News Broadcasting
ESS looking to hit a distribution ‘Grand Slam’ in smaller markets
MUMBAI: To say that the relationship between broadcasters and cable operators has been rough would be putting things mildly. However, ESPN Star Sports is looking to change that in its own way.
To this effect, it has introduced a Grand Slam programme. Its main aim is to foster goodwill amongst its cable affiliates through Grand Slam. Of course, another benefit which could accrue as a corollary is higher subscription revenues.
Speaking on this, ESPN affiliate sales vice president Sricharan Iyengar says, ” We introduced this a couple of months ago with the aim of improving and building upon the relationships between us and our cable affiliate partners. Most of the time we function like two adversaries and with this we want to make them feel that they are working in the same space with us as partners.”
“So far, 1000 customers have signed up. Right now our focus is on the smaller cities and towns where you can deal with the operators directly. We will look at the metros later on where the MSO comes into play,” says Iyengar.
“The programme works on three levels. At the first level the participants will be judged on a consistency basis which will work month by month. Based on increased declarations and revenue flow they get bonus points. This works like a frequent flyer programme. When they collect a certain number of points, these can be redeemed for prizes like holidays, household items.”
“At the second level, an aspirational value is added. A lot of cable operators in the smaller places have not had the opportunity to interact with celebrity commentators on our shows like Harsha Bhogle, Sunil Gavaskar. So Bhogle could do a phone in programme for the operator or even visit him.”
Iyengar added that the third level would see big ticket items being auctioned. Members of the programme could bid for durables like a car. This would happen every quarter. In addition every member gets a card. With this card he can avail of discounts at retail outlets, restaurants. For this purpose the broadcaster is looking to make the necessary tie ups.
The uncharitable would say that the direct contact concept looks to have been “inspired” by a similar effort from Sony’s One Alliance. Sony’s cricket brand ambassador Kapil Dev has been taken across the country and has proved a huge hit with the cable fraternity.
However, ESS denies this saying that the sports network has been having direct contact programmes with cable ops, taking Harsha Bhogle to them, three years ago, much before Sony decided to hire Kapil as its cricket ambassador.
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.
