News Broadcasting
‘The Apprentice’ launches in 6 weeks on Star World
MUMBAI: The latest acquisition by Star India, The Apprentice, launches on Star World, in six weeks.
The NBC produced reality series that tests competitors’ survival techniques in New York City’s corporate jungle, is touted as the big ticket show of Star World this season. The acquisition was done in Hong Kong just 10 days ago, and Star India senior vice president marketing and communications, Ajay Vidyasagar says the channel is still undecided about the time slot it would be allotted. Despite earlier shows like Joe Millionaire which failed to make a mark on Indian television despite having been a big hit in the US, Star World is gung ho about the viewership success of The Apprentice.
“The real case study it offers, the business aspect of the show has a high potential to connect with Indian viewers,” opines Vidyasagar. Real brains count in this reality show, where the finalist who survives the other contenders lands a $250,000-a-year job in Trump’s business empire.
The show first aired in the US in January 2004, raking in over 20 million viewers each episode. The live finale was on 15 April. Even Sony Pictures realised its potential, preferring to preview the Spider Man II trailer, an unconventional two and half minute long teaser with never before footage, during one of The Apprentice’s episodes this April.
The series has since been taken up for adaptation by BBC2, where the multi millionaire behind Amstrad, Sir Alan Sugar, replaced Donald Trump.
NBC and executive producer Mark Burnett (Survivor) teamed up for The Apprentice, a 17-episode series in which candidates vie for the chance to become an “apprentice” to a “master.” During the first, second, and third seasons of The Apprentice,legendary business tycoon Donald Trump served as the “master” and his business empire, The Trump Organization, was the hub of the competition.
According to reports, NBC has already announced that The Apprentice 2, the sequel to its hit reality competition series starring Donald Trump, will premiere September 9. In addition to featuring the return of Donald Trump, his associates Caroline Kepcher and George Ross, and 18 new contestants (an increase from the original season’s 16), Apprentice 2 will also see the return of first season Apprentice winner Bill Rancic, who will substitute for George during two of the episodes.
Trump’s weekly bad-news announcement to the losing competitor — “You’re fired!” — has become such a catchphrase the New York real-estate baron tried to trademark it. NBC went a step ahead by getting official merchandise for The Apprentice on sale, with the phrase “You’re Fired!” now appearing on t-shirts, tank tops, hats and mugs.
Star must be hoping the series comes up trumps, but will India also be fired up by this phenomenon?
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. 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.
