News Broadcasting
The curious case of CCI’s TAM Media investigation
MUMBAI: The TV ratings tornado that had struck the industry a couple of months ago has died down and it appears as if even the same has happened with the TAM Media investigation being conducted by the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Of course the CCI will deny it, but, it does seem so.
The deadline for the responses to the queries sent out to media industry stakeholders by the CCI was 18 July.
“We had received the questionnaire by the enquiry committee of CCI on 18 July. The responses to which were sent to them on the same day. After that we have not received any update from CCI,” informs a highly placed official in Prasar Bharati.
It may be recalled that the CCI had started the investigation post a complaint filed by Prasar Bharati against the audience measurement agency for anti-competitive practices in November last year. The complaint was filed under section 4 of the Competition Act 2002, which pertains to abuse of a dominant position by a market player.
“We are still in the process of collecting data from the stakeholders. The matter is still being investigated,” informs a source from the CCI. The body has asked for an extension to collect the data. “There is a provision to extend the time frame and we are seeking extensions to ensure a proper investigation,” adds the source who refuses to comment any further on the investigation.
It was in late June, this year that the CCI had started sending out notices to key players in the media and entertainment industry seeking information on TAM in order to ascertain whether there was any case to be made against it. The notice sent by CCI was just the first step to find out what reported “wrongs” was TAM Media doing.
When Indiantelevision.com contacted TAM for its comment on the same, a TAM representative responded by say, “We have decided not to comment on the investigation.”
With CCI not yet completing the first step of investigation, how long will the body take to come out with its final verdict? Or are more pressing matters taking up its attention? “You can’t forget, things such as these have a process and take time,” says a media observer. “Don’t be surprised if a damning report against TAM emerges closer to the time of the ratings launch under BARC next year.”
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
