News Broadcasting
ABC counting on ‘Millionaire’ show to bring back the magic
MUMBAI: A struggling ABC is looking to a new format of the game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire to shore up the ratings and help it compete with the other three US broadcast networks – NBC, CBS and Fox.
The new show Super Millionaire will air in February as a series of five episodes. Regis Philbin returns as the host and Michael Davies will serve as the executive producer. Celador, the UK company which created Who Wants to be a Millionaire, has overseen the development of the new format.
In India the local version of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire; Kaun Banega Crorepati changed the face of Indian television in 2000. It catapulted the Murdoch broadcaster Star Plus to the number one slot.
As with the original, ten finalists will compete against each other in the fastest finger round to answer one question. The winner then attempts to navigate 15 multiple-choice questions of increasing difficulty on a broad range of topics. The difference is that one can win a maximum of $10 million instead of just $1 million. 10 million is equal to one crore and so it could be the case that ABC is taking a leaf out of Star’s book.
Explaining the rationale behind the show ABC Entertainment Television Group chairman Lloyd Braun said, “For months, we have been carefully monitoring the environment to determine if the time is right for a new, totally amped up version of Millionaire broadcast in its original, event-like form. We think this is the time.”
“Celador’s Millionaire is perhaps the greatest game show format ever devised. In the US, Regis Philbin made this the most successful prime time game show of all time, and now, Meredith Vieira hosts a fantastically successful, five day a week version of the game. With its new lifelines, music, graphics and zeros, Super Millionaire will take the format to a whole new level. We are currently gearing up for the tremendous demand we expect from regular Americans wanting their chance at the $10 million top prize,” he added.
A company release adds that Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, hosted by Meredith Vieira, currently airs in syndication across the US. A Reuters report adds that in 2000 Millionaire averaged 28 million viewers a show. As was the case with Star Plus the show catapulted ABC from third to a decisive first-place finish in one season. The crucial difference though is that while Star Plus’ other shows like Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhie Bahu Thi helped the broadcaster strengthen its number one slot ABC’s shows have not fared well in the ratings.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
