News Broadcasting
NDTV pulling all stops for channels’ launch
NEW DELHI: Well, news is filtering out from the closely guarded headquarters of the Capital-based TV software company-and-soon-to-turn-broadcaster NDTV.
The two proposed news channels from Prannoy Roy’s company are likely to be called NDTV News in English and NDTV Samachar in Hindi. The company has already unveiled a new logo, designed by US-based TAG that is being sported by the gun mikes used by correspondents for reporting on Star News.
However, NDTV World, the subsidiary of NDTV that will look after the running of the Hindi channel, is yet to receive permission from the government for uplinking from India. Along with the likes of Star, TV Today Network (Aaj Tak) and Rajat Sharma’s Independent News Service, NDTV World too is waiting for the Indian government to take a stand on new norms for news channels uplinking from India (including ownership and equity patterns), as has been repeatedly advocated by various ministers in the government.
The two channels, as per Roy’s assertions during a rare interaction with journalists last month, will not be launched in a phased manner, but simltaneously around 1 April. NDTV’s five-year content deal for Star News channel with Star ends on 31 March 2003.
Though Roy has steadfastly refused to divulge much detail about the news project, satellite industry sources have indicated that the two NDTV channels, along with those of Sony Entertainment TV and Discovery, are likely to be beamed through Panamsat 10, a new generation satellite that was co-located with PAS-4.
Meanwhile, NDTV is pushing ahead with other aspects of a broadcasting company, including recruiting personnel for editorial, marketing and ad sales. Some marketing and ad sales professionals, earlier working with Star India, are rumoured to be joining NDTV. However it is not clear whether Raj Nayak, former executive vice-president (ad sales) of Star India, would also be involved with NDTV directly or indirectly.
On the technology front, NDTV is pulling out all the stops in an effort to dish out news in a state-of-the-art format with `cut-offs’ for local news for various regions.
NDTV has also ordered eyeheight master control equipment for integration with its in-house automation system. The contract is through India-based, Benchmark Microsystems, a leading local broadcast systems integrator.
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.
