MxMIndia

Category: TV

  • Sana will have a human surrogate editor and hopefully company soon, said Kallie Purie

    India Today Group launches AI collaborative anchor

    By Our Staff

     

    India Today Group’s Vice Chairperson Kalli Purie launched Aaj Tak’s first AI collaborative anchor – Sana at the 20th edition of India Today Conclave2023.

    Aaj Tak AI’s first anchor Sana will bring daily news updates several times a day in multiple languages, next week onwards. In a new show, she will explain one topic of relevance everyday. Sana will also do a show in which the audience can ask questions and she will answer.

    Describing Sana, Purie said: “She is bright, gorgeous, ageless, tireless, speaks in multiple languages and totally under my control. Sana does not take away from the brilliance of real life anchors, who will be mentoring her. Sana will have a human surrogate editor and hopefully company soon.”

    Purie said that it is not a competition between humans and AI and that this collaboration is leading to creative magic. “The future is fascinating and frightening and it is here,” she said. Talking about how media is constantly attacked and referred to as ‘godi media’, Kalli Purie said that there is a lot of pressure on media from political parties, business houses, foreign governments and larger-than-life professionals. “It is not new and not singular,” she said. Giving examples of how India Today has never compromised on the story it tells, she said, “Our credibilty is important to us.”

    Link- https://www.indiatoday.in/india/video/conclave-2023-india-today-groups-vice-chairperson-kalli-purie-launches-aaj-taks-first-ai-anchor-sana-watch-2348518-2023-03-18

  • To bring back mythological shows

    Star Bharat returns to 5-Day programming

    By Our Staff

     

    Star Bharat television channel plans to revert to its previous programming style of airing shows five days a week. Furthermore, the channel is also launching a new initiative that involves the re-airing of its iconic mythological programs, such as ‘Radha Krishn’ and ‘Devo Ke Dev….. Mahadev’.

     

    According to the channel’s statement, the decision to bring back ‘Radha Krishn’ and ‘Devo Ke Dev Mahadev’ on weekends came after an outpouring of demand from viewers. Starting on March 25, the shows will be shown every Saturday. The channel believes that this move will allow viewers to engage with their favourite shows in a more consistent manner.

     

    Star Bharat’s decision to bring back its mythological shows stems from the fact that they were immensely popular when they first aired. The channel hopes that by re-airing these shows, a new generation of viewers will have the opportunity to experience them. ‘Radha Krishn’ and ‘Devo Ke Dev Mahadev’ will air on Saturdays.

     

  • To work with heads of Network18 Group

    IndiaCast appoints Piyush Goyal as COO

    By Our Staff

     

    Piyush Goyal
    Piyush Goyal

    IndiaCast, multi-platform Content Asset Monetization entity, has appointed Piyush Goyal as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

     

    In his new role, Goyal will closely work with the operating heads of TV News, Entertainment and Sports businesses of the Network18 Group. He will report into Network18’s Managing Director Rahul Joshi.

     

    Jointly owned by TV18 & Viacom18, IndiaCast brings Indian content to viewers across the globe. The company’s mandate includes Domestic Distribution, Placement Services, International Channel Distribution & Advertising Sales, New Media (digital) Distribution and Content Syndication for all the group company (TV18, Viacom18, A+E Networks|TV18) channels and content.

     

    Commenting on his new role, Piyush Goyal said: “I am extremely thrilled and look forward to spearheading Indiacast. It’s home coming for me at Indiacast after 10 years. With the ever changing landscape in the media industry, there could not have been a better time to be part of this vibrant and fastest-growing media conglomerate.”

     

  • Is expected to provide viewers with a seamless TV viewing experience

    ABP Network partners with Samsung TV Plus

    By Our Staff

     

    ABP Network has announced the launch of its all six TV news channels – ABP News, ABP Ganga, ABP Asmita, ABP Sanjha, ABP Majha, and ABP Ananda – on Samsung TV Plus, the free, ad-supported service from Samsung. This partnership is expected to provide viewers with another touchpoint to connect with the award-winning content and unbiased journalism that ABP Network has delivered over the last two decades.

     

    This partnership is expected to provide viewers with a seamless TV viewing experience and access to a wide range of content. With Samsung TV Plus at the forefront of streaming services in India, ABP Network is poised to extend its reach and provide its content to a broader range of viewers.

     

    Commenting on the partnership, Vijay Jung Thapa, Chief Digital Officer, ABP Network, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Samsung TV Plus to bring our channels to their viewers. This is a great opportunity for us to expand our reach and make our content available to a wider audience. At ABP Network, we take pride in delivering programming that promises the highest quality and depth. We are confident that our viewers will appreciate the rich and diverse content that we bring to their screens. Our commitment to excellence is unwavering, and we are excited to forge a long and successful partnership with Samsung TV Plus.”

     

    Added  Kunal Mehta, Head Business Development, Samsung TV Plus India: “We are excited to welcome ABP Network’s channels to our platform,” “Samsung TV Plus is committed to providing its viewers with a wide range of content choices, and this partnership with ABP Network is a testament to that commitment. We believe that our viewers will appreciate the quality and depth of ABP Network’s programming, and we look forward to a long and successful partnership with them.”

     

  • Starting April 24

    Nickelodeon launches 2 new homegrown IPs

    By Our Staff

     

    The Nickelodeon kids’ network from Viacom18 has announceed the launch of two new IPs, ‘Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family’ and ‘Kanha – Morpankh Samrat’ starting April 24. ‘Abhimanyu Ki Alien Family’, the only alien show in the kids’ category, is a sci-fi comedy series.

     

    Speaking on bolstering its IP play, Nina Elavia Jaipuria, Head, Hindi Mass Entertainment and Kids TV Network, Viacom18, said: “At Nickelodeon, our understanding of kids and the whitespaces in the industry has led us to define the category and fuel its growth. As a responsible storyteller, it has always been our endeavour to deliver category-defining content that sparks imaginations, while being equally sensitive to needs of our audience. We take pride in being home to characters and IPs that have created an everlasting bond with our discerning young viewers and driven preference to the channel, making us advertisers’ favourite. Over the last decade, our long-standing leadership is a testament to Nickelodeon’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-quality content that resonates with young audiences.”

     

    Added Anu Sikka, Head – Creative, Content & Research, Kids TV Network, Viacom18: “At Nickelodeon we have always crafted stories with love; Both the shows, Abhimanyu ki Alien Family’ and Kanha – Morpankh Samrat are centered around characters that have their own individualities, making them extremely endearing and relatable. Moreover, they tap into genres that will surely get kids excited, leaving them wanting for more. We are certain both IPs will offer our viewers unmatched entertainment this summer season.”

     

    Said Ashish J Thapar, Chief Executive Officer, Hi-Tech Animations Studios: “Our partnership with Nickelodeon is filled with creative innovation. We have always looked for new avenues to create and bring to life characters that kids can resonate, and grow up with, while the character and storytelling evolves. With Abhimanyu ki Alien Family, India gets its very first, homegrown sci-fi kids show.  The show allows us to tap into a new genre and drive excitement and interest within kids.  Each character is carefully designed to be extremely relatable and amiable. We are confident about the success of a concept that is new-age, and one that delivers an experience that is new to the kids’ category in India.”

     

  • Announce exclusive content partnership

    Viacom18 shows its intent with Warner Bros. Discovery agreement

    By Our Staff

     

    The joint announcement by Warner Bros. Discovery and Viacom18 on Thursday is being looked at it with much interest in M&E circles. This surely more than a new multi-year agreement, making JioCinema India’s new streaming home of HBO, Max Original and Warner Bros. content from next month. It’s the beginning of an aggressive Viacom18 with JioCinema in tow. Clearly, the combination of Jio, Uday Shankar/Jamesh Murdoch and Paramount Global is now beginning to exert itself.

     

    The partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, includes exclusive content rights across digital and linear.  The deal includes current and future seasons of HBO’s globally acclaimed series such as House of The Dragon, The Last of Us, Succession and The White Lotus, and returning seasons of True Detective: Night Country, Euphoria, Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty and Perry Mason. Also featured as part of the agreement are highly anticipated HBO Original series including The Idol, White House Plumbers, The Sympathizer and The Regime. In addition, HBO’s esteemed series and documentaries, including Game of Thrones, Sex & The City, Big Little Lies, Chernobyl and Veep, will be available for users.

     

    Said Clement Schwebig, President, India, Southeast Asia, and Korea, Warner Bros. Discovery: “Warner Bros. Discovery’s brands are incredibly popular across India, and we are pleased to partner with Viacom18 to bring our premium HBO, Max Original and Warner Bros. content to local fans. This new agreement demonstrates our commitment to South Asia as we seek to entertain audiences across more platforms, and further strengthens the scale of our regional business as a whole.”

     

    Added Ferzad Palia, Head – SVOD & International Business, Viacom18: “JioCinema has become the biggest platform for live sports. We are now on a mission to build the most magnetic destination for entertainment for all Indians. The strategic partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery is a big milestone in our journey to offer the best of Hollywood content to our elite consumers. We believe that Warner Bros. Discovery sets the global standards for premium content and this partnership allows us to create the best and the most comprehensive destination for our users.”

     

  • A 3-day football event set to take place in Pune

    TV9 Network to hold News9 Plus Corporate Cup

    By Our Staff

     

    TV9 Network has launched the News9 Plus Corporate Cup – a three-day football championship set to take place in Pune from May 5 to 7 with 32 teams participating.

     

    With the Maharashtra government partnering the News9 Plus Corporate Cup, the proposition has garnered a response from the corporate world, including HDFC Mutual Fund, U Gro Capital, BTS, Infosys, Group M, Madison, Wipro, and several others.

     

    Notes a communique: “The clash of titans will undoubtedly provide a thrilling and electrifying experience, making it an unforgettable event for everyone involved. This tournament is not only about winning, but it also celebrates the essence of teamwork and camaraderie that makes corporate India an unbeatable force. TV9 Network has truly kicked it up a notch by bringing the excitement of football to the business world.”

     

  • Announcing new shows and subsequent seasons

    Sony LIV & Applause strengthen partnership

    By Our Staff

     

    Sony LIV and Applause Entertainment have unveiled their upcoming slate for 2023 strengthening their  partnership. Two new series ‘Kafas’ (Cage) and ’36 Days’ are lined up along with return of other seasonal shows. ‘Kafas’ produced in association with Madiba Entertainment is a social drama series starring Sharman Joshi, Mona Singh, Vivan Bhathena, Preeti Jhangiani and Mikail Gandhi in lead roles and directed by Sahil Sangha.

     

    The second series ‘36 Days’ produced in association with BBC Studios India is a suspense thriller, directed by Vishal Furia, featuring an ensemble cast including Neha Sharma, Purab Kohli, Shruti Seth, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Amruta Khanvilkar, Sharib Hashmi, Shernaz Patel, Faishal Rashid, Chahat Vig, Kenneth Desai in pivotal roles.

     

    Said Danish Khan, Head – Sony LIV, Sony Entertainment Television and Studio Next:  “We are delighted to strengthen our long running partnership with Applause Entertainment with an exceptional slate of shows in 2023 and beyond.”

     

    Added Sameer Nair, Managing Director, Applause Entertainment: “In our shared mission to captivate and entertain audiences through the power of storytelling we are excited to create for Sony Liv a diverse and captivating mix of new shows and returning favourites.”

     

  • To air on weeknights at 10.20pm

    The PM Factor, new show on TV9 Bharatvarsh

    By Our Staff

     

    In the run-up to the Big Election Year, TV9 Bharatvarsh has announced a show titled ‘The PM Factor’. To air on weekdays at 10.20pm, ‘The PM Factor’ will feature global and Indian thought leaders across domains. The show will decode the India perspective and showcase what truly makes India the toast of the globe, notes a communique.

     

    Said Paritosh Chaturvedi, Deputy Managing Editor, TV9 Bharatvarsh: “This is a significant year in view of India’s G20 Presidency. The world is looking at India for leadership across domains and the Show will aggregate views of all these thought leaders and capture their India perspective. We will employ an objective stand on what drives global interest in India and how to leverage it to sustain the momentum.”

     

  • Launches 4 news channels on Sling TV in the US

    Times Network expands its global footprint

    By Our Staff

     

    Times Network has announced the launch of ET Now, Mirror Now, Times Now Navbharat and Times Now World in the US in partnership with Sling TV, a dominant OTT player in the market. With a strong collection of influential brands in its portfolio across news and entertainment, the network has expanded its portfolio in the territory with four news channels in addition to Times Now and Zoom, which are currently available on the platform.

     

    Said Jagdish Mulchandani, COO and Executive President, Times Network: “We are thrilled to expand our content portfolio in the U.S. by launching our best-in-class news brands through our strategic partnership with Sling TV. Presenting a holistic reportage on global, national, local, financial and business news content, ET NOW, Mirror Now, Times Now Navbharat and Times Now World will serve as an enriching addition to the discerning viewers seeking superior news coverage. I am confident that with our latest offerings, we will continue to build resonance with our global viewers, keeping them informed and entertained.”

     

    Added Liz Riemersma, Vice President of Strategy, Business Development & International, Sling TV: “We’re excited to announce the addition of four additional leading news channels: ET Now, Mirror Now, Times Now Navbharat HD, and Times Now World HD.Our partnership with the Times Network underlines our position as the #1 distributor of Indian TV networks in the US and highlights our continued commitment to providing South Asian customers a strong connection to news and events from India.”

     

  • To further strengthen Shemaroo’s broadcast portfolio of Free-to-air (FTA) channels

    Shemaroo launches new Hindi entertainment channel

    By Our Staff

     

    Shemaroo Entertainment has launched a new Hindi entertainment channel, “Chumbak TV”. The channel is all set to entertain the youth of India.

     

    Arghya Chakravarty, COO – Shemaroo, said: “The launch of Chumbak TV is yet another milestone for us as we continue to expand our presence in the B2C space. With the success of our existing channels, we are confident that Chumbak TV will strike a chord with viewers and meet their evolving entertainment needs, thereby establishing itself as a household name. With Chumbak TV, we aim to further strengthen our position in the Indian entertainment industry and continue to be a leader in the market.”

     

    Sandeep Gupta, COO – Broadcasting Business, Shemaroo, added, “Chumbak TV is the latest addition to our existing strong portfolio of broadcast channels. We will ensure that our programming will excite and engage with young audiences leaving a lasting impact on their hearts and minds. With the launch of Chumbak TV, our network now offers tailor-made propositions for every member of the family as we are committed to providing our audiences with the best entertainment experience”

     

  • NKN Media FZC appointed as exclusive ad sales partner

    India Today Group channels now available in UAE

    By Our Staff

     

    India Today Group will now be available for viewers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) region. Exclusive feeds of India Today and Aaj Tak channels are now available on the Etisalat (#AAJ TAK – 560, #India Today – 554) and DU platforms (#AAJ TAK – 84, #India Today – 76). NKN Media FZC has been appointed as the exclusive sales partner to market the two flagship news channels of the India Today Group.

     

    Speaking about the Partnership, Dinesh Bhatia, Group CEO, India Today Group said: “The UAE region has a large diaspora of viewers with high interest in Indian news content. This offers a huge opportunity for India’s prestigious news network to bring timely and accurate news directly to these viewers. Besides, NKN will further bring us closer to advertisers and trade partners wanting to leverage the presence and following of India’s leading news brand.”

     

    Abdul Majid Khan, CEO & Managing Director, NKN Media added: “I am delighted to join hands with India Today Group which is most prestigious and one of the largest media groups of India, to lead their brand presence in the UAE. I believe this will add immense value to our portfolio of channels and propositions for the region. The addition is evident to our strategic vision and objective of leading by enhancing our services to the growing market needs and demands and directing communications towards the specific Indian diaspora.”