News Broadcasting
Fox-Sky deal: CMA to examine how it impacts plurality, standards, 21CF expects constructive review
MUMBAI: UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has set out more details about what it intends to examine in its investigation into the proposed takeover of Sky Plc by 21st Century Fox, which owns STAR India.
21st Century Fox (21CF) has welcomed the publication by the CMA of the Issues Statement. “We look forward to the CMA process and engaging in a thorough and constructive review,” it stated in a press release.
On 20 September, Karen Bradley, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport referred Fox’s proposed takeover of Sky to the CMA on public interest grounds.
The CMA will now examine how the deal would impact media plurality and broadcasting standards in the UK.
The issues statement sets out the proposed approach to assessing the impact of the merger. Anyone wanting to provide submissions is invited to do so based on the areas and questions outlined in the issues statement.
The CMA is required to report to the Secretary of State with its recommendations within six months of opening the investigation.
Anne Lambert, Panel Chair, said: Today (10 October) we set out the scope of our investigation and the issues on which we will focus. We now invite submissions on these specific matters so we can thoroughly examine the relevant evidence.
The CMA will use its extensive experience of investigating different issues in a wide range of sectors to thoroughly and impartially investigate the proposed takeover.
“Once the investigation is complete we will report back to Karen Bradley for her to make a final decision,” Lambert stated.
The 21CF release added: Reference is made to the announcement made on 15 December 2016 by the 21st Century Fox Board and the Independent Committee of Sky that they had reached agreement on the terms of a recommended pre-conditional cash offer by 21st Century Fox for the fully diluted share capital of Sky which 21st Century Fox and its Affiliates do not already own. The full terms and conditions of the Acquisition are set out in the announcement which was published on 15 December 2016.
ALSO READ :
Sky buy: Fox disappointed at US secy’s statement, hopes for closure by 30 June
Lachlan Murdoch opens up about Fox & Star TV’s billion-dollar EBITDA target
Star India’s ent. prog costs & De-Mon impact 21st CF even as revenue beats expectations
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.
