News Broadcasting
Rob Wade becomes Fox Entertainment’s CEO
MUMBAI: US media company Fox’s executive chair & CEO Lachlan Murdoch has announced that Rob Wade has been appointed as CEO of Fox Entertainment effective immediately. Wade served as president, of alternative entertainment and specials.
In this role, Wade and his team will guide the media brand and content producer with Fox broadcast network as its centerpiece. Fox Entertainment includes an expanding portfolio of owned content studios, including animation house Bento Box Entertainment, TMZ, MarVista Entertainment and Studio Ramsay Global. Fox Entertainment also includes the in-house unscripted studio Fox Alternative Entertainment, scripted content creator Fox Entertainment Studios, Blockchain Creative Labs, and the worldwide content sales unit Fox Entertainment Global.
“Since the formation of Fox Entertainment, Rob has been an integral part of the leadership team responsible for delivering on its long-term strategy of creating an independent media company built on broadcast, developing an owned content portfolio and maintaining a disciplined in-house infrastructure,” said Murdoch. “Given Rob’s sharp creative instincts and proven operational acumen, he is well-suited to lead Fox Entertainment in what promises to be an exciting next chapter in its rich history.”
“I am honoured to be entrusted with leading Fox Entertainment into the future with an exceptionally talented team, whom I know very well, as we build and expand on FOX’s legacy of storytelling excellence, entrepreneurial energy and innovation. It’s a transformative time across the global entertainment landscape, presenting limitless opportunity and, above all, creativity, making the outlook ahead bright and exhilarating,” said Wade.
In his previous role, Wade had oversight of the network’s unscripted programming, specials and alternative development slate, as well as the company’s in-house production unit, Fox Alternative Entertainment (FAE).
During his tenure at Fox, the network has launched several hit unscripted series, including the singing competition The Masked Singer. This was followed by the guessing game-meets-baking competition Crime Scene Kitchen, Lego Masters and Next Level Chef.
Prior to joining Fox, Wade served as the showrunner on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars and was the head of Entertainment Development at BBC Worldwide. He was also an executive producer on Fox’s The X Factor and NBC’s America’s Got Talent and was Syco Entertainment North America’s head of TV.
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.
