News Broadcasting
BVITV and Flextech TV ink UK licensing agreement
MUMBAI: Walt Disney’s Buena Vista International Television (BVITV) and Flextech Television have announced a UK licensing agreement for the launch of acquired US network series content on Flextech’s new broadband service.
As per the agreement with BVITV, Flextech’s new service will offer on-demand and on a rental basis, series like Grey’s Anatomy, Extreme Makeover and Alias, which air on Living TV and Bravo.
Accessible via the channel websites www.livingtv.co.uk and www.bravo.co.uk, the service enables UK users to download episodes that will be available for a 24 hour window within seven days of downloading, informs an official release.
In partnership with online broadcasting solutions provider Servecast and protected by Digital Rights Management software, this new service will enable viewers to download Living TV and Bravo’s homegrown shows. In addition, episodes of commissioned programme brands such as Most Haunted, Sin Cities and Real Football Factories will also be available for download, priced at £2.50 per episode.
The release adds that the line-up of titles available for download will be coordinated with Living TV and Bravo’s linear schedules, maximising the on-air promotional opportunities created by the new service, with series two of a programme appearing on air as the first series becomes available online. Free episodes will also offer tasters of the latest shows on the Living TV and Bravo channels.
Commenting on the agreement, BVITV EMEA executive VP and MD Tom Toumazis said, “We are working closely with international partners to use new technology in bringing our content to consumers in flexible new ways, and are pleased that viewers in the UK will now be able to enjoy these gripping hit series on demand through our agreement with Flextech.”
Flextech Television head of interactive Edward Humphrey said, “We’ll experiment with a variety of pricing models including PPV, packaging and subscriptions to better understand how our audience wants to purchase TV content online. We’ll also continue to offer free preview downloads of new shows – as recently demonstrated with Bravo’s Man’s Work – to encourage sampling of new content.”
The new service provides another medium for audiences to connect with Flextech’s brands, which are already available as linear TV channels, via cable video-on-demand, on the web and via mobile networks, adds the release.
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.
