News Broadcasting
Radio City 91 gears for elections
MUMBAI: Ditto for Radio City. Seems like the entertainment industry really can’t resist catching the election fever.
While the news channels are already into the second phase of their election specials, Music Broadcast Private Limited’s (MBPL) radio station FM 91 is all set to unveil it’s election special programming.
Sporting the tagline, “Janta Jagao, Desh Hilao” the private radio channel’s prorogramming innovation is touted as the raison d’etre of Radio City’s efforts to connect with the listeners and provide quality entertainment, says a company release.
In a bid to get its listeners involved with the biggest activity in the nation, the radio station will provide a countdown to the 14th General Elections. Spread over five weeks across the Radio City stations in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Lucknow, the “Janta Jagao, Desh Hilao” election package will feature programmes like: –
Kya Baat Kar Raha Hai – a series of vignettes that highlight some unusual trivia of the electoral process, both past and present.
Janta Chunega apna Mantriji – an on air initiative, which will utilise the interactive element of the radio medium to get listeners to participate in a mega poll to identify and choose the ministers of their choice.
Popat – A show where Radio City tests listeners election quotient. It is a call-in show with a twist.
Public City Election Special – Called as the voice of the common man, through this programme Radio City wil provide a platform for listeners to air their aspirations, needs, and expectations from their chosen representative, post the elections.
Iss Ghante – This show featuring celebrities and politicians will have the special guests encourage listeners to cast their vote.
Rajdhani Express – From Abhineta to Neta. Radio City presents a feature that traces the journey of Indian actors and actresses from films to politics like Shatrughan Sinha and Hema Malini. All this is interspersed with music from their movies.
Thengalalji – Taking a cue from the news channel, Radio City has created a character- Thengalalji. The channel’s conscience, Thengalalji will uses his quirky sense of humour to encourage the Indians to cast their vote. Through this programme, the radio channel aims to clear misconceptions around and lackadaisical approach to voting.
Announcing the launch of “Janta Jagao, Desh Hilao” election initiative Radio City COO Sumantra Dutta said, “Radio as a medium is highly interactive with an awesome userbase and the elections is the single largest and most important event for the country. In keeping with the belief of using the airwaves for a responsible cause, Radio City will be utilizing the opportunity to involve and educate our listeners about the importance of the casting their vote for the elections in a manner that is exciting and innovative. Going a step further, besides creating awareness about importance of voting, Radio City will also run interesting promos to create awareness about the citizen’s responsibility to vote for the right candidate.”
Besides the special programming, the channel will also launch interactive contests such as Election Countdown and Hum Aap Ke Hain Kaun. This programme will give listeners a chance to showcase their knowledge and skills.
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.
