News Broadcasting
14 more TV channels apply for downlink okay
NEW DELHI: Fourteen more TV channels have applied for downlinking permission in India taking the total number to 55 as the deadline shutters down on 11 May.
According to information posted on the website of the information and broadcasting ministry as of 11 May 1.10 a.m., the likes of ESPN, Star Sports, Reality TV, BBC World, Fashion TV and God TV were amongst those seeking landing rights in India.
The government had stated all TV channels wishing to be downlinked into India will have to apply for landing rights after fulfilling various norms by 11 May 2006.
The government had also clarified that from 11 May, all TV channels uplinking from outside India and having applied for registration with the government by that date could be carried on cable networks for the next six months or till the time government decides on their applications.
The TV channels that have applied, according to the I&B ministry website, till 10 May include TV5 Monde, ESPN, Star Sports, BBC World, Fashion TV (that has applied under the entertainment category), Voyages Television, Miracle Net TV (entertainment), God TV(entertainment), Reality TV (entertainment), ABC Asia Pacific, Zee Arabia, Goal TV-1, Goal TV-2, MGM.
The channels that sought landing rights earlier include Star Utsav, Star Plus, Star World, Star Gold, Star One, Star Movies, Channel V, Deutsche Welle TV, Angel TV, Hallmark Channel, Disney Channel, Toon Disney, Star Vijay, Sony TV, SET Max, Animax, SET Pix, SAB(Sony), AXN, National Geographic Channel, The History Channel, MTV, Nick,Vh 1, MTV2, Ten Sports, Channel News Asia, B4U Music, B4U Movies, Discovery, Discovery Travel & Living, Animal Planet, Zee Studio, Zee Café, Zee Trendz, CNN International, HBO, POGO, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network and Boomerang.
The ministry has informed TV channels that those who have obtained uplinking permission from India before 2 December, 2005 are not required to file with the government for downlinking.
These channels will also not be required to pay an initial fee of Rs. 500,000 on grant of permission agreement or the annual downlinking fee of Rs. 100,000 per channel.
However, those TV channels obtaining uplink permission from the government after 2 December, 2005 are required to submit some additional information relating to downlink okay, but are exempt from any processing and annual fee.
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.
