News Broadcasting
Balaji Telefilms third quarter
Balaji Telefilms Ltd is developing into a TV production Trojan what with its slate of successful shows on Star Plus and several other channels. Its success graph is headed northward. has registered extremely positive result in the third quarter ending in Dec 2000 with the net profit Rs 34.6 million on the income of RS 178.2 million. The figures of the corresponding quarter of the previous year have not been drawn since the listing requirements were not applicable. When compared with the Last year results FY 2000 and also Half Year 2000 (HY), the performance seems to be pretty good.
Half Year ended in September 2000 saw income of RS 167 million and PAT at RS 30 million. The company manage to attain more than half yearly turnover in the three months period. The Operating Profit Margin was at the same level of 22% with company manage to control Cost of production and telecast fee inspite of more software production. The other cost have also been kept under control which assured the Profit margin.
The Company has repaid all its debts and hence become a debt free company.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2000, the company issued and allotted 28,03,250 equity shares of Rs 10 each for cash at a premium of RS 120 per share, aggregating to Rs. 364.5 million by way of initial public offer. The equity shares of the company have been listed on the Bombay and National Stock Exchange on November 22, 2000. Shareholders are yet to give their nod for the amalgamation of the company with Nine Network Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd. After the merger, the equity share capital of the company will increase to RS 12.903 crore.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
