GECs
Star Plus continues to drive improved bottomline of News Corp’s Asia operations
MUMBAI: Star, Rupert Murdoch’s Asian pay TV platform, has declared a 27 per cent reduction in quarterly operating loss for the quarter 1 July to 30 September this year compared to the corresponding period last year, reports say.
A report put out by advanced-television.com, Star TV, while not getting into exact numbers, says that the gain was due to a 15 per cent revenue growth, mainly provided by the jewel in Star Asia’s crown, Star Plus in India. The report also highlighted that joint ventures in India, China and Taiwan, respectively Hathway Cable, Phoenix Satellite TV and Taiwan Cable Systems, showed increased revenues four times over what was recorded for the same period in 2001.
ESPN Star Sports (ESS) reported a 48 per cent increase in revenue in Hong Kong and India on the back of anti-piracy measures and subscription increases levied on cable TV operators respectively, the report says.
The increasing contribution from Star’s India operations clearly goes to show that Peter Mukerjea and his team are on the right track. The question being asked is: how long will they continue on their winning streak?
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… connection because this time, the game isn’t just about winning, it’s about who’s with you. Sony Pictures Networks India is gearing up to launch a new reality game show, Tum Ho Naa, expanding its unscripted slate with a format that promises both emotion and engagement.
The show will premiere soon on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV, with Rajeev Khandelwal stepping in as host. Known for his measured screen presence and selective choices, Khandelwal’s return to television adds a layer of familiarity and credibility to the upcoming format.
While specific details of the gameplay remain under wraps, the positioning suggests a reality format that leans as much on emotional resonance as it does on competition, an increasingly popular blend in Indian television, where audiences are gravitating towards content that offers both stakes and storytelling.
Khandelwal, reflecting on his return, noted that his choices have often been guided by instinct rather than convention, describing Tum Ho Naa as a project that feels “close to the heart”. His association also signals Sony’s continued focus on anchoring new formats with recognisable faces who bring both relatability and depth.
The launch comes at a time when broadcasters are doubling down on original non-fiction formats to drive appointment viewing, even as digital platforms expand parallel reach. By placing the show across both linear television and OTT, Sony appears to be aiming for a dual-audience strategy capturing traditional viewers while engaging digital-first consumers.
As the countdown to premiere begins, Tum Ho Naa positions itself not just as another game show, but as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest prize on screen isn’t the jackpot, it’s the journey shared along the way.
