News Broadcasting
Panamsat acquires Sonic Telecom
MUMBAI: Panamsat has announced that it has acquired Sonic Telecom a provider of international high-definition multimedia transmission services and business applications. The transaction will extend and enhance the reach of Panamsat’s 24-satellite global fleet and its extensive fiber network throughout the US, Europe and Asia.
As a result, the integration of Sonic Telecom to the Panamsat infrastructure will provide customers with a seamless satellite/fiber network. This will deliver video content virtually to or from anywhere in the world in a cost-efficient, secure manner with robust redundancy.
The two companies already share a number of common customers including CNN, ABC, Reuters and the National Football League. These customers and many others will now enjoy access to a broader array of services as well as a single point of contact for all their video distribution content needs, whether in the air or on the ground.
Panamsat president, CEO Joe Wright was quoted in an official release saying, “To effectively compete and deliver the high volume of rich content in today’s marketplace, the Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) sector needs to evolve from only selling satellite services to providing Global Communications Services on the ground as well as in the air. The addition of Sonic Telecom to Panamsat broadens the portfolio of services we offer customers and extends our reach.”
“Now, customers can use the Panamsat network to conduct point-to-point transfer of backhaul video traffic, connectivity to a global network as well as videoconferencing, bridging and video event management. This hybrid approach of uniting delivery systems is not only the future for our industry, it is the present.”
The release adds that Sonic Telecom brings to PanAmSat its customer base of multi-national broadcasters and corporate videoconferencing users, related network management capabilities, a usage-based billing platform and access to an established international fiber network. In addition, Panamsat gains access to an additional 20 points of presence (PoPs) around the world that are complementary to its existing network. Situated across the US, Europe and Asia, these co-location sites provide Panamsat with an immediate expanded presence in key markets.
The release also adds that the Sonic Telecom acquisition is the second phase of Panamsat’s hybrid satellite/fiber strategy. Earlier this year Panamsat had entered into an agreement with Level 3 Communications to utilise its 20,000-mile broadband fiber optic network and create a virtual teleport. By connecting Panamsat’s satellite uplink facilities to one of the world’s most advanced terrestrial networks, customers are now able to access the fleet from any Level 3 network location.
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. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. 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.
