News Broadcasting
Synergy works on capsules for Aaj Tak, Headlines Today
NEW DELHI: News channels have not only started exploring different shows in news and current affairs genre but they are seemingly increasing the content from production companies. And it even includes the likes of TV Today Network, which mainly rely on in-house content.
TV Today Network has tied up with Synergy Communications for content-based infotainment capsules for Aaj Tak and Headlines Today.
Confirming the development, Synergy director Anita Kaul Basu said that the production house is working on three distinct formats. “The content is basically driven by personalities, events, places and unusual things. Broadly, the capsules are fun facts which are brought to the screen wrapped in amazing graphics and information. The formats are under three different titles: Aakhir Hum Hain Hindustani; Did You Know and Googly,” said Basu.
The capsules are on air on both the channels five times a day interspersed within the news wheel. Each capsule is of a 30-40 seconds duration and all three formats will run on the channels for one year.
“The capsules are an add on to general news and have not been attempted before on any other news channel. It projects a willingness on the part of the channel to give viewers a little extra over and above their current news,” said Basu.
Synergy is also currently working on the Hindi version of the popular Fox TV quiz format – Challenge of the Child Geniuses for Star World. This is for the first time Synergy is working with Star World. Titled India’s Child Genius (ICG) and positioned as the search for India’s smartest kid, the one-hour weekly show will span 27 episodes. The show is expected to go on air in May during summer vacations this year.
“One of the major hurdle in pre-production stage of ICG is the selection procedure. Unlike countries such as the US; India hasn’t got a fast track system to spot out exceptional and bright kids. So we have to work stringent guidelines in order to spot out talented kids from average ones,” said Basu.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
