News Broadcasting
Leo-McKerrow is BBC Worldwide VP TV channels for Asia
MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide, which is the commercial arm of UK pubcaster The BBC has announced the appointment of Christine Leo-McKerrow as VP, TV channels in Asia.
In addition to, and complementing, her existing role working on the BBC/Discovery jointly owned channels in Asia, Leo-McKerrow will develop, implement and manage BBC Worldwide’s channels business in Asia.
She reports to BBC Worldwide MD global TV channels Darren Childs.
Childs said, “Christine’s appointment is part of BBC Worldwide’s Channels division strategy to establish resources in Asia, where we see numerous opportunities to expand our branded channels presence. Christine’s track record launching branded channels into the region makes her the perfect candidate for this role.”
Leo-McKerrow said, “I am looking forward to introducing more BBC Worldwide branded channels to Asia. This is a vital market, and I am delighted to be developing new channels and gaining maximum exposure for the BBC’s superlative programme content.”
Based in Singapore, her key relationships will be with Worldwide’s regional teams who work across sales, new media, magazines and home entertainment. and the Channels’ team and managers in London.
The BBC Worldwide Board recently identified the channels business as being one of the key areas for growth. General entertainment channels, BBC Prime, BBC America, BBC Japan and BBC Food, are wholly owned by BBC Worldwide.
Joint venture channels exist in the UK with Flextech Television (the UKTV channels), cross borders with Discovery Communications Inc (Animal Planet and People+Arts) in Canada with Alliance Atlantis (BBC Canada and BBC Kids), and in Australia with Foxtel and FremantelMedia (UK·TV). In 2004/2005 the business generated sales of ?140.6 million and a profit of ?4 million.
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.
