News Broadcasting
One Alliance hikes subscription rates to Rs 55
MUMBAI: Erring on the side of abundant caution? Maybe, maybe not. Sony Entertainment’s One Alliance Network, which has just added premium movie channel HBO to its roster, today announced a hike in its monthly subscription rate package from Rs 40 to Rs 55, effective 1 January 2003.
Taking into consideration the fact that HBO is now part of the bouquet, and that the network has the biggest television event of the year – the cricket World Cup – on its platform, the increase is far lower than what many in the cable trade were fearing.
Looking at the current package price of Rs 40, and adding in the effective current cost of HBO at about Rs 8, the network price works out to an increase of Rs 7.
Distribution executives that indiantelevision.com spoke to earlier had said that with HBO on board and the cricket thrown in, Rs 65 looked a likely pricing structure. One that the cable trade could probably live with. However, one-Delhi-based cable operator had told indiantelevison.com two days ago that he was expecting the new package price to be Rs 55 so not everyone in the trade is surprised by the pricing.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, SET India CEO Kunal Dasgupta said the cable industry had been fearing the worst and had reacted very positively to the new price structure. Dasgupta asserted that by keeping the effective hike quantum so low he expected the declared base of the One Alliance to shoot up dramatically in the lead-up to the World Cup and maintain those levels even after the end of the tournament.
Timed strategically, the increase comes a few months before Max, the cricket and movies channel, is poised to air the World Cup. The network has also promised a fresh programming line up in the New Year for channels as diverse as AXN and MAX, apart from the World Cup.
The One Alliance, a joint venture distribution company of Sony Entertainment Television and Discovery Communications India, floated in March this year, has in its kitty Sony, Max, AXN, CNBC, Discovery, Animal Planet and the newly acquired HBO.
Dasgupta still needs a news channel as (with CNBC India headed to Zee-Turner even more so), as well as a music channel and kids channel to complete his bouquet. For the second part the two Viacom channels MTV and Nickelodeon look the most attractive bets currently. However, Nick is with the Zee-Turner and with over 18 months of the present contract still left to run, it may eventually turn out that MTV joins Sony while the kids channel remains where it is.
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.
