News Broadcasting
Showtime’s reality show centres around US Presidential elections
MUMBAI: Later this year, Viacom’s Showtime Networks will become the campaign headquarters for American Candidate. The unscripted 10 episode reality show will attempt to identify one individual who has the qualifications and qualities to be the US President.
The announcement was made by Showtime Networks entertainment president Robert Greenblatt following the recent Federal Election Commission’s positive advisory opinion that the content of the show would not violate federal election laws.
The show’s structure will mirror Fox’s American Idol to a degree. 12 contestants from all walks of life will feature. Over the course of the next 10 weeks, those 12 will face-off against each other in a series of challenges designed to test their presidential mettle and to show viewers what really goes on in the making of a presidential candidate.
Gradually, the original pool of candidates will be narrowed down through audience participation and polling. The final episode will be a showdown between the remaining two candidates, and one person will emerge victorious. Greenblatt was quoted in a company release saying, “The ideas upon which this country was built — that anyone can run for public office and each voice counts — seem to be a thing of the past.
“This show, which is designed to find the ideal American Candidate from out of obscurity, will try to change all that. I think that the show will have amazing relevance to our country in a presidential election year — and who knows, maybe our winner will actually decide to enter the race.”
With involvement from bi-partisan advisors, this unique series is designed to find an unknown leader from the ranks of ordinary citizens who could catapult to national prominence and demonstrate that he or she possesses the leadership capabilities and talent to be President. Using grass-roots efforts and the power of television, the show’s contestants will mirror the activities of the actual presidential candidates.
In addition, they will be put through the rigorous paces of anyone running for this office. They will engage in debates, hold political rallies, receive the advice of seasoned political strategists, create advertisements, select running mates, have their backgrounds scrutinised by the press and engage in opposition research.
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.
