News Broadcasting
Pak body clears 53 foreign TV channels
MUMBAI: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) has identified 53 Foreign Satellite Channels for relay distribution through cable TV network operations in Pakistan. These channels have been identified in consultation with public and various associations of CTV operators in Pakistan, the APP news agency has reported.
Despite the enormous demand Indian satellite channels have in Pakistan, Star Plus, Sony Entertainment Television, Zee TV and the like continue to be off the list though. This is principally due to the hostile political climate that exists between the two neighbours.
PEMRA also announced that the public has till 20 November to make any presentations regarding the list it has issued.
The foreign satellite channels in the list are:
Quranic Channel from video, Iqra Channel, CNN, Saudi Channel 1and 2, BBC World, Sky News, Euro News, DW News, Al-Jazeera, Bloomberg, World Net, National Geographic Channel, Discovery, Animal Planet, Adventure One, Tech TV, Kuwait Space Channel, History, Travel, CNBC, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Fox Kids, Splash, KTV, Kermit, Super Sports-1, Super Sports-2, Super Sports-3, Super Sports-4, Super Sports-5, Star Sports, ESPN, Dubai Sports, Fox Sports, Sky Sports, Ten Sports, CCTV-3 (Chinese), CCTV-4 (Chinese), Bangladesh TV, Turkish TV, HBO, Star Movies, Star World, Hallmark, BBC Prime, LBC, Jam-e-Jam-1/IRAM- 1, Jam-e-Jam 2/IRIM 2, Dream TV, MATV, MBC and Disney Channel.
According to PEMRA, the CTV operators will be required to apply mosaicing to eliminate undesirable segments/ parts of the program or the parts of the program that are not in conformity with PEMRA program and advertisement codes from these eligible channels.
Meanwhile, a difficult edict to carry through is PEMRA’s clarification that it will be a punishable crime to cut the cable, interrupt the transmission or to damage the headend of any licensed cable operator. If such a ruling could be enforced, the system instituted would be of great benefit in India as the instances of rivals cutting cables are reportedly on the rise again.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
