News Broadcasting
K Madhavan re-elected as IBDF president
Mumbai: The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), the apex body of television broadcasters and digital streaming platforms in the country, has re-elected The Walt Disney Company India and Star India country manager and president K Madhavan as its president for the second term after the 22nd annual general meeting of the company held on 22 October.
“I am humbled by the trust and faith IBDF members have reposed in me to lead the foundation for a second term,” said Madhavan. “We are at an interesting crossroad where the combination of consumer, regulatory and technology trends is remodelling the media landscape and ecosystem. I hope to continue working with the government, industry, and other stakeholders for accelerating the growth of the broadcast and digital media sector in the country.”
During the AGM, members of the foundation have re-elected the following members to the board of IBDF:
TV Today Network chairman Aroon Purie.
Prasar Bharati chief executive officer Shashi S Vempati.
Viacom18 managing director Rahul Joshi.
Star and Disney India president and head of network entertainment channels Kevin Vaz (representing Asianet Star Communications).
The appointment of Sun Network managing director R Mahesh Kumar as a director on the board under casual vacancy has also been ratified by the members of the foundation.
In the subsequent board meeting, the board also elected other office bearers as under:
IBDF vice president (news and current affairs) – India TV chairman Rajat Sharma
IBDF vice president (government and regulatory affairs) – Viacom18 managing director Rahul Joshi.
IBDF vice president (sectoral growth) – Prasar Bharati chief executive officer Shashi Vempati.
IBDF treasurer – Zee Entertainment president of content and international business Punit Misra.
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.
