News Broadcasting
BBC to launch new commercial subsidiary
The British Broadcasting Corporation has announced that it will launch a new, wholly-owned commercial subsidiary, BBC Broadcast Ltd. It will begin trading on 2 April 2002.
The new company will emerge from the current Broadcasting & Presentation (B&P) operation in BBC Television, according to an official release. The aim of the new arm is to bring a broad range of channel creation and management services under a single management team. BBC Broadcast is to be headed by current director of B&P Pam Masters, who will take over as managing director of the new subsidiary.
BBC Broadcast’s functions cover management, promotion and play-out of content across all platforms including TV, radio and the internet. The companys remit will also include the creation and execution of branding, cross-media promotional campaigns, subtitling and other disability access services. It will offer a comprehensive range of play-out and channel management services that can be tailored to broadcasters requirements.
Key services include: new channel launches, play-out and channel management; channel branding, promotion and packaging; and access services encompassing subtitling, audio description and sign language. BBC Broadcast currently provides services for 17 public service and commercial television channels, 5 national radio networks, 39 local radio stations and BBCi.
BBC Broadcast will work closely with customers to understand their broadcasting needs and to determine the right combination of technical and creative skills required to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions. The new company also claims to fulfil the demand for a single supplier capable of taking content and converting it into a compelling channel experience for established and new broadcasters. It claims to be the only company capable of providing a seamless service – creatively, technically and editorially – to bring channels to life and manage brands across multiple media platforms.
Approval for the venture was granted by the British secretary of state for culture, media and sport, Tessa Jowell. Director Roger Flynn says: “This approval means the BBC can press ahead with trying to increase commercial revenues as part of the 1.1bn savings and efficiencies target the Government set us when the licence fee was reviewed two years ago.”
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.
