News Broadcasting
Sahar Elhabashi is executive VP, MTV Networks International
Sahar Elhabashi has been promoted to Executive V-P, MTV Networks International.
In her expanded role, Elhabashi will direct strategy, operations and business development for MTV Networks’ brands MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1, KinderNet and TMF (The Music Factory) in international markets. Elhabashi is also on the board of directors of Nickelodeon Australia, a joint venture between MTV Networks and XYZ Entertainment.
Elhabashi directed MTV’s January 2001 entry into Japan with a TV channel and Web site launched via a partnership with @JapanMedia, as well as collaborated with MTV Europe on acquisitions of KinderNet and TMF (The Music Factory) in the Netherlands. MTV Networks has introduced 22 new TV, online & PC broadband services internationally in the past year, including VH1’s debut in Asia, Nickelodeon launches in China and Singapore, and MTV 24-hour channel and Web site premieres in Korea and the Philippines.
In the immediate term, an area which might need Elhabashi’s attention in India is Nickelodeon, which two years after its launch is still to find its feet.
Greg Ricca, COO, MTV Networks International, who made the appointment announcement, said: “Sahar has been a driving force behind the strategic growth and development of our brands across multimedia platforms around the world, helping MTV achieve its status as the world’s largest global network, while launching VH1 internationally, and developing Nickelodeon across all lines of businesses in priority markets.”
Elhabashi joined MTV Networks in London in 1992 as manager of new business development, MTV Europe, where she oversaw investment opportunities for MTV in the region. Under her direction, MTV expanded its European business through the launch of VH1 in the UK and Europe as well as through brand extensions into other lines of business, including magazines and record compilations.
In 1994, she was named V-P of Strategy for the newly formed MTV International, responsible for steering strategic and operations planning for MTV and VH1 in international markets. Elhabashi relocated to New York in 1996. In 1997 she was promoted to senior V-P, adding network development for MTV and VH1 to her responsibilities. In 1998, Nickelodeon International’s strategy and network development responsibilities were added to her duties.
MTV Networks claims to be the world’s premier brand-led, multi-platform entertainment company, reaching more than 164 countries via 72 channels, 38 Web sites and extensive syndication and licensing businesses linked to MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon brands and properties.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
