News Broadcasting
News18 Lokmat appoints Umesh Kumawat as managing editor
MUMBAI: Network18 has today announced the appointment of Umesh Kumawat as managing editor of News18 Lokmat that positions itself on top of the ladder in the regional broadcast news industry. The company is is a joint venture of two media powerhouses in India, Network 18’s TV18 Broadcast Ltd. and the Lokmat Media Pvt Ltd, running Maharashtra’s newspaper.
He comes with close to nineteen years of experience in journalism. Prior to Network18, he was senior editor with ABP News for fourteen years. Previously he has been a part of media brands like Aajtak, Zee News and TV 9. He has also been honored with many awards in the field of journalism.
Kumawat said, “I’m delighted to be leading the team at News18 Lokmat and being a part of Network18 Group, which is one of the most renowned media houses in India. It is an honor to be a part of such a well-respected media house that comprises of an incredibly talented team. I look forward to bringing authentic, speedy and reliable news and stories to our audience. It is my goal to make the channel an essential part of the viewer’s everyday life.”
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.
