News Broadcasting
Disney’s Eisner, Iger in India; to meet PM & President
NEW DELHI / MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Company’s head honchos, CEO Michael Eisner and his successor Robert Iger, arrived in the capital today on the first leg of an official visit and met up with President APJ Kalam.
As was reported by Indiantelevision.com last week, Disney executives are due to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is returning from a foreign trip tonight, and some other government representatives. The meeting with the PM is likely tomorrow, though a definite time has not yet been given.
During a 15-minute courtesy call on President Kalam, Eisner and Iger, reportedly, discussed things in general, while briefing the former on various business activities of Disney in India that are mostly related to children.
Kalam, according to government sources, also gave the foreign visitors, accompanied by the India head of Disney’s business Rajat Jain, a guided tour of his official website.
Generally media barons and senior execs of such companies don’t call on the President, preferring the Prime Minister instead, but Kalam’s fondness for children-related issues, probably, made Disney overturn set norms to call on Kalam. An appointment for the meeting was sought late in March.
Eisner and Iger began the first leg of their India visit in Delhi today and are due to arrive in Mumbai on 27 April (Wednesday). The duo will be flying out on Thursday, thus ending their four-day visit to India.
Apart from the President and Prime Minister, they are due to meet I&B minister Jaipal Reddy as also some other government officials as well as business leaders to explore and discuss future opportunities for Disney in the burgeoning Indian market.
Eisner says, “Throughout its history, Disney has connected with audiences around the world through its high-quality, family-oriented movies, television shows, theme parks, consumer products and live productions. We are committed to strengthening the affinity people around the world have for Disney’s characters, stories and other entertainment offerings, especially in dynamic, expanding markets like India, where our content already enjoys particularly high recognition and positive associations.”
Iger, who is due to take over the reins at Disney from 30 September 2005, says, “We are tremendously pleased with the early success of Disney Channel and Toon Disney, which are critical components in building our brand awareness and driving growth in India. Disney is focusing its energies on creativity and innovation combined with the application of new technologies to drive worldwide expansion of all its core businesses.”
The Walt Disney Company has identified international expansion as one of its key strategic priorities and maintains a particular focus on growing markets such as India. Disney currently has several established businesses in India such as film distribution, consumer products and media networks. The company’s two channels – The Disney Channel and Toon Disney launched in India in December last year.
Disney’s current presence in India also includes branded mobile content. In December 2004, the Walt Disney Internet Group, along with Indiagames, introduced Disney games, wallpapers and ringtones in the market; the content of which, is also available on AirTel.
Disney Consumer Products is establishing Disney Corners at select retail outlets throughout the country from which it will sell licensed merchandise. Apart from that Disney Publishing is also in the process of entering the market.
Walt Disney International president Andy Bird says, “Disney’s presence in India today is well poised for growth. We are developing, distributing and licensing content that makes efficient and effective use of our popular brands and creative properties, all of which we expect to contribute to building robust businesses over the long term.”
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
