Media/Entertainment-Industry-The Economic Times - Seite 3 
Star Sports, FanCode secure India rights for India–Japan T20I
Star Sports and FanCode will broadcast the India-Japan T20I match. This historic encounter is scheduled for September twenty-second in Japan. ITW Universe holds global rights for this unique cricket fixture. The match celebrates seventy-five years of diplomatic ties between both nations. Japan Cricket Association is expanding venue capacity for this event.
GTPL Hathway has unexpectedly outperformed Tata Play in revenue in India's television distribution sector, even though it maintains a smaller active cable subscriber base. Both segments, cable and DTH, are facing challenges due to the growing popularity of streaming platforms. GTPL's expansion efforts include launching a new HITS service and making strategic acquisitions, while the DTH market continues to decline in active pay-TV subscriptions.
India’s OTT audience rises 11% to 665 million; connected TV base surges 60%: Ormax
India's online video audience reached 664.9 million in 2026, showing strong growth. Paid OTT subscriptions also increased by sixteen percent to 172.6 million users. Connected TV viewing surged sixty percent, indicating a shift to larger screens. Micro-dramas and K-dramas saw significant audience increases, becoming popular formats.
BCCL partners with OpenAI to enhance journalism discovery for readers globally
Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd has partnered with OpenAI to improve content discovery. ChatGPT will now attribute BCCL journalism with direct links to original articles. This collaboration aims to connect users with reliable information from BCCL publications. Both companies will explore AI applications for new products and services. Editorial independence remains a core principle for BCCL's journalism.
PVR Inox says senior executive Pramod Arora was not asked to quit
PVR Inox said its promoters received anonymous communications in April alleging impropriety by certain employees, but a preliminary examination found no evidence of kickbacks. The multiplex operator also denied that senior executive Pramod Arora was asked to leave, saying he resigned for personal reasons after the allegations surfaced.
PVR INOX says preliminary probe found no evidence of kickbacks, disputes account of senior executive’s exit
PVR INOX on Monday said a preliminary assessment into anonymous allegations of employee impropriety found no evidence of kickbacks, countering reports of an alleged ₹200-crore scandal. The company also clarified that former senior executive Pramod Arora resigned for personal reasons on May 4 and was not asked to leave.
YouTube pushes India’s content industry towards owning IP
Indian content creators are building and monetizing their own intellectual property. YouTube is emerging as a key destination for premium, long-form original shows. Balaji Telefilms partnered with YouTube for five fiction shows, retaining IP ownership. This shift addresses a gap between linear television and premium subscription platforms. Connected TV viewing is creating new opportunities for diverse content across verticals.
PVR INOX executive shown door in April after probe into alleged developer kickbacks
A senior PVR INOX executive was asked to leave in April after an internal probe. Allegations suggest kickbacks from developers involved in building cinema properties. These alleged payments reportedly occurred over several years and could total ₹200 crore. The investigation also aims to determine the full extent of the wrongdoing. The company's board has discussed these serious matters in recent meetings.
Reliance-owned JioStar’s Bigg Boss bags 95+ advertisers in 6-language play
Reliance-owned JioStar’s Bigg Boss has attracted more than 95 advertisers across six language editions, spanning Hindi, Bangla, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. National and regional advertisers feature across the franchise, with first-time advertisers accounting for over half of participation in southern markets and 70% in Hindi, as brands increase spending on regional-language programming during the festive season.
Balaji Telefilms, YouTube join hands for 200-episode premium slate as scripted content finds new digital route
Balaji Telefilms has partnered with YouTube to launch five premium original shows spanning 200 episodes. Ekta Kapoor will lead the creative vision and retain intellectual property ownership, while YouTube will provide global distribution and monetisation through advertising and brand partnerships.
Stars display their ‘non-fiction’ side as streamers turn celebrity personas into show IPs
The Indian entertainment industry is witnessing a surge in celebrities curating non-fiction series that revolve around their public identities. This trend smartly tackles the challenge of fleeting audience attention and the saturation of content. By teaming up with creators, these stars develop compelling intellectual properties that attract advertisers looking for budget-friendly brand partnerships.
Advertising set to reshape India’s micro-drama business as AVOD gains ground: Redseer
India's micro-drama sector is on track to hit Rs 23,500 to 25,500 crore by FY32 and advertising video-on-demand is set to become a primary revenue stream next to subscriptions, Redseer Strategy Consultants said. The anticipated growth in AVOD could see active daily users skyrocketing to around 140-150 million, it added.
Netflix launches ‘Into the Southverse’ as dedicated discovery hub for South Indian content
Netflix introduces 'Into the Southverse' to simplify discovering southern Indian films and series. This new collection gathers content across languages, genres, moods, and stars for viewers. The streaming giant is increasing its investment in southern film industries and expects new titles weekly. Southern Indian films have consistently appeared on Netflix's India Top 10 lists.
Hanuman Ansh creates ripples as its records its biggest fourth week
The devotional film Hanuman Ansh is experiencing sustained audience interest in its fourth week. PVR INOX is increasing showtimes across its network due to strong word-of-mouth. The film attracts a wider demographic, including younger audiences and senior citizens. Its momentum is driven by viewer recommendations and social media conversations. This sustained response highlights cinemas' role in organic film discovery.
Hanuman Ansh, Laalo & more: Faith can move mountains, also fill up seats at cinemas
Faith-infused cinema is experiencing remarkable success in theaters, even with limited financial resources. These films resonate with viewers by integrating spirituality into relatable narratives, addressing deep existential questions and showcasing how faith can provide solace and fortitude. With increasing audience engagement, producers view this genre as a robust investment, driven by culturally significant tales and shared community experiences.