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
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.
