News Broadcasting
CNN takes programming concept ‘Quest’ to the next level
MUMBAI: In April 2005 in order to broaden its programme offerings CNN had aired a special Quest. In it its correspondent Richard Quest tracked down some of the biggest names in comedy to find out what it takes to entertain and tickle the bones of a live audience.
Encouraged by the response the show received the broadcaster has announced that the concept will become a regular feature on the channel. Quest will see the correspondent going in search of greatness as he travels the globe. The show kicks off on 9 July at 5 pm with a repeat on 10 July at 12 pm and 6 pm.
Quest examines questions like Does the grey matter, matter? And does everyone have the potential for greatness? Dwelling on the initiative CNN Intl MD Chris Cramer says, “CNN is constantly seeking ways to evolve its programming. The success of the pilot show showed that we had hit a nerve with our international audience who are responding well to the growing strand of feature and lifestyle programming on CNN. We are very pleased to have developed a format that plays to Richard’s strengths as both interviewer and presenter who really engages with viewers.”
Drawing inspiration from the ancient civilisation of Petra, talking to living icons such as the Dalai Lama and going head to head with the legendary brain of Einstein, Quest is on a search in this first edition of his new series for what drives, inspires and makes a person great. Are they born that way or do they achieve greatness through hard work, experience, or knowledge?
As part of his research Quest seeks out personalities such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu, spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and former US President Bill Clinton for the answer. He also follows the well worn paths of those who have gone in search of inspiration and greatness in places such as Petra in Jordan and Gandhi’s ashram in India.
For the Dalai Lama greatness is more of a mental state than a physical one: he tells Quest: “ With a smart brain and credit by warm-heartedness, a sense of responsibility, sense of compassion I think a person becomes something, something great or something useful.”
Clinton says, “I think near history tends to reward those who happen to govern in difficult periods, particularly if there is conflict. What really matters in any leaders’ moment in history is that you understand the time in which you live and you understand your mission that will take you from where you are.”
What is unique about Quest is that it dispenses with the usual sofa and Q&A format. Richard Quest uses his unconventional and unique interviewing style to gain insight into what makes his guests tick.
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.
