News Broadcasting
BBC demonstrates new Web 2.0 prototype possibilities of radio
MUMBAI: UK pubcaster the BBC’s Jason DaPonte who is the executive producer of bbc.co.uk demonstrated at the MIX07 conference in Las Vegas a prototype technology showing how the BBC Radio 1 website – bbc.co.uk/radio1 – could evolve by using Web 2.0 technologies.
The prototype shows how Radio 1 audiences could create, personalise and share their music playlists and related content via an easy-to-use service in the future.
DaPonte says, “The exciting prototype illustrates how we could enable audiences to enhance their online identity by receiving and creating content packages or ‘badges’. These could include music video, pictures and exclusive BBC interviews from their favourite bands or music events.
“Users could then share them directly with their friends and online communities as well as linking with other picture or social networking-based services. It would allow users to watch streamed media together during a conversation in instant messenger.
“As the user’s online footprint expands, Radio 1 would be able to recognise their tastes and offer them even more of what they like. Prototypes such as this illustrate the BBC’s commitment to providing online services that are more open, personal and participatory than ever before, using the latest technologies to engage younger audiences.”
The project was developed using Microsoft Silverlight software and the new Windows Live Messenger application in conjunction with Siemens, AKQA and Ioko.
The prototype is part of the BBC’s move to work with a greater mix of external production companies and strategic partners to be at the forefront of web innovation.
bbc.co.uk claims to have achieved a record 30.7 million weekly unique users last month (April 2007) and for the first time moved up to third place on the Nielsen panel of the top UK websites
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.
