News Broadcasting
MGM, NBC extend global distribution alliance
CALIFORNIA: Underscoring the success of their alliance, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and NBC Enterprises have jointly announced that they have agreed to extend their international distribution agreement for an additional four years. Under the enhanced agreement, MGM will continue to provide distribution services for all NBC Studios programming across all territories outside of North America through the 2007-2008 television season.
MGM will continue to handle the international sales and distribution of all of NBC’s current and future programming, including this season’s critically acclaimed series Boomtown, American Dreams and Hidden Hills, as well as the forthcoming drama Kingpin, the current prime-time favourites Will & Grace ( airs in India on Zee English) and Crossing Jordan, and the hit daytime drama Passions. NBC Enterprises will continue to represent NBC News, NBC Sports, first-run syndicated programmes, latenight and formats.
President, MGM Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Griffiths said, “From the very beginning this alliance has successfully flourished, firing on all cylinders. Combining MGM’s renowned library and NBC’s premium-quality programming has allowed us to assemble an unparalleled collection of titles that broadcasters across the globe have openly embraced. Our efforts to further enhance this alliance are a testament to both companies’ unwavering commitment to the future as we continue to search for innovative ways to promote brand awareness.”
The US’s first broadcast network, NBC claims to have evolved into a diverse, international media company. In addition to the NBC Television Network and 14 television stations, the company owns CNBC, operates MSNBC in partnership with Microsoft, and maintains interests in a number of programming services. Its international holdings include CNBC Europe and CNBC Asia, which are services of NBC and Dow Jones, and an equity position in National Geographic Channels International.
MGM Worldwide Television Distribution handles global distribution of film and television product as well as co-productions for MGM Studios. Through this distribution unit, approximately 4,000 feature films and 10,100 television episodes are available to the global television market. In India the company has a 50:50 JV with Zee.
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. 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.
