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
UDF poised to return to power in Kerala, says Manorama-CVoter survey
Massive opinion poll projects shift in Kerala politics ahead of 2026 Assembly elections.
MUMBAI: The winds of change appear to be blowing through Kerala’s political landscape and this time, they seem to favour the United Democratic Front. A comprehensive mega opinion survey conducted by Manorama News in partnership with CVoter projects a potential comeback for the UDF in the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections 2026. The survey, covering all 140 constituencies with a massive sample size of nearly 90,000 respondents, predicts the UDF could win between 69 and 81 seats.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is expected to secure 57 to 69 seats, a significant drop from the 99 seats it won in the 2021 elections. This would mean the LDF losing 30 to 42 of its sitting seats. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which drew a blank in 2021, is projected to open its account with 1 to 5 seats.
Region-wise, the UDF is expected to make strong gains in Malabar, winning 25 to 34 out of 48 seats, and in Central Kerala, where it could bag 29 to 33 out of 53 seats. In South Kerala, the LDF is likely to retain an edge with 21 to 25 seats, while the UDF may improve to 12 to 16 seats. The NDA could pick up 1 to 3 seats in the southern region.
The survey was conducted between 14 and 26 March 2026, with additional tracker and snap polls carried out from December 2025 to March 2026. A total of 89,693 respondents participated, ensuring representation across all demographics and social segments.
Manorama News has a strong track record of accuracy, with its previous projections closely matching the actual results of the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections as well as the 2021 Kerala Assembly polls.
In Kerala’s famously fierce political battles, this survey suggests the pendulum may be swinging back. Whether the final verdict matches these numbers or throws up another surprise, one thing is clear, the 2026 Assembly elections are shaping up to be one of the most keenly watched contests in the state’s history.
