News Broadcasting
CNN lines-up special programmes for 25th anniversary
MUMBAI: Be the first to know’ is what Ted Turner had said 25 years ago in
1980. And, Cable News Network (CNN) was born in Atlanta. As the channel gets ready to mark the silver jubilee year, it will showcase a series of vignettes to celebrate this moment in its life.
People and events that have had a global impact in the last 25 years will be the theme for Top 25. Other topics that would be covered include innovations, technology, trends and sporting moments.
Every year Time magazine, which nominates Person of the Year, will team this May with CNN to commemorate the top 25 people who have influenced global events and happenings over the past 25 years.
Sue Rubin connects to globe
The channel will revisit the top 25 defining moments that have made
news headlines since the channel was first launched.
CNN will air on 21 May at 3:30 pm and on 22 May at 9:30 am as well as
At 3:30 pm.a documentary on Autism Is A World, which was nominated for an academy award. Directed by Gerardine Wurzburg, the doc speaks of a candid and compelling look into the mind of Sue Rubin. She, who is autistic. For 26 years, she has been on an extraordinary journey.
Her unusual behaviour led to a diagnosis of autism when she was four. Until age 13, she was believed to be retarded. But then a new communication technique gave Rubin the ability to connect with the world. Through this documentary Rubin speaks about her life and the communication device that enable her to connect with the world at large.
The channel will team with Fortune Global Forum in Beijing for a week of special programming from China Theme Week from 15 -22 May. This special will include daily coverage from the forum, as well as a
documentary focusing on life in modern China.
Beijing-based correspondents Stan Grant will present a documentary looking at the startling contrasts between rich and poor in China. Talk Asia, the network’s regional chat show will feature four special interviews with personalities from the business and entertainment industry.
Besides airing special programmes, May will also see events such as the U.K. elections on 5 May. 8 May too will be highlighted. This day is celebrated as the Allied victory over Nazi Germany known as Victory Day
in Russia and VE in Europe and in the US. American President George W Bush will travel to Moscow to celebrate the diamond jubilee Anniversary.
The channel will air the 58th Cannes International Film Festival from 11- 22 May. French Open Tennis tournament will also be part of the May highlight.
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.
