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JioStar Intensifies Anti-Piracy Action in Odisha, FIRs Filed Against Cable Operators

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

JioStar has stepped up its efforts to curb unauthorised distribution of its television channels in Odisha, with multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against local cable operators for allegedly retransmitting its content without permission. Recent cases have been registered in Bhadrak and Kandhamal districts, following earlier enforcement action in Ganjam, Puri, Jajpur and Keonjhar. In Bhadrak, Bonth Police Station registered an FIR on September 2 against a cable operator in Tillo village under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Section 63 of the Copyright Act. The complaint alleges that JioStar channels were received and retransmitted through a cable network serving Tillo, Jirina and nearby areas without the company’s authorisation. A separate FIR was registered by Daringbadi Police Station in Kandhamal on September 10 against Star Cable Network. According to the complaint, the operator allegedly retransmitted JioStar channels without authorisation and used consumer DTH set-top boxes to receive and redistribute the channels through its network. The latest cases form part of JioStar’s wider enforcement campaign to identify and take action against unauthorised cable networks across Odisha. The company’s AntiPiracy Legal and Enforcement Team has submitted electronic and video evidence in connection with the investigations. The enforcement drive has also brought attention to the continued presence of alleged unauthorised analogue transmissions despite the implementation of the Digital Addressable System (DAS) in the broadcasting sector. JioStar’s action underscores the ongoing challenges faced by broadcasters in protecting licensed content and preventing unauthorised retransmission through local distribution networks. Source: Economic Times

JioStar Intensifies Anti-Piracy Action in Odisha, FIRs Filed Against Cable Operators Read More »

Veteran Kannada Actor Anant Nag to Be Honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, the Press Information Bureau announced on Wednesday. Nag will receive the country’s highest cinematic honour at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled to be held on September 22 at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the veteran actor, praising his versatility, authenticity and decades-long contribution to Indian cinema, particularly Kannada films. Modi said Nag’s performances across a wide range of roles had made a lasting impact on audiences. Born Anant Nagarkatte on September 4, 1948, Nag has featured in more than 300 films, including over 250 Kannada productions. His extensive body of work also includes films in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and English. Beyond cinema, Nag is remembered for his television appearances, including the iconic Doordarshan series Malgudi Days, based on the works of celebrated author R K Narayan. A recipient of five Karnataka State Film Awards, Nag was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan in 2025. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is conferred by the Government of India for distinguished contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema and is presented as part of the National Film Awards. Source: PIB

Veteran Kannada Actor Anant Nag to Be Honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award Read More »

DTH Operators Provision Over Rs 11,000 Crore Against Disputed Licence Fees

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

India’s major direct-to-home (DTH) operators have collectively made provisions of more than Rs 11,000 crore against disputed licence-fee liabilities raised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), highlighting the growing financial pressure on the sector. According to regulatory filings for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, the operators are also awaiting clarity from the government on a possible reduction in the existing 8% licence fee levied on adjusted gross revenue (AGR). The disputed dues are currently subject to legal proceedings.  Tata Play has provided Rs 2,331 crore against an MIB demand of Rs 4,548 crore and has recognised another Rs 3,232 crore as a contingent liability. Bharti Telemedia, which operates Airtel Digital TV, has made provisions of around Rs 4,487 crore. Dish TV has provided approximately Rs 4,866 crore against a demand of Rs 7,203 crore up to FY25. Sun Direct has also faced an additional licence-fee demand of Rs 2,107 crore covering the period from FY2007-08 to FY2023-24.  The licence-fee issue has been a long-running point of contention between the government and DTH companies. In May 2025, the MIB had issued demand notices totalling around Rs 16,000 crore to four private DTH operators over outstanding licence fees.  The dispute comes at a challenging time for the DTH industry, which is dealing with subscriber losses and increasing competition from OTT platforms and DD Free Dish. The sector has consequently been looking beyond traditional satellite television, with operators expanding into areas such as IPTV, broadband and OTT aggregation. The government’s decision on the future structure of the DTH licence fee could therefore have a significant bearing on the financial sustainability and transformation strategy of India’s private DTH industry. Source: Economic Times

DTH Operators Provision Over Rs 11,000 Crore Against Disputed Licence Fees Read More »

Star Sports, FanCode Secure India Broadcast Rights for Historic India-Japan T20I

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Star Sports Network and FanCode have acquired the exclusive India broadcast and streaming rights, respectively, for the one-off men’s T20I between India and Japan, rights holder ITW Universe announced. The historic fixture is scheduled for September 22 at the Sano International Cricket Ground in Tochigi, Japan. It will mark the first T20I encounter between the senior men’s teams of India and Japan and is set to begin at 9:30 am IST (1 pm local time). ITW Universe holds the global sports production, broadcast distribution and commercial marketing rights for the match and is managing its international distribution and commercialisation. ITW Universe co-founder Bhairav Shanth said the interest surrounding the fixture highlights its potential to attract audiences beyond cricket’s traditional markets. FanCode CEO and co-founder Yannick Colaco said the platform was looking forward to bringing the historic match to Indian viewers. Prashant Khanna, head of sports rights and innovation at JioStar, said JioStar was working with ITW Universe to make the fixture available to audiences through its linear platforms. The match has been organised by the Japan Cricket Association under its ‘Sport 75’ initiative, which commemorates 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. The fixture will also take place alongside the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Ahead of the match, the Japan Cricket Association is increasing the spectator capacity at the Sano International Cricket Ground as interest builds around the landmark encounter. Source: Economic Times

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Tata Play Binge Shots Expands Micro-Drama Line-Up with Klip

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Tata Play Binge Shots has strengthened its micro-drama content offering by adding Klip, a short-form drama platform founded by filmmaker Vicky Bahri and producer-actor Harman Baweja, to its portfolio. Klip brings a library of more than 60 shows and over 3,000 episodes, offering more than 6,000 minutes of predominantly Hindi-language content. Its programming spans genres including drama, romance, thrillers, mystery, comedy and fantasy. The platform’s catalogue features titles such as Dhundh, Tasveer, Mastermind, Khabardar and Ek Raat. Klip adds around 15 new shows to its library every month, expanding the volume of short-form content available to viewers. With the addition of Klip, Tata Play Binge Shots now hosts a broader collection of micro-content platforms, including STAGE, Pocket Films, Bullet, BhaktiFlix and Vertigo TV. Klip’s content will also be accessible through the Tata Play Mobile App, giving subscribers another option to watch short-format entertainment on the go. The addition reflects the growing demand for bite-sized, mobile-friendly entertainment and further expands Tata Play Binge Shots’ focus on short-form and micro-drama programming. Source: Economic Times

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Netflix, IICT announce scholarships for 100 students and professionals across six creative programmes

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) and Netflix have announced scholarships for 100 students and working professionals across India, covering up to 80% of course fees for six programmes in animation, visual effects, gaming and comics. The initiative is part of the Netflix India Storytelling Initiative, launched earlier this month after Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his India visit. The programme seeks to strengthen India’s creative talent pipeline by providing industry-oriented training across the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem. The scholarships will cover two one-year diploma programmes — Interactive Comics & Sequential Arts and Visual Effects Mastery — along with four six-month certificate courses in Virtual Art Department Content Creation, Media Tech Workflow, Art of Character Animation, and E-Sports & Gaming Management. Supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, the scholarships are available to both students and working professionals from across the country. Netflix is also involved in shaping the academic content of the programmes. The company has contributed to the curriculum for IICT’s Visual Effects Mastery and Media Tech Workflow courses, with an emphasis on current industry workflows, technologies and professional practices. The partnership is aimed at strengthening the connection between India’s expanding creative talent pool and the evolving requirements of the global AVGC-XR industry. Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and Chairman of the IICT Board, said the collaboration would bring industry expertise into academic training and help prepare professionals for the changing global creative sector. Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content, Netflix India, said the initiative would provide aspiring storytellers with access to specialised training in animation, visual effects, gaming and comics, while exposing them to industry expertise. Dr Vishwas Deoskar, CEO of IICT, said the partnership would help incorporate industry perspectives into curriculum development, professional workflows and the skills expected from students. The initiative has also received support from the broader AVGC-XR industry. Munjal Shroff, Chairman of the FICCI AVGC-XR Forum and Co-Founder and COO of Graphiti Studios, said industry-linked talent development would be important for India’s ambitions in the AVGC-XR sector. IICT is India’s national centre of excellence for the AVGC-XR sector and was established by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, FICCI and CII. The institute currently operates from the NFDC Complex on Pedder Road in Mumbai, while its permanent 10-acre campus is being developed at Film City, Goregaon. The 100 scholarships across six specialised programmes are intended to combine financial support with practical, industry-focused education, creating new opportunities for talent entering India’s animation, VFX, gaming, comics and emerging creative technology sectors.  

Netflix, IICT announce scholarships for 100 students and professionals across six creative programmes Read More »

Zee Entertainment Appoints Ashish Mishra as Chief Marketing Officer

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Zee Entertainment Enterprises has appointed Ashish Mishra as its new Chief Marketing Officer as the company seeks to strengthen its marketing strategy and enhance consumer engagement across its businesses. Based at Zee’s Mumbai headquarters, Mishra will report directly to CEO Punit Goenka and oversee the company’s network-wide marketing and brand initiatives. His responsibilities will include developing stronger consumer propositions, leading marketing campaigns across businesses and undertaking strategic and special projects aimed at supporting Zee’s long-term growth. As part of the organisational changes, Kartik Mahadev, who has been associated with Zee’s marketing operations, will transition to a new role within the company. Further details about his new position are expected to be announced soon. Welcoming the appointment, Goenka said marketing remains central to strengthening Zee’s relationship with consumers and creating long-term business value. He highlighted Mishra’s experience in building consumer-focused brands and his strategic and creative approach. Mishra said he would build on Zee’s understanding of Indian consumers while focusing on strengthening the company’s brand and content strategy, increasing consumer engagement and creating greater value for the business. Source: Economic Times

Zee Entertainment Appoints Ashish Mishra as Chief Marketing Officer Read More »

Disney+ Secures Global Streaming Rights to Formula E Racing Across 140+ Markets

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Disney+ has secured global streaming rights to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship across more than 140 territories, bringing one of the world’s leading electric racing series to audiences in 144 markets. The landmark agreement will provide Formula E with a more unified global streaming presence while allowing the championship to retain existing local television partnerships in key markets. In the United States, Formula E races will be available on ESPN’s streaming service, now known as ESPN Select. Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds said the partnership marks a major milestone for the championship, with Disney’s international reach expected to introduce the electric racing series to a much wider audience. Formula E, which held its first season in 2014, operates independently of Formula 1 and focuses exclusively on electric-powered racing and automotive technology. Disney+ deal comes ahead of GEN4 launch The streaming agreement comes as Formula E prepares to enter a new technological phase with the introduction of its GEN4 racing car. Formula E describes GEN4 as its fastest and most technologically advanced electric race car yet. The vehicle is capable of producing 600 kilowatts of power, equivalent to more than 815 horsepower, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 1.8 seconds. The championship says the acceleration is roughly 30% faster than that of a Formula 1 car, underscoring the technological advances being made in electric motorsport. 21-race season planned for 2026-27 Formula E is scheduled to stage 21 races across 13 locations during the 2026-27 season. The campaign will begin with the opening two rounds in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on December 18 and 19, before concluding in Tokyo in July. Dodds said Disney+ could play a key role in expanding Formula E’s international audience as the championship enters the GEN4 era. The partnership could also extend beyond live race coverage, with both sides exploring additional content and fan-focused experiences. Formula E Chief Media Officer Michaella Snoeck said retaining local linear television agreements alongside Disney+’s global streaming reach would allow the championship to serve established audiences while expanding its digital footprint. Live sports drive streaming growth Disney’s move into Formula E reflects the broader streaming industry’s growing focus on live sports as a way to attract and retain subscribers. High-profile sporting events can provide recurring, appointment-based viewing and encourage audiences to remain engaged with streaming platforms. Formula E’s emphasis on electric mobility, technological innovation and sustainability also aligns with Disney’s broader brand positioning. Disney+ branding will appear on the GEN4 race car during the upcoming season alongside other major commercial partners. Joe Earley, co-president of Direct to Consumer for Disney Entertainment, said Formula E’s combination of competition, technology and sustainability makes it a distinctive addition to Disney+’s live sports offering. The partnership is expected to give Formula E a significantly broader global digital platform as the championship prepares for its next generation of electric racing. Source: Variety

Disney+ Secures Global Streaming Rights to Formula E Racing Across 140+ Markets Read More »

Children Under 13 May Need Parental Consent to Join Social Media, Gaming Platforms Under Proposed Bill

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Children below the age of 13 may be prohibited from creating accounts on social media and online gaming platforms without verified parental consent under a proposed private member’s bill introduced by BJP MP Baijayant Panda. The Safeguarding Healthy Internet Environments for Little Digital-Natives (SHIELD) Bill, 2025, seeks to establish stronger safeguards for children using digital platforms. The proposed legislation would also prevent platforms from tracking, profiling or serving personalised advertisements to minors. The bill was listed for introduction in Parliament on Friday but could not be taken up as proceedings were disrupted by repeated adjournments. Another private member’s bill on preventing the misuse of artificial intelligence to generate realistic replicas of individuals was also scheduled for introduction. Under the proposed legislation, platforms accessible to minors would be required to implement age-verification mechanisms and provide parental-control dashboards. These tools would enable parents or guardians to monitor online activity, adjust privacy settings and control children’s screen time. The SHIELD Bill defines a child as an individual below 18 years of age and proposes specific safety obligations for social media networks, online gaming services and other digital intermediaries. The legislation seeks to prohibit platforms from collecting or using children’s data for tracking, profiling or personalised advertising. It would also require platforms to take measures to limit minors’ exposure to potentially harmful material, including pornography, gambling and simulated betting, violent or extremist content, and information related to drugs. Companies found violating the proposed provisions could face fines of up to ₹10 crore. In cases involving repeated or deliberate violations, authorities could potentially order the temporary suspension or blocking of services under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act. However, the proposed legislation still faces a long legislative path. Private members’ bills are rarely enacted into law, with only a small number having successfully cleared Parliament since Independence. Source: Hindustan Times  

Children Under 13 May Need Parental Consent to Join Social Media, Gaming Platforms Under Proposed Bill Read More »

Netflix marks 10 years in India; CEO Ted Sarandos meets PM Modi, launches storytelling initiative

/ Media Entertainment & Art Community

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Wednesday as the streaming giant celebrated a decade of operations in India and announced the Netflix India Storytelling Initiative, a long-term investment aimed at developing the country’s creative talent ecosystem. The multi-phase initiative seeks to strengthen India’s pipeline of creators in animation, visual effects (VFX), gaming and comics, building on Netflix’s collaboration with the Indian creative industry over the past 10 years. During this period, the platform has produced more than 200 original titles and filmed across 100+ locations in the country. According to Netflix, the initiative aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision by enhancing skill development, industry partnerships and creator training to position India as a global storytelling hub. As part of the first phase, Netflix will collaborate with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to jointly develop specialised courses in Visual Effects Mastery and Media Technology Workflows. The company will also sponsor 100 scholarships for Indian students enrolled in IICT’s in-person programmes, covering areas such as interactive comics, sequential art, virtual production, character animation, and e-sports and gaming management. In another key partnership, Netflix has joined hands with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to train audio description writers and voice artists, making films and series more accessible to audiences with visual and hearing impairments while adhering to international accessibility standards. Sarandos said India has long been one of the world’s richest storytelling nations and reaffirmed Netflix’s commitment to investing in the next generation of Indian creators. He added that strengthening the country’s creative ecosystem would create more opportunities for emerging talent while taking Indian stories to global audiences. The visit also commemorated Netflix’s 10-year journey in India through an event organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Tourism. During the event, the Ministry of Tourism and Netflix India launched “As Seen on Netflix,” a dedicated section on the Incredible India website that allows viewers to explore real-life locations, cultural traditions and experiences featured in Netflix productions. Sarandos also participated in a fireside discussion with Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the National Gallery of Modern Art, where they highlighted the role of authentic storytelling in promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage and supporting India’s creative economy. The event also showcased two new promotional films celebrating India’s wildlife and cultural heritage. The collaboration builds upon a memorandum of understanding signed between the Ministry of Tourism and Netflix India last year to promote India’s tourism and cultural diplomacy through storytelling. Highlighting its decade-long journey in India, Netflix cited acclaimed productions such as The Elephant Whisperers, Amar Singh Chamkila, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Musafir Café, Made in Korea and the upcoming patriotic series Operation Safed Sagar as examples of Indian stories resonating with audiences worldwide. As Netflix enters its second decade in India, the company said it will continue investing in India’s creative workforce while helping more local stories reach international audiences. Source: Variety

Netflix marks 10 years in India; CEO Ted Sarandos meets PM Modi, launches storytelling initiative Read More »