News Broadcasting
SIGMA 2003 off to a great beginning
MUMBAI: The first day of Sigma 2003 organised by The International School of Business and Media, Pune (ISB&M) in close collaboration with MAMI as part of the International Film Festival got off to a rousing start.
The seminar was inaugurated by Govt. of Maharashtra secretary and MAMI Trustee Govind Swaroop. Stalwarts from various fields of media discussed a number of topics affecting the industry today in this particular forum.
(L to R) Leslee Udwin, Govind Swaroop, Dr. Pramod Kumar, Akash Khurana and Nandan Khudyadi during the inauguration of SIGMA 2003
According to ISB&M president Dr. Pramod Kumar, “MAMI being the international Film Festival we mutually discovered that in the new era of changes in the film industry, corporatization theme is most appropriate.” He further added that commitment to commercial returns to the investor and therefore film completion guarantee is the key to professionalising the industry.”
British Actress and Producer of East is East Leslee Udwin delivered the keynote address. According to Udwin, “It is difficult but not impossible to break the existing mould and bring out something new. The most important part of a film is the story and you need to feel strong about the story.” She also spoke about her reincarnation in life and career as a theatre actress. Nimbus CEO Akash Khurana spoke on “Mind set Change” – the mantra for Media Corporatisation.
KPMG Corporate Finance executive director Rajesh Jain who also spoke on “Mind set Change” emphasised on seven aspects namely: script evaluation, pre-market survey, savings, financial cost reduction, risk reward sharing, documentation and exhibition and distribution.
The first day also saw eminent personalities speak on various topics like production consultant and production manager for the Oscar winning movie ‘Gandhi’ Alex de Grunwald, United India Ltd. consultant Ajit Gupta and Rajesh Jain spoke on the topic “Mind Set Change.” Adlabs Chairman Manmohan Shetty spoke on “New Cinema and Multiplexes.”
Coulmbia Tristar head publicity and acquisition Vikramjit Roy, producer and film-maker Rajat Kapoor, E-City CEO Atul Goel, Mukta Arts CEO Pankaj Sethi had a panel discussion on “Entertainment Destination – Multiplexes.” Leo Entertainment GM Sanjay Bhutiani spoke extensively on “Brand Placement in Movies” and so on.
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.
