News Broadcasting
BBC to relay four World Cup matches live on AIR
MUMBAI: Fifa World Cup 2006 seems to be generating considerable buzz in India. More than just the scores, the All India Radio (AIR) service promises live commentary for the opening match, semi-finals, and the final.
For this AIR has entered into an agreement with the BBC World Service. The play-by-play commentary will be given by iconic commentators of BBC Radio Five Live Allen Green and John Murray.
BBC World service will unfold all the events that will take place at the opening match between Germany and Costa Rica. BBC also brings former England manager Graham Taylor who will provide the summary of the match. This is for the first time that BBC World will be executing live commentary for AIR around the World Cup.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, BBC World Service senior commissioning editor Neil Curry says, “I am delighted with the opportunity to showcase BBC sport journalism to our listeners in India. As per the deal we will do live commentary for All India Radio listeners for the opening ceremony, the two semi-finals and the finals.”
Curry is hopefull that the arrangement for live commentary will be extended to the other matches as well, saying: “AIR is endeavoring to acquire the rights on other important matches (as well); nevertheless, we are waiting for a word on that.”
BBC World Service has already been carrying out the World Cup programming for AIR. The BBC Hindi reporter Manak Gupta has been bringing special reports on all 32 teams.
The various aspects covered so far include country profiles, What is the World Cup?, World Cup History , History of the Trophy , Profile of Brazil – the favourite team, that has won the World Cup the most number of times. What is it about this nation that makes them World Cup specialists?
Besides the above package, BBC World has also created other packages that have been relayed on AIR. These include: Most successful, The greatest players, The Indian perspective and a detailed interview with veteran football expert Novi Kapadia.
BBC Hindi World Cup reports will be heard for six weeks on India’s main national broadcaster All India Radio’s Gold 106.4 FM and Rajdhani 666 MW. These reports will also be relayed by All India Radio’s 65 other major stations at 07.05 local time every day until 10 July. These special World Cup reports will also be available in text and audio online at bbchindi.com and bbcnews.com.
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.
