News Broadcasting
Headlines Today gears up for elections
MUMBAI: Elections and cricket are the talk of the nation at present. And news channels are leaving no stones unturned to cover the events extensively. Aaj Tak’s English counterpart Headlines Today has also made elaborate plans to cover the forthcoming general elections.
The news channel has drawn up a comprehensive programming strategy adding a number of properties to cater to its audience. The election-related programming has been christened Battle of the Alliances since broadly speaking the battle is between the NDA and the opposition comprising the Congress-led alliance. The programming would involve comprehensive and up-to-the minute coverage straight from the battleground. Regular field reports and latest analysis of the political developments, and will continue till mid-May on the channel.
The crisp election programming Headlines Today would dwell on the key points covering relevant information, without getting into extensive analysis.
As part of this overall electoral theme, Headlines Today has also created numerous segments to provide an enriching viewer experience.
Swot Analysis – A report card on the Union Cabinet, which would audit the performances of the various ministers in the fray. It would draw upon the strengths and weaknesses of the various ministers and identify the various opportunities and threats that they are likely to come across. Starting shortly, this programme will continue till the elections.
From the Frontlines A travelogue, this would present the common mans perspective on the elections. The anchor will cover the entire nation including remote places to provide the views of the electorate. This segment would include live chats with the electorate across the country and provide a glimpse of the mindset of the electorate.
Court Martial This segment would put an MP under the scanner, holding them accountable for their performance. This would be based on a survey conducted by a research agency in the various constituencies, and would depict the mass perception on their candidates.
Battle Cry Featuring the choicest bytes, this would constitute the best political comments of the day.War Room From our election room, this would comprise of psephological analysis of the various permutations and combinations, and project the swings that are likely to take place.
Nehrus Numbers A prediction-based weekly show, this would consist of political forecasts made by Arun Nehru.
Speaking on the various initiatives TV Today Networks spokesperson Rajesh Sheshadri said, Headlines Today as a channel provides sharp and crisp news to a predominantly urban audience. The challenge lies in providing concise election communication in a manner thats interesting and also complete. Creating an analogy with the battlefield will capture all the strategic aspects of electioneering in terms of flanking, defence mechanisms and all other movements.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
