News Broadcasting
Full text of Star Group’s official statement on Balaji stake acquisition
MUMBAI: Star Group and Balaji Telefilms Ltd. Balaji announced that Asian Broadcasting FZ-LLC (ABF), a Star affiliate, and Balaji today reached a definitive agreement under which ABF would be issued approximately 13.694 million shares at Rs 90 per share to give it a 21 per cent stake in Balaji by investing a total of Rs 1.23 billion in Balaji. Following completion of the acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, ABF expects to be able to hold up to 26 per cent in Balaji following the public offer to the shareholders of Balaji as per the takeover Regulations and/or through warrants that will be issued to it.
The acquisition of Balaji is in line with Star’s strategy of increasing content production in India. Balaji is the largest content production company in India, producing shows in various languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada. Its television productions such as Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki regularly top the ratings charts in the country.
Commenting on the deal, Star Group CEO Michelle Guthrie says, “We are thrilled to acquire a stake in Balaji, with whom we enjoy a productive and rewarding relationship. Balaji, under the continuing management and leadership of the Kapoors and with its unique pool of creative talent, has become one of the most important companies in the evolving and increasingly competitive media arena in India. As Star continues to expand its services and offer more choices to viewers, we see enormous strategic benefits from strengthening our relationship with Balaji.”
Balaji Telefilms chairman Jeetendra Kapoor says, “We are excited about having Star as an investor in the company. We believe that the investment made in the company would assist in achieving a higher level of growth and in the process generate significant value for all the stakeholders.”
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.
