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
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.
