News Broadcasting
CNN takes ‘The Path of Pilgrims’
MUMBAI: From Jakarta to New York and Baghdad to Paris, more than two million Muslims are expected to take part in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
For the eighth consecutive year, CNN International will present exclusive images and stories from the Hajj, including a look at pilgrims making their way from these cities. Hosted by journalist Zain Verjee, CNN International offers a week of special coverage from 19-24 January.
The special coverage will culminate in a half-hour programme Hajj: The Path Of Pilgrims, as Verjee looks back on the events of the week through the experiences of these pilgrims. The programme airs on 23 January at 5 pm with repeats on 29 January at 6 pm and on 30 January at 8 pm.
Through the eyes of the pilgrims, CNN International features several personal perspectives of the sacred journey. This year, CNN will offer a unique behind-the-scenes look at the pilgrimage of a three-generation Iraqi-American family who are given a camcorder to closely document their experiences. U.S.-based Imam Qazwini, a Shia Cleric, whose 14 family members were executed under Saddam Hussein, will be making this pilgrimage with his 18-year-old son. The two will meet up with their Iraqi grandfather in Medina.
CNN Intl senior VP Rena Golden said, “By allowing a camera on their journey, this family is letting the world bear witness to something very personal and we are pleased to be able to give our viewers such a distinct perspective of the Hajj. What is happening in the Middle East and the Islamic world are important issues for CNN viewers. Therefore, providing special insight into the Hajj is essential.”
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
