News Broadcasting
Reader’s Digest to make television software
LOS ANGELES: The Reader’s Digest Association signed an agreement with the William Morris Agency to expand its brands into new entertainment distribution channels, including television, radio and motion pictures.
The alliance will capitalise on the publisher’s assets to create original media programming, movies, cross-promotional marketing opportunities and new businesses. Reader’s Digest publishes the world’s most widely read magazine as well as books, music CDs and videos, and other magazines including Taste of Home.
William Morris Agency’s job will not only be to capture the company’s existing content and channel it through various entertainment platforms, but to also create new content and revenue-generating opportunities. Reader’s Digest VP, development, Frank Lalli, said: “Everything that we produce will reflect our high standards and advance our mission to inform, entertain and inspire as many people as possible.”
To begin expanding the global publisher’s reach into the entertainment industry, the William Morris Agency will create and execute entertainment-based marketing and business initiatives in three key areas: original television and radio programming, cross-promotional marketing and new business ventures. Content that could serve as the basis for original television and radio programming will be identified. William Morris will create alliances with individual talent, including writers, directors and producers, who can work with Reader’s Digest to create that programming. Additionally, the agency will develop new revenue-generating business opportunities between Reader’s Digest and relevant media and entertainment properties. It will also create cross-marketing and promotional opportunities for various Readers’ Digest properties.
In addition, Reader’s Digest is developing franchises around how-to books on subjects ranging from health to computers, and this winter, it plans to launch a proprietary global multi-channel weight-control programme.
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.
