News Broadcasting
Sony lining up hit list for 2001
Sony Entertainment Television, which has managed to successfully hold on to its number two slot in the face of Star Television’s Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) juggernaut, has a ‘killer’ slew of exciting programmes lined up for 2001, according to the ever hyper Rekha Nigam, SET’s head of programming. The shows are expected to be launched on the back of Jeeto Chapper Phaad Ke (JCPK), the ‘gaming experience’ that Nigam is confident will take some of the sheen off KBC.
Indiantelevision.com managed to catch up with her as she waited for superstar Govinda, who was running late, to turn up for his JCPK rehearsal.
Nigam had no definite take on what the public could expect from the Sony stable in the coming months but said a number of soaps, comedies and horror shows were in various stages of development. On JCKP, however, she was more forthcoming. The show will be a totally fun experience for all involved, she asserted. The total package, rather than purely the money angle is what would hook the viewers, she said. Speaking of money, Nigam refused to put a figure to what is the deal that has been worked out with Govinda. However, according to reliable sources, the star has been paid Rs10 million as signing amount and the total package is between Rs80 million and Rs120 million.
On a more personal note, Nigam sees the three months she has been aboard the Sony bandwagon as one great rollercoaster joyride. She certainly seems to be enjoying taking on Star and Zee Television Network at their own game.
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.
