News Broadcasting
BBC emerges tops in decisionmakers’ survey
BBC World has emerged as the most-watched channel in a decision makers’ survey conducted by market research firm ORG-Marg for the news and information channel. The research sample covered 1,030 executives designated as general managers and above in private companies, public sector organisations and financial firms.
51.7 per cent of those surveyed said that they had watched BBC World yesterday, 73 per cent said that they had tuned into it the past week and 79.3 per cent said that they switched it on in the past month. As compared to this Star News was watched by 71 per cent in the previous week, Star Plus by 65 per cent and CNN by 52 per cent. Discovery, Sony, Zee TV, DD1 were watched by less than 50 per cent of them in the previous week.
BBC World had commissioned a similar survey in 1997 and it has retained its audience since then among decision makers even in 2000. Star Plus has lost two points dropping from 67 per cent to 65 per cent, DD I from 62 per cent to 42 per cent, Zee TV from 58 per cent to 45 per cent.
Additionally, the survey revealed that nine out of every 10 CEOs said that they prefer BBC World to any other channel. Almost a similar number of CEOs said that they preferred Star News.
With convincing research like this, BBC World should have no problems finding sponsors and advertisers for its India specific programming. Or should it? Watch this space.
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.
