News Broadcasting
9th CASBAA convention to focus on core business values of Asian pay-TV industry
SINGAPORE:The ninth annual convention of the Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA), scheduled to be held in Singapore from 4-6 December, will focus on the core business values of the pay-TV industry in Asia.
Tagged Blueprint for Success the convention will bring together a group of world class speakers for the convention, says an official release. The project will encompass close relationships with Singapore government bodies, like the Economic Development Board and the Singapore Broadcasting Authority. The CASBAA Convention 2002 will run parallel to the Asia Television Forum market and conference, the Asia Animation Week and the “on-air” promotions-led Promax BDA conference.
CASBAA is counting on the promotional opportunities provided by the Convention, including the Golf Day and CASBAA Ball to attract sponsors and exhibitors in a huge way, says the release. CASBAA CEO Simon Twiston Davies says, “We know that the CASBAA Convention is the pre-eminent regional forum for Asias cable and satellite industries and we intend that this years event will be even more relevant as we debate such issues as the Development of Digital Infrastructure, Advertising and Research, Local Production, the China Opportunity and Interactive Television Services.”
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.
