News Broadcasting
Media stocks gain on the last day of 2002
MUMBAI: The media and entertainment sector stocks ended the calendar year on a high note. The market sentiments improved due to varied reasons such as the expectations of a good financial results; and indications that Zee will be raising US$ 40 million loan via an overseas corporate body (OCB).
On the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), Zee Telefilms opened at Rs 96.60; touched a high of Rs 98.9 before closing at Rs 97.5 (up 0.9 per cent); registering a volume of 1,579,695 shares. On the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the scrip opened at Rs 96.65; closed at Rs 97.55 registering volumes of 3,219,392.
On the BSE, the Balaji Telefilms scrip opened the day at Rs 83; climbed to Rs 85.05 (up 2.05 per cent) backed by hefty volumes of 3,27,679 shares traded.
On the BSE, Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network started the day at Rs 93.35; climbed to 94.60 (up 1.25 per cent). Creative Eye started the day at Rs 14.75 and touched Rs 15. Cinevista Communications ended the day at Rs 35, while the TV18 stock finished the day at the bourses at Rs 78 (up 1.65 per cent).
Earlier, the Zee counter showed hectic activity due to a report in The Hindu Business Line . The report stated that the Subhash Chandra group had finalised plans to pledge equity shares of Zee Telefilms Ltd with the Zurich-based Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation (CSFBC) for a three-year term loan of $40 million.
The report mentioned that Delgrada Ltd, a Mauritius-based OCB owned by Mr Subhash Chandra will pledge five crore equity shares of Zee Telefilms, having a face value of Re 1 each, with Credit Suisse First Boston, Singapore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Zurich-based global banking and insurance giant.
The report also added that the OCB is unable to repay the loans within the stipulated time-frame of three years, CSFB would have the right to invoke the pledge and acquire ownership of the equity shares paving the way for having a substantial ownership in one of India’s premier media and television companies.
It stated that the company had approached the FIPB for prior approval of the proposed transfer of ownership of equities from the present owner, Delgrada Ltd to CSFB, Singapore, along with a request for an extended three-year validity of the approval. The normal validity for all FIPB approvals is two years.
According to the report; earlier this year, the DCA had initiated prosecution against the company for not mentioning the names of SSI creditors in its balance sheet for financial years 1998-99 and 1999-2000 as well as for not providing the break-up of payments to directors, including the managing director, in its balance sheet.
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.
