News Broadcasting
Zee Sarthak L&K Saatchi & Saatchi to highlight the issue of domestic violence facing women
Mumbai: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, popular Odia channel Zee Sarthak seeks to highlight one of the most pressing issues surrounding women. In association with its creative partner L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, it has launched an ad campaign that highlights the rampant domestic abuse witnessed by housewives in India. In a country where people bow their heads before goddesses who personify strength, bravery, wisdom and more, it is surprising to note that it also ranks one of the highest where the issue of domestic abuse is concerned.
Zee Sarthak has shared a heart-warming yet provoking story from a child. The film shows a classroom setting where children are seen engaging in a drawing session. While the teacher is seen encouraging the children on their creative interpretation, she happens to come across one such drawing that shows Maa Durga being attacked by Mahishasura. Taken aback, she questions the child that this is not what transpires but the reality is the other way round where Mahishasura is defeated by Maa Durga. The child replies saying that while may be the case, it is not what transpires at his home where his mother is subjected to constant domestic abuse. The film ends with a callout action urging women to take a stand and speak about the issue by calling the helpline number 112 to report such incidents.
Link to the film:
Zee Sarthak chief channel officer Pratik Seal said: “The Zee Sarthak family is a firm advocate of Women’s rights. Our channel content is known to deal with topics that are about women and matter to them. We want their stories to be told. We want their voices to be heard. We have tried to make our platform open and inclusive enough to empower women. Our latest work, #ZeeSarthakNari brings to life this philosophy in an impactful yet delicate way. It not only raises awareness on the issue of domestic violence but also depicts how young minds have to bear the burden of it as well. We know help is needed and that it may not always be easily available, keeping this in mind we have also introduced a helpline that can provide tangible resources to the victims. We hope that our small steps can create big ripples for those who need them.”
L&K Saatchi & Saatchi joint NCD Rohit Malkani said, “While a lot of brands choose to ‘celebrate and salute’ women on Women’s Day, we decided to not be the proverbial ostrich. There are several injustices that still need to be brought to light and solved in India. A simple data point on domestic violence led us to create this hard hitting film for Women’s Day but seen through the eyes of a child. Like someone once said, ‘Wisdom often comes from the mouths of babies.”
The campaign is currently live and will span popular platforms including television, digital, outdoor etc.
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.
