News Broadcasting
‘Millionaire’ gets a makeover ‘Knot’ in US
MUMBAI: This is a concept that puts a new twist to the game show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. The host of the show Meredith Vieira, will be teaming up with US media and services company The Knot for the initiative.
The special series will see engaged couples playing as a team in the hot seat as they try to win $1 million to help pay for the wedding of their dreams. Couples will be allowed to discuss the questions with each other before agreeing on one final answer. The five-episode series will air next month in syndication.
Meanwhile, viewers will also have a chance to win a six-day- seven-night trip for two to an exotic resort on the tropical isle of St. Lucia.
On each episode Vieira will ask a special wedding-themed “sweepstakes” question on-air. To enter the contest, viewers can go to the Knot’s website. Millionaire executive producer, Michael Davies said, “We’ve done successful couple editions before, but nothing like this. We are putting an innovative twist on a proven format.”
Viera said, “Having been married for 19 years myself, I am fascinated by the idea of seeing couples play as a team on Millionaire. Experts say that the number one item couples argue about is money. The prospect of winning $1 million might just bring out a side to these contestants that their mates have never seen. I think the couples will come out of this experience knowing their mates better than ever before.”
Each couple that plays during the week will also be given an early wedding gift on behalf of Millionaire The Knot. The gifts will be a complete surprise to the unsuspecting couples and ensures that even if they don’t win $1 million, no one will walk away empty-handed.
Might this be a marriage-moored show that has a good chance of success in the Indian context unlike the disaster that was Sony Entertainment’s Kahin Na Kahin Koi Hain? That’s a tough one.
And speaking of innovations, it remains to be seen what kind of innovations Star comes up with when Kaun Banega Crorepati returns to Indian television later this year. Assuming it does of course. KBC – The Return has had more than its fair share of false alarms so till it actually goes on air, doubts will remain.
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.
