News Broadcasting
BBC receives award for dedication to environment
MUMBAI: After the turmoil that went on within the BBC regarding the Iraq dossier there is finally some positive news. The broadcaster has announced that it was presented with an international award in recognition of its commitment to environmental issues around the world.
The biennial Zayed International Prize for the Environment was established four years ago in recognition of the achievements of the UAE’s President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
An official release states that for over three decades Sheikh Zayed has advocated sustainable development policies. His strategies – including the planting of 100 million trees are considered to have made the UAE a much greener country. In its citation the jury said that it considered that the BBC “stands apart for its commitment, breadth of coverage, and dedication to addressing global, regional and national environmental concerns”.
It singled out Earth Report, which has aired on BBC World since 1997. The television programme has “not only shocked and entertained but brought about real change by inspiring businesses, NGOs [non-governmental organisations and governments to adopt more environmentally friendly technologies, lifestyles and policies”. The programme is produced by Robert Lamb and TVE.
The jury also recognised the work of BBC World Service radio which broadcasts to at least 150 million regular listeners in 43 languages and BBC News Online, which receives more than 206 million page impressions per month at the website www.bbcnews.com.
In addition, the citation praised BBC staff for implementing initiatives that are making their workplaces more environmentally friendly. “The BBC has also demonstrated its commitment to environmental issues at home through the organisation’s own sustainable development strategy aimed at reducing energy consumption and waste in its day-to-day operations.”
The prize money of $500,000, will be donated to the BBC World Service Trust.BBC World Service Trust director Stephen King added, “The Trust is an important part of the BBC’s work. This prize will make a big contribution to helping us continue our work, bringing benefit to communities in the developing world.”
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.
