News Broadcasting
Times Network taps NKN Media to sell its stories in the Middle East
MUMBAI: Times Network, the broadcast arm of India’s Times Group, has appointed NKN Media FZC as its exclusive advertising sales partner for the Middle East. The deal gives NKN the reins to bring in ad revenue for the international feeds of Times Network, ET Now and Zoom, all of which already beam into regional homes via Etisalat, DU, Ooredoo and Starzplay.
For Times Network, the tie-up is more than just business, it’s a bridge. With millions of Indians living and working across the Gulf, the network sees fertile ground for both connection and commerce. By leaning on NKN Media’s local expertise and market know-how, Times hopes to create fresh avenues for advertisers eager to reach a diaspora that is both sizeable and influential.
The bouquet on offer is varied: Times Now, synonymous with sharp debates and global news; ET Now, trusted for market insight; and Zoom, Bollywood’s glossy home for film, music and celebrity sparkle. Together, they promise brands a stage where credibility meets entertainment.
“This partnership deepens our connection with one of the most dynamic Indian communities overseas,” Times Network said, adding that the collaboration offers advertisers “a robust platform to engage with a highly influential audience.”
NKN Media, ceo and md, Abdul Majid Khan was equally upbeat and said, “Partnering with Times Network, India’s leading media house, is a proud moment. With our global ad-sales experience, we’re confident of unlocking strong growth opportunities for both partners in the Middle East.”
In short, the network that prides itself on making headlines has just made one of its own, by giving its Middle East audience (and the brands chasing them) a reason to stay tuned.
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.
