News Broadcasting
Fromer E! boss Jarl Mohn joins MobiTV
MUMBAI: In a move that signals the potential of the mobile television category, Jarl Mohn aka Lee Masters has joined the board of directors of Idetic, the company that created MobiTV, the world’s leading television network for mobile phones.
In addition, Mohn has made a financial investment in the company and will become a senior advisor to the MobiTV management team, lending his expertise across content, distribution and technology to help shape the company’s future, states an official release.
“Having created and led some of the media business’ most recognized brands and companies from inception to launch, Jarl is a true visionary in the entertainment space, and we are honored to have him as a thought partner and investor,” said Idetic chairman & CEO Phillip Alvelda. “We look forward to tapping his insights and experience to expand our content offerings and deliver the best mobile television experience.”
“MobiTV is a significant investment opportunity, as they have earned a leadership position in a category that is experiencing a faster distribution trajectory than that of radio and even cable television did at inception,” said Mohn. “I am enthusiastic about contributing to the company beyond traditional board involvement, and working with the team to realize the business’ potential.”
Jarl Mohn was founding president of Liberty Digital, a publicly traded subsidiary of Liberty Media Group involved in interactive television, cable television networks, and Internet enterprises. He served as its Chief Executive Officer from June 1999 to March 2002. Prior to founding Liberty Digital, he was president and CEO of E! Entertainment Television where he also founded E! Online through a joint venture with CNET. From 1986 to 1989, Mohn was executive vice president and general manager of MTV and VH1. He began his professional life with a 20-year career in radio, the official statement added.
MobiTV recently increased its channel line-up with popular programming including Major League Baseball, Fox News and The Weather Channel. Also, MobiTV has expanded internationally with carriers in the United Kingdom, Canada and Latin America. Leveraging the new 3G wireless data networks, MobiTV delivers a high quality television experience offering a wide range of content and an intuitive graphical user interface.
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.
