Music and Youth
BBC digital radio services praised
MUMBAI: There is some good news for the BBC following the criticism that its digital television channels got several days ago. An independent review has praised the corporation’s UK digital radio services.
The review, commissioned by the UK department of Culture, Media & Sport, looked at 1Xtra, 6Music, BBC7, BBC Asian Network and Five Live Sports Extra as part of the ongoing Charter Renewal process and said the services went “above and beyond” the conditions laid down by the secretary of state..
For The Asian Network while the report noted that it had made a professional start it was time to step up a gear in editorial ambition and develop a more innovative outlook. The report suggested that it could be relocated to a single site, possibly in Birmingham, to help its transition from regional to national station. It is currently based in Leicester.
Steps should be taken by The Asian Network to tackle the perceived inequality in treatment of different Asian communities. At least one language should be included from South India or Sri Lanka.
The BBC should also look to understand the specific conditions of the Asian advertising market in relations with commercial stations.
As far as another station 6 Music is concerned while there is criticism that the BBC is spending a relatively large amount of money on a station with relatively few listeners the report stated that this should not be a concern if it continues to produce a distinctive, modern public service. It has defined its role with great success.
The station’s brief needs to be more clearly set out and its remit defined by “quantative measures”. The BBC Governors should draft a more detailed remit accurately describing the station’s character.
Regarding BBC7 the report noted its success in attracting an older, upmarket audience and is playing an important factor in people buying digital radio sets.
Its originated children’s programming is a genuine adornment to British broadcasting and one no commercial station would do. However the overall benefits of BBC7 are limited by it being primarily an archive network.
Music and Youth
TLC launches ‘World On My Plate’ with Shipra Khanna
New travel-food series premieres 29 March at 7:00 PM.
MUMBAI: Shipra Khanna just packed her bags and her flavours because when a celebrated chef takes you on a global plate tour, even the couch starts feeling like first-class. Warner Bros. Discovery India has announced the launch of World On My Plate with Shipra Khanna, a new travel and food series set to premiere on TLC on 29 March at 7:00 PM. Hosted and curated by the popular chef and television personality, the show blends food, travel and culture through an intimate and immersive lens.
Across three visually rich episodes, Shipra journeys to global destinations to explore not just what people eat, but why they eat it, uncovering the stories, traditions and human connections behind every dish. The series opens in London, weaving its iconic landmarks with diverse culinary scenes, before moving to Spain’s vineyards, olive orchards and coastal kitchens.
Warner Bros. Discovery head of advertising revenues for South Asia Tanaz Mehta said: “At TLC, our focus has always been on bringing authentic stories that reflect how people live and connect. World On My Plate builds on this by using food as a lens to explore shared traditions across geographies. We’re excited to collaborate with Chef Shipra Khanna, whose perspective brings both depth and relatability to these narratives.”
Shipra Khanna added, “Food has always been my way of connecting with people and understanding cultures. With World On My Plate, I’ve had the opportunity to step into new worlds, learn from incredible individuals, and share stories that go far beyond the plate. This show is very special to me.”
The series promises strong visual storytelling, meaningful interactions and a fresh perspective on global cuisine celebrating flavours alongside the emotions and traditions that shape them.
In a world where travel shows often feel like distant postcards, Shipra Khanna is serving up something far more personal: a passport to cultures through their kitchens, proving that the best way to understand a place is still through the plate. Tune in to World On My Plate with Shipra Khanna starting 29 March at 7:00 PM on TLC.
