News Broadcasting
Times Network expands its global footprint; launches 4 news channels on Sling TV in the US
Mumbai: India’s premium broadcast network, Times Network, has announced the launch of ET Now, Mirror Now, Times Now Navbharat and Times Now World in the U.S. in partnership with SLING TV, a dominant OTT player in the market. With a strong collection of influential brands in its portfolio across news and entertainment, the Network has expanded its portfolio in the territory with four news channels in addition to Times Now and Zoom, which are currently available on the platform.
Now available on SLING, ET Now focuses on matters that affect India’s inclusive development and empowers the discerning Indian diasporic viewers to take part in India’s growth story; Mirror Now represents the voice and issues of every thinking urban Indian; Times Now Navbharat brings a holistic reportage on national and political news in Hindi language and Times Now World follows the same ethos of the legacy brand, Times Now, in delivering sharp, incisive, credible and fearless news coverage.
Times Network COO and executive president Jagdish Mulchandani said, “We are thrilled to expand our content portfolio in the U.S. by launching our best-in-class news brands through our strategic partnership with SLING TV. Presenting a holistic reportage on global, national, local, financial and business news content, ET NOW, Mirror Now, Times Now Navbharat and Times Now World will serve as an enriching addition to the discerning viewers seeking superior news coverage. I am confident that with our latest offerings, we will continue to build resonance with our global viewers, keeping them informed and entertained.”
We’re excited to announce the addition of four additional leading news channels: ET Now, Mirror Now, Times Now Navbharat HD, and Times Now World HD,” said Sling TV vice president of strategy, business development & international Liz Riemersma. “Our partnership with the Times Network underlines our position as the #1 distributor of Indian TV networks in the US and highlights our continued commitment to providing South Asian customers a strong connection to news and events from India.”
Times Now World, ET Now, Mirror Now and Times Now Navbharat are now available through SLING’s Hindi Pack ($30/mo.). Additionally, Mirror Now and Times Now Navbharat are also available for free on Sling Freestream. The new channels are available to DISH customers through the Hindi Mega and Hindi Premium packages.
Delivering best-in-class content to over 100 million viewers in India and available in over 100 countries across the globe, Times Network is part of India’s largest media conglomerate, The Times Group.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
