News Broadcasting
Swaraj stresses importance of media
NEW DELHI: The information and broadcasting minister Sushma Swaraj has called upon the media to introspect and contribute to make India a strong and a vibrant democratic India to take its due place in the comity of nations.
Delivering her address at a function to mark National Press Day, here on Friday, Swaraj regretted that in today’s media scenario, which has undergone a sea change after the technology explosion, sensational news has edged out developmental and positive news. In a race for being the first and most sensational, positive aspects of news items are being sacrificed, she said. Sensation may be a good saleable commodity commercially, but it is not in the overall interests of the country, she added.
The eminent jurist and MP, FS Nariman, who delivered the keynote address on ‘Future of India: Role of Media’ said that the media must be sensitive to the people’s problems and should lean on the side of the weak and the oppressed. It must be responsible to the Constitution and the country and not to the government, the business houses or the politicians. A free and robust press is a must for the successful functioning of our democratic system, Nariman said.
The chairman of the Press Council of India, Justice Jaichandra Reddy, said that the spirit of the freedom struggle have to be revived and media must re-dedicate itself to the good old values of the profession of journalism. Small and medium newspapers, which have more and better access to rural and far-flung areas, have a greater role in awakening the people, he said.
Lok Sabha speaker Manohar Joshi presided over the function.
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.
