News Broadcasting
Balaji rides high on Q3 expectations
Jewels in the Balaji crown, Kyunki and Kahaani may have hit a plateau, but its other soaps are keeping the company on a winning growth graph, just ahead of its third quarter results.
Balaji Telefilms’ stock hit an all time high of Rs 414.75 on Wednesday, rising 10.2 per cent over its previous close of Rs 376.25. Impressive third quarter results that are to be announced on 21 January have been instrumental in raising investors’ expectations and pushing the share prices. The market expects the company to post a profit after tax of Rs 76 million, 76 per cent higher than in the same period last year.
The company’s new high budget soaps, Kasauti Zindagi Kay on Star Plus and Kutumb and Kkusum on Sony that launched in October 2001 have also contributed to the strong performance of the Balaji stock. According to a report released by DSP Merrill Lynch, the company is riding high on the success of a slew of serials launched in the first half of the year and price increases of as much as 100 per cent on many of its running serials. In December 2001, the report notes, Balaji accounted for 16 of the top 20 Hindi satellite TV programmes on Indian television, against 9 in March 2000.
Reports that some new serials, and even a telefilm, is expected to be aired from the Balaji stable by March 2002 has further boosted the company’s image.
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.
