News Broadcasting
Nickelodeon Chhota VJ Hunt draws nearly 300 responses in Mumbai
Kids channel Nickelodeon held auditions for kids who want to be a VJ on the channel on Saturday and Sunday at Worli Naka in South Mumbai. And did the children stroll in! Over 275 kids filled in application forms and auditioned to become the junior Cyrus’, Nikhils and Nafisas.
The auditions took place in a studio in front of a camera with the production team guiding the children through the proceedings. Kids aged 14 and below identified themselves and spoke about their interests. They also explained the reasons for wanting to appear on the channel. Then they performed. Performances varied from a rap song to a mock interview.
MTV India director marketing Vikram Raizada says that the earlier auditions held in Bangalore and Chennai garnered 150 and 100 responses respectively. The response in Mumbai with over 275 wannabe VJs was higher due to the population size and increased awareness. Two spots have been airing on Nick, MTV and Zee English and MGM.One aims at stirring interest in the hunt while the other is in the form of a livewire. This gives information of audition dates and how kids can post their entries or send them online.
In terms of other promotional activities the Chota VJ Hunt effort is getting radio support in the form of spots on the Midday run radio station Go. Print ads have also featured in major publications with ground support in the form of road shows with flyers being distributed where kids hang out.
Raizada said that the objective of the hunt is not just to increase brandawareness but also to tell kids that the exclusive space where they can have fun and enjoy themselves has just expanded.
Through feedback and market research the channel found that kids wanted to be on the tube and see themselves on it.
The final stage of live auditions will take place in Delhi on 15 June. As mentioned earlier the Chhota VJ hunt, which gives a kid the chance to host Nick Masala on the channel and on the Nickelodeon block on Zee TV, closes on 30 June.
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.
