News Broadcasting
News18 Lokmat rings in Ganeshotsav with grand 20 day Bappa Morya Re
MUMBAI: Ganpati fever swept across Maharashtra, and News18 Lokmat made sure viewers didn’t miss a beat. With its 20-day special line-up ‘Bappa Morya Re’, the state’s No.1 news channel transformed television screens into a window to Maharashtra’s most cherished festival.
The channel’s coverage spanned it all from the crafting of eco-friendly idols to the arrival of Bappa in every mohalla, from festive markets buzzing with preparations to kitchens where traditional modaks and delicacies were being perfected. Heartfelt stories of devotees sat alongside explorations of Ganesh Chaturthi’s cultural significance, giving audiences a holistic festive experience.
Adding extra sparkle was the ‘Bappa Morya Re’ Mandal Competition, which saw pandals across Maharashtra compete with creative themes, devotional flair, and socially relevant messages woven into their decorations. The competition captured the innovative spirit of mandals, blending tradition with contemporary relevance.
The celebrations weren’t confined to the streets. At News18 Lokmat’s own office, the channel created a festive hub where leaders and stars came together to seek Bappa’s blessings. The chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde, and ministers including Uday Samant and Girish Mahajan joined the prayers. Adding a touch of glamour, film and TV personalities such as Mahesh Manjrekar, Siddharth Jadhav, Prasad Oak, Adinath Kothare, Sonali Khare, Milind Gunjaji, Lina Bhagwat, and Adesh Bandekar also turned up to celebrate.
The initiative was supported by a host of partners: Oxyrich (co-presenter), Pitambari Devbhakti, Reliance Industries Ltd, SBI (banking partner), Kirti Oil (celebration partner), Parasnath Speciality Clinic, Younity Energy, Society Tea, Senco Gold (jewellery partner), Brand Banao.AI, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and JSW Neo Steel.
With its extensive statewide coverage, star-studded celebrations, and spirited mandal contests, News18 Lokmat’s ‘Bappa Morya Re’ once again proved why it’s synonymous with Ganeshotsav in Maharashtra blending devotion, festivity, and culture into one vibrant package.
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.
