News Broadcasting
M-Met to air drama series under license from BVITV
MUMBAI: The viewers across South Africa will be able to enjoy the US drama series including Desperate Housewives, Lost, Life As We Know It, Alias and The Days, through a pay TV.
The agreement between M-Net and Buena Vista International Television (BVITV), as announced by BVITV, vice-president and sales EMEA, Alison Homewood and M-Net director Jan du Plessis, at the ongoing MIPCOM.
The agreement includes some returning series for M-Net – season two of the comedy ‘Hope & Faith’, season three of reality series ‘Extreme Makeover’ and comedy ‘Less Than Perfect’, and season four of quirky medical comedy ‘Scrubs.’
For BVITV, the agreement was negotiated by executive director, strategic markets, Maria Bayman, executive director, strategic markets and sales executive, strategic markets, Kerry Henchy, informs the official release.
Homewood commented: “We’re sure that this agreement will add some new hits to M-Net’s schedule of primetime drama and comedy – shows such as ‘Alias’ and ‘Scrubs’ are proven worldwide successes and new series like ‘Desperate Housewives’ have been creating a buzz in the international TV market since their first previews earlier this year. “
Jan du Plessis added: “M-Net is thrilled to be able to broadcast these top-quality productions in prime-time slots. We are convinced that the new shows will be a winning recipe and that our viewers will be delighted to find some of the old favourites back on the box. This agreement cements M-Net’s position as the channel that brings South African pay television viewers the best and hottest new shows available,” as stated in the official statement.
Lost, Desperate Housewives and Life As We Know It’ have recently begun airing in the US on the ABC Television Network.
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.
