News Broadcasting
DD plans audience research to supplement TAM data
NEW DELHI: Even as national broadcaster Doordarshan continues to take market research agency TAM Media’s data on television ratings, it has decided to lay greater emphasis on conducting qualitative audience research for programme evaluation and positioning.
The matter was discussed threadbare in the research advisory committee meeting held at Doordarshan headquarters in New Delhi today.
The general consensus at the meeting was that TAM data, obtained through peoplemeters placed in 27 cities, does not give a true and correct picture of Doordarshan’s reach, which has a far stronger following in the semi-urban and rural areas. Further, the sentiment was that the sample of TAM was too small to be representative in a multi-cultural society like India.
One of the models that will be experimented with will be the setting up of Doordarshan viewer’s clubs, which would give feedback and suggestions for improvement of DD programmes.
It has also been decided to capitalise on the success of the Meri Baat interactive talk show programme on DD Bharati, which has brought hundreds of schools in close contact with Doordarshan. DD will launch more and more interactive programmes, and will use the School Forum to create awareness about the programmes. DD expects that word of mouth publicity will lead to chain reaction i.e. from the participating children, on through his/her classroom, through the school, to parents of students and other family members, on to their friends, and so on. It is envisaged that the school forum will also be used to get feedback on the quality of DD’s shows.
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. 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.
