iWorld
News9 Mediaverse presents ‘Heralding 2024’
Mumbai: As the new year begins, News9 Mediaverse, the latest English offering by TV9 Network, is poised to revolutionise the news landscape with its year-end programming series, ‘Heralding 2024.’ This unparalleled initiative will unfold across three dynamic platforms—News9 Plus, the world’s first OTT platform; News9 Live, India’s premier 24×7 digital streaming platform; and news9live.com, for those who love the written word.
Taking off from 3 December 2023 to 31 March 2024, ‘Heralding 2024’ will captivate audiences with a power-packed lineup of 12 exclusive series that redefine news and infotainment, touching upon a diverse array of topics in the genres of news exclusives, ideas, and conversations.
With ‘Heralding 2024’, News9 Mediaverse reaffirms its commitment to redefine the very essence of news and information. It’s not just about chasing headlines; rather, it’s about going beyond news. It offers an experience that resonates with the discerning palate of its audience by looking at today through the prism of tomorrow.
The exclusive news segments form the core of ‘Heralding 2024,’ encompassing four overarching categories—Unveiling Intriguing Investigations with ‘Probe’, Exploring Political Frontiers ‘Mandate 2024’, and offering a comprehensive perspective on global affairs with ‘Global Lens’. Focusing on crucial national issues, and keeping the audience informed about developments within the country with ‘In India’s Interest’. Tailoring stories that resonate with the audience, connecting on a personal level, and addressing topics that matter to individuals— ‘In Your Interest’.
Additionally, the section on ‘Ideas and Conversations’ is dedicated to amplifying voices and sparking intellectual discourse. By presenting diverse perspectives and thought-provoking content, it strives to ignite minds and foster meaningful conversations. Within this segment, you will also find ‘Duologue with Barun Das,’ unveiling its stellar lineup of guests in season 02.
News9 Mediaverse presents a captivating array of content across various genres, meticulously crafted for the discerning English audience of ‘Heralding 2024.’ This marks the dawn of a new era in news and infotainment, promising an engaging and insightful experience.
iWorld
JioHotstar to launch micro dramas during IPL
Streaming giant plans free, ad-supported bite-sized stories during IPL to engage mobile-first audiences
JioHotstar is gearing up to launch a wave of micro dramas, eyeing India’s fast-growing appetite for bite-sized storytelling and new revenue opportunities. According to sources close to the matter, the streaming platform is expected to go live with the content during the Indian Premier League, which runs from 28 March to 31 May.
The move comes as the micro-drama market in India surges, with Redseer Strategy Consultants projecting the overall interactive media segment could reach $3.1–3.4 billion by FY2030, with micro dramas leading the growth. The format has already proven commercially viable abroad — China’s micro-drama sector generated $360 million in 2023, up 267 per cent year-on-year.
Micro dramas are designed for rapid consumption on mobile devices. Episodes typically run 60–90 seconds, shot in vertical 9:16 format, and rely on fast-paced plots and cliffhangers to keep viewers glued. Stories tend to revolve around high-stakes drama, from romance and revenge to corporate intrigue, blending social-media immediacy with professional production values.
Sources said the IPL provides the perfect launchpad, with millions tuning in to the platform for live cricket, creating a ready audience for short-form narrative experiments. The content will initially be free and accessible to all.
JioHotstar, which already boasts over 300 million subscribers, plans to roll out more than 100 micro dramas across multiple genres and languages, including Hindi and South Indian languages. The move is expected to strengthen its regional content strategy and appeal to mobile-first viewers, particularly in metro and Tier-1 cities where the format is currently most popular.
“The timing is perfect,” said a source close to the project, requesting anonymity. “With micro dramas on the rise, this is a chance for JioHotstar to experiment with new formats and engage audiences in a way traditional series cannot.”
The platform is not the first in India to test the format. ALTBalaji, StoryTV and Zee Bullet have all dabbled in short episodic storytelling. But JioHotstar’s scale — and its ability to pair content with one of the country’s biggest sporting events — could make it a defining moment for micro dramas in India.
With mobile consumption and vernacular content on the rise, the gamble seems clear: capture attention fast, keep it longer, and turn bite-sized narratives into a robust revenue engine.
Note: The cover image used is AI-generated.
