News Broadcasting
I&B ministry issues advisory to news channels; plans changes in Cable TV Act
MUMBAI: Information and Broadcasting ministry has issued an advisory to all the private news channels, to exercise restraint while airing news related to Mumbai terror attacks and its subsequent developments.
Appreciating the efforts of the media for covering the attacks, the ministry has cautioned news channels to “exercise some degree of caution and restraint as a mark of respect to those who have died in the terror strikes,” PTI quotes a senior official of the Ministry as saying.
“Though we appreciate the maturity shown by the Indian media while broadcasting last week’s terror attacks, through the advisory issued we have appealed to them that by repeatedly showing the visuals of the carnage, they are inadvertently harming the sentiments of those affected by it,” the official adds.
The advisory has been sent to the channels only to give them a message that they should be a bit more considerate in their coverage of the incident even though they have shown a lot responsibility.
It was learnt initially that the Ministry may take some decisions regarding further tightening of the cable laws. However, Ministry sources said that considering the responsible role of media, they just decided to issue an advisory.
Meanwhile, the ministry is tightening laws governing cable television broadcast, for which it is planning to introduce changes in Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995.
In the backdrop of India TV getting a notice from the ministry last week for airing a telephonic conversation with a couple of terrorists involved in the attack, ministry officials held a series of long meetings chaired by I&B secretary Sushma Singh to discuss the pros and cons of amending the Cable TV Act in order to bring private television channel coverage under stricter supervision.
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.
