News Broadcasting
THANK YOU SACHIN!
NEW DLHI: After guiding Mumbai to a four-wicket win over Haryana in the Ranji Trophy, which was his final domestic game, Sachin Tendulkar said that he is now looking forward to his 200th Test match against West Indies. This match will mark an end to the God of Cricket’s 24-year cricketing career. CNN-IBN and IBN7 will pay tribute to the legend through their special programming – Thank You Sachin.
Under this, four special half-hours will showcase fellow cricketers or eminent personalities from the fields of arts and music paying tribute to Sachin and talking about the impact he has had on modern India. Among them will be Rahul Dravid, Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Lata Mangeshkar.
A special one-hour documentary on 3rd November on IBN7 and on 10th November on CNN-IBN will chronicle the journey of the legendary cricketer, from his time as a child prodigy in Mumbai to becoming the greatest batsman in the world.
In another special segment starting 4th November till 18th November, there will be bytes from renowned personalities from various walks of life paying tribute to the master blaster.
On IBN7, special shows and segments dedicated to the sport’s greatest retirement will include ‘God of Cricket’, which will capture the journey of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar from his childhood to becoming the God of Cricket; and ‘Great on Greatest’, in which some of the biggest names in international cricket such as Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Brian Lara will share their memories and talk about the star & his game.
Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat, said, “In a cricket-crazy country like ours, there are hardly a handful of individuals who can generate the kind of frenzy and adulation that Sachin Tendulkar can. After years of excellence on the cricket field, Sachin finally bids adieu to his 24-year-long career. It is with great pride that we dedicate this special series of programming to the cricket icon who has won the hearts of billions across our nation and the world.”
Ashutosh, Managing Editor, IBN7 said, “While the entire nation is sad and emotional at the news of Sachin’s retirement, our special programming will take a walk down memory lane and celebrate the success story of the cricketer who has carried the expectations of a billion people and won their hearts over the years. The programming will also showcase rare photographs and interviews of Sachin with those who tracked his journey of becoming one of the greatest cricketer ever.”
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
