Factual
Star News not looking beyond Hindi for now
NEW DELHI: Star News is not looking at present to spread its wings in other languages – be it English or any other Indian languages – apart from Hindi, as it feels some more time would be consumed to ride out the “churning or hectic activity” being witnessed in the news segment of the television industry.
“As and when a viable proposition for an English language (news) channel with the environment being right comes up, we’d look into it. But at the moment we are focusing only on the existing news channel in Hindi,” Star News president Ravina Raj Kohli said today on the sidelines of the Star News
Golf Cup organised at the lush Jaypee golf course on the outskirts of Delhi.
According to Kohli, “At the moment, there’s lot of churning or hectic activity going on in the industry and Star News would like to keep itself focused and ride out this phase consolidating in the process.”
Asked to elaborate on this, Kohli said that since people have many choices (amongst news channels), they are surfing a lot, even as news channels are trying out news ideas and technologies.
“It’ll take some time to settle down and, maybe, by next year things would be calmer and less hectic,” she added, pointing out when the real picture would emerge.
Reiterating her pet theory that TV channels cannot afford the luxury of showing viewers what they think is worth watching, Kohli said that the today’s viewers are demanding and want to watch what they want. “If you don’t give them what they want, they skip you,” she explained.
In this regard, Star News is attempting to be constantly in ‘touch’ with the viewers through the SMSs and e-mails received as feedback.
Pointing out that Star News is not willing to enter into the numbers game of who’s No. 1 or not, Kohli also took a swipe at competition and the leader saying it is too “over powering,” at times.
However, she was quick to add that it was a “matter of time” before they catch up with the leader (Aaj Tak).”
Asked the role that aggressive distribution can play in such a ‘hectic’ scenario, Kohli said with so many options a desire has to be created amongst viewers to watch a particular news channel. Without divulging vital statistics that go on to tell on the bottomlines of a company, Kohli said, “Star News is a revenue driver for the (Star) network.”
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
