News Broadcasting
CCTV in maiden deal with Sony to distribute drama series
MUMBAI: In its first ever arrangement with any US Studio, China Central Television (CCTV) has joined Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI)’s programme licensing division to distribute a CCTV drama series in Asia.
As per the deal, SPTI picks up Asian distribution rights, excluding the People’s Republic of China and Japan, to The Stories of Han Dynasty, an HDTV drama chronicling the lives of two men caught up in the revolution against the Qin dynasty.
“We’re thrilled about selling The Stories of Han Dynasty and are extremely grateful to CCTV for the opportunity to distribute this acclaimed drama,” SPTI’s acquisitions executive and SPE Networks-Asia’s vice president programming and production Betty Tsui said.
CCTV marketing executive GM Cheng Chunli added: “Together, CITVC and SPTI will be able to introduce quality productions such as The Stories of Han Dynasty to as many countries and media outlets as possible.”
The CITVC deal comes on the heels of SPTI’s distribution agreement with CJ Entertainment to distribute two Korean films throughout Asia, The Greatest Expectation and How to Keep My Love.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Kolkata Town Hall on Hooghly River
‘Bhalobasa Bengal Inspiring Bharat’ event on April 20 brings cultural icons, trailblazing women and leaders aboard a cruise to celebrate Bengal’s enduring influence.
MUMBAI: Bengal is about to make fresh waves on the Hooghly and this time the current is pure conversation. CNN-News18 is taking its iconic Town Hall format to the waters of the iconic Hooghly River on 20 April 2026 with a special edition titled ‘Bhalobasa Bengal – Inspiring Bharat’. The floating event will celebrate the state’s rich cultural legacy and how its ideas, creativity and spirit continue to shape the rest of the country.
The unique riverside setting draws on Bengal’s history as a cradle of reform, art and intellectual thought. The speaker line-up mirrors that diversity: cultural heavyweights Mithun Chakraborty and Sreenanda Shankar will share the stage with trailblazing “Devis” such as Tanya Sanyal (India’s first woman firefighter in aviation), Ipsita Chakraborty (Kolkata’s first woman bartender) and Reshma Nilofer Visalakshi (Nari Shakti awardee and marine pilot). Music will flow through the celebrated pianist-vocalist duo Sourendro and Soumyojit, while public life and governance will be represented by Smriti Irani, Leander Paes, Saira Shah Halim, Keya Ghosh, Rekha Patra, Roopa Ganguly and Babul Supriyo.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director, Rahul Shivshankar, said the event honours voices that carry Bengal’s legacy forward. Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, added that Bengal’s stories resonate far beyond its borders, especially as the state heads into polls.
From the first woman to battle flames in the skies to legendary actors who shaped Indian cinema, the gathering promises a rich mix of inspiration, courage and candid dialogue. In a city where culture has always flowed as freely as the river itself, CNN-News18 is turning the Hooghly into a floating forum for ideas that matter.
Tune in on 20 April on CNN-News18, CTV and YouTube to catch Bengal’s heartbeat in full flow.
