News Broadcasting
BBC Worldwide, Beijing TV, MDA co-produce show ‘A History of Beijing’
MUMBAI: With international eyes turned towards Beijing as the city gears up to host China’s first Olympic Games, BBC Worldwide will take audiences on an in-depth tour of the Chinese capital and its people with a new series A History of Beijing.
This regional co-production, with Beijing TV and the Media Development Authority of Singapore, marks the first such collaboration for BBC Worldwide’s Global Channels business since its launch in 2006.
A History of Beijing showcases the rich history of the city taking audiences on a fascinating journey behind its growth – from its nomadic beginnings, to its iconic dynasties and today’s modern, thriving metropolis. Many of the ancient city’s greatest historical moments are recreated through stunning reconstructions.
A special three-part version of the series will premiere first and exclusively on BBC Knowledge across Asia in August 2008. It will also be broadcast on BBC Knowledge in Poland and in some European territories on BBC Prime.
The TV trade also got a first glimpse of the highly anticipated series at the BBC Showcase in Brighton, UK from 24 to 27 February.
BBC Global Channels Asia-Pacific SVP and GM Christine Leo-McKerrow says, “Producing with Asian partners content that has relevance for regional and global audiences has been our intent since introducing the BBC-branded channels to this part of the world.
“With the BBC being one of the world’s largest and most renowned producers of documentary programming, it is a natural progression for us to extend this expertise through local productions, and with local partners, such as Beijing TV.”
“This series comes at a highly opportune time when there is a massive interest in China, and in particular, Beijing. Through this series, audiences can find a deeper understanding of Beijing and its people before the world descends on the ancient city in August,” adds Leo-McKerrow.
BBC Knowledge celebrated its global launch in Singapore last July. Since then the channel has also launched in Hong Kong and Poland.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
