News Broadcasting
Narayan Rao elevated to NDTV Group CEO
MUMBAI: NDTV Limited has elevated its executive director KVL Narayan Rao to group CEO. In his new role, which is effective immediately, Rao will oversee the businesses of the NDTV Group in India and abroad.
Rao will be responsible for ensuring that the business aspirations of the group are met and that NDTV becomes a global Indian media brand, recognised all over the world for its ethics, high standards and achievements, a company release says.
Rao has been with NDTV since 1995 and has played a key role in the transition and growth of NDTV from a production house to a broadcaster. In his earlier role as director, he was responsible for human resources, administration and operations of the company.
The NDTV Group is expanding both its news and non-news business, which will be overseen now by Rao. He will oversee the implementation of a common code of conduct across the group companies and ensure that the group adheres to the highest standards of corporate governance.
Said NDTV Ltd chairman Prannoy Roy, “With Narayan’s rich experience in media broadcast and his leadership experience, he is the best person to steer NDTV in its rapid growth phase. His strong execution skills, his understanding of the organisation’s culture and his personal integrity make him an obvious choice.”
“It’s a huge privilege and a great honour and I am delighted to get this opportunity to play a role in NDTV’s future,” Rao said.
Rao started his career as a journalist with the Indian Express. Thereafter, he joined the Indian Revenue Service and served in different roles, including deputy commissioner of income tax and deputy secretary in the ministry of defence. Rao has a Masters degree in English Literature. He has also graduated from the National Academy of Direct Taxes and has a management diploma in public finance from IIAP/ENA, Paris. He represents NDTV on several international bodies.
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. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. 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.
