News Broadcasting
Sahara plans primetime facelift in 2004
MUMBAI: Malini Iyer may well have been merely the teaser that will herald a programming revamp at Sahara Manoranjan this year.
According to Sahara’s programming vice president Triptii Sharma, the channel is attempting a total revamp in the prime time slot, thereby encouraging habitual and long term viewing. “We are working towards the content which will coax the viewers to the channel for more. Currently we have a plan for this year and are working on big properties with lots of programme concepts which are in the pipeline,” she says.
Apart from the much talked about Bimal Mitra creation Sahib Biwi Gulam starring film actor Raveena Tandon, a period classic that will go on air in March-April, Sahara Manoranjan is experimenting with many more genres. Raat Hone Ko Hai weans the thriller specialist B P Singh from Sony to Sahara. This one is expected to launch latest by May. Also on the cards is an ‘experimental journal with filmstar Jackie Shroff’, a surprise package that could launch by mid 2004.
Cinevistaas, which earlier did the period series Draupadi for Sahara, is back with a romantic triangle, Saathiya – Pyar Ka Naya Ehsaas, scheduled again for Q1 2004-05. According to Sharma, two other shows in the offing are Aavishkar – Ek Rakshak, a science fiction show and Ruby Duby Hub Dub, a children’s adventure and a variety entertainment show. Also in the pipeline is Jaal Jadu Janardan, another show for kids.
Says Sharma, “We are also planning a comedy band with shows from reputed production houses, a film band, Hometheatre – a fantasy adventure, as well as a music-based game show.”
And of course, there is the Hema Malini starrer, Kamini Damini and a long talked about show with film legend Amitabh Bachchan that may also take off late this year.
As for the Sridevi starrer Malini Iyer, Sharma says the response has been ‘very positive’. Using an episodic theme, Sahara has tried to pitch the character Malini above Sridevi the star. “We have made news with Sridevi. Now, we want to create that dent,” she says. As for the 2003 big ticket showKarishma, the Miracles of Destiny that has not really changed the fate of the channel as expected, Sharma says the channel has made the essential changes in the story and the screenplay, among other changes. As for the future of the serial, Sharma says, “The show will go on till the mandatory completion of 260 episodes.” Sahara had last year announced that Karishma…. would have a definite run of 260 episodes and would not continue any show for the sake of TRPS.
Commenting on the innovative programming strategy that Sahara is toying with, Sharma says, “The idea is to bring in some path-breaking programmes that provide different fare. The basic focus is towards building a very strong prime time band.”
After the primary focus of building the primetime is met, Sharma says the channel will move towards bolstering the Sunday morning slot as well as the afternoons.
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.
