News Broadcasting
ESS launches interactive show targeting mobile users
MUMBAI: Television’s cricket audience are not just ‘dumb viewers’, at least that is what ESPN Star Sports (ESS) believes. The sports broadcaster, along with wireless solutions provider OnMobile Systems, has launched an interactive television sports programme that gives mobile subscribers a chance to interact with ESS commentators during the live coverage of Asia Cup matches.
Subscribers of Airtel, Orange/ Hutch, Tata Indicom and Idea Cellular will have to call a unique number and express their views on IndianOil Asia Cup. A team of ESPN Star Sports’ officials after analysing viewers’ opinions and comments would invite selected callers to interact with the commentators during the live coverage.
OnMobile has provided the technology for interactive programme, which has been launched for the duration of the cricket championship, stated an official release.
ESPN Software India Pvt. Ltd Cricket and Indian Production director Ray Hume said, “The latest initiative marks a significant step forward in TV-mobile interactive programmes in India. The motive is to make people interact with television rather than just watch it. The format of the initiative is extremely user friendly. Mobile users can simply record their views after dialing a number and selected callers will be rewarded with a chance to interact with our commentators live on air. I am confident that this level of simplicity will bring a new phase of interactive programming in the country.”
The interactive programming service is available nationally to over 17 million mobile users. The users will be charged Rs 6 per minute for availing this service across India. Subscribers simply have to call a number and say STAR Sports to leave comments/ opinion about the ‘IndianOil Asia Cup’ in English or Hindi. The number for Airtel is 646, Hutch – 123, IDEA cellular – 456 and Tata Indicom (applicable in Mumbai and Pune only) is 1590.
OnMobile technology currently enables users to purchase PINs for the popular ESPN Super Selector game using their mobile phones. The cost of the PIN is charged to the users’ mobile bill, the release added.
“At OnMobile, we are focused on making services easy-to-use. We are very excited to be working with ESS in developing simple, yet powerful interactive programming services. Mobile subscribers become active participants in the channel’s programmes, while generating revenues for the mobile operators, making it a win-win situation for everyone” said OnMobile Systems CEO Arvind Rao.
ESS and Yahoo! India had earlier announced a strategic partnership for cross-media SMS interactivity and promotion across the channel for the Asia Cup.
ESPN STAR Sports will be simultaneously telecasting the last five matches of ‘IndianOil Asia cup’ with Hindi commentary on Star Sports along with English commentary on ESPN. Star Sports Hindi cricket telecast will be called Voice Aapki-Choice Aapki and will be anchored by Suman. The Hindi team will also include former Pak captain Waqar Younis, former Indian Test players Arun Lal, Maninder Singh and Vinod Kambli. On STAR Sports, in addition to Hindi commentary, the broadcaster will introduce Hindi-programming initiatives.
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.
