News Broadcasting
Nicholas Kroll is BBC’s first director of governance
MUMBAI: Nicholas Kroll has been appointed the BBC’s first director of its governance unit. Kroll will set up and lead the Governors’ new department which will operate by supporting the Board.
BBC chairman Michael Grade said, “The appointment of Nicholas Kroll to this important role marks another step forward in implementing the changes to our governance system announced in building public value.
“After a thorough and open competition, Nicholas Kroll was the Governors’ unanimous choice. His intellectual rigour, broadcasting and wider public policy experience, and proven independence and objectivity will prove invaluable in setting up and directing the new governance unit.”
The new governance unit will include a greater range of expert and independent professionals. It will advise the BBC Governors board on the conduct of their duties and scrutinise proposals coming from management.
Kroll added, “I strongly believe that the BBC’s system of governance is the right system for maintaining a BBC that operates in the public interest and is independent from political and commercial pressures. The changes announced by the Board in June to modernise the way in which the Governors execute their responsibilities will ensure that British public continues to receive and enjoy the BBC it wants and deserves.”
Kroll is currently the UK department of culture, media and sport COO. He will take up his appointment at the BBC on 1 October 2004.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
