News Broadcasting
Sony to have Animax block
MUMBAI: Animax, has entered into a strategic tie-up with Sony for the creation of an Animax branded block on the channel.
An official release, from the channel states, Sony Entertainment Television executive vice president, Sunil Lulla said, The Animax Kool Kidz band fits in with our philosophy of providing contemporary, unique and innovative entertainment to our viewers.
He adds,”It is our endeavor at expanding our viewer base, reaching to newer target audiences in the age group of 7 – 14 years. And with children always looking for newer, trendier television content, anime fulfils this need.”
With shows like Indian Idol and Jassi Jaissi Koi Nahin, Sony Entertainment Television has redefined programming norms on Indian television. And the introduction of the Animax Kool Kidz band on Sony Entertainment Television will only strengthen the channels appeal amongst younger viewers, as stated in media release.
Animax-Asia SPE Networks Betty Tsui adds, This tie-up also forms part of our efforts to introduce this relatively new entertainment genre to a larger audience. Anime already enjoys massive popularity in many parts of Asia, the US and Europe, and we have every reason to believe that this is will be the next big thing for the kids and youth in India.
Some of the anime tittles that will air in the Animax Kool Kidz block include Princess Sarah, Little Women, Princess Tutu, Princess Comet, Daigunder, Cyborg 009, UFO Baby, Baby Ba-Chan, Cyborg Kurochan and Fancy Lala.
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. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. 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.
