News Broadcasting
FM b’cast policy tipped for a change before general elections
NEW DELHI: The government is contemplating on taking a final view on the recommendations of an expert panel, on FM radio broadcast policy, before the country gets into the general elections mode, which is likely to happen March onwards.
According to government sources, the last date for sending in feedback on the panel’s suggestions expires on 19 January, after which the information and broadcasting minister proposes to move a cabinet note to effect changes in the existing policy, if need be. Any change in the FM radio broadcast policy would have to have the green signal from the full Cabinet.
“This is evident from the fact that work on a paper on FM radio broadcast policy is going on at the moment so that not much time is wasted in seeking Cabinet okay on the changes suggested,” a government source said, adding that this is despite the fact that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has been appointed the regulator for the broadcast sector too.
Since clarity on I&B ministry’s role, post TRAI development, is still not forthcoming, the I&B ministry would have a say in the formulation of policies regarding broadcast and cable sector, though TRAI, technically, comes under the telecom ministry, the source said.
The FM radio panel, headed by Ficci’s secretary-general Amit Mitra, last year had submitted its recommendations after extensive consultation with the industry and government officials.
Amongst some of the radical suggestions, it had been said that news and current affairs programming be allowed on private FM radio stations as also bring foreign investment norms in such ventures at par with those prevalent in the electronic and print media.
In the print and electronic medium, for the news category, foreign investment is permitted up till 26 per cent. Of course, such investments come with heavy riders to safeguard against foreigners taking full control of news ventures in India.
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.
