News Broadcasting
Jon Beazley is BBC acting controller entertainment commissioning
MUMBAI: Jon Beazley will be BBC’s acting controller of entertainment Commissioning. The controller of entertainment commissioning Jane Lush and Fenia Vardanisexecutive editor, format entertainment Vardanis will leave the BBC to start their own independent production company.
Beazley who is currently the executive editor of mainstream entertainment commissioning, will take on the acting role with immediate effect and will be responsible for all commissioning and new ideas development. Lush and Vardanis will continue to work on the delivery of projects already commissioned until they leave the BBC later this year to start up the new company, which is being backed by Television Corporation.
The duo, working closely with colleagues in entertainment commissioning, production and the independent sector, have been involved in bringing shows like Strictly Come Dancing, The Apprentice, Dragons’ Den and Comic Relief does Fame Academy to millions of viewers. BBC Television direcxtor Jana Bennett, said, “From Strictly Come Dancing to Fame Academy Does Comic Relief, Jane – working closely with Fenia and commissioning and production colleagues – has been instrumental in bringing the glitz and glamour of sequins and stilettos back to Saturday night television. Add to that their ability to spot and work with in-house and independent programme makers to bring on innovative and entertaining formats, such as Dragons’ Den and The Apprentice, and you have a very potent mix. We look forward to them bringing more stardust back to the BBC as independent programme makers.
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. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. 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.
