News Broadcasting
Hallmark signs deal with ACNielsen for Asia Pacific
Crown Media International, which operates the Hallmark Channel outside America, has announced the signing of a three-year regional contract with ACNielsen Media International.
AC Nielsen claims to be the world’s leading provider of people meter-based TV ratings. The agreement, effective 17 January 2002, will cover television ratings in India, Australia, Singapore and Taiwan.
This is the first regional TV ratings contract that Hallmark Channel has signed with ACNielsen Media International in Asia. Previously, Hallmark had purchased TV ratings information from the company on a limited basis in Taiwan, Australia and Singapore.
Hallmark programming consists of movies, mini-series, series and children’s programming. The channel claims that its audience numbers have grown in the Asia Pacific region by more than 50 per cent over the past year to 18 million homes. The channel also claims in an official release that in the region viewers are able to watch the service on seven different feeds and branded blocks.
Managing director, advertising sales of Crown Media International Barry Frey said: “Our strong distribution and enhanced programme schedules in Asia Pacific, coupled with our significant viewership and ad sales growth over the last two years, have led us to make this decision. It is important that we have accurate and timely data about ratings for the benefit of our advertisers.”
V-P ad sales Asia, Gregory Ang, said: “This agreement with ACNielsen provides the insight and information needed by clients who would like to target their products at the market segments that Hallmark Channel caters to.”
Forrest Didier, MD, ACNielsen Media International, Asia Pacific said: “We are very pleased to welcome Hallmark Channel as our newest regional client for TV ratings in Asia Pacific. Hallmark Channel is recognized as one of the most popular entertainment channels in the region and is fast expanding into many markets. We are confident our service will provide Hallmark Channel with the in-depth analysis and insights they need to further increase their presence in Asia Pacific.”
ACNielsen Media International’s television audience measurement service claims to have over 18,000 people meter homes in 12 Asia Pacific markets: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
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.
