News Broadcasting
AXN to create big buzz by rescheduling primetime band
MUMBAI: AXN is looking to increase viewer cachet further. Last year it had defined primetime as starting from 10 pm instead of 9 pm.
Now it has decided to start its primetime programme block from 8 pm. This is not just for India but also for South Asia.
The new schedule which kicks off last night (5 July) will see shows like CSI, 24 and Alias move from 10 pm to 8 pm. In addition on Mondays and Tuesdays the action oriented broadcaster will air movies in the vacated 10 pm slot.
Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) MD Todd Miller said, “The new programme schedule reflects AXN’s ongoing efforts as the market leader to take proactive initiatives to continue market leadership.”
The initiative is aimed not just at shoring up viewership but also at giving the advertisers more bang for their buck. AXNs ad sales and programming VP Ricky Ow added, “Ratings studies, viewer tracking surveys and regular feedback from viewers and our cable partners pointed towards these changes.
“The programming content remains largely unchanged. The new-look primetime schedule will provide a solid three-way fit between AXN, its viewers who will now be able to enjoy action-adventure programming at times that are most suited to their lifestyles, and advertisers who now have the power to send their messages directly to their desired target audience.”
Ow went on to add that close and constant analysis of ratings studies and viewer feedback helped the channel to mould its programme schedule to achieve blockbuster ratings amongst advertisers preferred target audiences. AXN claims to be available in almost 20 million homes across India.
As reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com the latest season of The Amazing Race will take off later this month. It will feature a pitstop in Kolkata.
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.
