News Broadcasting
Chaurasia accepts DD News post
NEW DELHI: Didn’t we tell you about it even while others were only talking about it? Aaj Tak’s political editor Deepak Chaurasia has finally made up his mind to join India’s pubcaster Doordarshan. Chaurasia, the man whom TV Today Network (the parent company of Aaj Tak and Headlines Today) would have ideally liked to retain, will in his new avatar, be the consulting editor to DD’s proposed news channel, DD News.
However, the Election Commission is still to take a formal decision on a pre-elections relaunch, slated early November. Five states in India go to polls between November and December and EC may slap a ban on DD on the November relaunch, if it feels that it may amount to undue advantage to the government of the day vis-?-vis other political parties.
Talking to indiantelevision.com on the auspicious day of Diwali, Chaurasia said, “I would be resigning from Aaj Tak over the next few days to take up this new assignment (at the helm of DD News).” Pointing out that he does not foresee much problem with the relaunch of DD News — that may get delayed by a month or so, if EC sees red — Chaurasia added, “The agenda would be to make DD News as competitive (as other news channels). But these are still early days for me.”
Chaurasia was taken round the Central Production Facility (CPC) of DD in Delhi, from where most news bulletins are put out, on Diwali day by DD officials. Though nobody is speaking on the issue, the remuneration package of Chaurasia is said to be in the region of Rs. 1.5 lakh (Rs 1,50,000) per month, a substantial northward trek from his Aak Tak pay packet.
It is also being said that Chaurasia’s departure from Aaj Tak may have a cascading effect and four or five others too may leave with him. Aaj Tak, on its part, is playing it cool. Pointing out that Chaurasia was a competent professional, a senior executive of TV Today Network, however, admitted, “We are not in the (salary) `matching’ game. At the end of the day, it’s an individual’s decision.”
In the run-up to Chaurasia’s wooing by DD, several other names had been thrown up in the government and TV industry circles as the head of DD News, which may still continue to be run by government officials on deputation in Prasar Bharati. The other names that had been doing the rounds included those of former BBC man in India Satish Jacob.
Meanwhile, DD officials pointed out that till the time the news channel is not put back on air, Chaurasia is likely to undertake anchoring assignments on DD’s existing channels where the number of news bulletins are likely to be increased in the run-up to the elections.
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.
