News Broadcasting
BVITV inks mobile content deal with Philippines’ ABS-CBN Interactive
MUMBAI: Buena Vista International Television–Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP) has concluded its first live action series mobile content agreement with ABS-CBN Interactive (ABSi), a division of the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Company in the Philippines.
This agreement is in line with Buena Vista International Television–Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP), the international television distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company’s focus on the application of technology to enhance its content and expand its distribution to deliver it anytime, anywhere, according to an official statement.
For the first time in the Philippines, ABS-CBN Interactive’s mobile customers will be able to enjoy mobile video content from BVITV’s hit series, Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy, including second season sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes and recaps video clips, plus SMS infotext, wallpaper and WAP sites – to tie in with the television broadcast.
Seasons two of Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy are currently airing on Studio 23, one of ABS-CBN’s television networks, which is currently celebrating its 10 anniversary on-air.
“We are thrilled to be the first U.S. studio to offer mobile content and clips of live action series content on the recently launched 3G platforms in the Philippines,” says BVITV-AP senior vice president and managing director Steve Macallister. “We look forward to working with ABS-CBN Interactive and clients around the region to deliver our programming in innovative and interactive ways to consumers – one of the key priorities at BVITV – enhancing the entertainment experience for fans of our series’.”
”This exciting partnership with BVITV-AP will create a complete viewing experience for Studio 23 audiences, extending their affinity with the shows and allowing them to bring it with them anywhere they go, through their mobile phones,” said ABS-CBN Interactive MD Paolo Pineda.
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.
