News Broadcasting
InCable files contempt case against ESPN; court hearing on Monday
The battle between InCableNet and ESPN Software over increased subscription rates entered the courts today after the Hinduja Group MSO filed a contempt of court case against it and its managing director Manu Sawhney, and Sricharan Iyengar, V-P, distribution & affiliate sales.
The case – filed in the chambers of Justice Patil of the Bombay High Court – was on ESPN’s request adjourned to Monday afternoon, an InCableNet release says.
“The contempt notice was a result of ESPN/Star Sports switching off their signals to InCableNet depriving viewers of feed with effect from the night of 5 January, 2002. The Hon’ble Bombay High Court, had by an earlier order dated 12 June, 2001, directed switching on of the signals of ESPN/Star Sports on an additional payment of Rs 4 lakhs (400,000) per month, until further orders of the Court,” the release says.
An ESPN spokesperson said: “It is InCableNet which has approached the Hon’ble Bombay High Court alleging that ESPN Software has committed contempt of its order. The court has granted time to ESPN to clarify its position. We would not like to comment further as the matter is sub judice.”
The standoff between the two sides (which shows no signs of letting up) arose after the MSO refused to sign on to the increased subscription package that went into effect from 1 January where the monthly tariff for the ESPN and Star Sports channels was pegged at RS 24 from the earlier RS 16.
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.
