News Broadcasting
Sanjay Pugalia joining TV18 as editor Hindi programming
MUMBAI: Sanjay Pugalia, who was displaced in the editorial hierarchy of Star News after former Aaj Tak man Uday Shankar took charge as editor and director of news last month, is joining TV18 as editor for its Hindi language programming initiatives.
The announcement clears the air on where Pugalia was headed (speculation was that he might be joining Sahara Samay) as well as paves the way for the launch sooner rather than later of a Hindi language business channel by TV18.
Prior to his stint at Star, Pugalia was the executive editor of Zee News and before that executive producer of Aaj Tak. He has 22 years experience in print, radio as well as television journalism and spans both business and political reportage.
Welcoming Pugalia on board, Haresh Chawla, CEO, CNBC-TV18 was quoted in an official release as saying, “CNBC-TV18’s Hindi programming has received tremendous response from our audience, this will be further reinforced under his leadership. He brings with him a great deal of expertise in business and political reportage. We are certain that he will be an invaluable asset to our channel.”
When asked by indiantelevision.com whether Pugalia’s appointment pointed to the launch of TV18 Hindi business news channel in the near future, Chawla would not be drawn into a comment.
On his appointment, Sanjay Pugalia added, “Business programming in the Hindi language offers new and exciting possibilities and challenges. I am looking forward to joining the TV18 team shortly.”
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.
