News Broadcasting
BBC launches new language training software
FRANKFURT(GERMANY): BBC Worldwide, the chief commercial arm of the BBC has launched Doki – a Flash-based language training software that is available on its new consumer e-learning portal, www.bbclearning.com.
The new portal service, BBCLearning.com, will make a select range of online learning programmes available from third party suppliers, including Eazyspeak Ltds flagship language product Doki. BBC Worldwide intends to promote the online service through its cable and satellite television stations BBC Prime and BBC World reaching 225 million homes worldwide.
The courses cover a wide range of topics and are divided into four categories for easy navigation. Business (including IT skills), languages, interests (including hobbies and leisure) and studies (containing many accredited courses from some of the worlds top universities).
Eazyspeak Ltd. currently distributes beginner and pre-intermediate Doki English and Doki Spanish language learning products with French, World Spanish and US English coming online later this year. Under the terms of the agreement Eazyspeak Ltd will manage the actual logistics.
With Doki, there is no grammar to learn, there are no rules as such and theres no set course one needs to follow. Users decide when and where they want to learn. Doki familiarises you with a language and provides the basics for everyday conversations. The premise is that the longer users stay and play, the more they will learn.
Suitable for anyone over the age of four, the main target audience for the Doki products are the 16-25 year olds. Doki is completely monolingual and modular software and is built with scenarios grouped by real life communication challenges found in the real world (such as introducing yourself, going to the supermarket, checking into a hotel).
Doki can be used as a self-study tool and can complement a taught environment with a pathway set by a teacher. Users decide what they want to learn by choosing places to explore, becoming fully engaged with the animation and interactivity found in each venue. This unique approach empowers and even entertains users who then quickly begin to assimilate the sound, recognise the vocabulary and understand the structure of a new language, without recourse to lengthy grammar explanations or exercises.
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. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. 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.
