News Broadcasting
MTV spreads digital tentacles in the US,
MTV Networks is expanding its suite of channels available for digital distribution in America. Four new 24-hour channels for kids and music fans, including MTV Hits, MTV Jams, Nicktoons TV and VH1 Mega Hits will go on air shortly.
The aim, says MTV, is to expand and strengthen MTV Networks’ digital offerings to 13 services. Cablevision is the first operator to sign on for services from the new package, says an official release, and will soon add MTV Hits and Nicktoons TV to their iO: Interactive Optimum digital service line-up.
MTV Networks chairman Tom Freston says: “Each of these channels was created in response to our audience’s tastes and demands. We believe these new channels will help our affiliates as they continue to expand their digital business and help them grow their cable modem business.”
MTVN’s core digital services include VH1 Classic featuring the greatest music from the 60s, 70s and 80s with nearly 12 million subscribers. Noggin, the innovative, commercial free educational network from Nickelodeon and Sesame Workshop claims availability in over 22 million homes; and Nickelodeon Games and Sports (GAS) claims a subscriber base of 10 million. Nick Too, VH1 Country, VH1 Soul, VH Uno, and MTV Espanol complete MTVN’s digital offerings. MTV2, with 40 million subscribers claims to have both analog and digital carriage.
MTV Hits will focus on the younger end of MTV’s demographic, serving the 12-24 market with the music and artists they love. MTV Jams will feature the best Rap, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Soul music and artists. MTV Jams will replace MTV X across all digital cable services. Nicktoons TV, the first ever 24 hour channel built on Nickelodeon animation, will feature classic Nick originals like Doug and Ren & Stimpy to their cutting edge counterparts like Jimmy Neutron. Nicktoons TV will replace Nick Too in some areas on the American west coast.
News Broadcasting
Rising Bharat Summit 2026 spotlights India’s global ascent
PM Modi keynotes two-day event with ministers, diplomats and icons in New Delhi.
MUMBAI: India didn’t just host a summit, it threw a coming-out party for a nation ready to own the global stage. The News18 Rising Bharat Summit 2026, held on 27–28 February in New Delhi, emerged as a high-octane platform for ideas, vision and strategic dialogue, uniting national leadership, global policymakers, industry titans, defence strategists and cultural icons under the theme “Strength Within”.
Prime minister Narendra Modi set the tone with a keynote that framed India’s resurgence as a reclaiming of lost potential built over generations. “In previous industrial revolutions, India and the Global South were merely followers,” he said. “But in the era of Artificial Intelligence, India is a partner in decisions and shaping them.” He highlighted the country’s thriving AI startup ecosystem and the recent AI Impact Summit attended by over 100 nations.
Union minister Piyush Goyal (Commerce & Industry) stressed India’s readiness to scale exports and deepen manufacturing, while Ashwini Vaishnaw (Railways, I&B, Electronics & IT) positioned technology and infrastructure as twin engines of growth, especially in AI and digital trust. Jyotiraditya Scindia (Communications & North East Development) revealed India’s ambition to lead in 6G through the Bharat 6G Alliance and partnerships with over 30 countries.
Global voices added depth: former Singapore Foreign Minister George Yeo called India’s development “self-sustaining” and strategically vital; ex-UK Chief of Defence Staff General Sir Nick Carter asserted India deserves a seat at the great powers’ table; and former US Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez joined ambassadors from Norway, Germany and Sweden in discussions on geopolitical realignment, sustainability and defence preparedness.
Other speakers included veteran investor Ramesh Damani, World Gold Council CEO David Tait, Vianai Systems founder Dr Vishal Sikka, DeepTech Bharat Foundation co-founder Shashi Shekhar Vempati, defence experts Rajesh Kumar Singh, Sunil Ambekar, Patrick McGee, Tom Cooper and Adrian Fontanellaz, plus cultural and sporting icons Kangana Ranaut, Saina Nehwal, PR Sreejesh, Mohammed Shami, Yuzvendra Chahal, Mithali Raj, Anil Kapoor and Yami Gautam.
The summit was supported by Jio Financial Services (Presenting Partner), Phonepe and DS Group (Co-Presenting Partners), Pernod Ricard India and Kia Seltos (Powered By & Driven By), state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand (State Partners), and associate partners including NSE, M3M Foundation and Reliance Industries.
Broadcast live across News18 Network, CNBC-TV18 and CNBC Awaaz, the event reinforced India’s image as a confident democracy and emerging global power proving that when strength comes from within, the world can’t help but watch.
