Viewers in the UK will have access to India’s only international news brand on channel #287

WION, World Is One, India’s first and only international news channel, will launch on the UK’s leading platform – Freeview via IP and using the most innovative FAST SSAI on 22nd March 2023. The channel expanded its global footprint and increased its reach by ~15 mn Freeview Connect households in the UK. Viewers in the UK can tune in to India’s award-winning international news brand on Channel #287 via Freeview, starting March 22, 2023.

WION, India’s first and only international news channel, brings India’s voice to the world, and provides an unbiased platform to the stories that otherwise miss the headlines. WION’s catalogue compromises of a wholesome mix of news and feature shows catering to a global audience across geographies and age groups. Highly acclaimed show Gravitas, WION Pulse, This World, The India Story, The West Asia Post, Inside South Asia, WION Wideangle, WION Fineprint, World Of Africa, are some of the WION’s most popular shows. WION has 30 international bureaus and accomplished news network globally which caters to the huge demand of the viewers.

Emphasising the global partnership and outreach, Madhu Soman, Chief Business Officer of WION, said, “WION has always been open to exploring new platforms. Taking into consideration the fact that Freeview replaced the old analogue TV service accessibility to a widespread audience in the UK, it is a great opportunity for the channel to present global stories from an Indian perspective. This global move also encourages us to further boost timely and fast-paced news reportage with gripping visuals and strong content, backed by research and investigation.”

Anindya Khare, Marketing Head of Zee Media Corporation Limited, further added, “The United Kingdom television viewing market is expected to flourish because of some major factors like emerging economies' rapid economic development, demand for smart televisions, the growing over-the-top platform market etc. We strongly believe that the UK market has a lot of potential for the channel to introduce new customised programme packaging to the audience, engage stakeholders through strategised communication and build on a high preference ratio.

Through a strategised approach, we also look forward to being consistent in launching interesting programmes on WION in markets like US, India, UK etc. This allows our glocalised viewers and readers to understand the impact of major global events from a uniquely Indian perspective.”

“We are thrilled to launch WION via Freeview Connect and expand Freeview news offering with the leading news channel from India and also being able to monetise it using the Synapse FAST SSAI”, said Tanya Kronfli, Managing Director of Global Distribution Services, specialising on delivery and digital Monetisation of TV content via Freeview Connect.

WION is accessible via Freeview TVs which are connected to the internet. Channel number 287.

Available in over 190+ countries, WION is India’s global voice, its YouTube channel boasts of over 7 million subscribers. Wion is also available in the UK on Sky platform Channel #519 and available on almost digital platforms such Apple TV, Smart TVs, Amazon, Roku, Samsung Etc.

This is Mona Jain’s second stint with the ZEE group

Mona Jain will be involved in strategic investment planning and head revenue for all 14 news channels of ZEE media

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, has roped in Mona Jain- a veteran media professional, as the new Chief Revenue Officer for all of its 14 news channel properties. She is all set to head the revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic investments across different channels of Zee Media.

With 30-years of expertise in media marketing and promotions, Zee Media will also involve Mona Jain in business growth and partnerships through strategic decisions, and steer leadership on behalf of the sales team of all TV channels of Zee Media.

Mona Jain started her career journey way back in 1989 as a Media Manager at Hindustan Thompson Associates and held the positions of Executive Director and Media director at Cheil Communications and Mudra Communications. Prior to her ABP Network stint in November 2019, Jain had spent 6 years in Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd. (ZEEL), serving as Executive Vice President, AD Sales. This is her second stint with the Zee group.

Speaking of joining the team, Mona Jain, the Chief Revenue Officer at ZMCL, said, “I am extremely happy to join back the Zee family and this time round in the news genre. It’s an exciting space and the news network has some very strong and credible content and channels with ample opportunity to innovate and create differentiated revenue opportunities by providing some groundbreaking solutions and be a part of our advertising partners' growth stories. Zee Media is present across significant geographies with the highest reach and an extensive loyal viewer base. I look forward to being part of this strong legacy and working with a highly talented and experienced team.”

Speaking on the new appointment, Abhay Ojha, CBO of ZMCL, said “We have immense faith in the expertise that Mona Jain brings to the table. The appointment of Mona Jain as the new Chief Revenue Officer will surely accelerate 5X growth and revenue for the brand and take it to greater heights with each passing day.”

Farming equipment, mobile phones & tablets, consumer durables, automobiles & automobile equipment will be the initial focus of the ‘Right to Repair’ framework

DNA, one of the leading shows well-known for its inclusive reporting, investigative journalism, and 360-degree coverage, rolled out a special episode on a step-by-step guide on ‘Right to Repair’, a framework introduced by The Ministry of Consumer Affairs. This special episode empowered citizens by explaining the need for the launch of https://righttorepairindia.gov.in. It is an eye-opener to citizens, acknowledging the fact that no company/ manufacturer can deny repairing their electronics or demand for extra charges for repairing.

The Zee News-DNA show also emphasized on the research study findings by a German sustainability research group, Öko-Institut', highlighting the fact that electronics and consumer durables manufactured in 2004 were found in working conditions for up to five years. However, the lifespan of products manufactured in 2012 decreased and shortened to less than five years. This has been a marketing gimmick by several companies, to influence consumers to buy upgraded products within a short period. However, the ‘Right to Repair’ framework is significant as it will give consumers a chance to repair their products at an optimal cost instead of buying new products altogether.

At present, Farming equipment, Mobiles/ electronics, Automobiles and Consumer Durables sectors are covered under the Right to Repair framework. All details related to their products service, warranty, terms and conditions, etc. are aggregated on the ‘Right to Repair’ portal.

Commenting on the relevance of the right to repair, Nidhi Khare Additional Secretary, the Department of Consumer Affairs, said, “Consumers are promised a 10-year product warranty at the time of purchase. However, when the consumer faces some technical issues and approaches the dealer for a solution, he/she receives a standard response – ‘This product model isn’t being manufactured anymore’ or ‘The spare parts of this model aren’t available anymore’. This further results in consumers forcibly giving up on the product, adding to the unplanned expense of purchasing a new/upgraded product.”

Commenting on the success of the impactful campaign reportage, Rajnish Ahuja, Editor, Zee News said, “Zee News's Flagship show DNA has a dedicated team of reporters and researchers continues to be consistent in their research and analysis. We look forward to educating citizens on their rights and initiatives taken up by the Government of India to make informed decisions.”

The film featuring PM Narendra Modi, Bill Gates, Adar Poonawalla and Dr Krishna Ella among others explains how India conducted the world’s largest vaccination drive ‘The Vial’ is a History TV18 original, produced by Colosceum Media.

It premieres on History TV18 on March 24, 2023 at 8PM

India’s Covid-19 vaccination programme has proven to be the largest vaccination program in the world. To shed light on this remarkable journey, History TV18 is set to launch a documentary titled, ‘The Vial – India’s Vaccine Story’ on March 24, 2023 at 8 PM.

‘The Vial’ brings to life the inside story of what went into producing the Covid-19 vaccine vial. It unfolds the story behind India’s success in developing, manufacturing and delivering the Covid-19 vaccine in unprecedented timelines.

The 60-minute documentary narrated by renowned actor Manoj Bajpayee features Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi; Adar Poonawalla (CEO, Serum Institute of India); Bill Gates (co-founder of Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation); Dr. Sumit Agarwal (Scientist, ICMR); Dr. Shamika Ravi (public policy expert); Dr Devi Shetty (Founder of Narayana Hrudayalaya); and Dr Krishna Ella (Chairman, Bharat Biotech) among others.

This is also the first documentary where Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks in detail about India’s victory over Covid-19 pandemic.

‘The Vial’ chronicles the development of the vaccine, from the isolation of the strain in Pune’s National Institute of Virology to manufacturing of two of the world’s most effective vaccine candidates in record time to cater to the country’s massive population.

It also takes a closer look at some of the case studies that spotlight the determination of the Indian government and health workers in making the vaccines accessible to people until the very last mile, despite challenging terrains and landscapes.

Commenting on the documentary, Manoj Bajpayee said, “India’s Covid-19 vaccine story is a remarkable accomplishment for the country, and as Indians, we all should be aware and proud of it. This film is a tribute to our healthcare professionals and frontline workers who produced the vaccines in unprecedented timelines and executed the vaccination drive, despite several challenges. They are the reason why we are stepping out of our homes confidentially today. I am honoured to be part of this documentary.”

Today, the majority of 1.3 billion people in India have received at least one round of the vaccine. The vaccination drive owes its success to a strong surveillance network, public- private partnership, dedication of India’s healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and citizens, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The country also set an example for the world through the Vaccine Maitri initiative through which 232.43 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine were provided across 100 countries.

‘The Vial’ is a History TV18 original, produced by Colosceum Media. It premieres on History TV18 on March 24, 2023 at 8PM.

Tata Play Binge is now home to 25 national, regional and international OTT apps

The new addition to the Binge content bouquet will give viewers a flavour of travel and lifestyle content

Along with Travelxp, Tata Play Binge is now home to 23 other popular OTT apps like Disney+ Hotstar, ZEE5, Voot Select, SonyLIV, MX Player, Lionsgate Play, Sun NXT, ShortsTV, ReelDrama, hoichoi, Chaupal, Namma Flix, Planet Marathi, manoramaMAX, Koode, Tarang Plus, Hungama Play, Eros Now, ShemarooMe, Voot Kids, Curiosity Stream, EPIC ON and DocuBay, along with Gaming,
Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are available as add-ons for Tata Play DTH subscribers.

Tata Play Binge welcomes Travelxp as the latest addition to its entertainment portfolio and expands its OTT family to 25+ apps. Binge viewers will now be able to access premium travel and lifestyle content through Travelxp.

Travelxp is an exclusive OTT platform with premium quality shows dedicated to viewers who love the luxuries and intricacies of the travel and lifestyle, served at the comfort of their homes. With access to best-in-class content around the world, Travelxp shows are dubbed in languages like English, Hindi, Tamil and Bengali, and also feature subtitles in numerous other regional languages. The platform hosts more than 600 travel stories from over 90 destinations in the world, including popular shows like The Gypsies, Backpack, Xplore India, World Heritage, Strictly Street and more.

Commenting on the addition of the new partner app, Tata Play’s Chief Commercial and Content Officer, Pallavi Puri, said, “With every new partnership our endeavour is to provide Tata Play Binge viewers a seamless and comprehensive streaming experience, giving them choicest entertainment under one roof. Travelxp is home to exceptional travel stories from around the world that will broaden the horizon of any travel enthusiast. We are delighted to have them onboard.”

Further adding to this, Mr. Tanay Chothani, CEO of travelxp.com "I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Tata Play Binge, one of the leading players in the Indian OTT market. Our mission has always been to provide our viewers with the best travel and lifestyle content from around the world, and this collaboration will enable us to reach even more audiences across India. With this partnership, we are excited to offer our premium quality shows to Tata Play Binge's existing subscriber base, and together, we look forward to delivering an unparalleled viewing experience to our audiences."

Tata Play was the first DTH service provider to bring Travelxp 4K HDR channel for Indian viewers via Tata Play Binge+ Android Set top box. Travelxp is world’s first 4K HDR channel that uses Dynamic Range Technology to display crisp and clear images on TV.