News Broadcasting
Star Plus on a two-year high; readies fresh programming
3 July may not be its official birthday, but it marks a day when Star Plus was reborn and launched a gameshow that was to rewrite the script of Indian television – Kaun Banega Crorepati.
“9 Baj gaye kya?”
Two year’s on, there is no KBC, but Star Plus continues to lord it over the TV landscape with the Balaji soaps Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki leading the charge.
KBC may be officially taking a sabbatical right now, but the channel that reaped the rich harvest of its success is celebrating the gameshow’s birthday with a spate of new shows across genres.
The Tuesday prime time slot, vacated by Kamzor Kadii Kaun and Asoka The Series is now to be filled with Kehta Hai Dill a family serial that takes its inspiration from Picket Fences, beginning today. Neena Gupta, who enjoyed a cult following for her Saans on Star Plus will be back on the channel with Kyon Hota Hay Pyar on Thursdays at 8 pm, with a campus story on teenage romance and fun. Sonpari’s success has spawned another kids’ show on the channel, Shakalaka Boom Boom, a UTV production about a boy and his magic pencil that brings to life anything he draws with it.
Another UTV series Khichidi, that starts in September on Tuesdays at 8 pm will delve into the “deliciously wicked side of all human beings” and will look at the lighter side of mankind.
Hai Na Bolo Bolo a Sunday 11 am show, to be hosted by Nausheen of Kkusum fame, is a song-based game show “full of music and mischief”. Sunday mornings however are going to belong to devotion and mysticism on the channel. The “divine” addition is Vandana, a three hour Sunday morning band consisting of three shows – Jai Mata Ki (with Hema Malini in the lead), Gurukul (a show on the ancient wisdom of India, hosted by Sakshi Tanwar) and Yatra (a pilgrimage tour with Deepti Bhatnagar for a guide).
The channel that claims to have a grip on the the afternoon band as well, is launching Kumkum – Pyaara Sa Bandhan from 15 July at 3:30 pm. Another new show, Chupe Chehre goes on air Fridays at3:00 pm from September.
The channel has also lined up blockbusters to hook the film buff too with Dil Chahta Hai, Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi, Ajnabee, Raaz and other movies lined up for the coming months.
“Catch me if you can” is the challenge that Star is throwing to its rivals.
(Star India has sent out a Power Point presentation toasting its two years of successful leadership in the Indian cable & satellite television sweepstakes. To go through the presentation click on the link alongside: Star’s Toast to its second year of success!! It’s a heavy file, so if you don’t have a high bandwidth Internet connection, you will have to be patient!! Happy reading – Editor)
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.
