News Broadcasting
Cable ops seek public support on CAS
NEW DELHI: Even as the Indian government is weighing various options, including promulgation of an Ordinance junking CAS (conditional access system) for all practical purpose, a seemingly perturbed cable fraternity in Delhi has called for an interaction with the media on Monday to reach out to the government as well as the consumers.
The press conference called by the cable fraternity, likely to be attended by representatives of some multi-system operators (MSOs) too, seems to have one single agenda: communicate to the populace of Delhi, especially South Delhi, that their “support” is needed to make CAS a reality.
“The meet has also been called to educate the consumer on the pros and cons of CAS, the politics involved, the high-handedness of the broadcasters, most of whom have raised prices for pay channels, and the Catch 22 situation in which the cable industry is in,” a cable op, part of organising panel for the press conference, said.
With time running out for all the stakeholders of CAS, including the government, activity like these are likely to increase in coming days.
The government, on its part, is toying with the idea of an ordinance, but for that to happen the ground has to be good enough to convince the President.
Of course, the government can also go in for an interim broadcast regulator — as has been demanded by the consumers body.
However, for all these to happen, a certain thing has to be kept in mind: the political atmosphere of the country.
A government that seems to be gearing up for an early poll would not be a government to take decisions that would anger the hoi-polloi.
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. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. 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.
