News Broadcasting
Blasts send news channels scurrying for coverage
MUMBAI: It was a matter of minutes, but Star News pipped its rivals to field coverage and providing images of the bomb blasts in Mumbai and proved its mettle in covering live news better when it mattered the most.
Trashed thus far by critics for being slow on the uptake and more interested in the glamourous side of city life, Star News showed its true colours when its camera team and reporters reached Mumbadevi Zaveri Bazaar, the Gateway of India before the rest of the news channels’ crews. Aaj Tak was still conferring live with bureau chief Shishir Joshi who seem to be far away from the scene of the blasts. Later, AajTak’s crew got into the act.
While all the channels flashed the news immediately, the difference lay in the presentation and depth of coverage. NDTV 24*7 was way behind its sibling NDTV India, which had live reportage happening from the scene of the blasts, even though actual footage of the blasts came a little after Star News. Sahara Samay Rashtriya on the other hand did a better job with correspondents and cameramen on the field speaking to locals getting first hand accounts.
That Star News’ anchors and reporters were geared for the emergency showed in the comfort levels with which the news was being tackled. Public broadcaster Doordarshan put safety first by refusing to divulge the number of casualties and even had deputy prime minister L K Advani saying that he would be hard put to comment until he had further information.
The foreign broadcasters, BBC and CNN were predictably the last to join the coverage. Compare that to the time when we had to tune in to BBC to find out that Mrs Gandhi had been assassinated. CNN did have correspondent Ram Gopal live from India pitching in with a report but that was around an hour after the news came out in full on domestic channels. It later picked up footage from Sahara Samay. The wheel clearly has turned full circle. Where the international news media used to inform us about developments and disasters within the nation, today Indiy,Indian media suffice.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 launches weekend show Health Matters to decode health trends
New show aims to cut through viral wellness fads with expert-backed advice
MUMBAI: In an age where viral reels often double up as lifestyle advice, CNN-News18 is launching a weekend show aimed at separating health facts from fashionable myths.
Titled News18 Health Matters, the half-hour programme will premiere on 14 March 2026 and position itself as a reliable guide through the maze of wellness trends, internet remedies and quick-fix health advice that increasingly shape everyday decisions.
India is in the midst of a major health transition. Lifestyle diseases are striking earlier, stress and sleep deprivation have become routine, and health choices are often influenced by trending content rather than medical evidence. The new show leans into this reality with a simple premise: trending does not always mean true.
Anchored by Hem Kaur Saroya and Himani Chandna, the programme will air every Saturday at 8:30 am and 5:30 pm and on Sundays at 10:30 am. Episodes will also be available on the channel’s YouTube platform.
Each instalment will tackle everyday health concerns that are increasingly entering mainstream conversations. Topics range from the rise of heart attacks among people under 40 and the growing reliance on protein supplements, to the rush toward weight-loss drugs and the widespread overuse of painkillers. The show will also examine issues such as screen addiction, chronic sleep loss, stress-related disorders and the rising prevalence of thyroid conditions, diabetes and hypertension.
Speaking about the launch, Rahul Shivshankar said the show aims to bring clarity to a space crowded with misinformation.
“With Health Matters, CNN-News18 aims to cut through the noise and empower viewers with clear, expert-led conversations grounded in science and medical evidence. At a time when viral trends increasingly influence lifestyle choices, it is important to distinguish between what is trending and what is truly beneficial for long-term health,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, Smriti Mehra said the programme reflects the channel’s commitment to responsible and relevant programming.
“With growing public interest in wellness and preventive health, Health Matters strengthens CNN-News18’s focus on issues that affect everyday life. In an increasingly crowded information space, credible and verified health conversations have never been more important,” she said.
With Health Matters, CNN-News18 is betting that viewers want more than bite-sized advice and viral fixes. The show promises something rarer in the age of algorithm-driven wellness tips: calm, credible conversations that help people make better health choices.
