News Broadcasting
BBC Worldwide appoints Global Licensing as agent for key brands
MUMBAI: The British pubic broadcaster BBC’s commercial arm BBC Worldwide Australasia has appointed Global Licensing NZ as its merchandise representative for its hit properties Doctor Who, Top Gear and In the Night Garden.
Global Licensing will hold exclusive merchandise rights, including rights for both the classic and new series of Doctor Who. Toys of Doctor Who will be launched this month at The Warehouse, Kmart, Farmers and Toy World, including the famous Cyberman Voice Changer Helmet, the UK’s Toy of the Year, 2006.
Global Licensing is expected to appoint local partners for all properties across a broad range of categories including apparel, accessories and games ranges.
Doctor Who first aired in 1963, and was re-launched in 2005. A co-production between BBC Wales and CBC in Canada, the fourth series is about to go into production in Cardiff. Series 3 will air on Prime, New Zealand’s third free-to-air network, from August.
Top Gear has consistently been the most watched programme on BBC2 in the UK. Now seen in more than 120 countries around the world, it has become famous for its combination of wit, irreverence and unbiased honesty.
In the Night Garden is currently airing on TV2 in New Zealand. Filmed in real woodland, the programme weaves together the very latest technical innovations in live-character costume technology and computer animation to create a compelling experience for young viewers. 17 licensees are already in place in the UK.
A full merchandise programme is planned in New Zealand to complement the launch and other existing platforms. Hasbro, the master toy licensee, has announced an October toy launch, apart from books from Penguin and DVDs from Roadshow.
Global Licensing NZ is planning an early 2008 launch for an extensive apparel range, and will roll out home wares, apparel accessories, stationery, footwear, bags, games and puzzles.
Global Licensing NZ head Mark Paul says, “Doctor Who has a long history in New Zealand and the success of the new TV series and UK merchandising programme will provide some great opportunities for NZ retailers and licensees. For Top Gear we intend to create a comprehensive lifestyle programme with products and promotions appealing to the whole family. In The Night Garden is a fantastic production and we anticipate great demand for infant/preschool products beginning with the new toy line from Hasbro”.
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.
