News Broadcasting
From headlines to reading between the lines
NEW DELHI: CNN-IBN today launched two new programmes – ‘The Last Word’, and ‘News 360’.
While the first is a daily show aimed at getting to the heart of every burning issue and deciphering the day’s most important news, the second aims to present a complete news wrap of the day.
To be presented by the irrepressible Karan Thapar, The Last Word is a primetime show which will delve into the major headlines of the day, focusing on adding depth to the current stories.
The Last Word will have multiple guests on the show whose expertise will help in giving to the viewers an in-depth analysis of stories that made an impact across the country and the world. The show will be aired on CNN-IBN from Monday to Friday at 8 pm from tonight.
‘News 360’ will cover the top stories and all the news that has happened during the day. The fast paced news bulletin will be aired from Monday to Friday at 8:30 pm from tonight.
Lesser views and more news is the mantra of ‘News 360’, as the show takes the viewers across India and globe and will focus on news from all genres including, National, Regional, International, Business, Sports & Entertainment.
CNN-IBN Editor-in-ChiefRajdeep Sardesai said, “Karan Thapar is surely a man with vast experience and passion for truth. We really look forward to this version of The Last Word which will decode and analyze the daily news with the insightful perspective and sharpness of Karan Thapar.”
He added: “With the demand for holistic news covering every sphere of the daily news, ‘News 360’ will be the ideal show to bring forth all genres of news giving the viewers the entire days news wrap-up”.
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. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. 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.






