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
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. 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.
