News Broadcasting
SABTNL gets a grip on DD Metro prime time
MUMBAI: Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network Ltd is again trying to milk its old cash cow. That too without all the glam and snazz that marked the HFCL Nine Gold takeover of prime time on national broadcaster Doordarshan’s Metro channel at an astronomical Rs 1210 million for the 7 pm to 10 pm prime time band. Clearly when it comes to dealing with DD, SABTNL understands the dynamics of operations like no other.
It has bought up three hours worth of prime time slots on DD Metro from 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm except the 9:30 pm slot (which will be with them in short time) from Monday to Friday.
In the afternoon band as well, the network has bought the 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm one-hour slot.
According to Kiran Murthy, V-P sales (DD), SABTNL, it is a long term association that the network was looking at. “Nobody can make money in a short time on Metro. The channel itself is going through a transition stage after the Channel Nine shakeout, wherein advertisers had turned off the channel,” says Murthy.
There are a lot of positives that DD metro offers, says Murthy. Many advertisers are willing to advertise on Metro for the simple reason that the channel has a presence in 18 metro cities and is reaching viewers who have buying power, he says. “We are getting bookings from Chennai from brands like Cavin Care and Medicare which are very choosy in buying. They are very much on Metro.” The additional advantage that the Adhikaris have is a proven track record on DD, he adds.
And SABTNL is not just looking at DD Metro as a source for programming opportunities. It is also looking south for expansion. Its entry into this market will be made through a Tamil serial that is based on its superhit crime thriller on DD National Suraag. This show is set to premiere on Sun TV. The Sun Network is what SABTNL is looking at probably because Kalanithi Maran’s network has a system similar to that of DD that calls for taking up slots on the channel and the producer keeping the rights. Apart from Tamil, SABTNL has also bought slots on Sun’s Telugu channels Gemini and Udaya TV.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
