News Broadcasting
BBC to try out guidance labelling for media player
MUMBAI: With only a few weeks to go before the BBC introduces the second pilot phase of its podcasting initiative the integrated Media Player (iMP) in the UK the pubcaster has announced that, as part of the pilot, it is to trial a new labelling system for on-demand content available online.
The BBC states that this innovation is based on the realisation that in a world of time-shifted programming, when viewers can watch programmes any time of the day or night, such challenging content can no longer be signalled by the traditional 9 pm watershed.
The system signals challenging content – such as strong language, scenes of a sexual nature or violence – by placing a ‘G’ next to a programme title in the iMP’s electronic programming guide (EPG). The iMP allows people to download any TV programme within seven days of transmission
By clicking on the G users can then call up more details which explain the reason for the label. It is designed to provide adults and parents with sufficient details about a programme to make an informed choice on whether or not to watch or listen to it.
In the case of the iMP pilot, participants will have the option of password protecting G-labelled content to prevent younger viewers from downloading unsuitable programmes.
BBC Editorial Policy advisor Rachel Hermer, says, “The G label is based on research that told us people wanted a simple, easy-to-use, but information-rich, system that enabled them to make informed choices about what they watch. It offers peace of mind to those members of our audience – particularly parents – who are concerned with what children watch, without losing the freedom offered by the on-demand environment. We’ll be using the trial to see if we have struck the right balance.”
The BBC has undertaken two extensive pieces of research into the subject, looking at both the sorts of information audiences wanted about challenging content (such as text, age ratings or symbols) and where in an EPG the text would be best placed.
The BBC is hoping that broadcasters and operators involved in the development of on-demand programming and systems will be interested in the labelling proposal. It has promised to share its findings of the trial with the rest of the industry.
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.
