News Broadcasting
CNN beefs up Asia operations
Asia is looming large on CNN’s screens as it puts into place plans to boost its international operations.
Two integrated newsgathering and production centres are being set up in Hong Kong and London as part of a review of its global operations. Hong Kong, alongside CNN’s other regional headquarters in London, will become a fully integrated regional newsgathering and production hub for the bureaus operating within the region.
The introduction of a new Asia focused CNN web site, to be launched in February, means that CNN’s ability to report from the region will be significantly enhanced.
The changes taking place internationally are part of the major review of newsgathering, production facilities and operations worldwide, and at CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta. Part of which involves the integration of the television and web newsgathering operation and the creation of a newsgathering ‘super desk’ manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week and providing the focal newsgathering point for CNN’s 34 different services.
“The new ‘super desk’ and newsgathering operation will provide faster, smarter editorial decision making, enhanced cross platform communications, better prioritisation and collaboration across all platforms,” said Eason Jordan, chief news executive and newsgathering president for CNN News Group.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
