News Broadcasting
India’s first Bengali news channel in the offing from MCCS’ kitty
MUMBAI: Media Content and Communications Services India Pvt. Ltd. (MCCS), a joint venture between ABP TV and the Star Group, today announced its plans to launch a 24-hour Bengali news channel.
MCCS at present broadcasts Star News. The new Bengali channel will be headquartered in Kolkata with an extensive bureau network across the rest of West Bengal and India.
An official release informed that with the Eastern region of India witnessing resurgence and gaining importance with many large organisations from various sectors like IT, retail, manufacturing, services etc., the launch of a specialised news channel of this nature is a natural requirement for the region.
Equipped with a strong technical and editorial team, with Suman Chattopadhyay as executive producer, the channel will cover local, national and international news in Bengali.
Commenting on the occasion, Star News CEO Uday Shankar said, “The main rationale behind the news channel is to reach out to the fast growing population of news consuming Bengalis. In emerging markets that are culturally rooted like Kolkata, there is a need for a dedicated channel that can offer high quality news coverage along with views and analysis in the regional language.”
“ABP is the oldest and most respected journalistic brand in the East of India. It has played a significant role in the development of West Bengal and has been at the forefront in providing relevant news and information to the people of Bengal. In keeping pace with the times, we need to strengthen our bond with the audience through the electronic mediums of communication and journalism,” said ABP managing director Aniruddha Lahiri.
On the other hand, Star India CEO Peter Mukerjea commented, “Within a short span of 18 months Star News in Hindi has become a valuable news source in India and across important global NRI markets that is relevant to India today. The launch of this regional language channel expands our portfolio of news services. I am sure it will drive the growth of regional language TV further propelling the penetration of television in the country.”
The program offerings for the Bengali news channel will cater to the distinctive needs of the regional audiences while incorporating formats that will find appeal with the Bengali Diaspora. The channel will connect with its viewers by providing news across genres including political, business, culture, crime, entertainment and social events, on a local, national and international level, in real-time basis.
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.
