BARC blackout opens a new channel for TV viewership data
The suspension of Broadcast Audience Research Council ratings has prompted new interest in RPD-based data collection for TV viewership. GTPL Hathway has started sharing data from connected set-top boxes to track channel viewing. While Tata Play has utilized RPD for internal purposes, concerns remain regarding its industry-wide credibility and sampling transparency. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has emphasized RPD's importance for future deployments by distribution platform operators.
Netflix users are watching less, not opening the app as often
Netflix Inc. has seen a decline in user engagement, with customers opening the app less frequently than before. Although total watch time increased due to new subscribers, individual viewing has decreased significantly during this period. The company is facing challenges such as increased competition and fewer hit productions impacting viewer attraction. In response to these issues, Netflix has made leadership changes to strengthen its content strategy and overall business model.
Hema Malini inaugurated Braj Raj Utsav 2026 with a captivating presentation of Ganga Avataran at the Swami Haridas Auditorium. Member of Parliament performed her classical dance drama in a traditional white shimmering saree, representing herself as Goddess Ganga.
GTPL Hathway begins publishing TV viewership data from 10,000+ set-top boxes
GTPL Hathway has introduced audience viewership data for TV channels through its set-top boxes across various markets. This is an industry first and adheres to the guidelines from the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. It uses return path data to derive insights without collecting personally identifiable information from subscribers.
YouTube partners with IIFA for global streaming of 2027 awards; ZEE remains broadcast partner
YouTube has partnered with IIFA to stream the 2027 awards worldwide, while Zee Entertainment Enterprises remains the events official broadcast partner. The collaboration will extend beyond the ceremony to include creator partnerships, digital watch parties, behind-the-scenes content and other programming during IIFA Week, connecting film stars with digital creators and global audiences.
Missed your BTS moment? ARIRANG is headed to 89 cinemas in India
BTS fans in India will have the chance to enjoy screenings of performances from the ARIRANG world tour. The concert screenings are scheduled for October 25 and 31 in 38 cities across the country. Both performances were filmed in Buenos Aires and So Paulo, providing a unique experience for fans. The event aims to facilitate a shared experience among BTS ARMY members in cinemas.
Goan food and history come together in this immersive theater performance by PaChaak Productions
Goa is a Bebinca will be staged in Bengaluru. It is an immersive theatre production by PaChaak and serves traditional Goan food along with the enactment of a family drama
Netflix, Hoichoi partner to expand Bengali content across multiple languages
Netflix and Bengali streaming platform Hoichoi have partnered to release Hoichois upcoming series on Netflix in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu over the next two years, alongside their Bengali premieres on Hoichoi. The deal also covers 14 existing titles, including Eken Sirji, Sampurna and Mahanagar.
OTT Releases This Week: Dorothy, Moana, Sumo Didi
This week's OTT releases offer a diverse selection, from the Tamil drama Dorothy to the live-action Moana, alongside Telugu thrillers, Korean cooking shows, and Hindi biopics, ensuring there's something for every viewer.
Theatre group Ank revisits the legacy of warrior queen Veera Rani Abbakka
To mark its golden jubilee, Ank presents Veera Rani Abbakka: The Queen of the Seas, The Flame of Ullala, a new play written, directed and headlined by Priita Mathur Thakur
Exes Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor hug each other during IIFA press conference [Watch]
Former lovebirds Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor shared a warm hug at an IIFA event on Thursday. A video of their cordial reunion has since surfaced online, bringing back memories of their much-loved on-screen pairing in Jab We Met.
Civic Studios announces three releases spanning climate, sex education and womens boxing
Civic Studios is set to release three films focused on important social issues in the coming months. Spice & Soul is their first climate microdrama which showcases food waste and local sourcing. Little Thomas aims to provide sex education through a child's perspective and will be released in Indian cinemas. In The Shadows, a biopic about boxer Ramla Ali, explores themes of identity and resilience.
Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival 2026: Six plays on identity and belonging
The upcoming festival brings six productions by theatre groups making their Bengaluru debut, exploring belonging through stories of migration, memory, caste, gender and climate change, shaped by diverse languages and lived experiences
I&B ministry cautions TV channels against AI misuse, calls for stronger editorial oversight
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued an advisory regarding AI use in news broadcasts. It cautioned channels to strengthen editorial oversight while adhering to the Programme Code. Concerns were raised about similar broadcasts and violations relating to sensitive content coverage. Broadcasters are encouraged to undertake regular training for editorial staff to ensure compliance. Violations of the Programme Code could lead to regulatory actions under applicable laws.
Box office collections jump 17% as Indian films deliver across genres
Box office collections and audience attendance for Indian films have shown recovery and growth in 2026. Data indicates a 17% increase in cumulative box-office collections compared to the previous year. Films across various budgets and languages have achieved notable success, reflecting changing audience preferences. Regional films have particularly resonated with local audiences before expanding their reach.
BARC registration delay deepens TV ratings market rift in India
The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) is yet to decide on fresh registration applications from BARC and TAM India, a joint venture between Nielsen and Kantar Media. Key concerns include BARC's ownership structure, progress on cross-media measurement and the absence of an updated Broadcast India study, according to people familiar with the matter.
Slaves, a new production by The Madras Players, is a translation of writer Sujatha
For years, Sujatha has captured the imagination of Tamil audiences through short stories, film scripts, and even theatre plays. On October 24, the Madras Players dramatises one of his earlier works, Adimaigal as Slaves on fortune, love, and loss
Slaves, a new production by The Madras Players, is a translation of writer Sujatha
For years, Sujatha has captured the imagination of Tamil audiences through short stories, film scripts, and even theatre plays. On October 24, the Madras Players dramatises one of his earlier works, Adimaigal as Slaves on fortune, love, and loss
Uday Shankar highlights that India's sports industry presents substantial long-term investment opportunities, particularly in cricket and others. He urges potential investors to adopt a longer timeframe beyond five years for returns. Shankar also notes that while cricket remains dominant, other sports are gaining significant audiences as well. The challenges include rising media-rights costs and competition with technology platforms. Furthermore, simplifying cricket formats could enhance viewer enjoyment and excitement over time.
Nuvama expects festive spending to improve in Q3FY27, with the late Diwali likely to support advertising and consumer engagement
First Drop Theatres Care-Tharsis provides caregivers with a platform for their stories
First Drop Theatre celebrates its tenth anniversary with a playback theatre enactment of caregiver stories
JioStar vice chairman Uday Shankar said sports, particularly cricket, has been a major investment for the company, helping it build a digital audience of 600 million monthly active users. However, he said soaring cricket media rights costs have made the business increasingly difficult.
