News Broadcasting
BBC Worldwide bags three awards
LONDON: BBC Worldwide has been recognised in the Trade Partners UK-backed International Business Awards where it bagged three trophies.
The awards won were Overall Exporter of the Year, Corporate Exporter of the year and Best International Marketing Campaign. BBC Worldwide claims to have had a turnover of over 25 million.
The International Business Awards are a joint initiative between Trade Partners UK and Nexus Communications (publishers of Export Times). They recognise the achievements of some of the best of British business, from successful new ventures to leading blue-chip organisations across the UK.
BBC Worldwide CEO Rupert Gavin added, “Despite a tough global economic climate one can still generate growth for the UK through strong marketing, a brand based strategy, good product quality and highly motivated sales teams. These awards are recognition of that success.” An official release informs that being recognised with three major accolades against strong competition from leading UK organisations reflects BBC Worldwide’s financial returns, strong growth, innovative strategies and market leadership over a three-year review period.
In the three-year review period – 2000-2003 – BBC Worldwide grew its turnover to 640 million and its profit from 26m to 32m. In the last financial year (2002/03) the company returned a record 123m to the BBC. Key factors in the company’s growth have been the launch of BBC channels, branded blocks, the re-versioning of programmes such as The Weakest Link (aired in India on Star Plus as Kamzor Kadii Kaun) and Top of the Pops for local markets, and joint venture partnerships. This drove significant business growth in key territories such as the USA, Germany, Latin America and Canada.
Other major BBC properties that contributed to this success include the internationally acclaimed factual series, The Blue Planet (airs in India on Discovery) and Walking with Beasts. Children’s properties such as Teletubbies and Tweenies continued to expand across media around the world. Walking with Beasts’ marketing campaign in the EMEIA region was used as a case study to illustrate the company’s innovative approach to marketing its brands and properties around the globe.
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.
