News Broadcasting
‘External obligations’ force DirecTV to quit TiVo Board
MUMBAI: DirecTV Group Inc. vice chairman Eddy Hartenstein has stepped down from TiVo Inc.’s board of directors after an eight-month commitment.
The US-based digital video recorder (DVR) maker TiVo gets the bulk of its business from a co-marketing agreement they have with DirecTV, provider of digital television entertainment, broadband satellite networks and services, and global video and data broadcasting.
The general perception being that DVRs like TiVo kill television advertisements, News Corp’s taking over of DirecTV late last year had raised doubts on the future of the TiVo-DirecTV collaboration. So Hartenstein’s membership on the TiVo board was seen as a symbolic gesture solidifying the partnership between TiVo and DirecTV.
DirecTV is quoted in media reports as saying the resignation was part of an effort to reduce “certain external obligations” in order to focus more time on DirecTV.
“We look forward to working with him in the future on new initiatives as we continue to grow our relationship with DirecTV,” said TiVo Chief Executive Mike Ramsay.
While regretting that other obligations prevented him from further fulfilling his duties of a TiVo director, Hartenstein has expressed his interest in continuing the strong business relationship between DirecTV and TiVo.
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.
