News Broadcasting
IBN7 revamps primetime with two mega shows as polls come closer
NEW DELHI: With the general elections round the corner, IBN7 is revamping its primetime programming with the introduction of two brand new shows with veteran journalists Vinod Dua and Sanjay Pugalia.
The new programming will mark the return of Vinod Dua in a special election show Vinod Dua Ka Prashnkaal, which will be the first fully interactive prime-time election show on any Hindi news platform. The host will give a platform to viewers to express themselves freely and participate in the election discussions.
The channel will put out a “Topic of the Day” for a fixed time during the day, inviting viewers to call in with their views and questions. Questions would also be taken from Twitter, Facebook and the channel’s website – IBNKhabar. Additionally, the channel will also integrate a distinct video element called “Open Mike” which will allow on-camera views and questions on the day’s topic. Vinod Dua Ka Prashnkaal will air every Monday to Thursday at 8 pm.
Another new prime time show, India 9 Baje, will go on air from 18 February every Monday to Friday at 9 pm, and will see Sanjay Pugalia do a round-up of the day’s major news stories. The show will follow a flexible format, primarily consisting of one big debate along with other stories of impact from the worlds of politics, sports, business, international and entertainment news. Sanjay Pugalia with his experience, credibility and vast knowledge of politics as well as political economy, will give viewers a rare combination of the two in his delivery of news.
Speaking on IBN7’s new prime-time line up, CNN-IBN and IBN7 MD Vinay Tewari said, “Elections are a complex, engaging and diverse event. It needs solid professionals who understand the complexities, who can simplify it for our audience and who believe in clarity over noise and sensation. We have brought in two of India’s leading journalists to take our primetime programming to the next level and who symbolise our beliefs about news. Vinod Dua, with his experience and unique style, is back to give viewers his take on the elections and engage them in our daily discourse while Sanjay Pugalia, whose understanding of politics and political economy is unparalleled, will debate and encapsulate the day’s major news on India 9 Baje.”
IBN Network Editor-in-Chief Rajdeep Sardesai said, “We are looking at possibly the most crucial general elections in Indian history. And IBN7 is set to launch two new shows anchored by two of the most influential and experienced journalists in the industry. Amidst the furore of elections, our new prime time line-up aims to help our viewers understand the socio-political scenario better and enable them to make informed decisions. We believe that these shows will add immense value to our programming and enable our network to set the industry standard for years to come.”
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.
