News Broadcasting
AXN India adds more action to its programming
After an unprecedented 15 new series launched on AXN thus far this calendar year, the channel is planning to launch five more first-run series in September.
Even though action animation does not feature as one of the four pillars of AXN India’s programming (movies, series, adventure reality and lifestyle sports), the channel plans to introduce a CGI fantasy series, Excalibur’, from July this year. Says AXN Asia managing director Todd Miller, “Action animation has a loyal but niche following in India.”
A Japanese animated series called Dual is also currently on air on the channel.
AXN, which premiered the acclaimed Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon late last year to reasonably good ratings, is planning to bring the TV premiere of the critically appreciated Shadow of the Vampire (starring John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe) and Time and Tide, as part of its Asian Cinema movie special, later this year. In keeping with its action adventure image, the channel will also telecast the premiere of the ‘The World Stunt Awards’ on July 26, with Hollywood muscleman Arnold Schwarzenegger making a surprise appearance at the ceremony.
While serials like Scariest Places on Earth;’Guiness World Records: Primetime;The Amazing Race season II; Andromeda; Farscape season III; No Boundaries;CSI Season II; The Agency; Relic Hunter Season II; Queen of Swords; The Outer Limits; Motorworld; Rated X (a new entertainment magazine show) and Eco Challenge continue to hold niche audiences (nearly 40 per cent of the channel’s viewers in India are women), Miller says Fear Factor too will commence its second season later this year.
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.
