iWorld
ZEE5 Global add-ons announce Blue Tick
Mumbai: Get ready to dive into the world of social media stardom as ZEE5 Global has announced ‘Blue Tick, streaming on their add-ons platform Epic On from 19 July. This new series follows the meteoric rise and fall of an influencer as her viral fame propels her into the glamorous yet unforgiving world of the film industry.
The series follows Pallavi, an ambitious dreamer from a small town on the outskirts of Delhi, who encounters Viraj, a magnetic and charming B-town star. Their meeting sets the stage for a captivating tale of fame, love, and self-discovery. Starring Siddharth Nigam as Viraj and Parul Gulati as Pallavi, along with Neeraj Sood, Neelu Singh, and Shreya Gupto in supporting roles, ‘Blue Tick’ delves deep into the psyche of an influencer whose life becomes a spectacle for the masses. The series explores the highs and lows of internet stardom, offering viewers an intimate look at the personal sacrifices and ethical dilemmas faced by those who live their lives in the public eye.
Gulati added, “This series is a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. My character’s journey from an ordinary individual to a social media icon and then to navigating the cutthroat film industry is both inspiring and cautionary. It’s a reflection of how quickly life can change and the importance of staying grounded. I believe viewers will find a part of themselves in this story.”
Nigam shared his enthusiasm, saying, “Being part of #BLUETICK (verified) has been an extraordinary experience. The storyline is incredibly relevant in today’s digital age where social media is omnipresent. It’s a thought-provoking tale that will resonate with audiences who understand the power and pitfalls of social media. I’m thrilled to bring this character to life and to be part of such a compelling narrative.”
‘Blue Tick’ is not just a story about the allure of fame; it examines the profound impact of social media on individual lives and the complex interplay between personal identity and public persona.
Don’t forget to stream the dramatic world of ‘Blue Tick’ from 19 July only on ZEE5 Global add-ons!
iWorld
Meta signs multiyear AI deal with News Corp
Agreement worth up to $50 million annually covers WSJ, New York Post and UK titles.
MUMBAI: Meta just bought itself a front-row seat to the newsroom because when AI needs facts, even Zuckerberg is willing to pay the subscription fee. Meta Platforms has signed a multiyear artificial intelligence content licensing agreement with News Corp that could be worth up to $50 million (£39 million) a year, The Wall Street Journal reported on 25 February 2026. The deal, expected to run for at least three years, grants Meta access to News Corp’s US and UK content including The Wall Street Journal and New York Post for training AI models and powering real-time information retrieval in its products.
Australian mastheads such as the Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun are not included. News Corp CEO Robert Thomson revealed the arrangement during a Morgan Stanley technology conference in San Francisco, describing news organisations as a vital “input company” in the AI ecosystem. “We’re essentially an input company,” he said. “The great threat in the age of AI is going to be to what you might call output companies.”
Thomson emphasised the value of reliable journalism as foundational infrastructure for AI systems, noting regular conversations with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg via Whatsapp and ongoing talks with OpenAI’s Sam Altman. He added that News Corp is in “advanced stage” negotiations for additional deals, promising further announcements soon.
The agreement follows News Corp’s 2024 five-year partnership with OpenAI (reportedly worth more than $250 million) and reflects Meta’s broader push to secure content licences. The company has already confirmed deals with People Inc, USA Today, CNN and Fox News, though financial terms remain undisclosed.
Publishers remain divided, some pursue partnerships for revenue, while others litigate. News Corp subsidiaries have sued Perplexity over copyright infringement, The New York Times is suing OpenAI and Microsoft, yet the same NYT struck a separate AI licensing deal with Amazon reportedly worth $20–25 million annually.
Thomson summed up the dual strategy as “woo or sue” seeking commercial agreements where possible, legal action when content is used without permission.
In an AI race where data is oxygen, Meta isn’t just training models, it’s buying the raw material for tomorrow’s answers, one headline at a time.
