News Broadcasting
Paul Schlesinger to head BBC Radio Entertainment
MUMBAI: Paul Schlesinger will head BBC Radio Entertainment in the UK. He will be responsible for all in-house comedy and entertainment programmes on BBC national radio, from established favourites such as Just A Minute to developing the talents of unfledged performers and writers.
He is producing comedy shows for BBC Television and has been involved in encouraging new talent. He said,”This is a fantastic opportunity to make Radio Entertainment a magnet for talent.”
His successes as a producer span both radio and television. On radio he was responsible for People Like Us and Absolute Power – both from writers new to radio and which successfully transferred to the small screen – and The Sunday Format.
BBC director, drama, entertainment and CBBC Alan Yentob said, “We couldn’t have hoped for a candidate with more experience and talent than Paul. I am confident that Paul is exactly the right person for this role, and that he will continue to build on the links between radio and television, nurturing our successful shows and bringing new talent to our airwaves.”
BBC director, radio and music Jenny Abramsky said, “I am delighted to welcome Paul back to radio and know that under his leadership the Radio Entertainment department will go from strength to strength. Not only does he have a thorough knowledge of radio with many hit series to his name, his experience in television will be invaluable in ensuring that radio continues to play a vital role in providing top-class comedy for its audiences.”
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.
