News Broadcasting
BBC to try out guidance labelling for media player
MUMBAI: With only a few weeks to go before the BBC introduces the second pilot phase of its podcasting initiative the integrated Media Player (iMP) in the UK the pubcaster has announced that, as part of the pilot, it is to trial a new labelling system for on-demand content available online.
The BBC states that this innovation is based on the realisation that in a world of time-shifted programming, when viewers can watch programmes any time of the day or night, such challenging content can no longer be signalled by the traditional 9 pm watershed.
The system signals challenging content – such as strong language, scenes of a sexual nature or violence – by placing a ‘G’ next to a programme title in the iMP’s electronic programming guide (EPG). The iMP allows people to download any TV programme within seven days of transmission
By clicking on the G users can then call up more details which explain the reason for the label. It is designed to provide adults and parents with sufficient details about a programme to make an informed choice on whether or not to watch or listen to it.
In the case of the iMP pilot, participants will have the option of password protecting G-labelled content to prevent younger viewers from downloading unsuitable programmes.
BBC Editorial Policy advisor Rachel Hermer, says, “The G label is based on research that told us people wanted a simple, easy-to-use, but information-rich, system that enabled them to make informed choices about what they watch. It offers peace of mind to those members of our audience – particularly parents – who are concerned with what children watch, without losing the freedom offered by the on-demand environment. We’ll be using the trial to see if we have struck the right balance.”
The BBC has undertaken two extensive pieces of research into the subject, looking at both the sorts of information audiences wanted about challenging content (such as text, age ratings or symbols) and where in an EPG the text would be best placed.
The BBC is hoping that broadcasters and operators involved in the development of on-demand programming and systems will be interested in the labelling proposal. It has promised to share its findings of the trial with the rest of the industry.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Kolkata Town Hall on Hooghly River
‘Bhalobasa Bengal Inspiring Bharat’ event on April 20 brings cultural icons, trailblazing women and leaders aboard a cruise to celebrate Bengal’s enduring influence.
MUMBAI: Bengal is about to make fresh waves on the Hooghly and this time the current is pure conversation. CNN-News18 is taking its iconic Town Hall format to the waters of the iconic Hooghly River on 20 April 2026 with a special edition titled ‘Bhalobasa Bengal – Inspiring Bharat’. The floating event will celebrate the state’s rich cultural legacy and how its ideas, creativity and spirit continue to shape the rest of the country.
The unique riverside setting draws on Bengal’s history as a cradle of reform, art and intellectual thought. The speaker line-up mirrors that diversity: cultural heavyweights Mithun Chakraborty and Sreenanda Shankar will share the stage with trailblazing “Devis” such as Tanya Sanyal (India’s first woman firefighter in aviation), Ipsita Chakraborty (Kolkata’s first woman bartender) and Reshma Nilofer Visalakshi (Nari Shakti awardee and marine pilot). Music will flow through the celebrated pianist-vocalist duo Sourendro and Soumyojit, while public life and governance will be represented by Smriti Irani, Leander Paes, Saira Shah Halim, Keya Ghosh, Rekha Patra, Roopa Ganguly and Babul Supriyo.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director, Rahul Shivshankar, said the event honours voices that carry Bengal’s legacy forward. Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, added that Bengal’s stories resonate far beyond its borders, especially as the state heads into polls.
From the first woman to battle flames in the skies to legendary actors who shaped Indian cinema, the gathering promises a rich mix of inspiration, courage and candid dialogue. In a city where culture has always flowed as freely as the river itself, CNN-News18 is turning the Hooghly into a floating forum for ideas that matter.
Tune in on 20 April on CNN-News18, CTV and YouTube to catch Bengal’s heartbeat in full flow.
