News Broadcasting
First IPTV network devoted to independent, student filmmakers launched in the US
MUMBAI: Interactive Television Networks (ITVN) which deals with Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) has created an independent film network. This will launch next month.
The Indie Film Theater will offer its entire catalogue of titles to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis. Unlike the current generation of download services, ITVN’s Indie Film Theater, as is the case with all of ITVN’s networks, delivers instant real-time streaming of content to the home television without the need for a PC.
ITVN CEO Charles Prast says, “ITVN’s Indie Film Theater delivers award-winning independent and student films to our customers. We are committed to offering the best in entertainment and are proud to now offer hundreds of
excellent films that fall outside of the studio system and cannot be found on other networks.”
Initial content that wil be offered will include the library from World Cinema Online. This offers a selection of the finest independent, foreign language, cult and classic films from around the world. ITVN’s Indie Film Theater is a Pay-Per-View service that will allow users to view difficult to find, award-winning films at attractive prices. Most films will cost $2.95 for 72 hours of unlimited viewing.
World Cinema Online co-CEO Marcus cherry says, “At World Cinema Online we’re passionate about bringing independent and international films to larger audiences. ITVN is at the forefront of the on-demand entertainment revolution and we are delighted to combine our films with their technology. This partnership is an integral part of our strategy to use broadband technologies to bring award-winning independent films to the worldwide audiences they deserve.”
ITVN points out that IPTV has many advantages, such as virtually limitless programming and on-demand content because only channels selected by consumers are delivered over home broadband networks. All content-including HDTV-can be distributed on a subscription or pay-per-view basis with content promotion integrated into the user experience. IPTV also offers interactivity for the customer, allowing two-way communication with services comparable to the Web, creating a better environment for users, programmers and advertisers.
News Broadcasting
Rising Bharat Summit 2026 spotlights India’s global ascent
PM Modi keynotes two-day event with ministers, diplomats and icons in New Delhi.
MUMBAI: India didn’t just host a summit, it threw a coming-out party for a nation ready to own the global stage. The News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026, held on 27–28 February in New Delhi, emerged as a high-octane platform for ideas, vision and strategic dialogue, uniting national leadership, global policymakers, industry titans, defence strategists and cultural icons under the theme “Strength Within”.
Prime minister Narendra Modi set the tone with a keynote that framed India’s resurgence as a reclaiming of lost potential built over generations. “In previous industrial revolutions, India and the Global South were merely followers,” he said. “But in the era of Artificial Intelligence, India is a partner in decisions and shaping them.” He highlighted the country’s thriving AI startup ecosystem and the recent AI Impact Summit attended by over 100 nations.
Union minister Piyush Goyal (Commerce & Industry) stressed India’s readiness to scale exports and deepen manufacturing, while Ashwini Vaishnaw (Railways, I&B, Electronics & IT) positioned technology and infrastructure as twin engines of growth, especially in AI and digital trust. Jyotiraditya Scindia (Communications & North East Development) revealed India’s ambition to lead in 6G through the Bharat 6G Alliance and partnerships with over 30 countries.
Global voices added depth: former Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo called India’s development “self-sustaining” and strategically vital; ex-UK Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter asserted India deserves a seat at the great powers’ table; and former US Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez joined ambassadors from Norway, Germany and Sweden in discussions on geopolitical realignment, sustainability and defence preparedness.
Other speakers included veteran investor Ramesh Damani, World Gold Council CEO David Tait, Vianai Systems founder Dr Vishal Sikka, DeepTech Bharat Foundation co-founder Shashi Shekhar Vempati, defence experts Rajesh Kumar Singh, Sunil Ambekar, Patrick McGee, Tom Cooper and Adrian Fontanellaz, plus cultural and sporting icons Kangana Ranaut, Saina Nehwal, PR Sreejesh, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mithali Raj, Anil Kapoor and Yami Gautam.
The summit was supported by Jio Financial Services (Presenting Partner), Phonepe and DS Group (Co-Presenting Partners), Pernod Ricard India and Kia Seltos (Powered By & Driven By), state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand (State Partners), and associate partners including NSE, M3M Foundation and Reliance Industries.
Broadcast live across News18 Network, CNBC-TV18 and CNBC Awaaz, the event reinforced India’s image as a confident democracy and emerging global power proving that when strength comes from within, the world can’t help but watch.
