News Broadcasting
Critically acclaimed British rockers Franz Ferdinand on CNN’s ‘Talk Asia’
Indian Standard Times
Saturday, March 4 at 0930am, 2000hrs and 2230hrs
Sunday, March 5 at 0600am, 1700hrs and 2030hrs
Monday, March 6 at 0900am
Franz Ferdinand’s lead singer Alex Kapranos and bass guitarist Bob Hardy join TALK ASIA’s Lorraine Hahn this weekend. The four-piece-band first got together in 2002 and have since produced two critically acclaimed albums, enjoyed chart success on several continents and won a number of prestigious awards including the Mercury Music Prize and MTV Video Award in 2004 and Best British Group at The BRITs in 2005.
The group hopes that their unique name, taken from the Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand whose assassination precipitated the First World War, will inspire musicians to be a catalyst for change. A combination of art, communication and social responsibilities lies at the heart of their music: “the best music does make a difference to your life as well. And it’s often in a personal way, and it’s often more of a social thing than a political thing.” Being both performers and fans, Franz Ferdinand also appreciate the artistic qualities of other British bands. To them, the term “competition” is rather “an old-fashion attitude”.
Keeping true to their Indy roots, Franz Ferdinand have remained active in the music scene of Glasgow and enjoy creating tunes that people can dance to. “There’s no point in trying to create music that has a commercial appeal, it just doesn’t work. I’ve known bands that have tried to chase after the current trend, or whatever is particularly fashionable…and it always comes across as being insincere and slightly distasteful” explains Kapranos. To survive in the current music industry, “you’ve got to keep writing goods songs” and that’s what they hope to do with their upcoming third album.
AIRTIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
News Broadcasting
TV9 to host What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 in Delhi
PM Narendra Modi to keynote two day forum on India and the world
NEW DELHI: TV9 Network is gearing up to host the fourth edition of its flagship What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 on March 23 and 24 in the national capital, bringing together a wide spectrum of voices to debate India’s place in a shifting global order.
The summit will open with a keynote address by Narendra Modi, setting the tone for this year’s theme, “India and the world”, as the country positions itself at the crossroads of economic growth, geopolitical shifts and technological change.
From cabinet ministers to chief ministers, business leaders to cultural figures, the event promises a crowded stage and a lively exchange of ideas. Union ministers such as Piyush Goyal and Jyotiraditya Scindia are expected to attend, alongside state leaders including Mohan Yadav, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Nayab Singh Saini and Bhagwant Mann.
Political voices from across the aisle, including Smriti Irani, Akhilesh Yadav and Asaduddin Owaisi, will also join the conversation, ensuring that the debates are as diverse as they are dynamic.
Adding a cultural and sporting touch, personalities such as yoga guru Swami Ramdev, poet Kumar Vishwas and cricketing names like Sourav Ganguly, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh are set to share the stage. Global business leaders and diplomats will further widen the lens, reflecting the summit’s international outlook.
Speaking ahead of the event, TV9 Network managing director and chief executive officer Barun Das, said India stands at a unique moment in history, combining demographic strength, technological capability and entrepreneurial energy. He noted that in uncertain times, honest conversations and bold ideas will shape the country’s trajectory.
The summit will explore themes ranging from economic growth and governance to innovation, sustainability and culture, positioning itself as a platform for dialogue at a time when the world is in flux.
With a packed agenda and a high-profile guest list, What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 aims to do more than just talk. It seeks to capture a moment where India is not only part of the global conversation, but increasingly helping lead it.
