News Broadcasting
BOB, Anheuser-Busch mark new milestone in advertiser-broadcaster relationship
Brief Original Broadcasts (BOB) and leading brewer Anheuser-Busch have entered into an agreement, which will make the latter the television network’s exclusive charter sponsor for alcoholic beverages.
BOB, a new digital TV network slated to launch early next year in the US, is devoted to independently produced short-form programming which targets 21 to 34-year-old viewers. The agreement is in the form of a multi-year partnership and marks an evolution in the relationship between advertisers and broadcasters. BOB will provide sponsors with a unique venue for televising branded, short-form entertainment programmes. BOB’s new approach to advertising-supported television is paralleled by its unique and innovative programming format. Says BOB CEO Dan O’Brien,”The appointment free, 24/7 viewing experience is ideal for the elusive lifestyle of our demographic target audience.”
One of the most fundamental differences between traditional TV networks and BOB will be the dynamic role that content producers, advertisers, distributors, networks and most importantly the viewers, will play in its creation and evolution, says an official release.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
