News Broadcasting
MTV Networks launches Viacom Brand Solutions through Xbox 360
NEW DELHI: MTV India and Microsoft Entertainment & Devices Division have joined forces to develop unique programming content for Xbox 360, the online gaming service across its three channels – MTV, Vh1 and Nick.
This tie-up also marks the launch of MTV Networks’ ‘Viacom Brand Solutions’ in India, which offers customized, integrated marketing solutions for brands to connect with their audiences in a manner that’s innovative and relevant, informs an official release.
Whether its commercials, exclusively developed shows, infomercials or video-mods (to be introduced for the first time in India), gaming enthusiasts as well as those who’ve always wanted to learn more about gaming can look forward to some exciting action on air starting September first week.
The new programming content on MTV Network channels developed specifically for Xbox 360 will include: a specially developed 105-second thematic spot – Porok (conceptualized, scripted and produced by MTV) to be on MTV.
The release states that a special genre of programming makes its way onto Vh1 with Video Mods – an absolute treat for diehard gaming enthusiasts. Vh1 will launch a unique infomercial Gamers Grammar.
Nick will include a special section Jimmy’s Techno Tips on one of its popular shows – Jimmy Neutron. Further, Nick will also launch vignettes on gaming Vox Pops and X Factor.
And finally, as Microsoft launches Xbox on 23 September, MTV will go live to cover the event.
Elaborating on the partnership, Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division India country manager Mohit Anand said “MTV embodies the youthful spirit of Xbox 360 and is uniquely positioned for reaching out to the young gamers across the country. We are delighted with this partnership & look forward to deliver an unmatchable gaming experience to the viewers and program participants.”
Speaking on the partnership, MTV Networks India MD and TV Networks Asia executive VP Amit Jain said, “This tie-up not only marks the coming together of two brands that play a significant role in youth lives, but also two of their biggest passions – gaming & television entertainment. With the Xbox 360 launch, MTV Networks also launches the ‘Viacom Brand Solutions’ in India, a new approach to offer marketing solutions to brands by leveraging some of the key strengths that already exist within MTV Networks – youth expertise, unparalleled creativity, on-ground event expertise, tie-ups with over 75 colleges and over 300 youth hang-outs and finally a bouquet of 3 channels that’s capable of connecting with kids as well as the youths.”
Xbox 360(tm) will make its debut in the Indian market in the pre-Diwali season this year. The Xbox 360 system will come fully loaded with a 20GB detachable Xbox 360 Hard Drive for storing music, video and games, an Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, an Xbox 360 Media Remote control and a Component HD-AV Cable for connecting to component and composite television inputs, an Ethernet cable, and batteries, according to the release.
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.
