News Broadcasting
BBC World rolls out ‘The World Challenge’ competition
MUMBAI: BBC World in association with Shell and Newsweek have come together to search for, highlight and reward individuals or groups that have used enterprise and innovation to the benefit of local communities through The World Challenge.
The World Challenge is a competition that is being launched following the success of the Hands On Strand within BBC World’s award-winning environmental programme, Earth Report. This highlighted noteworthy projects undertaken by firms, communities and enterprising individuals around the globe.
A panel of judges – including representatives from BBC World, Shell and Newsweek – will shortlist the 12 entries that they feel are the best examples of community-based business, development or environmental projects.
BBC World will then produce 15-minute programmes on each nominee, examining how the initiative began, its inspiration and why it is socially and environmentally successful. These six films will be broadcast on BBC World in August and September, and the channel’s viewers will be invited to vote online for the most commendable and inspirational project.
Newsweek will replicate this with a print campaign that includes a series of advertorials, aimed at driving its readers to the online voting site. The campaign will run throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America. Once voting has closed, the winner of The World Challenge will be announced at a special ceremony in November and will receive a $20,000 grant from Shell to benefit their project.
BBC World director airtime sales Jonathan Howlett says, “We know that BBC World’s influential, upscale business-focused viewers take a great interest in global development issues. The World Challenge offers an opportunity to promote outstanding initiatives in this field to an intelligent, knowledgeable audience.
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.
