News Broadcasting
Nickelodeon to launch its first theme park in US by 2008
MUMBAI: Viacom kid’s entertainment brand Nickelodeon and Mall of America have announced a partnership to set up the first-ever stand alone Nickelodeon theme park in United States by spring 2008. This initiative is also part of a re-branding initiative of the Mall’s seven-acre amusement park.
SpongeBob, Dora, Diego & Jimmy to come alive at first Nickelodeon theme park in US
An official announcement states that the construction will begin after the architectural plans are complete. Though the majority of the creative elements are in development, including the official name of the new park, one of the first rides to be introduced in the park is a roller coaster based the animated Nick series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. Construction is expected to begin in 2007.
Nickelodeon will also aim to establish its largest retail presence in the world at Mall of America, with a brand new Nick store occupying more than 4,000 square foot space, offering consumers items such as branded tee-shirts, souvenirs, novelties and more. The network will also introduce healthy dining options throughout the parks’ eateries, in line with its four year old health and wellness pro-social initiative for kids and families, Let’s Just Play.
Throughout the design and creative process, Mall of America and Nickelodeon will conduct research and gain feedback on different concepts and designs by working with an advisory panel of kid experts to weigh in on key decisions and issues, adds the release.
Nickelodeon Recreation senior vice president Howard Smith. “We’re absolutely thrilled to expand our brand with our first stand alone Nickelodeon theme park and our largest retail presence in such a wonderful destination.”
As part of the partnership, Nickelodeon will bring its top characters, interactivity, and its signature iconic green slime to Mall of America. The newly revamped park, and the first ever Nickelodeon theme park, will feature new rides, live shows, retail, games and entertainment, and food service establishments themed with top ranking network properties including: SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Danny Phantom, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, The Backyardigans and many more. Costumed characters and live interactive entertainment from these Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. shows will also find a home at the Mall.
Mall of America vice president business development Maureen Bausch. “We expect the newly themed park will draw even more new visitors from around the United States, as well as international travel markets.”
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 launches weekend show Health Matters to decode health trends
New show aims to cut through viral wellness fads with expert-backed advice
MUMBAI: In an age where viral reels often double up as lifestyle advice, CNN-News18 is launching a weekend show aimed at separating health facts from fashionable myths.
Titled News18 Health Matters, the half-hour programme will premiere on 14 March 2026 and position itself as a reliable guide through the maze of wellness trends, internet remedies and quick-fix health advice that increasingly shape everyday decisions.
India is in the midst of a major health transition. Lifestyle diseases are striking earlier, stress and sleep deprivation have become routine, and health choices are often influenced by trending content rather than medical evidence. The new show leans into this reality with a simple premise: trending does not always mean true.
Anchored by Hem Kaur Saroya and Himani Chandna, the programme will air every Saturday at 8:30 am and 5:30 pm and on Sundays at 10:30 am. Episodes will also be available on the channel’s YouTube platform.
Each instalment will tackle everyday health concerns that are increasingly entering mainstream conversations. Topics range from the rise of heart attacks among people under 40 and the growing reliance on protein supplements, to the rush toward weight-loss drugs and the widespread overuse of painkillers. The show will also examine issues such as screen addiction, chronic sleep loss, stress-related disorders and the rising prevalence of thyroid conditions, diabetes and hypertension.
Speaking about the launch, Rahul Shivshankar said the show aims to bring clarity to a space crowded with misinformation.
“With Health Matters, CNN-News18 aims to cut through the noise and empower viewers with clear, expert-led conversations grounded in science and medical evidence. At a time when viral trends increasingly influence lifestyle choices, it is important to distinguish between what is trending and what is truly beneficial for long-term health,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, Smriti Mehra said the programme reflects the channel’s commitment to responsible and relevant programming.
“With growing public interest in wellness and preventive health, Health Matters strengthens CNN-News18’s focus on issues that affect everyday life. In an increasingly crowded information space, credible and verified health conversations have never been more important,” she said.
With Health Matters, CNN-News18 is betting that viewers want more than bite-sized advice and viral fixes. The show promises something rarer in the age of algorithm-driven wellness tips: calm, credible conversations that help people make better health choices.
