TV18 has announced that it is set to delve into film production. Raghav Bahl who founded TV18 runs CNN-IBN, along with CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and IBN7 amongst others.

TV18’s first film production will be Ravi Chopra’s ‘Bhootnath’, which is directed by Vivek Sharma and stars Amitabh Bachchan and Juhi Chawla.

There are some rumours that the UTV’s vice-president international distribution and syndication Ashoka Holla has quit. The website Business of Cinema has reported that Holla is heading to TV18 group’s new film division. (more…)

The Hindi News channel from TV18 group and Jagran TV Channel 7 is coming with a new look from June 5, created by Florida based VDO, a broadcast design and branding company. The environment, including the channel ID, show openers, and on-air graphic packages, has been changed to give the channel a more contemporary look and feel. The new logo in red, black and silver is bold, impact full, sophisticated and distinct “The idea behind the new logo is to give it a contemporary look. The new logo is also aimed at communicating the core brand values of the channel and its philosophy,” said Dilip Venkatraman, Director Marketing, TV18 Group.

Senior Producer of VDO Dianne Streyer, added, “The idea behind changing the on-air look of the channel was to make it more modern and connect with the viewers. The Indian market is cluttered with a plethora of news channels and it was important to give it a distinctive look to create a unique identity for Channel 7.”

VDO was also instrumental in developing the on-air look for CNN-IBN channel. Clearwater, the unique brand packaging solutions for networks, broadcast groups, stations and cable channels. The company’s client portfolio includes well-known broadcasters like NBC, CBS, ABC, and FOX, among others.