News Broadcasting
etc Punjabi may go pay post CAS
MUMBAI: Although ETC Networks had earlier announced that its channels etc and etc Punjabi would become free-to-air after 14 July 2003, there is a possibility that etc Channel Punjabi will go pay.
At a CAS seminar organised by ETC Networks in Mumbai on Thursday, ETC Networks’ director Jagjit Singh Kohli said the decision would depend on the business/revenue model of the channel. “Our research indicates that etc Punjabi has exclusive content that is not available with competitors – for instance, the Gurbani (live renditions from the Sikh holy book relayed from the Golden Temple, Amritsar). Moreover, our internal research indicates that large chunks of viewers in North India are hooked on to the channel and will definitely pay the monthly charges.”
However, Kohli categorically confirmed that the flagship Hindi music channel etc would remain FTA. “etc music channel has substantial reach, penetration and distribution. In fact, it gets advertising revenues due to these strengths. Moreover, it also earns monies due to sponsored trailors and music videos amongst others. There is no question that etc Hindi would remain free,” Kohli said.
He also added that several broadcasters will have to take a decision about converting pay channels into FTA and vice versa. “It entirely depends on the business model that the broadcaster adopts. Currently, some of the MSOs are asking pay channels for commitments that they would remain pay for a certain specified duration. However, the government notifications don’t specify any such commitments. As far as the government is concerned, the more the number of FTA channels, the better it is. The government can then claim that CAS is a success.”
In an interesting revelation, Kohli also pointed out that the broadcasters have proposed to have different MRPs (market retail prices) for channels in different cities. In their meeting with MSOs on 18 June, broadcasters had given MSOs a chance to add their margins to the pay channel rates specified by the broadcasters. However, Kohli felt that the differential pricing regime would not be allowed as the government wants standardised rates across the country.
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. 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.
