News Broadcasting
ABC goes for Verizon wireless to push content
MUMBAI: Mobile is the buzz word for broadcasters looking to connect with viewers in different ways. US broadcaster ABC is the latest to join the chase.
The broadcaster has announced a deal with wireless provider Verizon. As per the deal a variety of shows which air in prime time, daytime and late-night will be available as short content on Verizon’s new V Cast 3G wireless broadband multimedia service.
The deal gives viewers access to a host of ABC video content including the latest sensation Desperate Housewives. The content will include show recaps, sneak peeks and talent interviews. The broadcaster is also looking to use the new service to push its reality show Extreme Makeover. There will be extended short content, contestant audition tapes,
commentary by makeover specialists
It goes without saying that there will also be clips from major events that ABC will air during the year like the Oscar Awards on 27 February.
ABC senior VP business development Bruce Gersh has been quoted as saying, “Verizon Wireless is leading the way in the delivery of high-quality mobile video. We feel that content from our ABC prime time, day time and late- night lineup, combined with Verizon Wireless’ network technology, allows us to work together to maximise the potential of this exciting new distribution medium.”
Verizon claims that V Cast is the first true 3G wireless broadband consumer multimedia service in the US. This allows customers to view crystal clear video clips on demand and graphics for 3D games because it runs on Verizon Wireless’ Evolution Data Optimised (EV-DO) network – the only widely available wide-area wireless broadband network in the US.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
