News Broadcasting
Navika Kumar named editor-in-chief of Times Network’s upcoming Hindi News channel
New Delhi : Times Network has named Navika Kumar as the editor-in-chief of its soon-to-be launched Hindi News Channel, Times Now Navbharat HD.
In her new role, Kumar will lead the editorial mandate and play a pivotal role in the overall management of the channel besides continuing in her role as group editor, Times Network and hosting ‘The Newshour’ at 9 PM and the interview show ‘Frankly Speaking’ on TIMES NOW. She will also closely work with the business and leadership teams of the network to drive the channel’s growth strategy and work towards building Times Now Navbharat to become the leader in the Hindi News category.
Kumar is credited for investigating and breaking some high impact stories in the last two decades. “With her sharp journalistic acumen and extensive knowledge of current affairs, politics and business, Navika has played a key role in the success of the network’s flagship brand, TIMES NOW since its inception,” said the broadcast network in a statement.
Times Network, MD and CEO, M K Anand said “Navika has been one of our key assets since the inception of TIMES NOW in 2005. In fact, the largest number of critical news breaks and stories that eventually went into taking TIMES NOW to the top in the English category in spite of our then late entry into that segment has been her work. In the last four years, she has morphed into a compelling and high impact Prime Time presence and made her mark in that highly competitive space becoming one of the most recognised faces on Indian News Prime Time. We are thrilled at the new launch and look forward to serving Hindi audiences with our unique Action orientated journalism and believe Navika Kumar is the best suited to lead Times Now Navbharat to eventual category domination.”
Commenting on her new role, Navika Kumar said, “I am really excited to take on this new mantle, which marks the Network’s debut in Indian language. I look forward to working with our robust team of ace journalists, technicians and crew, to build and nurture a distinctive brand of Hindi news. With a powerful and impactful narrative, I am confident that Times Now Navbharat will bring the much-needed paradigm shift in the Hindi news category and will set the course for superior news coverage.”
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
