News Broadcasting
Griffiths to be replaced by three execs at MGM
MUMBAI: Now that’s a ‘power’ shift. With MGM worldwide television distribution president Jim Griffiths taking on new reponsibilities, three veteran MGM executives have been called in to take over his responsibility, with immediate effect.
MGM vice chairman and chief operating officer Chris McGurk announced that with Griffiths joining Playboy Enterprises, three executives: television distribution North America, executive vice president Jim Packer, international television, executive vice president Simon Sutton, and MGM Networks, executive vice president, Bruce Tuchman, will be jointly sharing his responsibilities.
According to a company release, the three executives will work in tandem with MGM television entertainment president Hank Cohen in running MGM’s worldwide television group.
The three report directly to McGurk and will divide Griffiths’ share of duties in running the group and continue to aggressively expand and strengthen MGM television operations both domestically and abroad.
Says McGurk, “We wish Jim Griffiths all the best with his new responsibilities at Playboy, and thank him for all the great work he’s done for MGM’s television distribution over the years. Most importantly, he’s left a terrific management team in place. Jim Packer, Simon Sutton and Bruce Tuchman are three experienced and talented executives who have been integral to MGM’s successes. Now they’ll take on some new responsibilities with much higher profiles both inside the company and out.”
Packer and Tuchman joined MGM in 2001 as executive vice president. Sutton joined MGM in 1996 and was promoted to executive vice president in 2001, adds the release.
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. 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.
