”. Reliance Animation’s CEO Tejonidhi Bhandare, expressed, “We hope to collaborate again in the future and replicate this success for our loyal fan base.”

    Green Gold Animation CEO & founder Rajiv Chilaka shared his excitement about movie’s success, stating, “‘Aag Aur Pani Ki Takkar’ takes Chhota Bheem fans on a unique journey, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the world of Little Singham. The record-breaking love for this movie is a true testament for creative storytelling and Chhota Bheem’s expanding reach. We are excited to take this unique clash of Titans of the Toonworld forward and continue creating magic for our audience.”