ITV

Tag: X

  • Aisle’s #FindAnkit campaign brings meme marketing to new heights

    Aisle’s #FindAnkit campaign brings meme marketing to new heights

    MUMBAI: Romance and memes—a pairing as timeless as chai and rain. Aisle has hit the sweet spot with its latest meme marketing campaign, #FindAnkit, blending humour, nostalgia, and modern matchmaking. This campaign, which exploded on Bengaluru’s social media scene and iconic streets like Church Street, has become a viral sensation, showcasing how even a dating app ‘swipe mishap’ can lead to a city-wide love quest.

    The campaign began when a playful tweet from a group of friends revealed that one of them had accidentally skipped a profile on Aisle—a 5’11” chai-loving techie named Ankit from Bengaluru. Armed with witty placards and heartfelt pleas, the group took to the streets, turning the quest into a public mission. Their light-hearted appeal was simple: “Help us find Ankit!” Social media influencers and meme lovers soon joined the fun, with one popular X (formerly Twitter) influencer rallying their followers to tag every ‘Ankit’ in their contact list.

    What happened next? Chaos—delightful, hashtag-fuelled chaos. Aisle didn’t miss a beat, jumping into the action with cheeky tweets and amplifying the hashtag #FindAnkit. The result? Timelines flooded with tags, memes, and witty banter, as netizens united to locate the elusive techie.

    Aisle Network head Chandni Gaglani described the campaign as a playful ode to old-school romance, “At Aisle, we believe love isn’t just about profiles and swipes; it’s about creating moments that matter. #FindAnkit is a light-hearted, Bollywood-style effort to show that putting yourself out there can be romantic too. With this campaign, we’ve turned an accidental skip into a collective mission—proving that effort, humour, and a little serendipity make modern matchmaking just as special.”

    The campaign’s numbers speak for themselves. 8.6 million reach, 9.8 million views, and an entire city talking about Ankit. Aisle has not only driven engagement but also reminded everyone that meaningful connections require a touch of persistence and charm.

    The campaign’s clever approach resonated deeply with Bengaluru’s meme-loving crowd. By tapping into the city’s love for humour and community-driven missions, #FindAnkit didn’t just entertain—it created a shared moment that blended digital culture with the charm of chance encounters.

    So, has Ankit been found? That’s for the internet to decide. One thing is clear, though—Aisle has captured the essence of modern romance, one meme at a time.

  • Audiences are increasingly turning to big screens for rich & lengthy content: India TV’s Ritu Dhawan

    Audiences are increasingly turning to big screens for rich & lengthy content: India TV’s Ritu Dhawan

    She has always carved a distinct path for herself. From her early stints at British Sky Broadcasting and Zee TV to co-founding Independent News Service in 1997, Ritu Dhawan broke new ground by seamlessly introducing news programming into what was then a predominantly fiction-focused satellite television space in India.

    Her achievement in producing & directing the iconic talk show Aap Ki Adalat, has captivated audiences since its debut in 1993. Building on this success, she reached the pinnacle of her career by establishing India TV along with Rajat Sharma. Her leadership at India TV has not only propelled the channel into millions of households but has also positioned it as a pioneer in embracing new-age digital platforms.

    Indiantelevision.com’s Rohin Ramesh caught up with Dhawan, where she discussed the evolution of digital-first news platforms, Connected TV’s (CTV) evolution & impact in news streaming  and much more.

    Edited excerpt

    On the rise of digital-first news platforms & India TV adapting to this trend

    Today, staying relevant means embracing new ways to connect with our audience where they are most active. At India TV, we are deeply committed to a digital-first approach, transforming how we create, distribute, and engage with content online. Our flagship digital initiative “Speed News” exemplifies our commitment to delivering rapid and high-quality updates. We have also launched different dedicated segments to offer tailored content that resonates with our viewers’ interests, ensuring that our content aligns with their viewing habits and expectations.

    Using advanced analytics, we closely monitor audience feedback to refine our approach and deliver more engaging and shareable content. On platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and X we focus on dynamic video content that can quickly capture attention while providing deeper coverage on our digital channels. This approach ensures that India TV remains at the forefront of the digital age, meeting the evolving needs of a modern, online-first audience.

    On audience consumption pattern changing over the years, especially with the rise of mobile and internet news consumption

    Audiences are increasingly turning to big screens, particularly for rich & lengthy content. CTV is reshaping how people consume news, with many preferring the comprehensive experience of watching on larger screens. Understanding these shifts, we adapt our content to meet viewers where they are. For instance, video content, including short-form updates and interactive segments, performs well on social media, while traditional articles continue to engage readers on websites and discovery platforms like Google. By recognising these distinct preferences, we offer a range of formats tailored to the needs of our audience, whether they are scrolling on mobile or watching on CTV. This approach keeps our content accessible, adaptable, and relevant across all platforms.

    On seeing the relationship between traditional TV news and social media evolving

    At India TV, we are using social media not only as an extension of our TV broadcasts but as an active engagement tool. Real-time updates, short video snippets, and highlights help us reach younger audiences who prefer quicker, on-the-go content. At the same time, our longer TV segments continue to offer in-depth reporting and analysis.

    With new formats like video-on-demand (VOD), short reels, and real-time updates, we can deliver news faster than ever, engaging viewers instantly. Social media allows us to provide early insights and instant access, and our viewers can tune into live broadcasts for a comprehensive perspective.

    That said, the rise of social media has introduced unique challenges, particularly around credibility, as these platforms can sometimes contribute to the spread of misinformation. To address this, we prioritise fact-checking and sourcing to maintain the trust and credibility that define our brand. This dynamic integration enables us to stay relevant and maintain the credibility and trust associated with our brand.

    On CTV emerging as a significant platform for streaming content & being a dinner table conversation for the media industry

    CTV is setting a new standard for the broadcasting industry, driven by the principles of content, connectivity & convenience—the three Cs that define the future of viewing. India TV’s commitment to delivering quality content stands at the heart of our CTV strategy. With a focus on producing high-caliber news stories that retain depth and integrity, we’re shaping an experience that resonates with today’s viewers seeking credible journalism.

    Connectivity is another pillar of our approach. By developing apps optimised for smart TVs, tablets and smartphones, we’re ensuring adaptability across all devices. This allows viewers to stay informed and engaged on any platform they choose, whether they’re watching from home or on the go.

    Convenience completes the trifecta, offering a tailored, on-demand viewing experience that puts control in the hands of the audience. With interactive features like live chats, personalised recommendations, and seamless streaming, our CTV platform meets viewers wherever they are and whenever they’re ready to tune in.

    India TV is combining traditional news depth with the immediacy and flexibility of CTV, positioning us to engage a generation that values trusted journalism as much as the freedom to watch on their terms.

    On striking a balance between delivering hard news & incorporating lighter, more engaging content to appeal viewers

    Our strategy at India TV is to provide a mix of hard-hitting news and lighter, more engaging content. We ensure credibility and depth with hard news segments covering politics, international events, and investigative journalism, while appealing to younger viewers through segments that explore lifestyle, entertainment, and trending topics.

    Our Speed News segments, such as Speed 50, Speed 100, Duniya 20, Mausam 20 & Sports 20, provide quick, impactful updates, allowing us to deliver a broad range of topics in digestible formats.

    During the Covid-19 pandemic, we introduced two uplifting shows—Yoga News & Jeetega India, Harega Corona—to bring positivity to our viewers. These programs showcased our ability to balance hard and soft news, offering both reassurance and reliable information during challenging times. This dual approach lets us stay true to our journalistic roots while embracing the variety that today’s diverse audience values. By offering both serious reporting and lighter fare, we cater to the wide-ranging interests of our viewers, keeping them informed and engaged.

    On gen Z audience turning increasingly towards digital platforms for news rather than traditional TV

    While digital platforms have become the primary source of news for younger generations, traditional TV news continues to hold a strong reputation for credibility among them. Take “Coffee Par Kurukshetra,” for example, a segment that resonates deeply with younger viewers, with 40 per cent of its audience under the age of 35. We see similar engagement across other segments, such as Speed News on YouTube, where half of the viewers are under 35, as well as our yoga channel and “Aap Ki Adalat,” with 56 per cent and 47 per cent of their respective viewership also within this younger demographic.

    This demonstrates that younger audiences value trusted journalism but prefer to access it in formats suited to their digital habits. By tailoring our content for digital platforms, we ensure that these viewers stay connected to trusted journalism while engaging with us on their terms.

    On India TV ensuring credibility and trust with its viewers

    In today’s climate of misinformation, India TV stands firmly for credibility and trust. Our fact-checking team rigorously verifies content before it reaches the public, ensuring that our viewers receive only accurate, well-vetted information.

    We also proactively monitor the spread of fake news, maintaining vigilance to protect our viewers from misinformation. This commitment to authenticity has allowed us to build lasting trust, making India TV a reliable source in an age of unreliable information.

    On working behind the scenes for years, shaping the channel’s growth, your personal motivation & guiding philosophy throughout this journey

    A deep sense of purpose and responsibility toward our viewers has always driven my journey with India TV. I approach each decision as a meaningful step toward building a stronger connection with our audience. Guided by an audience-centric philosophy, I focus on understanding diverse viewer needs and aligning our content to serve those needs.

    As a certified content producer, adapting to technological shifts and staying ahead of media trends have been integral to my role. This focus on innovation and audience engagement has allowed me to contribute to India TV’s growth in a way that is both impactful.

  • Australia passes bill banning social media for kids; India’s Vaishnaw calls for stricter regulation

    Australia passes bill banning social media for kids; India’s Vaishnaw calls for stricter regulation

    MUMBAI: No social media for kids. The Aussie house of representatives passed a bill yesterday imposing a ban against Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, SnapChat, X,  Reddit from allowing kids under 16 from accessing these networking platforms. The onus has been put on social media to ensure that kids don’t use them;  fines up to $33 million will be imposed on them if a kid’s profile is found active. The bill will now require senate approval which it most likely will get and social media  will have  a year to clean up their acts. 

    That was Down Under. 

    In India too, the government would like to bring  social media under tight regulation. 

    While addressing a parliament question during the ongoing session of the Lok Sabha today, union minister of information & broadcasting, railways, and electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw,  once again highlighted the urgent need to strengthen existing laws governing social media and OTT platforms.

    “We are living in the era of social media and OTT platforms. However, the democratic institutions and traditional forms of the press that once relied on editorial checks to ensure accountability and correctness of content, have seen these checks diminish over time,” he said. 

    He noted that due to the absence of such editorial oversight, social media has become a platform for freedom of press on one hand, but on the other hand, it has also become a space for uncontrolled expression, which often includes vulgar content. 

    Acknowledging the distinct cultural differences between India and the geographies where these platforms originated, Vaishnaw emphasised. “The cultural sensitivities of India vastly differ from those of the regions where these platforms were created,” he said.  

    This makes it imperative for India to make existing laws more stricter and he urged everyone to come to a consensus on this matter.

    The minister also urged the parliamentary standing committee to take up this important matter issue as a priority. “There should be societal consensus on it, along with stricter laws to address this challenge” he said.

    Will Indian society agree? 

  • Piracy, LaLiga, BCCI and the Indian government

    Piracy, LaLiga, BCCI and the Indian government

    MUMBAI: LaLiga president Javier Tebas said he is prepared to collaborate with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to stamp out piracy of sports broadcast and streaming signals  in Europe and all over the world.  Speaking at sports and tech conference  Sportel Monaco 2024 on 29 October during a keynote address he addressed his pet subject for the past few years once again: piracy and how big tech is aiding in its spread.

    He pointed that  piracy – especially illegal internet streaming  – is causing huge losses to sports federations, broadcasters, and advertisers with the LaLiga alone losing around Euros 700 million each season.

    His belief is that big tech companies like Google, Cloudflare, X, are actually benefiting from piracy. (He has raised his voice against Google in the past on several forums but he expanded the responsibility towards X and Cloudflare in his latest address during Sportel Monaco.)

    He explained that Google is making money through searches online and on android phones through its ads that pop up during searches for pirated sites by viewers. Downloads of illegitimate apps  on its Playstore give it oodles of money. It has no mechanism – either reactive or otherwise – to tackle piracy.

    Cloudflare is profiting by providing reverse proxy services to pirates and more than 50 per cent of rogue sites are behind it. What’s alarming according to  him is that 70 per cent of delisted content by Google is behind a Cloudflare IP.

    X, he highlighted, is monetising through advertising on pirated streams and has been delaying enforcement by not providing automatic content detection. It does not have a content moderation team, neither is it blocking illegal content on its platform.

    He appealed to sports federations to come together  and raise their voices against big tech. In this regard he extended his hand towards the BCCI welcoming it to come and be a part of the anti-piracy campaign.

    “After football, cricket has a large fan base globally and revenue leakages through piracy could be reduced by making the tech companies  culpable,” he said. “The federations, accompanied by the broadcasters, need to lobby with governments to put in place the proper legislation.”

    Tebas requested governments world over  to pass legislation that would force big tech companies to clamp down on piracy. For the “how of doing it,”  he said, they can turn to Argentina where a federal court ordered Google to block the download and use of a pirate platform Magis TV.  Prior to this, Google had cited its inability to block the android application from being downloaded, but then it was forced to.

    “We need hard measures to be put in place.If we have to stand a chance of reducing the menace of piracy, ” said Tebas in closing. 

  • CCI gives go ahead to Viacom18-Disney Star India marriage

    CCI gives go ahead to Viacom18-Disney Star India marriage

    MUMBAI: The big fusion has been given the go ahead. The Competition Commission of India  (CCI) has approved the proposed merger involving Reliance Industries Limited, Viacom18 Media Private Limited, Digital18 Media Limited, Star India Private Limited and Star Television Productions Limited, subject to the compliance of voluntary modifications.

    The CCI, in its post on the X platform, stated, “C-2024/05/1155 Commission approves the proposed combination involving Reliance Industries Ltd, Viacom18 Media Private Ltd, Digital18 Media Ltd, Star India Private Ltd, and Star Television Productions Ltd, subject to the compliance of voluntary modifications.”

     

    This approval was announced just a day before Reliance Industries Ltd’s (RIL) 47th annual general meeting. 

    A press release issued by the CCI later in the evening at 6:34 pm on the Press Information Bureau website stated: 

    The proposed combination envisages to combine the entertainment businesses (along with certain other identified businesses) of Viacom18, part of RIL group and SIPL, wholly owned by The Walt Disney Company (TWDC). As a result of the transaction, SIPL, currently a wholly owned entity of TWDC through its subsidiaries, shall become a joint venture (JV) which will be jointly held by RIL, Viacom18 and existing TWDC subsidiaries.
    RIL, either directly or indirectly, is engaged in several businesses such as exploration and production of oil and gas; petroleum refining and marketing; manufacture and sale of petrochemicals; manufacture and sale of chemicals; organised retail; media and entertainment activities; and telecommunication and digital services in India and worldwide.

    Viacom18 is, inter alia, engaged in the business of broadcasting of television (TV) channels, operation of an OTT platform, selling commercial advertisement space on TV channels, licensing of merchandise, and organization of live events in India and worldwide. Viacom18 is also engaged in the business of production and distribution of motion pictures.

    SIPL is engaged in a range of media activities including TV broadcasting and the production of AV content and motion pictures, operation of an OTT platform, and selling commercial advertisement space on TV channels and OTT platforms. SIPL is, directly or indirectly, a wholly owned entity of TWDC.

    STPL is a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and owned, indirectly, by TWDC.

    The Commission approved the proposed combination subject to the compliance of voluntary modifications.

    Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
     

    Earlier in February 2024, RIL’s subsidiary Viacom18 and Disney’s Indian unit, Star India, had unveiled plans for merging their businesses, setting the stage for the creation of one of the largest TV and digital streaming platforms in India.

    Under the merger arrangement, Viacom18’s media operations will be integrated with Star India Pvt Ltd (SIPL) through a scheme of arrangement approved by the court. The joint venture, which is valued at Rs 70,350 crore (approximately $8.5 billion) on a post-money basis, involves an infusion of Rs 11,500 crore (about $1.4 billion) by RIL to support the new entity’s growth strategy.

    The combined entity will position itself to compete with major players like Sony, Netflix, and Amazon, boasting a portfolio of 120 TV channels and two streaming platforms. The new board of directors will comprise 10 members, with five nominated by RIL, three by Disney, and two serving as independent directors.

    Nita Ambani is set to be the chairperson of the merged entity, while Walt Disney former executive Uday Shankar, will serve as vice chairperson. The merger is projected to be finalised between the last quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.

    Ownership in the joint venture will be structured as follows: RIL will hold a 16.34 per cent stake, Viacom18 will own 46.82 per cent, and Disney will have a 36.84 per cent share, according to the merger agreement’s terms.

    On 28 August, following the announcement, RIL’s shares remained steady, closing at Rs 2,999 per share. Notably, the CCI’s approval was announced after trading hours.

  • JioCinema unveils anticipated ad-free subscription plan teaser

    JioCinema unveils anticipated ad-free subscription plan teaser

    Mumbai: JioCinema is currently offering free streaming of the Indian Premier League 2024, albeit accompanied by ads for viewers. However, the platform has hinted at a forthcoming subscription plan that could eliminate these interruptions during content consumption.

    During the IPL match where Sunrisers Hyderabad triumphed over Delhi Capitals on April 20, an advertisement was aired, signaling the impending introduction of this new subscription plan. JioCinema took to its social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), on 21 April, to share a teaser video alongside the caption, “Change is constant, but your plan doesn’t have to be. A new plan. Coming 25th April.”

     

     

    This suggests that users can anticipate a refreshed offering from JioCinema, potentially offering an ad-free viewing experience, starting 25 April.

  • LALIGA’s corporate channels continue growing on X and Telegram

    LALIGA’s corporate channels continue growing on X and Telegram

    Mumbai: LALIGA’s corporate channels continue to post strong growth since being set up in January earlier this year. Less than a year on from creation, the X (formerly known as Twitter) account has almost 160,000 followers, more than the corporate accounts of other leading sports institutions such as the NFL, NHL and MLS. The Telegram channel, meanwhile, has grown impressively to over 9,100 followers.

    These LALIGA channels offer corporate and institutional content, showcasing the organisation’s reach beyond the football field. LALIGA institutional events, press conferences, announcements and even the competition are covered in full through a variety of formats including videos, photos and infographics.

    The corporate nature of the content complements LALIGA’s other web and social media channels, which offer sports content relating to LALIGA competition and its clubs.

  • Elon Musk announces a potential subscription model for X (formerly Twitter)

    Elon Musk announces a potential subscription model for X (formerly Twitter)

    Mumbai: Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter), has suggested that users may soon be required to pay a subscription fee for platform access. Musk alluded to the possibility of implementing a paywall to combat the proliferation of bot accounts, which has posed a significant challenge.

    He stated, “We are moving towards implementing a small monthly fee for system usage.”

    This revelation occurred during a meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Tesla Motors in California. Currently, users are charged for accessing premium features on X, such as verification checkmarks for accounts. Introducing subscriptions may dissuade bot account creators from establishing new accounts.

    However, Musk has not disclosed the exact cost of the new paid service or the special features it will offer. During the meeting with Netanyahu, Musk also addressed the issue of antisemitism that persists on the platform.

  • “India’s economy is a shining beacon of hope in these challenging times,” says PM Modi in a post on Moneycontrol’s #BullishOnIndia campaign

    “India’s economy is a shining beacon of hope in these challenging times,” says PM Modi in a post on Moneycontrol’s #BullishOnIndia campaign

    Mumbai: Tweeting on the recently launched Moneycontrol Bullish on India campaign, prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India’s economy is a shining beacon of hope in these challenging times. 

    In his post on social media platform X (earlier known as Twitter), the prime minister wrote, “India’s economy shines as a beacon of hope in these challenging times. With robust growth and a resilient spirit, the future looks promising. Let us keep this momentum and ensure prosperity for 140 crore Indians.”

    Moneycontrol, India’s leading markets and finance platform, recently launched the campaign ‘Bullish On India’ to showcase India’s economic resilience and growth potential in various critical sectors. It aims to analyse the key drivers of India’s economic growth while fostering awareness about the unparalleled potential the nation offers at a time of a global economic slowdown. 

    ‘Bullish On India’ will put a spotlight on India’s vast economic landscape to provide investors, businesses, and readers with comprehensive insights into the factors propelling India’s growth trajectory. With a detailed analysis of macroeconomic factors such as manufacturing, demography, economy, markets and India’s rising stand in the global leadership, ‘Bullish on India’ has been presented as a data-backed campaign that underlines India’s resilient economic growth. 

    Various adversities have shaken economies worldwide in the past few years. However, India is standing tall, retaining its stature as the ‘world’s fastest-growing major economy’. With the nation set to become the third-largest economy in the coming years, the campaign captures various facets of India’s growth story through a unique editorial series, which will see contributions from leading names from all walks of life. 

     

  • ‘X’, a film by eleven directors is opening film at South Asian filmfest

    ‘X’, a film by eleven directors is opening film at South Asian filmfest

    NEW DELHI: A film directed by eleven Indian directors, X will be the opening film of the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF).

    The festival is to be held from 18 to 23 November in New York.

    The film is a novel experiment since eleven filmmakers with varied styles have made different parts of the same film.

    The story revolves around K, a filmmaker with a mid-life crisis, who meets a mysterious young girl who reminds him of his first girlfriend at first, and subsequently, of every woman in his life.

    Produced by Manish Mundra, the film is jointly directed by Abhinav Shiv Tiwari, Anu Menon, Hemant Gaba, Nalan Kumarasamy, Pratim D Gupta, Q, Raja Sen, Rajshree Ojha, Sandeep Mohan, Sudhish Kamath and Suparn Verma.

    Shiladitya Bora and Sudhish Kamath are executive producers of the film.

    The movie features Aditi Chengappa, Bidita Bag, Gabriella Schmidt, Huma Qureshi, Neha Mahajan, Parno Mitra, Pia Bajpai, Pooja Ruparel, Radhika Apte, Richa Shukla, Rii Sen and SwaraBhaskar with Anshuman Jha and Rajat Kapoor