News Broadcasting
Star readying another ‘K’ signature afternoon soap
Trust Star to do it. It will soon start another daily soap beginning with ‘K’ a letter which has not only turned round the fortunes of Star Network in India, but also one its biggest suppliers of content to the network, Balaji Telefilms.
However, this time round the `K’ weapon will be unleashed not by Balaji Telefilms, but by the Delhi-based BAG Films which has been mandated to make the daily afternoon soap called Kumkum for Star Plus.
Some of the past and present `K’ programmes on Star Plus include Kaun Banega Crorepati, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Ghar Ghar Khi, Kahin Kissi Roz and Kamzor Kadi Kaun.
Kumkum, a heroine-oriented fare directed by Sanjay Upadhaya, will be on air, in all probability, from 29 July, a Monday, and will run through till Friday every week. According to those associated with the serial, the daily soap is another step by BAG Films towards making inroads into the entertainment genre of programming.
The agreement for the daily afternoon soap is initially for a year.
BAG Films is a Delhi-based production house, which at present has on-air programmes on channels like Doordarshan and Star Plus. For Star, it makes the Sunday morning Antakshari show hosted by Sachin.
Promoted by Anuradha Prasad, wife of Rajya Sabha (Upper House) member of Parliament Rajiv Shukla, BAG Films in the past has also produced current affairs programmes for Zee TV like Ru-Ba-Ru (Face to Face) which used to be then hosted by journalist Shukla.
It is also rumoured that along with Rajat Sharma’s production house, BAG Films may get a slice of current affairs programming pie which will be put on air on Star News post March 2003. On 31 March, 2003, the five-year Star-NDTV agreement for content on Star News made by NDTV will come to an end and Star has already announced that it will take control of the news channel, including editorial.
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.
